Reviews

Not the Chinese version remake, light hearted, watchablele

Finished all the episodes today. It was a feel good, light, rom com. Touches thai culture as well, but it feels rushed.
Things are rushed at the end, honestly they could have cancelled on the other unnecessary stuff like the time angle or the ta angle.
Also in ep 19-20 it suddenly feels that Dr. Gu Wei Yi became so important that the ending also didn't have the leads alone.
It could have been better but nevertheless it is a good watch

The show is light hearted, has no breakups, no problematic leads, also touches on thai aspects. Overall you can watch, BUT
Don't compare to the Chinese version, because it is different and new, also the leads are good, especially the FL.

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I was looking through a recommended list of BL dramas and this one was highly rated by the person who made the list. I decided to give it try only going off of the cute little image as the shows cover. I thought this was honestly going to be a very joyful movie but I was wrong. Night Flight ended up being incredibly serious, eye-opening, and amazing for a number of reasons.
First off, it´s topics. This movie has such an aspect that it pulls off by making dark issues very present but not drilling it home into the viewer's mind of how serious those topics are. For example, the teachers in the movie strictly say that the only thing that matters is getting into college. The main characters aren´t very affected or shook from these statements and the characters don't go on the say something like ¨School systems are shit.¨ The movie lets you think for yourself about its issues without the characters letting you what to think about whatever.
Secondly, the acting and cast. The acting for this was a sheer masterpiece. All of the very intense chases down sense, the fights, and the bullying are all so well done. The actors did such a nice job making the fights look realistic and emotional.
The third reason is the music. There wasn´t much music to really talk about but I found the lack of music to be kind of nice. I really let you hear the tones and feelings in the dialogue whereas it is covered up by music in other dramas. But the few scenes that did have it made it better.
One final reason that this movie is such a work of art is that of its realness. In most BL dramas, things turn out happy for the main character and their love interest. But before people in the real world can form a relationship with someone of the same sex, they have to find out the answer to the question, are they not straight? Almost all the dramas I have seen overlook this question or say that if it wasn´t this person they wouldn´t like the same sex. But this drama shows you that sometimes, things don´t work out like that. Sometimes you are going to be hated on for your sexuality. Sometimes you are going to confess to your crush and they will flat out laugh in your face because they aren´t gay and could never love one of the same sex. This movie shows you what real-world rejection and bullying looks like and it is the main reason I loved this as much as I did.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants some realness in their life. But if you are a person who likes cuteness and softness in your dramas, I don't think this one is for you.

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Fall in love with each other online and offline

If you are looking for a cute and refreshing drama with touch of comedy and dream, then this drama is very recommended!

From the beginning, the story is focus on 2 couple, that entangled with each other’s fate.
The main couple bring the story in very cute, sweet and fun romance, and the second couple bring you a bit more mature about love and hate relationship.

Zhou Chuan (Ryan Ding Yuxi) is a popular book author who is known by his fans as warm and gentle as the Jade. He insisted that the role of editors in the internet era is dead, but then he encounters a newby editor who captures his time and attention because of her perseverance: Chu Li (Esther Yu), from Yuan Yue Publishing company.
Both always meet coincidentally in bad timing at first, but as one of fans who admire Zhou Chuan’s book, Chu Li discover that there are two sides of him. He can maintain his cool image, confident and stubborn mind as an author in the public, but actually a cute, childish and indirect person in front of Chu Li and his friend.

Zhou Chuan discovers soon that Chu Li is actually the online netizen “Monkey” who has supported him as L. Jun (Mr. Fox) for many years.
We can see intense chats conversation between the Monkey and Fox who love to quarrel but still maintain their close relationship and sharing many things about every detail in their life like a couple who hide their love towards each other.

I’m still watching this drama now.. but so far I feel excited with the development of the story, especially when a positive, cute & energetic young editor girl is living under 1 roof with the famous author, and slowly fall in love with each other online and offline. Their cute dog Er Gou is a good extras as well.

It’s very sweet to see both leads are chasing their own dream in the same page.. like write a book together, care and support each other in the cutest way. It becomes more interesting with some naughty and cute jealousy scenes and secretly care between author - editor to be landlord - tenant and later.. between boyfriend - girlfriend till husband - wife relationship.

