Reviews

???? Not quite sure what I just watched

Soooooo looking at the host of other 10/10 reviews here I'm not quite sure if we've watched the same show. Because what I've watched was a disjointed, complicated, outrageously unbelievable mess of a show that definitely is not worthy of 10/10.

First of all, WHAT ON EARTH is this plot like what even??? High schoolers performing SURGERY. MULTIPLE TIMES. It was the most ludicrous part of the story and I took off points for this. The whole school being full of pill poppers was actually more believable than whatever the hell the surgery scenes were supposed to be. With such a short run time of only 30 mins per ep, I don't see why there was a need to introduce so many random ass side plots and plot complications that could not be resolved adequately. It was confusing as hell to watch. This was especially evident in the last 2 episodes where the pacing was all over the place and show was jumping from scene to scene almost randomly. I thought I was watching fan edits on Tiktok with those hastily spliced scenes.

Secondly, is this supposed to be a GL or what????? Maybe I'm blind or being deliberately obtuse but other than that makeout dream scene in ep 4, I'm not really feeling the supposed GL aspect. Sure, Jaeyi is oddly fixated on Seulgi the moment she lays eyes on her and goes out of the way to help her, but this could be explained by Jaeyi wanting to find out what their fathers are up to. Seulgi kind of just mopes around sadly with her backpack but probably wouldn't have given Jaeyi the time of the day if Jaeyi hadn't forced herself into Seulgi's life at the start. I guess on some level they DO care for each other, perhaps on a level sliggghttttlyyyy higher than a platonic relationship but because there isn't any confirmation of it right till the end, there is still that degree of plausible deniability. Comparing it to Jeongnyeon, which was also similarly marketed as a GL - I felt like it had stronger GL undertones despite not having any overt displays of affection between Jeongnyeon and Jooran. Of course, the rushed and nonsensical pacing here did this show no favours in trying to convey any subtleties in the feelings between Jaeyi and Seulgi. I've seen another review call this queerbaiting and yeah, it does kind of feel this way. If you remove that kiss scene, it would have just been a regular ass high school drama. The writer/director could have at least given viewers a scene of them confessing their true feelings or even ANYTHING but the only thing we got was Jaeyi and Seulgi passing notes to each other very UNDISCREETLY in class (as if her father wouldn't have found out??). They never had a proper conversation till the end, and it's honestly sad.

Lastly, I'm not entirely convinced on the director's/writer's casting choices for basically all the high schoolers in the show. I'm going to get mad hate for this but cmon, Hyeri does not look 18. Neither does Hyewon, even though she's the youngest in real life. Oh Woori who plays Choi Kyung looks the most like a high schooler probably because her dressing in the show is the least mature out of the 4 leads. But Hyeri is pushing 31 and while she looks youthful, she doesn't look young. Don't get me wrong, the acting is phenomenal and probably the best part of the show but for a show that is set in a high school, it's kind of important that the actors look the part. Even the extras are not convincing as high schoolers. It's like the "hello fellow kids" meme with adult actors essentially cosplaying as high schoolers. After a while, I kind of got used to it, and it was easier to look past it when they were in the school uniforms but holy shit in those scenes at the club - the immersion is totally gone.

If you've made it this far it might seem like I hate this show, but trust me I do not. It's actually a pretty compelling watch, thanks to those 10000000 mind-bending and confusing twists. The cinematography and music are actually pretty good too, even though the plot suffers. The acting is great too - Chung Su Bin and Oh Woori shine as relative newcomers to the acting scene.

In short - give this a shot but don't go in expecting a real GL romance or a plot that makes sense.

Leggi di Più

What Did I Just Watch...?

I feel like the last two days that I've been watching this show didn't happen. I feel like I lived in a simulation in which I thought I was watching this, but I would just end up waking up to it being all a dream. But nope, I really watched this. I heard nothing but amazing news about this series -- "It's perfect", "It's the best BL in a long time". I genuinely think we were all watching something different. No, I'm convinced there is another My Beautiful Man out there that is what everyone was talking about because this can seriously not be it. Utsukushii Kare is a perfect setting with the absolute worst story possible.

Let's Dive In.

The basics of this story is that Hira is a nobody and everyone treats him like trash, even including the guy he deems the beautiful-est human ever, Kiyoi, who is the high school's most handsome, and treated like a god among the others. A great premise, and sure, we've heard similar ones, but Japan has a way of telling a story that you can just never get bored with it, and I think this really could've been a good series -- heck, a great series. However, it crumbles under its own hold by having terrible characters, a god-awful plot twist, and a lackluster ending.

Let's start with what I liked: I liked Koyama more than anything else. He falls under the Second Lead Syndrome for sure. He was the definition of the perfect boyfriend: cute, funny, charismatic, thoughtful, caring, there to help Hira with his stutter, there to be his friend, someone he could talk to -- and Hira can't seem to see any of that..? It's okay, Hira doesn't deserve a Koyama, I do. I will take Koyama, because, who wouldn't?

Again, I think production was nice. The bike scenes were really nicely shot. I liked the sceneries and the lighting the most. There is a way Japanese series are shot that I just fall in love instantly, so this was a big bonus of watching.

The acting was really good, especially Hagiwara. Even if they really did his character wrong, he still played it to the best of his ability, and it comes off really nice. The rest of the cast did an excellent job too, even the bullies were good.

