Completed
Love, Now
33 people found this review helpful
Sep 25, 2013
72 of 72 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This was the longest drama I have ever watched, but every episode kept me entertained. The main couple is one of my favorite couple out of the dramas that I watched. It kind of has a Playful Kiss feel about it somehow to me. I think it's the fact that there aren't any super vindictive characters in it. Most the dramas I have watched either have an evil relative or just an evil character in the drama and sometimes there's both. The story is ok, but you have to kind of buy into the whole cancer thing. Personally, I don't really go for the dramas that have cancer in them, but it kind of works for this drama. The whole drama is super mushy and lovey dovey. There are no knife/ gun fights. The music is some of my favorite music from a drama. I've caught myself humming it. There's one song that remind me of Ra Ra Riot's Can You Tell as far as sound goes. I have no clue what they are really saying. I'm watching this for the second time so yes it's worth it, although I'm probably going to end up skipping some parts.

One more thing, I would suggest watching this drama on Viki, and not Dramafever because Dramafever cut some scenes out of it. I checked the other day because I thought there wouldn't be a difference, but there is.

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Completed
Naoki Hanzawa
29 people found this review helpful
by Cheer
Sep 27, 2013
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
“I believe in people’s good will, but if they screw me, I will screw them back. It's double payback” _ (Hanzawa Naoki).

Hanzawa Naoki is the kind of dramas that bumps of the crowd to keep you at the edge of your seat through its astonishing screenwriting, gripping events and high-class acting. This drama didn’t get the highest rating in modern times for naught. It was well worth it from any angle you look at it. You may be wondering: what’s so special about this drama that made people go crazy over it in Japan while the international audience couldn’t care less about it? To find out the answer I had to start this adventure and jump into a world I am not very familiar with: The world of business, bankers and salary men.

Hanzawa Naoki deals with the world of banks which is a non-famous theme for Asian dramas. The story brings the harsh facts about that world to light while focusing on the intense fights that the male lead has to go through in order to survive in that field without abandoning his ideals. What this drama outshines at is the stunning screenwriting and the solid characterization; the storyline was so involving with many twists and turns that will make you eager for more. The smart writing managed to make the events flow by in a thrilling and gripping way without being heavily present or irrationally exaggerated. In terms of directing, I would say that this drama’s business theme was perfectly expressed whether though the well-made cinematography or the nicely chosen shooting angles.

The acting department in this drama was superb; every actor pulled his role in a great way. Extra credits to one of the most phenomenal actors in Japan: Sakai Masato. That man’s acting skills are no joke; he can pull off his roles in a brilliant way and his Hanzawa Naoki’s portrayal is the best proof; he’s a genius actor indeed. And since we’re talking about acting skills, I have to mention the second best actor in this drama: Kagawa Teruyuki who was super amazing as Owada.

Speaking about characters, Hanzawa Naoki owned the show and no one succeeded in stealing the spotlight from him. He’s an overwhelming smart character that will make you absorbed in his intelligent choices and actions. He counts every situation he comes across and he’s always one step ahead of his opponents. Whenever Hanzawa puts the fierce look on his face and starts the “Payback”, get ready to be blown away by his unique way of flipping tables around. As for other characters, each and every one of them was important for the storyline’s development and the characters’ interactions that were beautifully accomplished.

Taken as a whole, I am fully aware why would everyone avoid this type of drama; it has a non-enjoyable theme for most people, no romantic plot and no idol stars as main actors, that’s why I am pretty sure it’s not directed for everyone. However, that doesn’t deny the fact that this is one the best made dramas out there even if it doesn’t get the appropriate attention.

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Completed
Liar Game
33 people found this review helpful
Nov 26, 2014
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
Wow, what a drama! If you're like me and you like physiological things, mystery and crime then you'll enjoy this show! This kept me at the edge of my seat on every episode!

