Reviews

with each episode progressing, you're on the edge of your seat for sure~

You can always blindly trust Kim Taeri.

The drama was well-written, with every plot-twists in mind that would come out as surprising but explained well. The horror was spine-chillingly beautiful, the cinematography, the timeline from past to present was done well, and acting of each characters, main and support were superb.

The main story plotline was perfect but the side story of all those ghosts were heartbreaking. Just tells us, not every ghost is a vengeful ones. They were humans once just like us who just wants to protect their loved ones as their final wish. You will feel scared, anger, fear, sad all the emotions in one go as the story progresses, especially knowing a child was sacrificed by those rich adults who wanted nothing but had greed for more money. The child actress as we've seen from her other projects is such a talented one, she will become one of the best actress of her generation someday.

The past story of the ghost and how she was used by the rich depicts the true story of how rich would do anything and abuses the poor people in real life was mind-numbingly heart-wrenching and yet I felt even hatred towards the ghost for betraying her own family especially her own sister.

Everything about the plot was done fantastically and even if there was something missing, the acting of these actors covered it all.

Kim Taeri should be getting daesang for this acting role. Ku Sangyoung/the devil, her portrayal of a vengeful spirit with so much hatred towards people was perfectly brought to the screen from the pages. From being just a child who wanted nothing but affection from others, the feeling of loneliness, then to such spiteful spirit she did so well. Not only her body language, even her eyes will be acting at the same time.

You should definitely watch the show if you love Kim Taeri and love horror genre. It's one of the memorable story that will make you want to re-watch as soon as you're done watching it the first time.

Read More

Okay, I cried at the reunion scene in the last episode. It was so well done and in my opinion one of the best reunion scenes in dramaland. When I started the drama, I went from ‘Zhaolin, the things I do for you…’ to ended up enjoying the drama for real. This is a great story about brotherhood, friendship, forbidden love, responsibility, sacrifices, obsession and what one has to do for the greater good.

The drama unfortunately didn’t start up as interesting and the CGI is terrible. But if you can stand the horrible CGI in Ten Miles of Peach Blossom or other Chinese fantasy dramas in general, then you can surely can stand this one as well. :P But the budget is actually more on the moderate side since they used really a lot of extras and different sets for 6 different arch stories. Not to mention that the costumes that the extras wore were pretty much not cheap and even the extras change their costume regularly which shows that the budget is definitely in the moderate side. Plus, Hanyan’s hanfus are really pretty! I always looking forward to her costumes since its really awesome and beautiful. :D

This drama is about a famous Chinese deity; Zhong Kui which in charge of vanquishing all demons and evil beings in the Underworld and this drama tells his story before he become a deity and the trials and judgements he has to go through. That is why Zhong Yunfei is constantly being tested and can never catch a break since his noble beliefs are being tested again and again. And he has his sworn brothers Hanyan & Fuqu on his side to kill and battle all the demons in the mortal world in his journey to deity-hood.

Throughout the drama, we seen him being tested where he constantly in the battle between himself and his inner demon (human’s feelings). Sometimes, he succeeded and sometimes he failed since after all he is still human with real feelings. But one thing we should pointed out is that how selfless he is when he is against the evil – regardless anyone status, he is willing to sacrifice himself in order the defeat the evil. Which is why when he sacrificed himself to save his brother Fuqu from becoming a demon, it is enough to show how his noble belief is one of his strongest strengths and the reason why the demon realms wanted his immortal body since his noble belief itself is enough to shake the heaven’s realms.

The last 12 episodes of this drama is especially great. This is when Yunfei is tested with his biggest trial with the appearance of his long lost lover Nian’er in the form of a Butterfly Demon and this is where he’s inside is tested on what he should do for the right thing between defeating the evil or wallowing in his regrets of not being able to protect Nian’er in the past. When Nian’er decided to sacrifice herself to save him, he was adamant to follow her words to continue living a happy and fulfilling life but when Hanyan & Fuqu decided to sacrifice themselves in order to kill the Demon King for him later on the same day, it is what that broke him and make him lose his faith. He lost the 3 person he loved the most in the world on the same day and one can assume the great sadness he is feeling despite the great evil is defeated.

