This review may contain spoilers
this came as las minute show to watch
the show started a little boring but progressed as it went. the casting and acting was great.. loved the lead actors chemistry.the drama wasn't much which i enjoyed and the emotional aspect of the show was touching especially when the male lead mother dies.
I only wishes the second lead male and female either got together or had found an happy ending.
I loved the parents in the show because it gave character and enjoyment.
the show was overall a 9/10 for me . i would probably rewatch in the future.
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The Long Struggle To Watch
First off: good acting, in spite of what the scriptwriter and director provided.Still, the female lead was not so engaging in her facial expressions, and with disturbingly white capped teeth.
Chemistry of the lead couple also lacking.
The first 10 or 15 episodes it was not so much for two female characters being "lost in the world", as it was for the two male characters searching for them in an endless succession of scenes showing them riding and taking turns on empty wodded roads. They looked like idiots, and so felt I for still sticking to see the end of it.
Also, if one owns the fact that this story was inspired by a comics book story to the point of replacing battle scenes or large scale scenes with comics book style renditions, then why, oh why, the same one provides so called battle scenes with just two dozen extras. Again, not only it looks stupid and cheap, but also makes the one watching the series look stupid.
And the long, loooong scenes of people saying goodbye or saying hello. What's up with that so much irrelevant stuff on screen?
And the many instances of susspension of judgment, not of disbelief...
Just one case in point: closer to the end, one male character sets out to kill the one who killed the woman he loved, albeit in an unrequited love.
Anyway, a few frames down the road, he rides along the guy he wanted to execute. What happened? Who forgot who this guy was and what he was bent on doing?
What can I say?
A lot. Only that it will turn into a laundry list of "don'ts".
A looooong laundry list.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm a little ashamed I watched this one because it was quite appalling in its depiction of sexual assault and emotional manipulation between the two leads. Definitely a toxic relationship. This one was meant to pull on our heartstrings with that horrible breakup at the beginning. But all it ends up accomplishing is horror-stricken shock throughout its run. Would have been a better drama if the lead who was killed at the beginning successfully left his abusive lover at the end and it was shown how his life was better for it. Instead we were relegated to disquieting scenes of obsession and assault, non of which show real love. Ultimately, this drama had potential that was then torpedoed.
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"No One Can Judge Me but Myself"
First underrated gem of 2025! I had no idea this show even existed until I saw the trailer on X and was like wow, this looks good. I knew two of the leads and a few of the support; the writing, acting, storytelling, suspense, surprise it was all there.Pros: The iron triangle consisting of the leads that knew each other pretty much from childhood though the ML or XTS/XH and SML or SY/HX (but I will use SML in this review because his "adoptive father" had the same initials)lost contact with each other and only met in the first episode. The plots revolved around a main story of the deaths of ML's parents which SML witnessed but because he was hit hard suffered from amnesia and didn't figure out who he was until later in the show thanks to the help of the other two. TS was placed in a foster home run by FL or JC's mom, so that's how they met. JC and SML met at work as he was a cop and she was a coroner. Bring in TS, the arson investigator and they created the iron triangle; a formidable team and great friends especially when SML regained his memories. Now they were up against two narcissistic psychopath serial killers; HP and SY.
This series left you guessing about almost everything; and just as you thought you had figured it out, they threw a surprise that was like holy cow, I didn't see that coming at all! There were individual cases to solve during the entire show but it all came back one way or another to the same two people who repeated the line that is the title of this review. All those cases were great and really showcased the strengths of our iron triangle and their sidekicks and leaders. HP had an identical twin HJ (but were different as humans could be; one was a cowardly nerd that always impressed their dad and one was a narcissistic psychopath trying to get approval from his dad) and one of them died in an explosive car accident in the very beginning and the whole show it was assumed by some characters that it was HP that died while HJ survived and was the kind one. Though everyone had their doubts and rightfully so. He stayed under the radar and didn't start showing his true colors again until the end of the series.
SY meanwhile was the serial killer that killed however he wanted and taunted the police until the very end. He was under their noses the entire time as he raised SML after figuring out that he lost his memory in the explosion that killed TS's parents; orchestrated by him and HK (father of the twins) and carried out by HP. All because they thought TS' dad had discovered their drug operation. SY was also responsible for SML's father's death in a way though that was his first one. Once he adopted SML he basically drugged him in some way to keep him from remembering the past. And though loving and caring; he was manipulating and controlling his "son" for 18 years.