I think the story will teach us about how the male and female lead can grow together while pursue their dream and love.
I’m not really into books, or finish read any book in my life, except comics... But then I feel this drama teach me to respect more about the books production, and I think we really need to appreciate every book author’s hardwork in the world, especially nowadays when people tend to read it online, or even for free. I really wish many people will visit library or book store to buy it and support the authors! :)

The another reason I watch this drama is because I love Actor Ryan Ding and Actress Esther Yu as the main couple!! They are perfectly match to potray the characters that described in the original novel. Love the sweet drama ost (main song) entitled "Here's Chu Li" by The 9 Esther Yu as well.

I wish this drama can be very successful and make their 2nd season! ;)

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Ahhh man, I really loved this storyline. I love all of Novoland drama's and can hardly wait for the next one with Yang Mi. The visuals in this drama were absolutely great. I also loved the storyline and want to see it again. I don't understand how anyone can compare this to "Goblin". There was nothing about the storyline that reminded me of the "Goblin". Well, there is one thing, but not a "thing" but an actress! That's it. I'm so in love with the actor
Jeremy Jones Xu not him per sé but his acting and will be looking for more dramas with him in it. Uvin Wang did an excellent job just like she did in the "Goblin". Wang Zi Qi was also good but his personality changed as the General. The set, the graphics, and the music... "Excellent"!

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A Classy Little Historical BL

I honestly thought Park Jun Hee (Jun of A.C.E.) did a great job with this show. He’s a very fun likable screen presence which you need to hold down a fish out of water portal fantasy. I thought the subs on a Viki were a little difficult to follow (which might have had to do with the flashbacks and tenses of sentences). There is the usual suspension of disbelief required to cope with a time travel fantasy, mainly in the form of anachronisms around materials, props, set dressing, and communication abound. Also, I found the appeal of the prince character difficult to comprehend, we were told regularly how wonderful he was and that everyone adores him but we were never shown this on screen. But these are two minor quibbles in what ended up being a fun, pretty, and stylish BL. Am I more forgiving because I LOVE historical romances? Probubly.

It’s nice to see boys in pastel flowing robes actually kiss and get a happy ending for a change. And not just one but two whole kisses! In a historical Kdrama, let alone a KBL. I am all amazement. Plus one of them was the classic through the hat shot. Korea owns this visual, see Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding for the very first BL iteration of a gat kiss on screen.

(That hat is a 갓 AKA a gat, henceforth this shall be known as a gat kiss. I appoint myself its chronicler. )

HOW MUCH DO I WANT A COMEDIC ITERATION WHERE BOTH MEN ARE IN GATS TRYING TO KISS? The great clashing of the gats!

I am well aware that I am ridiculous. But also there are more historicals coming in 2022. That means... more gats!

Anygat, in conclusion, Tinted With You is a fun watch, you should watch it... through your gat, if so inclined.

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A Journey To Heaven... more likely

I don't write reviews often, but in this drama, I felt the urge to just write a piece of my mind.

From acting to production, directing, and music... this drama deserved more than 10....
BUT, if I were to value the script itself, ESPECIALLY in the last 6 episodes alone, I would go less than 7.

Here is my spoiler-free, short evaluation:

1. Acting 10/10

Liu Yuning blew my mind with his delivery of Ning Yuan Zhou.
He was the best leader, most charismatic man, and a strong, loyal warrior, brother, and friend. He was a cunning, smart, scheming leader of a spy organization, and a mighty enemy. He was the embodiment of a man that leads others, and when it comes to making hard decisions, despite how it might be against his morals, he doesn't act sanctimonious and hypocritical in the face of it. I truly admire and love how gray his character was.

Liu Shi Shi... She is the best, most unique, charismatic, and the strongest BADA** FL character I have ever seen in Cdrama and I so love how Liu Shi Shi brought Ruyi to life. She is beautiful, incredibly strong, and equally smart and cunning. She knows what she wants and gets it by any means. She isn't a damsel in distress, and she is so multilayered, I am in awe of her character.

