Completed
Innocent
72 people found this review helpful
Oct 16, 2021
4 of 4 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

Great idea for a series

This is probably the greatest idea for a series I've seen in a long time. The episodes were too short and the series could have gone one for 10-15 episodes in my opinion. The split personality part could have been draw out and been very entertaining in my opinion. I think both actors did a great job and the music was wonderful. The second story with the friend and the doctor could have been more extensive too. So there goes my first opinion as justified. A BL with a mental helath issue and a happy ending is just A+ in my book. Again wish it was more.
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Completed
Public Affairs Office in the Sky
72 people found this review helpful
Jun 27, 2013
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I have been debating for a while if I should give this drama an overall 9 or give in to the impulse of bestowing it a 10. The "masterpiece" definition always sounds a little awkward to me, it seems to require I were ready to offer defensible reasons for my choices.

But I'm hair-splitting. Soratobu Kouhoushitsu is a terrific drama, one that starts without any pomp or expectations and slowly sneaks into the heart and under your skin. It does so in such a gradual, delicate and suave way the effect is powerful and lasting. By the end, I was so sad to see these characters go I couldn't bring myself to watch the last 15 minutes.
When I begin to feel nostalgic about something that isn't even over yet, it means I'm seriously in love. This is why I am not at all sure I'll be able to convey the feeling with my review, or convince any of you to watch this little jewel of a drama. This is not a rom-com, it's not melo, it's not a thriller, nor a simple life drama; it doesn't rely on plot twists, nor on sexy heroes... and yet my heart has stopped many times while watching.

Perhaps the main reason is in the acting, which is wonderful. I never needed confirmation of Aragaki Yui's acting skill, since I've loved her in everything she's acted in. This role however has sealed the issue. I loved everything about Ina-pyon, from her stubborn and passionate honesty at the beginning, to her compassion and better understanding she grows into. And I adored the chemistry she shared on screen with an outstanding Ayano Go, whom I have every intention of becoming a stalker to.
Honourable mention to Shibata Kohei, the most lovable, unforgettable and adorable chief ever appeared on screen. I'm almost offended that the actor isn't even mentioned in the cast. He was awesome here, the kind of character everyone would like to have as a father, or a superior at work.
Hats off to everyone else, from a gorgeous Renn Kiriyama to a hilarious Mizuno Miki, from a surprising Katsuhisa Namase to a sweetly idiotic Jun Kaname.

I can't possibly not mention the cinematography. Stunning. While watching I had to stop the screen every other minute to get a screenshot. Beautiful colours, terrific attention to little details, masterful use of camera angles. Truly lovely.

The same could be said about the music. Not too many pieces are used, but the few have the ability to enhance the scene and play with the viewer's feelings, just what an Ost should do.

I am well aware that I haven't said much about the main subjects of this drama. You may be wondering at this point: what it is about?
Please, bear with me. If my experience is anything to go by, this is a drama better approached without expectations or prejudice. Let its charm work on you as it did on me, by surprise.

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Completed
The On1y One
191 people found this review helpful
by Mimicat Finger Heart Award1 Flower Award1
Sep 5, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 8
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

More Than a Romance

At first, you may think this is just one more old cliche about two brothers who fall in love. But it's much more than that. It's a beautiful coming of age that digs into feelings of being alone, finding out who you are, love and handling hurt. It goes deep into the youth and not just the easy parts. If you are waiting for a usual boys' love story, think again because this one stays with you. It might even make you bawl your eyes out and leave you wanting more when it ends.

Let's start with Jiang Tian, he is such a deep character, he has many sides and holds a lot of sad feelings. He keeps his emotions hid as if they are dark secrets he does not want to disclose to the world because he is afraid. His past and the marks he has, both in and out, have made him into someone who wants to be near others but is also scared of it. That's when Sheng Wang steps in. What I like is that he doesn’t hit Tian’s life hard like a wrecking ball but rather gently nudges him to drop his guard down.

