Reviews

A must watch. Just pure love and happiness

*I have written this review with no spoilers*

I will definitely recommend everyone who loves non toxic rom-coms to watch it. I was totally mesmerized by this show. No unnecessary toxic scenes or characters.
It is so well written and the actors were able to portray all the emotions the characters were feeling very effortlessly. You are sure to fall in love with the characters from the first episode. The way the characters develop through the series and the way their insecurities are shown is beautiful. Kurosawa and Adachi will surely melt your heart. I consider Tsuge and Minato as main characters as well cause I just can't with these 2, even with their limited screentime they stole my heart ♥♥♥...Not kidding my heart belongs to this show...♥♥♥XDXD
The side characters are very well written and have a small storylines of their own which gives you a glimpse into their life. (Rokkaku is so cute)
The music in the series is really good. I loved both the songs and looked them up on YouTube and now listen to them every now and then.
Will I rewatch this show, I'm gonna go do that immediately after writing this review and whenever I'm feeling down......for sure.....
I'm sad that it ended, but extremely happy to have watched it...I'll miss the characters.

Hope the review helped. Thanks for reading.
Lots of love. Byeeeeee

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the best show of dark fiction for chaebol korean families

I wanted to write a review for this drama mainly to increase the supportive positions and making it clear that it is deserving to be more renowned as it is so much underrated!!!

I felt while watching red swan that it is a special and outstanding show from the moment they announced about the plot and the trailer about the romance of a rich female and her bodyguard that I was looking for such story a long time ago, I was captured while watching the trailer by the action scenes and the trauma wan soo was living while facing many situations under the threaten of being killed at any moment!!!!

in fact to make it clear this show is depicting the hidden dark fictions sides of the high ranked rich families in korean society though I wanted to see more romance side of the story but the realistic acting of such top notch actors made the show overall being unexpectedly so good as I didn't felt any boring moment and didn't skipped any scene of this great drama!!!! while watching it wishing to stay drowned in this story having all the catching elements to cling over it not wanting to reach the end so fastly at any moment as it is one of the best korean dramas of this year...
the screenwriter wanted as I think to make the relationship between the leads to be formal along the show though showing great affection between them, "so the romance is not a major part of as a drama plot"...
the action scenes were filmed in a marvellous way made me not able to escape any look while watching such masterpiece fighting between do yeon and the female bodyguard...

if talking about any flaw of the story that could make it be rated almost all the period it was aired around 7.8, there is some parts of the story that was hurried to be displayed instead of calling it flaws, giving the example of the attack of the female and her bodyguard by the drones was so amazingly portrayed in a realistic way but some criticized the fact that how do yeon got healed in a short period of time carrying wan soo after he was stabbed in his back by a fragments of the car while it was exploding so it is logical to think like by so many watchers that cause in an overnight for such critical injury he should take a great period of time to resume his assignments as bodyguard...

talking about the mystery side of the story, it made me so attached to the drama as the screenwriter succeeded in making the facts of the real reason behind wan soo staying married to such trashy husband betraying her with several womens knowing this already and living in hell amidist such failed marriage and surrounded by criminals in laws, so she beared a lot of their offenses and living painful moments in this jail of grand palace...

in addition to reveal gradually till the end the identity of the real perpetrator of the death case of do yeon's close friend joo hyuk was written with excellence keeping the excitement level to the top for me while watching it as do yeon did a marvellous job to punish the criminals and avenging for his murdered friend while keeping his composure along the story especially afer the provoking slap of gong yuk to do yeon behind the reason of a photo was taken for both of them after her mother death, I wanted him to defend himself at the salp scene but he couldn't do any mistake while he was there vowing to revenge for his friend...

I like the character of do yeon being honest with wan soo about the reason of joing hwain group and being impartial, he was the real support for female lead living such hard life while all her in laws were beasts wanting to take advantage of her in addition to her husband to married her just to escape from a scandal to be in relationship with an actress!!! do yeon used his intelligence and all the skills he acquired while he was a cop to catch the criminals so his character was played in a professional way and the actor was choosed in the right place!!!

wan soo's life wasn't easy for her to deal with all the hardships she went through as her mother was greedy for money like wan soo's in law, her mother was gambling to addiction extent just to get out of the poverty they were living, even realising her dream to be a pro golfer, wan soo gave for her money prizes to pay off all her mother's gambling debts, so she didn't live in happiness neither one as a chaebol, neither before married to such lowly rich corruptive family!!!!

wan soo was criticized by may watchers for having the same facial expressions but I see that she was like that as a person living such depressive life, losing her child and dealing with dangerous in laws taking the money laundrey as a habit to make illegal profits and being threatened to lose her foundation just for the sake of greediness of those beasts in laws as they are always hungry for money and making such lowly deeds, will make wan soo logically not finding a time to think about smiling or changing her temper to be a happy person as maybe so many won't agree with me!!!! she was behaving in a wise way to not be caught in any scandals in front of the press and keep her foundation safe...

