Reviews

THE STALKER DOWNSTAIRS

But for real though, Cir needs therapy not a boyfriend, cuz this man has a master's degree in stalking and graduated with honours in lying. Still, did y’all see that CAKE?? Lord, have mercy. Anyway, cake aside, what in all things confusing was 85% of this drama? Is that fine delulu stalker from a parallel universe or not?

Now, before we get into the review, let’s put the confusing plot, characters and the drama itself aside for a moment and talk about that CAKE… I meant, Cir, and kissing. The chemistry in this drama between the leads was insane, though, I’m still laughing at that scene in ep6 when Phu pulled down those pants and went into shock. LMAO, what did that poor boy see with his eyeballs? Anyway, the CAKE, I mean Cir, makes kissing look like an art form. That stalker needs to give classes on kissing to some people. I don’t know who, but some… oh, who am I kidding, I already have a list of who:

PEOPLE WHO NEEDS TO ATTEND CIR’S KISSING CLASSES.
1. Who: PEEM. Drama: We Are. REASON: Y’all saw him kiss Phum at the beach right? Poor Phum would have had a better time making out with that canoe beside them instead.
2. Who: STYLE. Drama: The Heart Killers. REASON: I’m sure his twins Daonuea and Zo would agree with me, that you need to open your mouth to call it kissing, otherwise what’s the point?
3. Who: KONGTHAP. Drama: My Love Mix-Up! REASON: Boy was giving Atom nothing, and Atom was trying very hard.
4. Who: SAINT & SHIN: Drama: High School Frenemy: REASON: They gave us nothing, literally, nothing. Their faces and lips didn’t even touch, not once. Boooo, out there using the excuse of bromance. Talking 'bout we're just friends. Booooo.

That being said, imma also need either Joke, Bison, Joe or Third to teach Cir how to cry beautifully cuz… damn fam, he’s crying during that scene when he returned from the parallel world, and it’s all sad and I feel for him, sure the CAKE was like right there too, but for once it’s not the focus cuz my thoughts went: ‘damn, is that the crying we going with?’ Brotha, why?

Also, is every lead character allergic to the rain? Why these people out there acting like they’d die or melt if they get wet? Let us be serious in this life peoples! It’s just water, you will not die. Cir rushed in there, CAKE and all, wet himself, like Phu was seconds away from dying and if he didn’t bring him that umbrella he’d turn into the wicked witch and melt! Dude—W-A-T-E-R! Or am I just bitter no one brings me an umbrella? Whatever, it’s still h2o.

Anyway, not gonna lie, it took me days to watch the first episode of this drama, cuz it was so dull and boring it put me to sleep each time I tried. I read the novel, I knew what was happening, still, five minutes in and I was counting CAKE, sheep. It took about 3-4 episodes before I got into the rhythm.

First off, to me, this is genuinely the most interesting Me Mindy drama I’d ever watched, and that’s saying something cuz we got what we got here, lots of stuff, confusion and no glue to hold it all together. Even so, the premise was interesting, super confusing and lacked substances, yes, but interesting nonetheless. And apart from that we got a decent acting from Boss who’ve improved sooooo much. Applauds, dude, you did a good job with this CAKE, mhm, sorry, this character.

Listen, I read the novel before this aired, and like many of you was super disappointed when the conclusion was that Cir was a stalker this whole time. Immediately, I wanted to throw my tablet away cuz dafug? I’ve been rooting for a delulu stalker this whole time, and I’m supposed to be happy he got his happy ending? Nah fam, get that boy some help, don’t make him come add his trauma on top of Phu’s own. But—but, I was still happy they at least found each other, healing together and whatnot.

PLOT:
Interesting premise, but as mentioned, confusing, and they could have done so much more with the execution and the characters. All the back and forth of whether Cir was from parallel universe or not, only for episode 8 to say yes, and then episode 9 to completely undo it like: 'nope, he’s just a CAKE...mhm, sorry, a stalker. Like, pick a lane drama, what are you trying to sell me?

Side note: why the hell did Cir keep that book with pictures and evidence of his stalking? Child, at least be professional and hide it under the bed or something like a proper creep. It was like he wanted to get caught. And as for Phu, all those years and you telling me he didn't notice him once?? Literally, he was everywhere, close, stalking you. Come on child!

For anyone who is still confused, let me try and confuse you some more by explaining the plot how I understood it:
—The parallel universe thing is as real as that CAKE. When Cir got hurt in ep1 trying to stop those thieves from stealing Phukan’s car, his soul was exchanged with one of the Cirs', or at least he went to that white room where he saw the lives of the other CAKES, hmm, Cirs with their Phukans. He saw a similar universe to his own, where instead of not answering that cup telephone in his universe, in that universe he did. So, when he woke up, thinking it was only a dream, cuz he wished he’d answered that cup call, his lying arse was like, ‘damn son, I almost died, and I still don’t have this boy I’ve been stalking since high school, so let me rush over there and tell him I’m from another universe'. Either that or he was still high on the dream , or that CAKE he’s carrying around made him tired and he actually thought everything he saw in the parallel universe was his real life that's why he rushed over to Phu, but by the time he came to his senses it was too late, Phu already believed him, and he was closer to his heart desire now and didn’t want to loose him. So then, the lying games begun.

So yeah, parallel universes exists, the CAKE is real too, and Cir just thinks they are his dream cuz it’s the lie he told Phu and he thinks it's why he’s dreaming about it. Cuz the P’Payu looking Cir did not have a scar and stalker Cir had a scar, so there must be a parallel universe, right? or at least some soul/body changing stuff going on. Plus I think in the finale they eluded to Cir himself knowing/believing the parallel universes exists.

Anyway, that’s what I understood from both the drama and the novel, and it make sense in my head, so yaay for me. Also, I was happy the writers decided to give us more indepth-ish explanation of the parallel universe than we got in the book, cuz it helped explained a thing or two. Another difference between the novel and the drama is, the novel was sadly devoid of any CAKE. For shame.

CHARACTERS
I liked Cir and Phu together when all is said and done, cuz they needed each. After the truth came out, they realised they were the light in each other's lives. Yes, Cir was a lying stalker with trauma the size of the iceberg that sunk the titanic, but underneath it all he was a caring boyfriend. I’m not excusing his behavior, just stating facts, cuz when he did get Phu he treated him right, like he was the most precious thing in the world, which he was, to him.

Still, Cir was a stalker. Yes, he was handsome and had CAKE, but what we won’t do is excuse his actions. He did stalk Phu for years, asked about where he'd attend uni, and even moved into the same building as him. Like?? and how the eff did he know about Phu's private stuffs and the passcode and whatnot? This dude manipulated Phu into thinking they were together by knowing so many private things about him, and some of y’all don’t find that alarming? Sure Cir was scared of what his crazy mother would do if he went after Phu, still, he didn’t need to turn into a professional stalker. Plus even when he pretended to be from a parallel universe so they could be together, the mother still tried to have people ran Phu over with a car, so…?