I actually really love the message the drama wants to tell us at the end. His inner demon is right, that it is better to be happy despite it being short rather than spent centuries in love-sickness. Yunfei knew this as well since it is him who feels those regrets and loneliness but with LOVE, comes RESPONSIBILITIES. The love he felt towards Nian’er is the ultimate forbidden love since they can’t be together no matter how he struggle and fight the heaven since it will end with both of them being struck with lighting with no chance of reincarnation. It is cruel and unfair, but some thing can never being done no matter how much you try to fight and resist it. That is why despite I am crying tears of happiness when he reunite with Hanyan & Fuqu, I can’t help but feeling sad as well. Those longing look everytime he sees Nian’er – wanting to hold her but he can’t is just heartbreaking. But he can’t be selfish and sacrifice her for his own regrets and obsession and he know this as well. I like it since even his inner demon comes term with his own obsession and chose to do what is right which is to let go of Nian'er. True love can never be selfish but wanting happiness for the person that you love although it is not with you.

Read More

Series of Second Chance

Because my Mandarin is not good enough, searching for information on C-Drama in English sometimes is challenging. So I picked this drama just because I was looking for a new release in 2022. I didn't recognize Bai Jing Ting at first, but quite familiar with Zhao Jin Mai or Angel Zhao. These young actors almost discouraged my oldish head, hey, I'm an old lady that would not interested in the youngster's romance anymore! I gave it a try anyway, and before the first episode ended, I knew I was going to stick my eyes on the screen till the last episode.

At first, I thought this drama is "the usual time travel" story, but it is not. It is more than that. It reminds me of a Holywood movie--Groundhog Day. But, in Reset, the protagonists are in action, they're actively resetting, getting into the time loops to achieve their purposes. Of what the purposes are, I can't tell in terms to avoid posting story summaries.

WHAT I LIKED

(1) Story; I give it 10 points. I would give it whatever the highest point--whatever available, but the top of the top. To put science fiction into something enjoyable--I mean that the viewer doesn't need to frown while watching is not easy. But, in this drama, we're aware that all of this is a tale, but at the same time, we could follow through nicely while the story flows. There are several twists that pump our adrenaline. However, you would not feel being fooled around, the twists were so natural and after your heartbeat calm down, you will immediately agree with the situation. Overall, this is not just a story of reset now and then. This drama also intelligently tells the ordinary people's struggles, hope, loves, and hate. Their behaviors are so natural; each of the characters has some heartwarming aspects that are beautifully packed in only 15 episodes. Each of the characters in this drama is able to win our appreciation, pity, and admiration.

(2) Acting/Cast
Super! I can't say who is has performed better, because every cast performed brilliantly. They make me believe that they're the real people I might encounter in my daily life.

(3) Music
In science-fiction-like this, I didn't expect a romantic, melodious song like 'My Only" sung by Zhōu shēn (Charlie). But, it's turned out this closing theme song for each episode is able to represent the personality of our main character. So it does feel right. The other OST is Wake Up by Wang Xiaokun for me is represents logical thoughts, while Rebound by Chen Hui which I think is a kind of hypnotic music, I shall not forget to give two thumbs up for the opening music and its animation.

(4) I think I will rewatch this drama after some time later. Not because it has no rewatched value, but if too soon, I will not able to enjoy the adrenaline pumps created by the twists. Maybe, when it almost fades away from my memory, I can watch it again.

After watching all the 15 episodes, I went to read other reviews and found out that this drama was produced by Dongyang Noon Sunshine Film and Television Co., a company that pays close attention to quality. No surprise Reset come out to be this satisfactory to watch.