I think the most eccentric character considered a flaw in the story, is yong guk's one was something unprecedently seen having two contradictive sides of his personality, he is having the trauma of seeing his mother betraying his father while he was a child so instead of making his character logically despising betrayal and cheating, he not only betrayed wan soo with several ones and he said that he loves his wife?!?! so how should anybody believing him after so many cheatings and lying to her!!!! he even didn't shown any care about her even if playing a fake role!!! he was supposed to be loyal if hating the fact of his mother being a cheating women, so he was always distant from his wife...
the other opposit side of yong guk was the first and last time hugging his illegitimate son demonstrated a tender and soft side of his personality but though everything he badly did, the way his half-brother yong min killed him was so brutal scene!!!

I would say giving 9 for the show though I was expecting to see more romance between leads and wishing to make do yeon and wan soo having more screentime but turned to only focusing on the slush fund and the struggle and hatred between the members of a chaebol family, I couldn't condoned the fact that all the supportive characters of hwain group from park mi ran portraying a crazy chairwoman didn't see like her character though repellent but so highly performed to the lawyer han sang il who is the mastermind of all the killing cases happened there to yong min character who gave all his best while expressing his frustration in a magnificent way portraying the illegitimate son of a chaebol family and the female bodyguard was well convincing in her character with all the action scenes she carried with do yeon...

the main reason to give 9 for this show was that at least we got what we want and that the justice to prevail at the end and proving that even being one of the most finest chaebol with leverage and holding the power of money, they can't let them to escape forever from being punished at the end...

I just preferred to make the party who threatened wan soo at the beginning of the story to be a korean local gang instead of making a religious party which is meaningless for me being involved in blocking her endeavors as a goodwill ambassador, I know not everybody will agree with me but just a personal opinion...

some watchers call it a "open ending" for both of leads, I can say it was right cause we can't guess after seeing do yeon resigning from being wan soo's bodyguard after completing his mission to hand the criminals for the justice of and coming back after one year to be do volounteer work like her, is considered somehow for me a happy ending though preferred to make them a couple together at the end but it is still satisfying while we have the real criminals being punished and receiving what they deserved of being all jailed...

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Short, simple, and cute office drama that you can watch when you have ran out of anything else to watch.

The actors delivered well with their roles, the characters were relatable, funny, and enjoyable. The plot being a gaming company on the verge of bankruptcy being the center of the story and how they the characters will save it was fresh and interesting too. The drama might have a lot of flaws and lacked at many areas but it was definitely decent and watchable. Its was fresh and entertaining, that it was a very light and easy watch for me.

My only problem with Level Up is the lack of romantic scenes with the leads. The guy never really confessed his feelings properly and there was never a scenario where their feelings developed and the both fell in love with each other.. it felt forced and awkward instead. Even for the second couple in the drama, the romance was just not there.

I guess this drama is more of an office slice of life one than a romcom. Its not as memorable and outstanding as all the big kdramas out there but nonetheless, it was good.

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One of the best BL

Most series don't share the big problems in people's life. They just focus on small problems and show them as huge ones.
I almost missed this series because I knew that it wasn't a cute rom-com BL like most are but a serious one. But this is so much more. I saw so many recommendations for this series and knew I will have to watch it for sure, sooner or later.

The story overall was pretty good, displayed in a beautiful way because of the hard work of the whole team. However the extra ahead / before scenes at the end of episodes added a small confusion. Also even when the leads had a simple and happy ending, I think it would have been better to have a bit more zing in the ending to make it a bit better.
Another thing that made me almost drop this series twice in the first episode itself was the lead seeing the dead girl multiple times.
I think the series would have been way better if there was more chemistry between the leads.