Alen Fang... I love, Love Yu Shisan. His three-dimensional portrayal of this unique character: a free, charming, beautiful, playful, and as his own saying 'playboy' character deserves applause, and I will always love Yu Shisan.

The entirety of the other cast, including Chen You Wei and He Lan Dou, were all amazing and perfect in bringing out their roles.

2. Best, just Best love story in the entire cdrama land as of now! 10/10

Ning&Ruyi are the most mature, loving, equal footing, and endearing couple I have ever seen. Their chemistry is on another level and they truly complement each other.

3. Bromance 10/10

I can't say enough of it... it was Phenomenal and on another level entirely. The bromance between Ning & Shisan threw me off the loop. I never expected to see such a wholesome, beautiful display of friendship, comradeship, and brotherhood.

Not to mention the entire squad was just... They were amazing. So caring, understanding, and protective of one another. I laughed and cried with them, and because of them, and I don't regret it. Especially Yuan Lu... my baby!

4. Music 10/10

I don't know the names of other singers except Liu Yuning, but I downloaded the entire OST and play it on loop for hours. They are unbelievably perfect for the drama and magical.

5. plot ?/10

I will say it simple:
episodes 1-34 ---> 10/10
episodes 35-39 ---> 7/10
episode 40 ---> 5/10 (even this is only for the acting of casts, not the plot or story.)

6. Ending WTF

Here is my long rant, and it contains SPOILERS:

When you write a script with a strong start and a driven, AMAZING plot, you are raising the expectation of the audience, and there are certain minefields you just can't cross. Everything about this drama from the start was full of energy, funny, lively, and in a way that made me look forward to the ending day by day.

I knew certain characters wouldn't make it to the end, and I expected it because of the genre of the drama. But still, I had my expectations for this drama. I wanted to get closure regardless of it being a Sad, Happy, or bittersweet ending.
I DEFINITELY didn't want to see an open/ambivalent ending in the last 1 minute of the drama as if the scriptwriter just wanted to force-feed me the ending that made NO SENSE considering the preview sequence of TRAGEDY that we saw.
That ending that, in appearance, wanted to placate the audience and give a supposed happy ending to satisfy everyone did nothing but make me feel like the scriptwriter is treating the audience as fools.

I have seen similar messed-up endings in her other dramas before, but against my better judgment, I just truly wished that this drama would be different from her previous scripts, and I feel like slapping myself for it!
I'm still feeling numb from this ending and in no way feel reconciled with just that 1 minute of supposed HE.

Overall, I still can't say enough of how PHENOMENAL all the cast was. Especially Liu Yuning totally stole my heart with his AMAZING acting, so much so that just because of him and Boss Ning, despite knowing I'm going to cry myself to a headache, I still watched the dram until bitter end because he deserves nothing less.

I have never seen another drama of Liu Shi Shi, but she also turned out to be my favorite actress as of now. She was the embodiment of Ruyi and brought this character to life for me.

The chemistry between Ning and Ruyi was mind-blowing, and I dare to say they top the best couple in dramas of this year, if not the entirety of dramas I have ever seen- the list is endless- but they were just that phenomenal and I never expected a Chinese drama to create such a refreshing, modern, beautiful and equal footing couple, I NEVER expected it, and for that, I'm still shocked.

They are my most favorite couple of drama land as of now.

The other cast that truly stole my breath with his performance was Alen Fang, our dear, dear Yu Shisan. I must say I was surprised since the last drama I saw of him was Lang Ballad and I was SO not a fan of his character there, but he just stole my soul in this drama.

Yu Shisan will forever be the favorite playboy of my heart and I will NOT forget him.

I will still rewatch this drama when my mood is more stable and I can actually watch without crying but only from episode 1- 34

And I recommend everyone to see it because despite the unsatisfactory and shallow ending, this drama is the best of 2023 and perhaps many, many before it. I will definitely follow Liu Yuning's other drams too.

This is the end of my rant.

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Prepare yourself for a ridiculously young Takizawa Hideaki - 17 at this time playing a high school student who falls in love with his 26 yr old homeroom teacher. Is the love returned? Would it be a drama if it wasn’t? Japan spares no details apparently with this tricky genre. Majo no Jouken, or Forbidden Love, is a fully fledged love story that jumps right into the story, the romance, and all the icky taboos and consequences of the younger man/older woman relationship.