Phukan on the other hand was very demure to the point of naivety and needed to be slapped with a rubber chicken a few times, cuz who would even believe that parallel universe nonsense? But then again, if that CAKE, I mean, Cir, had shown up on my doorsteps soaking wet and saying we were dating, heck I’d have done the same. I’d have been like: ‘Yep, I super remember. You're my boyfriend. You went out to get me bread and didn’t come back. I thought yous was dead, glad you aint though, welcome back baby boo.’

When all is said and done, they both needed each other. Phu is alone, his mommy gone cuz she couldn’t handle the father’s death. Cir is whatever he is now cuz his mother is a psycho and his father is whatever. Together I’m sure after all the trust have been rebuilt, they’d healed each other and be amazing together. Acting wise Boss improved from what I saw in LITA. Noeul... well, there’s always the next drama. But when it comes to chemistry, hands down these two are one of the best in the bl world. WOW.

Secondary Characters:
I liked Jin and Wim, so straight to the point, refreshing. Though that mind reading powers did Jin so dirty when he needed it. I’d watch a whole drama with them if they give us one. They could have done more with Jin though, he just smiled and stared at people and that was it. What a waste of an interesting power. I'm glad they had their happy ending, though in the finale when Wim was confessing with all that mmms and his back to Jin, I was like, 'Well, congratulations Jin, I guess you're now dating the back of his head.' LMAO, I get he was shy, but it made me laugh. Also, Wim was a good friend to Cir.

The two girls were very protective of Cir, but like, a bit chilling please. Then again Cir was so naive, like you’re in uni, you’ve been letting Cir and his CAKE do stuff to you, start acting your age so your friends don't treat you like a child who needs protecting all the time.

Achi, dude was self obsessed and so dumb, then again a beautiful girl was involved, which brings me to the wannabe fiancée. I am sorry, but if I looked like a tall beautiful goddess like she did, I would definitely, 100% not be chasing after any person. Sure the CAKE was a plus when it came to Cir, but like, to look like that and have people labeling you crazy cuz of some dude who don’t even want you is next level sad and pathetic. And Cir's mother... that woman needs jail or rewiring. Cir's parents were the worse. Not his brother though, he's the best. Saw Ozone and went... 'Omg X, what you doing here? Is Namping still dead?' nooo Nampinggggggg :(((.

One thing this drama did very well was their soundtrack. Already the title truck was so dope, I didn't skip it once, loved the way Boss started it, and how Noeul came in. Loved it. That 'Shiver' song in ep5 while Cir did that thing with his mouth and the CAKE was like right in our faces... well, it's been on repeat, the song I mean. Thanks for the song rec drama, though having to remember Cirs work and Phu's reaction each time it plays is...? And what did Cir do in that bathroom after that scene? You know what, am too innocent, don't tell me.

FINALE:
I went into the finale with a list of questions waiting for answers, so I jumped when Jin was like:
Jin: Oh, I can read minds, so I know Cir wasn't lying to Phu.
ME: OMG, really? then explain it to us, slowly, in baby language!
JIN: So 20 something years ago, I was born... *insert him telling us his life story.*
ME: Oh no, so sad. Real sad for you. *Me on the inside* DUDE JUST TELL ME WHY ALREADY THIS AINT ABOUT YOU.
JIN: *Proceed to talk about his feelings and tries to get himself a boyfriend*
ME: OMG, FIND LOVE ON YOUR ON TIME SHARON. Peoples, we only have an hour and we've wasted half on Phu's brooding!

Of course, the biggest question of the finale was if Phu would forgive Cir. So during the video, when Cir said he knew Phu might think he's a disgusting psycho, which well... and he was explaining stuff, I felt bad for Cir. Yes, he's hurt, but it's by his own actions so, do the crime, do the time. Still, I was all emotional and feeling sad for him and going 'Come on Phu, forgive the stalker, he loves you so much, get that CAKE,' then this dude, start's singing/crying. And normally I'd cringe, laugh and skip like I did that first time he sang to Phu, but he was just so sad and pathetic, it would have been cruel to laugh, so I just sat through the whole thing with confused emotions. The whole scene was just so awkwardly...sad, both in an emotionally and 'I'm judging you-ing-ly' way.

But of course, as it is with these dramas, after the video, boom, Phu forgives him, and even end up saying he's sorry. Oh love, love, love, love, how I wish I could throw rocks in your eyeballs. This boy, later was even asking about all the ways Cir stalked him, and smiling like...child??? Love is indeed blind, or dumb as eff depending on how you look at it. I'm not saying anything, but I'm sure the CAKE made Phu's decision to forgive him a little bit easier.

And that Mother calling her children properties. Some people don't deserve a family. And although I saw it coming, watching Cir leave his brother in his place to their psychotic mother was wild. Homeboy left with Phu, and while Phu was getting his back blown against the wall, I was like... so you're just gonna throw your brother to the defected wolf like that, huh? No effs were given by them, whatsoever.

Anyway, everything ended happily for our two pairs. Well, Ozone's stuck with that mother. Someone better check on him, he might be out there stalking someone too to stay sane. Oh, and we also got to see a glimpse of the next world with the P'Payu looking Cir, so I'm guessing there might be more coming our way.

Overall, this was a decent show, some confusing things we’d never get answers to, some cringy acting we’ve learned to accept, very good chemistry between the leads and an interesting premise, but that was about it. It felt rushed towards the end, and many things could have been done differently or explained better, but overall, it was an enjoyable show. Stay with it, even if like me, in the beginning, you find it boring, it is, but it gets better. I’ll recommend it to bl lovers, cuz it’s worth at least a watch.

I’m looking forward to BossNoeul’s next drama, I'm sure it would be as interesting as this CAKE, I meant, premise... oh who am I kidding, y'all saw that CAKE too right? Like, it was right there, in every scene and... you know what, nevermind, let's leave it as it is. CAKE.

Leia Mais

May This Level of Love Never Locate Me

SU HYEON is dumb as rocks. No really, he’s a stupid-head. Knowledge was chasing this fool but he was faster. Cuz what the eff you mean you made a contract with some dude that forbid you from dating the guy you’re in love with, who btw likes you back?? Make it make sense Sharon. Then this doo-doo head honoured the contract for 11 years. Eleven effing years!!! Like?? WHY Bob? WHY? I legit thought he was gonna be a smart villain cuz dude showed up in ep1 already mad like the audience owed him money, with anger issues the size of Antarctica, only for him to be two feathers short of becoming a chicken nugget.

Anywho, what do you think happens when a psychotic professor, a bad-tempered rich boss and a persistent, loving co-worker falls in love with a hard working and charming boy-next-door fella? TOXIC CHAOS. There’s stabbing, manipulation, horror movies, attempted murder, abuse, threats, stupidity, kidnapping, forced marriage, did I mention the bread knife? Oh and a very cute photo booth date. This drama was an absolute, complete and utter shit-show, and I enjoyed every single moment of it. Let me explain.

SEONG HYEON is lovely, yes, but at what point does the embarrassment reach your ancestors and brings shame to you and your family's goat? That co-worker was so sad to look at, worrying, crying, begging and still Daon refused to date him and kept pushing him away. Even so, this dude kept coming back like a puppy playing fetch until he got stabbed and almost died. Susan, do you have a humiliation kink, is that it?