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Completed this drama since like 4 years ago though, but rewatching it again recently made me have the urge of writing a review about it. (:
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS DRAMA: Firstly, the casts of course. Both main leads really portray their characters very very very well like in the manga. Ariel Lin could actually act really like a stupid and annoying girl, yet made each and everyone of us love her alot and ache for her whenever she cried, because her crying scenes are always -thumbs up-. Which is why she really deserve this Best Female Lead award in Golden Bells that year.
Secondly, how the characters have grown in every single episode. I really love watching how Zhi Shu change because of Xiang Qin, from a cold guy who just hide his emotions, to a gentle and romantic guy who really pour all his feelings out especially to his wife. I still remember in first few episodes, he is someone who gets annoyed when Xiang Qin tries to stick with him and do some romantic-stupid-stuffs with him, and wowwww the last few episodes, he just became so open with his wife. Not only Zhi Shu, but I can even see how Xiang Qin becoming more and more matured. Yes she may be annoying at times, but I can see the way of her thinking gradually changes, and how she really think of her husband's feelings more.
Thirdly, this drama is just so hilarious and I still can remember how many times I laughed like mad. At the same time, I can remember how many times I cried like hell whenever Xiang Qin cried too. I also love the endless skinship between the two leads which always give me squeals because their skinship is just so natural so real.
WHAT I DISLIKE ABOUT THIS DRAMA: Practically nothing I can say. Well or probably the plot also focus on other characters rather more on main leads too? But I don't really mind though because even the scenes of other characters are also quite interesting too.

Overall, one of the top Taiwanese dramas I have ever watched. You won't regret watching because you know what? You will end up rewatching it again and again and every single scene of the main leads will just give you butterflies because their skinship and chemistry is just so WOW. And and and, if you really love watching dramas with a extremely cold male lead. :D

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I started watching this drama with very high expectations, and it has met all of them. The story is beautiful, and more believable than I expected (although there were a few corny moments). I loved the story so much that I'm going to read the book it is based on.
The acting was SPECTACULAR. Everyone was really good, but Erika Sawajiri's performance is, in my opinion, the best one. She was incredible in the last few episodes.
The music was very good, too, especially the insert songs.
Someday I will watch it again, becauste I think it's a masterpiece.
I recommend 1 Litre of Tears to everyone who is looking for a beautiful story, with great characters and fantastic acting :)
P.S. You'll probably cry while watching it ;)

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I came to know this drama through a recommendation and I must say, at first, I have doubts due to its length. But its good rating and comments from fans who dearly loved it urged me to finally watch. And my! It was sooooo good the drama has now a special place in my dramaheart. :)

Compared to other sageuk, it was lowly budgeted but the lead cast and the plot would make you forget all its flaws. Haha!

I especially loved the female lead. You can see her growth in acting throughout the drama. Plus her delivery of the character was charming it would make you relate with her and deeply sympathize as well. Her chemistry with the male lead was undeniable I won't be surprised if they are really in a relationship. :)

The plot was not new, but it surely knows how to hook you, till you do not realize you are finally at the end. That's exactly what happened to me and i was left craving for more! I love the positive vibes of drama, the portrayal of love that would make you hope better things will also happen in your life.

I did not really expect that a sageuk drama could be this heartwarming and feel-good, since I have this impression that most sageuks end in tragedy.

Kudos to the whole team of KDSBH! Your efforts to bring this great story to life are well-appreciated.

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'I Remember You' isn't black and white. It explores a very gray area, making the viewers truly question what is right and what is wrong. Can murder ever be justified? Never, but 'I Remember You' digs deep into that question through the age-old argument: nature vs. nurture. Can environmental factors make you become a monster? Or are you born with the tendency to become a psychopath, sociopath, murderer, or all of the above?

At the heart of it, 'I Remember You' is about healing from long abused wounds. Does being a psychopath equal being a murderer and vice versa? Not necessarily and that's what I meant by saying this drama wades in a morally gray area. The vibe of the drama as a whole is: eerie. That's the best word to describe it. Every dialogue between the characters has multitudes of layered complexity and meaning behind the seemingly harmless, lighthearted words. Some of the best cryptic scripts I have ever seen in a drama. It's all due to Seo In Guk and Park Bo Gum since they both did a splendid job of emoting those emotions.

I genuinely enjoyed the low-key romance. Lee Hyun and Cha Ji An have an unbreakable connection between them. They start out disliking each other of course, but more out of suspicion than anything. Their relationship is organic, they first become tentative acquaintances, then co-workers, then friends, then finally lovers. It's a relationship that's built on trust and understanding, and it culminated with each episode, with each situation that allowed them to get to know one another deeper. They didn't need passionate sparks for it to convince me. Their slow-burning connection felt sincere and each simple gesture, like a hug, was very telling of their chemistry.

Jang Na Ra really sold me on her character. I just loved Cha Ji An; her fierceness and unshakable spirit were what made Ji An stand out.I love it when the heroine can stand her own and also has the ability to save the hero, both physically and emotionally.

