A good coming age love story

Romance was not my preferred genre but it still capture my attention enough to completely watch the series. The cinematography and storytelling is quite good it gives the nostalgia feels and connect to the inner longing crush we encounter in our lives during teenage but never had chance to acted upon.
The take and actors manage to capture the tender n innocence of romance from their growing years to adulthood removing all the uncomfortable feels for that i would applaud the main actors.

I would definitely recommend to give it a try rather going through reviews; it is not everyone's cup of tea.

Read More

One heck of a ride ...... but ending.

If your looking for a show to watch for fun after long day of work, MR.queen is the answer. However, i would suggest not look for deeper meaning or logic in the story; the premise itself is 21st century chef - man soul (jang bong hwan) enters women's body (kim so yong) who is from joseon era making them into new person so-bong.

As the story progress we get to see so-bong tackling palace life challenges along with identity crisis in more unique & comical way possible. I personally love how so-bong calls out every person who actually wronged so-yong in one way or other & comradeship between so-bong and king.

Acting wise, this show does have one of the best ensemble cast i came across in k drama world; their acting manage to cover up most of the plot holes. And a big shout out to Shin Hye sun who managed to nail both characters in one go; i can't imagine anyone in those roles other than her. Same goes with kim jung hyun as a king and their chemistry is off the charts, i hope down the line someone would cast them in modern drama.

My only complaint is writers are too focused for 20 episodes on balancing comedy, action, drama they failed to establish entire two souls in one body logic leaving it to audience imagination. In process the entire romance between king - so bong falls apart leaving bitter n unsatisfying feeling in the end. <---- MY OPINION

Read More

Thriller Packed 15 Episodes Show

Story starts with Li shi qing ( student, FL) waking up in bus moments before it goes up in flames and starts to experience the incident all over again, she tries to escapes the inevitable only to tag along Xiao He Yun (ML, game architect, passenger of bus) in to time loop. How they manage to escapes this never-ending time loop n save everyone - is entire premise of the plot. The show is one of best offerings of C-ent, i have seen in past year, i rate it around 8.7-8.8/ 10 for its genre.

The plot progress in most realistic way, both ML & FL goes though repeats of death experience with moral conundrum (for ML part) trying to find the truth and figuring out the loop. Mind you not every loop is same, as both tries to crackdown & alters a sequence , each time it plays out differently - victims varies.

Every passenger on the bus get their moment as leads investigate and shed some light on their lives (moments that tugs your heart). As loop continues stakes goes up - it starts to take a troll on their health n final loop comes closer. The loop gets bit convoluted with police plotline in later episodes of the show.

Each loop have its moments to keep you edge of seat, with some fillers but can overlook. Acting of leads is impressive, supporting cast are good too. Though i impressed with the direction n cinematography, can't help to feel let down with ending as they left out questions about loop logic - only after little research i came know the answers - this is because team is restricted with censorship.

Read More

interesting premise which is lost in the journey.

This drama has one of most alluring plot in 1-2 episodes makes you binge watch entire series, sadly this ends at episode 6. I understand they can't show FL has better understanding of ML than anyone else because he is a open book in her world, so her love is shown as her willingness to sacrifice everything just to be with him but i am not convinced , there is no conflict on her part while struck in between fiction n reality which is clearly seen in 1-2 episodes. I had hard time understanding FL motivations & actions in later parts of the show, romance between FL and ML is not convincing at all.

I can't blame actors much for there shortcomings because of writer's fault; they can carry the show to certain extent. There were moments where acting really shines like confrontations n conflicts between characters which are presented beautifully. both leads are good in those scenes. Kim eui sung who plays father character; acting was noteworthy of entire drama even though his screen presence is limited.

Writing completely failed to establish the logic how both worlds are connected , why only few people gets to travelled in between worlds, who gets to decide who writes the story forward.

Read More

Excellent mid season banger; with fizzle out finale.

The IQIYI Platform made many changes with the listing of the show - costume, idol, love story, suspense. Because even the team is confused of show genre. The script mess for second-half reflects this confusion.

Episodes 1-20 are good with some logic flaws that can be overlooked, they are sub-plots too but still it does not mess with the flow of central plot - the entire build up assassin reveal pays off with ep-20 - one of the best mid season bang in recent times. From episode - 21, show starts to loose it's momentum by introducing too many characters (good & bad) n slows down it pace for sub-plots at the cost of central plot and fails to establish proper antagonist n their motives behind their plans in convincing way. Which leads to rushed, underwhelming big 1-dimensional villain reveal and unsatisfying end to conspiracy plot. On top of that, totally unwarranted way of killing one of the leads leaves bitter feeling after the finale.

The Good:
1. Good Production value.
2. Acting from cast - there are moments, where cast gave their best performances.
3. 3 Leads comradeship - through it is under-utilized aspect of the show.
4. Plot leading to mid season twist - Big shout out to both actors Huang Xuan n Zhang Li, they nailed it.

