Reviews

historical masterpiece (uncut version is better though)

Overall: I applaud the writers for giving us this series. I read the book but reviewed the series on its own merits. Aired on YouKu app, GagaOOLala (uncut), YYDS YT channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoqdmwJPCU35AqHWHKLdr5RWqQhBiVl61 (depending on your country) Check out these 2 official movie cuts which center on Yai & Jom
Part 1 of Jom & Yai’s Epic Love Story https://youtu.be/Tt5-Wa5z3RE
Part 2 of Jom & Yai’s Epic Love Story https://youtu.be/vT-HG57Nt7w

Content Warnings: (there were major content warnings that I will put under a spoiler), manhandling

What I Liked
- sweet moments and excellent chemistry
- finally we had well written female characters instead of cliche stereotypes, these women acted/felt/reacted how real women would
- strong messages without being corny, they showed the unfairness of wealth disparities, they addressed something that happened in episode 3 as traumatic and not romantic, we almost never see this between a married couple in fiction though it sadly happens in real life and then they showed the trauma of what can result from that circumstance
- unique premise
- that Jom had agency
- intimate scenes were done extremely well
- the cut version still made sense though the uncut did give additional context that I liked (I've the uncut only since ep 2 and watched both versions of ep 12)
- production value

Room For Improvement
- Jom was a bit frustrating in the first half though he really went thru a lot, I blame the editing for unnecessary long pauses
- the ending was extremely rushed and not really clear of what exactly happened, they could have condensed some of the side plots/scenes in the first half of the series to more fully show the ending
- that mustache was awful and not needed in ep 1
- Jom should have said quietly what the year was when he learned who that ruler was as international fans don't know the date (but it's in the series summary)

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First, the cut short ending was totally disappointing. I know it isn't conventional, but I liked the "bad guy" and to end the story with out total resolution for his character makes me angry. In my mind they left several unresolved issues. I have a great ending to this drama in my mind.
Second, there were a lot of extra unnecessary characters and dialogue where the obvious story is repeated.
Third, nevermind...this list will just get too long.
There are some good things that kept me interested, but I'm still disappointed. A rating of 6 may be too high.

The acting is ok. Jun Kwang Ryul as Moon Doo stole the show.

The music is ok.

I won't rewatch this.

I don't recommend this drama unless you have a good imagination.

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Where do we even start?

TW// mentions of sexual harassment/getting outed also use of strong language

Disclaimer: i only heard of the Novel, i've never read it // also this is just me ranting

Well what a shitshow.
What were the producers and directors thinking? This had the potential to be a feel-good drama. They really could've made a drama where the main couple is just learning to love each other without the whole homophobic plotline. They did Tonhon so fucking dirty, made him look like this jerk who hates people that are not like him even tho in the novel - he's just not like that. They could've made Tonhon this man who is just figuring out his sexuality with and Chonlatee just being there by his side and be the beautiful boy he is. This is really frustrating because there just could've been so much more. Also the storyline with Amp? So toxic, just like in so many other dramas, making women look like crazy, mean and dumb girls that don't know what they're doing anyways. Her outing Ton to his parents like that just just the cherry on top.
It's sad because Tonhons and Chonlatees actors seem to be really good friends in real life that are genuine and i was looking forward for them to have a chance to make something cute and wholesome. I hope they will get another chance to act with each other.
By the way, how is that one dude that tried to drug and rape Chon not in fucking jail????? My dude, my guy, how did Chon just walk away from that like it never happened??? And the story with Tons dad? My guy, we already have enough people on this world,,, you treating your children like breeding machines is just not it. Who even thought that that would be a good storyline?? If you wanna make him homophobic, just make him homophobic! Ton and Chon could've just worked around that because after the dad has a crackin' stroke, Tonhon just doesn't seem to be that worried anyways. I loved Chons mum though but i wanted to see her fistfighting Tons dad so bad.
When Tonhon kissed Amp in that one club or bar they were sitting in, i just knew, nah my guy, you don't deserve a happy ending. And to be honest, after all that i would've been very okay with not having a happy ending because he just didn't deserve it. Are you really that fragile, my guy? Do you really have to prove your EX that you're still into girls? That you're are so unsure in your masculinity, that you just can't let people think that there is a possibility you could be gay? You, my dude, are the weakest link! If you guys ever meet someone like that, RUN, or you will feel your braincells just packing it together and fleeing to another country.
I don't think i will ever rewatch this and i hope there are people getting back into studying film and screenwriting because this just ain't it.
Please, don't take me too seriously. This is just me ranting on an empty stomach and posting it without reading over it.
If you haven't watched this series yet, don't waste your time with it. Go rewatch your favourite BLs or something.