Alright, now into the terrible: Both Hira and Kiyoi were just horribly-written. Hira can't seem to stand on his own two legs, which is fine, some people are super shy, and stuttering's not even the problem -- it's the fact that he let everyone walk all over him, including the guy he liked. He would automatically do anything they asked, without hesitation, and it made me sick to my stomach. It was so hard watching him on the screen, I just couldn't stand him in any way. And Kiyoi was just the worst. I was thinking at some point, Kiyoi was going to be like, "Ha! I was only being mean to you so that you could finally grow some balls and stand your ground," nope, instead, he bosses Hira around like the rest, calls him disgusting, gross, a stalker, kicks him, pushes him down, and Hira still manages to fall for him for god-knows-what reason. Looks can only get a person so far. Instead, Kiyoi's big plot twist is that he also liked Hira, he just didn't know how to tell him. This plot twist is just pitiful. Why harm Hira then? Why call him names, have him do things for you? Nope, it still doesn't make up the fact that in the entire series, Hira is bullied to death by his own love interest. There's no turn in Kioyi's behavior until the very last episode. It's disgusting. And what makes it worst is that the ending is so lackluster. How could I care about them after all this time? I sat and watched Hira be used like a ragdoll, and you want me to sing Kumbaya..? No, just no. I think this behavior is dangerous in a BL, especially with me seeing so many people praising their relationship, and for what?

Ratings:

Story: 5 - How could I give two craps about the story when for the entire series is was Hira being picked on? I'll give it 5 stars for Koyama, and Koyama only.

Acting: 9 - I think the acting was the only good thing about this series.

Music: 5.5 - I don't remember it, meaning it wasn't a distraction. Great.

Retwtch Value: 1 - No.

Overall, this is one of the worst, if not the worst, series I've seen in a while. I can't comprehend what people like about this, and quite honestly, I don't care to know. It's sick. A BL like this is dangerous, it shows that a toxic relationship like their's is revivable, that it's okay when it's absolutely not! If this were real life, Kiyoi would've been cut off immediately, or he would've put a restraining order on Hira, cause I know I would. Not recommended in the slightest.

Leggi di Più

Pretty People Trying to Fight and Fall in Love, I guess?

Due to the change in the original reincarnation story, they utterly made this non-sensical plot.

What exactly was He Yan proving y'all? She was already a General. She didn't have anything to learn, just to get revenge against her idiot family. But y'all, here me out? Like......why not...and i know this sounds crazy....but why not, just go take out that snotty nose GeGe. What her dad going to do y'all? He is gonna be forced to keep her. Also, you could just kill that dude as well. Why not? She is strategic GENERAL, why can't she take what she wants from her useless family?!?! Don't give me the blah blah morals of her character blah blah. I don't want to hear it, this guy tried to assassinated her (was so close) and caused the death of 30,000 soldiers. I think she can take him out easy.

Instead, she "pretends" to be a new solider but legit gets caught within 1 minute of entering the doors. And get this, the guy who runs the show is also her classmate?!

Listen, that man is FINE. Respectfully. BUT HE DID NOT KNOW THIS CHICK WAS HIS CLASSMATES AND SOME HOW BOUGHT THAT THE OTHER GUY (her gege) who is what 6 ft? Wide shoulders? Deep Voice? Lacking moral character? is his classmates?!? Nah, that means he is dumb and shouldn't be running an army.

A freaking dancer who met her ONCE, spotted that she was a chick. AND homey had MONTHS studying with her? Get out of here. Then the kicker, he feels her bound chest against his back and was like, "A woman?!" (insert that clip from Mulan where she is dragged once she is found out).

Now on to the other stuff, the villains were so subpar. The emperor was dumb. And those last couples episodes, why? like why? For who? What a silly mindset? Here me out. EVEN IF, either of them gives up their army authority, did the emperor really think the army is still not going to follow their command?! All you did was piss them off. And that throwaway 2ML, like boy. I was hoping you turn around have some common sense but no, you went stupider and lost the 1 chick who stayed loyal to you. Such nonsense.

And all this, I could forgive a bit (not all, ain't a saint) if the chemistry was FIRE. But no, it was meh. Sorry, it just wasn't fully there for me. But anyway, everyone was pretty to look at.

Leggi di Più

Dynamic with high intensity caused by a sheer impossible tension between self-control & surrender

Revenge and KDrama obviously go extremely well together. TV productions are full of it. Actually, the revenge-motiv appears to be eternally young, being grippingly re-staged over and over again. "Eve" from the year 2022 is one of them - idiosyncratic, with an unmistakable coat of paint. "Eve" is about a long-planned vendetta against one of the most powerful Jaebeol clans in the land. "Eve" may join a long list of KDramas in the revenge genre. However, this KDrama scores with its very own charismatic aura.

Premise of the revenge-plan against the most powerful: Perfection should be brought down by perfection.
Maximum control should be conquered by maximum control.

If one wants to control life to perfection, what remains is a lifeless, loveless shell. The price of power is transcending one's humanity. The little Jaebeol preschool daughter vividly fights the emotional price of power: she's already learning to play golf, but she's still peeing her pants - she´s overstrained ... Living the Win are her parents and grandparents: feeling and behaving like deities... The perfection of arrogance finds its direct expression in the control, the unscrupulous abuse and the brutal oppression of others. It goes hand in hand with self-control. Yet, the extent of the staging of their 'beauty' and ´perfection´ becomes downright repulsive and turns 'beauty' into its opposite - disgust.

