Completed
Flower, I Am!
61 people found this review helpful
Jan 6, 2012
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I'm extremely disappointed right now - not with the drama but with the viewers and MBC, the channel that premiered "Me Too, Flower", for cutting that one episode from the show. It made a huge difference, because I felt there was something missing by the time I finished the drama.

M2F began with the right pitch; it was extremely funny yet preserved its characters' emotional depth. It wasn't empty comedy and handled serious issues like broken families, society's shallowness, and people's materialism.

I was excited for every new M2F episode more than I was for "Man of Honor", but in the end I was surprised that MBC decided not to do the last episode because MBC Broadcast Entertainers Awards was set at the same time the last episode was supposed to air. That's frickin' brutal.

Another thing which I didn't understand is why a lot of people made a big issue out of Yoon Si Yoon looking really boyish/young for his role and how Kim Jae Won would've been more convincing. OMG, are you sure we're watching the same show? I can't imagine anybody else but Si Yoon as Jae Hee. He didn't feel like an actor playing a character, he *was* the character. Love the guy.

The writer threw me off at the end though, why all the fantasy thrown in at the end when the drama was so realistic all along? That's another thing which made me feel it was because of the last episode being cancelled.

I'm really sad because this drama, as awesome as it is, could've been so much better.

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Completed
Midnight Museum
61 people found this review helpful
by Kate Flower Award1
Apr 4, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 12
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

The tale of involuntary naps and ass whopping.

So, I’m not gonna lie, Midnight Museum is a complete mess - from how the characters are written, through the countless plot holes and underdeveloped plotlines, up till the rushed ending. It’s entertaining though. I think it is… I honestly cannot be sure how much of my enjoyment came from all the chats, comments, posts and discussions with other mdl users. This is a perfect show to hype each other up about. (psst... I do love the show though. I sold my soul to it).

While the idea behind the plot is brilliant, the execution left a lot to desire. From the start it was an episodic type of a deal, which seemed to exist more as a promo for all the GMMTV actors and less as a means to tell a cohesive story. Not to mention the mix of supernatural, fantasy and even sci-fi theories - nothing to be explained or explored. It’s just a big bag of everything, that ends up being nothing.

I understand where they were going with the plot, but I honestly think they lacked a writer and director with experience in that genre. Midnight Museum is just not a smooth viewing experience. They did not highlight important details in the scenes, lines that were explaining connections between plotlines, hints that would make it easier for viewers to understand the whole picture. When you watch the episode, it’s hard to tell what you should focus on and what info might be useful later on.

You know what it feels like? Like watching just a middle season of a tv show - you don’t get a proper setup for the characters nor a well explained conclusion. It just felt like there should be more at the beginning and the end. All that said, the second half of the last episode was just phenomenal. Added 0.5 to my rating just because of these last 40 minutes. But it also made me truly see how much potential to be a masterpiece this drama had.

While I love Khatha and Dome for their interactions (local straight boys acting gay, if you know what I mean), and Khatha was quite a “mood” on many occasions, I don’t think I have ever seen weaker main characters than them. Dome was forced to take a few too many involuntary naps and Khatha got his ass whooped by almost every bad character. That said, this was a bromance on the level of Chinese censored gay romance and for that I am grateful.

Then we have all the supporting characters: Anthika served looks, Triphop and Bam got the “kind of competent, but not really” presentation with a 0.5% fling going on, June was there to make Khatha accept his feelings for Dome and Boon… barely existed. That’s more or less what the characters brought to the table. I think it’s kind of an achievement to have 10 episodes and not one character actually developed.

What saved all of these characters? Amazing acting. Tor and Gun did a great job and their on screen chemistry was to die for. It’s nice to see two competent actors together, because too often we watch one person carry the whole show on their backs.

Supporting cast did a great job too. Yes, I would appreciate Saiparn going one step further and exaggerating the character just a little bit more and Tay giving me a little bit more expression during some scenes, but overall, I don’t really have many complaints. I’m especially content with all the guest appearances and the quality of acting there.

The MVP award goes to Nanon though. This guy delivered probably his best performance up to date.

