Honestly, we're all just Anna sometimes.
This drama takes us through the life of Anna wherein we discover how little lies along the way can cause irreparable damage and steal your real identity away.The best thing I loved about this is how it started during the early part of Anna's life and continued through the years as she grew up. The highlights and important events in her life gave me a sense of the nature and development of her character and her personality and in turn, made me understand why she made the decisions she made and why she did the things she did. I'm not justifying her actions, but I do understand.
This started out really strong but I felt like it fell flat in the middle. Anna used to be this unstoppable force in the beginning and in the middle, she was just...there. It was actually something that I can make sense of. She was trying so hard and of course, there will always be that point when you get too exhausted and just don't want to try anymore. However, I don't think this circumstance was carried out in a way that the essence of the message will reach the general audience. It felt close to boring.
Everything kind of fell into place but the ending was unremarkable given the potential. There was this big incident in the ending and I just thought they didn't take the tension and suspense to their advantage because after that, the next events were just "meh". They actually could've ended it with that incident and it would have been exceptional, to be honest.
I know there had been a dispute over this between the director and the streaming platform that aired it but the version I've watched is the director's cut, which is the extended version, so I can't compare.
Suzy is one of my favorite Korean actresses and I do admit that she's not that phenomenal in acting but she delivered such an astounding performance in this! The shift and range in her emotions through her eyes alone, literally breathtaking! She has brought Anna to life and she did a damn good job that's why I really connected with the character. I felt her hope, her sadness, her anger, I felt Anna. The music also added colors to the story and fit the mood.
Honestly, we're all just Anna sometimes. When things don't work out no matter how hard we try, we lie a little sometimes, not only to others, but especially to ourselves. It's easier than admitting that you failed, because we are not only failing ourselves, but those who believe in us. We kept justifying the failures with lies and we kept justifying the lies brought by the failures. This drama has made me realize that if you resist and refuse to admit failure, you will never experience success. Humbling yourself and accepting that you failed is the first step to find your way to success again.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
started with a bang, ended with a whimper
Overall: I was hoping for two flawed and aggressive characters having a lot of consensual BDSM NSFW scenes with eventual character change/growth and...I got none of that. Based on a book which I haven't read. Eight episodes at about 45 minutes. Aired on YouTube (cut), GagaOOLala and iQIYI (uncut).Content Warnings: drugging, attempted sexual assault, non/dub con, death in a flashback, grief, manipulation, blackmail, slap
What I Liked
- that the two main characters were not innocent/angels
- the intro and OST
- I did laugh a couple times with the two bodyguards
- some of the content warnings weren't as bad as I feared (from watching the trailer)
- color symbolism (one character frequently wears red and the other wears green)
- good discussion about marriage equality
- a f/f couple though they didn't have much screen time
- production value*
Room For Improvement
- I heard the novel was 90% nsfw and 10% plot and I honestly would have liked it better if they had kept it that way because the plot they created was cliched and boring
- the BDSM aspect oddly vanished
- the NSFW scenes were mainly flashbacks/short
- multiple dead fish lip kisses
- awful communication skills
- their relationship dynamic kept shifting rapidly for no reason
- the flash forward start was a bit confusing, I'd rather they had shown a flashback from a year ago to set up why they hated each other so much, they kind of explained it later on but not really
- confusing things, they seemed to spend too much time in some parts (like the interviews) but then went too fast/didn't properly explain other things (going from bedroom to the bar, are they on the same level???)
- unrealistic stuff: a super rich person has two incompetent bodyguards, keeping your supplies like that, not stepping on broken glass all over the floor, seems like it took too long for what they ingested to take effect
- them getting frisky with two women and pursuing a woman makes this feel like a "gay for you" trope is around the corner, would have liked if at least one, preferably both had been with other guys
- comedy sound effects
- *bad camera angles
Was this review helpful to you?
Maybe Horikita Maki has retired, but Kimura Fumino looked a bit like Maki (in my opinion) in this dorama. It may be her short hair. It may be her high cheekbones and sweet smile. From certain angles, she looked like Maki.
