Reviews

The trio's friendship makes it really fun to watch, but I have my complaints!

The head chef in modern-day Seoul fell into a pool, hit his head and went into a comma. He wakes up in the body of a soon-to-be Joseon Queen right in the middle of the palace scheming dangerous plots and meets a king who hides dark secret.

Mr. Queen is poking fun at sageuks with good intentions, it's clearly coming from the love for the genre. Production-wise, everything looks nice, the costumes look nice. Fans of palace politics will find this to be refreshing as they'll probably get a kick out of many moments, while viewers like me who shy away from the heavy-politics will find this to be fun. The palace intrigue is not innovative in general, it deals with two powerful clans fighting over throne, but the pacing is fast, so it sets up its stage very well.

Mr. Queen is portrayed by the magnificent Shin Hye Sun. She's an actress but she's man spreading really well so I'll use 'He'. Even if he looks like a playboy, he's so kind towards his female servants. Their friendships are wholesome and provide a lot of comedy. The trio plays off of one another so well that both the parodies and serious plot real good.

I think the first 6 episodes have nailed the sweet spot. The comedy is landing for me, it's rare for me to appreciate funnies from a k drama that is intending to be funny since I'm leaning much more toward the comedy from quiet and situational moments. Also, the infusion of modern music is adding to the comedy as it fits our male lead's background as a modern-day man, so there is one scene where he's dancing to a Black Pink song and I thought that was just hilarious.

While the comedy really worked in the first 6 episodes when the stakes hadn't developed very much, as those stakes get higher and higher, the comedy starts to feel really misplaced. It feels like an intense story is being told and then it breaks into a funny scene suddenly, so it wasn't as natural for me who prefers fewer funnies that suit the situation. The way it's presented feels very rhythmic like they switch back to back between an intense scene and the next comedy. Well, this show is supposed to be a comedy so I can give it a pass, that's not that big of a deal.

(Spoiler part) The biggest issue that I had was the subliminal problematic messages in the drama.

I would have preferred Mr. Queen and the King to develop a friendship and mutual respect. As this is a story about a woman being possessed by a man's spirit, I didn't expect Mr. Queen to have romantic feelings towards the King because he isn't perceived as gay. My problem is that this show is showing that hormonal arousal determines your sexual orientation. It's jarring to see a man who never had any gay thoughts would be so influenced by female hormones to switch his sexual orientation.

I think the romance plot does not benefit the plot at all, it has very little consequence on the story, in a way if it is excluded, things would end up the same with our characters. When Mr. Queen goes back to his male body, he's happy that the King is fine and safe. But there's no indication that he's heartbroken or romantically lost something, pointing to the fact that the romance was really unnecessary. Although back in the past, the King mentions that he felt something is lost but he's still with his queen, he does not notice at all that the queen's personality has changed! It's like downplaying characters' personalities and identities over the body that they're born with being the most important thing in a romance and relationship. It kind of derailed the show for me and hence the ending left a sour aftertaste.

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To put it shortly, I think everyone should see something like that, be it a drama, or a visual warning, whatever, before starting to use social media. The kids, even more, or else, they souldn't be allowed to use it. That is what I really believe.

This series is very hard to watch at times, better be prepared, and like 13 Reasons Why, I know some people would think it is only to shock minds, to horrify, only for the show, but for me it's not, because life is way worse than the worst drama and we are always trying to forget that but we shouldn't. Everyday, people are hurting each over in social medias, in comments, in videos, only for some likes and sometimes, this is too much for someone and one life is brutally ended.

That's why series/movies/books, anything, really, like this one really matter to me. This one is particularly well executed. No black, and white, everything is in grey, it shows people like they truly are, neither good or bad, something in between. Rape is one of the major subjects here, once again perfectly addressed, slutshaming and homophoby too, but for me, it's not the most important here. It is all said in the title, really, the Judgement.

We all are using internet everyday, so I recommend everyone to watch this. Every stupid comment can kill someone, is it really worth it ?

That is for the story. The cast is perfect to me, all good actors and actresses, the music is good too. I love the thai touch, they really have a way to stay true to something, way more than Hollywood, and Korea that tends to sugarcoat. Anyway, for me, it's definitely one of the best shows I have watched.

