Of course, like a lot of Asian action/romance dramas I've watched there was a lot of overly exaggerated "gotta be cool" fight scenes that came off almost silly and a lot of situations and problems could have been solved to easily or weren't logical so it made it a bit dumb in somethings.
Also the feelings didn't always touch you the way I think they were supposed to which would have made the re-watch value for me higher, but I smiled so much through this drama I didn't mind the not so great parts. I just smiled away through whole scenes, not just funny bits but the sweet, cute, bring a tear to your eye cause I wish that would happen to me though it's cheesy as hell, kinda smiling.
Also, there was trust and understanding for the most part between the leads, though, as usual, there are communication issues, but it was overall very likeable, fun, cute and super sweet.
Not high on physical romance, lots of hugging but not so much kissing or set you on fire type stuff but still very romantic and sweet, also I liked that the couple were together as a couple before the end of the drama. The writer did do a good job of keeping the couple together while trying to overcome outside problems.
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One of the worst dramas of 2021
Stay away from this one guys, it's horrible. Really, I can't find one single reason to watch this. I finished it with the strength of hate and lots os fast-fowarding.There is nothing redeeming about this drama. The script is bad, the scenarios are boring, the characters are dumb, even the plot twists are awful.
It was supposed to be all fluffy, and teen, but iended up being 24 episodes of nothing. Really, they start with a plot, but they don't finish it. Then start another one, and guess what? They don't properly give it closure. I have the feeling that they got a drama that had 50 episodes, badly chopped it and then stitched it all in one that has 24 episodes of bad editing. There're so many loose ends that it almost makes no sense a lot of times.
Just save your time and put this one aside.
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Nirvana not to be found in this lifetime
Enemies to friends to lovers - a simple way to think of this story, but there is much more to enjoy about this drama than the two leads falling for each other. In fact, there are truly three leads in this story - and the interconnectedness of their lives and fates really drives this story forward as they learn to love and fight for what is right in a world of deceit in the quest for power.The story sags a bit towards the end - I feel the whole war with the state of Wei was unnecessary. There is no build up with the king/emperor of Wei, and I would have rather the story focused on the complicated emperor of Liang instead. And while I would have liked for a better end for Wei Zhao, there was probably no feasible way for him to be alive after what he does to the emperor.
Be warned: the first 10 or so episodes have some hard-to-watch moments as the male and female leads go at each other while being enemies - some of it is downright torture. It's a testament to the pacing and development of their relationship and the actors' performances to make their romance eventually believable with some palpable chemistry.
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Story: 7,5
Ajin is a fast-paced movie. The main plot for this live action was the same as the manga & anime, but there were some minor and major differences too. Fortunately, those major changes actually made the movie focused more on the main plot. I think the scriptwriter did a good job, that's why even if you are a picky manga/anime fan like me, I think you'll still able to enjoy this movie.
Action scenes take a big part in this movie, which probably about 90% of this movie. The action choreography is amazing. I was really impressed the whole time. Since most of the movie is about fighting, there is no big character development, especially for the main character. Though it was expected, since movie has limited time. There are not enough scenes and dialogues for us to understand the characters' personality, except for Satou. Also, there is some plot-holes that left unanswered. This movie also ended in an open ending that probably make a chance for a sequel. But I still give 7.5, because I personally enjoyed this movie a lot, and I think the writers succeeded to keep the intense atmosphere from the beginning until near the end.
Acting/Cast: 10
One of the reason why I was excited for this movie was the cast. This movie has a star-studded cast. For me, all the actors and actresses did an incredible performance in this movie. But the one that really stood out from the rest was Ayano Go. His portrayal of Satou was amazing. Every gesture, expression, and speech was perfect. I think he succeeded to bring Satou into life. His acting felt so real to the point that I forgot that Satou is just a fictional character. Shirota Yu also did a great job as Tanaka. His sharp gaze was perfect. On the other hand, I think Sato Takeru under-performed in this. His acting was good but I think he could do better. I blame it to the script that made his character seems dull. Despite that, I'm still giving the perfect score because the other casts was amazing.
