Reviews

WARNING: part of my review contains a tiny spoiler, but first, it's only really a spoiler if you are familiar with classic American films and second, I'll separate that part from the rest of the review for those who haven't seen the film.
Now, on to my review. First off, I just want to go ahead and say that this is classified as a CRIME/THRILLER film. This means that if you were searching for something with a lot of romance and sunshine and rainbows... I'm not quite sure how you got here but you're in the wrong place. From the get-go, this movie starts out tugging at your heartstrings as it shows just HOW our protagonist looses her eyesight. If you aren't good with scary, but still want to watch this, I'd say go for it... but wait until daylight and call a friend over. The acting in this film is superb and the plotline, for the most part, is very original (more on that in the spoiler section). I've rewatched this several times now, and still find it amazing!
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{SPOILERS}
The one thing that really bothered me was that during the climax of the film,there is a scene that is eerily similar to the 1967 Audrey Hepburn film "Wait Until Dark". It was honestly too similar for me to thing anything other than that the idea had been taken. Other than that, an overall great film!

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Poor Title But A Great Series!

Perhaps I am in a minority here, but I found this series to be quite good and watched it on a lark. The title was awful and that I think more than anything through people off and stopped the audience from watching. Yes, it is a 'ghost' story (duh) but it is quit good and the ghostly part of it really enhances the romance aspect of the story in a very adult way and not in an intended way. For a fantasy series, it was presented with reasonably expectations and felt 'real' if that makes sense. All the characters, including the 'ghosts' were likeable and relatable and were so ordinary that the scenes seemed so normal. Regrettably, I think this series was overlooked but it should be watched. I found it quite moving.

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prepare thyselves

one word.
intense.

this wasn't your typical high school romance where the fl and ml bump into each other and they instantly make their vows for an everlasting future together. yeah this isn't a fairy tale.

in here, we have the exploration of different themes such as the feeling of first love, the gravity of loneliness and what it can make people do and also the aftermath of one's choices.

to be frank, i wasn't entirely sold on how this teacher who is definitely broken and has many deep rooted issues suddenly fell for mr. kanai.... however, i do like the portrayal of that eery aura of ms. minigawa's character. the creepy smiles and ill intentions under the saint-like interior and you have a recipe for a nasty nightmare.

the interactions between the main leads are quite interesting and while everyone are rooting for these two to have a happy ending, i find myself thinking the opposite. yes, they are cute together. a mutual understanding was there and they comforted each other at their lows. with how they started out as replacement for each other's unrequited love, there is bound to be some time needed to recover from that.

i kinda found their farewell a bit dramatic because they're obviously still going to see each other in school lmaooo but i do love the ending and seeing hanabi meeting with her new friends; something she didn't have before.

overall, this was nicely written and well produced with heavy elements on the psychological aspects and yeeh smiles are creepy now.

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What She Put On the Table is a mini series inspired by Taiwanese TV chef Fu Pei Mei's (fiction) novel, but is also inspired by Fu Pei Mei's own life and recipes.

The series has two timelines, one in present day in which a son goes to check on his grandmother in the hospital (essentially to collect money from her), and one in the 1950s/60s that follows two women, Ah Chun and Fu Pei Mei. These two women are drastically different (poor/rich) but their lives come together over a series of events. Each episode is split between the timelines, as the grandmother reminisces people and recipes of the past.

The story was always engaging, had beautiful cinematography, and had consistent pacing throughout. It was more on the slow-paced side, but that's also just the reality with Q series and nearly 1.5 hour long episodes. None of the characters were perfect, but each of them relatable. I thought the characters' diversity of backgrounds and interests reflected Taiwan's society from that time - a clash of old immigrants from Guangdong, new immigrants from Beijing, KMT soldiers, PRC sympathizers/sleeper agents... The back and forth dialogue with Mandarin and Taiwanese can be expected from Q series.

Though the drama was interesting, rewatch value (especially for me, who rarely rewatches dramas) is very low - it's a very well done drama with characters that were sweet but not something addicting.