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Don't watch without watching drama

I just finished watching the movie and I want to point out that it's important to watch the drama first, otherwise the movie won't make much sense. What I enjoyed the least about the movie is that they left out the most important and interesting parts of the drama, which made the movie more boring and confusing. It's okay if they want to focus on the love story, but they shouldn't just include boring scenes, especially for those who have seen the drama. For instance, in the drama, there was a significant shared moment between the characters when the male lead carried the female lead after she was drunk and they walked to their base talking. Also, there was a skipped part before the movie where they had a shared little date, which would have been interesting to see. Additionally, there was a part where he asked if they could give it a try, but they skipped the part when she responded to him and they started dating. There were many other interesting parts that were skipped, such as after they started dating when they went on a date to the movies and he got a little angry. The movie only showed a little bit of what happened. Lastly, the movie also missed the part when one of the characters found out they were dating in the rain when they kissed. Instead, it jumped to a scene where they were in their rooms talking on the phone.

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Well, I think, this short is way better than its average score shows. The story is about a 13 years old boy, who's fascinated by his older brother's basketball playing. Later he realizes, it's not only fascination, but a kind of attraction to him. We can call this as love.

Maybe you would find disgusting, how can a guy fall in love with his older brother. Don't forget the boy is only 13 years old, who discoveres his first sexual attraction, even sexual orientation. I think, we can also call this attraction as a kind of adoration, or wonder, he looks up on his brother, that he does his best in sports. I think, it's worth to watch it, and to see how does a young guy discovers his sexuality. I found the ending pretty interesting.

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I decided to watch ''Crying Out Love, In The Center of the World'' without knowing too much about it, and it surprised me a lot, because it's a fantastic film.

The story is completely beautiful. Yes, it's very sad, but it's a fantastic story. Many people say this film is too slow, but I didn´t think so. In my opinion, the pace was perfect for this story.

The acting was great. Mirai Moriyama and Masami Nagasawa were fantastic, especially Masami. Ko Shibasaki was very good too, but she has a rather small role in the film. Takao Osawa was the weakest one, but he was very good too.

The music was quite simple, but it fitted the story and the tone of the film perfectly. The song at the end credits was beautiful.

I also have to mention the cinematography. It was gorgeous.

To sum up, ''Crying Out Love, In The Center of the World'' is a beautiful but sad film about first loves and how those have in an influence in our lives, even when we grow up. I'll definitely watch it again soon.

P.S. The book the film is based on, which is titled ''Socrates in Love'', is even better. I really recommend it.

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Well I will start with the fact that I did enjoy the movie. It was cute and I really enjoyed the characters but...... I read the manga.
Character development was the big problem. The Main couple was clearly the focus but I found myself wanting to know more about the support characters. Example I wont say who because of the spoilers but one character was suppose to be an antagonist was barely seen and was more.... gentle than I anticipated.
Storyline was also a problem. There was way to much jumping around. Now movies or dramas that are adapted from manga don't necessarily have to follow the main plot but it didn't seem to flow. It felt more like watching several unfinished movies than one. This was probably because there was no big bad antagonist or climax.
I will think I would of liked it slightly more if I didn't read the manga and didn't have my own expectations. If you are looking for a break from action movies or horror flicks then this movie is for you. If I missed something I would love to hear your opinions.

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Why fear when you have your family by your side

A good uplifting drama that shows no matter how tough the life may get, no matter how hard or how many times you fall, get up again and strive forward. A show that tells you even if the world is against you, as long as you have your family by your side don't be afraid and face it head on.

Cheng Anxin a girl whose dreams are shattered when she loses both her legs, the effect is not just on her professional but personal life too. Even at her lowest when she has given up on herself, her mother steps in and helps her get back on her feet ( well prosthetic limbs) and in the process both of them heal and the bond becomes even stronger.

Ruo Hua a girl with a broken relationship with her controlling mother who still is recovering from her son's death doing everything to become independent and get away from her. Her and her mother's relationship arc goes through many trials and complexities and in the process many scars emerge and heal, some new relations are formed while some are broken.

The cast have done a phenomenal job in showing the emotions people goes through when facing harsh realities and how they react to such situations. The complex relationships between mother and daughters are shown quite well. Overall the show is a good healing drama.

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'shhuu!', 'abunai nioi ga suru...', 'coool!'. These line are stuck in my head now hahaha

Story (9/10): each episode shows different situations where the two main characters always get in trouble (or not) while trying to procrastinate in the middle of work.

Acting/Cast (9/10): I love the cast! There's nothing to complain about. Both Sano Hayato and Nobuyuki Suzuki have done well their job and the secondary characters, as well, were amazing! I loved their interactions in the course of the story.