For the production value - it fluctuated. I was not exactly on board with the set designs. The museum felt painfully empty and not grand enough. I think the majority of the costume budget went to dress Tor, so the rest was underwhelming (especially June - the design for the dress was great, but the quality of it seemed cheap). Some special effects were nice, some were rather questionable. There is also the case of actors not being used to acting with nothing, which made the CGI elements stand out more and not feel like they were part of the picture.

Overall, entertaining mess. It had a lot of potential, but most of it was not used. They tried to pack too much into these 10 episodes so we ended up with a diluted story with little details and world building. I would highly recommend it as a group watch, because it benefits greatly from exchanging theories and hyping each other up as you watch. It’s a great memes and joke source.

That ending though. I don't think I could be more happy with all that crazy shit at the end. Exactly my type of a deal.

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Completed
Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy
55 people found this review helpful
Apr 7, 2011
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
This show is foremost about love and how love chooses you. Age and station do not matter. It's also very much about growing up and having someone be on your side no matter what. I thought this show was very well acted. I loved the kids and the lessons learned through the help of Biscuit Teacher. I loved Gong Yoo and Gong Hyo Jin. Tae In fell in love with Bo Ri and that was it for him, end of story. This show touched my heart. It was very cute and fun. Find it on the web and watch it!
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Completed
Loving, Never Forgetting
55 people found this review helpful
by palak
Feb 4, 2015
34 of 34 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
I waited for this drama to be subbed for about half a year and it was worth it. The plot is a little similar to Autumn's Concerto and Autumn's Concerto fans would certainly enjoy, if not as much as AC. Loving Never Forgetting is not about two people in love who have a baby. It's about two strangers who have a one-night stand and the man doesn't even remember the woman. Imagine saving a little boy in an accident and finding out he's your son, even though you can't even recognize the mother! This drama follows these two people as they fall in love and truly become a real family. The plot has some ridiculous, rather-makjang elements but overall it's a heart-warming story.

Jerry Yan is one of the most handsome Taiwanese actors and I have watched him in a few dramas. His character here is quite different from the immature-but-funny-and-sweet brats he generally plays. Here, he's a cold, ruthless businessman who does not believe in love or marriage. I liked him here and he definitely stole the show! Wu Tong is really clumsy and at times, really stupid. She's the perfect damsel-in-distress, something that ticked me off a bit. I'm kind of used to strong drama female leads now and characters like her make me want to roll my eyes at them every minute. If I got a penny for every time she fell down, I would be a millionaire. But the woman is plain stubborn. She never got rid of those heels (and how did she afford them anyway since she barely managed to earn her living). But anyways her character wasn't entirely hate-worthy. I mean, she was the sweet, innocent, perfect lead after all. Tong Tong was alright. Nothing compared to Xaio Le obviously (Xaio Le was too classic). Supporting characters were fine. My personal favorite was the special assistant.

The OST was good enough. This was my third Chinese drama (I think) and although these dramas are longer in terms of episodes, they're enjoyable. I could rewatch Jerry Yan's scenes with his child and Wu Tong but the rest I would definitely skip in the second round (if there is one). It's a good drama overall and when it comes down to it, definitely worth the watch.

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Completed
One Ordinary Day
55 people found this review helpful
Dec 18, 2021
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Justice is the right that one fights for, if one seeks fairness.

Reminds me of a quote by Voltaire that goes like, "It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one." Indeed, one innocent must not be convicted of guilt even so it acquits a thousand criminals; in simple words, Innocent until proven guilty". The entire story of "One Ordinary Day" revolves around this single moral and is a perfect example of how truth and justice always prevails over injustice.

Trigger Warning: The drama involves violence, sex, nudity and blood.

Directed by the star PD Lee Myung Woo and written by seemingly rookie writer Kwon Soon Gyu, One Ordinary Day (어느 날: oneul nal) is a crime thriller or murder mystery story that revolves around Kim Hyun Soo (Kim Soo Hyun), a regular university guy who on an usual day of his life, becomes a murder suspect and find himself trapped in complicated situation. He, an ordinary guy who had led a simple and ordinary life had no idea what was gonna happen to him on another ordinary day.

We also have Shin Joong Han (Cha Seung Won) as a lawyer, who becomes Hyun Soo's attorney to get him justice. He got a bad reputation among the area of profession but is quick-witted and a brilliant investigator.

