Editorials 
If this love is poison, then I will gladly drink
A wonderfully wholesome romance and fun law drama with the best partners in every sense. This is a good apple.Ryoma was a passionate lawyer as well as a riot of a human. A delightful tsundere, with his L-like eccentricities and constant overanalyzing of situations and talking to himself/his succulents. What I loved the most about him, though, was his steadfastness for Haruto. No matter who or what tried to get in the way (including Haruto himself), he stood firm and said, "This is my partner."
And Haruto. Haruto at first appeared to be a suspiciously shiny apple. Enchanting, but clearly, something is under the surface. Once he felt safe with Ryoma, though, he slowly let his real self show. His hurt, fear, and overwhelming love he had to give. I adored his confidence, resilience, and unconditional support for Ryoma.
I hate to say goodbye to this wonderful pairing and their little succulent family.
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Quiet in its voice, thunderous in its impact – a drama of nuance, humanity & whispered revolution
Between Wind, Clouds and Change – "King Maker: The Change of Destiny".Some dramas tell about history – others tell how history is made. "King Maker: The Change of Destiny" does both. It's also a historical KDrama that doesn't just focus on battles or hero myths, but makes the art of face reading (Gwansang) the narrative compass: Whoever wants power must understand people – and themselves. The story takes place in the late Joseon era, a time of political upheaval and dynastic power struggles. But instead of swords, the drama talks about people who deal with knowledge – and read faces. The series is based on the novel "Wind, Clouds and Tombstone" by Lee Byung-joo and creatively reinterprets historical events.
At the center stands Choi Chun-joong, a man not only talented at physiognomy, but who has a deep sense for the movement between fate and choice. His gift for reading personality, future, and intention from a face makes him a valuable advisor, but also a target for political intrigue. Park Si-hoo plays Chun-joong with subtle intensity – a man who thinks more than he speaks, but whose presence fills every scene. At his side is Princess Lee Bong-ryeon (Go Sung-hee), who struggles with her own tragic gift – seeing the fates of others. Go Sung-hee gives Bong-ryeon a quiet dignity, shifting between vulnerability and determination.
I´d say the quiet, deep relationship between Chun-joong and Princess Lee Bong-ryeon gives the series an emotional warmth that goes far beyond grand gestures and touches through small, sincere moments. Their love is marked by separation, reunion, and the burden of fate – less passion, more loyalty. Their romance is not the center, but rather the emotional backbone – giving the political drama a human depth. It's like a river that always flows, even as the banks change. Their bond is based on shared gifts – face reading and destiny reading – and becomes a kind of spiritual complicity. It shows how intimacy lives not in big gestures, but in shared understanding. The romance is quiet, but sustaining – an echo underlying everything.
The series doesn’t follow a classic hero’s journey, but tells of entanglements: between the power-hungry Prince Lee Ha-eung, who loses himself between reform and control; between officials who renegotiate their loyalties daily; and between people whose moral decisions influence the system more than titles. Especially impressive is the calm, almost tentative narrative style, using time jumps not as breaks, but as mirrors for human maturity.
The drama convinces with a finely tuned ensemble performance. The relationship between Chun-joong and the ambitious Prince Lee Ha-eung is a prime example of ambivalence and power psychology. Jun Kwang-ryul shines as the power-conscious Prince Lee Ha-eung, whose performance captures the full moral complexity of the era, balancing ambition and regret. The supporting characters are also carefully and multi-layeredly designed – from scheming officials to tragic outsiders. They’re not just decoration but part of a system that enables as much change as it prevents. Particularly interesting is the cultural background: The art of face reading – called Gwansang – gets a tangible, almost magical significance in the series. It’s not just a trick, but a mirror for responsibility, freedom of choice, and compassion.
What makes "King Maker: The Change of Destiny" so special is its quiet, poetic narration: Political intrigues, conflicts of loyalty, and personal sacrifice are not made sensational, but are shown with respect for the characters and their development. The love story between Chun-joong and Bong-ryeon is tender and believable – it grows out of mutual understanding and shared worries, not dramatic coincidences. Their relationship stands for mutual respect and quiet strength.