In some ways, Majo no Jouken was a predictable roller-coaster ride as the ‘forbidden’ couple struggle to find acceptance in a society that doesn’t legally forbid their love, but certainly doesn’t know how to handle it. However, a variety of side characters add to the battle, including Hirose-sensei’s one time fiancé and Hikaru’s young and possessive single mother. And between these two, we get the feeling that there are some things even sicker and twisted than the relatively innocuous age difference of our show’s main lovers.

On a Technical Note:
This drama had me asking questions I never thought I'd worry about. The amount of time I spent surfing the internet studying Japanese legal age of consent; wondering if Japan really does consider it a psychological disorder for a woman to love a high school age boy; curiosity if Japan would really go to such lengths to depict one of the creepiest mothers ever before hinted at; confusion as to why I could care so much about a couple that seems so destined to suffer one crisis after another...

All fruitless efforts, really. Half mushy, half gritty, Majo's romance was a hot whirlwind of a mess, and not afraid of delving into serious life questions. What does a woman do when her boyfriend is uneducated and unemployed, and how does said boyfriend take care of a woman 9 years his senior? There is no instant maturity, no immediate solutions, and not every expectation will be fulfilled as first it was conceived. Kind of like... life.

I almost find it hard to recommend this, because unless you’re in the mood for a torturous road of almost Kdrama level proportions (though at least not in length), Majo no Jouken is a painful drama to watch. Even the initial sweetness of the romance is very nearly spoiled by a traumatic second half. However, if you love seeing actors portraying their characters well, and those characters being well-handled over the course of the drama, or if you just want to see Tackey back when he was young and adorable (as opposed to the older version which is just plain hot), then I guess you should watch it sometime. ;) And hardships aside, the characters really do make a sweet couple. I say that even remembering just how young he is here. At least that much is quite believable.

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Quality nuanced content

Listen, I'm not a fan of mini-series shows. They're usually underfinanced, undercasted and don't have enough runtime to properly explore their themes and leave an impression on the audience, I personally view it as a tool utlilised in the industry to make fast, easily consumed content similar to fast food. Nothing wrong with enjoying, fast, consumable and compromised- quality content ( I'm not one to look down on a sixteen hour c-drama where the CEO gets the gal). But it still doesn't make them into "a good memorable drama".

"Shall we have a cup of coffee?" has been my favourite mini-series in my eight years of watching and enjoying various types and styles of dramas across five different countries. Each episode goes off on a tangent, with just a hint of conflict and climax near the end ( patiently spoon fed to the audience). It's beautifully filmed and scripted with a very limited but tasteful OST. The actors weren't perfect but they knew what they were doing. They understood what the drama warranted, which made their performances so deeply enjoyable. Each episode was just a like a warm calming cup of coffee or any other drink the reader thinks to be comforting and delicious. Like a small break to take within the fast pace of life to slow down but not drouse, to savour and think. I've learned so much about coffee and I came to care about the characters. Mostly, I fell into awe of how a show can have such little going but still manage to have so much substance. I'll watch this show again, no doubt.

I also wanted to mention how I found the show. The trailer ended up in my youtube algorithm. I clicked it, thinking it was a BL a minute in. Uh. It was not. The company clarified this in the comments as well ( which was very funny to me). Actually there wasn't any romance in it at all. Which is why I didn't wanna watch it. How immersive can another cafe show be? I constantly look for immersive, dopamine boosted shows that'll distract me from my problems ( this usually ends up being romance). I'm so glad I took a chance and watched this. I also know Korea is not forgiving to mainstream actors doing LGBTQ content, so I'm glad netizens can't shit on this show. The chemistry between the actor of the cafe owner and Go-Bi was so insanely good in its inintensity, I'm sure a lot people will think it's a shame. I personally don't mind the father/son relationship they chose on. I enjoyed the amazing one on one chemistry nonetheless.

I spent a lot of time trying to think of a fault this show might have. I tried. I really did.

