This review may contain spoilers
Exploring the Mind of Shen Yi While Others Trail Behind
"I don't want to draw just their faces and personalities, I want to draw their hearts." That seemed what season 2 was aiming to portray. Delving deeper into SY's work and progressing as the genius sketch artist he really was. This was one of my more anticipated dramas of the year as season 1 was so strong. That said, this season didn't deliver the same gravitas as the first one. You were literally exploring the mind of SY while the others just trailed behind. Hopefully season 3 could tighten that up with a satisfying finale.Pros: TJC as SY really went an extra mile in solving cases in this one. It was like he development a second personality or jumped into the mind of the killer. The compelling cases like the "abducted" kid and abusive father, the guy creating an alter to his sister at the bottom of the cliff by playing God essentially, the guy who created a play of bodies after his beloved died tragically. Also the last case how it started with the "serial killer" gene and grew into the final case about genetically engineering humans which goes against human nature and all laws of society. In all of these, we see SY's growth and letting go of past disappointments like the girl in the red dress that haunted his dreams for a long time after he ignored her when he felt something was off and a day later she was found dead in an alley.
The rest of the cast played well as support and their partnership was moving along from case to case. DC realized at the end that he had to be less rigid with SY as his ideology didn't fit SY and that's what seemed to drive SY towards FKY. Out of all of antagonists, FKY was the creepiest and he actually thought he could change SY to be like himself and drive a wedge between the two but that's not what happened. He only got temporary satisfaction as SY was onto him and he wouldn't let anything ruin his friendship with DC. I'm glad at the end it was SY who brought him down. The bureau gang was always nice to have around and even captain Liu from the regular bureau made a guest appearance for a bit which was a good guest spot. SY achieved his goal of painting the heart from the heart while also dispelling his own inner demon.
The cliff hanger was done very well. I couldn't help but notice the similarities of DC's stabbing that was done in a remote alley while he was on the phone to the one in season 1 of his mentor by some dude completely covered up. I think there's symbolism somewhere in there. Hopefully they will actually talk about that in season three. I'm a fan of those as long as we don't wait 3 plus years for season 3. But DC being stabbed and only feet from where SY was walking. The perp at this point could be a clone, doppelgänger, or even someone who had plastic surgery and genetic engineering by FKY to look like the SY from S1. I won't rule anything out.
Cons: As the title suggests, this season had our leads essentially running parallel investigations even if they were on the same cases. They were more separate than together and it seemed off. The rest of the bureau just seemed there not like season one's tight group like was depicted in their first picture. This season they felt more like just flailing on the sidelines. I wanted that connection between SY and DC that drew us to this duo in the beginning. And it was briefly shown in 28 when they finally brought FKY and his co-conspirators to justice. But I really felt DC was way too rigid and even almost jealous of literally anyone who became friends with SY unless it was their own little group. He also moved too stiffly and almost never smiled; it was like conducting an investigation or riding in a car with Oscar the grouch. They need to sand down those edges.
Also quite a few cases though important because they highlight the problems in society everywhere, were underwhelming. Like the first case of the contortionist obsessed fan who the idol essentially used to murder for him, the stalking case which exposed the guy supposedly caught in a love triangle but when in reality he was the one who was the ultimate player and both women got rid of him. Or of their hoarder coworker that had trauma from her grandmother so adopted that way of life. Or the girl who lied about her age to get the guy who assaulted her a bigger sentence and we had flashbacks of Captain Li. Another supposed love triangle where one poisoned the boyfriend and that contributed to his death later. Other cases were also very forgettable. There just wasn't as strong pull towards them. And there wasn't much breathing room in between cases where our group could do outside things or we see their lives or hanging out together as much as we did in the first season. That's how they grew as close as they did, through both work and otherwise. One thing just bled into another.
The writing needed to be tightened and not just let the body grow multiple heads going in different directions while headed to the same destination ultimately. I would have given this series an 8 but the extra .5 I gave for how well the last episode brought together and especially SY and DC having that heart to heart with both coming to their own realizations understanding each other on an even deeper level. The cliff hanger was also a nice touch since they weren't going to have a finale this season.
Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. But you have to watch season one or a lot won't make sense here. Despite the disconnect overall, the cases and the team's work was still what we wanted to see. A lot of the cases brought serious issues to light. Let's wait for season 3 together!