The (dramaturgically chosen) valve grounding the human being in his earthly transient body is the dance. Here especially the tango. Exotic, erotic, heavy, deep, dark. The dance, the rhythm and the music bring you back into your own body. You have to listen to it - in tango to the body of the partner, too. So it's also about perfection here, but it consists of perfectly balancing your own body movements with personal authenticity, feelings and perception. THIS ´perfection´ draws from itself and is not at the expense of others. It culminates in a state of relinquishment of control - an altered state of consciousness. This condition only lasts for the moment of the dance, for the moment of encounter. (The Andalusian flamenco even coined its own term for bringing the dance to perfection: 'Duende'. This concept stands for an almost ecstatic state of consciousness that results from surrendering to the interplay of different brain areas, physical dance technique and emotion.) This moment makes you feel alive - intense, true, pure and innocent.

Throughout the individual episodes the revenge-hungry protagonist (a fantastic So Yae-ji) maintains an extremely high tension between the poles of maximum possible emotional self-control (in the service of the elaborate revenge plan) on the one hand and complete surrender to the sensual, invigorating movements of tango dance on the other. As the dance draws its power and charisma from the depth of the subjective, authentic emotional world, maintaining this tension is almost impossible. In fact the KDrama thrives on this very special dynamic (of the sheer impossible bearing of the tension between self-control and surrender). The result is a consistently high and gripping intensity.

I have read some reviews that accuse this KDrama of the (missing) chemistry of the protagonists or the ending or the resolution of the revenge motive, or even the revenge motive at all. Well, that is of course a matter of taste, too. In any case, I think the motive for revenge suits South Korean authoritarian society. Even today. I also consider the character of Kang Yoon Gyeom being drawn (and acted) extremely well - if the protagonist were sympathetic, open, tangible (and, if you like, more classically attractive), then the relationship dynamics would be more predictable. His repulsive, calculating side suits him. The fact that he is 40 already plus he doesn't really fit the image of classic male love interest suits the role, too. So do those very subtle nuances that reveal his other (touchable, needy) side. He is not extremely likeable. I agree. Yet, thus the provoking relationship with him subtly, unintentionally and unexpectedly develops its own dynamic. The ambivalence - attractive vs. repulsive - comes across quite well in my opinion. A strange chemical mixture, an unknown factor in the revenge plan equation. The reactions triggered by this in turn leads to an ending, that is what it is. ... Either way, revenge NEVER makes you really 'satisfied'. Because the pain of the old wounds or the memory never goes away, and the loss cannot be reversed either. On the other hand, with revenge new karma comes along and is guaranteed to be saddled on top of everything else, which one has to spoon up ... (This is usually overlooked when one sets out to take revenge...)

From my perspective, "Eve" is a haunting KDrama - with a lasting impression for sure.

It might also be worth mentioning:
The staging of the cruelty within the Elite world, their madness as well as the space given for the sexual dimension of the relationship are exceptional for a KDrama. However, these deliberately staged rather animalistic or even archaic aspects of the human species (which are assigned to the evolutionarily older brainstem or reptilian brain) set a sharp contrast to the hypocritical, superhuman self-portrayal of the Jaebeol elite...





---------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Revenge motive and KDrama - for once wanting to control the elite 'authorities' who otherwise control the rest of the country ---

South Korea (with its comparably recent dictatorship history) is probably one of the places on earth where (perhaps a little bit more than in many other places where rule of law has already gained a somewhat more solid footing) rules still mainly apply to 'simple' people, the masses. The influential Elite, the Jaebeol in particular, namely play their private, own, elitist game. They are isolated from the rest of society. They seem to own the world. They live and rule as they please in their own orbit. When their world collides with the masses, it's annoying, but rarely turns out bad for them. They simply get rid of disruptive factors (or better: let others get rid of them). They enjoy all the freedoms. For them, ordinary people are actually of no worth. They can be substituted. They can be controlled by money or violence.

The state should actually be responsible for objective justice. But 'state' is made up of people. And the less binding the objective rules are handled by these people or the more rules can be bent, stretched and interpreted in favor of the 'perpetrators' from elite circles, the greater the subjective dissatisfaction and the stronger the desire of the 'victims' for vigilantism - the desire for revenge!

However, there is a difference between the desire for revenge/subjective justice and the realistic possibility of actually getting it. For the influential powerful, a few phone calls may suffice. The common people have to be a bit more subtle and sophisticated. Vigilante justice needs to be well planned. Especially if you want revenge on a person from the orbit of the Jaebeol. It costs time and money to be able to penetrate their world at all. In most cases, sworn helpers are also necessary. After all, it is to be expected that the same applies here: a plan is there to be discarded... Not everything can be foreseen. Details have to be improvised. The space for the unexpected can only be calculated with a degree of blurriness.

Against the background of authoritarian South Korean social structure, KDrama and revenge motif often and happily enter into a dramaturgically promising connection. It offers a vicarious valve for the emotions of the many ´victims´ of a corrupt system...

---------------------------------------

Leggi di Più

Ideal living

I love this drama.
This is my first review.
One of the most riveting modern Chinese dramas that I have watched in a long time. No need for any of the bells and whistles like fantasy fairy lands, CGI, nice fancy costumes/makeup, kung fu choreography, original songs. Even without all that, this drama still stands out. Why? Story is riveting, uplifting, storytelling is logical, and the actors deliver in portraying characters brilliantly.

What drew to me to drama to begin with was SunLi. I have not watched any of her previous dramas before so was curious why she’s so famous. And after watching her here in this show, I now know why. The first few episodes were difficult to follow, but I stuck with my rule of thumb on watching at least 5 episodes, and if I didn’t feel invested by then, I was out. But not with this one. After the 3rd episode, it was game on!