It's not squid games, it won't give you goose bumps and it won't put you on the edge of your seat. It's supposed to be a dreamy and sweet show, as clearly intended by the creators. It's pretty easy to gage what the show wants you to feel, and it's not trying to be like mainstream, story oriented dramas. The only thing I could think of, is that it must be niche type of content targeted to a specific audience. I don't understand the low ratings for this show, probably because I am exactly the type of viewer this show was made for. Which is why I hope more people learn about this show, and more of these niche viewers can cherish and enjoy this show.

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It was NOT the cast that made this bad

I have to say up front that it was NOT the cast that made this whole drama tank - the cast was amazing and they are the only reason I stayed until the last episode. It was the WORST storyline I have ever seen and I have made note of these writers and will not watch anything by them again.

Where do I even start? The storyline started out good but what you read in the synopsis is nothing like the drama ended up being. The ML loses his male lead status for at least 70+ episodes as the drama focuses on the supporting character of Ju Hyuk - and at some point his status as supporting character changes to Main Character. Why? I have no idea who allowed that change to be made. but the story dragged on and on and on, ad nauseum, about the FL, Mi Rae, being in love with the cheating, gaslighting, abusive Ju Hyuk, who happened to be her first love. We rarely had any interactions between the two leads that were suppose to end up falling in love and having to fight for their love. The two "leads" - Kang San and Mi Rae - do not even get together as a couple until episode 91 - and the drama is only 121 episodes. The two actors did not have much chemistry - maybe due to the fact that the writers and director didn't have them interact much with each other for over half the drama. The characters that needed background stories for us to understand them more, never had them. The writers clearly hated Kang-San - the character they CREATED. They made him passive, meek, a doormat, and a pushover from ep 1 all the way through ep 121. The synopsis states he would have to fight for his love but we never truly saw that. The only time he came close is when Ju Hyuk was revealed to be the cheater that he was. That lasted about 2-3 episodes., then it was back to being the same Kang-San that had no self esteem and really came across as a loser.

Seo Joon Young tried his best with the terrible script he was given. He did pull out some really great emotional moments that you felt his pain so much as his character struggled day in and day out. SJY really is a great actor and I hope to see him get a ML role that he can sink his teeth into and show us more of his acting ability and ML status. I think he definitely could pull off a better romance drama. Give this guy a passionate, romantic role, please!

Kim Si Eun - I cant say enough good things about this young woman. She honestly stole the show and this girl has an awesome career ahead of her is she chooses to stick to acting. You loved her character Jan-Di and you hated her. From episode 1 - 121 this girl showed a wide range of talent and emotions. I cried, I yelled, and laughed with her. I look forward to seeing her in many more dramas.

I have made note of the Director as well - there were many scenes where I was left scratching my head as to what the director was trying to say in his scenes. So many scenes looked as if it was missing parts - it was jumping from one scene to the next with no continuity at all. There were some scenes that is obvious parts were cut and melded together - again, making no sense. At one point the ML saves Mi Rae from a motorcyclist and ends up unconscious in the hospital and it is said he would be in there for a while and have to wear the neck brace for a while then the next scene appears to be the next morning where he is sitting at the breakfast table with no neck brace and no cast on his arm. There was no indication there was a bit of a time skip or that it could have been a week or two later - it seemed like it was the next morning. Lots of us were like "what happened here?" This happened on several occasions. a lot of the time the video previews at the end of the episodes - scenes from those were never aired.

So I gave the cast and actors a 9.0, but I didn't want to even rate the story because I felt even any rating was too much, but it wouldn't let me leave it blank so I gave the story a 1.0 - If I could give it a negative number I would - that is just how bad the story was. Save yourself the trouble of watching.

**edited to add that Seo Joon Young won an Excellence Award -Actor in a Daily Drama for his role as Kang San, and Kim Si Eun won Best Young Actress Award for her role as Jan Di, at the 2023 KBS Drama Awards. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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A very refined cat and mouse chase.

If you like watching enemy spy dramas, you can watch Peng Xiaoran and Liu Xueyi's #TV series, Unshakable Faith#. The CVB peak of this drama has broken 3. In more than ten episodes, the plot is still quite engaging, and the enemy is so dense that it keeps challenging you, which makes people try to guess endlessly. Let's talk about it briefly.