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Acting/Cast 10/10: There are so many characters I liked in this drama. All the leads did a splendid job in portraying their roles, especially Lee Yoo Ri as Yeon Hwa who changed from a kind-hearted woman to a courageous and persistent person, Yoon Ah Jung as Yoo Ra who did an amazing job as the evil, proud and sometimes insane stepsister who can’t do anything else but keep on lying to cover up the sins she has committed, and also Min Ji Hyun as Soo Ae who is really lovable and lightens the story a little.
Music 10/10: I really love the songs from the OST and I’m also listening to one while writing this review. In my opinion, they perfectly fit the mood of the drama.
Rewatch Value 5/10: I’m not really the type to rewatch a drama especially when it has so many episodes, but maybe I’ll change my mind in a few years’ time ;D
Overall 9/10: I give this drama 9 points because it managed to stir my interest even though I’ve never been able to finish a drama that had more than 28 episodes before and because I loved the ending (it even made me cry).
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It's not well known, possibly because it's not studded with the usual idols fangirls swoon about. Sad, because it is wonderfully acted and incredibly original, from the surprising beginning to the absolutely unexpected ending. The pace is slow, which can deter some, but I personally found it perfect, with the exception of a couple of instances by the middle. The symbolism of it captivated me from minute one, and I think this is the most fitting title of a drama ever.
This dorama is a collection of memorable lines and even more unforgettable characters.
Takizawa Hideaki and Fukada Kyoko do a splendid job in portraying their characters: the first leads the viewer where he wants, once liking him, another time hating him, then again fearing him or feel compassion; she, on the other hand, is either love or hate. I usually am deeply annoyed by girly girls all cuteness, pink and seeming candour, but she is so artless, even in her machinations, that I found her adorable. This is not a pretty girl playing cute: cute is her essence, and even in her apparent silliness, there's an unexpected depth of thought.
But who really did it for me are the secondary characters, played by Yosuke Kubozuka and Uchiyama Rina. Terrific acting skills and wonderful character development by both. Not that I doubted it: I still have to see Kubozuka playing a part without doing an outstanding job. And Uchiyama is downright brilliant in this.
The music is another very strong point. Without being a fan of Abba myself, I thought the soundtrack was chosen with sense and logic. I like it when single music pieces identify a single character, to the point you know who's going to be portrayed even though you close your eyes.
In conclusion: I watched this thanks to a Perfect recommendation; I hope to be able to pass on a little of that with my review.
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This drama is so sad, tears falling down my cheeks TT_TT when watching it. My eyes were big and puffy too.
Just listen to the OST makes me cry a lot. I cried out loud too. That's how sad this movie is.
I rewatched Tree of Heaven, and I couldn't even bear the pain of this drama!
This is a really painful but beautiful drama.
The music is a great masterpiece, I love everything of this great drama.
Please watch this and feel the pain YoonSuh & Hana felt.
I recommend this to everyone, its watchable, painful, but yet, still beautiful.
I just am really obsessed with this sad sad sad... drama, just thinking of it is so sad.
I love it! I think you would too!
Its just 10 episodes that you'll enjoy, its not a waste of drama time!
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My sister introduced me the trailer to this movie because Luhan was there. But what got me interested was not really Luhan, although he was a really great bonus on this one, but because of the plot itself.
The movie was really something unique. It made me cry at certain scenes and it made me laugh at the most funny ones. It can really touch you in certain ways because of their different aspects in the movie. This movie is truly fun and interesting to watch. I would truly recommend people to watch this one. I didn't particularly like the ending though because I think it needed more explanation and all other things. I thought it was a little bit of a cliffhanger for me but it was quite alright overall. :)
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I can die in peace now
The ending scene, its very well done. How simple yet detailed the storyline is, especially how they tie everything together and wrap it really nicely. The kind of ending that goes "if there is no more series after this", i can die in peace lolBut, before I start...I wanna set the premise
This is a special 2 hour episode filled with fluffy sweet lovey dovey scenes. It's more like a "fan service" .
So, if you're looking for major plot twists or sth new, then don't watch it, only to write bad review on it
If you love the couple, like I do (Kluen Dao is my favorite My Skyy 2 couple), then watch this to relive and celebrate their love and romance.
I also love how Kluen sets a new standard for bf! I love how he includes Dao in his plans, implying he already includes Dao as his future partner. It's the sweetest thing a bf can do for you.
Bonus point? Kluen's visual alone is equal to 10 guys or more!