The two main leads are thrown together because of their parents and suddenly they’re supposed to act like brothers. But they definitely don’t feel like siblings at all. Right from the beginning, there’s this tension - it's not bad, but its definitely not the typical sibling vibe. They are trying to understand each other and coexist but you can feel something brewing underneath even if neither of them is ready to admit it yet.

And yes, it’s a slow burn (a thing that many people did not like) but that’s the beauty of it for me. It pulls you in with all the little moments - quick touches, secret glances and the way they look at each other when they think no one is watching. These tiny details make your heart race. The way their hands accidentally brush together (or maybe not so accidentally) and the gentle, lingering looks they share are all done so subtly - it’s just beautiful.

And it's not only about love, it's also about healing. Wang is gently aiding Tian in facing the pain he has held for ages, just by staying by his side and showing him it's fine to open up and let someone in. And Tian is showing Wang that love can be tough. At times, the ones you hold dear are the toughest to reach, but they are worth the hard work.

And the actors are just amazing. It's not often you see roles played with so much truth. You can sense their sadness, their silent wants and the love they share. Each look and each touch is full of meaning. They act with a rawness that makes it all seem real and nothing feels hurried. This makes their bond really stand out. You are not just seeing love, you are watching it grow, bit by bit.

NOTE ABOUT THE ENDING

I thought the ending was okay but it left some things unresolved. There were moments that felt a bit unsatisfying but since they seem to be hinting at a second season (even without official confirmation) it makes sense. They didn’t rush the plot and allowed the story to develop slowly and thoughtfully. If we’re lucky enough to get a season 2 then we’ll likely see their relationship fully blossom which feels like the natural next step after all this gradual buildup.

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Completed
Royal Feast
61 people found this review helpful
Apr 23, 2022
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

I can’t with MDL

Sometimes I just go here to support my theory that most ppl in MDL is gonna dislike a good drama. For some odd reasons, the viewers here, 90% of the time, never gets in line with my thoughts. But that’s just probably me. 😅 Often times I wonder if I even watched the same drama as everyone else. But enough of that…

I’d like to start with the general theme of the drama, coming from its title itself “Royal Feast”, obviously it’s gonna be about food. For the scriptwriters to incorporate that in all issue throughout the drama is already amazing. It introduced us to Chinese cuisines and their way of cooking from back then and showed us the importance of the food department in every kingdom (as opposed to the less attention it gets in most historical dramas Chinese or Korean). And it’s true that they can be so easily implicated just by what they serve on the table as those food goes in the body of the royalties.

Zhu Zhanjin - calm, collected and wise character even from the time he was the Grand Imperial Grandson, he was more like his grandfather than his father was (hence he was the favorite). He posed as a threat to his own father after he took over the throne and it was perfectly portrayed and set by the earlier scenes. He knows his duties as an heir and duties to his wives. He sincerely wanted to create a good relationship with his consort but she didn’t want it hence his heart drifted away and found comfort in the presence of Zijin. Xu Kai did well in this character and he portrayed the three stages that he went thru from grandson to the emperor. However, if I may say so myself (someone who watched everything he had done), this is one of his easiest role. 😂 But Xu kai is Xu kai and I’m proud of him.

Yao Zijin - classy, wise, talented and just the perfect Empress material. Her character has always been composed and just (maybe except for herself, too selfless). Her love for Zhanjin is real but she’s been brought up as an Empress would be and thus how she acts. She knows he duties first as a concubine and then a noble consort, she doe what she can in her power but never goes beyond what the preceding authority before her. She knows the limitations that entails her title and have never asked for more. And when she was given power, she knows when to push through and when to fall back. She’s not frustrating, she’s wise and calculating; just like the Empress Dowager had always been beside Zhanjin’s father. She speaks forward for his sake, for the sake of others but not for her own sake for she does not want to abuse the attention she’s receiving (however, it’s one of her flaws for she has taken it quite far before she lost her voice). In this case neither her nor Zhanjin were free from blame; they both were in the wrong. Nothing to say but perfect Empress material. The actress was perfect for the role, even her facial structure is fit for the role.