Story: A whole group of people pulled into a game where there is huge money at stake, surrounded with lies and manipulation - can the truth speak out? It really makes you think - and that's what I liked about it. When you are on a game where lying is key - should you be even more honest? or should you do your best to manipulate others? I myself am a very very bad liar - as soon as I even try and lie - I'll start laughing and end up giving myself away... I am however very suspicious of people and their intentions - I don't trust easily..."Trust is built up over time but it can break in a split second."

Cast: Ha Woo Jin (Lee Sang Yoon) He was one of the biggest reasons I started this drama. & He became my absolute favorite character. His character is insanely attractive and mysterious, and he holds that quality that you know you can trust him no matter what. As soon as he is released from jail he meets Nam Da Jung (Kim So Eun) who asks him to help her on 'Liar Game'. This is my first time seeing her but I absolutely loved her, she's a great actress & I'll be looking forward to more projects by her. She totally fit the part of a naïve honest person. Kang Do Young (Shin Sung Rok) The mastermind of Liar Game - I swear he is evil to his core... Jo Dal Goo (Jo Jae Yun) I loved his character lol - this actor can always make me laugh :P Jamie (Lee El) She was hateful at first but as the show progressed I started to like her (weird) lol

Music: It was intense but I can't say I remember any songs...

Re-watch Value: 9.5 - very high, I will definitely re-watch this someday.

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Completed
Hidden Love
64 people found this review helpful
by Kotoko
Jun 23, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

THE WAY 2 MY HEART

I usually never write these things but the way this drama has me on a chokehold I couldn't resist. I have always been a fan of lusi, and her extravagant acting but the way she expresses the character in this drama just shows you what an amazing actress she is. Waiting for one episode a day is really so annoying but this drama is really worth it.

I have seen a lot of TikTok taking about their age gap and how that is a problem, I just want to say 5 years is not even a big age gap. And second he doesn't even fall for her until she is fully grown which someone are saying - maybe he was waiting for her - as you can see in the first 8 episode he fully treats her as a little sister and nothing else. Even when he sees her 2 years later he still calls her a kid as if nothings changed which in his mind he still thinks of her as the shy little girl he used to tutor nothing more. But anyways I just want to say people need to stop being biased and unfair.

AFTER EVERY DRAMA I HAVE WATCH THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST THRILLING ONE AND THE WAIT IS KILLING ME - DONT FORGET TO RATE <3

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Completed
Till the End of the Moon
88 people found this review helpful
by Kate Flower Award1
May 9, 2023
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 7
Overall 7.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Top level of entertainment. Can’t say the same about the quality of writing.

I want to start by saying - I did enjoy the show a lot, almost till the end. I watched the episodes as soon as they dropped. That said, I’m not gonna pretend like it’s some writing masterpiece - it’s not. It often hits the “teen’s first fanfic” level. Did I mind? Not really. I went into it for the Dear Daddy Devil and Bai Lu’s acting, and these two aspects were easily 10/10.

What did the drama do great? Tantai Jin’s arc. The questions of predestined path, freedom and choice, the importance of having the supportive community and people that trust and love. How much of where we end is on us, and how much can be explained by how others treat us? At which point we should take responsibility? Is revenge and justice the same? What’s more important - trust or perceived truth? Surprisingly a lot of depth in his story. Sadly, the writers had some issues with keeping Tantai Jin's wits and cunning nature and also progressing the plot - which led to quite a few moments when his brain must have been turned off to make such dumb choices.

Luo Yun Xi in the role? Pure perfection. The emo angst fits him so well, I was in awe. Whatever you ask from him - he will deliver it and more, in the most beautiful and heartbreaking way. I never knew an actor who presents suffering in such a stunning way.