I don't understand why some people say she was frustrating in the first couple of episodes. I think any girl, especially any girl with bad experience in love, would be wary of any guy, no matter how cute or honest he looks, who approaches her and tells her he is her destiny. It is expected of the girl to be cautious, to be in doubt. If she agreed to be with him from the very beginning, I would have thought she was too naive and easy.
The story has the perfect amount of friendship (Makoto and his "rival", Haruko and Mitsue), good comradeship (Makoto and GOD, Makoto and his boss, Makoto and his coworkers), a nice rival (who is not really a rival, and who is just one of the nicest guys ever), present parents (who are there for their daughter). I liked the different tasks Makoto had to do, since it all served for a reason.
I am not satisfied with the ending. I was left with a "this is it??". I think there should be a SP. There HAS to be.
I love the OP and ED sequences. The dance was cute, and the song is pretty. I also like Yamapi's smirk when both of them are sitting in the couch, in the ED sequence. Only that, that same smirk is somewhat bittersweet in the final episode :(
Was this review helpful to you?
Humorous, bold, educational, raw and empowering
This is a show full of flawed but ultimately lovable characters and their struggles in fields of love, sex, health and friendships. It's unlike any other Thai production I've seen and it feels fresh in themes and execution, each episode introducing something new and unexpected. Praise goes to the actors too as this series doesn't lack daring and difficult scenes. The plot is well-constructed and all storylines intertwine nicely without feeling forced and unnatural, each of them carrying a different important message. Even when it's as subtle as a brick, show's heart is in the right place and its straightforward manner is a part of the charm. I highly recommend this series to everyone!Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing story! Inspiring Characters! Incredible Acting!
This is a story with a setting in a closely knitted community in South China in the 80s at the onset of the country reopening its door to the outside world. The drama depicts vividly the life experienced by common folks where street gangsters roamed and interwove into the fabric of the society. Life was tough as the country rebuilt its economy, healed from the devastation of the revolution, and stepped onto the world stage.The Story
The story is narrated from the POV of Yi Dongdong (Niu Junfeng), one of the main characters in the story. He recounts how he has come to meet Ma Xiaoxiao (Tan Songyun aka Seven Tan) and Ou Xiaojian (Xu Weizhou aka Timmy Xu) and how the two have inspired him. Though secretly in love with Ma Xiaoxiao and his love is never being reciprocated, Yi Dongdong is happy with this status quo for years from high school till adulthood.
Ou Xiaojian and Ma Xiaoxiao have grown up together on Mayang Street, a very tightly woven community where everyone knows and helps each other in times of trouble. Both Ou Xiaojian and Ma Xiaoxiao are soulmates and later become lovers to each other. They are role models in their neighborhood and in school with highest ranking in their academic studies. Tragedies strike repeatedly in Ou Xiaojian’s life and he grows up fast. While all the kids around him still in school, wondering what life is all about, he drops out of school, enters the police academy and is thrusted into a world that even most adults cannot handle. Unbeknownst to all, he becomes a mole for the police. To gather information, he hangs out with gang members, rendering everyone thinking he has turned rogue. Daily he’s involved in gang fights and getting hurt bloodily. His mission is to collect evidence to flush out the kingpin of the organization that has a seemingly clean façade, but deeply involved in money laundering, black market, smuggling, human trafficking, frauds, cheating schemes, street gangsters, and it has a giant network that spans to multiple cities and countries.
It is both happy and sad how the story ends. It makes me cry and my heart aches for my hero. I know deep down inside somewhere, Ma Xiaoxiao still remembers Ou Xiaojian dearly and cries for him.
