I loved the actors and characters in this drama, they all worked well together, it's a just a pity the story was lacklustre. This series seemed to turn korean drama tropes on its head despite being a chaebol romantic comedy. The chaebol in this drama (Ji Sung) isn't your typical cold and moody, hot lead, instead he acts like an immature boy. Also even how his body acts is noticeable, other chaebols have limited movement with their body but Ji Sung uses a lot of gestures, I guess portraying that he isn't cold, calm and collected but playful and dramatic. Also the female lead Choi Kang Hee doesn't act like the typical doormat assistant, instead she is a kick-ass girl and former thug. She has to be one of the strongest female lead characters I have ever seen in a korean drama, she was awesome.
The other noticeable difference was that there are no villains in this drama, I mean there are rivals but they're portrayed as normal people not your typical villains like in other dramas.
Watch this drama if you want to laugh so much you'll cry and love all the characters, just don't expect a good story. I think this is one of the most underrated dramas, it's a must watch.
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kyungsoo really came back and wrecked everyone's bias list xD it was so so short, though the last ep being 20min is basically like having 7eps
the last ep was the best xD
it's so funny, they're only missing a few members but their empty spots are so huge! I miss jongdae's WAE and laughter, suho getting caught in their mischiefs, and well even Lay all confused. this makes me so nostalgic
the games were too short, they recorded all of this in one setting so it makes sense, they really just wanted to gift EXOLs one last variety before baek and chan enlisted, time flies by. kyungsoo and xiumin are already back but baek and channy left so fast. and then time doesn't move like where are jongdae and suho already ;(
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I Feel You Linger in the Air: Uncut Version
6 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Cortisol, the Series
I like this drama. Theres a lot to love and a lot of things were done well. That said, there are some things I have to get out of the way before I start praising it:THEY'RE SO DAMN STUPID OMFG
It doesnt seem like the story is going to punish the main couple's stupidity or at least if it does, it won't be punished too harshly, but their absolute refusal to be secretive in any single way had me more anxious than interested. Doors are ALWAYS left open. But, even if the doors were closed, don't worry, they're going to have their private conversations in the downstairs lobby. But, if they don't talk there, no worries, they'll kiss at the lake with 360 degree viewing angles from a mile away. But, don't worry, if that's too subtle, they'll chase each other out of a party in full view of all the guests because one of them got jealous that the other was within a meter of a woman. It never fucking ends omfgggg. I was on the edge of my seat FROM STRESS AND STRESS ALONE. Had me pausing every two business seconds to bemoan the dumbassery. Especially for Jom because he should know better, but also for Yai because HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER. He hears about a gay couple getting killed in the morning and minutes later he's backhugging Jom in public. Every single part of my body was clenched up like "this has got to be a tragedy because they really dont value life." It blows my mind that they don't get murked six ways from sunday because they're basically waving pride flags in 19-fucking-20 like bro please I'm trying to root for you. I've spent an entire episode just begging them to go inside. Is rain so nice to kiss in?? Just go inside, please. You dont even have to go into a room or close the door-- im reasonable, I can compromise, just, please, PLEASE go inside.
Around episode 9, my stress hit a critical point and I just sort of...stopped caring about the main characters because if they don't care anout themselves, why should I? I put down the series for nearly two months because I just couldnt take more anxiety disguised as cuteness. Like every time they had a heart to heart or romantic moment, I couldnt really get into it because all I was thinking was, "the door is open, isn't it?" (AND IT ALWAYS WAS. Which would prompt the thought, "these guys really wanna die, huh?" Because they MUST. Theres no other explanation.)
Much smaller gripe, but Jom losing his shit every time he sees himself or an image of the future really started grinding my gears. I can understand once or twice, but we're like 4 - 6 incidents deep and he still goes running and yelling after the image like he isnt aware every time it happens others can hear and see him running about like a chicken without a head. Like be chill, you already know you cant interact and you've literally experienced this all before??????? stfuuuu.
Ugh.
God.
Okay.