Then we have Li Su Su played by Bai Lu. What a performance. She did great as a more idealistic and naive Su Su, desperate and driven Xi Wu, and the duality of Sang Jiu. Each character/persona was easily distinguishable with the portrayal. The angst and pain Bai Lu can deliver - be it extreme or subtle - was just phenomenal and truly breaking one’s heart. I don’t think the character herself has much to offer though. Any weaker performance than the perfection Bai Lu presented, would make Li Su Su either boring or insufferable. I just feel bad for the girl, because the writers obviously did not give a fuck about this character… She was this great thanks to the actress and the chemistry she had with Luo Yun Xi.

And that chemistry should be illegal. How can such a questionable and build on a toxic fundamentals relationship still seem so amazing, beautiful and perfect? Love, hate, hope, trust, doubt, protection, resentment, fear - what a mix of conflicting emotions and motivations. And that complexity was what made this duo so entertaining and such a blast to watch.

Beside the main characters, I want to give big props to Chen Du Ling who played Ye Bing Chang. How much I hated this character, how much I loved the performance. It’s also impossible not to appreciate Pian Ran - stunning arc as a side plot, amazing conclusion fitting the plot, great performance by Sun Zhen Ni.

Talking about the characters, it’s time to talk about the biggest sin this show and the writer committed - they made everyone so dumb, I did not even care who will win and who will lose, because I did not see a bright future no matter which side gets the victory.

So many things did not make any sense, but you cannot really call them plot holes, because they kind of had an explanation - lack of working brain cells. At first I found it amusing, but at some point it just frustrated me on a whole new level. You don’t know how to write a proper conflict and the origin of it, so you just make your character dumb for a few scenes to set it up.

That also led to repetitive scenes and arcs - just rewriting the same moments we have seen a few episodes ago, with small changes here and there. Refusing to give your characters’ proper character development can only lead to them making the same mistakes over and over and over again. This is one man show, and all the other characters are just a background for his story.

I have to say though, I’m quite impressed with the directing and editing taking into consideration how much of the plot and scenes had to be cut down to fit the 40 episodes format. Yes, there were many moments that the pacing seemed like a car chase, but the overall story was still relatively easy to follow and understand. On the other hand, the make-up artists need to change their careers, because the thing these actors had on their faces should be illegal to present to the public. Loved the costumes, liked the set and magical objects designs. Loved how they Sailor Moon changed their clothes when they reached new powers.

The soundtrack had some good moments, but there were also “oops” bits like them playing a pop royalty free facebook ads like music in the background in the last episode.

Overall, I had a lot of fun, later I had less fun, by the end I had a lot of fun ranting. One could say it’s a full on personal journey I had with this drama, and they would not be wrong.

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Completed
TharnType Season 2: 7 Years of Love
136 people found this review helpful
Jan 29, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 41
Overall 1.5
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