Overall, I was smiling ear to ear with frequent LOL moments throughout the 2 hours. It's a great "feel good" hormone being released. I am a happy me now!
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This review may contain spoilers
I NEED SEASON 2
I'm crying because I don't expect Promise Cinderella to be this good and became one of my favorites summer drama. Even there are age gap between them but their chemistry is undeniable! Very enjoyable to watch their love story! Nikaido Fumi really suits with Hayame's character and Gordon really did a great job for his first main role. I hope he get another main role in the future <3The 'antagonis' character = Kikuno-san really did a great job to made me annoyed by her action but sometimes I can feel her concerns :'))
And all the supporting character really likeable esp. Issei's grandma, Yoshitora, and Kurose! Last, the soundtrack is everything. The song really match with their vibes <3
My first review maybe a bit biased but I can tell you guys this drama worth to watch :D
Like Gordon said, I NEED PROMISE CINDERELLA S2!! I wanna see another their struggles and concerns about their relationship because Issei proposed her in the end hehe ._.
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This is not about just numbers, it is about how a meek and intelligent person can do crazy stuff and sacrifice everything, do everything for someone he loves. As the Proverbs say, heart is the most deceitful of all!
Now you can watch how a genius can plot in hiding a murder, irony of all, his best buddy is a detective! this is very exciting movie, guys, this is so thrilling! dont worry this is not bloody violent movie, it focuses more on emotions and intelligence. It is somewhat you are doing your own Holmes investigation, thinking, what is actually happened!
I only get the picture at the end! and it gives me goosebumps and at the same time I cried!
Now watch it and see what i mean! rewatch? YES!!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Rebirth, Romance & a Hint of Existential Crisis
Ok y’all, this one’s… tough to review. Full disclosure: I pressed play purely for Quan Yi Lun, because my man has been stealing scenes (and my heart) ever since Blossom and Moonlight Mystique. The man’s got main lead energy, and I was ready to witness the glow-up era he rightfully deserves.Now, Echoes of the Self is sitting right there in my love/hate zone. You know that feeling when all the ingredients are right but somehow the cake still tastes like “hmm”? Yeah. That’s this drama for me.
🌸 What I liked (aka the reasons I didn’t rage-quit)
- Fresh spin on the rebirth trope — loved the concept of this a lot.
- Visually blessed cast. I mean… Quan Yi Lun. Enough said.
- Leads’ chemistry — starts off awkward like two coworkers forced to slow dance at the office party, but gradually evolves into genuine sparks.
- Crown Prince redemption arc — I live for a “former murderer turned ally” storyline. Therapy works, apparently.
⚠️ What made me yell at the screen (lovingly)
- Performances that lack dimension — the acting isn’t bad, but it often feels like something vital got lost between “action” and “cut.” It’s visually appealing yet emotionally hollow, like a beautifully wrapped gift box filled with air.
- Direction that forgot its own depth — the story wants to be textured and moving, but the execution feels oddly flat. Perhaps a symptom of its short runtime, perhaps a lack of directorial conviction.
- The rebirth logic gone astray — the FL’s “reborn self” spends the entire time trying to change fate yet barely acknowledges her younger self, effectively undoing the emotional purpose of her journey. The ML, meanwhile, seems mildly allergic to the concept of temporal continuity — sir, that is your wife, just… younger. Let’s connect the dots and don't treat her like the plague...
- The villain — underwhelming doesn’t even begin to describe it. That man got more screentime than emotional depth.
🌀 The Ending
Will it annoy people? Probably.
Did it annoy me? Not really — it’s a happy-ish ending, which in C-drama land is already a win.
💭 Final Verdict
8/10 — Cozy, romantic, and conceptually strong, but emotionally… echoing a bit too softly.
If you want something light, watchable, and sprinkled with a few swoon-worthy moments, go for it. Just don’t expect a masterpiece, but that is solely my own take on this and most probably because I had much higher expectations....
And Quan Yi Lun, if you’re reading this (you’re not, but still): you carried. As always. 🫶
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An amazing journey!
It was really great watch, I enjoyed very much. I wasn't expecting anything when I started to watch it cause I didn't really get the synopsis and first few episodes weren't that great for me, I was unware where story was going, I was at the stage that I would have dropped it but then *bang* I just got hooked and after that it was an amazing journey...So basically this story revolves around Baek Ho Rang her mysterious past and the incidents happening in present due to it but the thing is we don't only see her journey we get to see many stories in just 8 ep like Eun Taek, Woo Jae, So Hyun, Jae Yi and Yoo Shin and it's really great it's full package. I really loved everyone's backstory and the fact that every character had depth, ahh how can I forgot Woo Jae and Jae Yi they were amazing together and there chemistry was rocking. Yoo Shin was one of the cutest character I've seen I just love him!...
