Reviews

Gripping but with an unnecessarily convoluted plot

I have always been interested in dramas with cult and serial killer elements so I was immediately drawn to this title. The first few episodes did not disappoint but in the middle and towards the end, the show seemed to get too ahead of itself with the constant flashbacks/time skips and constant complications. I was concerned when only 2 episodes were left but closure was nowhere to be seen. The writer/director seemed to realise this as well and certain plot developments were hastily explained/not explained at all. Unfortunately the ending fell short of what I had hoped for and I still have many unanswered questions. Uhm Tae Goo's character had many long, circular monologues which I felt were unnecessary and did not do much to advance the plot other than to continuously highlight the fact that he was a total nutcase. The ending fell short of all the various events that they were trying to set it up for at the start. I wished they had decreased the number of monologues and provided some answers instead but this is just my preference for more "closed" endings. Also, there are a few "jumpscares" so take note if you have a weak heart. Other than that, the cinematography, acting and production value are excellent.

The reason why I rated it so low in rewatch value is because this is a show that mainly hinges on the suspense and finding the reasons/motives behind the various happenings. In my opinion, these questions were not sufficiently answered hence I would not rewatch it (despite the high production value).

Conclusion: watch this show if you like cults, strange murders and The Ring.

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Thumb up!

This drama is only half way, it still has to finish, but it gave me lot of emotions. Let just say that it makes you laugh a lot, this is what it comes out the most, but it goes beyond that, especially in the latest episodes (5-6-7). I think that the genre is easily slice of life, so don't expect a huge plot, but this doesn't mean it's weak, just different. I don't wanna compare this to other dramas, just think about this as its own, it starts really comically, let me says that the cast is really something else, they're really good! Little by little they start showing you what's under the surface, it starts showing that they can go deep without problem. They show why the leads are doing what they're doing and what happened to them so we can understand them better, because the first approach to them could be underestimating. You can say that this goes for every character in every drama and I have to say it's truth, but I'm telling this because I thing these kind of dramas are a bit left out in my opinion because the huge ones, with huge plots are more popular or at least they hit better. So I'd like people to notice this one too, because up to now it showed us really strong themes, I don't want to spoil so I prefer to not go specific and let you be curious about it, but it makes you think about. Personally I ask myself if real life goes like that or not, in my opinion there are so many variants where there shouldn't be, because no one should be penalized to do the right thing or to be themselves, but anyway they show us that believing and following yourself and your thoughts even if it's gonna bring you "troubles", it's better that betray yourself.
So, don't let this drama slips your watching list :)

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Kiekoi is forever! Ida and Aoki made me too happy!

I never write reviews but this time I had to because I've never felt as invested in a series as I did with Kieta Hatsukoi.

What can I say...? I loved every single moment of this series, it was such a heartwarming experience I could rewatch over and over again. This story is so pure and innocent and I loved how both Micchi and Meme played their roles. Aoki and Ida are so different and yet so complementary. First you have Aoki, who's that kind of person who's ready to give his whole heart for the person he cherises the most and then you have Ida, who's more oblivious when it comes to feelings and falls for Aoki without being fully aware of his own feelings. Some may say this story is very simple but, to me, that's perfectly fine considering the message this drama tries to convey. It’s a very comforting and hopeful story about figuring out feelings and discovering love you've never experienced before. I think that's the core message you can take away from Kieta Hatsukoi. I laughed, loved and cried a lot all this way with Ida and Aoki and I wish we would get another season, a movie or even just a special episode. However, even if we don't get that, the final scene of the final episode was so cute that I would undertand if they decided to conclude the story there because, to be honest, that's the perfect ending for this perfect series.

Last, but not least, thanks to Kieta Hatsukoi I got to know Snowman and their amazing music. Of course I am a big fan of Meme now, but besides that I think Snowman is a very talented and amazing group! Same for Naniwa Danshi, although, at the time I'm writing this review, I haven't deepened very much into them yet. In any case, both are excellent groups and "Secret Touch" and "Ubu Love" will get stuck in your head as soon as you listen to them.