The background is the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, GJ was involved in the major secret project of water fall (submarine construction), and the plot revolves around the protection of experts, anti-security projects and sabotage, and the enemy.

Peng Xiaoran plays the female public security officer Pang Hongmei, who was not very calm at first, a little irrational, and a little underestimated the enemy's cunning, but she was good, vigilant, intuitive, and highly observant, and willing to make up for her shortcomings.

Liu Xueyi is a returned mathematician Ji Danyang, a computer man, mature in appearance but a bit simple like a genius child inside, has not been defeated by the enemy, likes to be free and unrestrained, and has a rebellious psychology against Pang Hongmei's step-by-step attention. However, his mathematical ability has also helped Pang Hongmei solve some cases.
In the special enemy line, the identity of the father and daughter Bai is the core, Kan Suzi plays the second female lead Bai Hui and Ding Yongdai plays Bai Hui's adoptive father Bai Minghan. The father and daughter are constantly involved in various sabotage incidents and are invited for interrogation by the special team from time to time. Bai Hui looks like an innocent little white flower, but as soon as she comes out, some people suspect her. The father, Bai Minghan, the audience in the comments will think he is bad for a while and think he is a good person for a while. In more than a dozen episodes, the identities of the two, father and daughter, are reversed. The change of perspective of the characters that incite us is quite strong.
Pang Hongmei, Bai Hui, and Ji Danyang all have emotional lines, but the emotional lines appear after a dozen episodes, because their focus is mainly on chasing spies or taking care of the development of the submarine.
The plot is not the kind of high-energy brain-burning, nor is it strong logic, but the narrative and pacing are very well controlled, and it always keeps the audience's appetite, and it is quite delicious. If you are interested, you can check it out.
Source:
Medium shade small water
7 hours ago from Rescue Drama Super Talk
https://m.weibo.cn/status/4982818952446762

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A leap away from reality - the fun kind!

What a beautifully conflicting series this was. I know I love it.. but do I? (I do).

The series follows Day and Night, two people who were born on the same Leap Day, afflicted with a curse that kills one of their loved ones every four years, on their birthday. It just so happens, that on their 20th birthday, the two people they love the most Ozone, Day's brother and Dream, Night's girlfriend, escape the curse, because Day and Night meet. The story develops from there with these four characters trying to figure out what's causing the Leap Day curse to occur and how to stop it.

This story had more plotholes that cartoon cheese, but let's be honest, we've all wanted to try that cheese. And the imagination we had about how it would be to taste that cheese was almost as fun as eating actual cheese.. this metaphor has gotten out of hand.

Simply put, this story had so many plot holes and inconsistencies, I mean, they've gone beyond the laws of physics and whatever other theories that go into complicated science to invent all that they did for the plot.
The origins of the titular Leap Day are never really explained for one thing, that concept has just existed from the beginning of time I guess, like mosquitoes. You know they're there, you just don't know how they came into existence and why anyone would possibly think they were a good idea.

Once this was revealed in episode 8 or so, I was floored. The entire plot is "why is this happening to us and how do we stop it". You've taken the why out of the equation, then you better have a brilliant how. But that was also just so.. bleh.
They just spent so much time running around aimlessly at first trying to figure out why this was happening, and once it was revealed they would never know, they spent way too much time running around aimlessly trying to figure out how to stop it. There was some development in the form of two supporting characters, who also had/have/will have the Leap Day curse, but again, every theory they were coming up with felt like extreme nonsense or something they came up with as a last ditch attempt.

I mean.. there was so much of an emphasis on Ozone's role in the story only for it to ultimately get reduced to his drawings, which apparently held enough clues to evade this curse. Based on those drawings, they came up with a truly insane plan, because the drawings were basis enough I guess. I absolutely did not like how much of their solutions were based on random guesses and theories with no proof. Much like the writers, the characters just said "Su Su!" and went for it.

And that ending? Completely wrecked me. Totally unsatisfying and left me in tears, and I was pissed. Honestly, incensed. The set up was non - existent, the reveal was so out of left field and I was enraged at the choice they made, because by no means did that make sense to me, nor was it what I wanted. Maybe it made sense, I don't know, I was just way too emotional to see reason despite the fact that all I had done for 11 episodes was try to make sense of everything.