Music: 8
I think the music was suitable for the movie. Especially on those fighting scenes, the background music actually made the scenes more intense. Also, I love the ending song.
Rewatch Value: 9.5
Yes, I would like to watch this movie again. The cinematography was great. The CGI was perfectly done, the IBM looks so good and real. The action choreography was really detailed, intense, and amazing. So I don't think I will get bored from watching this many times.
Overall: 9
As I stated above, Ajin - Demi Human was one of the best manga-to-live-action movie in my opinion. Even though some part were changed, the movie still followed the original story. The casts' acting was good. I love the action scenes. My only disappointment with this movie was the main character's lack of personality depth. I hope if a sequel is planned, they can explore his personality more. But overall I really enjoyed this movie from the start until the end.
(sorry for my English)
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To be honest, the only reason I picked up this drama was when I coincidentally saw the subtitles of this drama being updated on 27th July on Dramacool and came to mydramalist to find out that the drama had finished airing. The summary did not intrigue me, and the ratings didn't really interest me either since very few have rated this drama. But I decided to give it a try still as after some research, I found out that the anime version was really popular(I've never watched it though).
When I first started watching a few days ago, I had dropped this drama thrice in the first episode because it bored me so much. I kept moving onto other dramas and decided to come back to it today because most of the good dramas always pick up in the second episode, to name a few would be My Ahjussi, Strangers From Hell and much more. And I'm so glad that I came back, this drama completely caught my attention right at the very beginning of episode 2 and it just kept getting more and more intriguing. I finished bingeing the whole drama today, and am mindblown, it was that good.
I laughed, I smiled and I cried. I never cared nor knew what rakugo was about until I watched this drama. What first caught my attention was the mystery surrounding Konatsu's parents' death. I'm no newbie to mystery dramas but the way the story was told and shown left me wanting more. I also enjoyed watching all the rakugo scenes and even went to google some of the performances.
If I think back about it, the story itself wasn't that special except for the rakugo parts. But it was the way they told the story and it's characters which made a huge impression on me. And of course, the actors were amazing too, especially Okada Masaki. I've watched a lot of his dramas before but he never really caught my eye until this drama. My eyes followed him every time he was on screen. He's an actor I'm going to look out for in future dramas.
This is a severely underrated gem which I recommend everyone to give a try if you are looking for a unique story. If you are just here for the romance, then look elsewhere. Because here, you are going to learn about rakugo, friendship, what it means to be a family and different kinds of love.
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UNEXPECTEDLY GOOD, FUNNY & ENTERTAINING
I was surprised watching this series,though I had finished watching the original drama but this one got me hooked up till the end. I found myself enjoying every episode of it!Character and acting wise for the main leads are good. I love the second lead here, he is the 2nd lead also in Eternal love (my fave series). Furthermore, the FL & ML has chemistry and they convey it well.
Story wise, I am amazed how they wrapped it up and I found it satisfying though. Not as the same as the original one. I love that they add some addition in the series and adopted some which is applicable to their culture.
TOTALLY ENJOYABLE, FUNNY AND SATISFYING!
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Charismatic Dynamic Duo solving common folks problems.
Completed: 10/9/2022 - 8.25If I remember correctly, “Ishiko to Haneo: Sonna Koto de Uttaemasu?” is my first Japanese legal drama. I picked an easy and fun one to watch, which focuses on one case per episode. The cases here are all about the regular people. We can probably look around our own circles and find people who experience or know of someone who experiences similar legal issues. In that sense, this becomes an easy watch and most of the legal terms used can be understood by us regular folks without a legal background.
Even though the cases are simple, each has its own flavor and twists. I am not an expert in legal dramas, but I am always pleasantly surprised at the end of each episode when the truth is revealed. Sometimes the truth is heartbreaking, but oftentimes, it’s heartwarming. I am not usually a big fan of episodic dramas but this drama keeps me interested from start to finish.