Now I won't go more into the show because then what's the point of watching but this was a show you just wanted to keep watching. I had only ever seen the actor who played SY in protagonist roles so to see him play this horrifying character was pretty neat and creepy as to how he nailed it. He could go from a loving and caring father to an emotionless monster in the flip of a switch. And you could see it coming. With HP, he would be fine and then he would just go ballistic screaming, punching, kicking, hitting. One would do things cleanly and meticulously while the other was a screeching lunatic. There were other villains that were part of this series but obviously less than and when their connection became clear if there was one, you would see just how complex things really were. Some of the cases were related and some weren't.
Sadly, we lost one our leads at the end but her going for that necklace would be the only way to pin the entire thing including her own death on HP and prove which twin it really was without a doubt. Every character was there for as long as they needed to be. The side kicks of all three leads were awesome and there was even some comedy. JC and her mom's arc was actually devastating because just as they more or less reconciled and mom wanted to learn how to be a good, loving mom to her daughter, she lost her forever.
I really wish this show had the proper promotion or any actually because it really deserved it. OSTs, fight scenes, fire scenes, etc were all on point. I can talk about this show and its characters for hours but then you wouldn't have a reason to watch lol.
Cons: Very few; one anticlimactic death of SY, throwing himself off the roof when cornered by SML (many of us thinking that going in for that hug he would have taken SML with him) and couldn't face punishment so as a coward who routinely played God with other peoples lives and thought of them as things and cases, as well as manipulated and drugged the only person he claimed to love, so he took the easy way out and I felt that just didn't really fit his character. He should have died in a fire and slowly; that would have been justice.
When JC traveled abroad to study, though she constantly refused HP's (HJ at the time) creepy offerings to stay at his house that she would find a place on her own, she still somehow ended up living with HJ's girlfriend's house. I thought that was too much of a coincidence. Though no one ever explained it, it was a huge loophole. Also, her coming home to find the girlfriend that disappeared like she was a cop getting herself also kidnapped in the process was just dumb. No idea how she managed to shake the cops following her which was stupid to begin with. That entire thing seemed to go against who she was as a character and her death was also beyond unnecessary. She could have gotten to the necklace and passed out and then recovered at the hospital. But no, they had to make TS lose his training skills as a firefighter when he found her unconscious on the floor and instead of scooping her up immediately and running out the door, he spent precious seconds shaking her before picking her up and walking out in almost slow motion. Like what? Her dying was completely nonsensical. That's it.
Would I recommend it? I absolutely would. This was a gritty, arson investigation drama that had everything you could ask for and more. If you like these types of shows, I'd have to say this is one of the better ones despite the cons.
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1 Litre of Tears deserves nothing less than a 10. This is my third time around watching it, and the only reason why I rated the rewatch value a 6 is because this is not an everyday drama, something you watch just to pass the time. It can be emotionally draining, and you need to be in the right sort of mood to watch it.
I wouldn't watch this drama all the time, but I would definitely recommend it to everyone out there. Whether you're a jdrama fan or not, I think everyone should watch 1 Litre of Tears at least once in their lifetime. Especially if you are a jdrama fan. How can you call yourself one if you've yet to see this? It's such a powerful drama. All about Aya, a 15 year old girl who's diagnosed with such a cruel disease. Her disease gradually takes away her motor functions, and little everyday things you and I take for granted.
This drama will open up your heart and really make you appreciate the abilities you have now. Ako (Aya's sister) says what I think is a pivotal message in this drama. "To actually have the ability, but to do nothing, I really don't like that." After watching this drama, you'll reevaluate everything. You'll definitely have a new outlook on life. I know I did. If this 15 year old girl, with such a hopelessly cruel disease is able to find a purpose to keep living, to keep pushing through to the next day, why can't any of us do the same?
1 Litre of Tears is near and dear to my heart. I love it so much. Of all the jdramas I've seen, I'd say this is the one everyone needs to watch. If you absolutely hate crying, and it's a deal breaker for you, then I can honestly say it's your loss. It's such a profound story, with an equally amazing cast, and the soundtrack is breathtaking. You're not human if your eyes don't at least water. Excellent drama.