The production scores with atmospheric camerawork, detailed costumes, and a fitting soundtrack. Every scene feels lovingly staged and invites the viewer to let the slow unfolding of fate and change wash over them.
"King Maker: The Change of Destiny" is not a loud drama, but a quiet, intelligent masterpiece, convincing with its humanity, well-placed accents, and deep appreciation for tradition and change. Anyone willing to embark on a journey of delicate nuances, fascinating history, and gentle romance could as well love this KDrama.
This KDrama is a moving homage to the quiet forces of change, to the power of perception and humanity. A series for heart and mind – and a recommendation for anyone wanting to feel how history, magic, and love can meet on soft feet.
--------------------------- SIDE NOTE: GWANSANG in "King Maker: The Change of Destiny" --------------------------------------
Gwansang continues to shape the cultural self-understanding of many people to this day. What appears as “face reading” in historical dramas like "King Maker: The Change of Destiny" is more than just interpreting external features. It is an echo of ancient shamanic practices, an intuitive grasp of truth—deeply rooted in Korea’s spiritual history. Even today, many people seek counsel from face readers or shamans when it comes to fate, love, or decisions. Between tradition and trend, this art lives on—as a mirror of a culture that never completely loses sight of the invisible.
In Korean culture, the art of Gwansang has a centuries-old tradition. It is the art of drawing conclusions about character, fate, potential, and even future events from facial features. The forehead as a sign of wisdom, the eyes as mirrors of the soul, the jaw as a measure of determination—these are all classic elements of this ancient teaching. But Gwansang is more than physiognomy in the Western sense: it also touches spiritual dimensions, for behind the visible form, an invisible echo often resonates—an aura, an energy, a truth between the lines.
As a cultural practice, Gwansang becomes an ethical touchstone in “King Maker: The Change of Destiny.” Here, especially through the character of the “Taoist” or "Fortuneteller" Choi Chun-joong, Gwansang is not portrayed as magic but as an intuitive science that influences political decisions. The art of face reading is not romanticized but reflected upon. How far can one really see? Where does perception end and wishful thinking begin? The face becomes a map—not for destiny, but for decision. Princess Bong-ryeon, in contrast, represents another, intuitive level: she senses destinies in advance, has visions, and follows not the logic of what is visible but the inspiration within. Their connection brings together two paths of knowledge: calculation and intuition, reason and empathy. In this way, the series shows that true understanding happens not only through the eyes—but also through the heart. And so, King Maker ultimately becomes a meditation on responsibility: those who read faces must also be able to look within themselves.
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Its in their nature.
I almost didn't watch this. Although many plot threads were left unfinished, I could accept the way they left things for the main protagonists. Why not leave well enough alone? Because I still wanted to know if how things play out with Gu Fengan, Prince Zhao and Xu Changping and who does not want to see more sweet moments between Wenxi and Dingquan?There are some unexplained time gaps but these last 12 episodes are surprisingly well edited and neatly tie up all of the remaining important plot threads. What I like best is that the villain is really good, probably the best one in the entire story and he is taken down by the person he least expects. The plot is also not too convoluted nor overly mired in excessive detail so I found it easier to follow. I am also quite impressed with Zheng Yicheng's portrayal of the more mature Gu Fengan - this promising young actor needs to take on more complicated roles like this.
What remains painful is the relationship between the crown prince and the emperor - it evolves and yet is still the same. Its like watching an unstoppable force meet an immovable object. Neither can help themselves, it is in their nature. The crown prince is an amazing, uncompromising idealist with a big heart and the best of intentions but he is also a most unsuitable person for the job. He is the one person in the entire story with no free will. Everyone, including his soul mate Wenxi tries to force his hand. The outcome is inevitable and frankly, a relief.
I am glad that with this, I watched the show in its entirety. If you have already watched the first 60 episodes, I don't need to remind you that this is a beautifully written but heavy, depressing story. It is a strong finish, I give it a 9.0 although if I have to rate the drama in its entirety it is still an 8.5.
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The biggest reason being that this movie at times felt a touch too muddled in what it was trying to convey. It deeply explores an issue very well but yet not deeply enough. Deep issues are at times downplayed due to very stereotypical assumptions, and the end for me felt like a cop out. I admit, that viewpoint can be countered but I felt in the grand scheme of things, it allowed the audience to still retain their view of "normalcy". However, this isn't what made me dock points largely.