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This drama touched me in so many ways. I randomly happened upon it and because of its uniqueness I decided to give it a try. I was very impressed with the life lessons one could take away from the show, but maybe I found my own given that I've done some pretty questionable things I'm not sure I'd be forgiven for either.
The actors showed great emotion and I thought they found just the right people to play each part. The music did a very nice job of making the drama appropriately charged with just the right amount of emotion too, through all the characters' struggles and times of joy. I personally loved it.
I thought there were some slightly unresolved issues in the end, but nothing too big if you try to reason why they were left that way.
I loved the show's theme of the bonds that hold us all together reminding us that we aren't exactly alone even when we think we are (even if the theme is a little overused in general, especially I think, in Japanese stuff)
The main thing I was able to get from the two main characters' friendship was that it was a really strong one, a friendship that makes you seem more like siblings than friends (which is the best kind). The ending definetely gave me that impression.
Bottom line: if you want to watch something where it's very easy to sympathize with characters this would be something you might want to check out

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Best Love Story

Manga artist Shinji Izumoto has secured a movie deal. He should be celebrating, but he's going blind, his manga series has been canceled, and he can no longer care for his grandmother. All alone, Shinji makes the devastating decision to jump off a balcony. When Hibiki Aida, a deaf fan of his, saves Shinji, they begin an unusual life together.

The best love story that I think, due to the fact Tomohisa Yamashita and Yûko Araki have a strong chemistry in this story.

A manga artist, Tomohisa Yamashita lost his eye sight and a beautiful cute woman Yûko Araki. A simple story, but beneath it has a meaning of a strong bonded relationship. It is incredible that I cannot stop and take break; it makes you wanted to continue watching it until it ends.

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Rewatched it immediately [lots of spoilers]

I feel so stupid for not figuring out the twist until late into the movie. There was some stuff that seemed off fairly quickly but I didn't correctly guess until close to the end. The different streaming services, the article about the 5 students even though there was 6, and the outfit differences. I started rewatching it as soon as the movie ended. Literally the 3rd scene in the cosmetology lab has our main character leave the lab with her yellow shirt and older white iphone, and start walking outside wearing her blue shirt with her rose gold brand new iphone.
I love that kind of ending that makes you want to rewatch it to see all the hints you didn't know about. The twist that we were seeing 2 different timelines was SO good, plus the cameraman at the very end? Perfect.
I love horror movies and found this VERY fun to watch. I wasn't scared at all but I had fun searching for the ghost and creepy stuff in the background. I loved the dorm room with the person shaped stain on the ceiling and the scene with the mannequins, especially when the large mannequin's head slowly turns to look at her, then quickly snaps back once she turns around.
It had parts based on different urban legends (the elevator, the repeating stairwell, the courage test) that I've seen in other asian horror series as well. I'm a huge fan of that kind of stuff, so it was kinda fun being able to recognize that stuff.
I wasn't scared at all but someone I watched it with was very creeped out. Just depends on your reaction anyways.

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Definitely worth watching

I initially hesitated to watch this since it was streaming online for a price (Php 250 or about US$ 5) and it had some limitations (e.g. must be played in 5 days and must be finished watching within 24 hours from your first play). However, curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to watch a BL series on Christmas Day (besides, the other entries in MMFF 2020 were not appealing to me). I am glad I made that decision.

The story seems to be quite simple but I think what made this movie good is the acting, cinematography and music. The shots and angles were filmed nicely. (I love that miniature lamps in the field scene coz it appears very romantic and very "kdrama-ey"). The songs and background music were modern yet emotive . Although the film appears to have some budgetary limitations on the production values, the finished film was still good. Kudos to the producer, director, cinematographer and staff for this.

I am not familiar with their other works, but the actors playing the main characters were good especially Adrian Lindayag who plays Dominic. I could feel the emotions especially the "kilig" (romantic excitement) as well as the pain and sadness that comes with that kind of love especially since such relationship is forbidden by the Church (and Philippine society to a large part). The juxtaposition of having a religious background while at the same time patronizing mystic arts like tarot card reading (not to mention it is being done quite near the church) is an honest take on the ironic but real-life situation in the Philippines.

Personally, it's very relatable to me. I too studied in a sectarian catholic high school in the Philippines more than a decade ago. We were also attending masses, spiritual retreats and other religious activities coupled with strict teachers, bullying and even student fights. I especially had a laugh at the "Spanish fan" in the mass scene because that also happened to me although mine wasn't sequestered. Hello! It's a necessity considering the hot weather in school especially in the chapel. :-) In any case, it is a reality in an all-male school that some tend to be derided for being effeminate. One really has to have a strong backbone to stand-up to these dorks and survive the jungle that is high school. It was nice to reminisce high school life with its raging hormones and first love. Awww.

I guess my only small gripe was the final scene between the two leads. It somehow felt hurried to me. Although it was a satisfying happy ending, it kinda felt "kulang" (something was missing) as it abruptly ended after they makeup. Most of all, I especially loved the idea being espoused in this film - that fate is something we create for ourselves and we don't just have to rely on our supposed destiny being told by fortunetellers.