Read More

Dramalands most adorable villains

This drama is just soo cute, making me fall in love with every single one of the cast and having my heart flutter over and over again, The chemistry between the characters is just phenomenal and each character has their own little qwirky. Okay it may be in a lets kil em all type of cute and slightly dark at times. To be perfectly clear this is not a romance or feel good drama but the fluff is there so it can easily be mistaken as one if you ignore all the death, corruption and violence...

This is probably THE fluffiest serial killer investigation drama out there by far, and in someways that bothers me others not ( I am not going to get in to detail) but I find myself conflicted over the overall fluffiness in this female centered plot...

I love about 90%the characters in this drama including villains and side characters they are just so, so sweet and lovable I just want to hug them all, go to an ice cream parlor and eat lots of ice cream with them.

I love the friendships here (some more destructive than others), the gay couple, the little robots, it is just all so cute!

Did I mention this drama is cute?

What I did not enjoy was the over use of trash and about a hand full of just unnecessary silly scenes. There is also an over use of slomo and I some theater like scenes seemed out of place at times. There where also some parts where it is hard to follow where they are (time wise) so if you want everything to make sense and be realistic this is not the right drama for you I found it ok, and I am sure as many as hate it probably love it.

There are also some pretty good lines, great use of trucks and the product placement is very entertaining at times.

Most of the twists are pretty predictable so I would not say I was kept on my toes to, much but I honestly have never wanted the villains to have a happy ending as much as I wanted them too here... The entertainment value is higher than the suspence value.


To sum it up, this is a fun drama, just leave your brain at home.

Read More

Vagabond: An Uncomfortable but Interesting Watch

Vagabond is probably one of the most uncomfortable K-dramas I've seen. It's not the cast or plot, but the corruption shown in the plot. I guess we're so used to the lovey dovey dramas that when a serious one like this comes along, it's hard to swallow. However, they did try to restore your faith in humanity by showing scenes where the people would come together and take a stand.

Overall, I'd say it's an interesting drama. The plot, direction and acting we're amazing. I usually don't like Bae Suzy but she grew on me in this drama. Lee Seungi's portrayal of Cha Dal-geon screamed Lee Seungi. I was constantly reminded of his character in A Korean Odessy. Shin Sung Rok was an eye candy. I wish he'd get more starring roles like this.

The music was pretty mediocre except for one song (Breaking Dawn).

The end was weird. I understand cliffhangers but this was just unfinished. It was like It's Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong (for those who've seen the movie). The drama felt like it ended in the middle of an episode. Unless, they're planning to return with season 2, the ending sucked and left us with many questions.

Conclusion: you'll like Vagabond if you can handle heavy plots. They laid out so many mysteries that I was forced to watch it till the end and find answers. It was interesting, but honestly, I doubt I'd rewatch it. Maybe if season 2 comes out I might.

Read More

We have a female lead Tammy, her sister Cherry asks her to go and look after her boyfriend's 3 kids, tame and train his kids, so when she got married, she'll have well behaved step children, although the youngest sister disagrees, she goes and looks after the kids, she pretends like she's Treeloj's girl friend, as nobody except Treeloj has seen Cherry (Treeloj's actual girl friend Tammy's sister) they have accepted her living in the house, The Children had difficulties to accept Cherry (Tammy) at first, the first one who accepted Tammy was the youngest and the rest followed, she looked after the kids like a real mother, and she genuinely loved the kids. There's a lot of skin ship in the drama, The Scenes between Lucifer Yang & Shailai are quite funny. During the entire drama Treeloj was San except for a couple of scenes, on EP1 and on an other episode, Treeloj was a built big fat man with curly hair and beard, where as San is a charming handsome man Tammy brought him home, after Treeloj / San pretended to have amnesia, nobody recognised San is Treeloj obviously, (on the last few episodes we learn that Treeloj's mother Plean knew it and also the little daughter) We have been given hints that little daughter knew about it on the episode where Tammy asked the little one to memorise the multiplication for 9's and little one whispered to San's ear that I know what will make you smile and on the last episode she told Tammy that she's rooting for her.