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Falling High School Girl and Irresponsible Teacher Lesson 2
20 people found this review helpful
Should have been a special episode only…
Or they should have focused more on Haiba Jin’s point of view. It just did not have much substance for it to be this long.While I still enjoyed all the episodes, the excitement and anticipation from season one was not there. The whole season felt like a filler. There was not much change in the characters, their dynamics, little to no plot/relationships progression. It was just cute and funny scenes with overall maybe 20 minutes of important things happening that had some impact on the plot. Hence it would be better as a longer special episode.
I wish we had a whole season of what we saw in the last episode - finally getting to know Haiba Jin’s side of the story, his struggles. A little bit more of his serious side. Sadly, the majority of the screen time was still us watching Ochiai Mikoto through Haiba Jin’s eyes. More touches, more romantic scenes and more mutual feelings, but somehow I wished for more character’s progression…
I’d be lying if I said I did not enjoy it though. Hashimoto Ryo as Haiba Jin is unreasonably attractive so no matter what he did, I was glued to the screen. Takaishi Akari as Ochiai Mikoto was just as charming (if not even more) as in season one and her witty remarks and breaking the 4th wall comments brought smiles and laughter to my face. I did like how her gloomy nature did not magically vanish between the seasons - the girl is still depressed, but she is getting so much better now, one smile at the time.
I love the visuals and how at times not in touch with reality the show was. I’m sure I’m not the only one who got addicted to the quirky tone Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi presents.
Overall, it was not bad, but it has nothing on season 1. Felt like a transition phase, which might be the case if they decide to do season 3.
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I really fell attached with BT1989 and everything about it. There was a great blend of everything: family, first love, regrets, difficulties.. it was definitely my cup of tea. In my few years of drama watching, I've never heard of a plot like this drama. It's interesting, captivating, though quite confusing the more you think about it. It was so interesting to see how everything played out, and the writers definitely didn't let us down. However, TRIGGER WARNING for anyone uncomfortable with sexual assault. I did feel as though it got draggy near the end with the romance, but it was still an enjoyable watch. Many plot twists occurred that I didn't expect, and it had me on the edge of my seats with the different camera angles and shots. All the characters, as I've mentioned, I've become so attached with. While some were annoying at times, they each bring something important to the story. They made me laugh, cry, and shake my head in disbelief of how insane they were. We got your innocent and clumsy female lead and your smart and cool handsome male lead along with an adorable second couple and the awkward side characters that bring humour to any awkward situation, making it more awkward.
Some people really stood out with their acting, especially our second lead couple, which includes our second female lead Mini Tsai, and our second male lead Yorke Sun, both of whom I now adore their acting. It was nice seeing Ivy Shao play a different character from her cunning one in When I See You Again. However, I had mixed feelings on the main lead, Marcus Chang, though it was his first main role, so I still give him some credit. His crying made me laugh more than feel pity, but i could definitely see his improvement as the episodes progressed. Still not the best crier though, haha.
Besides the main theme song (you'll understand...), i loved the OST! I don't listen to them on a regular basis, but they suited the drama so well. They actually had hit songs from 1989, which was perfect for making it seem more realistic, along with a variety of songs that really scream Back to 1989. Besides Alien Huang, the rest were by more underrated or newer artists, so I was definitely intrigued. Now that I've finished the drama, I suddenly realize how amazing the soundtrack really is.
Overall, it has its flaws; it has a confusing conclusion with many issues still not explained, along with some draggy parts, but i loved this drama. It's what I looked forward to every Friday, and it was well produced, and it brought the feeling back of why i love Asian dramas. I'm so glad I found this, and I hope i persuaded some of you to watch it.
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This is a re-creation of the full drama, It's like watching the drama in two hours, the purpose of this special is to put focus on the relationship between Lee Sun Joon and Kim Yoon Shik (Kim Yoon He), you're not going to see anything related to the Geum Deung Ji Sa or the Red Messenger, and because of this, several scenes were cut but still I think that the story make sense.