JAE MIN is a manipulative psycho and needs rewiring, yes. But he’s also a pathetic sore loser. Dude kept Daon on the hook for 11 years, only to lose him to a guy who wears couple outfit to work, and then for sympathy points, this loser went and stab himself with a bread knife. And of course when his arse was rejected, this mfker kidnapped Daon and forced a ring on his finger to marry him, then tried to burn himself and Daon alive so they could die together. His reason? He saw Daon first during break at school one Tuesday so he belongs to him. Bitch ass!

DA-ON. I mean what was the appeal? The poor-ness? He was like a lighthouse, attracting every boy in a five meter radius to him. No, really, why everyone and their mama wanted him? Sure he’s hard working, sweet doe eyes dude, knows how to ignore calls he don’t want to answer and stand up for himself-ish, but literally the only thing interesting about him was that he was a poor person who wore expensive cloths. Plus he was also sort of dumb with some of the decision he made. Or was it that his face gave off protect me vibes? What was it? He couldn’t possible be the only Mary Sue these dudes came across in that country.

Listen, the short end of the matter is, 3/4 of these people are crazy, dumb and psychotic. And the last one has a humiliation kick and seems to be immune to rejection, together they make one heck of a dramatic, enjoyable show, so you know me, I was sat. As always, I went into this show knowing nothing. In the first episode I was like, so love triangle got too boring huh? now we having a love square, alright sign me the eff up, I am ready for some drama. And drama I got.

Before we go further, 3 things...
Seong Hyeon = Puppy Co-Worker
Jaemin = Professor Psycho
Su Hyeon = Angry Director-nim

THINGS I LIKED:
- When Angry Director-nim punched Professor Psycho. Wished he'd have added four more during the finale.
- That sweet movie date and photo booth scene... so cute.
- Every time Puppy Co-Worker stood up for Daon.
- Every time Daon stood up for himself.
- When Daon rejected Angry Director-nim
- When Daon left Professor Psycho's arse at the hospital after he stabbed himself.
- When the ring Professor Psycho forced on Daon's finger didn't fit during that insane wedding/marriage. Dude wore white and everything. Psycho.
- When after Angry Director-nim apologised for everything he did to Daon, Daon didn't say one single word back to him and left. Yes, Daon did not owe him even a word or a second more of his life, my man left his arse immediately and I clapped.
- That one year gap between Puppy Co-Worker and Daon while he was in Dubai. Thank you for that, Daon needed some alone time from all three men to be with himself for a bit, and I think he might have gotten that in that year, which was good for him,

That being said, you know me, I've always got my rubber chicken ready to slap some folks, so, imma say it...

EVERYONE ON THIS SHOW HAD THE IQ OF AN UGLY POTATO
Yes everyone was crazy, toxic and giant red flags in their own way, we've established that, no need to get into it. instead, let's talk about the decisions they made that made me feel like they really really not smart enough for the Hunger Games. Cuz:

DAON:
- He allowed himself to be tossed around by Professor Psycho and Angry Director-nim for ELEVEN YEARS during their sick games. 11! Boy? Professor Psycho kept him on the hook and he seemed all too happy to be dangling there when we met him.
- Yes, Daon was poor and needed the money, but staying in a work where the boss constantly harass you is a choice, even if said job was your dream. Sure he stood up for himself, but really, all that hand pulling couldn't have been healthy. And at what point does the threats and angry outburst that leaves you injured become too much? Quit Sharon, quit. Find a new dream,
- And how the hell is him putting yourself up to be forcedly kissed the right choice to saving Puppy Co-Worker? I'm still going WTF at the kissing scene. Like? Sure he needed to get Angry Director-nim away from Puppy Co-Worker so he doesn’t crack his skull with a beer bottle, but what was the need for that effing kiss? They couldn't talk? What gives?
- Literally, Daon is an adult, he could have Communicated the situation with Angry Director-nim to Puppy Co-Worker and both could have come up with a solution, instead of trying to play some sort of unnecessary hero. That decision vex me pass.
- I get that Professor Psycho hid his claws very well, but why the eff did Daon rushed over to Professor Psycho’s house when he found out he’d been manipulating and hurting him this whole time? And that too ALONE? Child? I’d have changed my number and blocked him everywhere. Heck, I’d have moved to a different city, but no no, not our mary sue, he wanted face-to-face answers cuz he trusted the psycho, so he matched in there and almost got assaulted. Child use that coconut head of yours would you? This dude literally put your sister in the hospital like three seconds ago.
- I feel so sorry for Daon especially when he was ready to open up to Puppy Co-Worker and got shut down, but dude speak. Open your mouth and say your peace, the worse he can do is put his fingers in his ears or still ignore you after he hears it, but really, SPEAK.
- Letting himself get kidnap: Sure he didn't ask for it, but even me who didn't spend over 11 years with these dudes knew something like this was gonna happen. I wasn't even shocked he was kidnapped, though I was that it took that long for one of them to do it. Daon is too trusting and forgiven cuz I'd have told Professor Psycho to burn whatever he had for me instead of meeting him in that underground garage.
- Not seeing that none of these 3 boys deserved him. Like, dude, let them go and heal then start over. Edit: Alright, in the finale after the stabbing and telling him to go to Dubai at least Puppy Co-Worker earned his place by Daon's side.

PROFESSOR PSYCHO
- His first mistake was manipulating a dumb dude who was unstable and had a short temper, really did he think he could keep it up for forever? I'm shock Angry Director-nim didn't snitch like a day later.
- Dude had Daon to himself for eleven years and didn't make a move. Sure he said he didn't want to date him and then lose him if they broke up. Then what was the point of liking him at all? Like did he want to put Daon in a glass case and stare at him? How is you hiring people to get him drunk, take compromising pictures and then to hurt his sister something you do to the person you love? He wanted Daon to learn his place, and this was his way of punishing him, and then being the one to be there for him at the same time. The asylum is too good for him.
- And did he seriously think Daon would forgive and still like him after he learned everything and his answers to everything was 'Cuz I love you?' idiot.
- Trying to assault the man he claims to love right after shouting 'I love you.'
- Stabbing himself. Like? Who was that supposed to hurt? No really, what was the play here? Let us be serious in this life peoples. Then of course he had the audacity to blame Daon cuz apparently he'd done so much for him and he wasn't allowed to leave him. Child if you don't go sit down! And why the hell did the hospital let him go after that? Dude should have been in the psych ward.
- Thinking the audience a fool and saying he's given up Daon. LMAO, you is the devil, aint no way I'm believing that. I don't know who kidnapped Daon, but I won't be surprised one bit if it was him. Heck, I'd be surprised if it's not him. Edit: Was right, it was his crazy arse that kidnapped Daon. Loser.
- His reasons for all the bad things he did being because he saw Daon first. HAHAHA if that's how it works then someone owes me a man cuz I saw some of these people first. Then it turns out he didn't even met Daon first, it was Puppy Co-Worker, so I guess his reasoning was right... cuz Puppy Co-Worker did end up with Daon. Oh well, his arse is in jail so...