This movie deals with a topic that I rarely see and as a review mentioned, where a man trying to become a woman isn't the butt of a joke. Here, there is no laughter, little room for it. This movie cleverly approaches the topic as it takes this Herculean and manly guy who isn't happy with himself. He wants to become a woman. It creates an interesting and refreshing dichotomy as here is a guy who can easily fight any man and easily conquer a horde of attacking gangs yet he wants to be a woman.
The strong point is definitely Cha Seung Won's character (Ji Wook) and he carries this movie for me. The rest of the plot for me is kind of fodder as are a bunch of the characters. There were certain characters in here that for me had no legitimate reason to be here or to be included in the story as they were. Mainly because they muddle vs aid the story. There are other characters though I recognize their importance because they add to Cha Seung Won's character. For example, the antagonist here the sub-leader of a gang and while I find his character to add very little in terms of plot, he brings out Ji Wook's character. What I mean is that most of the action sequences come from the interaction between the two which allows for the story to cement the manly image that Ji Wook has. However, while a good portion of the action scenes are relevant, I have to pick a bone with a good number of them. I feel this way about a lot of movies and dramas that bring to the table an unsettling topic or a very intelligent topic. There are always dramatic actions sequences involved. Yes, it's a way for the director to sell the plot but it would be nice to just directly approach the topic. In this case, the topic is interesting enough to be the sole focus. I just feel that the action sequences at times distract from the main topic.
On a personal note, there were quite a few things in this movie I wish I could alter. I also wish I could make this movie go hard in terms of really exploring this theme. I feel like this movie should have shocked the viewer more than it did. It makes it feel a little regrettable in that regard. Nonetheless, definitely one to watch.
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Down With Love is a Taiwan drama and I must confess that it's among one of the best Taiwan dramas I have watched plus one of the best that has been produced so far. It features 2 wonderful leads Ella Chen and Jerry Yan, and some couple of really good actors.
The storyline is really nothing new - a boss falling in love with a nanny he hired. The amazing thing with the plot is the twist. I will try to summarize without giving spoilers lol. A boss who already has a girlfriend (the gf is a big time actress) falls in love with a nanny he hired. This same boss has a best friend, while the nanny has a sister.
Things got complicated because they were all trying to save their friendships instead of their relationships. Jealousy, how it feels to be lonely, how it feels to miss an opportunity and strive to have another chance were all expressed in this drama.
The acting was superb. Ella Chen can sure make 1000 different face expressions. Jerry Yan also proved to be one hell of a boyfriend. There was chemistry between Ella and Jerry, there was also chemistry between Ella and the guy with the supporting male role (Michael Zhang). The character Hui Fan was well-shown, she really looked pathetic.
The OST was really good also. It also included songs from S.H.E
I tapped some stuffs from DWL. First is been truthful to yourself (you are in love with someone, just get down to it and don't beat around the bush), there some cases you have to let go and be happy for the other person (as in - Let a bird go, if it comes back to you, then it's yours), you can't find out the answer to something without giving it a try. Lastly, no matter the case, you've got to continue with life and be happy.
I sincerely hope you guys would enjoy Down With Love.
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my brother in christ...
— i went in blind, & i haven't even read the summary beforehand...i should've. it's confusing at the beginning, but dots start connecting quite nicely somewhere after the first revelation. i don't believe that it could've been confusing to anyone, you just need to pay it minimal attention, at least.— it's strange, & then it's quite horrid but overall it's just heartbreaking. i dislike sibling bonds in movies precisely because it was gut-wrenching to see the dynamic switch between the two brothers after we discover the truth. it's hard to bring your brain out of that illusion once you're convinced that they're blood-related. nonetheless, i liked this movie a lot. my brain glitched for good five minutes after finishing it because you rewind all little details that didn't make sense & you see them in a totally different light.
— i cried, like a lot.
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I laughed and cried with the characters all along. I watched the drama in 2 days, but came to dearly love the characters.
Though it did not end as I was expecting it to end... not gonna spoil that for you...again...enjoyed every moment of it.