To those who are BL fans (regardless of nationality), I suggest that you watch this. I do hope that this be widely available with English subtitles very soon (and hopefully for free also) so that many more audience worldwide could appreciate it. While this year has seen plenty of Pinoy BL series (most of which are honestly sub-par), the film "The Boy Foretold by the Stars" is done quite well and a welcome "shot in the arm" so to speak to the usual lackadaisical MMFF with its inane, formulaic and predictable movies that we have been used to in the past. Hope this means we will get to see more substantial quality in Filipino movies (not just BL) in the near future.

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Breaking the lane of the monotonous plot and the melodramatic stories of the ongoing kdramas this one had made its way to the top list of my kdramas. Girls generation 1979 doesn't just focuses on the romance b/w the leads but also the plight of the women in the 70s.

Though the leads, male female both are quite young but they bring justice to the role that they portrayed in the drama. It's a short drama of only 8 episode but it will make you witness the roller coaster journey of love, infatuation, betrayal and true friendship. It will make you smile and cry at same time. It was worth watching and I hope the writers keeps making such amazing dramas. Even though it was a short of only 8 episodes, it doesn't wrap everything in a haste rather it focuses on life of every character involved in the drama and end them beautifully. Everything from the plot to the acting and the soundtrack was beautifully done and  will give you the feels of 70s. Worth watching!

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From the MDL Hong Kong Awards nominations article*, I leapt to watching Better Days since it got 11 nominations! I try to avoid bullying shows these days, but surely couldn't pass up on one that got so many noms. After watching, it one of the best films I've seen in a long time, and now on my Top 10 Movies list. This film was fantastic in its storytelling style, cinematography, acting, casting, and directing. Very emotional...It got me -- there's a one-of-a-kind scene that pretty much will have everyone with tears rolling. If you haven't watched it yet, make sure to watch thru the credits at the end. Now I will be on a quest to watch other shows that both the leads are in, as well as those by the writer/director.

*Article: https://mydramalist.com/article/the-39th-hong-kong-film-award-nominees-have-been-announced-011014483

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Opposites Attract

This web series can be seen on YouTube; it's like you watch your favorite childhood book online.

Story

A Chinese Ronja Robbersdaughter is captured by a general who offers her an escape route if she serves as a substitute for the missing bride of his son. The original bride was carefully chosen to avoid palace intrigue; that's why the bandit girl must keep up appearances for a longer period of time, in case some murder attempts will follow. Afterwards she may proceed her life elsewhere. She agrees under condition her bandit brothers will be released; one giant brother stays to accompany her as her handmaiden. The illustrious duo enters the general's house hold, stirring up trouble for his two sons, their friends, acquaintances, and servants.

Acting/Cast

Though this series isn't meant to win prizes, the casting is actually good; I loved the pairing of Yakisa who plays the lean and mean tomboy Bai Yun Feng and Gao Zi Tian as the scholarly second son, who loves to recite poems but falls for his practical bride as soon as he laid eyes on her. Even the giant bandit brother did a good job; I almost forgot he wasn't meant to play a travesty role like John Travolta in Hairspray.

The Good

Besides the odd leading couple who give us some cute and hot moments during the series, there are other interesting characters. For instance the eldest son and his wife, the female childhood friend of the male lead who wants him for herself, and her wise father who sees his daughter for who she is, trying to guide her within ethical boundaries we seldom see in Chinese period pieces.

The Bad

The downside of smooth story telling is that the end comes too soon. It's okay to leave out some dirty plotting, and the usual do-you-love-me-or-not-scenes, but one more episode could have been better, just to explain how the generals family and formerly bandits will cooperate in future times.

Overall

Still, Hold On, My Lady is a fast pacing piece with good vibrations within 4 episodes. It shows that opposites attract and holding on is all you have to do.

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Quiet, thoughtful and beautiful film. One of my absolute favorites.

I saw a low-res version of this about a year ago. I loved it but could tell I missed some subtleties in the acting, which was brilliant all round. I have just watched it again in better quality and enjoyed it even more. Sure I'll come back to it again at some point and I hardly ever watch things more than once.

Sometimes when watching a film with a gay storyline I'm grateful just to see two actors on screen who aren't uncomfortable touching each other, though I wish that was a given. In this, it's not just a matter of good chemistry that can be duplicated from drama to drama; the two male leads are completely immersed and connected. In their one-on-one scenes especially I they both had an incredible intensity and I felt the relationship they created was one unique to this story.

The film tells of how the people in his life are affected by Nagisa's choices and how they gradually come to terms with how things are, take responsibility, care for and respect each other. I'm glad the film attempts to describe the impact made on his wife. There aren't nearly enough depictions of this situation from that perspective - I guess because it's not as appealing to watch.

I think it could have been cut a bit shorter in the second half, but if it was shorter and had a director's cut I'd be watching the extended version for sure, so that's a non-comment :'D

It left me feeling *emotional* but happy to have seen it. And the little girl is a complete joy.