They didn't put so much effort in showing the friendship between Joseon F4, and you should forget the wicked Ha In Soo because he appears only once in two hours.
The description says that there are interviews and behind-the-scenes but to be honest, I didn't see them, perhaps it was because I saw it in a Korean film festival.
That's it. If you already have watched the drama, you're going to see again those beautiful moments of Sun Joon and Yoon Shik <3 and If you are not sure about the plot, or 20 episodes are too much for you, just enjoy this special ^^
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In the beginning, the developing love story between the two lovers is very bright, innocent, and cheerful. However, unbeknownst to both, the insidious darkness that would eventually overshadow and overtake their courtship is also almost present from the beginning. I think the writers did a fine job of developing both the love story and the political strife simultaneously thus bringing both storylines to a culmination when both become dangerously and tragically entangled. It is also commendable the way the writers were able to seamlessly take the innocent premise of the genesis of the lovers’ courtship and turn it into a fatal circumstance, which almost proved fatal to the hero early in the story. It reinforces the way the seemingly “innocent” actions of the characters in this story can lead to unforeseeable and dire consequences.
As the story progressed along tragic lines, the love between the main couple begins to mature and truly shine as their affection and loyalty to each other is tested in the cruelest fashion. The best part about this is that both are fully aware of their morbid circumstances. They are not blinded by love. Both are fully aware of their duty to their families and try to abide by it even in spite of the deep love they share for each other. Nevertheless, as the injustices perpetrated by her father multiplied, the heroine is forced to take a stand of her own accord in answer to her own conscience.
Although this drama is remarkably well done, I think the thing that impressed me most is the deeply stirring love story. There aren’t a lot of love scenes compared to other Kdrama but every love scene that was done was meaningful, memorable, compelling, and brimming with chemistry. I really enjoyed the fact that both lovers were loyal and steadfast in their regard for each other from beginning to end even when there was little expectation that their love would see a happy conclusion. The love that they shared had that “against all odds” element to it. I also appreciated that the obstacles that kept them apart were valid and convincing rather than contrived like in a lot of other Kdrama. For once I didn’t have to roll my eyes while watching a kdrama.
I’ve seen all of Moon Chae Won’s drama where she’s played the lead including her most recent from 2012. I like her best in this drama most likely because of the character Se Ryung who, for me, is one of the best characters to grace the small screen in Kdrama. I think she did a fantastic job with Se Ryung’s character. I will never forget her. I’ve also seen all of Park Si Hoo’s drama except the one before The Princess Man. I like him best in this drama. His transformation from the bright charismatic Seung Yoo to the tragic Seung Yoo was well done in my opinion and I enjoyed it very much. While I like both characters independently, I love them best when they interact with each other. Their chemistry is extremely palpable. I don’t know if it might be due to the possibility that both actors became one with their characters but the emotional tenderness that they brought to the interactions between Seung Yoo and Se Ryung seemed so real that it astonishes. I think the acting from these two added immensely to unforgettable love story between Se Ryung and Seung Yoo.
The OST is poignantly beautiful. Every single song is germane to the love story and the producers used them effectively throughout the drama. Although it might seen like a particular song is repeated too often, it is only the case because it is relevant to the character or what is happening in the story at the time. For instance, "One Day of Love" is played a lot with Seung Yoo but that's because the song speaks of Seung Yoo's "sad fate" and his struggles over his love for the enemy's daughter. "I Love You Too" was often played in the beginning of the drama because at that time Se Ryung felt that her love was unrequited. "Goodbye My Love" is played only when the two couples in this story face the threat of permanent separation. The Italian theme "Destino" is used as a harbinger of doom and is very effective in heightening the chills that the drama gives off in grave scenes. Overall, the soundtrack is one of the best I've come across.
In conclusion, this drama has earned my earnest respect and appreciation. It is definitely my favorite Korean drama and unquestionably one of the best love story I have ever had the good fortune to watch accross all genre of fiction.
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Complicated
Firstly, I watch this series because of Zhang Miaoyi.After watching her in Exclusive Fairytale, When I Fly Towards You, Back to Seventeen, and Please Don't Spoil Me, I really felt the urge to watch this one.
It's all about love and hate here. Hence why it becomes soo complicated.