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Much appreciation to Korean cable companies for not playing it safe.

STORY AND ACTING/CAST -
Want to see a heroine in a Korean drama who can kick butt and take names? Watch this drama.

Han Groo is impressive and charismatic as the female lead who was trained as an assassin once her mother is killed in front of her very eyes. She never acts cute or pretty or stupid (It's freaking refreshing).

The drama stands out to me because it is 3 episodes of slick fight sequences and good cinematography and devilish villains played to perfection.

LAST THOUGHTS
A great watch for those craving a short and gritty drama with tons of action.
And a word of caution: the drama does have a lot of violent and sexual sequences as well.

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Short but what a gem !

It's amazing to think that 16 minutes of movie has such a big impact on you. Final note 8.8 / 10

A first love story has that lightness that you feel when you are in a place where you feel safe.

There's a kind of shyness, a modesty, an awkwardness in the way they express themselves, whether it's in the dialogue or in their body language.

I like the way this film is anchored in reality and pushes us not to have regrets.

It's worth to watch, well written, well directed each gesture has a symbolism and well acted, the actors manage to share with us this relationship between these two friends.

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Disappointed

What to say about this ending? They romanticized a toxic and abusive relationship. They romanticized that a woman is indeed a repair shop for men. I feel shame and pity for Na-bi because in that conversation where they return their relationship, it is evident how emotionally dependent she is on him. She knew what he was like, what he put her through, and yet she threw herself into his arms again. I am disappointed! Fortunately the secondary couples - Sol and Jiwan, Bit-Na and Kyuhyun, Min Young and Kyung Jun - saved that story.
They could have made Na-bi discover female empowerment. They could have made her realize with Jae-eon that no one deserves to go through an abusive relationship. What about Jae-eon saying he fell in love with her at first sight? This was never a crush because if he really had fallen in love with her, he would have had intentions of getting into a serious relationship with her from the start. And not just after losing her. What starts wrong will never work. Except in Nevertheless, history made people think everything that happened was normal.

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First of all this was an exceptional technology series. It is really interesting to watch and had some amazing insight into how many people communicate or choose to communicate today. For me, this somewhat exposed how dependent people are on technology and how we often connect more with technology than we do with other people. Being lonely, creating your own world and friends is what society has become.

It was very symbolic and heartfelt. I enjoyed the upbeat moments and the internal conflicts that were exposed and conquered. A bit thought provoking.

What I did not like about this series was the female leads behavior. Although the series was about artificial intelligence and I do know this is TV, I still found it quite strange that there were parts of this series where it seemed like the female lead cared more for a computer than another human. That just didn’t sit well with me and it just seemed irrational and weird.

I finished it through to the end. It was good, sweet and a good pace. The history of the characters came together well. The plot was consistent and the pace stayed true. If you’re into technology, robotics and artificial intelligence you’ll enjoy this.

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Fun and cute Epilogue of the Main Story

Ok, as I already see ppl hating on this again, my rating will be a 10.

If you want to know more about the main story, pls check out my review on that. ♥

This special EP is internationally (except Japan) available on vimeo for 90 days and costs 10$.
My guess is, after those 90 days it will be available on iqiyi.

We are in World 4 (refers to my review of the main story), the world of a really shy Phu, that's secretly in love with Cir since their school days. This time he is the one 'stalking' Cir and even has a load of pictures stored on his cupboard. If you thought Stalker!Cir was creepy, this version of Phu really tops it. xD

Anyways, all in all it is a really cute and fun story to watch. I enjoyed it really much and it was a nice change to the main story. I thought it was a pity that they switched to the og pair at the end though. The story of World 4 ends with them kissing, also pls watch till after the credits, there will be a new ending scene which is also a cliffhanger and leaves the story open for a follow up.