The parallels between the 2 families with the same problem was brilliant...I fell in love with Haru's family, and came to deeply understand the despair Miwako's mother was in, though there moments I just wanted to punch her in her face...but who knows, how I would be in that situation...
This is a very deep human drama I think. The IS term is being used to explain people that they have learn to accept themselves as they are, and only then try to change themselves, or show themselves to others... If you don't know who you are, who does? Your parents? Your friends? Who knows? You are the one who decides.
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The ending is what diminished it for me
7,5/10 is my rating. This is a 2019 (Josean era) fictional drama with 16, 60 minute, episodes.Ha-seon (Yeo Jin-goo) leads a relatively care free life traveling around performing comedic skits that primarily make fun of the royalty. Yi Heon, the King (also played by Yeo Jin-goo) was a benign noble as a Crown Prince but became a paranoid, vicious and crazed king. He is bloodthirsty which is driven by opium induced delusions about being killed. When one of his close advisers comes across Ha-seon by a chance encounter, he is stunned to realize the clownish actor looks exactly like the king. The king has become increasingly concerned about assasination attempts and has tasked his close advisers to find a way to get him out of danger. The adviser who encountered the look alike proposes to the king that he be used as a stand in and the King is more than willing to have the doppelgänger stand in for him. Through a combination of coercion and persuasion they talk Ha-seon into playing the greatest role, that of the king, while the real king slips away to a quiet retreat. As Ha-seon becomes acquainted with palace life and gets to know the inhabitants, Queen Yi Kyu (Kim Sang-kyun) quickly steals his reluctant heart and is surprised herself to find that this new side to her husband is stirring romantic feelings for him she did not have before. Nothing could go wrong - right?
spoiler 🚨 I liked the first half of this very well I thought the male lead did an excellent job playing both the clown who was kind and the king who was bloodthirsty and crazy. I like the female lead who played the queen as she was calm and kind. However, the way the king was and all the palace intrigue reminded me of the American show “Game of Thrones“. As is often the case in Royal courts, it seemed as if everyone was out to poison or kill everyone else for the throne. In the middle of the show, there was a part where the Crowned Clown bowed down to one of the evil villains and I wound up fast forwarding because I knew that eventually he would win out and I couldn’t take watching it go on for so long. After that part it got good again and I thought “well there’s just that one part that doesn’t detract from the movie too much.“. At that point, had it ended well, I probably would’ve given it an 8.5 or possibly a 9. The show literally went down in the last episode or so when it seemed like nearly every character I liked had something tragic happen to them or someone they cared about. Then to top it off, the male lead steps down and gives the crown over to someone we were barely introduced to. After everything that he had gone through as well as all the people that supported him it seemed like a waste for him not to reign longer. The Queen also had been made barren and it would’ve been nice if they would’ve found out that wasn’t true after all. Because it felt like Ha-seon did in part step down because she was unable to bear an heir. Then they aren’t done with the tragedy because as he steps down and leaves the palace, one of the last characters that I still liked gets killed as some crazy ninjas say they are avenging the dowager queen who died a year before and we never really got to know these people to know why they would be so loyal to her even a year later. In fact, when the dowager was alive you didn’t really see her do anything all that great nor did they refer to any great things she had done in the past. Then they make you think the male lead is dead and you get to see the queen, who had stepped away from the throne to be with him, grieve for over two years. Then he just suddenly shows up and says he’s been in what would amount to a coma (how they would’ve supported someone in a coma in the Josean era is a bit of a mystery) and they have this long emotional moment. Rather than being heartwarming, their reunion felt a little bit cheesy and over done. It is a shame that it did not end better because it could’ve been a good show. This is the third TV series I’ve seen with this male lead and I have to say all three have not ended as I like them to. It is to the point where if he is in something I will likely read spoilers to make sure it doesn’t have a poor ending. If you don’t mind tragedy and like things that are a bit nebulous, you may like this better than I did. It is worth watching because a lot of the show is quite good and if you’re able to look past that middle part and the end then you may enjoy it.
#TheCrownedClown
#YeoJinGoo
#KimSangKyun
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This drama will have you laughing (literally) non-stop.