This drama told me that we can have more than one feeling to each other.
We can be enemies even we love each other, and any other complicated things from human relationships.
I can't say that I like this drama but the fact that every episode always engage me to watch the next episodes till the end is crazy. I never get boring once, just make it faster with 2× speed.
So, there's no any regrets after watching it. The ending is quite satisfying too.
There's no cringe scenes for me, the romance is enough too. Not too sweet but also not so plain. Everything is just make sense here.
They deserve more attention.
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cute and ridiculous at the same time.
this is a follow up / special episode(s) for the your sky series where we fallow Fah and Teerak and they continue with their relationship.honestly, it’s just a cute addition to their series and I for one loved it. was it ridiculous? absolutely. but that’s kinda the charm of your sky and ThomasKong.
I expect nothing less than good laughs, sweet, cute moments and well it’s Domundi so of course spice :)
10/10 for adorableness and I’m excited to see them being in so mild angst with In moving forward.
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Kind of a letdown and lack of chemistry
Overall this is an ok shirt series but I really wanted to love this because I really the two leads involved but man was this a letdown.The plot was fine but it could have been made more interesting with other things thrown in. Can't believe I'm saying this but I think this should have been at least 12 episodes so we could have gotten more substance. Some may see it as things just getting to the point but because of no misunderstandings or extra characters it made watching quite full. It also would have been way more believable that the leads had feelings for each other if the actors had more chemistry. It's weird cause in the promo interviews they had so much chemistry but somehow it didn't transfer to the big screen. I was kinda disappointed with the outcome of this drama not just because it felt rushed but the lack of chemistry made the ending feel undeserved.
If you're a fan of the main actors and you just wanna binge watch something short then watch this for sure. But if you want something with a bit more substance then this isn't for you.
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Plot :
It's a bit slow for me. It is so-so until its last few episodes, since I feel the need to anticipate how they untangle everything. The cause of her curse (being tasteless) is interesting for me. It jumps from comedic relief to drama to mystery to a bit thrilling moments. I think we should have no problem about it (fast forward button exists). I don't think I'm a fan of winery industry, but again, it's not really a big deal. It's fascinating enough to actually be exposed about new things.
Acting/ Cast :
Everyone is good. I just freaking LOVE OUR MAIN COUPLE THE OTHER COUPLE & EVERYONE I'M JUST FILLED WITH LOVE. I LOVE SONG YIREN SHE IS SO CUTE TOGETHER WITH SIMON! I'm—
I would love to see them again in another project. Simon's transition of character, I love it. He isn't expressionless, he's not monotonous. They look so comfortable with each other I SHIP SO MUCH *sigh* I love how everything is delivered well that I can feel the closeness btwn the main characters. Male characters in dramas ususally act cold & sometimes it makes me, as a viewer doesn't feel their chemistry on screen. But this one, my heart sometimes leapt lol I anticipated their scenes together in every episode.
I will definitely re-watch it (with a fast forward button, of course). I don't think my heart can take it, the fact Simon will be in another project with others because, Lu WeiXun & He BuZui are one of the best on screen couple!
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One of those underrated masterpieces
I saw a review saying that the movie might just have been a porno becauee of the graphic sexual content. I can't express how far over one's head the message of the movie might have gone for one to come to that conclusion.I was shaken with tears after watching this. It gives off such a heartwrenching, melancholy, gritty, yet hopeful vibe that had me hooked from beginning to end. The characters are deeply flawed and relationship is toxic. But that's fine with me, because they don't romantize it. One of the leads tells a story of how how badly your dishonesty with yourself can hurt other people around you. The other tells a story of how badly your honesty with your feelings might hurt you, even though you have no control over them. It's a haunting image of how hard reality can knock you to the ground.
The music was really nothing special, it could have done pretty fine witout it. I feel like the plot itself is fine, but it's not what drives the story; it's the characters. One thing I loved about them was how well contrasted the characters' motivations were. One's was simple and raw, the other's complex and devious. It could not have been possible to portray this the way it was portrayed without the marvellous acting. I have not read the book so I don't know how much was changed, but the actors carried out their scripted personalities like it was a dance on roses.
This movie deserves you time. Just maybe don't watch it if you're feeling for something light hearted tonight.
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