Reviews

“How to Get Sidetracked: A Comprehensive Manual,” the Drama

Disclaimer: I read a few recaps and skimmed past episode 41.

I was watching this when it first aired. I watched around ~25 episodes before life got distracting. Years later, I was idly scrolling through my dropped dramas and decided that if I was still curious about Chu Qiao’s fate after all this time, I might as well give it another go.
I’m not curious anymore. The entire reason I came back—to watch Chu Qiao rediscover her identity and realize her true potential—is so irrelevant it can hardly be called a side plot. They spend so much time ignoring what makes these characters interesting in favor of convoluted politics and half-baked romances and cheap conflicts. I didn’t even technically finish all 58 episodes and I still couldn’t tell you what happened in the episodes I DID watch.

The entire first half of the drama serves next to no purpose. Assuming you hadn’t read the novel, you’d never guess the trajectory of the story from the first ~30 episodes. Is it about Chu Qiao’s past? No. Is it about her toppling the system that turned her and so many others into slaves? Nope. Is it about her revenge, after that system takes the lives of her adopted family? Uh-uh. Is it about her finding a middle ground with her master/mentor/love-interest, and them teaming up to root out the corruption within the empire? Hardly.

It’s about the second-lead, Yan Xun—who you’d think is the love interest based on the sheer amount of screentime he spends with Chu Qiao—and how his soul is blackened by the assassination of his family after the Emperor’s betrayal. Which doesn’t sound half-bad, conceptually. Except it takes another 10 or so episodes (3+ years drama-time) before he can do anything interesting about it, and there’s no payoff because he brutalizes innocent people, betrays his allies, and loses Chu Qiao’s trust to make it happen. The rest of the drama, as far as I can tell, is about:
1. Everyone being in love with Chu Qiao and saving her at the critical moment
2. Yan Xun being hellbent on destroying the capital of the Empire, even if he has to forsake his homeland to do it
3. Princess Chun’er, who was formerly in love with Yan Xun, going insane and seeking vengeance against Chu Qiao because she considers Chu Qiao the catalyst to the series of events that destroyed her life, love, and virtue.
4. Chu Qiao feeling used and conflicted about where to place her loyalties
5. A montage of generally unimportant characters doing generally unimportant crap, just to stir up trouble and remind us that they exist.
And then everyone dies.
I’m kidding. A lot of people die, including (maybe), the main love interest. Chu Qiao ~almost~ dies and potentially remembers who she is, but we’ll never know, because that’s it, folks. Nothing has been resolved. We’re just left hanging alongside a landslide of loose ends, because that’s what happens when you dive into a dozen different plot lines and can’t keep track of them.

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Dark Blue Kiss is, in my opinion, one of the best BL dramas to air in 2019.

Even the 8.5 overall rating it has now seems too low for me; the drama is showcasing realistic LGBT relationships.

Starting with the main couple, PeteKao. I regret not watching their series(Kiss: The Series, and Kiss Me Again) sooner. Although the former doesn't exactly show much of their relationship, there's still enough chemistry between the two of them to leave you satisfied. In Kiss Me Again, you can see how their relationship grew from strangers, to enemies, to lovers. Seeing Dark Blue Kiss, you can't help but feel excited to see what else GMM has in store for PeteKao.

The series starts with the two of them living their lives happily, having kept up their strong relationship for almost 3 years. Watching their interactions, you can tell the actors themselves are a lot closer than they were in Kiss: The Series, or Kiss Me Again, and it helps elevate the characters relationship.

The show did a wonderful job at portraying their relationship, and their break-up too. Instead of playing off Kao's betrayal like it was nothing, and having Pete forgive him right away, DBK gave Pete a chance to feel angry with Kao.

Although, in my heart, i wanted the two of them to stay together for the entire series, their break-up only strengthened their relationship, in the long run. Pete was able to swallow down his anger and pride in order to help Kao, and in return, Kao became more confident in their relationship, telling his mom, and acting open with their friends.

All in all, DBK did a wonderful job at continuing the storyline of our beloved couple, PeteKao.

Onto the side couple, SunMork.

I have three words for this side couple.

Oh. My. God.

In my opinion, SunMork is probably one of the best side couples in Thai BL! (I have to specify Thai, because nothing can beat Zhou Zi and Jack from Trapped!)

We saw a bit of interaction between Sun and Mork in Kiss Me Again, whenever Rain would bring Mork into Sun's cafe. This couple is a classic enemies to lovers, a trope that never gets old.

Their relationship was also shown in a realistic light; the two of them grow close to one another by a mutual friend (or in Sun's case, brother), and therefore have to spend time together.