The main attraction of this drama is our dynamic duo, Haneoka (ML/lawyer) and Ishida (FL/paralegal). I love their bantering and fun interactions. The chemistry is great and there’s good character development for both of them. They both appeared to be smart and capable, but deep down they are dealing with their own self-esteem issues. The way they work and complement each other is the best part of the show.
If you are a romance lover like me, you might be disappointed here. Yes, there is a side plot of romance, but it’s not really done very well. The ‘ship’ that I was rooting for didn’t set sail. I would say the romance is my biggest criticism of this drama. I would rather they take the whole romance plot out of the drama and just focus on the camaraderie and friendship of the three leads.
Acting is great all-around. I’ve seen all three leads in other dramas before and it’s nice to see them again in different roles. My last drama of Armura Kasamu (FL) was “Chugakusei Nikki” where she plays a high school teacher and is attracted to her student. These are two very different roles and she’s excellent in both. My last drama of Makamura Topoya (ML) was “Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka”, where he plays a cool CEO, very different than the flamboyant character in this drama. There are a few somewhat serious scenes in this drama and he did a fantastic job.
The regular supporting cast is small but mighty. It’s so good to watch a drama without any annoying characters. On another note, I don’t remember any songs from this drama. We also have some interesting fashion choices, especially the colorful shirts that ML wears in the beginning of the drama. You can see how his fashion sense changes as his character develops. FL has some nice outfits as well.
It seems like there will be a short spinoff season but the focus is on FL, the soba shop owner and the customers, and not the two MLs here. Speaking of the soba shop owner, what is up with the large quantity of food here? I’ve never seen such HUGE portions of food in a Japanese drama. Did you see the mountains of noodles and rice??
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There are bad point's about this movie though. As already stated by another reviewer, beauty is one of the themes in this film, and most probably know that, not only in thai media, but in most asian media, light skin is seen as beautiful. Luckily, in this movie, they make up for it by the end of the movie. I don't want to spoil the movie so i won't say why. Another bad point was the ending. I just felt it was a little childish/unrealistic, but don't make that stop you from watching the film. it isn't THAT bad.
Overall, the movie isn't one to skip!
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Students Fight For Their Lives Inside Of A School Overrun By Zombies
From the moment the series begins, All of Us Are Dead hooks viewers with its intense atmosphere and deeply emotional narrative. It’s more than just another zombie drama; it’s a layered story that delves into the harsh realities of adolescence, social pressures, and human resilience, all set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse.The show wastes no time immersing us in the daily struggles faced by its young protagonists. The South Korean educational system, infamous for its relentless academic demands, becomes the stage for a gripping tale of survival. The series sheds light on the emotional toll these pressures take, with bullying, mental health struggles, and societal neglect forming the core of the characters’ pre-apocalypse lives. This grounded realism elevates the story, making the characters’ fight for survival all the more impactful.
One of the show’s standout elements is its exploration of relationships. Each character brings unique perspectives and motives, and their interactions—whether strained, supportive, or heart-wrenching—add layers of depth to the narrative. The camaraderie, conflicts, and sacrifices they share make them feel incredibly real. You can't help but root for their survival, mourn their losses, and celebrate their small victories.
Thematically, All of Us Are Dead shines by addressing societal issues faced by youth, not just in South Korea but globally. The narrative doesn't shy away from heavy subjects like bullying, depression, and the unforgiving pressures of academic excellence. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a poignant reflection on the struggles of modern youth.
As the zombie outbreak takes hold, the series shifts into an adrenaline-fueled thriller. The chaos, desperation, and heartbreak of the students’ fight for survival are depicted with unrelenting intensity. The relentless pace, paired with exceptional storytelling, keeps you glued to the screen.