The second romance, well bromance, between brothers Lee Hyun and Min was done so well: from their childhood, to their adult life, to their eventual reconciliation, it was all built up wonderfully. I had chills then tears then chills then tears, and repeat with the Lee Hyun and Min scenes. The bromance just had so much emotional baggage that I hurt for them so much. I want to mention the wolf story that was mentioned in the drama. It talks of an old Cherokee legend about two wolves inside of you, evil and good. Do you feed the good or evil wolf? It's your choice, you don't have a pre-destined fate.

The writer did a wonderful job of connecting each case with the main story. In fact, they all fit in seamlessly so it didn't feel like a case per episode type of drama.

OST fit the scenes wonderfully, especially Remember by Dear Cloud. The lyrics captured the bromance perfectly.

I highly recommend this drama. I recommend it even more if you want to take a dive into an exploration of the human psyche, layered with some meaningful romance, and a heartbreaking bromance. "I Remember You' is a heavy drama that works your brain (and your heart) because it goes deeply into sensitive topics like abuse, abandonment, and murder. It isn't an easy watch by any means but it really made me contemplate on what our society as a whole.

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My first impression of this drama was that it gave off major Reply vibes (Reply 1988 especially). I personally really enjoy cdramas and ones that are more of the late 1900s really hit the target. Since I'm Chinese as well, I am pretty used to the language and the way they speak however for kdrama viewers, it might take some time to get used to. The OST is incredibly sweet and it matches with the nostalgic summer feel of childhood. All in all, the acting was on point. There was not a single character I didn't like in the series which is rare. I loved how every character was in the spotlight and their family issues are portrayed. I'm not sure if I want a second season since the openness of the ending is pretty nice, however an epilogue or one more episode where they all meet up at the end would definitely be nice. Although this drama is under the genre of romance, there's more comedy involved and don't be fooled, there are certain scenes that really tug at your heartstrings. TTT prepare tissues guys! I encourage you to watch this drama, it's one of a kind :)

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JUST WATCH IT, YOU WON'T EVER REGRET

I just finished it this midnight, and all I can say is that I love this drama so much!!!!

First of all, this drama is TOTAL DIFFERENT FROM DOTS, BUT SAME FEEL POLICE/SOLDIER & DOCTOR

I just cannot explain the feelings... But if you are looking for something WORTH to watch these past few months, and for this year, THIS IS A MUST-WATCH DRAMA of all time.

The feeling is just so much! You will definitely fell in love with ALL CHARACTERS because they are all GREAT ACTORS. Super. They are so real, genuine and really great. 100%.

Not only the actors you will fell in love, but even the PRODUCTION, SET, LOCATION. EVERYTHING. YES. EVERYTHING. They really exerted SO MUCH EFFORT to give this drama the BEST it can be. Especially the police force, at the near ending, OMYGOD, AMAZING. All I can say.

No doubt we are able to enjoy this drama.

The effects, cinematic, the camera view. EVERYTHING is just so LEGIT.

Well, let's not forget the PLOT IT SELF.

This is 40 eps, more than what we thought it could be BUT EVERY EPISODE IS WORTH OF YOUR TIME. EVERY EPISODE IS INTRIGUING, EXCITING and LOVELY.

IT STARTED SO EXTREMELY AMAZING AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WITNESS IT ALONG THE WAY UNTIL THE VERY LAST 2-3 EPISODE.

GOD.

ALL I CAN, JUST WATCH.

WATCH IT NOW.

The drama, the actors, the director, the production, THEY ALL DESERVED ALL GOOD PRAISE FOR GIVING US THE GREAT DRAMA OF ALL TIME.

Now, my drama standards get more higher.

I fear we won't be able to watch these kind of drama for the next few months....

FOR MY LAST WORD,

If you are looking for
-GREAT DRAMA OF ALL TIME,
-MASTERPIECE
-RARE, GOLD DRAMA
-Romance, cuteness, comedy between ML & FL and supporting leads
-Super efforted SET, PRODUCTION, LOCATION, EVERYTHING (NO GREEN SCREEN, that's the truth)
-No boring episode
-Heavy, light, heavy, light... A LOT OF TWIST & TURN TO YOUR HEART
-ALL GREAT ACTORS (NO AWKARDNESS)
-You will witness to see all CUTE UNSCRIPTED ACTING which are genuine, for proof, you can check the BTS in WeTV
-WORTH ALL YOUR TIME

GO WATCH IT NOW. YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO TAKE AWAY YOUR SIGHT ON YOUR SCREEN.

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A pretty decent BL for the Thai industry!