BEST THING ABOUT THIS SHOW IS THAT IT'S OVER

This show is the worst thing i've ever done to myself and if that's the case with you too, congratulations. You've come to the right place. I have extreme hatred towards everything that happened, specially Tharn. Let's get further into it, you and me. Join me in this journey and scream into a void with me.
Starting with the fact how the title is fooling us. It's been 7 minutes since Type and Tharn started dating and not 7 years bec that's how they act. Their relationship has always been toxic but I never expected that they'll have no trust in each other whatsoever. They act like babies and it's frustrating to watch. Definitely not a like couple who has been together for 7 years and that's how you know that the show is already bad.
Moving on, THARN IS HUMANITY'S WORST ENEMY! he is really the worst character. He is obsessed with one thing and one thing only. and that is getting into Type's pants. It's like he can't seem to think of anything else at all. He said he likes type in tank tops and that Type is trying to seduce him by wearing them around the house. ????? What does this even mean? So Type can't even wear comfortable clothing in his own house bec apparently he's "seducing" his sex crazed partner? What an amazing message to convey to the viewers. *SLOW CLAPSSS*. Secondly, his whiny face. He is constantly complaining or crying about something or the other each and every episode. It's really unpleasant, and most importantly, it doesn't make me feel bad for him at all because he's a full grown man. It's just repetitive and shows that Tharn has no other personality trait.
I can never wrap my head around the fact that Tharn saw Fiat kissing Type but not when Type pushed him away and yelled at him? How is that even possible? Anyway, that whole plot was garbage.
Let's talk about Type a bit now, he was genuinely doing so well. The only character who grew up and was acting like an adult. His character development was interesting to watch and it made the show a little bearable. BUT NO, they had to go ahead and ruin that by showing ugh the whole Fiat kidnapping and assault plan. YES, YOU HEARD ME RIGHT. IT WAS ASSAULT AND IT IS NOT ROMANTIC AT ALL. What Fiat did was wrong but this was not the way to deal with it all!! Because assault is never the answer to anything! whether it's physical or mental. It traumatised Fiat and will probably affect him for the rest of his life. There were 847567475 ways to deal with this but the writer of the novel has always been obsessed with assault and non consensual scenes so I wasn't surprised. Disappointed , YES FOR SURE but not surprised. Considering the fact that Type is a victim of assault himself, he should've known what it can do to a person and would not have done what he did. Now that's what Type after 7 years of graduation would've done because that's how a rational grown up will react. But it's been 7 minutes and not 7 years so what can we do. Also, why was Type interested in Fiat's love life more than clearing things out with Tharn or making sure that he's doing alright?? I would never understand.
Type's dad is another garbage character. He's been complaining about the same thing since 7 years. Homophobia was never funny to me and never will be. He is extremely annoying and overbearing and he makes me wanna punch a wall. He didn't resist telling his committed son (repeatedly) that he should find a "beautiful" girl and get married to her. The worst part of it all is that he's been against the relationship for 7 years but immediately agrees to it once Tharn's sister Thanya comes to visit? WHY? Because she's his favorite actress? I can't get over this shit. Speaking of unbearable characters, Techno. I actually liked him in the first season. But again, they had one good thing but they tried soo hard that they ended up ruining that too. He doesn't stop talking and is clowning ALL. THE. DAMN. TIME.
The last episode was extremely boring and dragged. I really didn't understand why we got to see Thorn's wedding for 20 mins since I never connected with the couple, they had a total 15 mins of screen time in the whole season but we're somehow supposed to feel heartfelt and enjoy their wedding for the majority of the season finale? Shit is not adding up for me.
Saving the best for last, DocChamp. Except for type's bald egg, they were the cutest, most unproblematic couple. But we hardly got to see them because of course, they weren't toxic so why would we? Right? But I loved them regardless because they denoted hope in a way and I always looked forward to their scenes.
Leo and Fiat were cute too but only when they were on their own. The constantly crying Fiat hurt my eyes and honestly, I was least interested but I wouldn't have minded more LeoFiat. They had endless oppurtunities with the side couples but ended up taking advantage of none. All we saw was the same toxicity again and again on a loop.
For me personally, this show was worse than the first season. It was a complete disaster. Every week I watched because I was one episode closer to the end. MewGulf are extremely talented actors and I would really like to see them in another series again and hopefully something good. They did a great job but the storyline was just not it for me. I'm glad this show is over because we really don't need any more of it to be honest.


If you're looking for a place to meet a bunch of like-minded people, discuss your favourite BL dramas, have access to BL resources such as a master-list for dramas and book links, remain up to date about the BL community and share your love for everything BL with fellow stans — then consider joining our discord server: https://discord.gg/8BjXM3vZH6

If you're new to Discord, have no fear, we will help you around!
Let's all come together and have lots of fun as the BL lovers we are!

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Completed
Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy
57 people found this review helpful
by LuCas
Jul 23, 2025
Completed 0
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

I thought Korea was going backwards while watching this movie

I was going to give it 0.5 stars, but cannot be given here. I'm actually a fan of one of the actors, and also a fan of ORV. But seriously? You've made the entire cast almost hateable because their acting is so stiff. Let's leave Lee Minho alone because he has had a long career here. But the rest? You gave the women unnecessary and disgusting aegyo. It would be terrible if this movie were to exist. I hope the production team is not that arrogant and does not let their biases and opinions appear in this film. You want to defeat Demon Slayer? Marvel? Or what? Very bad. Absolutely disgusting. Honestly, Marvel didn't give Captain America a magic glove like you did to Hyunsung. And bastard, Tanjiro doesn't use a gun when fighting. And is Jisoo too lazy to run? What's with that teleportation skill? You want to imitate Flash or what, damn director?