There’s so many characters that I can talk about but my willpower to write about each one of them is not enough so I’ll just pass on that.

I enjoyed it a lot and is the only Chinese historical drama ever that I didn’t skip through. Tbh I started this expecting to skip around Episode 17 as I usually do but I actually watched through the whole thing.

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Completed
You Are My Fateful Love
61 people found this review helpful
Apr 10, 2026
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

One of the best slow burn love drama ✨✨?

This drama is an absolute breath of fresh air and has officially secured a spot as one of my favorite modern C-dramas, right alongside Love Between the Lines. From the very first episode, the production value is striking; every location, from the female lead’s charming house to the cozy, aesthetic cafes, feels intentionally curated and visually stunning. The cinematography captures a dreamlike quality that makes the setting feel like a character of its own.

The casting is equally brilliant. The female lead is breathtaking—I genuinely gasped at her visuals when she first appeared on screen—and her wardrobe is a fashion lover's dream, filled with elegant and trendy pieces. Beyond her looks, her chemistry with the male lead is top-tier. Speaking of the ML, he is the ultimate "green flag" character; his acting is nuanced and layered, portraying a supportive partner who communicates rather than creates drama. One of the most refreshing aspects of this series is the lack of toxic tropes; there are no exhausting, long-winded arguments or petty misunderstandings that drag on for episodes.

The supporting cast adds so much heart and humor to the story. The friendship between the ML and the second male lead provides some of the funniest moments in the show, while the second female lead is a standout for her bravery, strength, and unwavering loyalty to her friend(FL). Even the secondary high school couple is incredibly endearing, adding a sweet "puppy love" layer to the plot. Finally, the OST is the perfect finishing touch—it’s nostalgic, emotive, and carries a similar magic to the music in Love Between the Lines. If you’re looking for a "perfect" watch that balances beauty, maturity, and heartwarming romance, this is it. Totally recommend 💕💕💕

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Completed
Like Flowers in Sand
61 people found this review helpful
Jan 31, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

Sometimes grumpy & gruff, sometimes touchingly sweet & unabashedly sincere, radiating joy & warmth

“Like Flowers in Sand” is enchanting in its own way. Here we have once again a KDrama with a distinctive aura. Rustic, with tons of heart, original characters and great performance. Without tons of make-up, yet with plenty of bare male torsos - here, for a change, not focusing on aesthetic ideals… (which sort of makes this KDrama even more likeable and even more authentic.) Love also has a subtle hand in it here and conjures up a rather unconventional Rom+Com in the guise of a crime thriller.

“Like Flowers in Sand” takes a look at the rural regions – with their living traditions, the lively gossip and the importance of lifelong childhood friendships. The way people interact with each other is a little rough, but still warm; sweet even, yet in a grumpy disguise.

The KDrama draws its significant charm from the tradition and lifestyle of the Ssireum wrestlers. The two protagonists grew up with Ssireum (see side note below). In general, Ssireum marks the dramaturgical pivot of the story - then and now.

The gym, the sand-filled wrestling field, the colorful ´satpas´, and the ML tirelessly running here and there and back again, all of this contributes to an unmistakable look&feel. In addition, "Like Flowers in Sand" is sometimes grumpy and gruff, sometimes touchingly sweet and unabashedly sincere - with three-dimensional, unconventional characters in their unique individuality quietly conquering the hearts of the audience. A KDrama solidly grounded in the life of ordinary people, that in its quirky, eccentric aura radiates joy and warmth.

