There were some jokes such as one of the leads asking Bantoo whether he's eating young grass, he's telling no it's just a salad Namfon towards Shailai that she has ordered young chicken but she received cougar instead, and Shailai asking where's the cougar she wants to have one, :)) which might not be everyone's taste but I laughed so hard.

It's a happy ending, everyone learns San is Treeloj at the end. Sister tells Treeloj that she no longer wants to be Treeloj and she has been trying to tell this to her sister Tammy but she couldn't get a chance. Everything gets resolved.

Read More

A story line that keeps you at your toes at the end of almost every episode, this is an action packed thriller that I cannot believed I missed during its airing. I admit I first started watching this drama for Park Hae Jin but I left this drama having a greater appreciation for not just him but the entire main cast and their amazing chemistry. This is a drama where all the cast members shine ---- each have a meaty backstory that reminds you these characters are not actors playing stereotypical roles but three dimensional people each with their own agenda however flawed it may be. Like the title suggests, this is a story about "bad" guys, people who walk a tight line between law and crime. I like how the story explores the boundary between what is right and wrong through its characters and questions whether they are truly "bad" as society condemns them to be.

Acting here is phenomenal especially Kim Sang Joong who plays Oh Goo Tak, a morally ambiguous cop who would do just about anything to avenge his daughter.

Even though it has only 11 episodes (shorter than most korean dramas I've watched), the director really manages to make every scene count. The drama is not perfect but it is one of the better dramas I've seen in a very long time. Definitely give it a go if you like thriller crime stories with an amazing cast and killer bromance.

Read More

Action and reaction

Although this is a short movie, it transports the emotions of the characters pretty good.

I guess, this is all about "If you don't appreciate what you have in a partner, do not be surprised if everything goes to waste". And "Every action causes a reaction, so be carefull about what you do."
Therefor, the person I most feel sorry for is Kazu. He is the one who is devoted to the relationship and does everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) for Shin - but is still wronged in the end.

The acting is on point, the cinematography well done (I rewatched it just because I did not get of the deeper meaning of some of the scenes at first) . For me this is not a feel good movie, but a realistic one (sadly).

Read More

Season 1 was better!!!!

So, This happened. I really waited impatiently for this Season 2 because I was so in love with the first Season. I honestly didn't feel like Season 2 was necessary but I would get a chance to see my favorite couples on screen again.
The beginning episodes of this season were somewhat interesting. From Zhou Shi loosing her ability to draw, Ning Fei loosing his memory, Wei Qing going blind, blah, blah,blah. It was all an interesting story that I was willing to give a chance but then all of a sudden the interesting parts faded and filler episodes were just the order of the day. It got annoying at some point and I really wanted to drop it. They tried making it interesting again in the final episodes but it didn't work. It had already gone downhill.

Season 2 wasn't necessary. It wasn't!! Season 1 ended perfectly well.
Season 1, Wei Qing was annoying but I totally understood his situation. He was had lost trust in people which made him allergic and he just had a lot of issues and the death of his dad really took a toll on him but despite his rudeness the story was still interesting to watch.
But then Second season and it's as if he never even had allergies and now he has a whole new illness. Like give the man a break.
This is strictly my opinion on this second season.
Have a great watch!!!

Read More

Cute Main Couple

Decided to rate at 9 (I think I'm a generous rater hehe) anyways a 9 for me cause I enjoyed watching Lu Jing and Liang Chen. I liked how their relationship started, developed and how they finally were a couple. This would be the type of romance that you'd say only happen in dramas. Well, I don't care that's why I'm watching dramas :-) But despite that Lu Jing being a university student and younger than Liang Chen who also happens to be a famous singer, their relationship did not have any insecurities. They were on equal ground, equally in love with each other, equally shows affections when they feel it. Both have their own strength that complements the other. Anyways you can see I like them :-)

Soooo other than the above, I somehow felt disconnected to the story. I couldn't get why Shan Shan's character was so dramatic right up to almost the very end of the drama. Sun Bin Yu - was he supposed to be a comedic character? Hmm I get that he likes Shan Shan but their drama was almost annoying to me - this would be times when I check my phone when they are on screen. But I'll give him credit cause it was him who not intentionally brought Lu Jing and Liang Chen together.