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A Genuine Surprise!

This series tricks you. It lulls you into thinking it is going in one direction, only for that to be a ‘red herring’. Or maybe not? That is what made this series so immensely enjoyable and entertaining to watch. This is honestly a beautiful series to absorb because it takes you from the expected to the unexpected. More importantly, you feel these characters.

This is ground-breaking in a sense that it tackles a fairly common condition with dignity and gives it a plausible ending. This is often a misunderstood medical condition and hopefully this series will shed some light on something that often brings pain, aguish, guilt, and confusion to an induvial no matter what direction the person has chosen to lead.

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A different twist to the 2007 remake.

Well, being a 2022 remake of the drama, it contains different elements when compared to the 2007 version.
Some changes are quite obvious, being the usage of smartphones or Bluetooth headsets (Smartphone usage isn't that common in 2007)
Also, there is some setting changes in terms of romance (more focusing on the Komue-Osugi pair), the office scenes is toned down quite significantly due to much shorter length of the drama (8*21 min episodes when compared to 7*45-60 mins episodes of the 2007 version) and how they swapped their bodies.
Osugi has become a much more important character than the 2007 remake (and there is some twists being included that is not seen on the 2007 version)

It is a light hearted, easy to watch drama in general.

Overall I would recommend you to watch both 2007 and 2022 remakes as both dramas has their own charm on it.

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Best decision I made was to watch this drama! I have never been so engrossed in a tv show. The cast had such fantastic chemistry and their acting was on point. The plot continually develops and there are no loose strings left behind in the story (everything connects). I honestly wanted more romantic screen time between Ha Ri and Min Joon but I feel like they had the best chemistry in comparison to other couples I've seen. Honestly, the best drama i've watched and I'm planning to rematch it now and then. This is such an underestimated TV show and I honestly don't understand why very few people have seen this. It is AMAZING!!!!

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A Cherry Christmas!

Cherry Magic has that magic to unite all BL fans to swoon over Kurosawa and Adachi's relationship. Not going to lie, I too fell into that booby trap. I've gone into the show expecting myself not to get obsessed over it. However, I was proven wrong and head over heels on this show.

The show's idea is straightforward. The show started with Adachi who received a birthday gift on his 30th birthday to read other people's mind when there's physical contact with others. Adachi wasn't used to this lifestyle and one fine day, he came into contact with Kurosawa in the elevator and found out Kurosawa's seven years of s̶i̶m̶p̶i̶n̶g̶ crushing on him. Therefore, the adventure begins, and Kurodachi was born.

So what do I love about this? Firstly, the show has presented such a sweet relationship between Kurosawa and Adachi. Every interaction the two had left me screaming as I was watching it because they're so adorable? And patient with each other? And communicate when they have conflicts? And they've seen each other at their absolute worsts? Count me in. I love that their relationship in this show brings out the best of both Kurosawa and Adachi. It doesn't change their personality; it makes them stronger, more confident and helps them be the best versions of themselves. They were already good. Love just made them realize it. I also thought it's refreshing since there isn't any talk about sexual orientation and stuff; it's only two people falling love which turns out to be two men. We need more love stories like this!

However, there are no shows without flaws, and I have to point them out.

The 2nd couple was very odd. While I like the two characters individually, their relationship didn't stand out to me. Their relationship progression leaves a strange taste in my mouth, especially with them doing it RIGHT AFTER they got into a relationship. Sadly, I wasn't emotionally attached to them compared to the main couple.