----------------------------------------------------------------
SIDE NOTE: --- Ssireum – Korean version of wrestling ---

Ssireum has been listed as a UNESCO immaterial world heritage since 2018. This distinctive Korean wrestling is probably as old as the first kingdom of Korea itself, which according to legend was founded in 2333 BC. What is certain though, this form of wrestling has already been practiced during the time of the Goguryeo Kingdom. The strongest young men from the surrounding villages came together for competition, with the last man standing at the end being the winner.
Ssireum is the wrestling of two people within a circular field filled with sand with a diameter of 8 m. So-called 'satpas' form a kind of belt over the wrestling pants that the opponents at all cost hold on to during the fight - until one can bring the other down by strength or skill. The techniques are varied, but hitting and pushing are not among them.
Actually, previous to colonial times, this type of wrestling was known as Gakjo, Gakhi, Sangbak, Jaenggyo or Gakgi. Wrestling was tolerated under the Japanese because it had similarities to sumo. Competitions were successively sponsored, which ultimately led to national championships. To this day, Ssireum is an established and popular sport in South Korea being practiced by women, too.
Eventually, with Netflix broadcasting this ENA Production internationally, the immaterial cultural heritage is reaching more worldwide attention, too...

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Completed
The Attorney
50 people found this review helpful
by Cheer
Jun 13, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
To think that The Attorney was Yang Woo Seok’s directional debut is a bit hard to believe. It feels as if one of South Korea’s veteran directors made this one.

This film is one of 2013’s most critically acclaimed films domestically and that doesn’t surprise me a bit. You see, The Attorney is based on the real-life story of the ex-president Roh Moo Hyun’s early years, when he used to be an attorney and human rights activist. It also takes a controversial case from 1981 as its main focus. This film is neither a legal thriller nor a courtroom drama. It doesn’t focus on a desperate attorney trying to win a case or someone trying to prove his innocence; it’s more like a serious depiction of the social and political status in South Korea back in the days. Something low-keyed but contains greater value.

The emotions and reactions throughout the film were quite penetrating. You’ve got to give director Yang Woo Seok credit for what he did with the storytelling, he didn’t only direct this film but he also wrote it himself creating a respectable piece. He didn’t use anything that’s high-profiled because basic elements and some emotions-play were more than enough to deliver great developments and captivating events.

Without doubt, no one can deny Song Kang Ho’s astonishing acting skills, he’s able to grab any character and make you feel it throughout. It was impressive how he delivered Song’s character, every emotion and every facial expression were too involving. It’s not for naught that Kang Ho ahjussi is one of the fewest critically acclaimed actors in and outside South Korea. The rest of the cast delivered so well, the director knew how to pick his actors because a little exaggerated acting would’ve blown everything into thin air but gladly, none of that happened here.

Considering the fact that this film was set in the late 70’s and the beginning of the 80’s, the cinematography felt fitting but not more than the music, it had an important part to make you connect to the characters and events.

Watch this if:
-You like films that are based on true-life events and characters.
-You like to watch an interesting film about politics in South Korea 30 years ago.
-You like Song Kang Ho; this is one of his better performances.

Do not watch if:
-You’re not into romance-free films with somewhat slow development.
-You’re looking for something light or thriller-like.

The Attorney is an interesting film that concentrates on political and social issues in South Korea back in the 80’s. It’s absolutely a success for the newbie director Yang Woo Seok and a wonderful introduction to follow his work in the future.

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Completed
You Are My Destiny
158 people found this review helpful
Jun 24, 2020
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 10
Overall 6.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Disgusting 3rd party and draggy ending

The last 10 episodes destroyed the show for me. What I hate most are 3rd parties who use underhanded methods to get what she wants. Fighting for love in the open or creating challenges for the leads - are acceptable to me and can actually be interesting to watch. But when underhanded means are used to deceive the leads and they don't even find out, thus creating a severe fracture in the relationship due to a fundamental misunderstanding (which cannot be resolved) - that is just pure disgusting and painful to watch.