The main cast is very good and the cameos are just as great (and countless), wit some of them beeing: Song Joong Ki, Jung Joon Young, Kim Jong Kook, Laboum and others..
Also, the music is unexpectedly good, I personally had no idea MFBTY participated, so I was pleasantly surprised. And aside from all the comedy, there's also romance and lots of character development!
This is a very sort webdrama even though it's 20 episodes long, so you can easily finish it in a day. If you watch this You definitely won't be disappointed.
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Kurode Kanbe is an acknowledged figure of the Sengoku period –the most chaotic era of Japanese history. He came from a humble clan in Himeji Castle but he distinguished himself through his impressing battle tactics. I will stop here to not spoil those who are unfamiliar with the history of the main character.
This taiga drama illustrated the life of the historically-famous strategist. It wasn’t only a numeric retell of his life story. On the contrary, Gunshi Kanbei was more focused on the emotional side more than anything. Which implores that you will get to know the story without the clinical heavy/slow pacing.
Sengoku Jidai is known for its numerous battles, renowned generals, political clashes, lots of betrayals and utter turmoil. This drama didn’t only illustrate Kanbe’s personal battles but it also included all of the major events that occurred during his lifetime. And since he was close to several main figures of the era, Kuroda Kanbei found himself entangled in all of those continued wars. He was forced to make critical decisions and became a key character in the unification of Japan.
That aside, Kanbe’s familial life was also put in the spotlight. His relationship with his vassals, his wife and his offspring was vastly explored and beautifully dramatized. But the over-idolizing was probably a bummer. Kuroda Kanbei wasn’t exactly a selfless man like the screenwriting pictured him to be. He was known to be quite ambitious. They didn’t focus much on that side except near the end. But again this isn’t a documentary and the main historical points were left untouched.
As usual in Taiga dramas, the cast was relatively loaded. Okada Juichi was marvelous as Kanbe. He’s definitely a rare Johnny’s –an idol of high caliber. I am so glad I got to first meet him through this. Other cast members were pretty fitting. But the ones who stood out the most were Egushi Yosuke’s Oda Nobunaga (one of the best portrayals of the legendary character), the penetrating performance of Takenaka Naoto as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nakatani as Kanbe’s wife, Tanihara Shosuke short yet amazing portrayal of Takenaka Hanbe and other remarkable talents like Tanaka, Kuroki, Uchida, Ikuta, Matsuzaka, Hamada, Tsurumi and Takahashi.
The directing was noticeably improved from previous taigas but it’s nowhere near perfect. The cinematography was catching. The sceneries and outfits were as usual historically accurate despite some insignificant flaws.
The smooth flowing of events in Gunshi Kanbei proves that this is an impeccable example of how taiga dramas are supposed to be.
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The story has been dramatized many times on film. Besides this version, released in 2000 by director Im Kwon-taek, there was also a retelling of the story in the 2008 film, The Servant. Another version from 1968 exists. It stars one of South Korea's most well-known veteran actors, Shin Seong-il.
In the Story of Chunhyang as depicted by this film, the young nobleman, a scholar, takes an interest in the beautiful daughter of a courtesan at first sight. As custom dictates that a courtesan's daughter is also a courtesan the young master orders his servant to fetch the girl, thinking she'll be an easy lay. To his amazement she rebuffs his advances & reveals she’s no light skirt, but a scholar herself, gifted in art and poetry. This makes him fall for her even more and so begins their story.
And a beautiful, simple, upbeat story of love it was. I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters featured in this film are younger than those featured in The Servant (2008) & Chunhyang (1968). And ahh, the wonders of young love, new love. I never get tired of it. Never.
The film turned out to be so unlike what I expected. I had no prior knowledge of the folk tale so I thought this was going to be tragic & indeed there is this Romeo & Juliet feel to it, but that’s about where the comparison ends.