I really like the fact that they showed story in a realistic way no rushed relationship, I mean there wasn't love at first sight, it was slow process to like someone to love someone and which absolutely takes time. There aren't typical love triangle, squares in it so don't worry... the another good aspect of story that was character development which you can absolutely see and at the end everything is perfect loved the ending.
It was wonderful journey for me it teached me a lot.. and the fact that they didn't stretch the story to make more ep is really good thing I appreciate it. So it's definitely great for me and I would recommend it, so what're you waiting for go and watch it...
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For an 8 episode drama, the series did an amazing job telling a heart-felt story and concluded it well, with no plot holes or empty ending. While I wouldn't label the series too dramatic or too sweet; it's mature and well thought out with a balance of ages that makes it appealing to young and old drama watchers. All the characters good and bad, minor and major get fleshed out fairly well and their relationships with one another are well identified. While some elements of the plot are a little typical, they aren't so glaringly obvious as to ruin watching. I was on my toes through the entire 8 episodes.
While Yuri and Kasumi are the main couple, we also get a taste (just a taste) of young love found in Tsugumi (Kasumi's son) and Kameko. We also see relationships that aren't lovey-dovey with Riri's admiration for Yuri, Yoji's sense of loss for a particular character, and more. The story isn't just a love story, but one of relationships and how they can blossom or rot.
Aside from Saito Takumi, I wasn't familiar with the majority of the cast, but everyone was excellent. There was an amazing chemistry between all the characters. The story played out well. The music was so-so, mood appropriate but nothing much more. I'm not a huge re-watch fan, but this is one I might revisit should I need a breather between highschool aged romance and rom-coms.
I highly recommend this series for those who love a serious romance, or are just tired of rom-coms and highschool aged love. It surely won't disappoint.
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This review may contain spoilers
I must say! This is one of my favorite ancient K-Drama
So, we have our King Cheol and Queen So Yong starting off as enemies, then 'no touching', then appearing in dreams& finally together.I saw a clip on Facebook about the cooking part of the show but I never thought for a second that I would be THIS interested in it even after multiple rewatches. The storyline for this drama is superb!
I don't know if the actors had workshops but Dude! it's like they truly learned from the workshops and how to play their characters. I commend Shin Hae & Kim Jung a lot, like a lot a lot. I don't know if the producers & directors want that much chemistry between the King & Queen but I certainly got my share of experiencing their amazing, no doubt chemistry.
This show is a must-watch. Honestly!
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This review may contain spoilers
Chronicle of Life started well, but ended with complete boredom. The premise of the story is good, but the execution was lacking as the story went round and round. The upside and difference in the story is that a majority of it happened outside of the palace and there was less bickering between the women than in other dramas like this. Rest assured that there is some bitterness between the courtesans and of course the mother and grandmother, but it doesn't take up the entire story. One plus is the excellent love in this drama accompanied by cheesiness and cuteness. I like those parts.I will just be real here. The ending is stupid and at that point I just didn't care anymore. I didn't feel anything for the main characters and was irritated with the writing of some of the other characters. I wish I could post spoilers, because I have some lengthy complaints. I scored COL a little higher because I didn't hate it and I love the cinematography, scenery, and costumes. Plus, the acting wasn't horrible.
I admit that I am a huge Lau Hawick fan, but I felt like he wasn't into his character as the Emperor. I also didn't feel the chemistry between him and Zheng Shuang as Lin Lang. They did have some really cute moments that made me smile. I felt more for Zhang Vin as Rong Rou and Zhang Edward as Chang Qing. I loved the characters and the actors. I felt like Chang Qing was written incorrectly at the end. His character would have made different choices for his love of family. Rong Rou was a beautiful character and I loved him most of all. The acting of the women was good also.
As I listen to the music it reminds me of a different song, but I can't quite put my finger on it. It is making me crazy.
I will never rewatch this.
I don't necessarily recommend this drama. If you like this genre, then it is an ok watch.
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Regarding the music, I loved the song Crazy Love sung by the lead Zhu Yi Long.
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