Music (8,5/10):I don't know, I just like it hahaha It's a good theme for the show

Rewatch value (8,5/10): When I feel bored or if nothing else funny comes to mind, I'll definetly rewatch it!

Overall (9/10): I like it, it's short and it's funny, each episode has something to laugh about... I'd like to learn more more about each character and we've got little character development. I'd love a season 2!

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Something's weird with the summary but anyway it was already mentioned before.
I thought this drama/special (call it how you want) was really good, because it talked about something important in our society. I thought it would be light, but it was actually serous. Yet it was also beautiful and gives hope, and that's what makes it beautiful.
Lee Jong Suk and Jun Ye Seo's acting are also really good and the ost is really beautiful.
I also think it has a good rewatch value, because it can make everybody understand new things :)
The story is not only about illness, nor love. It's about relationships between people, and other deep values of our society.
I advise you to watch it, but be ready for the feels!

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"Is it expensive because it's special, or special because it's expensive?"

Hunger followed Aoy from street food chef to the world of decadent fine dining. Thailand's class divide was explored through the world of cooking with a rather dismal view of the wealthy and the chefs who catered to them. The competition for food and domination led the main characters to define what it was they were really hungry for and what they were willing to sacrifice to sate that craving.

Aoy works in her family's small, crowded restaurant. Her friends are all searching for jobs, envious that she had a job waiting on her after graduation. Tone, a sous chef for Hunger, an exclusive catering company for the extremely wealthy, gives her a card to audition for a job opening. As run down and hot as the family eatery is, Hunger is large, militantly clean and organized, and run with an iron fist by Chef Paul.

During Aoy's tenure with the volatile chef, she learns much about herself and her hunger. Initially, she hungered to be special. As she is introduced to the lavish styles of the rich and famous she yearns for some of that for herself, especially when she sees Chef Paul treated like a rock star. Chef Paul hungers to remain relevant and on top, willing to do anything necessary to stay there. When he crosses the line legally, Aoy realizes she can no longer work for the popular chef. But she goes from one frying pan into the fiery wok. A promoter named Tos hires her to be the head chef for his new restaurant. She becomes scarcely more than a marketable commodity which all comes to a head at a bacchanalia party pitting her against Chef Paul in a cook-off.

Chef Paul's disdain for the upper class that kept him in his expensive home and lifestyle was shown through the meals he prepared for them. Bloody food, red sauces dripping from lips, raw meat lowered from the ceiling in a theatrical show brought out the primal, even sacrificial instincts in the diners. They didn't have the ability to understand quality, only the showmanship and popularity of the chef. In contrast, Aoy hungered to cook with love and with the flavors that had meaning for her. She hoped to touch the place inside where familial memories remained.

Hunger asked some interesting questions. "Is it expensive because it's special or special because it's expensive?" Which begged the question in regards to Chef Paul, was his food any good or did the diners perceive it to be good because of the display and rarity of ingredients? When Chef Paul insisted a diner drag the lobster tail through a gray sauce reminiscent of clay, did it actually taste delicious or was it supposed to because of the presentation? Also, "What you eat represents your social status." Which, again, doesn't always imply quality, just more rarity of delicacies.

Hunger went beyond the desires of food and class and even briefly delved into the physical. While massaging a slice of meat, Aoy and Tone shared a primal intimate moment as they caressed each other with their meat covered hands. Tone did not share the same level of hunger for fame and success as Aoy and Chef Paul leading to problems between the two young people.

The two ambitious chefs ended up seeking different routes to satisfy their ravenous cravings to be the best. Chef Paul was willing to sacrifice anyone and anything, including his morals to remain the supreme chef to the wealthy. Aoy had to determine what she was truly hungry for. Could only the hedonistic rich crown her with success and self-esteem or could her hunger be satisfied elsewhere?

If hunger had a flaw, it would be that the hammering of the debauchery of the wealthy was done too repeatedly and without any nuance. The film did seem overly long as well. I can't say that the bloody looking plates of food seemed appealing but they did showcase Chef Paul's inner contempt for his clients.

The central thrust of the film came down to Aoy's choices. Aoy had to decide what she truly hungered for and what would satisfy that inner craving to be special. What would she be willing to part with and what did she want to embrace? Hunger may not have completely satisfied me or introduced me to anything new, but I found it comforting and not too overbaked.