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Completed
Love in Contract
81 people found this review helpful
Nov 10, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 5.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 2.0
This review may contain spoilers
so seriously i started watching this drama because of the female lead but this time her acting actually disappoints me a bit .
if you have watched her previous dramas you will know the difference .
the plot is good but you can really predict what will happen next . Characters have a good backstory . You will like the first half of the show coz it's a bit interesting but then slowly you will start getting bored . The mystery and suspense part is nice .
I was pleasantly surprised with the representation of LGBTQ themes. Watching ji-ho and sang-eun is not at all appealing, I don't feel connected with their chemistry or story. Feels like "let's just watch since I started this". Their is no proper dialogue, connection or any part that feels touching. I expected much more than this, it's just going not actually entertaining. Hae-jin character should've been first male lead. I'm much more interested in how he will solve his family conflicts then how ji-ho and sang-eun will end up together.... I really feel bad for hae-jin , it's clearly visible that he is in love with sang-eun . Personally i don't think that there is any kind of reason left to watch this drama .

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Completed
When Destiny Brings the Demon
153 people found this review helpful
by Noctis Finger Heart Award1 Lore Scrolls Award1 Clap Clap Clap Award1 Soulmate Screamer2 Big Brain Award1
Sep 4, 2025
33 of 33 episodes seen
Completed 12
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers
What am I even supposed to say after this?? Am I really expected to write a coherent review with all the key points on why this drama was amazing?? That would turn into a whole essay.. Forget about the story, I could literally write pages just about why I liked the FL, Liao Ting Yan or about her relationship with the ML, Sima Jiao..

The world this drama created is rich, dark and gloomy but also hopeful and full of light.. The plot and world building go far beyond what a lot of other dramas have given us.. There are countless vivid moments, beautifully painted scenes.. Sure there were some VFX issues but honestly I would overlook them because of how stunning most of the scenes were.. The world building is done so well but of course, even exemplary world building and background mean nothing if the characters don’t measure up.. There is a huge array of characters throughout the drama.. They were impressive and didn't feel wasted..

Arthur Chen as Sima Jiao was just perfect.. Grandmaster, beautiful, brutal and powerful.. He appears to be cold and arrogant with rough edges that will make you love him even more.. He endured so much.. Tortured, drained of blood and locked away for 500 years since childhood.. He is as dangerous and ferocious as he is subtle and generous.. He hides behind a mask of cold blooded killer but beneath the mask he is kind.. And it only took the FL to reveal that side of him.. He is such a complex, multilayered character..

Wang Ying Lu as Liao Ting Yan was nothing short of amazing.. She is like the most unbothered person alive.. Thrown into a fantasy world, she adapts so quickly that she literally compares working for a murderous immortal to her everyday 9 to 5 struggles.. She starts off as an oblivious protagonist.. Someone who needed to be protected and who only cared about food, rest, and sleep but eventually grows into one of the most powerful individuals in the WDBTD universe.. I absolutely loved her character development..

" You are the only one who can make me yield without a fight..
That makes you the strongest of all.. "

Now to the juicy stuff, the romance.. Romance was chef's kiss.. Absolutely amazing.. The intimacy felt sensual and delightful.. You can take that however you want.. Anyone who has watched this would agree that the leads would look just as good in a modern drama.. So casting directors, you know what to do..

" The most frightening thing isn't death itself.. But the parting it brings.. "

I am not going to lie.. There were moments when I just needed something to happen.. At times, it felt like the drama was dragging things out.. But on the other hand, everything was narrated so well that I couldn’t really complain.. Ultimately every scene felt measured, filled with meaning and significance..