In this case, a prenuptial agreement (for the benefit of the FL) was swapped by the pure evil and disgusting 3rd party, Anna with a divorce agreement - causing the FL to misunderstand the ML and break up with him, and separation for 3 whole years. During this time, Anna tried to get together with the ML, but it is so clear that the ML never loved her, yet she never felt any sense of guilt.

I only felt anger and disgust when in the 2nd/3rd last episode, the ML got together with Anna and the FL got together with Anna's brother. This kind of relationship is very disgusting because there is no love and happiness involved; and it only came about due to the thick-skinned Anna, without any conscience or sense of shame.

It was only in the last 30minutes of the last episode that Anna's brother realised what happened and told the truth to the ML. This ending to me is very rushed and unsatisfactory. I was looking forward to some good moments of the FL and ML together - and this is robbed away from me.

What makes it even worse is that this problem can actually be resolved with some proper communication. The FL's best friend is aware of the prenuptial agreement. She tried to explain but the FL cut her off. Or the ML and FL could properly talk it over - there was even a scene 3 years later where the ML tried to explain, but it is clear the FL wasn't listening properly and had no intention of trying to understand what was going on. Totally childish of the FL. Dragged on a conflict for 10 episodes that can be easily resolved in 2-3 episodes. 10 episodes of such push and pull is too draggy.

Terrible and disgusting ending.

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Completed
From Me to You
93 people found this review helpful
by Rourou
Apr 4, 2012
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I watched the anime so i previously know the story and believe me watching the movie was a great thing to do. I didn't feel time passing by and i totally fell in love with the lead actors since they did their roles in a great way.
The innocent love made this movie special on its own way, it was a great adaptation. I totally recommend it: if you watched the anime of course you need to watch this and if you haven't then just give it a go and you will just fall in love with it.
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Completed
Prince of Lan Ling
71 people found this review helpful
by Aryael
Aug 31, 2013
46 of 46 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
Story: The love triangle in this story will make you cry, sigh and smile. There is no evil man here. Both men are equally deserving of her. It is a story of sacrifices, of hardships, of courage and virtue. At first, I was doubtful about a romance drama being set in the Southern-Northern Dynasties period, knowing from history, that it was a bloody era to live in. Dynasties come and go. There was no stability in that period of chinese history. Furthermore, prince Lan Ling comes from a royal family that was slaughtered to extinction. Prince Lan Ling himself died at a young age (around 30s). So, how can there be a love story centred around this setting? Well... there is! And this drama told a wonderful love story involving Prince Lan Ling, Yang Xue Wu and King Yuwen Yong. I like that the writer stuck to the historical events to the end. There was never a boring moment, despite the length of the drama (46 episodes). Each episode ends with a cliffhanger that makes you want for more. Before you realise it, 46 episodes have come and gone! Highly addictive! My only warning before you start? You will need tissue - bucket loads of it! Truly a touching love story.

Acting/Cast: No complains on acting. Everyone did exceptionally well. Everyone's veteran actors and actresses; so they know what they are on about. The chemistry between the 3 leads in the love triangle was very good and believable. The only issue I noticed was a wardrobe malfunction with King Yuwen Yong... where you can see his 'fake hairline' in one of the later episode (forgot which one). They probably hurried the production of that episode. Other than that, all's fine and dandy!

Music: Beautiful songs that reflects the mood of the story. You will love the hauntingly sad vocals of Della Ding and Jia Jia. Each of the 3 leads have a song for them that pretty much sums up their love for each other.

Rewatch value: Time permits; I'll defintely re-watch this gem. In fact, I am out and about trying to get hold of the whole series in DVD.

Overall: I gave this drama a 10/10 simply because I can't give it 9.5/10 here. It is not really an 8/10 either. I made this decision by comparing this drama against Bu Bu Jing Xing (the perfect 10 ancient chinese romance drama for me) and against BBJX, this drama is around 80-90% at the level of BBJX. To me, BBJX is still No. 1 and this one here is a close No. 2. I hope this gives you an idea where this drama sits in terms of ranking. Lastly, just sit back and enjoy!