The acting was reasonably well done considering this was the acting debut of both leads, and the chemistry between these two love birds was sizzling. They made a very cute couple. I could watch them frolic & dilly-dally around all day. Female viewers can look forward to serious eye candy in the form of Cho Seung Woo. Though he's really young in this movie (around 19 I think) the guy is a distraction, perhaps THE most photogenic South Korean actor I've ever come across. You know who's gonna be stalking him from now on... LOL
Strong themes of duty, everlasting love and loyalty make up The Story of Chunhyang, as well as class differences and the role of women in pre-modern Korean society. It was all quite fascinating to watch. I felt like I gained a deeper insight of Korean culture & history.
But more than anything else I'm giving this movie high scores of 10 because this is what I consider a filmmaker's film – where a good balance of both creative & technical excellence was achieved to create something artistic & unique. I don't know if I'd go as far as to say it's a masterpiece, but there's a strong sense of the director's voice here. And I liked that voice. It was captivating. It pulled me in, made me smile, made me wonder what would happen next. The story is told with traditional linear narrative, but with an unconventional twist. I suspect audiences who are not appreciative of movies as an art might find this a bit off-putting simply because it is different & not what they might be used to.
Personally, I think director Im Kwon-taek deserves props for this unexpected, but refreshingly original unveiling of the story. I won't reveal exactly how or what was done, except to say you've probably never seen a movie narrated quite like this in a long time, if ever at all.
The OST is a wonderful mash-up of old Korea sounds that were always beautifully matched with interesting, pleasing to the eye pictures.
I thought it was pretty well done.
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THIS DRAMA IS NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED
I decided to write a review because I have noticed a lot of comments about this drama and that the rating is low probably because of what was presumed to be understood.I have watched 12 subbed episodes and 4 unsubbed ones. I am currently learning thai and I understand little by little of the language, the rest I just use google translate and base it on the scenes and how it was executed.
I will try to stay away from spoilers as much as possible.
I got curious with this drama because I wanted to know how Ben will fall in love with Fah despite the complicated relationship chart. After watching the first episode I got hooked mainly because of the actors.
PLOT: the main plot of this drama is revenge over revenge. The cheating was a product of the revenge scheme by Vichuda. We have the first generation love triangle (Orn-Tharn-Vichuda) and the second generation; their children with their romantic feelings and complicated side characters. Aek loves Fah not as a sister but I am not sure if Fah feels the same. PP has romantic feelings for Aek (or she thinks she has). This is already complicated and then comes into the picture the other characters.
This is not for the faint hearted because we do not normally see a mother who sleeps with her daughter's husband. That is just top notch immoral but at least in this drama the mother and the daughter are not biologically related. (doesn't really lessen the disgust).
This drama has emotional and mental abuse from parents. Vichuda emotionally abuses PP whilst Orn emotionally, mentally and physically abuses Fah.
This has attempted suicide, drugs and alcohol.
This has a lot of cheating in it.
The men in this drama are actually useless and to be honest. I am waiting for character development from them.
As seen from the trailer and relationship chart the characters are entangled in a very complicated manner with their feelings making it worse.
This is usually not my cup of tea as I know that this drama will give me stress. WHY do I still watch it? Despite the drama basically full of negative things it is still so juicy that it makes it really addicting to watch. Even with the lack of morals obviously, I still watch this drama because I wanted to know how the writers will wrap this up. The drama is fast paced, almost each secret gets revealed each episode so you really wonder, what is then left and how will it end after all is revealed?
What I also liked in this drama is dialogues, even with subtitles, some dialogues have double meanings. It is like mind games, you dont know what's next.
ACTORS: The main reason this drama is as it is is because of the actors.
ORN ( The mum): Ive seen her in some dramas as supporting roles and I must say she acts the crazy mentally unstable mum perfectly well. You just love to hate her because she portrays her character without conscience so good. She can haunt you in her nightmares. I compare her character similar to the Grimm's brother fairytale version of the evil witch step mother who is jealous to snow white as well as the witch who kept Rapunzel captive all her life. That is how evil her character is.
VICHUDA (the older sister): from the ones that I have seen, you can clearly see and feel the change in emotion when she is hot and cold with her daughter.
THARN: This character, aside from being the father... He has no balls from the start, not sure if he will grow some as the series will progress
FAH (FAH also in real life) : This young newbie actress can act. I love how she portrays from being hurt to scared to conflicted in just few seconds. Her subtle smirks, grin and eyebrow movements can convey disgust, sarcasm and provocation all at the same time. She portrays the character of a woman with strong will despite the abuse. You understand her character and why she endures with the situation and tries to live well for what is in front of her.