Overall, it was a really good drama even though I wasn’t completely happy with the ending.. Her death and the return to the present were expected, it was obvious that’s how it would go.. I just wish they had spent more time in the present with the characters instead of wrapping it up with a simple ‘ I found you again ’ and a smile.. But honestly who cares after 33 episodes of brilliance in storytelling, performances, visuals and chemistry that led up to that final compromise?? I absolutely loved it..

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Completed
Bad Guys: City of Evil
26 people found this review helpful
Mar 9, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
Bad Guys: City of Evil sets itself apart from its parent drama, Bad Guys. The way the writer ties in the parent drama into this one is simple and sets the tone of it being in the same universe, but ensuring that this drama is not its parent, and has a story of its own that is carried out in a completely different manner and for different reasons than the original. No watcher should go into City of Evil expecting the same story or something too similar to the original Bad Guys—you'll be disappointed and won't be able to enjoy the story as much if you expect it to be so.

The story itself is an okay one, but one that most of us who have watched dramas surrounding corruption and prosecution should expect with a few twists and turns that give City of Evil it's heart. As it gets towards the end it loses some of the plot and some plots holes (to me) never really get resolved or in the midst of so many plot devices, get lost in the overall story. However, the gem in this drama isn't the story line, but the heart of the cast who did a beyond amazing job with their characters. There isn't one character you won't be rooting for, you won't cry for, from main cast to supporting—and if you watch close enough, you may recognize a familiar face or two from Bad Guys. Above all, Bad Guys and City of Evil are the exact same in one area—the teamwork and camaraderie between the characters is really admirable and what I really watch for.

It's packed with great action scenes, and the music score and OSTs from the drama help set a really great mood for such a dark drama. I don't think I'll really ever rewatch this drama much as I did Bad Guys, but I overall really enjoyed watching it and suggest it for somebody who wants an action packed drama with really great acting. It dives right into the chaos and you just get to go along for the ride.

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Completed
The Maid
26 people found this review helpful
Sep 22, 2025
26 of 26 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.0

Now Hiring: A Viewer Ready for Chaos and Manipulation

Expect a cunning FL, manipulative, and extremely reckless on her path of revenge.
The ML’s role? To show up at the last minute and save her from herself—over and over again.

Your skills (i.e. the ideal watcher for this drama):
- Strong ability for suspension of disbelief
- No expectation of romance (can thrive in low-romance environments)
- Capacity for watching emotional manipulation
- High interest in plotting and scheming
- Proficiency in coping with violent scenes and suspense
- Affinity for eye-pleasing cinematography
- Enjoyment of female-centered plots with some cat fights
- Proven ability to handle cliffhangers
- Able to endure sudden illogical plot twists

Bonus:
The ML earns some brownie points for his looks, though he might want to consider a manicure.

#CognitiveExplorer

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Completed
Pasta
26 people found this review helpful
Sep 1, 2013
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I LOVED Pasta. It was beautiful and funny and just aDORKable. The main female lead is very determined and very stubborn but she doesn't do it with an intention to be difficult or impairing and is actually very sweet. The main male lead (eee!!! I love this guy!!) is just awesome by nature. He's hot-tempered and controlling and likes to see things his way but has a soft spot for those around him. The acting was straight on and VERY cute and VERY natural.

I found myself singing along with the OSTs so much my mom got so annoyed and threatened to unplug the computer if I didn't stop said singing. The music flowed to the scenes, but i will say you;ll get distracted by the story more so than the OST, however it's still really awesome.