Nothing about them seems rushed. They spend a solid amount of time together (Thank you, Rain), and grow to know one another pretty well.

Sun begins to look out for Mork, too, along with Rain, which softens Mork's heart towards him. (Anyone else obsessed with Mork's smiley wake-up scene after Sun offers him a job?)

But their relationship wasn't perfect, either. Sun still had the old idea of Mork in his head; the Mork that got into fights, and caused trouble. (Even after their promise ㅠ why sun whyyy)

The two of them lose contact, as well, avoiding each other at all costs. If Rain hadn't been there, caring about them both, i don't think they'd be together in the end.

But thankfully, Rain was there! And he helps them gain confidence in themselves, and in their feelings for one another.

I would definitely rewatch this series just for all of the cute SunMork moments!

The DBK series as a whole, too, is wonderful. There aren't any annoying female characters throwing themselves on to the main leads, which is a common trope in BLs. (whyy...most viewers are female...why would you do this to us ㅠ) And the supportive parents/friends is a nice touch, too. But my absolute favourite part is that all of the main leads don't use the "I'm not gay, i just like him." trope! They're all openly mlm, which brings a smile to my LGBT face.

To finish this off, I'd just like to say this show is a definite must-watch, even if you haven't seen Kiss:The Series and Kiss Me Again!

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Blandly acted, poorly written

I went in with some expectations. In reviews I read people mentioned picturesque backdrop, cute ML and FL, awkwardly nice chemistry, decent supporting characters.

The acting was bland and the writing even more so. There was no chemistry between the lead characters and it felt like they were acting to pay their rent for the month and didn't have their heart in it because they knew how bad the story was. Their effort to act well would have been a waste of energy. There were so many opportunities for the drama to redeem itself within minutes but everytime the writers went "why would I do that when I can make this even worse than it is now"

"Loud village people" cliché done VERY VERY WRONG. For comparison, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha had great "loud village people" characters.

The drama is 12 episodes long and until episode 7 we have our main lead cement himself as "I, as a person, have these characteristics" and in episode 8 we see him make a U-turn. It annoyed me to no end and I couldn't even finish the episode.

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This show was probably not for everyone, but I sure enjoyed it throughout its run. Though the ending did feel a little rushed, I was happy with it overall. If it had been planned for 10 episodes from the start, I think it would have managed better.

My Rating: 8.0

In Short: Bottom line: This show was really funny! I liked its absurd approach to humor and parodies. I also really liked that this drama was just as much about friendship and life goals as it was about love. I like ambiguous love triangles that happen naturally, and was satisfied with the developments.

Pros: The hilarious parodies and cute characters made this drama for me. I also quite like a supernatural twist, as well as a modern twist to old stories.

Cons: This drama had an unfortunate episode cutdown. This resulted in a somewhat rushed ending, where the last 5 minutes were basically nonsensical for me.

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The characters are, surely, lovely. But a second season is always a risk for production: it does not guarantee a good outcome. In the case of "Make it right", the second season is poor in ideas and arguments: there is not a real climax and the characters live in a perfect world where everything happens as it is expected. The drama of Book as victim of an online sex video lacks consistency, logic and deep insight. It remains in the despair of Frame trying to be supportive of a depressed Book, but there is not a real villain, there is not a real explanation of why it happens and there is not any further consequence. The part of Tee and Fuse is even more worrisome: there is a vain attempt of Tee to walk away from an undecided Fuse, but it is also a succession of pink scenes without emotion, real drama and interest. Other alternative stories like the one of Rodtang seems too much artificial - Rodtang was very much interesting in the first season and his first partner was more real and dominant, while this second one is too passive. If it is popular, it's not because there is a succeed in the story, but it is more for the charm of the characters, but it is as there is another director or another playwright. I hope they will not try a third season that could be more damaging especially to the actors. It would be better to see them in new productions, new adventures and new ideas.?

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This movie is full of surprises. I can't say much, but I spend the second half of it watching with my mouth open. It's one of those movies that you really need to pay attention to understand what's going on.

The performance of all the actors was outstanding, I seriously wanted to punch the main couple a thousand times.

Even though it starts by being very boring, and opens many wholes( most of them remain open even after you finish watching), it takes a great turn that makes it interesting and engages the viewer.

I really recommend this movie, not for when you need to cheer up, but for when you want something interesting and new to watch.

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So happy that these clips came out because we get to see more of Nine Percent!

After the show Idol Producer, Nine Percent travels to America where they learn from choreographers and music producers, and also have some fun at Universal Studios. These episodes showcase their life after the show and how they interact with each other. The time they spend in California learning, assigning and rearranging choreography and studio recording times contributes to their future performances, which are the fan meetings they hold when they come back to China.