The parallels to the Covid-19 pandemic are impossible to miss. From quarantine measures to the fear of infection and the divide between personal concerns and societal demands, the series captures the uncertainty and tension of living through a global crisis. This connection makes the story even more resonant, as viewers are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of community and hope.
On the technical front, the series is a visual masterpiece. The cinematography captures both the beauty and the horror of the unfolding events. The special effects and makeup are stunning, particularly in portraying the terrifying transformation of infected individuals. Every frame feels deliberate, adding to the immersive experience.
Despite its brutal moments, the show never loses sight of its emotional core. The acts of love, friendship, and selflessness scattered throughout the series create a powerful contrast to the violence. These moments of humanity serve as the heart of the story, reminding us that even in the darkest times, compassion and connection endure.
The finale of All of Us Are Dead leaves a profound impact. Without giving away spoilers, it’s a conclusion that feels both devastating and hopeful, offering closure while leaving room for reflection. It’s a fitting end to a series that balances horror with heartfelt storytelling.
In summary, All of Us Are Dead is an unforgettable journey that combines action, emotion, and social commentary. It’s more than just a zombie drama—it’s a reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the complexities of growing up in a harsh world. This series is a must-watch, not only for fans of the genre but for anyone seeking a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
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Perhaps love is one of those instances. The movie by Peter Chan has been compared to Baz Luhrmann's "Moulin Rouge" and indeed it shares with this last the same theatrical flavour, between reality and dream. One can't help be reminded of classical operas such as La Traviata or Tosca, with elements of melodrama and tragic mingled with grand musical pieces and modern settings.
With the help of the music, this movie could be watched without subtitles and still be understood by those who don't know Mandarin. This goes to the director and the actors credit.
The plot is simple and very classical, but the style is new and the music original. Not an everyday movie by all means, but one which will linger in your memory.
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✨Rebirth, Blood Magic & Vampire Aesthetics: A Love Letter to Peak C-Drama Chaos✨
Ok homies, this little chaos goblin of a mini-drama rolled up to my screen wearing a cloak of nostalgia, vampire cosplay, and the emotional bandwidth of a caffeinated squirrel… and somehow? It worked. It’s strangely familiar yet weirdly original, like the writers rummaged through a bargain bin of fantasy tropes, found pseudo-vampires, flower magic, and one extremely burgundy-flagged ML (that is secretly a devoted puppy), then said, “Yeah. This is dinner.”It starts off with your classic “I died, now watch me destroy everyone with a polite smile” rebirth setup, but shortly it mutates — like a butterfly dipped in glitter and trauma—into something that absolutely insists on being its own category.
The writing? Surprisingly competent.
The pacing? Shockingly coherent… until it isn’t.
The vibes? A fever dream but make it premium.
But let’s get to the heart of the chaos:
The romance is not fluffy. Not cozy. Not even borderline cute. This is two unhinged intellectual gremlins flirting through warfare. It’s “I hate you, but also if you died I would demolish the entire kingdom” energy.
He’s openly not nice.
She matches his freak without even blinking.
Their interactions feel like a speed chess match where both players are cheating. Absolutely enthralling. Buuuut, to be fair… for all the knives, chaos, and emotional warfare, they do grow into a surprisingly wholesome, strangely tender duo in the latter part. And the ML? That man has been secretly in love with her since before the plot even woke up. Dreamy, chaotic sigh.
The trio of main characters is deliciously messy. No cardboard NPCs here. The 2ML walked in giving me “vanilla villain starter pack,” but he unfolded nicely into a morally-seasoned, jaded mess. Growth!
Now, because the drama gods enjoy mischief:
The editing sometimes snaps like a glowstick at a rave. The FL oscillates between “I’m a brilliant mastermind” and “Oopsie I tripped over my last neuron.”
They also styled her like a youthful auntie, which made both MLs look like they were her mischievous nephews auditioning for mischief scholarships.