4/8/23

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A promising start which plummets quickly to dissapointment

The drama starts of from Na-bi freeing herself from a toxic relationship but little does she know that soon she will enter the same path with Jae-on. Ofcourse we all would've felt butterflies seeing the chemistry between the two main characters when they meet at the start however we also knew what kind of person jae-on was so we wished for him to have a character development. I would say that we didn't really get to see his development fully as he only starts to change in the last episode. This is presented when he finally releases his butterflies after episodes of saying that he will. Butterflies were used as a metaphor of rebirth and change and releasing them meant he is ready to let go of his previous "flings" and his actions such as flirting. Whether he really changes or not is for Na-bi to handle because what went through that girl's head. At the end I would've just wanted her to stay single because Do-hyuk did not deserve her. Jae on literally is such a manipulator I will never forget the way he harshly grabbed Na-bi's hand in the second last episode. Even after having a go at him she still ended up going back to him. The side couples definitely carried the show for me it was so sweet watching them. Overall I think the ending was a big disappointment and the ending of the webtoon was way better. Also Sam Kim's OST was just perfection the butterflies it gave in the first half.

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A Story You Don’t Just Watch, You Carry With You

The Untamed is one of those rare dramas that doesn’t really leave you after it ends. It stays with you—in the story, the emotions, and especially the connection between its two leads. No matter how much time passes, it’s the kind of series you always find yourself coming back to in some way.

One of the most important things to understand is the context behind its adaptation. Due to censorship in China, the original novel was adjusted significantly for the screen. In the source material, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are clearly written as lovers, but in the drama they are presented as “bosom friends.” Even with these limitations, the series manages to preserve the emotional core of their relationship in a way that feels deeply intentional. The bond between them is written and acted with so much care that it’s hard to interpret it as anything less than soul-deep love.

Beyond the relationship at its center, the world-building is genuinely impressive. Each clan has its own identity, design, and philosophy, and the story blends elements of xianxia and wuxia in a way that feels both traditional and fresh. The cinematography also deserves credit—the framing, transitions, and overall visual storytelling are consistently strong and elevate even quieter moments.

The plot itself is engaging and well-paced, with very few dull moments. It’s the kind of story that pulls you in early and doesn’t really let go. Even when it gets complex, it remains emotionally easy to follow because of how grounded the characters feel.

Of course, the biggest highlight is the chemistry between Xiao Zhan (Wei Wuxian) and Wang Yibo (Lan Wangji). Their performances carry the entire emotional weight of the series. Even within the restrictions of the script, they manage to express a connection that feels incredibly deep and meaningful. Whatever label is placed on it, their bond reads as something far beyond friendship, and that’s what leaves such a lasting impact.

The supporting cast is also strong across the board, with each actor fully committed to their role. That said, the CGI and special effects can be inconsistent, but they never take away from the emotional or narrative strength of the series.

The OST is another standout—memorable, emotional, and perfectly tied to the identity of the show (and yes, even more meaningful knowing the leads are involved in it).

Overall, The Untamed is not just a drama—it’s an experience. It’s emotionally rich, beautifully acted, and unforgettable in a way very few series manage to be.

Verdict:
A masterpiece of storytelling and emotion, elevated by its characters and central relationship, despite some technical imperfections.

Rewatch Value:
Very high — easily a series you return to more than once.

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A League of Nobleman: Where Truth and Vengeance Collide in a Dance of Shadows

Introduction:

“A League of Noblemen” isn’t just a drama; it’s a journey into the very soul of its characters. It begins as a quiet mystery, but unfolds into a complex tapestry of emotions, where every choice, every word, and every silent glance between the leads holds profound significance. It lures you in with its beauty, grips you with its psychological complexity, and leaves you breathless with its hauntingly beautiful moments. This is a story of redemption, sacrifice, and the blurred line between justice and revenge—a story that makes you believe, if only for a moment, that the world is as fragile as the emotions we hide deep within ourselves.

Plot & Story:

At its heart, A League of Nobleman is a tale of two men, bound not by destiny, but by the heavy burden of their pasts. Lan Jue (Jing Bo Ran), a Vice Minister haunted by his father’s wrongful death, lives in a world where every step is calculated, every word carefully measured, as he seeks to clear his family name. His emotional conflict is as palpable as the silk robes he wears, smooth, delicate, yet fragile beneath the weight of his secrets. “Is justice worth the price of my soul?” he seems to ask, torn between his desire for revenge and his growing understanding of the cost of truth.