I'd recommend this to fans of Idol Producer and Nine Percent.

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Overall, this is an okay drama that has the typical plot for a high school drama. Still, we get to see each character's growth as individuals as they learn to deal with issues (i.e. friendship, romantic relationship, bullying) faced during high school. My personal favourite is Du Ya Xiu, played by Simon Lian.

I didn't give this a 10/10 because the transition between certain events and scenes were awkward. However, viewers should be able to grasp the main message of the series.

Also, the OST for this series has lots of songs from Mayday so it's a plus for Mayday fans.

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Freely flying but anchored. Like a lone kite.

Food analogy: sweet and spicy tteokbokki
(Delicious and chewy, makes you keep on digging, the sweetness on the tongue feels melancholic and warm but the spice keeps it hot and brings you to tears but,
But You Don't Wanna Stop)

Story is sweet and inspiring and sad and interesting and simple and complex. Will keep you hooked. Will make you hate. Will make you love. Will make you cry. The vibes are pretty similar to Reply 1988 from my POV. If you are looking for a bitchin story. It's it.

Nam joo hyuk and Lee tae Ri has already proven them before and they are a treat here aswell. Look out for the other three MCs, A great performance and such flexibility and ranges. Loved everyone in the cast though.

Rewatch value is low, Coz journey once is enough. This won't be my Go-to drama. For reason you have to watch to find out.

P.S: People who like cotton candy stuff will be pleased and disappointed at the same time coz, even though this will make you feel good, it will force you to come back to reality as well.

So, Give it a go. For the hope. For the reality.

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Best series I've watched so far

I've been rewatching this drama for so many times already I swear I've never seen any drama who can compare to this series I just love everything about this series. After watching this I can't seems to watch any bl drama because bad buddy makes my standard in dramas too high..btw the chemistry between nanon and ohm are off chart. Also I love how healthy their relationship are.
You won't regret watching it. Now I'm crying ? I can't watch any drama besides bad buddy
It's perfect from the plot itself to its cast and alsoo I love the plot twist in the end I love the song

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I always admire the work of art create by someone & to make drama about forensic art is something new that I've never expected. This drama sometimes remind me about American drama, Bones. How Bones, and here Shen Yi (SY), create portrait of someone by her skull or younger picture of someone.

When I watched this drama really amaze me, how SY really can picture someone face when they younger or older just base on the picture or someone face... Sometimes I really think they really stretch it beyond believable, just like the rape or the bombing case ... How can he draw just base on that messy explanation. Really SY mind or imagination is really impressive.

What I like:
+ I really like how all the actor play their part here
+ I like how they not stretch the episode into long & boring one. They make it short & to the point, no extra episode needed to stretch it out.
+ The growth relationship between SY & Du Cheng (DC). DC who once is almost treat SY like enemy but upon the time the trust grow & DC finally can see how important SY's job for the police force.
+ The Big Boss is someone we never expected. But actually that easy to trap him is like the minus poin for this drama. But yeah sometimes the more arogant someone is easier to trap them.

Overall upon among the Detective drama out there, this is one of the best for you to watch.

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Suspend Disbelief and Enjoy the Magical Ride

I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I embarked on this drama. But, the first episode blew me away and got me hooked. I'd divide this drama into 3 parts for my discussion.

The first 1/3 of the drama was absolutely cute with the twin girls marrying the wrong men who turned out to be the right men for them. There were lies and plenty of deception but everything worked out well. Qing Kui said: I believe your feelings for me are real and that's all that matters. With that, she swept all the lies and deception away and her relationship with Chao Feng as well as Ye Tan's relationship with You Qin made total sense from there. I truly loved that the sisters loved each other and weren't trying to backstab each other. I truly loved that the male leads were also devoted to their female leads and vice versa. The first 1/3 of the drama was all about getting to know the characters and such. Honeymoon period!

The second 1/3 of the drama was about finding three fragments of You Qin to combine him back into one whole again. This part of the drama was full of shenanigans and I laughed so much. I must applaud the actor who played You Qin and all the other men. He did such a good job. I think he deserves an acting award for portraying all the men differently. He was totally adorable as Wen Ren. In this part of the drama, the female leads and male leads also fall more in love with each other.

The third and last 1/3 of the drama was full of angst and frustration. It was very hard to see Man Man die. It was tragic to see how Qing Kui sacrificed herself for her sister and for everyone else. The ending was full of exacting revenge and people dying which was hard to watch.