The acting department is full of all amazing actors; starting from Kim Soo Hyun and Cha Seung Won, the drama also has, Kim Shin Rok, Lee Sul, Kim Hong Pa, Kim Sung Gyu, Yoo Seung Mok, So Hee Jung, etc. in major characters.

I checked the writer has worked on only 4 scripts including this, that too with long gaps and previous 3 were all sageuk (historical). I know the drama is a remake from the BBC original show "Criminal Justice" but recreating it with Korean elements and making changes with relation to Korean laws would have not been as easy as it seems. The elements used to connect plots, underlaying Hyun Soo's subconscious is something that intrigued ne to be honest. Morever, the steady progression was gripping and several revelations made were at appropriate timing.

The plot development is a quick one, in fact the first episode itself indicates how the grip of the story didn't want to calm down. It felt like the writer didn't want to lay a foundation by thorough introduction of characters or the storyline; I'm just saying and not complaining at all, because nobody had the time given it's only 8 episodes. There are also few related side plots used. The screenwriting deserves good points.

The post-crime procedures portrayed in the drama are different as the writer has introduced realistic methods of police-level investigations with proper sequences. The realistic approach is also made for courtroom scenes and legal proceedings; obviously there are melo and thrilling elements as well. The dramatic investigative ways by Joong Han was also nice, loved how tenacious and witty he was when it came to figuring things out and drawing a picture of any scenario. There was also a soft side to him that only Hyun Soo could brought forward, it was visible.

The direction is amazing, no wonder Lee PD-nim is a pro. The screenplay is amazingly handled, along with the organization of scenes and overal screen-editing. The sound-editing also uo to par.

Both alcohol & drug abuse and it's consequences is a major element used in the drama. The common habit of attachment to strangers as well as the unusual urge of sexual activities among youth are also something emphasized in the drama by indirect means. Criminal psychology is an aspect that the writer has also tried to showcase through the main character. The life in prison (both during detainment and imprisonment), corruption, inmate behaviour and illegal activities taking place inside are also a part of the script.

Apart from the topnotch acting or performance from this superb actors, the impulsively gripping plot development and investigative methods used are the reasons, that make OOD is a superbly produced piece of work, despite the number of episodes it has. The credit should be given to the entire cast and crew for bringing forward such an amazing drama in just 8 hours (approx.); i wish it were a full-length 16 episode cable drama.

The ending.... I think the ending sequences could have a little better. I am not disappointed or something but I had high expectations from it given the way the story was progressing. Also, it felt a bit rushed but again that's a side effect of 10 eps or less Korean shows. I wish they would take one more episode, at least by taking out the extra 10 minutes from ep 3-6.

To sum up everything, the drama is not about what's wrong or what's right, nor does the show emphasizes on punishment or rewards, it particularly is a reflection of the judiciary, the way it works and it's impact on the society as well as the individuals.

Final Thoughts: One Ordinary Day with amazing actors and high production value, is definitely a fabulous drama to look forward, so go ahead with a second thought. I can't put it in the "must watch" category but for me, it was surely an enjoyable watch. It's a treat for everyone, despite their choice of genre or tatste in Kdramas.

P. S. I have tried my best to not write a lot about the story and characters as the drama has only 8 episodes and I was afraid I would end up spoiling. In case you come across anything that can serve as a spoiler, please let me know.

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Completed
ThamePo Heart That Skips a Beat
95 people found this review helpful
Dec 13, 2024
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

My boyfriend is an Idol.

The series does a great job of portraying the reality of idol groups and how they are constantly under scrutiny, how internal conflicts and competition can arise and how difficult it can be to maintain unity when the industry often pits members against one another. I appreciated how the show tackled the issue of favoritism, where one member is pushed into the spotlight while others are sidelined. That’s a very real struggle for many groups.

Now, when it comes to the romantic side of the show, I have to say, I really liked it. Thame and Po are the definition of green flags. Their relationship was built on patience, care and understanding. Thame’s attentiveness toward Po, the way he never rushed him and always made sure he felt safe, was just so refreshing. Some of their scenes made me feel like I was experiencing a first crush all over again hehe. Their relationship just felt sooo pure, yet deep.