The Bad:
1. Plot development and script - there were times when characters are dumbed down or 180 degree turn to move the plot/ prop up the main leads. Entire romance plot development for both couples are messy n at times unwanted.
2. Flashbacks and repeated themes - all 3 leads have sibling/sibling figure as bad guys, loose close friend, crowd addressing by characters in final arc.
3. Too many redundant characters.
4. Some of the editing/ BGM for the scenes are out of place and spoils viewing experience.

Despite of my issues, it is one-time watch - decent historical mystery show from c-ent in 2021. With average plot - mix of court politics, investigation and undertone of romance.

Read More

Little predictable but has an effect to suck us into it

I started watching this show because my friend's circle hyped it up, they even mentioned about novel and bl aspect of the show. i had though time watching ep 1- 20 episodes, i pushed myself to not skip few episodes; once it past ep 20 i started to enjoy the show and looking forward for next one.

Cons:
1) CGI and lighting issues; even if your casual viewer, u will definitely notice the issues in scenes.
2) Music instruments syn, u can easily notice hand moments are not in syn with music playing in background.
3) Too much focus on some storylines than others. I personally didn't like the way they tried to white wash wei wuxian compare to novel/ anime.

Pros:
1) Plot : For 50 episodes series it really surprised me how their no one episode which felt like filler, every episode had its' purpose to add character development or story progression. It's thought provocative, how everything should not be taken at it's face value.
2) Acting by both leads, it took time for me to settle like 10 episodes but once i did, i was able to connect to their character. Even supporting characters like ghost general, Jin Guangyao really did well; few of them are lacking but we can see their effort.
3)Music, it soothing esp main ost as well entire album.
4) Main leads chemistry and relationship in series. Both production and acting teams had done extraordinary job in whatever extent they can within their set of boundaries to deliver romance part of the relationship and at times they walked on thin line.

At the end of day, i would recommend this series for others and even re-watch if time permits.

Read More

Till the end of Male Lead life for good

For those who plan to watch it, if you are looking for good looking drama, costumes or you fancy any of the main leads, this is your drama or else prepare yourselves for disappointing (it a long 40 episodes) ride.

The Good:
1) The costumes are really good, ML (devil god look) is watching anime sketch coming to life.
2)1-10 episodes peaks your interest as ML actually showcases borderline psychotic Ness which is refreshing from gooddy gooddy or tsundere character
3)Third couple actually have better love-story than other main couples.
4) Luo yunxi nails the character to the point you can't imagine anyone in the character. Most of the actors are not bad.
5) Music is not bad, slowly it strikes you; CGI is better than majority of costume dramas out there.

The Bad:
1)The Editing; after episode 9 it gets to the point you would go through stages from laughing - cursing - painfully unbearable.
2)Story shamelessly tips in favor of male lead to the point forget about support character even FL character does not have proper development aside from ML. ML gets constantly abused n painted as villain, you would rooting him to become one.
3)Open ending is big fuck you to audience after going through 40 episodes of torture. I mean come on, is it too much to ask for closure these days?

Better costume dramas available out in terms of plot; But when it comes to costumes & CGI this one is clear winner.

Read More

Revenge that takes 4 extra episodes long to be served

A revenge drama that truly serves the revenge on the platter from episode 1.

Marry my husband drama is good 10.5 episodes of perfect adaptation of web novel, 85% novel + 15% originality, then plot plot quickly turns original with it comes too many inconsistencies that can't be ignored, as if writers have ran out of ideas to fill in rest of the episodes. Even director's take cannot salvage the damage done by writers of the show. They could have simply put some time into existing character development rather than introducing new character just to make villains upper hand.

It may not be the best drama out there but had good start 1-6 episodes gives you feel of freshness, 7 - 10.5 episodes you would feel the quality is dropping but pivotal revenge moments pays off . Then comes the dread of 11-15 episodes which i believe can fast forward most of the scenes except the main leads.

Acting department song ha yoon n lee yi kyung brings there best games both of them invokes anger and aggression inside you; Park min young is good too, the weakest is Bae Geu Rin - she is miscast for the role and it is apparent from the moment she is introduced. Na In Woo is okay, rest out cast are good.

Definitely a one time watch, will i recommend it - if you have nothing to watch and want to off your brain or have craving for second chance at life kinda drama.

Read More

A Good Espinoza Drama set in Republic era with story that totally fits its Name (War of Faith)

My final rating would have been 8.5, but given its current rating of 8.3, I decided to round it up to 9.

"War of Faith" weaves a compelling narrative around three dynamic characters - Wei Ruo Lai, Shen Tu Nan, and Shen Jin Zhen - set against the backdrop of Shanghai's turbulent political and financial landscape of the 1930s, impacting the entirety of China.

The Premise:
The story begins with Wei Ruo Lai, a young man from a rural village who moves to the city hoping to leverage his mathematical skills and eidetic memory to improve his life. He secures a position at the Central Bank, which is under the government's purview at the time, working directly under his idol and mentor, Shen Tu Nan, the bank director. This job also leads him to meet Shen Jin Zhen, an engineer working at an arsenal factory and Shen Tu Nan's sister.