But honestly, it was kind of.. good? Yes the entire setting (including the very basis of Day and Night's Leap Day, like the curse math was not mathing. The story said that they have one person they love die on their every birthday, and that both their mothers died giving birth to them. Ozone and Dream were supposed to be the victims of the curse of their 20th birthdays. That means, five other deaths before their 20th birthdays, but they only showed four? Constantly! Make it make sense).
Anyways.. the entire setting was complete nonsense and I have genuinely over analyzed something I enjoyed because the truth is, I enjoyed it. The lack of consistency and the gaping plot holes did make me mad each episode, but sometimes you just have to dissociate all that when you're watching and it was fun.

The story moved at a decent pace, the acting was really good and I was emotionally invested throughout the run in Day and Ozone's bond. They're one of the best pair of siblings I've come across in dramas and their bond with each other was the sweetest thing. I would watch 12 episodes of the two of them just living their lives because it was that sweet.

Which is where they absolutely get you - not through the solid plot or the incredible CGI (neither were that good), it's through those emotions you feel for the leads. You're just so invested in their attempts to fix their situation that you get as desperate as they are for a happy ending. You root for them, you cry with them, you want them to see it through.

And that's why despite all that I found the series to be lacking in, I can say it's something worth watching. As with everything, liking it or not is entirely personal preference, but if you're looking for a fresh premise, some decent story building and incredible emotional depth in a story, definitely give Leap Day a try.

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The gimmick of Love O2O is that the romance follows the male lead falling in love with the female lead at first sight. The twist is that he fell in love watching her play an online game. They're both gamers and he pursues her in the game! Strangely enough it never felt like a gimmick and Love O2O was so refreshing in the aspect that despite part of the story happening in the fantasy game it was very down to earth. One of the most realistic dramas that I have had the pleasure to watch. The drama lived on the merits of it's great storytelling and characters. Making it an easy viewing experience. One that I spent most of the time with a happy smile on my face. Not to mention that cliffhangers really aren't a term I would use for the end of each episode. Instead viewers are compelled to watch for love the drama without being strung along.

Love O2O gave me a break from the tiring tropes of K-dramaland. Wei Wei and Xiao Nai seem like stereotypical leads for dramaland. Xiao Nai is the perfect and aloof male lead who seems so cold. Wei Wei . . . actually I haven't run into her character that much. She's the school's second beauty, only because of some shady stuff did she lose first, and she is used to getting confessed to a lot. Just like the male lead. She's smart and confidant. Able to handle and make her own decisions. While it seems silly that Xiao Nai falls in love with her and asks her to marry him in the game, they quickly discover each others personalities. Leading to an unshakeable trust between the two and being able to know each other so well that others' schemes can't shake their relationship. They talk immediately about issues and don't hide anything.

Xiao Nai is up front that he knew who she truly was and that he persude her. Instead of hiding it and having some stupid misunderstanding. In fact, between the leads the “misunderstandings” that usual drive me nuts in most dramas aren't present. Because they COMMUNICATE!

The leads aren't the only ones well developed. The side cast is so well done. Xiao Nai's bros are so awesome and the way they interacted left no doubt of their friendship in my mind. In fact, I was almost moved to tears at one point. What was even better was Wei Wei's friendship with her dorm mates, especially her best friend Er Xi. Now female friendships in K-dramas are something that either get benched or don't exist. Normally it's the female lead against all the other evil female characters. That's one thing I've found I like about Chinese dramas, and especially about Love O2O. Each female friend stood out. While Er Xi may be the overly cute and excitable type, I had no doubt of the friendship between her and Wei Wei. Even their fight and eventual makeup felt authentic. Watching them together was just as enjoyable as watching Xiao Nai and Wei Wei fall in love.

The parents of both characters weren't present all that much, but when they were there I bought it and loved that they had personalities. Many scenes of them meeting the parents and their reactions to their children where wonderful. I enjoyed that the villains and love rivals that where present didn't always stay conniving people. In fact, the “villains” grew and felt remorse. Reflecting on their life and actions.