However, I do have some critiques. The first half of the show was excellent but the second half lost some of its momentum. The two episodes focused on Jun and Po felt unnecessary to me. I understand why that subplot was there and I know some people connected with it but personally, I felt it took time away from the core of the story. I would have much preferred more focus on Thame and Po’s development instead.

The breakup arc was another part that didn’t entirely land for me. It was realistic given how brutal the entertainment industry can be, a relationship like theirs was bound to face challenges. I saw it coming and I understood why it happened but at the same time, it felt a bit frustrating since their romance was already such a slow burn, they barely had time to fully be together before they were torn apart again. It created a bit of emotional whiplash for me...I get the drama of it but I wish we had more time to actually see them as a couple before the conflict hit.

That being said, the chemistry between the leads was really amazing. And the kisses left me gasping. Both actors did an amazing job, not just them but the entire cast delivered strong performances. Every character, even the side ones, felt fully realized and I liked that.

Overall, while I had some issues with the pacing and a few plot choices, I still enjoyed it and I hope to see WilliamEst in a new project again.

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Ongoing 14/14
Secret Crush on You
135 people found this review helpful
Mar 22, 2022
14 of 14 episodes seen
Ongoing 2
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

DEFINETELY SHOULD GIVE IT A SHOT!

I'm not gonna say much and throw the fun, but just don't drop the series or judge it by the very first ep. Give it a shot! It's so fluffy and hilarious!

It's an 8.5 or 9 BUT I'm giving it a ten as honestly, this deserves much more attention than it is getting now. I too, dropped the series by some of the reviews, but then the reviews gradually started coming off good, thus I gave it another go, and guess what? WHY DID I ABANDON IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!? That decision of mine was truly harsh and idiotic! This is such a fun series in all honesty!
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Completed
Giant
32 people found this review helpful
Oct 22, 2011
60 of 60 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I must have been out of my mind when I started this one because I had never attempted or even cared to attempt a drama more than 45 episodes (Smile You) but the fact that I was a fan of Joo Sang Wook (Thorn Birds) & Hwang Jung Eum (Can You Hear My Heart)led me to try out a couple of episodes...

Story: It starts off with the child stories and here is where you see everything (father's death, siblings seperated, meeting of the romantic OTP #1) go down. When the characters grow up, there are multiple time jumps and twist and turns throughout to keep you engaged till the very end. Be prepared to cry a lot and be shocked at how the romantic pairings go (they are twisted). I loved the ending although it was bittersweet. I will say that this definitely could have been done with a shorter ep count because there were many filler scenes.

Acting: Excellent ensemble cast. Everyone from the 2 main couples to the supporting cast was amazing. I got attached to all the characters and it was crazy how everyone who is considered protagonists also showed a bad side to them. The writers did a phenomenal job in writing these characters. Just wanted to mention I wasnt too keen on Lee Bum Soo in the beginning but by the end I had become a fan! The chemistry btwn him and Park Jin Hee was perfect.

Music: The score was so fitting. Powerful when it needed to be and emotional in all the right places.

Rewatch: Although its a large ep count, I loved the acting so much that i would like to try and watch this every year if i have the time cause its so epic.

Overall Giant is a must watch for any die hard drama fan and the perfect introduction to Lee Bum Soo. Dont be turned off by the huge ep count or you will be missing out!

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Completed
Duelist
32 people found this review helpful
Jul 17, 2011
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
In a word: beautiful.

Duelist is a painting in motion, where a lot is hinted and nothing is explained.



Some may lament the lack of a true plot, but on my part I believe a movie has different means of portraying a story than a book or a drama. It's based upon images, not necessarily on twists and events. Just like poetry is based upon the evocative power of words, not on facts.

And the direction used the cinematographic tools to its full potential in this movie.

I watched it with my mouth open. Beautiful screenplay, beautiful dance-like fights, beautiful just-hinted erotism.



Yes, the plot can be reduced to a 10 minutes narration. But so are a lot of theatre pieces, played upon style, movement, colour and photography.



Acting is wonderful, and so is the music. This is a ballet, after all.