Lastly, the lack of consequence to any action (every action, really) took a lot of the tension out of this story. There's the romance between Jom and Yai for starters (I really relaxed after the father came to Jom to tell him to leave Yai alone because this is obviously set in 2028, not 1928), but it also goes for the lesbian CP, for Ming's decisions, for Fong Kaew's decisions, it's for servants speaking to masters like they're equals, it's for literally every single character. They'll do something that should have dire consequences and then they MAYBE get slapped for it. Maybe. Stern words and angry eyebrows do not build or deliver tension. The only consequences delivered are to a couple that's on screen once, for like three minutes. Very frustrating.
Now onto the good stuff:
The cinematography is beautiful, which I say as someone who does not care about cinematography or notice it unless it is insane. They did a good job making each scene very pleasing to the eye, this show is pleasant to watch. Even if you mute it, it will still grab your attention.
The music is great. It never felt unnecessary, overly loud or quiet, and more importantly, it never stole my attention from the show. A lot of times, unnecessarily sad music for shows can either irritate me or make me crack up, but each piece played fit the scene it was in.
The story is okay. I wasn't blown away by it like other reviewers, but I did enjoy the story once I released my hold on my disbelief and expectations. Without the expectation of too much realism, the story isdefinitely fun though it's not as nuanced as I'd thought it would be. I assume the book was better as shows usually have a hard time fitting a good story into 12 episodes while maintaining its quality.
Ignoring the depth of their stupidity, Yai and Jom's relationship was cute. They have great chemistry and really play off of each other well. I assume I'll enjoy the special episode more because my biggest problem with them was the time period. To the point that I did actual research on LGBT history in thailand, going as far as to find Thai resources, just to ensure I wasn't losing my mind and 1920 did indeed feel exactly what you'd expect for 1920 on LGBT issues. To put it more bluntly, neither couple would be alive, most likely, or at least out of jail, but ignoring that-- very cute couple.
I enjoyed the last couple episodes more than the first ten, the chemistry really is phenomenal and, when there's nothing else to worry about, it's positively showstopping. The music is occasionally overdramatic/mismatched but more often than not it's bangers after bangers (but in a classical sort of way.) I vivdly remember replaying a scene a few times (it was more of a transition, honestly) just for the music, so make of that what you will.
I'd definitely rewatch parts of this, but finally having finished it, it did not rock my world by a decent margin. Also, whatever accent it is that Yai has shows me the pearly gates every time he rolls an 'r' and that comprises of most of the parts I'd rewatch.
Today I learned that i cannot watch the special episode.
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This review may contain spoilers
BEST CHEMISTRY!
So I've been meaning to write a review about this lakorn after watching it in livestream, patiently waited for the released of subbed version and re-watching it for the nth time.All of us has different views on how to like a drama and for me this lakorn has the substance I am looking for. I am a fan of arranged marriage genre so that's what caught my attention, secret office romance set-up is a plus-plus too and the background which is construction is kind of refreshing and personally I can relate since I am on the same field. But since I re-watched it for l don't know how many times already, I will try to be objective and not bias.
This may include spoilers, so read it at your own risks…
STORY - Plot is from the novel, so if you read the book before watching the lakorn you will have the glimpse of the story except for the ending which is very different.
I will categorize the drama in 5 parts. First part (Ep1-3) has so much comedy, focus on Moie’s unrequited love over Tien. I really laugh on her daydreaming and wild imaginations. Second part (ep4-6) focus on Moie’s true personality. Since Tien knows her as clumsy and naïve girl but turned out she’s very smart. Third part (ep7-9) is the turning point of the drama. Tien finally realized Moie’s true personality, she is smarter than him and his pride can’t accept that. Specifically, Ep9 is my favorite episode maybe the climax of the drama too. It is also when they went to the temples. Fourth part (Ep10-12) is where the romance begins. The sweet romantic moments and the poetries are in this part. And so the chasing and the jealousy (Tien always threw his shirt when he’s jealous). Last part (Ep13-15), very dramatic and tragic and a bit rush. Revelations of what truly happens.