Second half? The plot said, “Let’s soap opera this b*tch,” and suddenly everyone’s IQ took a lunch break. The FL stabs the ML a millions times and he behaves like durability is a hobby. At this point he should genuinely be classified as artisanal Swiss cheese.
And LET’S TALK about that same cabin by the waterfall. I swear that place needs its own IMDb page. It’s in EVERY drama. That place is the Eiffel Tower of dramaland at this point.
But listen: despite it all—
this SLAPS.
They knew their lane and sped down it with rhinestoned sunglasses and no seatbelt.
This drama is an enthusiastic little creature—messy, dramatic, self-aware, and fully committed to its vibe. With limited budget but boundless confidence, it gives you revenge, magic, morally injured men, funky editing, unhinged chemistry, and enough entertainment to keep you glued to the screen, as well as a well wrapped up happy ending for the leads.
Very much worth checking out—just bring an open mind, flexible expectations, and a sense of humor.
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but things get hilariously complicated when she sneaks out of the hospital and she ends up on this unplanned trip with her dad. on the other hand we get a lighter comedic family trip with Young Soo, his daughter and Saet Byeol's grandmother xD
the 1st half of this was simple, funny and silly, but when they start to explain the backstory it gets really heartbreaking I couldn't stop crying :)
overall this turned out into one beautiful heartwarming story that brings people together! even the gangsters were nice people ;(
I honestly love this kinds of stories, it's a sad happy movie I wouldn't mind rewatching~
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Heartwarming, Riveting Story with Surprises
I was pleasantly surprised with this series and loved it. When I first saw the trailer, I admit that it wasn’t at the top of my list to watch in terms of upcoming BL series. But I am so happy that I decided to try it upon the recommendation of some friends because it enthralled me. I found myself binge-watching 6 episodes in one day and each episode is quite long at approximately 1.5 hours each. I just couldn’t stop watching as I needed to know what happened next immediately!Kuenchai the dog was super special and he stole my heart very early on. He made me smile on multiple occasions in the midst of the heavy topics that are covered throughout the series. The series was an emotional rollercoaster, toggling between anger, sadness, pain, and happiness. It covers real-life themes and isn’t your typical lovey-dovey BL series, but that’s precisely why I loved it and recommend it. It conveys the concepts of acceptance and forgiveness that are so vital, but often forgotten in our world that is filled with so much hate and judgment.
Regarding the ending, I feel like it did the characters justice and fulfilled their individual wishes for happiness. I know some strongly disagree and hated the ending, but I enjoyed it. Please watch this realistic, captivating and unique BL series for yourself and perhaps it will help you reflect on how to live your life to the fullest and never take anything for granted.
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1Best season ever
I'm a fan of the Divas Hit the Road series and I watched all five seasons, including the camping season, to varying degrees of completion. I don't write reviews for variety shows in general, because there's really only so much the production team can do and the rest is up to fate, but I must say that this is the best season ever.Divas Hit the Road is infamous for the second season where it was a shitshow with the cast splitting into small cliques, in-fighting, unpleasantries and whatnot. That season is now chronicled in Chinese entertainment history and has been memed to death. Background aside, the point I'm trying to drive across is that for a majority female variety show, the general consensus is that you need drama to entertain. People may talk about how the first season was most successful and the third and fourth were as civil as it gets, but I've watched all and the first was not without conflicts whereas the other two seasons were flops (deservedly too because they were extremely dull). This particular season was the first to showcase that a show with just warmth and kindness can also be a good watch.
Qin Hailu on first sight seems to be a hard-to-please senior, who sets very high expectations and voices her critiques freely. She looks like she's always assured, but it turns out that she has her insecurities as well. I could resonate with her when she talked about handling responsibilities as an adult and how true freedom is hard to achieve. She's expected to anchor everything as the "eldest sister", but everyone (including viewers) seems to take it for granted. I really appreciate how despite her insecurities, she did an excellent job. She's not a Liu Tao. She's actually a lot softer and I think a great fit for this cast.