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Completed
Nobody Knows
71 people found this review helpful
Apr 22, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I think one thing people should keep in mind before starting this is that this is not the typical fast paced crime drama. their main objective was not finding clues each week or having episodic stand alone crimes that distract them from the main "guy" until the last ep. it was not a competition between the good vs the bad, it was not a chase.

everything in this drama revolved around each other, everything was somewhat connected, one thing led to another and slowly they'd reveal the big picture inside the big picture.

Cha Young Jin is one of my favorite characters, not just as a female. she was the best detective I've ever seen. the past trauma didn't make her cold, reserved and jaded. she was a human. she cried, she smiled, she listened, she empathized, she admitted her mistakes and she asked for help when she had to.
most crime show detectives are the complete opposite that they just feel robotic, plus 99% of them blend into one giant cold lone wolf with anger issues ;)
she was kinda too skinny, but I think she had great technique during her fight scenes that made it believable (and so hot), I mean bones are sharp and strong enough to hurt right? xD
also, she has ruined every crime drama male lead out there, no one will be able to surpass her. *cue My Sassy Girl ost*

Lee Sun Woo, our "male lead" had the opposite role from our active detective. he was a teacher so of course he couldn't investigate, and in some ways he took the role that is usually thrown at women in crime dramas, he had to stand in the side lines waiting like everyone else.
but he was still a great guy. he learned from his mistakes and he genuinely cared for his students and he came out of this a better man.

Go Eun Ho was just SUNSHINE! and the glue that stuck this drama together, the "core" of this drama.
also the detective team were awesome, each member was unique, though I wish they gave them a little more screentime ;(

Baek Sang Ho... he was so intriguing... he was such a complex character. he "saved" people by exploiting/healing their biggest scar, and then he used them dry.. the ending of this drama and their team was so so sad and heartbreaking, and his laughs were chilling.

usually, without spoiling anything, I hate crime drama endings becasue everyone just dies and the rest simply move on. but this was such a satisfactory well rounded ending I couldn't help but cry for Baek Sang Ho's end..

the ost was beautiful and rather than rewatching I hope for a second season, but this was the 1st crime drama I enjoyed in almost 4 or 2 years that I might actually rewatch it again knowing what I know now








rewatching this I had forgotten about some details regarding the incidents, the biggest impactful details for me were the unexpected friendships vs the manipulative relationships


but during this rewatch I was more interested in the twisted relationships of the villains, it wasn't really a cult thing, but the greed, the psychopathness and the love of control was the driving force

as a story, usually mystery dramas had that thing, here as "where is the lost book", that seems to be the solution to everything, and once they reach it, it becomes a anticlimactic fast wrap up story
for this, they had a clear, search, found and a real after effect of what that book contained.

as a villain, it was actually really sad, especially when he thought "what if cha youngjin had found me" while also giving a sad ending of him not only being punished by going back to his worse nightmare but also the satisfaction of him not just dying and actually getting a punishment worthy of his evil deeds.

Seo Sang Won was a psychopath, his father was greedy for power and money that he didn't care for the havoc his son made but instead he used it and the kids Seo Sang Won had to increase his region of power.
his sister was fully just greedy for the money and Jang Gi Ho tho lost in his father's haze still had the least evil conception of their cult

usually the villain team becomes annoying but here the love and suffocating control Baek Sang Ho had on them not only made them want to rebel but it gave the trio their own bonding that outpowered their fear of Baek Sang Ho

Baek Sang Ho being twisted as a kid, using the murder of cha youngjin's friend as his stepping stone to outpower his dad and break away from his hold while also still becoming twisted enough to enjoy the chase and obsession left in cha youngjin's heart.
his final laugh was taunting tho I do wish it was longer to fully showcase the devastation in his downfall
overall I wish they gave a bit more screen time to the villains fears and darkness a bit more


one of the things I loved about cha youngjin wasn't just her kickass, independent, smart leading boss lady persona but also her strength in showing weakness, vulnerability and tears, not as an attempt to make her "feminine" but as a way to show her as a human, as apposed to a "traumatic" male lead