What I like about this drama? 1st is the overflowing chemistry of the leads, Mark (Tien) & Mew (Moie). All the sweet moments of them together even in the early episodes is like a breath of fresh air especially during these times. The funny scenes and comedies are really laughable. All the poetries, which is hardly seen in some of dramas has a very deep meaning so you have to read them carefully. The beauty of Myanmar temples and other sceneries is a thumbs up. The comedy and humors specifically Moie's daydreaming are really laughable. Mark and Mews acting are so realistic that they successfully bring out Tien and Moie's character to life as how they've been explained in the novel. Mark’s portrayal of Tien is on the next level. He’s character in the novel was very rude. But in the drama Mark’s gaze and smile made it more humane. Like he acts cruel and speaks harsh but his eyes and smile are telling you other things, that he still cares and you have to read him well. Mew also did well. I always have the same emotions with her while watching the drama. I laugh with her and cry with her. Tien’s family is also very likable especially Aunt Jee. Tien’s friend (The Gang) are very funny. Moie’s friend is so-so for me except Thoom.
What I dislike about this drama? (Honestly a lot, I have a lot of complains but I still love it) The editing is poor, you will see a lot of loopholes and inconsistencies the more you rewatched them. Even the timeline is not accurate. Flashbacks sometimes eat most of the time and keep on reusing the same clips. I get it that they need to show the flashback but they can be particular on which scene or line they should use. Some good scenes which you can see in the BTS are also left out and sometimes it will take a big part in the story. Like you can’t connect the previous scene to the next scene and wander what the heck happened or did I miss something? Hidden stories are not properly used like why did they put it there if they will not use it eventually when the leads found out what really happened. Side stories eat some time that should be given to the leads story. Don’t get me wrong, I am not against the LGBT community, but I don’t like the story of Kaofang and Kang. Those screen time should’ve been given to their married life after they reconcile. Also, the domestic abuse of Pondayt to Yada is overly shown.
OST is very good especially My Happiness of Mon Monik & Fongbeer and Mark’s version of Pahn.
Overall, this lakorn is my favorite drama. I can’t seem to find a new drama who will fill in my spare time so I just keep on re-watching it. I became a fan of Mark and Mew because of this. My first time on watching them. I am hoping they can be paired up again. All the flaws and inconsistencies have been filled by Mark and Mew’s great chemistry so at first watch you will not recognized those imperfections.
What I learned about watching this lakorn is that Love has no boundaries (sounds cliché but true) and Moie and Tien successfully showed this kind of love
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Ryu no Michi: Futatsu no Kao no Fukushusha
6 people found this review helpful
This drama has great performances from every character here, but the two main leads as well as the villain excel on every aspect of it. This is a revenge drama but there is no black or white, the characters are written in gray shades. For me this drama does exemplify the phrase that in order to catch a monster you have to become one. The plot moves very fast there is no filler at all and every scene matters.
The OST was also perfect for the drama and it was well chosen for it.
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chemistry is there, but story aint mine type
__*You Are Desire (2023)*__ - 8/10 - cdramaI really liked acting and chemistry of main actors, BUT didnt liked angsty feel and backstory of whole drama.
Alot reviews I read said second half of drama is big downgrade, but I dont think so story just becomes more unfocused and splits into lesser storylines.
Not even sure why since alot dramas got alike angsty backstory in way... you always have some unreasonable villain etc. It just often felt like main pair was closed on small ship in middle of storm?
Surelly its worth watching, but not for everybody.
__*plot*__ - FL gets tossed away by her mother to her father family. FL finds guy she is interested in neighbourhood[ML]. She becomes his desk mate in new school and gets close to him. Story goes around their relationship and FLs family problems + ML family problems.
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Office Romance Done Right!!
The movie/series: This was a really charming series with an awesome script. I will admit there are some weak aspects, but they were only minor. The cast was great and did a wonderful job with their characters. My only complaint about the series is how some episodes start off completely different from the previous episode which was slightly bizarre. However, it made more sense in the movie format.The movie: They did an excellent job editing the series into a movie version. The only downside is it eliminated one of my favorite things about the series which was the gaming scenes at the end of each episode. However, I understand why they had to edit them out.
Random Notes:
So far, this is the only BL office romance in 2023 that was enjoyable to watch.
(Added on 9/29/2023): After thoughtfully considering which one to watch, I strongly recommend watching the series version. This is because I really love the gaming scenes at the end of each episode and missed them in the movie version. Although the editing between the episodes were bizarre, It’s not that bad.