The title of the drama is The Ideal City, and it delves into the theme of what is the ideal way to succeed, and what do you do when you get there. Does the end justify the means?
It follows the story of a young woman (SuXiao) living in the big city of Shang Hai, and how she makes it in a male dominated industry despite the many adversities she has to face.

It’s natural for people to want to succeed, to climb the ranks of the corporate ladder, make more money, and to be respected. But what will you do to get it? How low will you go to get what you want? Ideally, we should strive and work hard to get what we want in life, but so many times, some people cut corners to attain that outcome.
Many times, it’s those at the bottom of the corporate hierarchy who suffer the consequences of the decisions of those above.

SuXiao is a principled woman who is talented in her field of work.
From the get go, she is served with wave after wave of injustices. Betrayed professionally and personally by those she loves and trusts. What I love most about her is that even though she is struck hard by these people, she does not stoop down to the level of her rivals. She does not use their methods to beat them.
Also, she doesn’t stay down. She picks herself up, soldiers on, and takes up any opportunities she’s given, proves her worth, and thrives.
To me, SuXiao’s journey and response embodies power through resilience and hard work.
She did it fair and square. She was a victim of unfairness, but she rose as a victor.
Life knocks her down, but she got up. Step by step she rises and proves her worth with sheer hard work. She shuts the mouths of critics by her actions.
Full of dignity and integrity in life and work.

She is the ideal.

But not everyone can enjoy the same idealistic journey.
Some others made it to the top by utilising inglorious methods like: back-stabbing, holding others back deliberately to not let them outshine you, taking credit for other people’s work, bribing, framing, scheming, and just knocking others out of the way to get to the top.
It’s ugly, dirty, desperate, and simply despicable. It’s unideal.

Also, when you get to the apex. What do you do? What is the endgame for all the headache associated with corporate boardroom struggles, mind games, schemes?
Be a vortex to seek to hoover in more money for yourself? Or should you look at how you can pull others up to be on the mountain with you.
It’s the reasonability of those higher up to be transparent, expose truth and administer justice.

I may be a bit philosophical in my drama review, but what I enjoy most about this drama is that it holds a mirror out to the audience and asks “what will you do to get what you want in life?” What this show reminds me of is that ultimately you are in control of your own destiny. Whatever your background, whether you have billionaire father, education, or a poverty stricken family to support.
Everyone has baggage to carry. Life is hard for everyone.
You can wallow and whinge, throw pity parties for yourself and continue in your state of victimhood.
OR you can after you fall down, re-evaluate how you can do it differently, and dust yourself off and try again. It is ideal to choose the latter, even though it may be a rough and hard journey, and, to not leave a trail of resentment and disgruntled people to get there.

Leggi di Più

Brutal, merciless milieu of gangs & drug cartels. Stirring, gloomy but with soulful strings, too

What a positive surprise. For all those who are not afraid of the brutal, merciless milieu of gang wars and drug cartels: "Worst of Evil" offers intense characters with dynamic profiles, especially of the two protagonists - the rural police officer who joins a new Gangnam gang as an undercover agent, to help uncover the organized drug trade between China, South Korea and Japan, as well as the boss of that Gangnam gang.
In particular, Ji Chang-wook as Park Jun-mo alias Kwon Seung-ho puts his heart and soul as well as quite some muscles and fighting into it. Whatsoever, he is impressive. But so are the others. It´s well cast and Disney+ apparently didn't skimp on anything...
For me personally, gang stories like this one aren't really my first choice. Too much crude violence, too much highly concentrated testosterone... "Worst of Evil" is no exception. Sharp blades and baseball bats are in high demand, especially in the first half. Nicotine seemingly acts as nutrition and even the fanciest suits can't hide the fact that a lot of blood is being shed unscrupulously...

Nonetheless.
“Worst of Evil” features complex characters and highly explosive relationship dynamics that is touching, gripping and, more importantly, provides emotional substance, too.
Eventually, undercover operations are psychologically demanding. The boundaries between true and false identity are blurring. A solid compass for right and wrong can easily be lost. The reality of living the undercover life creates new truths in which even the 'false' identity becomes a ´true´ part of one's own life. Coming to terms with this obviously is not easy. The return to the old life as it was before, even less so. In the case of "Worst of Evil", these internal and external conflicts of our undercover investigator become even more difficult by the fact that his wife has a history with the gang boss that he knew nothing about. She, his wife, herself a police officer and officially not ´his´ wife in terms of the new undercover identity, is now drawn into current affairs in a way that the small special investigation team could not have foreseen.
Not to mention the fact that the drug cartels involves powerful partners, not only in South Korea, but also in China and Japan. At last, the homicide police also get involved in dealing with everyday gang activities and murder cases in Gangnam. None of those involved is squeamish whatsoever. So danger lingers everywhere. Not only fists and fights, but also intelligent, diplomatic solutions are required. High-end improvisation is on the agenda for our hero.

"Worst of Evil" is thrilling, stirring, gloomy and – despite all the blood that boils over and over again (and all the copious amounts that are spilled) – it has its soulful strings, too. It's about trust, loyalty, bromance, the relativity of 'right' and 'wrong', and ultimately the ethical question of which end justifies which means...

Is the story predictable? Well, I can't fully deny that. But in "Worst of Evil" the journey is clearly the destination - what the undercover special operation DOES with this once "mother-in-law's favorite" and how he comes to terms with it. In addition, his counterpart, the self-proclaimed, brash, brilliant gang leader, is also quite interesting. With his vita, his goals and desires, he doesn't really fit into the usual cliché and thus brings additional dynamism. In addition, several other characters in the cartel (and police) environment impress with strong profiles, too.

