Passerby

Does it live up to the hype?

Pit Babe, like KP, is one of the most anticipated and hyped series because of its unique premise and storyline. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first BL which has an omegaverse (without the Omega) kind of theme. We have Alphas and Enigmas and they have supernatural abilities.

The casting is great, definitely a treat to the eyes. Their acting? A little meh. Needs more improvement. But i understand, it's their debut after all. Well, except for Pavel. He's a good actor.

The music is meh. It didn't leave a mark on me. Didn't even notice it.

The stunts? Meh. It felt sloppy and I could see they're punching the air. Sloppy works. The standard when it comes to action scenes is KP. On episode 12, when Charlie rescued Babe, the action scenes are... bad. I couldn’t feel Charlie's grit and intensity with those punches.

The ep 13, I don't know if it's just me but it didn't feel like a finale. I didn't feel any excitement. It felt bland. It felt rush in a way.

Note: The series stayed true to the source text/material. Maybe 85 to 90% is the same in the novel.

Rewatch value: for me, though, its definitely rewatchable because it's relatively on the light and fluffy side.

Read More

Everyone, aside from Denis, eat your dinner!

Am I one of the few people that actually liked this series? It had many shortcomings but I did enjoy this. I would've preferred if they lessened Denis' screen time and if not, his backstory should've have been told clearly. He was just acting the same every screen time he had. Also, I wanted to point out that Denis was the one who shot the arrow, right? Or am I just trippin' here?

Story wise: It's good. Not original, of course, but it had potential to be great. The script was so-so.
Acting wise: They both did a great job for a piece of crap script.
Music: It's okay.
Cinematography: It's good, esp the forest scene.
Rewatch value: I'd rewatch this again.

Read More

A Masterpiece

I watched ITSAY last year and I told myself I wouldn't watch the sequel because I got spoilers that Teh cheated and I hated infidelity as a theme. As I was browsing YouTube, I stumbled upon a video about PPBK and later on, I realized I was watching the documentary of IPYTM and I told myself I have to watch this right now and I did. 5 hrs straight.

First of all, I would like to point out the production design and the cinematography. The locations, the shots, the fx, the mood, the lighting- everything was beautiful and high quality. I especially love the city lights and the bokeh of lights on the background. Just like I Told Sunset About You, I loved the title of this one. Because they moved to the city, they don't have sunsets anymore so they all had is the moon to tell their story.

For the characters, I felt like this sequel focused more on Oh-aew while the ITSAY was for Teh. And because of that, PP Krit shone here while Billkin on ITSAY. I would say that heart-wretching scenes were not as great as in ITSAY. Although PP Krit really did great, I felt that he could've given more emotions to emotional scenes. Unlike Billkin, when he cries, there's just something about his crying face. My most favorite part was when Oh was reading the messages of Teh; PP Krit was able to project heavy emotions plus the background music matched the scene. Also, please don't come at me but the kissing scene of Teh and Jai was really good. In fact, I kind of liked how they kissed than when Teh and Oh kiss. I don't know why. Another is Q and company, they're really great people. It may seem as they are "bad" influences since they like to party and all but they just know how to enjoy and have fun. They're pretty solid.

I was able to relate more in IPYTM than in ITSAY because it's what the reality in college. You will really open your eyes to the actual world: the things you once loved or liked won't be anymore. Teh's problem was he liked constant. He already planned and envisioned his life without thinking that the things and people around him have their own minds. He created his own world where everything revolves around him. Oh-aew, on the other hand, initially didn't appear to get a hold of things unlike Teh who had a more positive and enthusiastic approach. His life stopped for a moment because of the new environment they were in. However, he gradually learns and adjusts resulting to him shifting courses, getting a tattoo, dyeing his hair, being more independent, and all.

When he told Teh about changing courses, I understood why Teh reacted like that. He willingly gave up his place to enter Oh's University because he saw how determined and passionate Oh when it comes to acting. They studied together, planned their future careers, promised to stand by each other's side as actors. So imagine how painful it must have been to hear that. However, no matter how painful it is, we can't do anything about it because change is inevitable. He promised to love Oh and that would never change but he really couldn't detach himself to the idea that everything revolves around him.

When they broke up, I wasn't as devastated because they really need to grow apart. Teh especially. He needed to sort what he really wanted. When Oh-aew was reading the messages, it was the time when it hit me their conversation in the parking lot, the day of Teh's play. He actually fulfilled his promise to Oh-aew that he wouldn't disappear. He was consistent in messaging him, updating him and all. I thought that it was, somehow, beautiful. Like of course, it's the least he could do after all what he's done but still.

For the music, I'm kind of bummed that the songs they used didn't affect me as much as Skyline did in ITSAY. Skyline, both Thai and Chinese versions, was freaking great. I absolutely loved it. It's what sold me to watch ITSAY, to be honest. I was really looking forward to the soundtrack but none matched Skyline. Still, I'll try to listen to it.