In contrast, Zhang Ping (Song Wei Long), a naive scholar with an almost obsessive pursuit of truth, embodies the purity and conviction of youth. “The truth must be uncovered, no matter the cost,” his heart seems to cry, even as he naively stumbles through a world full of darkness and deception. Their paths cross, and though their initial relationship is one of rivalry and distrust, it slowly, like a delicate flower, grows into something far deeper. What begins as a clash of ideals becomes a meeting of two fractured souls, seeking not just justice, but understanding.

Each case they tackle is more than just a puzzle; it’s a mirror, reflecting their own struggles with morality, their pasts, and the futures they’re fighting for. The mysteries, as complex as they are, serve only as the backdrop for the rich emotional and psychological battles the characters face. The story’s depth lies not in its twists, but in how it forces you to confront your own beliefs about right and wrong, and whether the end truly justifies the means.

Character Dynamics:

What sets A League of Nobleman apart from other dramas is its remarkable depth of character. Lan Jue and Zhang Ping are more than just protagonists; they are two halves of a whole, each embodying a different side of humanity’s moral struggle. Their relationship is not one of immediate camaraderie, but one that develops slowly, delicately, like the weaving of two threads into a single, unbreakable bond. Their connection is profound, built on shared pain and the mutual recognition of each other’s flaws. Each time they exchange a glance or a word, it feels like they are slowly stripping away their own facades, revealing the vulnerability that binds them.

The chemistry between them is understated but undeniably powerful. Where others might expect sparks to fly, the quiet, almost imperceptible shifts in their bond, each look laden with meaning, each moment of silence filled with unspoken understanding, speak volumes. There is something deeply poetic in how their relationship grows: “It is not the grand gestures, but the quiet moments, the subtle exchanges, that reveal the depth of love and trust,” their story whispers to us.

Lan Jue is a man of contradictions, torn between his loyalty to his father’s memory and his growing empathy for the very system he’s trying to destroy. Jing Bo Ran’s portrayal of Lan Jue is nothing short of mesmerizing; with each scene, he breathes life into a character whose every movement, every glance, betrays a mind always at war with itself. His journey is one of immense emotional complexity—struggling not only with his external enemies but with his internal battles, his deepest fears, and his most painful memories.

Zhang Ping, portrayed by Song Wei Long, is the mirror image of Lan Jue—young, idealistic, yet increasingly aware of the grey areas of the world he once saw as black and white. His transformation is nothing short of breathtaking. From the brash, unyielding truth-seeker to a man who understands the painful necessity of compromise, his journey is a testament to growth, loss, and the acceptance of the world’s complexities.

Gu Qing Zhang (Wang Duo), whose arrival midway through the drama shifts the tone, adds an additional layer of emotional intensity. His obsession with his mother’s approval and his tragic descent into madness offer a chilling counterpoint to the internal battles of Lan Jue and Zhang Ping. His presence serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most destructive force is not an enemy, but our own unresolved desires and the ghosts of our past. “The past is never truly gone—it lingers, like the scent of roses long after the petals have fallen,” his story seems to say.

Cinematography & Visuals:

Visually, the drama is stunning. The sets are beautiful but understated, and the cinematography captures every emotion perfectly. The muted tones and occasional bursts of color reflect the inner turmoil of the characters. Lan Jue’s white robes, flowing freely in the wind, symbolize his internal chaos, as he walks a fine line between his past and his future. The visuals aren’t just pretty—they enhance the emotional weight of the story.

Soundtrack & Sound Design:

The music is subtle, but it adds so much to the atmosphere. It doesn’t overpower the scenes but blends perfectly with the emotions at play. Whether it’s the quiet piano in moments of introspection or the dramatic music during tense scenes, the soundtrack feels like an extension of the characters’ emotions. It’s almost as if the music is speaking the words they can’t say.

Final Thoughts:

A League of Noblemen is a journey worth taking. It’s a drama that goes beyond solving crimes. It’s about understanding human nature, the choices we make, and the internal battles we fight. The characters are rich, the plot is compelling, and the emotional depth is something rare in this genre. Even with its occasional missteps, it’s a drama that will make you feel, think, and perhaps even question your own sense of right and wrong.

If you’re a fan of character-driven stories, where the emotional journey is just as important as the plot, A League of Nobleman is a must-watch.

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