Rewatch value is obviously high: I'll go back to it whenever I want to just sit and admire a beautiful, colour filled painting.

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Completed
Red Balloon
32 people found this review helpful
by Gwen
Jun 25, 2017
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5
STORY: 10/10; it's intense, there are feels, and there is a happy ending. The visuals for this drama, short as it is, were beautiful and the metaphor (as it is explained in the series) with the red balloons was a nice touch. Plus, a major rarity: an open, happy ending for EVERYONE!

ACTING/CAST: 10/10 The cast they got are talented. They played their rolls well, and were believable. There seemed to be an honest connection between both younger and older actors. Whether it is romantic off screen or not doesn't particularly matter to me; nothing kills a show faster than two actors who just cannot stand each other.

MUSIC: 10/10; another reviewer had it dead on: if I could give it an 11, or higher, I totally would. The opening song is gorgeous, the theme song is sweet, and it just helps everything flow together. I would almost go so far as to say that the quality is almost movie-like, for all that it is a short web series.

REWATCH VALUE: 9.5/10; This is the only one where it's a little shorted. I feel like the story is definitely open and waiting to be expanded, but I'm not sure how many times I'm going to be able to sit through that open ending without going nuts. I will definitely, TOTALLY, rewatch it again at some point, though. This seems like a good go-to series if I want something intense but short.

OVERALL: 10/10; loved this series. I hope more people enjoy it, too!

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Completed
Kamisama no Ekohiiki
32 people found this review helpful
by ichihachi Flower Award1
Apr 13, 2022
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Kamisama no ekohiiki (God’s favour) based on the manga adaptation by Komura Ayumi, delves into the physical and psychological experience of a body swap genre. The eight-episode series is not your usual body swap rom-com drama. It goes beyond and makes the audience question what it truly means to love someone and what it means to be our authentic selves.


Story:

The other day, I had finished reading the manga source during the series airing. In terms of story structure, I believe screenwriter, Kitagawa did a brilliant job refining the manga source to develop a more dimensional layer to the series character's including Kagura and Rin. While it changes the characters' arc, it does not deviate too much from its original story.

What makes the series stand out from previous body swaps is that it puts us in the perspective of these characters. Most of the time characters are portrayed to be sure about their attraction toward another. However, in this series, everyone is questioning themselves. The common saying “In any shape or form, I will always love you.” Is an ideal thought which is challenged by the complexity of attraction and self-identity. The series explores questions such as “Can we still love the same person regardless of appearance?" or “Can we only love the person because it is their body and soul alone?." The series scenario becomes intriguing as the impulsive requests of Yashiro and Kagura impact not only themselves but everyone around them.

Usually, Japanese dramas tend to have a maximum of twenty to thirty-minute duration; however, this series has over forty minutes. Therefore, it helped the story pacing and created more room for additional scenes, especially with supporting characters (e.g. parents). The series does little to spend on fillers and unnecessary drama, which increased my interest. However, a minor rushed pacing in the last one-hour episode. While it tried to stay true to the manga chapters' order, it could have been a little more refined in the editing process.

Acting/Cast:

The majority of the main cast are aged close to their respective characters bringing an authentic touch to the series. In terms of character casting, Fujiwara fits the cheerful and lively energy of Yashiro. Kubozuka added the outspoken personality and charisma of Kenta. Arai gave the confident and assuring nature of Rin. While Sakurada’s character, Kagura is one dimensional in the manga, she conveyed the troubled mind of Kagura very well.

Both Fujiwara and Sakurada had a convincing performance playing their body swap personalities. I noticed in casual conversation scenes their mannerism from the way they sit and carry themselves plays an interestingly fun touch to their portrayal. There are moments when the actors do perform in an over-the-top manner, especially the voice changes. However, the actors nailed the emotional scenes.

The chemistry of all the characters was fantastic. I believe the portrayal and direction of Yashiro and Kenta’s bond were more impactful in the series. The backstory scenes build a stronger image of friendship which made me root for the two characters compared to the manga. Without adding spoilers, Kubozuka’s performance strongly shined in one specific episode. Arai as Rin did a brilliant job expressing conflicting emotions of yearning masked by her supportive nature of Kagura. Sakurada and Arai's brilliant chemistry helped build the unrequited/friendship bond between Rin and Kagura fairly quickly in the series.