To close this lengthy review, I Promised You The Moon is just as brilliant as I Told Sunset About You. It's not about two guys finding love and happiness. It's beyond. It's about finding and accepting yourselves, learning to grow and outgrowing your past selves, embracing changes, letting go, finding solace within yourselves, and ultimately, realizing that the person who knows you best is yourself.

Read More

It's okay

This drama is more of a coming-of-age kind of BL. Yes, although, there is explicit romance and fluff but personally, it focused more on the discovery of the self and the things that come with it. At first, it kind of did looked like your cliché BL but as it goes on, it "strayed" away from that path.

The drama was just an "okay" drama because it just revolved around the 5 characters. There weren't even parents present in their respective houses. Another thing, when the MC realized that he liked a guy, he didn't undergo any pondering, reflection, or what. I mean, I don't know about other people but that kind of discovery deserved some time to think.

In addition, when people debated on who TK will choose between the DO and SW, I thought that it was better to not choose at all. I felt like TK could've given himself time to think things. He was torn between his former like and present like. TK liked DO because he was the first friend he had and TK developed feelings towards SW because he was there during his broken-hearted phase. I liked SW's character and I believe he didn’t deserved that affection or feelings that developed just because he was the one comforting TK when he was broken-hearted and sad because of DO. What if another person was there for TK? Will he also develop feelings for that person? Just my thoughts.

Anyway, still a good drama. There were really good philosophical thoughts here. Very quotable.

Read More

SUPER

I watched this before reading the actual novel and I'm glad I did because the novel is filled with imageries and it's hard to imagine those and many terms. This drama will always be special because it's my first time completely watching a historical and a fantasy drama. It's also my first time watching Wang Yibo act (He's very popular). The scene where he allowed WWX to leave/escape and he shed a tear will always be heartbreaking.

There were several differences in the drama and in the novel (esp the love scenes) but most were the same or similar. It's refreshing to see same dialogs in the novel and in the drama because in most cases, adaptations undergo revisions.

The ending of this drama is way different from the novel. In this ending, it's not appropriate considering the hardship LWJ faced for WWX. He waited for 16 years for WWX to return and he didn't even know if he'd return at all, still he waited and at the end, he'll part ways with him? They could've made a different ending and still be censored. SPOILER FOR THE NOVEL... They did not part ways at all.

Anyway, the acting of everyone is really commendable. Xiao Zhan really nailed WWX, he's almost like a Yandere with the way he smirks. Zhu Zanjin nailed the villain role too.

It's a 50 ep drama, I was almost hesitant to watch since it's so long but every ep is relevant. There's also a special edition which is 20 ep long.

Read More

I was prepared to give this a 10 but wasn't prepared to be given a 7

I was expecting sooo much more from this. It's a great concept that requires several episodes and not just 10 but since this is a BL, they're allergic to that but somehow won't mind a 50-episode Kdrama.

What really ruined this drama was the length. They've shortened and cut A LOT from the novel that it literally shows you how rushed it is. They did not even properly show how they proved the innocence of Chaeha's father by interviewing Pro Joo's brother. They didn't even show Chaeha and Pro Joo's date! I am so mad that they had a good material but didn't utilized it better.

As for the acting, they're fine. But I feel like Chaeha's actor could be better. He is very stiff.

Also, the reason why I don’t like watching kdramas or KBL is their cinematography. Like is Korea allergic to textured skin? Why do Korean dramas like to make the people poreless? It's giving 360 beauty filter.

I'm torn to say if this is a step up for a KBL or another let-down disguised as a step-up. Because yes, the kissing scenes here definitely on another level compared to other KBLs but on the other hand, the plot, the cinematography, the acting, and everything else are not.

Read More

Don’t Watch the Last 2 Episodes

For starters, this series got me hooked with a fresh plot, good actors, and style. It made me interested with punk and fashion even though it's just episodes.

But what really disappointed me was the last 2 episodes. These episodes should have the biggest impact in terms of emotions but it didn't deliver at all. Everything happened too fast and suddenly it's the last episode. I didn't see Enaga/AE groveling. I didn't feel Chiaki's pain. I didn't feel anything aside from the frustration of not feeling anything.

The last scene where they talked didn't move me in the slightest. The emotions weren't there. The dialogues weren't impactful to stir any feelings and even felt silly and shallow to me. At the end, I was just skipping and fast forwarding it.

I was preparing to rate this a 9 and even a 10 but hey, we can't have everything, right?

Read More

Heartwarming

Okay, so I have watched the movie adaptation of this a long time ago and I don't exactly remember the events but I remember the what I felt when I watched it. So when I heard there's gonna be a drama adaptation, I was beyond stoked.

The casts: I was pleasantly satisfied with the actors' performance. They all felt real and their interactions as well as how they are in their day-to-day lives all felt natural. Those nuances, little details like their facial expression even when they're just in the background or the camera is not focused on them, felt natural.

The story/plot: I have not read the manga which this was based on but I read somewhere that the drama was not far from the source material. Even Maya's appearance was accurate. Contrary to other violent reactions towards Maya, I did not find her character and her actions annoying. However, they could've removed Maya's parts and replaced it with other situations that would help or progress the relationship of Kohei and Taichi. However, I also do understand that it’s also important to have another perspective when it comes to hearing impairment.