The Main Story Line:
Both Shen siblings are deeply committed to their principles - the Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Communist Party - and are dedicated to improving their country through their beliefs and expertise. Shen Tu Nan strongly believes financial reform within the republic, while Shen Jin Zhen believes that only a complete governmental overhaul can truly better the nation. Although Wei Ruo Lai is fully aware of the strong convictions held by both siblings, he particularly admires his mentor Shen Tu Nan and wholeheartedly dedicates to his vision of financial unification. However, Wei Ruo Lai's idealism is shattered when he discovers rampant corruption within the republic at devastating personal cost, leading him to lose faith in both Shen Tu Nan and the KMT government. This disillusionment forces him to escape the city with the assistance of Shen Jin Zhen. In a rural setting, Wei Ruo Lai begins to understand and adopt communist ideals, gradually engaging in efforts for financial unity. This path eventually leads him to financial confrontation with his former mentor, Shen Tu Nan.

Positives:
1) The Excellent and compelling characters (Main and Supporting) with satisfactory arcs
2)One of the best Anti-Hero story arc (Lin Qiao Song) in recent times that raises the strakes
3) Some Historic Moments/ Details laid throughout storyline that shed some light such as Shanghai Bombing, Anti-Japanese moment, Long March.
4)The Production and set piece looks high quality are excellent, i recommend to watch it on TV or much bigger screens.
5)The Powerhouse performance from wang yibo, wang yang and li qin.

Negatives:
1)Phasing n narratives disjoint Issues particularly second half of the story.
2)A very to the nose Propaganda in the last 7 episodes.
3)Irritating how villains survive sometimes to the point they survive after enduring 2 bomb blast in one day.

Read More

A simple typical revenge saga

My name starts off great, the show draws its strengths from cinematography, music, and largely on actors. At the end of the first episode, you get the hutch who the killer(a bit predictable) is but that does not stop you from enjoying the show especially when it finally rolls out in episode 6. There were times writing takes a dip in the plot, actors, however, manage to convey the story in a believable way. Action scenes are a bit unrealistic at times which can be overlooked.

It is not so big on the storyline (mostly below average) but it does, every other element right for me. Simple one-time watch series with captivating acting by actors for the weekend watch.

Read More

Impressive Thriller

Have to say at the beginning 2 - 3 episodes storytelling gave the impression of cat - mouse chase only to subvert it later by adding layers of plot twists in realistic way. So do watch for at least 4 episodes before considering to drop altogether, it's a slow burn. Both the leads does fall under some greyish morals making is more interesting to watch.

Cast performance especially shin ha kyun is outstanding making all more realistic to watch, happy to hear he won the award. More than story, the show draws it strength from the conversations and powerful dialogues between leads and characters. Hope to see more thrillers with power pack performances in near future.

Read More

Slapstick comedy done right

We should keep in mind comedy is always subjective before starting this show. Personally, the comic element of the show mostly falls under slapstick or satirical forms, it may not be for everyone taste. So, instead of going through reviews i suggest give it a try and decide for yourself.

Coming to the story, 3 average young men with the help of their sister running a guest house while barely making their ends meet but still have sprit to pursue their dreams; throw a kid with single mother in to the equation and chaos starts. Most of times its about these 5 dealing their life struggles in comical way, there are some heart tugging moments too. Do watch it for entertainment not for story.

Acting wise, all the main cast has done good job capturing essence of their characters but it baby sol who steals the show with her cuteness for me. If you want to spend weekend at house or sick or just want to off your brain and enjoy TV; this show is definitely binge worthy to put a smile back on your face.

Read More

A drama with it's highs and lows

I watched this show based on friend's recommendation with expectation of good drama. This show does shed light on mental challenges different set of people face in their lives, as story progress the show focuses on each character reasons for their difficulties but glosses over the importance of self healing instead rely on dramatic external factors for healing.

Acting wise, all 3 leads are good, it is oh jung-se (moon sang-tae) who manage to made me tear up a little. Cinematography, children book stories and family bond among all 3 leads are USP of this show; there is plenty of character development for the leads but i am not convinced on the progress.

Read More

Surprisingly good show

The story mainly focused on gaming league, it explores gaming, team dynamics, sponsorships, commenting, passionate fans..etc almost all other aspects of gaming. They presented the show in most simple way possible so any non-gamers can watch the show. It revolves around qiu ying a small blogger/ online streamer and professional gamer ji xiangkong (mainly strategy gamer) about their dreams and struggles to achieve their life long goals.

The story tells about team work, friendships, jealousy and ruthlessness of gaming world. No one character is presented in unrealistic way, romance and game does take back seat at times to focus on team dynamics and career struggles of both leads in good way. It does have feel good vibes all over the place (no asshole ML or doormat/ whining FL) which makes this show heartwarming.

Acting wise, i have no complaints; they are not extraordinary but not bad at all. Leads chemistry, Music, production value, cinematography is also good.

Read More