The last episode also fell short. I am not a fan of the breaking up at Episode 11 and reuniting in Episode 12 (the last one, excluding the extras). It's just a plot device so overly used in romance stories. I agree that the conflict has to be brought up in the 2nd last episode but to be immediately settled in the last episode? The conflict was resolved way too quick for me. The sudden outburst from Adachi and my boy Kurosawa tearing up to make up in the last episode as if nothing has happened previously doesn't sit right with me. Also, Adachi's rapid change of mind to do it immediately do it with Kurosawa felt OOC for me. I had unanswered questions about why he wanted to do it. I thought the show should have more episodes because the conflict resolvent was very unrealistic for me. I wasn't sure if Adachi wants to lose it because he was ready or he wants to give up his magic to live an ordinary life with Kurosawa because he feels like he's too dependent on his powers. Even though I like the ending, I just wished that the show could have been dragged on a little longer. Hence, I couldn't give the story a 10.

So, why did I still give a 10 in overall? Well, this is a show I've been begging my friends to watch it. I loved the first 10 episodes, and I kept rewatching it because I love the relationship here. I was just so touched, and as an ace, this is such a great representation. If I don't give this a 10, it will break my heart. In conclusion, this is a wholesome drama that every BL lovers to watch. I will always question how a story of 30-year-old working adults brings me more joy compared to teenager's first love stories.

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An easy watch :)

This drama is a relatively easy watch. I am a big fan and admirer of ZYX but putting that aside. This review is wholeheartedly my honest opinion of this show.

First of all, the cast is good looking. Everyone is pretty much good looking and pretty however, I have to give extra attention to ZYX outfit changes in this drama. She looks like she’s on a runway in every scene when she is in the workplace and even when she’s out. Regardless of her small short and slim figure she rocked the outfits and looks for her character. The male lead looked great with the spectacles. Really completes the whole mysterious domineering vibe he had going on.

Their acting was good as well which is no surprise there because they won’t be casted if they weren’t right? They all were able to showcase the emotions and personalities of their respective characters making it theirs and making the once fictional character come into life and allowing us to be a part of it by witnessing it.

I have seen their chemistry behind the scenes and I can tell it was a comfortable and positive atmosphere and working environment for everyone allowing better results. And I have to add the chemistry between ZYX and the male lead real life friendship they have is so sweet and swoon worthy. I was the one guilty of watching those bts scenes rather than the actual drama because it was so sweet which explains why there are speculations of their actual relationship.

The plot of the drama is easy, entertaining but nothing too complicated nor intense. It’s more of you thought it would be intense due to the numerous factors but it end to be wasn’t. ZYX character at the beginning can be seen as frustrating but I urge you to keep watching because there is more to her character she is a badass that for the courage to love someone who is actually right for her. So please no hate on her.

The hate should be her ex bf and the male lead ex gf who just infuriate me throughout. You ll get it when you watch it.

The romance and passion elements is there nothing too much but the kiss scenes and the swooning scenes is able to make up for it.

The end scene wrapped up the drama just nice where they were able to start a whole new life with one another. Which is so sweet.

You know if I were in China I would be all over and voting for them and the show but I m not so I can’t emphasise enough that this is a good watch and the actors were all great.

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Another piece of evidence that shows why KimuTaku is the GOAT of J-dorama. The rest of the cast also did superbly.

Being a school (or an academy) drama imposes certain limitations and patterns on storytelling, still, it was a great watch.
I set the rewatch value low due to some thriller and investigative elements.

What I appreciate the most in this TV special is the production part. The portrayal of a police academy is concise (possibly as a good PR project from Kanagawa police).

Music/OST is not that standout (typical of one-off TV specials). Ending theme is a good piece though.

Summing up, being 2 parts TV special will take more time to complete, but you will enjoy a different kind of police-theme dorama with a decent cast.

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I absolutely love this story & now I love this version of it more than Playful Kiss. I believe this had more depth to it in character development. Even though Xiang Qin was really dorky at times her dork-ness became cute after a while. I love the 2nd season more than the 1st b/c I got to see into Zhi Shu's character more. I understood his character the whole time b/c emotions r hard to deal w/ especially when u don't know what ur feeling. I love this b/c I help others deal w/ emotions they don't understand everyday. Even though the methods r different (we r not allowed to fight w/ our cts.) the rxns r fun to watch.



