Recommendations

The story unfolds really nice and slowly. One step after another. There are many surprises during the drama, but they are solved slowly, step by step. Also, great character developing and acting. Be sure to have tissues right next to you.

It is the same concept, these are both movie about a group of young friends. It's funny and easy to watch.

both include stories about starcrossed lovers. In the beginning we find out one of characters died and then go on a trip down memory lane. In Love Letter it's more of a side story while in Rainbow Song it's the main focus. Shunji Iwai was involved in the making of both films.

In both dramas, family and friends are the sole focus here. Don't be put off with What Happens to My Family's number of episodes (there's only 53 one hour each). WHTMF will make you laugh, cry, smile, and value the importance of family just like Reply 1988. Like Reply 1988, the romance for WHTMF is well balanced out and not the sole focus. Only difference is that 1988 has the husband hunt while WHTMF doesn't. I highly recommend both if you're interested in one or the other. Actually, please do watch both, you won't regret it :D

Another Chinese historical romance story only this time it's in a form of a movie.

- wronged guy seeking for revenge
- good vs evil
- smart strategies
- kinda melo and angsty

The stories and themes are very different, but I like the two for the same reasons -- these dramas portray what it's like to be young in a way that feels very real (although they're 2 different age groups: R1997 is more highschool whereas CIT is college), their female leads are extremely relatable, and both are "slice of life" dramas that still manage to have heart-fluttering, yet realistic, romance. Also I love the female lead's best friend in both :^p ! The two dramas use flashbacks in a way that makes the story more intruiguing, instead of redundant. Finally, both dramas are tvn, so they have that slightly indie, less polished vibe, and target a young audience without being too fluffy or flaky.

The main guy in both pretends to be gay so the main leads cohabits due to this reason

Both are psychological drama's that deal with with serval different types of personalities. The male leads are both dark mysterious chaebols. The female leads are caring and seek to try to understand and love the male lead.

While one is about hockey and one about opera, they hold many similarities. Both young men are working as thugs and through unexpected situations learn the joy of friendship and chasing your dream. They must overcome not only hardships and enemies, but their own pasts and doubt. Inspirational, heartwarming dramas.

A Sex and the city feeling, presenting women in their 30s and their daily lives. Different characters and situations but quite similar when it comes to finding the right partner.

Both are about gangs fighting for dominance. Also, if you like massive fights then Crows Zero movies are for you !

Here are the similarities:

- Intelligent plotting of both main characters.
- A clear fight between good vs evil. (and the good people aren't necessarily purely nice and the bad people aren't necessarily purely evil)
- A subtle romance (the romance in NiF is very subtle while in SFD, it's slightly stronger)
- Relationships. Romance, friendships, comrades, etc.
- Politic
- Bittersweet.

Ishihara Satomi plays the main female role in both dramas. the plots are quite different, but if you enjoyed the chemistry between Yamapi and Ishihara, you will enjoy the chemistry between her and Oguri Shun.

Both about basketball. BB has more romance in it. If you like one, you'll like the other.