The Characters and The Acting
The Ou Xiaojian character is a very difficult role to portray as he is multi-dimensional. On one hand, he’s a normal kid just like everyone on the same street. He goes through the same growing pains like others. But on the other hand, he has to act tough and fearless to protect those he loves. When he becomes a mole for the police, he has to act like a bad kid to blend in with the gangsters, talking rough and mean. Son of a dead police officer, he has a heavy burden on his shoulder that he cannot let anyone see. Misunderstandings are left unexplained because he can’t; he’s always in a predicament because he doesn’t want to purposely hurt the people he cares for. He is altruistic and magnanimous, and takes care of the kids in the neighborhood and helps them grow like a big brother, he's their guardian angel and everyone looks up to him. He's inspiring and very filial pious. And yet, life is cruel to him. Like his grandmother, I’m constantly fearful for Ou Xiaojian, fearing for him getting hurt again or even getting killed. Though I smile every time he comes on screen, as he gives viewers the security that Ou Xiaojian would take care of everything and everything would be fine, I’m fearful for him. The writer has successfully captured our sympathy for the character and brought out the motherly instinct of the viewers.
Actor Xu Weizhou has a baby face that plays well as the character of a 17-18 year old teenager as Ou Xiaojian. His ‘bad-boy’ aura makes him a very convincing gangster, albeit the best looking one, with a perfect physique even among the many Chinese actors. At 185 cm height, his long legs and strong chest make his every action move extremely good to watch; he’s really an eye candy for many viewers. Either riding his motorbike, running, kicking in fights, wearing his black biker outfits, he exudes a charisma no others can match. By the end of the drama, Ou Xiaojian has become my hero and Xu Weizhou gets enlisted on my favorite actor list.
Ma Xiaoxiao lives just across the street from Ou Xiaojian’s shop/home. They love and care for each other, watching out for each other’s back constantly. Ma Xiaoxiao is mature and commanding. A role model for her street and school, she is their big sister. She pulls the kids up when they lag behind in their studies. She’s their voice in school. Her friends love her and would fight tooth and nail to help her. Just like Ou Xiaojian who sacrifices for others, she sacrifices herself to make dream come true for her sister.
Tan Songyun has done it again, this time as Ma Xiaoxiao, an 18 year-old high school girl. At her actual age of 30, she continues to amaze me for transforming herself into a teenager playing the roles so effortlessly and convincingly.
I really enjoy watching the moments when Ma Xiaoxiao and Ou Xiaojian are together, not doing much, just holding hands, heads leaning on each other or gazing into each other wordlessly. Those moments really create ripples in my heart; their chemistry is exploding.
There are numerous veterans here, and multiple young actors, all giving their tip top performances, bringing alive the characters, making us empathize and love them.
The Official Sound Tracks
This drama produces numerous wonderful sound tracks, in particular the OST We Suddenly Grow Up, reminiscing the bygone childhood from the voice of a youth, and the OST Remembering You accompanied by a harmonica intensifying the melancholy, conjuring memories of a lost love.
My Verdict
This drama is one of those that once you start watching you cannot stop because the characters just pull you in.
This is a story with a lot of complexity. Its characters are multi-layered. Its attention to details is commendable. Many norms of the era are captured and depicted vividly here, such as how precious soda was for a child, how a big deal a pair of blue jeans was, televisions and phones were considered as luxuries. Private facilities were rare and common bathrooms for the whole community were the norm. Or the cooking of spicy or fermented foods that stunk the whole street. People living together like a big family, laughing and crying on each other's shoulder. The family dynamics and interpersonal relationships are being written so well that, these are all the small details that make this drama so relatable and endearing. It does make me ponder what does it mean by “a meaningful life”. Would one be happier living in a community like they do on Mayang Street, or like we do individually away from loved ones? No doubt there is a lot of conflicts living in a community like that – parents and neighbors fighting all the time, and secrets become public knowledge in no time.
This drama brings out the resignation and humor of life. At the beginning of each episode, the writer provides a lesson learned in the ensuing scenes with a fine statement for the viewers to ponder, successfully capturing the experiences all of us may have encountered in life. Sad as it is for a short young life of Ou Xiaojian, we should also celebrate him for living a life that he finds meaning in. The writer has successfully given us a very inspirational character.