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This is a drama I recommend to all those in search of a decent psychological/suspense drama with an air of mystery. It was strange and confusing to me at first, but that only made me want to continue. It's a short watch, so it's something you can complete in a day. I wouldn't say its easy or relaxing, but it sucks you into the story with various unanswered questions through each passing episode that will urge you on to the next one.

That aside, I didn't feel like this was complete by the end. I think the drama was too short for its story, which by itself was very good, but it needed much more time to achieve its potential. Because the story is neither plain nor simple, it needed room to grow and flesh out all of its intricacies that were there originally, but never really expanded upon.

The casting was perfect. I felt every actor lived up to their characters, however again going back to the time constraint I don't feel like I really got as attached and invested in them as I should have. I feel this way especially with Kuma-chan, who was such a fantastic character (superbly represented by Chiba Yudai, who really showed off his acting skill here), but got barely any screen time. The moments we got with him were some of the best, however.

The music sometimes felt like it ebbed into spots awkwardly, and sometimes it felt like it was missing. To be honest, the only time I really paid any attention to it was when one of the characters were singing, because it was a part of them and their dialogue.

I did enjoy this, however. Someday I may rewatch it, because it really was very interesting and I loved all of the characters, but it won't be for quite a while I think. Knowing all of the twists takes something out of the viewing experience. If you have some time, I recommend giving it a try.

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Lens of Obsession or Rationality

This will be a short review, as revealing too many details would take away the thrill and suspense. If you enjoy a well-crafted psychological drama, this one is definitely worth watching.

I recommend it not only for its intriguing storytelling and the unexpected twists in every episode, but also for the fantastic acting and undeniable chemistry among the cast. If you’re familiar with Qin Jun Jie, you might recognize him from the underrated yet excellent drama Hero. Here, you’ll see several familiar faces from that series, and their natural chemistry truly elevates the show.

As the synopsis suggests, the story begins with an investigation into a missing ex-girlfriend, which slowly spirals into obsession as more suspicious clues emerge. The main lead, Yang Zheng Hui (aka Da Hui Hui), a full-time detective blogger, becomes entangled with Zeng Jie (played brilliantly by Wang Duo), his wife Bai Xiao Ling (Maggie Huang, who gives an equally compelling performance), the police officer Li De, and the lawyer Zhang Ye. I especially loved the friendship that developed between Da Hui Hui and Li De—it added warmth and depth amidst all the tension.

Kudos to Qin Jun Jie, Wang Duo, and Maggie Huang for their exceptional performances—especially Wang Duo, who shines as a complex, morally grey character.

The storytelling perspective is particularly well done: we begin through Da Hui Hui’s eyes, then shift to the perpetrator’s point of view, and finally reach a neutral perspective through Li De as the evidence unfolds. I noted that episode 15 felt like the author’s intended ending, but episode 16 adds a meaningful layer—showing how every crime leaves behind loopholes, and prompting us to question whether we analyze things rationally or through our own biases.

One of the strongest messages here is that revenge should never be taken into one’s own hands.

Another reason this drama stands out is its excellent direction and cinematography. The framing and camera angles heighten the intensity and tension of each scene, making the viewing experience even more captivating.

In short, this is a gripping psychological drama—intelligent, emotional, and beautifully executed. Highly recommended, just don’t fast forward and avoid skip watch as you will miss the details.

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Twisted psychological thriller, it's intense!

What we get in this Chun Woo Hee starrer is an engaging, polished story about a child and her mother and all the psychology stuff people can't expect to face.

The relationship between a mother and a daughter, the dream to be always on the top shining through and how far can one go to achieve that inner peace. What I love about the story is it keeps you entangled and you can't guess the end of it. The moment you start believing "okay, so this was like that" it backstabs you right there with a twist. The horror scenes aren't very scary visually unless you were astonished by the sudden scare.

I dare to say this movie is nothing without Chun Woo Hee because this woman's acting is insanely good here. The way she walks and rises her head, can anyone else satisfy us better for an anchor. The insecurities within her role, the craziness, the creepy things and the depth of her struggles, it's all such well portrayed by her. She carries this fine storyline on her shoulders.

Now coming up to why it lost 1 star from the Rating —
• Just felt a little confused at some points, I don't know if it was about that mystery vibe build up or what but there was no energy in Shin Ha Kyun's role, so slow and dull. At one point Chun Woo Hee was so awesome, but the rest of the cast didn't stand out that much.

So if you're looking for something engaging, thrilling with little mix of horror and lots of psychology, unexpected depth of human mind and intense acting by our leading lady Chun Woo Hee, this could be a right choice.

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