The portrayal of Kami-sama by Furukawa is slightly toned down compared to his cartoonish personality in the manga. I believe it's a great writing decision as adapting a manga character to live-action can come with challenges to seeing the character in a serious light. The series added some dialogue in later episodes which can spark inspiration in the audience. Shida had a believable performance as Ukon, and I appreciated how the series gave her more involvement than her manga character.

Music:

Warner Bros Japan and Koyama conveyed a soothing track that compliments the natural green scenery and brings a hint of the traditional Japanese period. Innocent by Keina Suda gives an energetically modern vibe to the opening sequence.

Rewatch Value:

I believe it's a nice binge that carefully explores sensitive topics of coming of age in a fun yet somewhat realistic light. As mentioned before, it’s refreshing to see a rom-com supernatural drama where characters lift each other rather than having them be each other's obstacles. This could apply to most love triangle related dramas. From the popularity, it has received on Tik Tok and other social media platforms, I believe the series would have been reacted to and widely enjoyed by overseas audiences.

Overall, the series focus on the character's search for self-acceptance can be applied to any audience. We may sometimes desire to be someone else, to gain approval from others or ourselves. Kami-sama no ekohiiki shows that we can overcome our struggles and learn to accept ourselves moving forward.

If you are looking for a short body swap series with a twist, I would recommend this drama series. It's also not explicit as the manga, which can be watchable for an audience who may not usually be a fan of LGBT or BL related films/series.

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Completed
Bunny Drop
32 people found this review helpful
Mar 3, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Usagi Drop it's the heartwarming story of the trials and rewards Daikichi, a 30 year old single man, faces when he, against his family's wishes, decides to raise a 6 year old girl named Rin, whois his late grandfather's illegitimate daughter.

I had watched anime last year and when I found out about the movie I couldn't wait. I had fallen in love with the story and how they go about it. The movie is not fast paced since the story itself isn't. It is somewhat slow, but the almost two hours went by fairly fast all the same.

The two main actors, Matsuyama Kenichi and Ashida Mana, do such a great job acting that even without obvious caring words, they pull off showing how much their bond and relationship has grown as time passes. I also liked the acting of the rest of the cast.

The music leaves something to be desired, but for me, it doesn't hinder the story at all.

This is the first movie adaptation I've been happy with in a while, so I'll definitely re-watch it sometime.

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Completed
Two Weddings and a Funeral
32 people found this review helpful
Jun 19, 2015
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
I really truly love this movie.

It's adorable, Lee Seok and Min Soo are the sweetest thing on this planet since chocolate, and even though Hyo-jin and her partner didn't get the same amount of screen time, they were still a joy to see.

Some people have said it, but there was some overacting especially with G-Voice (because I doubt that some, if any, of those actors are actually gay...), but somehow I didn't seem to mind. They were a bunch of friends who felt comfortable with each other, not just because of their shared sexuality, and the bond between them is strong. I really envied their friendship, which made the climax that much harder to watch.

"Two Weddings and a Funeral." You know going in that someone is going to die, and I won't say who, but I did not expect to cry that hard. The character's loss is astounding, and the events leading up to it really hit home; the struggles Min Soo faces as a closet homosexual in a homophobic environment are mind-opening, and the struggles he faces are true, in Korea and in many parts of America as well. The film carries a powerful message, and manages to balance the scale with a healthy dose of fun, fluff, and hot kisses. <3

I definitely recommend this movie to a viewer who enjoys LGBT-themed movies, and to someone who... screw it, everyone should watch this movie!

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Completed
Dominion and Devotion
32 people found this review helpful
Apr 28, 2025
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

A Great Blend Of Politics, Romance And Women Empowerment

I just finished watching Dominion and Devotion, and I have to say, it was an incredible series. The short length worked well, and everything from the directing to the costumes, set, acting, and even the music was good. On top of that, the story was solid and engaging – definitely time well spent.

The series is filled with political intrigue, which can get complex, but I appreciate how everything was explained. There weren’t any major plot holes, which is always a win in my book.