That said I was slightly disappointed about Hao Mei (one of Xiao Nai's bros, AKA Mr. Beauty) and KO. Their relationship fascinated me from the get go. It was basically bromance at first sight, and I was convinced something more for KO as he hacked Hao Mei's computer. Then began to stalk and insert himself into Hao Mei's life. Before the time jump KO “back doors” (don't get dirty on me) his way into living with Hao Mei. Then they're never mentioned in the time jump what happened between the two. Er Xi and her love interest are at least given a bit of time, I felt cheated out of a very interesting story. In truth I probably never could have gotten enough of Hao Mei and KO. At least I'll always have the lovely image of KO in that suit.

I feel odd saying this but I actually found that the actor doing the aloof and cold Xiao Nai brought so much warmth to his character. I feel odd because I thought Wei Wei ended up feeling colder. It could be a big part of the director wanting to emphasize that Wei Wei changed Xiao Nai into a warm blooded male and that she was shy. However, Xiao Nai—actor Yang Yang—blew my mind with his intense kissing techniques. While Wei Wei was pretty much cold through out. I think the blurred affects were done to make Wei Wei seem passionate in the later kissing scenes. However, I never thought Wei Wei's actress did that great a job. She swooned well and did the embarrassed face stuff well. But it was often the same facial expressions over and over to convey things. Every once in a while I felt like she really fell into the role, but it never lasted long.

Er Xi's actress did a wonderful job and I loved the energy she brought. The other girls were great, but I felt like the males of Love O2O did the best. They interacted well together. I debated about giving the acting a 7 due to Wei Wei feeling really awkward at times, but I couldn't do it to everyone else.

Yang Yang gets a 10 for his skills in bringing Xiao Nai to life. Oh, my gosh. Some of his facial expressions slayed me. Especially when Wei Wei bit him . . . then the scene helping her dress for a wedding . . . and so many other bits!

The visuals for when the characters are the game characters were brilliant! They felt like a game and looked stunning. From the scenery to the wardrobes. There was an awkward instant where they used CGI to create a mall scene, but I bet they did it to lower costs on shutting the place down for the scene. Other than that Love O2O is a beautifully shot drama.

The music was fun and I liked how some of the sounds simulated old video game noises. While I'm not the biggest gamer I do know somethings. The music fit the drama well and had a fun light style to it. Nothing to brag about though.

This was fun and unique enough that in a couple of years I'm sure I will want to experience it all over again! Whimsical and lighthearted dramas are so hard to come by. How could I say know to smiling for 30 episodes?

Overall I think Love O2O is the perfect thing to chase away the K-drama blues. Or at least wash the stereotypes and drama tropes out of your mind. Also, a great place to introduce yourself to Chinese dramas. This isn't my first C-drama, but I've had great luck so far and Love O2O is only building my love more for them. There pacing is great and there's no dragging. Only a few slightly slower plot points such as the business world of gaming and competition against other business. (AKA a little corporate espionage drama.) Not enough to ruin it though. The cast of character are wonderful and it's not just about the romance of Wei Wie and Xiao Nai. Both the friendships of the girls and bros are wonderful and I loved that just as much as the official romance. Love O2O was a satisfying viewing experience and wrapped up nicely. It's a fun and unique time all around, and despite it all remained a very realistic drama.

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A road movie in Scifi Action

Let me give this 10 because they're brave enough to offer this kind of movie. For me, this is a new kind of Korean movie I've seen so far. They give a special touch of sci fi movie which not as Hollywood presents.
Not just about a sci fi action to run your adrenaline or entertain to watch, they try to touch the heart of the audiences.

They start the movie with an intense plot, get into the middle with swing the audiences' emotions then end the movie with a twist yet reasonable decision.

The acting of two main characters are truly the power of this "heavy" movie into the enjoyable one. They got you hooked and emphatized with their stories. I expect more for some roles development and action scenes. But it could take more than 2 hours, so this should be enough.

A movie with good details, philosophical dialogues, nice CGI, proper action scenes, good timing of humor and superb acting wrap this movie into a unique one.

After watched the movie, I could't stop to think of the scenes and dialogues which somehow gave ache in my heart.
Human, life, and death. Thankful for this meaningful movie.

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