Once again, the synopsis on Viki does not accurately describe the movie. It gives information that does not happen.
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I'm not a BL food fan but...
I'm not a big fan of cooking BL's. This one did have some interesting food themes and I suppose I did learn some about cooking and Thia cooking. I know that's a run on sentence. (lol) I really enjoyed this series. It was well done in all aspects. Scripting, believability of the characters, Cinematography, music, and even the females were almost likeable. As with many BL's I wind up emotionally involved more with the secondar couple than the main couple. Prem and Vich just blew me away. So unexpected too. Beautiful exchanges between them. Best actor has to go to Aue, with many honorable mentions, 1st runner up is Vich , then Aek's mom, Aui, Bie. The entire cast was really strong in my opinion. The ending was anticlimactic, and episode 11 was good to tie up some loose ends with Prem and Vich but where was Aue and Aek? again no ending. Otherwise really enjoyable. I never wanted to fast forward and with an almost 50 minutes per episode they never seemed long or slow. Thank-you to all. Great Job "David" Woradech BiganderPS I disagree with most of the other reviews. There were a couple scenes that the staring and dialogue seemed slow. I thought they did it for dramatic effect.
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Fluff with a hint of rivalry [Final Review]
I was not planning on starting this series until later on, mostly because when I saw the trailer I was not immediately hooked. However, after watching these two episodes, I NEED MORE.I enjoy the cute office setting: one being the photographer and the other being the writer. Onoe, the writer, feels a bit jealous for having his work replaced by the other, which is a bit realistic in my opinion because I have definitely felt that kind of emotion once or twice. However, that jealousy/rivalry does not last long since they are soon immediately paired to work together, resulting in one of them being pouty about it. (i.e. Kawai >.<)
The episodes definitely give you more, or at least, a hint of Kaburagi and how he copes doing his job. Onoe's internal dialogue makes it entertaining and fun to watch.
I enjoy how the characters slowly start to feel their emotions change towards the other as they interact more and more as partners trying to get the next story. The manner in which it is portrayed is entertaining without it being cringe at all. I am so excited for the next episodes and hope it will be cute, especially after seeing the preview for ep. 3.
For now, it is an 8 rate because I have yet to see whether they maintain its cute storyline with a hint of funny scenes throughout or simply start well but let it wine down. I hope the rest of the episodes will pull through so I can rate it higher.
Post-ep 3: The series definitely maintained its current 8.0 rate. There were many cute moments and it continued to be interesting as both characters interact with others and navigate their new feelings.
A cute show overall.
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Under-rated drama series
The story has not been boring but fairly entertaining and has a fair number of twists. I have aborted many dramas in past several months. I had watched Season 1, and Season 2 has been equally entertaining so far. I have rarely watched beyond 10 episodes this year. The change in scenery, from palace court, is a welcome change to the story. I enjoy watching Liu Li's uncanny intelligence to escape tricky moments. It's undeniable Liu Li is the star of this series. She remains a beauty who is worth looking for many moments.Was this review helpful to you?
Its a adorable mini- drama. I ship Yukimaru and Yamane hard! Their personality match each other even though Yamane would say otherwise. This drama have some informative aspect in contrast to other Japanese dramas. It give a glimpse of what the inside of a real Japanese news room looks like. In this drama, I believe the actors and actresses captured how Japanese news are broadcast.
The character develop of some of the actors and actresses are smooth even with only 5 episodes. It's a nice drama to watch when I want avoid being emotionally pulled.
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Cliched but its magic works!
Hello Me! is a predictable story filled with clichés like a struggling FL, a immature ML, the random job offering, the truck of doom, unwanted misunderstandings, childhood connections, etc.Yet there are many enjoyable elements in this show. One, the comedy. The scenes between the ML & SML and ML & his co-worker ladies are such a laugh riot. Some of the antics of the Younger Ban Han Ni are hilarious.
Two, the character growth of both Ban Han Nis. Younger BHN is very audacious, outspoken and confident teen. Her actions lead to innumerable troubles. She can come off as an incorrigible person nearly the entire show. But, in odd turn of events, she turns a new leaf and becomes more mature. Older BHN is a broke and ill-fated person. Interactions with younger self, makes her take better charge at life.