Bossnoeul is delivering yet again in this one. Acting was good, nc was good, and tbh their bodies are a looker. lol

We saw a different side of the side couple too, I sure didnt expect them to make out.

Anyways, if you enjoyed Tbnw and are a Bossnoeul fan, this is a must watch.

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One of the Best well spent Movie I've seen in 2019. I laugh, cried, thrilled and feel for the character. It reach it's full potential in terms of emotional ride, and the most awsome is not forget to insert the little detail into the narrative, make the story become richer. The idea is pretty common, but the execution is mindlowing and full of heart. Imagine if you are in heroes situation when you hardly trying hard in everything you do and you complain every single little thing. But you seems no longer care that much, until you are put in a dangerous situation when your life is on the line Off course, the execution is bit convenient at times. Nevertheless. do Well deserved admission record.

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Excellent....

Going into this drama, honestly was kinda 60/40 but glad I did tune into it....
Luo Yunxi for me has been an actor very hit and miss....
Zhang Rounan, never understood why she has got such a big push....

Wow, did my perception of both these actors change just watching this drama.... Seriously what have I learnt?....
Luo Yunxi is indeed very good, some reason never really liked him alongside Bai Lu however with Zhang Rounan has been exceptional, she has really got the best out of Luo Yunxi for me, funny me saying this as he is a veteran actor....

Zhang Rounan, Ok right now I am watching dramas which feature Bai Lu, Wu Xuanyi, Jian Tian however with confidence can say Zhang Rounan is MVP.... She is the best actress right now.... Honestly this is a very basic script, if it was anyone else acting in it i think would have dropped this drama but Zhang Rounan has captivated me with her performance..... I have said it, actors like Xu Kai, Zhang Ling He & Wang Hedi need to seriously do everything they can to secure a drama with her, she is to perfect.... One they shouldn't let slip!....

Where to now?....

Luo Yunxi reminds me of guys like Jasper Lui & Gao Hanyu.... guys that can still turn on the charms.... just need really focus now at this point of their careers just sticking to their strengths and not get sucked into bad scripts....
Jasper and Luo Yunxi seem to know this and watching both latest dramas are doing this.... Hopefully Luo Yunxi replicates this, finds a Female Lead which growing momentum that can excite the viewers along with a script that keep us engaged and again, another success....

Zhang Rounan, simple keep doing what you are doing, Xu Kai & Wang Hedi agency will be calling soon....
Please dont do a rubbish script like Only for Love, think Wang Hedi has learnt his lesson there and will find nice script for both of you....

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*SORRY IF MY ENGLISH IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH SINCE ENGLISH IS NOT MY 1st LANGUAGE* TT_TT

Well, this is the first Thai drama (lakorn) I've ever watched and I'm glad to say that I made a good choice at picking it. I've never watched the original (korean) version of this before, but I'm sure that this was a GREAT remake... Probably even better than the original one (but of course I can't totally assure that, tho).

Ok, let's start the review!

WRITING

I'm always so picky about the writing of a drama because to me it's not enough just having a good story to tell... The important thing is how they tell that story, what the characters are saying and how the situations are made it's really important to me, and the writers of this drama made an AMAZING job with this story, the dialogues were full of so many emotions and feelings, and I could totally enjoy them and feel them, they explored the characters relationships and thoughts very well. They made ; real characters. the entire writing of this drama was amazing. I loved it.

DIRECTING

The director work was also great, the camera shoots, the angles, the colors, the development of the situations and how the director translated those situations that the writers created into amazing scenes. The directing work was really clever and very well done. The drama didn't leave blank spaces or missed any details or did something carelessly. The director gave us really good moments to remember and enjoy. Believe me guys, I can assure you that you'll never see an ice cream the same way again! lol :3

ACTING

I really liked the acting of both of them, I could totally read what they were trying to tell to the viewers. I could feel what they felt, cry when they cried and laugh when they laughed until my cheeks were in pain... These two had great chemistry, I mean GREAT! haha. They looked like a real couple to me and never felt fake. Actually, they were so natural and comfortable with each other, they were very attuned to each other and I could feel that. Mike and Aom officially became my favorite Asian drama couple of all times...

MUSIC

The music was ok, I'm not a big fan of the songs they played in this drama, but I still enjoyed them. The instrumental songs fit very well with the scenes, although I didn't like all of them either, so the music was just nice... Not bad, not amazing, just nice.