Story Overview:
The main plot revolves around Pei Shen Zhi, the son of the last ruler who fell, and now working as a eunuch with his foster father, Bai Hai Tao. Pei Shen Zhi manipulates the political turmoil surrounding the last emperor to install a puppet ruler, who ends up being Ning Jing Yi, the fifth "prince" of the Great Ning. However, Ning Jing Yi is actually a woman, hiding her identity. She tries to escape the palace with her aunt, but after being caught and facing the threat of her aunt’s life, she reluctantly accepts the role of the "puppet" emperor.

Both lead characters were smart and politically savvy, which I really appreciated. Their dynamic was full of tension, and the romance between them was done so well – from enemies to lovers, forbidden love, and a slow burn. The tension was palpable. I kind of wish Pei Shen Zhi had discovered her true identity a bit later (like after episode 4), but it wasn’t a big deal. His brief "gay panic" moment was fun. When they finally admitted their love for each other, it felt meaningful – not just a small, fleeting thing. The idea of a female emperor and a eunuch as a pair was quite intriguing and unique.

I also loved the antagonist, not because he was likable, but because he was well-written. He was ambitious, smart, and definitely a challenge to deal with, which made him an interesting character.

The supporting cast was fantastic too. Li Jing Xian, Ning Jing Yi’s aunt, was a great character. She was always there for the female lead and cared for her like no one else. While she wasn’t physically strong, she was incredibly brave when it came to protecting Ning Jing Yi. Huo Zheng, a court officer, had a strong sense of justice that I respected. Luo Wen Jing, a woman who had to disguise herself as a man to survive, was another character I admired.

What stood out to me in this show was how it validated women’s rights without downplaying men’s importance. It was refreshing to see women portrayed in such a powerful, empowering way.

Memorable Scenes:
The first kiss between the leads was perfect, and the wedding scene was beautiful too. The series did a great job building up their relationship, and when they finally came together, it was so satisfying.

One of my favorite arcs was the widow village. The women there were hardworking and managed to survive without the help of men. But of course, a man had to come along and destroy everything, and I was so mad at him. It really drove home the message of female strength.

Ending:
As for the ending, while it wasn’t the typical happily-ever-after with the leads living a peaceful married life, I still loved it. Pei Shen Zhi sacrificed for a greater cause, and his absence didn’t diminish their love. The final moments were powerful, showing Ning Jing Yi embracing her power as a female emperor. Her costume was stunning, and I loved how the show didn’t make her rise to power a quick, one-night transformation. The gradual change felt real and meaningful.

Overall, Dominion and Devotion is a fantastic series that balances politics, romance, and strong female representation. It’s definitely worth watching.

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Completed
Theatre: A Love Story
32 people found this review helpful
Jul 20, 2020
Completed 3
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Kento is in this but no, this is not your typical shoujo manga movie, sorry.

This movie does not shy away from showing you the toxicities and struggles of being in an unhealthy relationship. This kind of film is one of the many reasons why I've always liked jdramas. It's the lack of fear of tackling serious and heavy subjects.

The couple has its up and down moments and has you questioning whether these two are suited to stay together or not. They could be having a joyful time walking together or playing games together but also get into uncomfortable quarrells at any second. Nagata's character is written to look pathetic as he is extremely insecure, egoistic and short-tempered and seemingly is merely using Saki. Him being with the vigorous and kind Saki starts to change her life for the worst as she seemingly changes as a person, her aspirations and pretty much everything. The movie then does makes you care and sympathize for these two. The chemistry between the two and the story is great and realistic.

Yamazaki Kento's character here is very much different from the usual roles he takes. He should leave the shoujo manga roles to the idols because him taking these more mature roles have really showcased his talents as an actor. I'm not even the biggest fan of him and I'm impressed by his great acting here. He also looks different and mature with the long messy hair and facial hair that he has in this movie. Mayu is no exception, she played the kind and strong Saki really well.

I can't recall if I ever heard any music here but I don't think it's the kind of movie that needs music anyway, the tone of the movie and the story was that appealing and intriguing that it didn't need any music tbh. Rewatch value is low for me, not to say that it wasn't good, I just think I've seen everything already and don't think I need to watch it again.

The ending was nothing short of spectacular.

Highly recommended.

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