And then there's Jia Yun who I felt was moving in slo mo everytime. I know his character was supposed to be this kind and caring best friend who is secretly in love with the female lead instead he just came out creepy and sneaky, at least he wasn't a bad guy and accepted defeat gracefully but even after then he continued to be in slo mo mode - was it because he was supposed to the calm and composed type?

Well the parents and grandparents were pretty cool at least and I liked that we don't have a manager who demanded the artist to break up with the guy. Oh and I think Lin Yi has become more manly and handsome :-)

Read More

The plot is the best asset of this movie. It clearly reminded me of the notable Fukushima disaster therefore it highlight the tremendous stake of building a nuclear central. In this regard, it is worth to watch "Pandora" for this sole reason.
This movie makes you question your own value: Do you prioritize money money money or health/humanity and common sense? In short, the plot was meaningful and brilliant.

The first part of the movie was excellent, not too slow not too fast paced. There were action, suspense, thriller, romance/drama, comedy, political stuff.
However, the last 30 minutes were way too slow, way too tragedic/melodramatic. I could not hold myself from skipping. Sure it can makes you cry a lot, but that was really too much. I would have shortened a solid 15 minutes who were unecessary because we get the message really well without all those extra dramatic scenes... But aside of that, everything was very well done and the message of the movie is well perceived and portrayed.

The actors and actresses did an excellent job!

Read More

Great one, really.

This show exceeding my expectation. After watching The 8th sense and blueming my standard on k-bl is totally high. I watch a lot k-bl just to wasting time but nothing really got me hooked after blueming and the 8th sense. i don't expect anything when i watch this bcs not many ppl talk about this drama on twitter.

Also knowing it's not an adaptation making me more skeptical about the storyline. But when i watched, it changed my mind. The characters are such a fresh air. Hantae reminds me of Yechan from Love Tractor! I really love that kind of golden retriever character! And Baram isn't the type who's afraid to facing the problem, he might choose to hide from it first but when it's time to face it, he face it.

And the trope??? I always think about how we don't really get any friends to lovers on k-bl, and then boom this drama appears.

I love how they started it from they being strangers, to friends then end up being lovers. The development and everything is perfectly pictured. The pace is perfect, it's not too fast and not too slow either. I, myself shocked how they got enough duration, like they showed us a full episode where they officially being boyfriends, not many k-bl did that, the others usually ends when they confessing/kiss.

Don't be afraid of the guitars!! They can sing?

And about the conflict, i thought it'll be about the stolen song only and the storyline will be about how they take the song back. But they also show us about hantae struggling dealing with his feeling. Even tho the stolen song conflict ended quite abruptly for me, we don't know what happen to the teacher after, it's just like everything suddenly stopped and none talks about it anymore (well i guess it's an accurate representation of society/people on the internet??)

OKAY TO THE MAIN HIGHLIGHT OF THIS SERIES : The Chemistry!!!

They're so so so so so so so comfortable with each other. Omg both actors did great really. They're not awkward with each other's touch likeeee it's so pleasing to watch?

And special shout out to the actor who plays Hantae, his acting is bomb, he's very natural. The way he jumps here and there, his sleeping pose, etcetc it's so natural, he's fun to watch!

I swear K-BL shouldn't be released at one go! 2 episodes/week is the best option for k-bl with only 8 episodes. It'll make a bigger sound. It's like blueming all over again. A good show but not many people knows/talks about it bcs of the lack of promotion.

Read More