May 14, 2021

Lovely Writer is definitely a strong drama. Although, I did have some troubles with the plot and the execution. It was still a good series regardless. First of all, I JUST LOVE HOW THEY EXPLORE CONSENT AND THREW SHADES to the industry. With the number of shows I have watched, consent is so rare to see and it's so sad. Often the ML is always pushing themselves to their partners and that makes me want to drop a series.

I really love Gene and Nubsib's chemistry and they were hot. Like certain scenes got me running laps. I was a bit uncomfortable with the age gap during their childhood scene. But yeah, I guess it was just me...

Anyway, there are certain parts where I was shocked. Like damn, the plot twist was very shocking.

Now onto my rant:
If I am being honest, the plot was a bit messy and draggy and predictable. I really love the idea and concept but I think the execution was just a literal pain. AND as for a show, I thought that was gonna break the BL stereotype, I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED that they followed the typical route for episode 11. As for the music, I was a bit irritated cause some of the choices did not fit in with the scene. It was more of a nuisance if you know what I mean. Also, how can the series turn into the very thing it was calling out in the beginning. Like the first half was about calling out the BL industry and then suddenly in the second part, it starts following the cliche plots???!!!!!

Also, WTF WAS EP 10-12 I LITERALLY SKIMMED THROUGH IT CAUSE I WAS BORED AS HELL. THOSE EPISODES WERE A LITERAL 5/10. HONESTLY, IT COULD HAVE ENDED ON THE FIRST HALF OF EP 9 AND I WOULD BE TOTALLY OKAY WITH IT.

ALSO YALL WILL LOVE TIFFY AND TUM. Their sidestory was so cute and they were my motivation to continue the series. Even though they had least amount of screen time. I love them so much. If it weren’t for them, I would probably dropped this series at this point. Cause I was just literally dissatisfied with everything....

Anyway, make sure to watch this series as it's still pretty darn good!! I hope my rant didn't ruin it for you heheheh

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A Beautiful Love Story

I can't even example in enough words how heartwarming and precious Gameboys is. This series has shot up to be my number 1 favorite BL of all time. To have the ability to tell a love story that is accurate with current times (those current time being us stuck in the middle of a panoramic), and still be able to pull off an enticing romance is astounding. Gav and Cai bring to us a gorgeous love story full of truth, laughter, misery, and passion.

Let's Dive In.

Usually, the first episode is the worst for me. It mostly likely boring cause we have to learn about the characters, most likely their backstories, world-building, and the start of the plot. But, with this show, I was pulled in from the first 10 minutes. The majority of this show takes place on a laptop, with the main characters only really bonding with one another over the screen. That's what pulled me in first; I could tell this wasn't going to be anything like I had ever seen before. The concept is the best I've seen out of any concept in BL. How can one make a connection with another over the screen? Well, Gave and Cai figures it out. Both actors did an amazing job. By far, Gav was my favorite character. I loved the way he teased Cai, and I loved how expressive he was with his feelings from the very beginning. I also like how he was already openly gay. We don't see that much in BLs usually. Most of the time we have to see them figuring themselves out, and I liked that Gav already went through that offscreen. There was nothing that I can say I hated about this couple, everything was pretty much perfect. I believe my favorite part was the mini montage of them going through different activities together online, or maybe it was that breathtaking kiss. Either way, Gav and Cai hold a very special place in my heart.

Pearl is the best friend anyone could ask for. I loved how she was basically there to support Gav and cheer on both of them. Thank god she wasn't the awful ex-girlfriend that every series has. Instead, she was there for both of them, and her spirit was absolutely amazing. We see a glimpse into her story with finding her own love, which is continued in Pearl Next Door. Westley and Terrence served as a nice somewhat side couple. We don't get much with them, mostly just a special episode, but I didn't pay much attention to them. I believe they are supposed to be getting their own series, but I'm not too sure. In the series though, they both served as the turmoil between Gav and Cai, but I liked that it didn't drag on for too long and was resolved quickly.

Let's talk about the production team. I can't belive that this entire series was filmed using phones. They didn't use any heavy equipment, or professional cameras, it was all used on a freakin iPhone. That is some for real talent, That knowledge alone makes this series 10 times better knowing all of the dedication that went into this series.

All in all, this series deserves every acknowledgment it deserves. It's not necessarily an underrated series, but I don't think it has had the views it deserves. This series deserves to be just as big as 2gether, or even bigger. The Philipino Bls did not come here to play, they came here to win. Out of this one and Like In The Movies, my expectations for Bls now have exceedingly increased. Way to go The Philippines for telling stunning stories, and real-life depictions of same-sex relationships.

*Imaginary clap on the back*

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