ANGRY DIRECTOR-NIM
- Sabotaging his own company because of the guy who didn't even want to breathe the same air as him. Again how was this the solution?
- Making that contract with Professor Psycho. Even if that psycho had something on him, it was still dumb as hell to say yes and then honour it for 11 years. 11!
- Pulling out a ring the night after forcefully kissing the boy who can't stand him. LMAO. Brotha go sit down.
- Again: Saying yes to that contract. He must have been feed stupid pills since elementary school, cuz ain't no way.
- Only punching Professor Psycho once and not shoving him out that nice window behind them. Wasted opportunity if you ask me.
- Using threats and violence to try and win Daon's love. Bish are you new to this whole love and romance nonsense?
- Whatever the hell deal he made with the mother.
- Trying to form another alliance with Professor Psycho. Like that 11 years contract wasn't enough? dumb as dirt that one.
- Again trying to ruin the reputation of his company for someone that didn't want him. He should have went to work on Professor Psycho when he got him away from the cops, few punches and slaps, what good did talking do?

PUPPY CO-WORKER
- Kept coming back to be hurt: He kept saying I just want to stay beside you, and then expected more. Sure they both knew that was his end game, but really after the 100 rejection dude should have taking a hint. At what point does the hand pulling stop being romantic?
- Tirelessly fighting to be together with Daon, a broken guy who clearly have emotional issues, family issues, trust issues and too much pride and didn't really accept help. Sometimes we need to forget love for a second and think about the end prize, cuz...
- Letting Daon go when the dude was finally ready to love him back. Yes, I understand the hickey was suggestive, but he waited all those time, and couldn't spare Daon like 3mins for him to explain? See nonsense. Watching himself be heart broken when he didn't have to vexed me. All he had to do was listen to what Daon had to say.
- Looking at it, Puppy Co-Worker might just be the smartest of the bunch, at least all he did wrong was humiliate himself by falling in love with an emotionally unstable cute co-worker, and got stabbed. At least he didn't waste 11 years of his life like those three fools. Plus in the end he got the guy, so...

PLOT:
The premise of this drama wasn’t anything new, we’ve seen plots of everyone being in love with that one special lead, so basic at best. What made this good was the execution. This drama was good at confusing us for a while. In the beginning I thought Professor Psycho was the knight in shining armor. Sure I knew he was cray-cray the moment he switched up and rejected Daon like he was a last week's meatloaf. Still, I thought he was the good guy and that love letter and gift was for him, but as it turned out, Daon had a thing for Angry Director-nim all along, was honestly shocked at that. The little reveals in this drama made it interesting and kept me watching. I enjoyed the plot cuz although it wasn’t new they added elements that entertained and held my interest every episode.

DAON NEEDS TO BE ALONE
Up until the finale of this show, I believed Daon needed to be alone. These three stressed him out so much, our boy was on those stairs at work having a panic attack, then he got kidnapped on one of the most important days of his life. None of these boys deserved him. Yes, we can argue about Puppy Co-Worker but think about it, isn't his constant persistent a problem of his own, his stressing our boy who have enough problems of his own out. He means well, but he needs to take a chill pill, like stop saying you want to just be by his side and then lowkey pressuring him. Edit: But in the finale they had me with the cake to the nose and the saving him by getting stabbed, and then I'll wait 100 years for you so go live your life scene. So I guess, if one person could end up with Daon, I'm glad it was Puppy Co-Worker .

No, I will not be shipping Daon and Angry Director-nim, Sure he was a fool and got himself manipulated by Professor Psycho and his mother, which made him hurt the boy he loved and then lost him, so yeah, poor loser, but his personality is not one to cheer for. He’s a giant red-flag and our poor Daon has been through enough, both with his family and Professor Psycho, so I won't come add this abusive dude to the list. Let us be serious in this life peoples! Sure in the finale he came to his senses, but after everything I am so very very glad he did not end up with Daon.

As for Professor Psycho, yeah, imma need him to take a drive off a cliff, dude is doing too much all in the name of love. That's not love, that's craziness, get professional help or like therapy. Or even better, join an asylum. Glad his crazy arse ended up in prison in the finale, he deserved it and so much more.

So yes, before the finale I thought Daon would be better off single, cuz what he had was not love. The manipulative psycho wasted 11 years of his life, the foolish angry boss caused him his first love, and the persistent love puppy needed to take a breather. To me, Daon needed time to himself until he truly learnt to trust again. He needed to find himself after the 11 years of mind-eff the two guys put him through. But after everything that happened in the finale, and that one year gap where he was apart from Puppy Co-Worker, I am okay he ended up with Puppy Co-Worker cuz they both deserves to be happy, but really, if he'd ended up alone, I wouldn't have complained either. Though I legit thought they were gonna surprised us by going off the predictable plot and killing Puppy Co-Worker, you know, give us something different, but no such luck. At least they happy, so yaay?

Overall, a very enjoyable drama, the best bl out of SK this year. Highly recommends to all bl lovers looking for some toxic drama with lots of headache, you won't be disappointed. One of my favs this year.

Anywho, I hope to see the cast in more work in the future.

Leia Mais

Strong First Strike, but Loses Its Footing in the Last Quarter

Watching this show was an emotional roller coaster ride: in the first three-quarters of the show, the cart climbed higher and higher until it could go no further, limited by the tracks that the writer had laid out for the machine. But then it started its descent, and for me, the train derailed before it reached the station.

It's clear to me that the writer knew exactly where she wanted to go and tried to careful craft a scenario to deliver her message about the elation and tribulations of first loves. For the first part of the show, I was totally engrossed with this plan. The story is told as a flashback of a little girl who read's her mother's diary, and like many other viewers, I was invested in the open question of who the identity of the girl's father - is he the main character of the mother's love story or he is not?! This was a question that kept everyone awake at night when this drama was airing. This was definitely an intentional effect as the series would intentionally omit clear references to the father, going so far as not to even show him on screen and to make dialog ambiguous so that you don't even know his name nor any hints towards his identity. Moreover, it seemed like every little detail of this Kdrama mattered -- it didn't matter if you forgot something, because boy, the writer sure remembered everything, and she often utilized these minutia to extreme emotional and dramatic effect. It was almost a masterpiece.

Almost. For me, the plot past episode 13 took a noticeable decrease in quality: characters started acting in ways that I thought were unearned - the fierce female lead that we had all come to know and love somehow became more passive and willing to give up -- this was a far cry from her "never give up attitude" that had led her to toil so hard to hone her fencing skill. The conscientious, sweet boy who put family and friends above all else suddenly became a workaholic -- he spent most of the first half of the story practicing the little, individual acts of loves for his friends, family, and love interests, and suddenly he's all about sacrificing for the greater good/his career. Yes, people can change, but for me, if we're talking about a television series, we should be shown the change and not have to infer it -- it's just jarring without a proper explanation. Even for side characters, things just started to arbitrarily work out for no discernible reasons - this is a little baffling to me in a story that prided itself on being so clear and clever with the details. The final nail in the coffin for me was dismissing things that we had become so invested in: that mystery we all cared about? Without spoilers, I feel I can safely say: it turns out it's irrelevant. Put simply, it felt like a slap in the face as if we were intentionally manipulated only to increase ratings and not for story purposes.