As I said, I was pleasantly surprised. "Worst of Evil" had me. It's pretty well made all around and has actually more to offer than just ruthless gangs and action. (Nevertheless, be prepared, it still is about the milieu of ruthless gangs...)

Leggi di Più

This is a hard review for me. I love the writer and I love love love Lee Jong Suk. For me, he's an actor who has a knack for good roles and the talent to pull off those roles. He's my favorite! So it wasn't until yesterday, after much introspection, I admitted to myself that maybe I did not enjoy this drama as much as I wanted to (god, I wanted to). And as soon as I let that buried feeling out, the reasons came pouring down on me.

1. The Plot - What I loved about Park Hye Run's writing (particularly in Pinocchio and I Hear Your Voice) was that she knew what to say and when to say it. With Korean dramas, things can get messy and all over the place, particularly when dealing with themes of past and present. She did a fab job tying lose ends before, but in WYWS the story was all over the place. The back-and-forth of the story was really messy and the "past" didn't have the impact it intended. It reminded me of Kill Me Heal Me (another amazing drama with painful back-flashes). I loved how original her idea was but it wasn't articulated properly.

2. Suzy - I have always felt Suzy has potential to be a decent actress but so far, everything she has done has been problematic to me. I don't know if anyone else feels this way but I have spent some time thinking why I don't feel affected by her. It's not bad acting but it's the "cutesy" act. For some reason, Suzy's acting comes off as a half-hearted cutesy attempt. Instead of improving her acting, she focuses more on being pretty and sounding cute. When she acts, it feels like we're supposed to bow down to her beauty or something. And it hinders my experience because, instead of empathizing with her character, I end up feeling envious or annoyed. She has a hard time evoking that feeling of human-connection and understanding in me.

3. Lee Jong Suk - My two points are self-contradictory here. Firstly, I feel Lee Jong Suk is being typecast as this perfect character. In every drama, he practically plays the same guy in  different professional fields and having different life stories. Secondly, he did try to do something new in this drama  by pulling a Jang Hye Jung. He's literally the male version of Lee Bo Young's iconic character in I Hear Your Voice here. But sadly, he does not pull it off convincingly. So basically, he did try something new but it didn't work out well. But he really needs to keep experimenting more. I know he can pull it off and show more variety!

The chemistry was sadly lacking between the main couple. I don't know whose fault it is, but my disappointment was palpable while watching the whole drama. I was waiting for that "click" moment but they never seemed to click. At least not for me.

The rest of the cast was relatively better. I loved Woo Tak and the people in Jae Chan's office. The cases were interesting but not enough. The last case was the best out of the lot and the saving grace for me! Overall, I loved the idea but I wish they had built upon it some more and the lead pair had more chemistry.

Leggi di Più

The first in this year's HIStory series, Trapped, is sexy and sweet and fun as a romance but struggles as an action drama.

Meng Shao Fei (Jake Hsu) is a cop who has spent the last four years chasing gangster Tang Yi (Chris Wu). Tang Yi is trying to go straight to fulfil his late mentor/ father figure’s wishes. While he seems to be in charge of his organisation, there are rumours that not everybody is happy. However, Meng Shao Fei doesn’t seem that interested in Tang Yi’s criminal activities: he mostly wants to know what happened during an incident four years previously when his Sunbae was killed. After playing a cat and mouse game for four years, Meng Shao Fei and Tang Yi are probably too aware of each other for their own good. So when fate throws them together a few times, sparks fly.

As a BL premise, this a pretty good one. Meng Shao Fei’s dogged – almost obsessive – pursuit of Tang Yi translates pretty well as an analogy for a romantic pursuit. Whether Shao Fei wants justice, the truth, or Tang Yi’s hot bod is something even he seems confused about from early on. It shows a laudable kind of emotional honesty that, when Shao Fei finally realises his feelings, he pursues them with the same persistence with which he pursued the original case. He will get his man, it seems, even if he’s been in denial as to what he wants him for. After all, he’s a cop and Tang Yi is a gangster.

And therein, unfortunately, lies the show's problem. The writers simply don't understand the action genre and are not capable of grappling with the ethical issues at the heart of this relationship. From the beginning, the characters seem to be pasted in from a different show; one where cops are adorable and incompetent and nobody cares that one of them has completely compromised all their unit's ongoing investigations. The action elements are not used well or written well and the writers clearly struggle with a genre they don't know how to write.

It says something about the HIStory series that I stayed shipping the main couple even as it became clear that their relationship would not work (in the real world, this of course is a clear fiction). There is a lot of chemistry here - so much so the writers copped an unfortunate amount of flak over skipping a scene where that chemistry... culminated (and then quickly threw their audience a bone - literally as it turns out).

I can admire the writers' ambition as they try to write a much-longer series in a genre they're unfamiliar with. But, unfortunately, their execution has failed to match that ambition even if the series still produces consistently-good BL stories that are far above anything else on offer today.

By all means watch and enjoy but temper your expectations about the show's plotting. It does fall short.

Watch it for the romance instead.

Leggi di Più

Some programmer friends recommended me to watch this drama. In turn, I recommend this drama to my other programmer friends. I myself am a programmer.

Finished watching the drama (twice!), I really enjoyed how it depicts start-up world in relatively good accuracy:
- started up at plain uncomfortable loft
- having full support by family members and close friends at first, and getting their doubts as time goes by
- focused on technical aspects instead of business calculations
- having little taste of design ("retro" business card!)
- easily challenged when there's technical problems to solve

The drama maintained the story pace successfully. It introduced main characters and their personal conflicts early and smoothly. I didn't remember moments when I got bored watching the drama.