I actually love how she is indifferent but polite at the same time. With her and Ben, it is believable that she portrays annoyance with him but at the same time respect him as a husband. She is so pretty even without make up, very fitting for like snow white or rapunzel trope haha.
BEN (BIE THASSAPAK): this is my first time seeing this actor and I have to say that he really plays his part well. I believe that if he is not the actor the story might not be as interesting because he made his character not a one dimensional playboy. You as a viewer gets curious with his motives and see how he will deal once he finds out that he bit more than he can chew with the mother.
AEK (JOSS): Joss fans might hate me but the actor is weak here. I dont see any chemistry with Fah, or as a brother in love with his sister. Alongside Ben, you cant feel the tension. I only felt his character and was able to finally see that tension on episode 9. I know that he has Fon as a love interest here but his portrayal of Aek is weak that I dont want him to be with Fah. The character of Aek is careless and rash and does more harm to Fah than good. If he would portray his character better despite those characteristics I would probably really root for him. I have other actors in mind, if they were Aek, tension would be greater and that you will really do not know who Fah will end up with. As for now he is just giving me nothing.That aside he does have chemistry with Fon.
Thinking other things, Lee Thanat could be Aek because he also has chemistry with Fon.
PIPI (PLOY)- she plays the part of a rebellious teenager well for me despite her being actually older in real life than FAH. Suicidal and depressive teen, with her mood instability, I think she did it well portraying where her behavious is rooting from. Good chemistry with her love interest.
OFF (RON)- being a supporting and side character, as usual OFF is good at whatever is given to him. Ive seen some of his works but not BL. I dont watch BL
FON (NARIN): Ive seen her in some dramas and she has been stereotyped into cute roles. At least in here she is believable as a serious teacher and her character is at least different from her usual cute characters. (she is still cute here though)
AUNTIE: haha whoever she is I am rooting for her. She is basically the conscience of this drama. Does she not fear being fired with the things she does haha...spoiler that surprise menu served to Orn haha.
MUSIC: othe music is melodramatic full of pain and hurt with love trying to emerge.
that other song though the one played when one is in pain is just emotionally great
That is just a short review Ill come back again when this drama is finished
Okay Ive finished this drama for quite some time. After episode 14 it went downhill from there. Few scenes for the main characters and more on Pipi and Ron which I hated.
The talent of Faye and Bue got wasted when their storyline was set aside.
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Then a recommendation came from a friend and the intense need to watch it, and... the rest is history.
Now, for my review:
Story: No one could contest that this was a beautifully written drama. I appreciate that they modified the themes to suit that of the modern generation, having bullying as the universal issue these days. I'm sure that at some point of the story we were able to relate to the characters' plights and mirror ourselves to them. I personally did.
Acting/Cast: This department was almost perfect, except for some side characters that felt stiff at some scenes, but the main characters, especially Shinichi and Yoshimoto-sensei, were practically having an acting talent showdown. Everyone in the family were superbly cast.
Music: I'm not a fan of somewhat cheerful music, but I like the satire in every note of the music to the scenes in this drama, thus still the high score. Endless Game's catchy tune got into me after a few episodes, and it was basically Yoshimoto-sensei's character song.
Rewatch Value: Since this is mystery, the enjoyment value goes down since you already know what happens after you've finished watching it for the first time. But watching it with friends, it was very fun observing how they react at the scenes in the drama (and being blown away with it).
Overall: This is a drama that will be etched to my memory for a very long time, and unless I encounter another drama as intense as this (or more than that), this will stay at my favorite drama list's top 1 spot for a while.
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From the first Episode to the last one I had a smile on my face.
Seeing how Asuka is trying to hide his true self is somehow exciting.
I liked how his arch rival Tonomine turns every woman into a butterfly.
How Tachibana stalks Asuka and Ryo tries to protect Asuka.
Every character has its own cuteness they are the reason this drama should be watched.
Its not one of the super great manga adaptions like Hana Yori Dango or others, but its a drama I´m happy I watched.
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