I don't believe that a story necessarily needs to have a happy end nor needs to have a sad end to be great. But I just feel this Kdrama did not execute its ending in a way that I felt was earned. It pains me to say: this Kdrama started as a 10/10 for me, but quickly destroyed my faith in it with just 3 measly episodes, to the point that I actually think it did the whole story a disservice. There were so many unanswered questions, that I think either the show needed a few more episodes to flesh things out or it needed less episodes to tell a complete tale without the feeling that something is missing. Either way, I can't help but feel there was a missed opportunity here. It's just such a shame.

Leia Mais

A Captivating BL That Blurs the Line Between Fiction and Reality

Honestly, this is the best Chinese BL of 2026 for me. I've watched a lot of Chinese BLs, and **Deep In** is easily the spiciest, boldest and most emotionally intense one yet. The intimacy is passionate, emotional, and completely earned. Every intimate scene serves the story instead of existing for shock value. Combined with its psychological themes, romance, and drama, it creates an unforgettable experience.

The premise is incredibly refreshing. Two seemingly straight men, Zhang Zhun and Zhen Xin, both with girlfriends, are cast as the leads in a gay romance series. As they immerse themselves deeper into their roles, the line between acting and reality slowly disappears. What begins as performance turns into obsession, desire, emotional manipulation, and a complete loss of where fiction ends and real feelings begin. The title **Deep In** perfectly reflects how deeply they become consumed by both their characters and each other.

Episode 2 completely shocked me. The NC scene was one of the hottest I've seen in a Chinese BL. The director calls "cut" three separate times, but they keep on doing it because they're so lost in the moment. That scene alone perfectly showcases the incredible chemistry between the leads.

One of the biggest surprises is how young the cast is. Ollie, who plays Zhen Xin and Dr. Fang Chi , is only 20 years old and was likely just 19 during filming, yet he delivers such a confident, commanding performance with remarkable emotional depth. Shu Yuan, who plays Zhang Zhun the patient Gao Zhun, is only 22. Together, they have phenomenal chemistry that feels effortless and completely believable. Their performances are far beyond what you would expect from actors their age, and I genuinely hope they reunite in another series.

I also loved the behind the scenes perspective on acting. The story constantly shifts between the drama they are filming, where they play Dr. Fang Chi and the patient Gao Zhun, and their real lives behind the camera. Watching them step in and out of completely different characters while their own emotions begin to mirror the script adds another fascinating psychological layer. It truly feels like you're watching two stories unfold at the same time, and the director executes this concept brilliantly.

The acting across the entire cast is phenomenal. One scene that completely broke me was Gao Zhun revealing he had been sexually assaulted. His emotional breakdown felt heartbreakingly real. Moments later, the director calls "cut," and the actors immediately have to step out of those emotions and return to themselves. Playing two different characters in the same series and constantly adjusting between them is incredibly difficult.

Can We Talk About That Iconic Snow Scene in Episode 7?
Out of more than 500 BL series I've watched, no scene has stayed with me quite like this one.
The kiss beneath the falling snow was absolutely breathtaking. I've already rewatched it five times, and it still gives me goosebumps every single time.
Instead of saying, "I like you," words we've heard countless times in dramas, Zhen Xin quietly says,
"I walked 472 steps following you from the hotpot."
That single sentence carried every feeling he couldn't bring himself to say.
His teary eyes spoke of longing, fear, regret, and love that had been buried deep inside his heart. Before another word could be spoken, Zhang Zhun stepped forward and kissed him.
There was no dramatic confession or grand declaration of love. Just two people who had finally found the courage to let their hearts speak for them.
The silence, the falling snow, the tears, and that kiss came together so perfectly that it became one of the most beautiful confession scenes I've ever watched. It wasn't loud or extravagant. It was quiet, gentle, and devastatingly emotional.
For me, this isn't just my favorite scene in Deep In. It's one of the greatest kissing scenes I've ever seen in any BL.

The cinematography is another highlight. I really appreciate that the intimate scenes aren't crowded with unnecessary people on set. Instead, the environment stays minimal while the director monitors everything from outside the room, making those moments feel much more natural, intimate, and immersive.

It's even more impressive knowing the director, Liu Jun Hao, is only 27 years old. He's both an actor and director, and the way he brought this complex story to life is seriously impressive. Seeing such a young director and two incredibly talented young actors create something this polished makes the series even more remarkable.

The soundtrack is fantastic, the pacing never slows down, and every episode leaves you wanting more. If you enjoy psychological manipulation, an obsessive and emotionally complex male lead, blurred lines between fiction and reality, unforgettable chemistry, memorable NC scenes, and a fresh, original story, Deep In absolutely delivers.

One tip if you're watching on Viki or GagaOOLala. Stay until after the credits because every episode includes bonus scenes that are absolutely worth watching.

Chinese BLs continue to raise the bar, and Deep In has quickly become one of my all time favorites. If you love mature romance, psychological tension, and emotionally powerful performances, this is a series you shouldn't miss.

For me, Deep In isn't just the best Chinese BL of 2026. It's one of the best BLs I've watched in years and a series I'll be recommending to everyone.

Leia Mais

Sometimes average is just perfect

The first episodes were dull, show gained momentum in the second half and the episodes kept getting better.

A great plus is the stars-packed cast and the relationship between the characters. Even though the characters seem one-dimensional first, comparing their actions and overall appearance in the beginning to the end of the series clearly show character development.

Also, I just realised, I like how the depiction of character was evenly balanced out between male and female characters, if that makes any sense. Normally with K-dramas (not always of course), especially thrillers, I feel like male protagonists end up with more screen time, more depth in character and therefore are more likeable, while the female ones at some point are just annoying and dull, whereas here, for once, each character (except for the obvious villains) was likeable and the female characters were as top-notch and well-written as the male ones.

That hot shot of a professor, who seemed to be a knock-off of Annelise from HTGAWM was hard to bear in the earlier episodes but, I don't know how and when this happened, you end up liking him, even looking forward to his badass scenes.

The story itself wasn't that intriguing, but somehow still managed to pique your interest and make you look forward to the next episodes. The background score - actually just one song - was fitting and had a catchy tune like "We All Lie " from SKY Castle.

Even though romance is not part of this drama the scenes between Kim Bum and Ryu Hye Young were too cute - more chemistry than in some dramas tagged as romance. However, this was more high-key low-key in earlier episodes.

Also, I like how the show elaborates on shortcomings in the law. Especially a case in the beginning of the second half accentuated this. The 'law school' itself was not the main focus of the show, but the little insight into the lectures, study groups, mock trials and the overall struggle of (law) students with exam preparations, pressure to do well at school and fear of failing was captured well.