Each character personal conflicts are well told. There are motives for each character decisions and actions, even for HJP indecisiveness regarding his affection to SDM.

The actors played well. I really like the elevator scene, the actors were using body language very well. Conversation between HJP and KYS (as the new CEO) was also interesting, portraying how their characters developed.

I will miss those Sam-san Tech guys.

Leggi di Più

So many people were excited about Yong Pal. I mean Joo Won was in a new drama! The amazing Joo Won! And even Kim Tae Hee was making a comeback, the most beautiful actress claimed by netizens. But even those two couldn't save the drama in the end. I'm quite disappointed about how the quality of Yong Pal just suddenly dropped after the second episode. This drama would have been most definitely been a 10/10 drama if that quality remained the same. Also, when I watch a medical drama, I want it to remain a medical drama throughout. And I gave up all hope of that happening even before the half way point was reached.

The story was all over the place. It started off exciting and I loved the thrill, but as soon as Han Yeo Jin became a part of Kim Tae Hyun's life, it started to drop from there onward. I watch medical dramas for the medical stuff (e.g. surgeries, transplants, medical dilemmas, etc.), but we only ever got the occasional one after the fourth episode. I hated how this become a soppy love story between the money-loving surgeon and the suicidal, rich chaebol's daughter. Not only was it really cringy to watch, I felt like that Tae Hyun was the only one who cared for their relationship. Yeo Jin only saw it as something to rely on when her plans failed, and she even put her revenge over Tae Hyun himself. That's not how a love story should be portrayed and I never want to see something like that done again. Also, too many political scenes.

A lot of people I know exclaim how much they love Joo Won and Kim Tae Hee as actors, and I can certainly understand for Joo Won, but not Kim Tae Hee. Her acting wasn't all that well done in my opinion, and I believe she made no more than three facial expressions. Although she did fit well with her character, her acting still can't be accepted for the way it was done. Anyway, Joo Won was so lovely to watch and I am most definitely watching some of his older dramas now.

Hmm, I can't say I enjoyed many of the quiet, relaxed soundtracks that Yong Pal gave to us, but I most certainly loved listening to Come To Me by K. Will. His voice is so beautiful to listen to, and he definitely makes up for the rest of the album. Oh, but I did also really like the action soundtracks. They were so exhilarating to listen to, even if the scene that accompanied it was boring as could be.

Would I want to re-watch Yong Pal again if I was given some free time? No.

Overall, the writers of Yong Pal should be glad that I even gave it a 7 out of 10. If it wasn't for Joo Won and most of the other actors, and the soundtracks, this drama would have definitely been a lower rating.

Leggi di Più

Watched 2 episodes, and so far, I really like it.
When Xiao Wuyi killed off those officials with that cold gaze and wearing that sinister smile with blood smeared all over his face, got instant chills! Hou Minghao nailed that murderous aura.
Waiting to see how the plot develops next!
Will update this review after finishing all episodes.
Edit: Completed all episodes. Superb acting by Hou Minghao and Aimi. Each nailed their roles perfectly!! The plot, the characters, the storyline, the visuals, kept me hooked throughout the drama. And of course the OSTs, each one carried a perfect feeling conveying the characters emotions. Thanks to all the cast and crew team for bringing us such an amazing drama. One of the best dramas I've watched this year, totally recommended watching it!!

Leggi di Più

Where do I begin...

I have been anticipating this drama since it's announcement, and even more after watching Goblin, my first Kim Eun Sook drama, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, my first Lee Min Ho drama. Waiting months and months for this drama, I can say that I was not disappointed. I got excited every time something related to The King was released before the premier. When the teaser came out, I was so excited that a drama I have waited months for was almost premiering. When the drama premiered, I skipped one of my classes just to watch it, and I do not regret that! I watched the first episode twice because I was so excited and happy. I was not disappointed at all.

Romance fantasy is no doubt my favorite drama genre. With a historical touch, The King is definitely a memorable and amazing drama to me. I already loved Kim Eun Sook's writing style, but after watching The King, I ended up loving it even more.

Now, the things I loved about this drama:

Plot:
Despite it not being exactly like the original synopsis, I loved the plot of this drama. A parallel universe is already a complicated topic to master, and adding time travel to it no doubt made it more hard. Despite this, I think Kim Eun Sook does an excellent job tackling both subjects in one drama. I also surprisingly liked the flow of the drama. I didn't mind the slow movement of the plot at first since I think it connects perfectly well to the story. The reason the first few episodes are slow might be because it represents the story, how everything slowly unfolds. The first few episodes are the the stepping stones to the drama. Things start progressing faster as Lee Gon realizes more and more. If Lee Lim and Lee Gon's first interaction was before half way point, I believe I would find it a bit rushed. Personally, I rather have a slow half then a rushed half.

Romance:
For me, the romance was not rushed. I think the romance worked really well. Both Gon and Tae Eul are from different worlds, two worlds where time flows differently between them. I think the romance was built up perfectly and I loved how time played a big part in their romance as well. I felt their connection and how much they cared for each other. I didn't mind each emotional reunion, since it came after not seeing each other for a long time, since, as I mentioned, time flows differently between the two worlds.