A wonderful story that makes you keep thinking about the characters. TWO THUMBS UP!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I'm not really sure how I feel about this drama. I don't want to say that I really enjoyed it but I don't want to say that I dislike it either. Great things in this drama:
-the acting
-the chemistry between the main lead actors
-it's loosely based off a real person in history
-formidable villains
-the pace generally isn't too slow unlike many dramas
-some character development
-happy ending unlike many Chinese historical dramas
-well thought out uses of symbols and cinematography
Bad things in this drama:
-the setup for the ending
-frustrating villains but this is what the drama intended so it's not actually a bad thing
In comparison, the good things should outweigh the one real bad thing, which is the ending. However, the ending really decides how good the drama is. I don't want to give any spoilers, but the drama writers kinda pulled a deux ex machina from their butts at the end which I wasn't particularly happy about. I appreciate the effort to end the drama on a positive note but still...
In any case, the journey through most of the drama itself will probably negate the weird ending. I'm rating the rewatch value lower because I'd skip all the angsty villainy parts and just rewatch the good romantic scenes. Overall, pretty good drama!
Was this review helpful to you?
a road trip of character development
Perseverance is what is needed for this drama. Just know that everything works out in the end. This is a drama that you will feel pain through angst and toxicity in the moment; but when you reflect back, you realize that it was just realistic. It takes a lot of work from others and self to turn a toxic bottomless pit into a productive/contributing/positive member of society.I would have rated "story" higher (maybe a 9 or 9.5) because of its well constructed character development (also the FL and ML are mature but cute...nothing dumb about their love story), but I had to penalize for the internal pain the toxic characters caused me.
And while the story does live up to the "drama" genre, I don't think anything is exaggerated. If anything, maybe just the concentration of toxicity of several characters seems too coincidental.
As a warning, I wouldn't attempt to binge this drama in one go. You might accidentally punch your computer. But if you have patience and appreciate a realistic drama with believable character development, sit back and enjoy in small doses.
Was this review helpful to you?
Refreshing dynamics is exactly what we all need from time to time.
Love Tractor just does not follow any of the cliché character portrayal and I love it.Is the story complex? No. Do any of the side characters have any depth? No. Is there any solid conflict? No. And that’s why it’s so good and serves as a perfect fun and relaxing watch. Each episode makes you fall in love with a new aspect of the drama. At first I just adored Yechan, then I started to appreciate the aesthetically pleasing shots of the rural area. Without me even noticing I started to like Yul more and more and by the end I was completely smitten by his dynamic with baby Yechan. It just gradually builds positive emotions and energy - I could not stop smiling as I was watching.
Some scenes and plotlines seemed a bit random, most were underdeveloped, but at the end of the day, the focus was on the growing relationship and trust between Yul and Yechan, and I’m fine with it.
The acting was great and I will even defend the village head chief (or however they called him). Was his presence extremely random? Yes. But somehow even that aspect was endearing and his friendship with Yechan was simply adorable. I loved how Yoon Do Jin was able to make extremely expressive Yechan feel natural and never over the top in an unrealistic manner. I appreciated how Do Won’s presentation of Yul showed you can have a more reserved character that does not come across as cold and distant.
Production value was great. The visuals were stunning - both in terms of cast and the scenery ;)
Overall, such a pleasant watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Just as titled 'Love Is Like a Cat,' but with no cat, only a dog; so, love was missing.
Disappointed, no hate, just my honest review. Watch if: 1. you are a die-hard fan of any of the actors, 2. you are an animal lover, 3. you don't care. Don't watch it for BL content; the entire series is 3 hours long, with BL content comprising hardly 10 minutes, and only in the 7th, 11th, and 12th episodes. There's no chemistry; it felt like they kissed each other just because there were no girls around. One main lead was Thai, and they used a translator for a single reason. Acting was average; Dog Cafe had only one dog, and the entire series revolved around the dog more than the human main leads. Extra characters for unnecessary drama; I didn't feel anything. It's way too slow until the 10th episode, and the other two episodes were rushed just to ensure the male leads ended up together.Was this review helpful to you?