The show is not perfect and not even close to an outstanding thriller, it's pretty average, and that somehow works in favour of this show. It was something I would look forward to each week, but not like "dying" to watch, nothing too captivating, stressing and frustrating (like Mouse), but at the same time nothing where after a while you just can't be bothered with the revealing of the truth (like Beyond Evil, sorry) - just a decent thriller with a solid pace and surprising revealings which are not mind-blowing and yet, satisfying.

Also, this drama has definitely potential for a second season!

Leia Mais

My eyes need therapy after watching this series

I've rarely graded a series so harshly as I've graded this one... I saw "'Cause You're My Boy" with Frank and Drake, an entire series that was based on a ridiculous plot; I also saw "Top Secret Together", an entire series based on confusing plot mess after confusing plot mess; I saw "Don't Say No", an entire series dedicated to a character who tried to destroy a relationship (in season one of "Tharn-Type") and then becomes a submissive, whiny crybaby and another character who became a possessive and controlling boyfriend after gathering the courage to confess his feelings; I saw "My Boy" with one actor who looked like the other actor's father, who had zero chemistry and very awkward intimate moments. And I saw "I am Your King season 2" with a hysterical female character, zero acting skills of most of the actors, zero credible storyline. However, "Physical Theraphy" raised (or maybe, lowered?) the bar in terms of poor quality. It is a shame that Peak, a well-known BL actor from the "Make It Right" series, is listed as the director of this mess. Here's why.

1) Plot:
There is not much I can tell you about this. Milk works in a creative design agency with his high school/university friends and dated Ake for a while but at the beginning of the show, they are no longer together and Milk is sad about it. He visits a hospital as they are doing a campaign to re-design the hospital's image and Milk pretends to be a patient to observe the doctors. The synopsis talks about the blooming romance of a patient and his physical therapist and we do get that for about 2 or 3 episodes when Milk suffers an injury and needs Dr. Pun to help, only for Dr. Pun to provide the most detailed assistance of a patient I've ever seen on TV, with him basically spending as much time as he can with Milk using the injury as the excuse. Pun develops feelings for Milk but he is not sure due to his recent breakup with Ake and Pun's mysterious attitude when talking about his family or the past. On the other hand, Pun meets Milk's entire family and all of them are in love with him and want Milk and Pun to end up together. We then know, Pun came from China running away as his family is broke and indebted to the family of a girl named Tzuyu who thinks she and Pun will get married... except Pun doesn't love her... but she insists and even tries to first talk to Milk around episode 4, then to Dr. Yang around episodes 5-8, and then finally accepts she won't win around episode 10... just like that. Milk then finds out that Ake has been depressed for a while and begins to help him recover and they solve their breakup and Ake admits that Pun is the best for Milk and almost gives them his blessing, again, just like that.
Other than that, Dr. Yang is gay but in the closet and he was secretly seeing Milk's friend who we never meet as he dies when his car falls of the edge of a cliff in episode 1. The incident and this friend are never mentioned after some flowers are sent for the funeral, Milk can't attend, and then tries to make Dr. Yang confess he is the mystery boyfriend during his first visit to the hospital but can't get an answer and the issue is never brought up again. Then, Dr. Yang visits Milk at his place in the middle episodes with the excuse of needing help designing a cover for his book... he even seems to be flirting with Milk but again, nothing happens. Yamyen, one of Milk's coworkers, begins flirting with Dr. Yang when both meet at the hospital for the marketing campaign, Dr. Yang rejects him for a while, but then end up having sex in a scene that doesn't match with how Dr. Yang kept rejecting Yamyen for so long only to have passionate sex afterwards. Dr. Yang gets exposed online after that, tries to quit and then writes more books as well. Super well crafted ideas for this storyline, don't you think?
Then we jumped 5 years in the future, Pun and Milk are taking care of the son of Milk's older sister who had an affair with a married man and got pregnant. Pun's parents arrive and spend a few days together and start to mend their relationship. The kid calls them "dad" but in episode 12, Milk's sister returns and tells them she is taking the kid back, just like that... Pun proposes to Milk in the final moments of the episode and that's about it.
The office characters, Milk's coworkers, the few doctors that do appear outside of Dr. Pun and Dr. Yang, the gossiping nurses from the first few episodes, Milk's family, Pun's family, and the Korean guy who is Pun's friend and hires Milk for some work provide ZERO... NOTHING... NADA... to this story... not even to fill-in some airtime... the minor exception are Milk's younger brothers who are funny sometimes... but even the dog who got lost like 3 times in the series is cuter and funnier than most of the characters of this series.
There was no sustained plot or storyline, no connection between much of the series, each couple (Pun-Milk, Yang-Milk's friend, Tim-Rosé) do not go into much detail over the course of 12 boring, dull and excruciatingly long episodes... this series should have been over in 6-8 episodes max. The hospital seem to have 3-4 doctors based on the moment they all have to dance for the marketing campaign but only Dr. Pun and Dr. Yang matter for this series. Nobody works in actual medical cases aside from Milk's injury and Milk's dad heart attack and nobody seems to be doing anything at this hospital besides walking around, gossip, and staring into oblivion. Milk's friends also don't do much work as Milk seems to be the only one working day and night on some projects... at some point they even have a team-building workshop that includes everyone and they sleep as part of an exercise Milk proposed... this has no reason as Milk and his friends were hired by the hospital to do an image re-design so the purpose of having this workshop with both hospital and marketing campaign employees is not clear. We also have weird dynamics between some of the characters as Tim and Rosé are friends but want to be more but Tim can't gather the courage or can't commit, and the time jump makes no sense at all.

2) Acting
I've seen a lot of reviews for other series where the person reviewing complains about the acting but "forgives" everything because how cute the actors are... here, no matter how cute Son (Milk) and Petch (Pun) are, their acting is not 100% terrible but has a lot of bad moments. They seem to have very little chemistry and Son is terrified of being kissed as he makes awkward facial expressions when Pun gets within an inch of his face which makes the lack of too many intimate moments for this couple even more glaring. Folk (Dr. Yang) and Pim (Tzuyu) are stiff as cardboards during their scenes and Folk couldn't convince me of his feelings when being exposed online. The rest are just there but the whole cast could have benefited from longer workshops to develop a bit more cohesion and chemistry and from a better acting coach to guide them through the few challenging scenes this series had.

So, please, save yourself and avoid this show if you can. I know, as a BL fan, we tend to watch almost everything just because is BL or because, if you are like me, don't want to quit watching a show (call it stubbornness or pride)... but in this case, I highly recommend you read a book, knit a sweater, play videogames, clean your room or do something else instead of watching this show that really had nothing of substance to remember it for.

Leia Mais

Found My favorite comfort series!

I wont write much except this show is Easily the best series in this genre. Each episode is better than the other. Its real issues wrapped in fantasy lore. Its Intriguing, Emotional,Funny, Thought Invoking and all the best qualities it could be. The actors did a great job. Hope they make a season 2 with these leads with a different story line but same premise.
Whoever pitched this idea and whoever wrote this idea into a script did a REALLLLL good job!!!!