SHOULD YOU GUYS WATCH THIS DRAMA?

Hell yes! I actually wasn't planning to watch it but it totally worth it! This became my favorite Asian Rom-Com ever! not kidding! I loved this drama so much that it took his own place in my heart :3 I would rewatch it anytime, actually I was planning to rewatch it soon and I just finished it hahaha *_* I loved Mike and Aom so much that I think I can't live without watching their story at least 100 times more :D

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Excellent, phenomenal and intense drama!!

To start off with,this drama has a solid plot.The screen play is very intense,grippy and there is not even a bit of nonsense till the end.
The pace is very good and the cat-mouse games between the 3 leads is really interesting.
Ren Jialun as Wei Zhao,is excellent in portraying his role.Being a smart,cunning,complex man with many mysteries,yet has many emotions.He is phenomenal in his acting.
Li Landi as Jiang Ci,is a smart,naive,decisive yet kind girl from Jiang village who comes to capital and gets herself involved in the midst of ongoing political tensions.She is very good in her acting.
Jeremy Tsui,as Pei Yan,is smart,intelligent,cunning,stubborn and yet becomes a reliable friend who stands for Wei Zhao in difficult times.His acting was excellent.
All the characters have their own goals,personalities,and are very complex and are written perfectly.
The sets, costumes,production,locations,screenplay,plot,twists and turns,everything is good.
The last episodes were too good.Thefriendship of 3 of them was very nice.I liked the way they supported each other in difficult times keeping aside their grievances.The emotions were beautifully portrayed.The characters development is Excellent.The war and action scenes were excellent.
Overall,I would like to describe this drama in one word-excellent and phenomenal!!

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More a slice of life drama than a romance

This was one of the most anticipated BL dramas that I wanted to watch in the past year. The story, and the actors that would be playing the parts, really intrigued me. The storyline that involves organ transplantation, specifically the heart, is not a new idea, but it certainly hasn’t been overdone either. There were many parts of the drama that lived up to my expectations. The acting, the cinematography, the dilemma in the story of someone else’s life being sacrificed for your own. And overall I really liked the themes that were presented of camaraderie , family, friendship and living a simple contented life.

However, to call this a romance....is a little generous. I would call it bromance more than anything. I did not feel romantic chemistry between the main couple, though they had good acting chemistry. I know it may be petty, but I was extremely disappointed to not get any kind of affectionate overtures from them until the last episode. And until the last minute they didn’t even kiss each other! Now I understand culturally there is a difference in how romantic couples may show their affection. As well as the characters personalities. But you also have to sell me on some kind of physical attraction in order to believe that these two seemingly heterosexual man all of a sudden are romantically interested each other and want to spend their life together. I would be interested in reading the book and seeing if it differed in this way. Maybe they were trying to keep it rated “G” in order to appeal to a larger audience on television?

That said, I don’t feel like I wasted my time watching it. The child actors were very good and adorable. I liked the themes and the general storyline and how one can change their life for the better. But I would not watch this again, and I definitely would not recommend it to someone as being a romance. It’s more like a slice of life drama.

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"Rebirth" draws more attention on the poster than on screen.

“Rebirth” is a film that looks far more interesting on its poster than it actually is on screen.
While the premise suggests themes of transformation and emotional renewal, the execution fails to support that promise. The script is weak and inconsistent, preventing any real sense of narrative depth or character development. As a result, the story never fully engages or convinces.
The female lead is particularly undermined by poor writing. Instead of a clear and meaningful character arc, she feels underdeveloped and inconsistent, which weakens the emotional core of the film. Without strong writing, the performance has little room to elevate the material.
The central romantic pairing also lacks chemistry. Their interactions feel forced rather than organic, with no gradual build-up of tension or emotional intimacy. The noticeable age gap is never meaningfully addressed within the story, making it feel more like an awkward detail than a deliberate narrative choice.
Direction-wise, the film gives the impression of ambition without delivery. It suggests emotional depth and complexity but ultimately fails to translate those ideas into something impactful or engaging.
In the end, “Rebirth” is a disappointing experience — a concept that looks compelling at first glance but collapses under the weight of weak execution.

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