1The Art of the Bluff
The King of Light (光明王), the second volume of the epic Purple River (紫川/Zǐchuān) fantasy series, weaves a tale of war, comedy, and political intrigue. House Zichuan remains embroiled in conflicts with Beizu, House Liufeng, and House Lin in a chaotic, war-torn world. The story resumes at the Season 1 (光明三杰 Three Heroes of Light) cliffhanger, with Si Yilin and Zichuan Xiu outnumbered and surrounded by Beizu’s elite troops at Payi. Di Lin flamboyantly extricates them, but at a steep cost to Zichuan and Si Yilin personally. After Payi, the focus shifts to Xiu’s adventures in Yanzhou, where he discovers his raison d’être. He rises as the King of Light, a brilliant, adaptable leader capable of uniting Yanzhou and, potentially, the entire Xichuan continent.Despite its limited budget, the drama impresses with its movie like cinematography that captures the story’s grand scale, a starkly beautiful and portentous palette and a pervasive sense of fate. The Purple River series is a plot-heavy saga driven by political intrigue, power struggles, and large-scale warfare. Limited by budget, the drama emphasizes internal plotting and how the main characters are shaped by events until Zichuan Xiu emerges to steer the narrative. External plot developments can be hard to follow, conveyed mostly via dialogue and a few well-executed, plot-defining war and action scenes.
The character arcs are well-written and convincingly portrayed. The core of the story is the bond between the Three Heroes of Light, and the interplay of their conflicting ideologies, loyalties, and fates lends emotional weight. Si Yilin is a textbook hero: an inspiring frontline commander with little to show for his unwavering loyalty, honor, and selflessness. He never fully recovers—personally or professionally—from the devastating consequences of his righteous but disastrous Yanzhou campaign. Di Lin, his antithesis, is a classic anti-hero: an ambitious, morally flexible manipulator who wins at all costs. To him, the world can burn so long as he has his wife and his brothers, leaving him feared and alienated. Unlike Si Yilin or even Ning, he struggles to inspire Zichuan’s citizens or forge political alliances.
Zichuan Xiu is a chameleon; a tactical genius lurks behind his irreverent humor and roguish, indolent facade. He’s the most complex and fascinating character, balancing Si Yilin’s idealism with Di Lin’s ruthless pragmatism. Raised in Zichuan Canxing’s treacherous household, he’s practically Machiavelli’s heir, hiding his brilliance behind a non-threatening persona that’s routinely underestimated. His unpredictability and mastery of deception keep even close confidantes like Bai Chuan in the dark. Yang Xuwen scintillates in this demanding role, seamlessly transitioning between Xiu’s many facets: the “Flower of Yanzhou,” the reckless avenger, Ning’s charming swain, the deadly red-eyed assassin, the reluctant King of Light, and, best of all, the grifter who snatches victory from the jaws of defeat.
This season introduces House Liufeng and Liufeng Shuang as a potential ally and romantic interest for Xiu. The Liufeng arc feels rushed, with the house’s internal strife unfolding like a montage and Shuang’s character underdeveloped. Still, like Bai Chuan, she’s a strong woman who stands beside Xiu rather than needing his protection. I enjoyed their dynamic enough to worry for Ning, who has blossomed into an empathetic, shrewd, and resolute heir to House Zichuan. Her quiet realization that Xiu is on a different path and her attempt to move forward moved me, and I hope a worthy partner awaits her. I’m not deeply invested in Xiu’s romantic prospects, though; the only love story that truly touched me was Si Yilin and Ka Dan’s.
The drama boasts outstanding villains, from the hilariously inept Lu Di to the mysterious Black Veil, the vicious Luo Si, and the encroaching Sairong. Canxing remains the terrifying chess grandmaster, always two steps ahead. Behind his affable, fatherly demeanor lies a paranoid sociopath who insidiously poisons the well and cunningly pits detractors against one another. In a masterful stroke, he turns the tables on Di Lin and quashes internal opposition, cementing his status as a formidable antagonist. I’m almost afraid to see Xiu challenge him, uncertain if he can prevail, which makes the stakes feel hefty and real.