This story has awesome side characters and very attention grabbing side stories. The nonchalant AND aggressive jealousy was a sight to see. You grow an attachment to all the characters and you really take a feel for them whether you love, hate, whether want to throttle them, stuff them neatly into a bag of cotton balls, or pinch their cheeks just hug them! :)

In Conclusion: This drama has become one of my ForeverFavorites

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Completed
I've Fallen for You
26 people found this review helpful
Feb 19, 2020
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.5
I wasn’t about to watch this drama mainly because the plot itself didn’t look too promising (& I’m highkey a picky historical cdrama watcher) but I ended up watching it for my bb Esther Yu. I’m not even kidding the first few eps got me rolling LMAO and I’m glad this was more of a light hearted drama (compared to other cdramas w messy harems). However towards the end the entire plot got too messy, things were too rushed and the main leads’ acting just weren’t the same¿ It had me questioning whether I should continue to watch which in the end I did. The ML’s acting definitely looked forced and awkward at times especially when he tries to speak in a low voice. However other than him everyone’s acting was really good and that was mostly why I stayed towards the end. The relationships of the support roles w the main leads were so wholesome, main leads chemistry was good especially during the kISS SCENES SDHDHS, OST was good, and overall just a lighthearted and funny drama.

I would probably recommend watching this drama if u just want a good laugh tbh or if u just wanna kill time don’t quote me on that tho :0

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Completed
Tempest
26 people found this review helpful
Mar 30, 2012
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
I'm surprised at how unknown this drama is, and I'm glad I decided to watch it on the spur of the moment.

As a drama veteran, I've abstained from writing a review because 1) I'm too lazy and 2) there were enough reviews from everyone else, so I had no motivation to add to the pile.

However, this drama is different. The Tempest is an amazing drama, and yet not many people have watched it. Technically, it doesn't really matter to me whether people watch it or not, but really...this drama deserves to be found and appreciated.

Overall, The Tempest is reminiscent of the first arc of the anime Otogi Zoshi, if any of you have watched it. The heroine goes undercover as a man and practically lives and breathes for the country and its people. What drives the plot is not romance. Instead, the drama focuses its fast pace on the conflicts that face the country as well as the political intrigue inside the Shuri Castle.

Son Neion never let me down as a character. She was strong, determined, and yet also flawed in a way that made her so human. Nakama Yukie has delivered once again.

So basically, if you want to get away from the romance-y dramas for a while and instead go for a heroine who is smart and capable coupled with a solid plot, watch The Tempest.

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Completed
Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno
26 people found this review helpful
Aug 2, 2014
Completed 1
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
Hello, I’m Han, on old member popping up for a visit. Since I live in Japan I had the privilege to be able to watch this movie on opening day. Sadly, work got in the way so I went the next day. Since I know many of you are anxious to see this movie I thought I would share my feelings on the movie to whet your appetites for this amazing movie... or torture you, depending on how you wish to take it. Any spoilers would only be in referencing to the manga and will be in their own section. I also can’t get too specific anyways as I only understood the movie in my heart, not my head. Well, I could understand it in my head a lot more than the first one but the point remains that there were no English subtitles. The movie covers from the start of the Kyoto arc until the journey to Edo.

The movie opens in a glorious, if a bit cliche, horror movie like set with Hajime leading his troop of soldiers into what is revealed to be Shishio's self designed version of hell. This very clearly set the movie up. You are left with NO doubts about exactly who the big bad is. This scene also sets up one of the reasons I really like the series: The action, and the entire movie really, are very reminiscent of old Japanese samurai movies.

When we come upon the Kenshin gumi they are watching Kabuki in Asakasa (the historical center of kabuki) and boy is it funny! This I like for the comedy of the scene. I won't summarize the movie any farther but the first two scenes do a wonderful job setting up the movie.

I would like to point out that the director paid attention to details many modern movie makers are forgetting! From what I could tell, everyone's sword etiquette was taken seriously. When Kenshin is sitting down, you better believe his sword is on his right side and he sheathes his sword correctly.

The action scenes were great with only three or four moves that were truly impossible and obviously wire work. The action was BEAUTIFUL, exactly what I expect from this director and series.