Three, the character interactions. Be it interaction of both BHNs with her school friends, and her family, or ML with his "assistant", brother, dad and aunt. Everything is very cordial and warm.
Four, the message "You're doing well. You're the most magnificent star in your life. That is, if you refuse to give up and get back on your feet once again."
Five, the altruistic take on unfortunate events especially forgiving bad people, and supporting family members.
There are hardly any downsides to this show. It keeps you entertained, makes you laugh, makes you feel warm and strive at life.
I had an expectation that younger BHN will mature and change older BHN's life. The story doesn't flow that way which was new take on these past and present self interactions stories.
ML calling FL "Ahjumma" felt comical but it made their relationship more like sister-brother and not romantic. Even romance is barely there.
Anthony's closure felt good but it could have been different. Society requires to "evolve" to be more forgiving. Given the recent events, the social commentary felt coincidental.
The show is well produced. Acting of younger BHN felt a bit dramatic and artificial sometimes. Other actors are really good. Eum Moon Suk's acting style reminds me of his The Fiery Priest character. Music is really good given that the younger BHN is idol aspirant especially the 3!4! song. Rewatch is good for comical scenes.
Hello Me!: Invoke the child in oneself to heal oneself.
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Terribly edited but cute and beautifully filmed
A whole lot of love and a bit of sky... ok a bunch of sports and an equal amount of romance and just enough drama to keep it from just being a fluff piece but not enough drama to make it very exiting... This drama is sweet, oddly edited, beautifully filmed, lovely lighting, it includes way, way, way to many montages of the past and the editing is so off that I actually had to check if I had skipped an episode by mistake. I had not and I am pretty sure that if they switched out the montages and added more scenes that explain the plot it would have made this drama a lot better.There are few highly annoying elements in the first and last episode but other than that the characters are human, mostly lovable, sweet, ok one of the leads is borderline stalker and does need to learn about boundaries but he is just such a sweetheart and does seem to learn a lesson or two as the story continues... The same guy has the sweetest granny ever who stood for the lowest humour in the entire show.
I love how they manage to include a person with a transgender identity that is actually portrayed as just another human being along side the other very human beings in the drama + they do manage to portray love is love etc. in a pretty natural way only slightly mentioning coming out and obstacles etc... Without making it a big part of the plot thus making this drama about first of all humans who also happen to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and not another coming out story.
All things that made me add a star to two to this otherwise kind of flat plot...
This drama feels ver wholesome, if you ignore the insinuations about people sleeping tighter there and there and the guy who fell for his girlfriends brother... But other than that they all seem so pure...
So not a must watch but a pretty decent watch, just mind the first episode it does not represent the rest of the drama.
Bingabilaty: 8.5
Cutness: 9
Characters: 8.5
Lighting: 8.5
Plot: 6
Editing: 2
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Subtle, warm and simple
Of course because this is only 4 episodes, the dramas focus was not on the story but honestly it didn't need to be. Even though the premise is predictable, this drama is more about feels and connection. If you're looking for that i would suggest give it a shot for sure. A drama doesn't always need to have a million things going for it, to be considered good. Sometimes a simple feel good story can do the job just as well and let this drama speak for that.The cinematography felt so warm, set in winter and added to the ambience and mood the director was trying to create. An classic story about unrequited love but even with only four episodes, the writer did a great job in the screenplay and it didn't feel rushed. The fact that they kept the story simple contributed to focusing on the main thing which was their friendship rather than overcomplicating it. The emotions and thoughts for the characters in every episodes felt justified and flowed smoothly across the the whole drama.
The chemistry that the friends shared came across very beautifully, not overly over the top. I can't seem to put my finger on how they did that so perfectly. The character Han Sun Woo (played by Park Hyung Sik) was so wholesome and the actor did a brilliant job delivering that across the screen. Lee Sun Soo played by Han So Hee also played the part really well, her acting was subtle but in an good way. The only downfall is that i wished it was longer. Subtle, warm and simple. If you want to enjoy a night in with that fuzzy feeling, get a blanket, light a candle and enjoy!
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