I also adored Lee Sun Woo's position as what would usually be the female lead, but in a way again as to not "threaten" his "masculinity" but in a way to make him a great caregiver and sweetness that was lacking in "what a man should be like"

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Completed
Your Name Engraved Herein
167 people found this review helpful
Oct 1, 2020
Completed 9
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

Poignant gay film with BL elements

As I live in Taiwan, I eagerly awaited the release of this film, and watched it the day it was released. Because there aren't too many LGBT films released in theaters (especially in Asia), my expectations weren't that high; I was just excited to be able to see a gay (BL?) movie on the big screen. But this movie did not disappoint at all. The story invites you to the time when martial law has just been lifted, and times are clearly changing. After living in Taiwan for over two years, this was a welcome glimpse into a fascinating part of Taiwanese history.
The pacing of the relationship was a little different than your typical BL, and the acting was on point. There are a few different reasons why I wouldn't consider this a BL, the most prominent being the absence of clear seme/uke (masculine/feminine) roles. The two lead characters are well-crafted, and the emotional complexity of their relationship far transcends most BL story lines. I would even consider going back to the theater just for one particular scene; which, although technically a sex scene, accomplishes everything without showing anything. I've been thinking about the passion and emotion of that scene all day.
I feel like this film includes all the great elements of a BL series, but removes the saccharine and adds a plaintive historical setting. The music includes a classic Taiwanese pop song as well as a new song, which includes the film's title. The inclusion of both neatly represents the time jump of the story. This film is a must-watch, and I hope it gets the international attention that it deserves. Both BL and cinema fans alike will enjoy it.

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When the Weather Is Fine
156 people found this review helpful
Mar 29, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 13
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

"Eating and sleeping well... Is that all there is to life?"

This is the therapy that I didn't know I desperately need.

Every morning is the beginning of another busy day in my city life, so hectic that it often feels like suffocation is no longer an option. Yet, When the Weather is Fine is like a timely letter to my subconsciousness, telling it that it's alright to miss a couple of breaths but not too many. Following Hae Won and Eun Seub's journey to self-discovery and self-healing has been heartwarming, endearing and even motivational at times, especially amidst the current uncertain and relentless worldly affairs.

Despite the slow progression, much slower than what I would normally prefer, this drama never fails to captivate me with its beautiful and soothing storytelling. What appears to be a purely coincidental and mundane encounter between two almost complete strangers at first gradually materialises into a fated serendipity. As Hae Won spends more time with Eun Seub in the rural Bookhyun Village, we as an audience begin to delve into their memories through a collection of nostalgic flashbacks, gaining a bit more insight into each of their dilemmas and how that has led them to their current circumstances.

It turns out that, for the impatient person that I am, I didn't mind the slow pace at all as it has given me the time to sympathise with the characters' underlying emotions and appreciate all of the poetic essence in the script. The settings and soundtracks are incredibly complementary to the storyline and characterisation. From the occasional pleasant acoustics to playful tunes, or the alternating warm and cold colour schemes, the drama is able to integrate its audience into a serene and cozy countryside lifestyle while still manages to retain some of its unique charms.

To say I'm in love with the casting would be much of an understatement. It is a rather pleasant surprise to see Park Min Young venturing into the slice-of-life scene after starring in popular rom-coms such as What's Wrong With Secretary Kim and Her Private Life. I feel like it has become a more apparent trend for Hallyu actors to take on indie projects and introduce more diversity to the international drama community, notably Lee Jong Suk in Romance is a Bonus Book and The Hymn of Death and Park Seo Joon in the recent Itawon Class. I must say this is a fairly defining role for Seo Kang Joon. I first got to know him as the defiant yet caring second male lead in Cheese in the Trap and then it was the robotic but humane male lead in Are You Human Too, both of which have left a fond impression on me. So coincidentally meeting him again in my new favourite drama certainly feels like a treat. As a couple, Park Min Young and Seo Kang Joon show a rather unlikely chemistry, probably due to the fact that Min Young is such a veteran and me used to recall her role in Sungkyunkwan Scandal, but still very fitting nevertheless. I also thought the supporting cast is very well-chosen, especially Eun Sub's sister Im Hwi and best friend Jang Woo.