This is 1 of the bestest dramas ever and I will watch it over & over & over. I hope others get as much from this as I did.

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I happened to watch this mini-drama/movie at one go. It pleasantly surprised me. I didn't know what to expect since its duration was so short. However, it managed to keep me hooked from the start till the end without boring me.

While the story is cliche in all aspects, it has a certain charm to it. Rainie and Show both played their parts very well. I loved their chemistry and they were fun to watch together. I would say the last episode was a bit cheesy for my taste but the rest of it was fine. I particularly liked Rainie Yang. I've never been a fan of hers before but she seems quite different from her 'Devil Beside You' days. I liked her acting as well. Show also looked hot in this.

Anyway- if nothing, this show is worth watching just for the amazing camera work. I have to say whosoever the director was did a great job of it. He actually made me want to visit Australia. I think mentioning this is relevant since this movie seemed like a big promotion for Australian tourism. LOL.

Worth a watch and maybe some time in the future, a rewatch. Definitely recommended for Rainie and Show fans!

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I seriously love this drama! The suspense and mystery is just too awesome!! The story line is great because it doesn't rush right into each case but builds it up. I love how the first 2 episodes were about how season 1 ended (well of course that is normal for a sequel). One thing i liked about it was that they didn't rush right into it, but build it up and showed it over 2 episodes rather than 1. Also each case was just as suspenseful as the previous one. The ending was just amazing, and like the beginning the last case was split into 2 episodes! They put some serious thought into this!

Can i just say i love this cast, seriously i don't think i can ask for any better cast members for this drama. Every actor portrayed their character soo well.

Joo Sang Wook as Yeo Ji Hoon was just awesome! I loved how his character was hard to figure out because at the beginning you get mixed feelings about him but then as you understand what is going on you can't help it but to love him! One thing i really liked about him was how he became more casual-looking near the end, and that he became closer to his team! One thing i really liked about his character was that he kept me on my toes for the first 2 episodes because his character was seriously hard for me to figure out. But ones i understood his character i ended up loving him more haha

Jo An as Nam Ye Ri was great! i really loved how her style of clothing changed in this season. She looked gorgeous and stylish as well as tough and had the you-don't-want-to-mess-with-me vibe going on. I really liked how her character developed from being a damsel in distress to an amazing officer! I really hoped for Nam Ye Ri to end up with Yeo Ji Woon >.> seriously i wanted more romance between these two Dx (then again it is a crime drama so =/ )

Kim Sang Ho as Baek Do Sik and Choi Woo Sik as Park Min Ho were just great! i loved the random comedy factor that these two portrayed.. though i can't really call it 'comedy' but their relationship made me smile soo much! I love Choi Woo Sik as Park Min Ho, i don't think anyone could have portrayed this character any better! He was just too awesome and funny! I love Woo Sik *.*

I really liked the ost, though there was really just one song, it was still really good because it had that mystery feel to it, which fit totally in with the drama. If i had to choose which season had a better ost then, i think i like the 1st season's sound track more.. That doesn't mean i don't like this season's sound track.. I just prefer season one ost. But i love both songs!

I gave the rewatch value 9/10, which is pretty high, but that is because i don't think i would get bored watching it again, especially Joo Sang Wook's character, he was a mystery to figure out plus i love mystery/crime dramas a lot so i would rewatch it anyways. Also i think i would go over the same feelings and questions over in my mind while watching it again.. especially the ending. Seriously i think i will have to watch the last part of the last episodes over again in order to grasp what is going on xD

Overall, i gave it a 9/10 because i think this is an excellent crime/mystery drama, every episode was great, especially the ending was just too awesome!! Like the 1st season, this season ended with a cliffhanger, suggesting to me that there is definitely going to be a 3rd season!! I can't wait for it *.* I hope they will keep the casting the same because i don't think i can handle a different casting for this drama! Guess we will see what is gonna happen next!

So if you love mystery/crime/investigation dramas then i recommend you to to watch this drama! You won't be disappointed :)

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