The music: Yuuhinoue by Takaya Kawasaki is probably one of the best song I've ever heard. The first time I heard it, I immediately teared up. So imagine every time it plays in the end of every episode, I just couldn't contain my emotions. It's one of kind.

Rewatch value: Definitely rewatchable.

Overall, I did not rate this a perfect 10 stars because it was too short lol. Or perhaps they could've have made the last episode longer to give a more proper conclusion and ending. It felt a little abrupt.

Read More

Repetitive

At first I though the first 4 episodes were cute but I got bored after that. Since it's Like only 10 episodes, they could've shown much more significant things rather than eating curry, the mom having an accident, the several walking lol, etc.

They could have delved deeper with Takara's past with his mom, like having a conclusion, something like that. The final episode had a lot of random scenes. They could have utilized those minutes for other more impactful scenes.

As for the characters, Japanese shows tend to have characters that are so timid and ignorant it's getting irritating. The actors were great though .

Overall, it's rewatchable if you're bored or you missed Iwase Yoji's visual.

Read More

It's not that bad

As I am writing this, I have watched this series for the 2nd time. Right from the start, My Only 12% gave off an I Told Sunset About You vibes, the only difference is this one is much lighter and fluffier than ITSAY. I like the cinematography, the acting esp. of Santa's knowing that he's like a newbie. He's very natural when it comes to teasing. Earth was also good. Basically, everyone did a good job with their roles.

What I don't like is Cake's character development. At first, he was the greenest flag of all while Eiw was the red-ish flag (not really but some). But after returning from America, Cake has totally transformed into the reddest flag. The goal for Eiw was achieved but not for Cake. Why did they do that to Cake's character? It was sad to see Cake turn out like that. Also, it could have been a different conflict at the end, why would they kill her mom and add more drama. In my opinion, it wasn't necessary to have someone die to reach enlightenment and what.

Additionally, the entire series pretty much have sleeping scenes. Almost, if not all, episodes have them sleeping in their room. It's tiring to see them sleeping and waking up. The first episodes, I get it as ut establishes the characters, the habit of cuddling, as their comfort and solace. But it was getting tiring to see the repetitive conflict for a 14-episode series. The music was not too bad, but it wasn't memorable.

Again, I am writing this and I have watched this for the 2nd time so , rewatch value is an 8.

Read More

A passing drama

The drama was not the best out there, maybe bordering to bad and good. The story could've been great if the drama was given longer scene durations and episodes.

Let me just say that the actors in the drama are all good-looking lol. The set and production design are also beautiful, esp. the studio. I also appreciate the suits, I'm not that fashionable to comment on that aspect but I still appreciate the fashion.

Acting wise, I believe that if the drama was longer, the actors could've have given their best but since it's just 8 episodes and 20 something minutes, they were restricted. Still, the acting wasn't bad and amateurish.

Contrary to some reviews about the music, the two OSTs by Jeff Satur are my taste when it comes to music. They were beautiful and I suggest to check them out.

Overall, it's a so-so drama. It won't be memorable like others but it won't leave a bad impression.

Read More

Beautiful

The first few scenes were really beautiful and well-done. I agree that some scenes felt like fillers and irrelevant. I also skipped the parts of the second couple (sorry). One thing confused me was the situation of Chen Ying. I felt like it was unsolved and very unclear. The last episode felt like it was rushed and it's sad because it could have been better or it could have ended another way. It's slow phased at first and I think it was appropriate.

I commend the acting of Wan Peng. She was very likable. She's a cheerful type of person that is not annoying and/or childish. Her smile is cute and charming. I really liked how she acted, it felt natural and real. I also like Evan Lin's acting and singing. His smile was heart fluttering lol.

Overall, it's a good watch.

Read More

CUTE AND LIGHT

I was never a fan of dramas with games as the theme. This was in my watchlist for a couple of months and after a hellish exam week, I decided to watch this because I heard this was good and light. I was surprisingly intrigued with the game. I thought that Chinese dramas like these have huge budget to develop very high quality effects. I really like Cheng-ge. He's very charming whatever his expression is. I kind of don't like the main girl's acting. Idk but I was just looking for more. Surprisingly, I found Pope the most appealing out of everyone. He has this presence that's a scene stealer. The way he smirks like omg. I learned that he's the only Chinese artist of YG Entertainment and that speaks A LOT.

Anyway, the drama is very light towards the end. It's very enjoyable and just a feel-good drama after a stressful day.

Read More

Intense

I always see this lakorn in recommendations when it comes to jealousy, possessiveness, abusive and obsessed. I think that these words really fit the main guy's character. Like literally. He's the real definition of every words stated above. I am still confused when did the main girl fall in love with the guy. How, when, and why. She was kidnapped, threatened, blackmailed, and raped by him and she still has the time to fall in love with him? This is by far the most ridiculous plot ever. It's a shame because the acting of the main leads were really great and on point.

Read More