P.s if you struggling with mental issues please seek the help you need. It may seem hard and you may think people will make fun but there will 1 person who will listen to you. Hold on to that hope. You are not alone and definately not the things people say you are. ❤️‍🩹

Leia Mais

Storytelling that takes risks

Exquisitely directed with sumptuous and poetic writing. Watch to the end of episode 4 to understand the real dilemma at play for these characters. This drama shows such maturity about two adults falling in love. I was left breathless by the confession scene. All the romance gently unfurls from the yearning by the FL and subsequent grovelling/ chasing by ML (he’s such a dummy over her). The one fail was early kiss scenes are clumsy (for romance reasons) but I hope it doesn’t send too many away from watching on. Although, when will cdrama writers discover that intimacy co-ordinators exist and unsolicited kisses can move the conflict forward without being semi-violent?! Nevertheless, this drama has shot to the top of my ‘best of 2023’ list with a bullet. I feel the pay off will be in last eps when we see what reaching ‘10/10 level’ love really means. Can’t wait!

Leia Mais

I'M INVESTED

Review for the first two episodes:

This series has totally hooked me with just the first two episodes! The chemistry between the lead characters is fantastic, and the mix of heartfelt moments with genuine romance is really well done. The characters feel real and their relationship is evolving in an engaging way. Each episode leaves me eager for more. If the rest of the series is as captivating as these first two episodes, it’s definitely going to be a standout show. I’m excited to see what happens next!

Review for the 3rd and 4th episodes:

Chefs kiss! This show is a must-watch! The two main leads deliver outstanding performances, and their chemistry is undeniable. The story really picks up in episodes 3 and 4, and it's no surprise the ratings jumped from 7.9 to 8.2. If you're looking for a series that will keep you hooked, this is it!

Review for the 5th to 12th episodes:

I have nothing more to say about this series; all I can say is that it is indeed a masterpiece.

Every episode had me hooked, and the emotional depth and beautiful cinematography only added to the experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted drama. It leaves you wanting more, and I’m definitely hoping for a Season 2 to explore the story further!

Fingers crossed for a Season 2!

Leia Mais

A piece of advice to whoever wants to watch this movie: watch it alone. Watching it with a group of friends might ruin it for you. The ideas of where the plot is going might make the ending feel flat.

The story is quite complex and the characters' motivations make you question their every behavior. At the same time, a quick guessing game will lead you to the correct answer, because at the end of the day, the ending is not as unexpected and surprising as one could wish for.

The acting was for sure the best aspect of the movie. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. While Haneul aced the role, I didn't expect any less of him. I was the most drawn to Kim Mu Yeol - acting and character wise. He showed both a soft/friendly, but also mad and driven performance, and both were done perfectly.

There was one moment in the movie that caught me off guard and I could not stop laughing for a good five minutes. One of the quite common tropes used in Korean dramas, that turned this movie into a comedy. Thank God it was close to the end, because I wouldn't be able to take any scenes seriously after it happened.

Overall, the process of watching the movie and guessing where it's going was more entertaining than the movie itself.

Leia Mais

Extremely Terrible Story Line

I normally don't write reviews. But this drama is so astoundingly, record-breakingly bad that I had to break my own record and write a review for once. I'm usually pretty generous with my ratings, I don't normally score anything under 7. So giving this a 3 means that I literally cannot stand this drama.

To be clear, I found this drama to be bad from the start. But I pushed through because people kept saying it gets better (also because I can never find myself dropping a drama no matter how bad it is). Unfortunately, it never really gets better. I did find the drama a bit more bearable around episode 26 / 27 and thought I was going to finally be okay with the drama. But then I continued watching and it just turned out to be even worse.

Acting - Okay to start off, I don't really have major problems with the acting. It's not spectacular, but it's decent, watchable. As a fan of Zhao Li Ying though, I have to say her acting in this one is not on par with her own standard. There were some parts when you could tell that she wasn't really mentally there because she was just staring off into space. Just by looking at her eyes, you can tell she has spaced out. And that she's tired. She looks really tired and slightly aged in this drama. Maybe she made her comeback too early, I don't know.

Characters - Oh my God. There were just way too many dumb characters. Apart from Zhou Fei and Xie Yun (and maybe head of Disha Shen Tian Shu) all the other characters are pretty dumb. Li Yan gets the award for stupidest character in this drama. She's just so annoying. She cannot fight, doesn't have any common sense, is extremely naive, always gets into trouble and yet she always insists on tagging along. I'm just done with her. All the other characters feel a bit bland too. I think Li Sheng is the only character who had some sort of character development. He changed, still cannot fight really well and does occasionally dumb stuff but he became a bit more logical and mature I guess. But the other characters? No good character development.

A lot of the side characters like Third Prince and that young master from I forgot what mini sect serve no purpose other than being dumb and creating trouble for Zhou Fei and Xie Yun again and again and again and again. Some characters like the generals are honestly pretty useless too. I feel like they supposedly played some important role in the war or something but I always just forget who they're supposed to be. Zhou Fei's parents are also MIA for most of the drama, so again they don't really contribute much.

Story - This is what I have the biggest problem with. Right from the very start, there were way too many supporting characters with their own stories. There were way too many sub-plots that you can't even make out what the main story line is supposed to be. As the story progresses, they (slowly) start to focus less on the sub-plots but by then, you're so confused you still don't know what the story is. And then you get to the middle and you realize that maybe the story line is about this highly coveted treasure / artifact / god-knows-what called Hai Tian Yi Se. So what exactly is Hai Tian Yi Se? You will only find out in the second last episode because guess what? None of the characters know what Hai Tian Yi Se is either!! Yay, so nice. Is this supposed to make viewers more curious and drawn to find out more? Because it only made me frustrated. Also, I don't know if I missed it or what but they never really explain in detail about the tokens of Hai Tian Yi Se is either. It's like just some casual comments here and there about the lock, about the sheath etc. So here I am, having finished the drama and I still don't quite know what the full 5 tokens are :/ I don't think I've ever been so lost while watching a drama. I'm usually the one thinking "have you guys not been paying attention?!" when I see people commenting asking when something happened or asking to confirm something that has already been confirmed in the drama. But with this drama, I'm the one going "wait what is going on? did they already explain this cause i'm lost and i don't know what is happening". They also casually miss out some stuff like whatever the hell happened to Chu Chu's brother? They just casually forgot about him.
Here are also some of the other stupid stuff that they did throughout the drama + about the drama:

- too many flashbacks that make no sense
- having really really long flashbacks in the middle of the battle???
- talking in the middle of the battle
- escaping but then stopping halfway to start chatting and joking around
- Zhou Fei constantly breaking her blades (this never happens in other wuxia dramas but she breaks her blades like nobody's business)
- Zhou Fei and Xie Yun acting cheeky and lovey dovey when there's dead bodies around them (no, the dead bodies aren't even of the villains. THOSE ARE DEAD BODIES OF PEOPLE ON THEIR SIDE)
- catching up to the villain but not killing them immediately, letting the villain escape so they can wreck more havoc in the future
- DOING ALL THE WORK FOR THE BAD GUYS AND LETTING THEM WALK AWAY WITHOUT A FIGHT WHAT THE HELL

As a viewer, struggling to even make out what the main storyline is, IS THE WORST THING EVER! That is a sign of extremely bad storytelling. Need I say more? (No.)