Characters:
Every character was so interesting and the actors did such an amazing job portraying them. I loved how many actors portrayed different characters from both worlds. Lee Min Ho's portrayal as a king was done so well, and Kim Go Eun's portrayal as a fierce police officer was perfect as well. As many could agree, Jo Yeong and Jo Eun Seop definitely stole just about every scene they were in. Both Yeong and Eun Seop were amazing characters that I thank Kim Eun Sook so much for creating. If Woo Doo Hwan doesn't win best supporting actor then I don't know who will! I loved Yeong's bromance with Lee Gon, and every Yeong and Eun Seop interaction was priceless. Another character I want to talk about is Kim Yong Ji's characters, Myung Na Ri and Myung Seung Ah. Despite only being supporting characters, I loved every scene both Na Ri and Seung Ah appeared in, and even wish they appeared more. Kim Yong Ji's and Woo Do Hwan chemistry was amazing, I need to see these two as leads in their own drama!

Other:
The cinematography was flawless. Every episode was filled with beautiful scenes that I could not take my eyes off. I also loved the references to her previous drama's, such as Goblin and Mr. Sunshine.

Final thoughts:
The biggest key to this drama is the details. There are details hidden in every episode, which I love so much. You're not stupid if you don't get the details, it's perfectly fine if you didn't. This is why I wouldn't recommend this drama if you can't pay attention. If you watch to kill time, but don't want to pay close attention, then this drama might not be for you. So much stuff happens that it will be hard to keep track if you don't focus. That being said, I do think anyone interested in watching should definitely give it a try. I also recommend watching a few episodes a day or at least one a day. Since there are so many details to absorb, I think watching at once is the best option.

I wouldn't change the cast. I wouldn't change the script. I would add more time per episode or more episodes though. Although Kim Eun Sook managed with 16 episodes and keeping just about the same, 72 minute time. I believe more time would have made it better. I am really thankful to Kim Eun Sook for creating another masterpiece. I hope she continues to write amazing drama's in the future. Truly, in my opinion, the best Korean drama screenwriter.

No doubt my favorite drama of this year, and one of my favorite drama's of all time.

Leggi di Più

Messy at First, But Trust Me, It Gets Better

I went into this drama with mixed feelings, because let’s be honest, superhero comedy is not exactly a genre K-dramas have a good track record with. But I decided to push through because it’s from Extreme Job writer and Dr. Romantic director. And surprisingly, the drama slowly won me over.

The first few episodes did not fully convince me, the pacing is draggy and the character writing occasionally leaned too much into caricature territory. The humor felt a little too chaotic at first and the trio’s antics might honestly be too loud and messy for some viewers. I genuinely dropped my rating for the story by two whole points because of how exhausting the characters initially felt. But the saving grace was honestly Cha Eun Woo’s deadpan and exasperated reactions toward them. His expressions were so relatable to what I felt that it made me realize the trio was intentionally written to feel overwhelming and chaotic at first. Looking back now, it’s obvious those earlier episodes were important for setting up the worldbuilding and emotional foundations of the story.

And once the drama starts picking up by the end of episode 3, it genuinely becomes difficult to stop watching.

The emotional stakes get stronger, the character dynamics start clicking naturally, and the trio slowly becomes oddly lovable in their own messy ways. No one here feels completely one-dimensional, not even the villains, and that is largely thanks to the actors carrying the material with passion and sincerity. I really have to give credit to director Yoo In Sik because the direction is genuinely excellent. The blend between emotional moments and absurd comedy is handled so smoothly that the drama never feels overwhelmingly heavy despite touching on darker themes. It understands exactly what kind of show it wants to be: chaotic, emotional, stupid, ridiculous, but ultimately warm-hearted.

Acting-wise, I think the writing initially did Park Eun Bin’s character a disservice because her portrayal feels almost too exaggerated in the beginning. But once you settle into the drama’s tone and genre conventions, her performance becomes incredibly endearing. As expected from a Daesang-winning actress.

But the biggest surprise to me was Cha Eun Woo.

For the first time, I genuinely felt both the restraint and ease in his performance that I’ve never fully seen from him before. In his previous works, there was always this visible tension in the way he delivered emotions. But here, he finally breathes out, his reactions feel seamless and natural. What surprised me even more was how emotionally important his character became. Somehow, the story slowly turns into something very Cha Eun Woo-centric emotionally, and honestly, HE PULLED IT OFF. His arc became the emotional anchor of the series, especially toward the ending of episode 5 and throughout episode 6. HIS PERFORMANCE GENUINELY CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD. I can now honestly say that he has become a really good actor. It also helps that he’s really nice to look at too and it genuinely cracks me up every time he gets beaten up by Park Eun Bin.

Special mention also goes to Kim Hae Sook and Son Hyun Joo because veterans will always remain veterans, though I do think the drama underutilized them slightly. And the actresses playing the villains were absolutely fantastic too. It’s obvious the production team took the casting seriously because there’s genuinely not a single acting hole in this cast.

As for my favorite scenes for the whole series, I have to hand it to Choi Dae Hoon “The Shining” parody and the giant inflatable onion mascot sequence. His comedic timing is genuinely incredible.

Overall, despite its messy start, this drama eventually grows into a surprisingly heartfelt, funny, and emotionally engaging watch. It asks viewers to be patient during its earlier episodes, but once it finds its footing, it becomes RIDICULOUSLY charming.

Highly recommended. Would definitely rewatch.

Leggi di Più

Sometimes really frustrating

There's few things that i would like to address. In the beginning the main leads relationship was amazing. The teasing, tension, chemistry was great.
But the constant lies and deception make me bored, there's no REAL progress because while Ji Bozai already did everything even sacrifice his life for her, Ming Yi on the other hand keep lying, afraid and just crying looking at him while he got divine punishment in front of her eyes. And from there they keep this cycle of breaking up - lying - noble idiocy (sacrifice) - making up again. Even 2nd couple Princess Tianji and Xiao Yan relationship was so much better in the first half, they were angsty, painful, full of yearning and betrayal but got boring so fast when they start getting together.