Another great point is that the costuming is AMAZING! Do not expect Kenshin to stay in his classic red and white, he changes OFTEN. Not only that but there are so many beautiful outfits! The attention to detail is stunning. All of the yukata people are wearing are period appropriate and this entire movie is costume porn. The only thing I noticed that may peeve someone is that Yahiko uses a bokuto instead of a shinai for his 'sword'.

Further on this, EVERYONE looks like their manga counterpart, 100%. They did an amazing job with that. Shishio, oh boy is he great. Sejiro? Batshit insane, just like he should be ^_^

While the movie does try to give you an extended sense of time, it does not really manage to do it. The movie starts in winter and ends in summer (I am guessing, there were no hard dates posted besides the years).

Kenshin is very classical Kenshin the entire movie and has a beautifully choreographed play fight scenes with Masao and had everyone in the theater laughing.

On Masao, Karou, and Yahiko... Masao ended up being more of a token comic relief, just like in the manga, but when the fighting came down to it she was badass. On the other hand, I feel like Karou and Yahiko were a bit depowered from the manga which disappointed me. That is not to say Karou did not kick a LOT of ass, just not as well as I had always thought of her as doing.

The music was a disappointment to me because there were so many modern instruments and melodies. I really think the movie would have benefited from having significantly more classic Japanese music to really take you back. While there were some classic instruments and scores, there was also a lot of jarring modern music that brought me out of the movie.

Overall, I really loved the movie and felt so bad for the couple sitting next to be because I was quizzing the guy next to me on what it said on screen when kanji came up. For ALMOST the entire movie there is no point where you could point and say “CGI!!!” which I think is really important for this genre. There are lots of laughs in this movie and all the actors did a superb job holding true to the source material. This series has become the best anime turned movie. I wish Hollywood would take note and see what truly makes a movie good. I really hope they keep it up. Luckily, the next movie comes out in a month!

If you have any questions, spoilery or otherwise, please feel free to ask, I will answer them to teh best of my ability!

~~~~~Now for the potential spoilers! If you are super sensitive, stop here.~~~~~

The movie does a great job of following the manga while cutting some less relevant stuff right until the Battle for the Baby. After that, some stuff is a bit swapped around and changed. Not too incredibly jarring, but not great either.

Back to costuming: Crazy sword collector does not have his belt whip sword which I was VERY happy about. There was no way to do that without CGI and just... no. The costuming department and director do make an homage to it though. You will see about two or three glimpses of his belt being slightly shiny and metallic. There is also one point where, for a brief moment you see a hilt and it looks like it is for his whippy sword. That scene was great.

After this scene, some stuff does get condensed and jumbled, it almost feels like the first half of the movie they said: We have a third coming, we have plenty of time so we can do the manga justice. Then, by the time for the Kyoto fight came around they said: Oh crap! Look how long this is already! Let's cut some stuff but still end at the same point! The oniwabanshu do not get their amazing manga end, sad to say.

My one, true, horrible disappointment with this movie is during the horse scene (I am trying to be as unspoilery and obscure as possible here). At the end of it, there is some OBVIOUS CGI which made me really sad.

Other than that, the movie ends in a cliffhanger: Kenshin, washed up on a beach, is taken to an encampment by someone. They show his face, and I bet you are suppose to know who it is, but I had no clue. I bought the movie's book (which as a complete timeline on all the scenes in it) but it does not mention the mysterious person’s name. I felt really bad for his sword though, salt water is so bad for steel!

~~~~~~~~Spoilers about what is not there and I hope will be~~~~~~~~~~~

I really hope in the next movie we will see Kenshin as a child burying the three sisters and being taken in by his master. Maybe an early life training montage? I don't think so, but I hope for it badly because it is one of the most powerful scenes in the series, in my opinion.

I also really want to see the Enishi arc played out with Kenshin flipping out and becoming a street bum but I think they have their hands full finishing the Kyoto arc. Considering the title of the next movie, I don't think we will ever see Enishi's story line but one can hope.

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