Music - Personally, I don't hate the OSTs. I might even have liked it if not for the fact that I am so repulsed by this drama that I can't even bring myself to like the OSTs.

Production quality - Yeah the editing is pretty bad. Some of it doesn't even make any sense, like they just cut off the scene without any elaboration or explanation or follow up scene. Also there were some parts when they blurred out the face of the body double?? WHAT EVEN

In conclusion, it's a terrible drama. If eye candy is enough to satisfy you, or if you're just here for the romance, sure go ahead then. But if you don't care for the above two, don't bother watching.

Leia Mais

The good:

There are two things about this movie that I really loved. The first is the scenery and cinematography. The second is the exquisite acting.

A small country-side town showered in autumn light, roads sprinkled in blustering, fallen leaves and dreary, rain-soaked scenes under a cloudy sky... This movie showcased the seasons like a beautiful painting or poem. The way the film is shot transported me into the scenes with the characters. I could almost smell the cool, fresh autumnal air and feel the achy dampness of the rain.

Hyun Bin and Lee Yeon Hee portrayed their characters emotions convincingly and beautifully. Personally, I have seen Hyun Bin in three roles now. I’m not sure if he just so happens to be type-cast or if he chooses these roles, but it seems he consistently plays the same character-type: rich bad boy turns softie after falling in love with unlikely heroine. Well, with so much practice, he plays the part extremely well. Lee Yeon Hee on the other hand (who, coincidentally, I’ve also seen in three roles) has a more diverse portfolio, and I am quite impressed with her range as an actress.

The bad:

The plot of this film is unoriginal, sappy and at times very brusque. Emotions seem to unfold suddenly and without pretense, which left me feeling a little... WTF’ish. My train of thought during the early part of this movie went something like this:

“Gah, stop being so mean to her...Oh, you like her now?... Love her??... What!?... How did you get in the room????.... You want to take care of her?...No? Wait wait wait, now you *don’t* like her??....*utter confusion*”

By the time the plot smoothed itself out, I found I’d just accepted the way I was *supposed* to feel and just went with it--which isn’t necessarily a good thing. As a viewer, you know what the director wants you to feel. As such, I just threw my hands up and gave in, as if to say, “fine director, I’ll accept your sappy and rushed love story, sheesh.”

Not a bad movie overall. In a way, I suppose it breaks even--balancing a predictable and choppy plot line against great acting and gorgeous scenery.

Leia Mais

A lot of people has been suggesting this drama so i thought id watched it and see wha the fuzz is about. There was so much shouting in the first 2 episodes that my housemates complained about the noise.

The title says it all - Its an entire series about the SOTUS tradition, if you are looking for romance/love story, i feel like there was too little of it here. Kudos, at least for trying to show something a little bit different.

The strength of this series is the cast. Krist and Singto, and even all the support did a good job.

However, 20 episodes for the whole series is just way too much and I think they could squeeze the entire show into 10 episodes and it will still convey the same message. It feels like there were so many over extended scenes to fill up the time.

Lastly, the actual love relationship between the 2 main cast didnt really develop until the last few episodes leaving them with little time to actually portray the love story - there was almost no intimate scenes. Its like the characters stayed in the closet for too long and didnt want to ever go out. Even when they were alone there was almost no intimacy, leaving me to question if its really love or just bromance.

Leia Mais

Your blood will boil, Your heart will flutter

YOUTH OF MAY is a love story that happens to be taking place in the premise of Gwangju Uprising that had happened in May, 1980 but keep this in mind that the central story is not directly related to the democratic movement though it eventually leads to the major climax of Gwangju massacre. FYI, this uprising, that started from university student demonstration to save the democracy and it's essence, established the foundation of the rebellion against the dictatorship rule of the ones in power during the entire 80s in South Korea.

Making fiction in the premises of real historical events are a great deal If you see how sentimental South Koreans are about both the nation's history and the honor of democracy, which is reasonable and everyone should be like that. There is always a thin line between what the incident is and what one writes about it. And I think the writer of YoM has done a pretty job on every level.

The story is really nice; the male lead and female lead's developing relationship not being the only thing going on, it also throws light on the events of the uprising and additional side stories of the familes of the leads. The main leads happen to be working in the medical field but it's not a medical drama, rather the healthcare premise is a shade of their work life; though a major part of last 4 episodes takes place in the hospital.

It might feel like a slow-paced story because the chemistry development between the leads are slow but there are so many other things happening so you won't be bored at all. The plot development is good and twists have been placed at right times. The director has done a good job too.

Acting? Superb! Lee Do Hyun is undoubtedly one of the most potential emerging Korean actors right now and I can see him growing to be a future superstar. His unique style of acting uff; been a fan since 18 Again. Also, the annoying Lee Do Hyun is so adorable, I just love him. So happy that his character in YoM has an annoying side too. Literally one of the few poster boys of warm pure romance Kdramas. Go Min Si, this lady has waited long enough to get a lead role and I am happy she did amazing in it. In fact, among all the actresses who have played 80s characts till now, I think she did it accurately. I really hope this will be a breakthrough in her career. Lee Sang Yi, my love, did really well even though his screen-timing was lesser than I had expected but not complaining since the dramas got only 12 episodes and his character, even though a major role, had not much to do around. Keum Sae Rok, truly won hearts playing the role of a rebellious girl of a rich household, she acted very well, ngl.

One thing to note in Lee Do Hyun's character as Hwang Hee Tae that it's different from the usual male lead character where they're all macho fighting around, protecting the female lead, etc and showing typical toxic masculinity by wrist-grabbing, non- consensual kissing and blah blah. It's sort of unique I would say for his heart is a fragile one, afraid of not being able to save someone as a doctor or to protect as a dear one. He doesn't forces things on his partner and maintains a healthy relationship and let others grow under his own shade. So respectful down-to-earth and one with a progressive mind he continues to do everything smoothly.

The set-up and management is pretty commendable given it's a period drama. The work of cinematography is not that evident but that's fine because the editing compensated for it. The OSTs are indeed beautiful and heart-wrenching and glad to have been recommended some real good 80s English and Korean tracks from the drama. .

Another important thing is that this drama taught a lots of things. Though the lives were messy and like under the cart, they taught us about life and the way of becoming stronger and braver by the days. The Gwangju uprising and the state-staged progrom to suppress the dissent by the oppressed will boil your blood for sure so make sure to learn from that too.

I won't lie that I absolutely loved it. And it would be definitely be on my good drama collections. The central story focuses on the art of loving & living and the essence of holding your life back even when you're on the verge of death. I, like everyone else, wished more than 12 episodes but anyways, the story has been well written with a good direction.

If you're confused whether to go for it or not thinking it's a period drama and that too set up in the premise of a tragic incident like Gwangju uprising, I am not gonna spoil it but I guarantee you, it's worth it.

Leia Mais