Though the stitching together of abridged plot threads creates some choppiness, the story builds to a thrilling finale. An adversary becomes a staunch ally in a brilliant “A-ha!” moment that transforms the nonsensical comedic combat arcs into sheer genius. A gripping showdown between two well-matched combatants ends with a tantalizing mystery. The finale masterfully blends peak tension with peak comedy, showcasing the art of the bluff. Yes, unanswered questions and unsettling premonitions linger, with open threads for future conflicts, but The King of Light chapter concludes splendidly, earning an 8.5/10.0 for Season 2 and the series overall. This fantastic production deserves more—more budget, episodes, resources, and seasons. That said, it’s not for everyone. It will appeal most to attentive audiences who savor intricate political plots, intrigue, opaque characters, and a healthy dose of comedy and irony.
Was this review helpful to you?
Very Thai Romcom BL
Maybe I am the only one in MDL who enjoyed watching Hidden Agenda. It was nothing extra ordinary in terms of storyline. It was simple, cute, romantic, something that can make you feel giddy. I would say for first time BL watchers this might be a good start. Now why I liked Hidden Agenda so much is definitely JoongDunk. They have such great on screen [and Off screen] chemistry that all their dialogues felt so natural. I enjoyed it a lot. Sure the ending part was quite unreasonable for Zo to behave like that with Joke but other than that I really liked it.Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
some things are best left buried in time
the only good thing about this show was chalarm and his comedic moments.the plot was below average at best, definitely not part of the BL shift going on. the casting left a lot to be desired, and those cast in the leading roles barely had chemistry.
with all the good BLs airing right now, you can genuinely do fine never watching this series.
I do think there’s quite a few in the supporting cast that are genuinely good actors, or at least show real potential, but as for the main pairing… I just hope they can get a better support system or guidance. maybe they needed to workshop more, they looked uncomfortable at times and I had to talk myself into continuing the show in hopes it got better. needless to say, it didn’t.
Was this review helpful to you?
The tale of a determined detective who switches bodies with the psychotic serial killer she is chasing took the best acting efforts from both Haruka Ayase and Issei Takahashi, and I have to say that by the show’s conclusion this may be some of the finest acting I’ve ever seen by either of them!!!
Also props to Kazuki Kitamura, the brash, arrogant and yet highly intelligent and motivated detective Mitsuo Kawahara who is always hot on the heels of the body-swapped duo as they try to wrangle themselves out of their predicament- This was a character that I never quite knew what to expect from and he surprised me every time!
An A+ drama that had me on the edge of my seat as the show took you through its elaborate twists and turns culminating in an entirely satisfying Wrap-up!!
I was excited about this ever since first hearing about it in the new drama announcement, blown away by its first episode and throughout its entire run, Tengoku to Jigoku has always been my #1 favorite drama on the air! A definite 10/10!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Though it’s far less bloody than the first two, Park Chan Wook’s Sympathy for Lady Vengeance should be held in just as high regard. It outclasses Tarantino’s Kill Bill as a revenge story with far deeper turmoil.
Filmed in an almost grotesque fairytale manner, it is about the struggle between a saintly pale faced damsel in distress and a cunning witch donned in red eye make-up and classy heels. Stranger yet, is that both characters are one and the same - Ms Geum Ja (Lee Young-Ae) who seeks vengeance for crimes committed against her.
This film has the right blend of humour, love, family elements yet maintains an incredibly intense dark tone throughout. The surreal shots, the use of music and the progression of the story are nearly flawless.
I would happily use the words 'compelling' 'heart wrenching' and 'beautiful' to describe Park Chan Wook’s Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. However, to this description you must also add 'chilling' and 'horrifically sinister' to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of this film. Lady Vengeance provides the audiences with intense off-camera violence and in this film it is the aftermath of the violence that is most effective. It’s not the violence that bothers the viewer but the situation in which it arises.
This offering by this amazing director is not for those who can only stomach physical brutality but that of the emotional type, thus making opinions surrounding this film as divisive as its predecessors. Like most pieces of art, it really depends on one’s taste. But one thing is for sure; whether you’re swayed by the deeper emotional content or the hard to ignore visual elements, there is at least one thing you’ll love about this film.
Or if not, you won’t be able to forget it for a variety of reasons.
Was this review helpful to you?