What I loved:
- The beautiful and sincere relationships between Man Man and Ye Tan + Qing Kui and Ye Tan + Di Lan Jue and Ye Tan etc. They looked out for each other and were true to each other.
- The male lead, You Qin, and good-looking Di Lan Jue really charmed the pants off me.
- The acting of the young stars and everyone else (in general) was superb.
- The music was stellar and I listened on repeat-mode.
- The drama was dramatic for sure. I was kept riveted. I was invested in the show and the characters.
- The CG was done pretty well.

What I didn't like:
- The very ratty heavenly king who was timid and power hungry. He didn't have as much power as his son but wanted his son to obey him like a little puppy. It was painful to watch him. I hated him and his unreasonable actions and crazy thoughts.
- The very strange queen of the void realm seemed to have a sort of incestuous relationship with her son, Ding Yun. It was very odd watching mother and son because the son looked so much older than his mother and their relationship seemed rather weird.
- Hu Sui was extremely hateful. She was a very dark grey cloud just looming over Ye Tan and the rest. Once I spied her, I knew that she would be up to no good. I didn't expect her to have such heinous thoughts and to behave so despicably. How could she ill-treat those who have truly treated her well? She was a devil. Because of her, everything took a turn for the worse.

All in all, the conclusion was still slightly happy because those who lived tried to make the most of things and there was promise that the two female leads would eventually re-appear. I'd rate this drama as a must-watch because of the stellar acting, captivating songs and the engaging plot. This is not to say that the drama does not have loopholes. But, as I said: Suspend Disbelief and Enjoy the Magical Ride called Starry Love! :)

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Cute, but Short

To My Star was a precious BL that knocked off the few hours I had left in my day. I have the same argument here that I do the other Korean BL's; how come this is so short?

Let's Dive In.

One key problem with this drama is that it's way too short. While it had a decent story and good acting, it still just not enough time to tell this story in full throttle. I wanted to learn more about Kang Seo Joon and Han Ji Woo. How come Han Jo Woo is so brooding like he is? What about him made Kang Seo Joon fall in love? Lot's of unanswered questions that definitely needed an ending.

The main leads had great chemistry. The only problem I had was the fact that Kang Seo Joon randomly kissed Han Jo Woo out of the blue. Even if he asked, Han Jo still never consented, and it led to a huge scandal that could've easily been avoided.

Overall, this was a cute watch. It's not long at all, it literally took me a few hours to finish. I do recommend this for a watch, especially if someone wants something mostly cute and quick to watch.

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I don't usually write reviews, but I thought I should say something since no one else has. I just watched this on Netflix, and I thought it was a fun lil' movie. The primary focus of the film is the relationship between Mai and Mio, or more accurately, how they help each other. Mai, having been betrayed by her partner seeks to use Mio to help clear her name. Mio is a strong, young girl who struggles over her use of karate when she gets angry.

It could have done with a little more development, all around the movie felt like it was establishing plot points without really taking the time to develop them. The bad guys were very two-dimensional and uninteresting. Even our main characters didn't get the chance to be fully explored. We were introduced to different aspects of their personalities, but didn't get to fully understand how and why they were important to who they were. Mai and Mio's relationship could have also used more development.

That being said, I did enjoy the fluff. It's not a movie that should be taken seriously, but if you're in the mood for something fun that doesn't tax your brain, then you should enjoy the 82 minute film.

p.s. I don't really understand why the big bad boss man was dubbed over in English. It was in no way relevant to the story that he speak English.

p.p.s. I rated the music with a 7/10 because it's an average score, and unless music is exceptionally good or exceptionally bad, I don't really notice it.

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"Do you believe in magic?"?

When we were little we all believed in magic. The world looked so beautiful because it was filled with magic. But over time, as we grow older, we forget about it.

All in all, I thought this was a beautifully captivating drama, weaving in threads of hope into an otherwise bleak tale. it was really beautiful with a unique storyline, a musical genre fantasy with a plot twist you won't expect. Throughout the drama, this line stuck into my head and it really touched my heart that '“flowers don't bloom on asphalt paved roads but on bumpy sand roads”.

The whole cast did a really great job portraying these characters. The life story of Ah Yi is heartbreaking and the actress is pretty convincing with her sweet demeanour. Choi Sung Eun’s acting is what stole the show for me. I'm happy that Ji Chang Wook (ML) finally got a role where he shined again after long time. JCW is as usual: handsome and charming. Hwang In Yeop character is the opposite of his True Beauty character and he plays the awkward yet cute nerd so well.

This one may not be as entertaining for some but it is definitely unforgettable. I appreciate the message the story was trying to tell, but I felt there were some holes in the plot at times. the creators end up not bothering to explain how he’s able to do impossible magic tricks while acknowledging at the same time that he likely has mental health issues. I appreciate that the story has an ending, and I've heard that it ends just like the Webtoon but I still would’ve prefer that the story was a bit more conclusive.

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