I would highly recommend checking out the divine and enchanting OSTs: Like a Winter's Dream (Kwak Ji Eon), Doors of Time (Jungyup), All Day Long (Kyuhyun), Dear My Love (Byul), I See You (Giryeon) and Moody Night (Jeong Sang Keun).

Here are some of my favourite excerpts from the drama...

"Life has never bought me a drink.
On many winter nights, at a snack stall in a dead-end alley, I emptied out my pockets to buy life a drink.
But life has never bought me a single drink.
Whether it was a snowy day or a day when a stone lotus flower silently bloomed and fell."
A Drink by Jeong Ho Seung

"When loneliness meets loneliness and becomes coziness.
When sadness meets sadness and becomes happiness.
When a cool breeze collides against another cool breeze and becomes soft snow.
That's what warmth is."

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Completed
The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese
124 people found this review helpful
Feb 1, 2021
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10

Very powerful movie

I really enjoyed this movie. It felt dark, and gritty. I loved the characters, even with all their flaws and insecurities. I really felt the emotional turmoil from Wataru. I enjoyed seeing Kyoichi’s journey to find himself, and figuring out what true love really is. I liked the symbolism of him sitting in the chair, like now HE’S the one waiting... This movie is raw, heartbreaking at times, and beautifully performed. The sex scenes between the two characters really revealed their inner passions, and they felt like the most honest, and emotionally revealing scenes in the movie. Both actors did a fantastic job. This movie is about finding yourself, having the courage to accept who you really are, finding love, or rather recognizing love when you’ve found it, and the heartbreaking journey to love and accept the one who is right for you. I loved it! The actors are hot, and the sex scenes are also hot, and beautifully heartwarming at the same time. It was absolutely beautiful. I definitely recommend watching this movie.

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Completed
Welcome to Waikiki
60 people found this review helpful
Apr 18, 2018
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
To put it simply: Eulachacha Waikiki is one of the best comedy dramas I've seen. No exaggeration.

I won't go for a long review, so here goes-

- The comedy element, in this drama, is definitely at its best. I mean, is there any other drama where we have seen a girl with beard issues? I wouldn't think so. (If there is though, do tell me!). And that's just one of the many hilarious things that never failed to make the viewers laugh.

- Aside from the comedy, the drama also had its emotional moments. Although they were never so many that I'd call this an emotional drama. But it certainly managed to make the viewers go from rotfl-ing to "awwww"

- Romance factor was also nicely done. This drama is one of the very good examples of rom-com. Although, if I were being honest, I'd say that the comedy surpassed the romance. But it never overshadowed the romance. The pairings were fun to watch.

- Same goes for all the main six characters. All were fun to watch. But if I had to choose a favorite, it would be Joon Ki. I loved him because he was hilarious, but I adored him because of his caring side. All those scenes where he was trying to cheer up Seo Jin were so so cute!

- And how can we not talk about Sol? That baby was the show-stealer! She was simply too adorable.

- One flaw though, that I just have to mention is Yoon Ah 's character. I felt like her character was simply too one dimensional. I mean, don't get me wrong, I liked her character at first. But while all the other characters had some unique attribute that made them appeal to the viewers, it's like all Yoon Ah had going for her was the fact that she was a single mom. But after they stopped focusing on the single mom thing, it's like her character became somewhat...dull. That's one of the things I wish they had done better.

That's about it for the review! This is a wonderful drama and I really hope you give it a chance.

Happy Watching!!

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