Qin Lan is the person that all of us wants to be. She always knows what to say and she was the main source of emotional support for everyone. I've seen comments saying that she's too smooth and thus difficult to see beyond her perfect facade, but I think otherwise. The fact that her innermost self is not exposed to the audience is part of the realism. One cannot expect people to show everything they are, because we all need time to open up. It's precisely because she's been through a lot that she's mellowed and knows what's the best way to handle things. She's added that to her personality; it is part of her. Nitpicking at how good of a person she is is just nonsensical. In the wrap up session, she herself talks about how she's envious of Xin Zhilei because Xin feels comfortable to show her real self, but I think there's nothing inherently wrong with not opening up your heart to everyone - it's a form of protection. And the contrast between the cast's personalities was what made them click.
Xin Zhilei is really interesting. She's not just hilarious and happy-go-lucky. She also has a sensitive side to her. I actually can see all the times where she picked up on emotional cues from the rest of the cast. She has this curious mix of bluntness and perceptiveness that is very charismatic, and I find it unsurprising that she came out of the show being the biggest winner, because she is just very very likeable. She made a great point when she said that this is just a short trip, and nothing will stay a problem if everyone is willing to let go. It's actually very simple to stay cordial for such a short duration, and that speaks volumes of the season that went haywire.
Dilraba is clearly an introvert, and arguably the most reserved among the cast. I can imagine that she must have taken a long time to even convince herself to be part of the show. How she behaves is actually typical of a kid who has been brought up very strictly. She has very strong morals and hates doing something "wrong". She has to struggle with herself whenever she inconveniences others. When I look at her in the show, my heart aches a little because I see me in her and I know the thought process she goes through. I actually think she's not as astute when it comes to reading people's feelings, but when she finds that someone is upset, she feels compelled to help. I can see why she's so well-liked. Especially when she told everyone how "big sister (Qin Hailu) wants to be the little sister too" and when she told Qin Lan "I'm here for you" when Qin Lan had to wake up early for her tour guide leg. I think those were equally as powerful as Qin Lan's "happy new year". At the very end of the show, Xin Zhilei also gave a glimpse of the innocent and kind girl she is when she brought up how Dilraba sent messages of encouragement to her back when they were both nobodies.
Zhao Zhaoyi has the misfortune of being the least known cast member. I have to admit that I barely noticed her, because I have never heard of her before I watched the show. She also didn't not get her chance to shine because her tour guide leg was interrupted by the blizzard. However, it's clear that she has an excellent personality. She's also really funny and catches on all of the different puns. I will put her second to Hu Xianxu when it comes to witty remarks. She's also surprisingly thoughtful for someone who seems so carefree on the surface. I also think she's has a great sense of responsibility, but we only saw a smitch of that at the end when navigating the bad weather in Iceland.
For the guys, Wang Anyu is a little on the obtuse side, or perhaps he's just not as seasoned compared to the rest of the cast. But contrary to how he was portrayed, I think the sisters actually think he did a great job. He was not super comprehensive in his plans, but I think the subconscious reliance the sisters had on him later shows that they all agree that he's Mr. Fixit on the team. I don't think he's sensitive; he's probably just a bit of a perfectionist. When he was finally relieved of his role, he had a complete change of personality and turned into this goofy little brother.
I was actually a little surprised by Hu Xianxu. He is very loquacious for a child actor. He has the ability to carry on a conversation forever. He, with Qin Lan, sets the mood in the room. He also makes frequent references to puns in his speech, sort of like dad jokes. It's very interesting because he's so young yet so mature at the same time. He is also very sharp, and probably the best tour guide candidate. I especially like how he handled the fact that Wang Anyu was shouldering too much of the load at the start, and told him tactfully that he could delegate tasks to him instead. He is like a mini-Qin Lan, always knowing what to do, just not nearly as personable.
I just love, love, love this cast and frankly I think it will be impossible to top this season.
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