For immortals and fairy i notice they didn't use their power that much, or is it just me?. For a supposed to be xianxia drama, they rarely fight something and use their power. ML and FL is supposed to be one of the greatest warrior but they're quite easy to defeat for some reason.

The final villain isn't that great either. We know his struggle and painful life but it's hard to sympathize with him because he keep being so delusional until the end. It's like the build up for the final villain isn't that amazing or powerful. The first antagonist was a better villain.

Leggi di Più

I finished The Crown Princess today at 1.30 AM 25/6/18 and decided to write a review for this lakorn as there are many thoughts inside my head waiting to be expressed because if not , I'll die unhappily ( :P) So here we go.. my thoughts upon finishing TCP..

Plus points for me :-

1) Because this has Nadech and Yaya as MC. I'm actually a Yadech's shipper since Game Rai Game Rak (2011) and TCP was my forth lakorn of them. To say the truth, my feeling is not going as strong as before. Maybe because I already got used of seeing Yadech always being paired up together in lakorns. You know.. the feel it's like when you listen to a song for the first time and you fall so in love with it. The song become so special and precious to you..but the moment you start put it on repeat , after dozens time you kinda get tired of it and the song is'nt special anymore. But if you hear the song anywhere in the public, all the old feelings will emerge again and you realize, this song albeit it is not special anymore but you still hold it dearly in your heart. That song is Yadech to me.. >.< I know that Yaya and Nadech are a very close friend in reality and many wish they're dating but who knows..they might really be in the future seeing how they acts toward each other in many clips I've seen of them. (Shout out to all Yadech's shipper out there : Guys, please don't lose hope :p )

2) Great acting, good chemistry of our MC .. So, as always, like in her previous lakorns (worth to mention: Klueen Cheewit!) , Yaya's acting also was exceptional here. This actress really can bring each of her characters to life. She carries Princess Alice Madeleine Theresa Phillips like the character was her all along. I love her character the most . She potrayed a kick-ass crown princess, cold from the outside but very warm inside, knews when she need to fight her enemies upfront and knews when she need to give in. The moment she find her true love yeah it was tragic because she found it on commoner , she did'nt hide or denied it but accepted it and tried to make her love come true. One thing that grated my nerves was writer made her character clumsy with her scenes tripped over the ground or something so many times and that of course will get our ML rushing over and helps her again and again. That trait was contradictory with her strong and kick ass character. Whereas Nadech as Lieutenant Commander Davin Samuthyakorn was perfect. He's sexy and damn good looking. I could stare at his face and admire his beautiful face while wondering why God made him so perfect both infront and behind camera :P. I also have issues with his character, Davin has a god level of self- restraint and a bit reserved when it came to love. I just wish writer made his character loosen up a bit and show him give in more to his feeling and brave enough to express and fight for his love . Yup, I got that he is a soldier but showing your real emotions doesn't make you less soldier than other. It will only make him more human.

3) Great acting and the backstory of the villains. I wont talk about this much because it might spoil who have'nt watch it yet. I love the twist that revealed who is our main villain because I did'nt expect it at all O.O But when I think back, it made sense. Meanwhile , speaking about the villain number 2 , Hadaeth. Strangely I did'nt hate him for all the cruel things he did. I just pity his character much. ( Okay.....I'm shocked. I just find out that Hadaeth was being played by 2 actors , Peter Corp and the other one is Jason Young. I did'nt even catch the differences while watching and thought it was Peter Corp all along. Duhh)

4) Exquisite royal attires and other characters costumes. I especially in love with Princess Alice wardrobe choice.Yaya is already pretty and to add beautiful attires on top of that, she looks angelic here. I also favoured most of Nadech attires except his light brown color uniform because it look too tight and uncomfortable on Nadech. Prince Alan wardrobe also great , I loved the royal black uniform in his last scene the most.

5) Great action scenes. Those were of high class. If romance-action genre is your forte, give this lakorn a go.

6) Good OST. I loved the ending theme song more than the opening song.

7) All those countless picturesque views where the lakorn was filmed. The waterfall views in the island where our MC met for the second times. The mountain with the tribe where our MC seek refuge in Thailand. The mountain where our MC in a journey to find Prince Alan. The massive castles with all its ornament in Hrysos. They're all a real treat to the eyes. The scenes were beautifully shot and are postcard worthy. While watching, many time I'm busy awing at the beautiful scene behind than caring about what the act was .

Minus points for me :-

1) The lack of romance. TCP made up with 50% of action, 40 % of family drama and ONLY 10 % of romance. I'm quite reluctant to say it was romance because all we got was a careful and calculating romance. For this, I'm so mad at the producer, the director and the writer because they're so stingy with it..the kiss scenes except the one at the finale were unsatisfying too . It was so unfair they could'nt give us even 1 hour full of romance between our MC considering this lakorn got I hour and 50 mins long for each episode and if I convert this lakorn into 1 hour format ,this have 22 episodes..such a long hour but so little romance..whyyy :((


2) The storyline. I could'nt pinpoint what exactly was lacking but what I know is ,it lacked the 'X' factor that will make the viewer go crazy over it. The story is just good enough and not that addicting. I felt bored at ep 4 and 5 because it was slow.



So , overally this is a very good lakorn watch this if you're a Yadech fan and love action-drama-romance genre. Thanks for reading!

Leggi di Più