Reviews

" Someday or one day " was an exceptional drama.

Honestly, most of the drama from Taiwan that I've watched were a bit boring, except from the comedies. So, I was not really looking forward watching this, or even picking it up. Plus, there was a lot of buzz around it, which mostly means that the drama is just popular and not that good. So, for those second thinking watching this because of its popularity, my advise is to give it a try.

The drama combined my favourite genres, melodrama (and boy did it have lots and lots of dark themes, tragedy, drama, pain and angst), school romance (first love, youth, innocence, freshness, sweetness) and mystery (with lots and lots and lots of twists that didn't really tire the viewer). The plot was beautifully presented, with things getting confusing at times, but if you stick to it, they do explain things and, in the end, the conclusion is satisfying and original. So, the story was great, with many leyers and a solid mystery and an intense romance.

The characters were realistic, as well, and they didn't overeacter, which I appreciated a lot. For example, the girl didn't start obsessing and dramatising things, clinging on the boy, even though she had been looking for her boyfriend who looked exactly like him for years, missing him like crazy. On that note, the leading lady was perfect, and she did an amazing job with the two characters. Her 2019 one was actually very likable and entertaining. The comedy moments were much appreciated too. The rest of the cast did an amazing job as well. Finally, the pace was perfect and the

So, overall, nine out of ten.

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I really wanted this to be great, but.......

Going into this drama I had such high hopes that this would be a great watch, it contained a story that I was familiar with, having previously watched the donghua and it was to feature Xu Kai as the male lead. I 've seen several drama's of his and generally enjoyed them
Unfortunately having trudged my way through 40 episodes of this drama, for me, it was a real mess. Based on the plot it amazes me that the demons actually lost. Throughout much of the drama the demons were clearly more intelligent and made sensible plans. Ironically, any plans that they did make didn't even have to be that good, as their opponents were actually rather stupid.

If this had been a boxing match the referee would have stopped the fight and awarded the victory to the demons. It was not even close.

From the opening episode I was instantly concerned on what was to come based on the appearance of one the casts prosthetic mask. I assume it was a mask and not CGI either way it was just plain bad.

The script gave our main cast very little to work with throughout and the carnage that swept through so many of the cast might have been a relief to some, as at least they could get away from a nonsensical plot.

I don't know if the director purposedly wanted to avoid any similarities to the donghua, if so, they certainly accomplished it. All the things that I enjoyed about the donghua and had me so excited to see the live action version were missing.

There also seemed far to much screen time given to characters other than the leads. In some episodes, if you blinked you would have missed Xu Kai And Gulnezer Bextiya despite them being the leads.

To some, the happy ending that was given to our main leads might have been welcome, to me it felt completely forced and very contrived. After watching it, and getting over the fact the demons actually lost, I came away thinking that was some kind of an attempt at fan service. I was suddenly supposed to forget the previous 39 episodes and be pleased with the ending! Sadly, it didn't work.

The performance of the cast, despite the flaws with in the plot should be admired, they really did try. Despite all the limitations they were presented, the cast did a good job, I did like the chemistry between the leads unfortunately the lack of screen time didn't help them though.

Xu Kai spear skills, which I'm told were real were also excellent and certainly a highlight when we got to see them.

I really did want this drama to be great but even Xu Kai and the efforts of the entire cast couldn't save it.

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Thrill ride

Truth be told, I don’t have extensive experience with this type of republican drama, which makes it difficult for me to draw comparisons with others in a similar genre. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to share more of my thoughts about this one.

From start to finish, the story was solid. There weren’t any unnecessary scenes or dialogue, and the pacing was just right—not too slow and not too fast. I initially watched this because of Zheyuan, and I was a bit worried about the potential political elements since they usually bore me to tears. Thankfully, this one steered clear of that.

The development of the characters was meticulously crafted, a step-by-step progression that led them to their current states, rather than experiencing sudden, overnight changes of heart. It was genuinely heartwarming to see Lin Shaobai evolve from a passionate (albeit a bit arrogant) young police officer into the reliable and thoughtful man he becomes in the second half of the story. At first, his bond with Lu Zhengyang was a bit frustrating since Lu Zhengyang was too stubborn to see things from Shaobai's perspective, but thankfully they manage to work through their issues. Given their age and generational gap, it made their differences a bit easier to handle.

Now, diving into the other characters, Shrike definitely deserved a more painful ending. He spent years torturing and ruining the lives of others, and it seemed far too easy for him to meet such a quick death; it felt almost merciful. As for his wife, she also deserved a more excruciating fate. While for Xu Wei, it seems they aimed to portray his death as heroic, but that approach didn’t resonate with me. While it’s true that Shaobai and Jin Yan wouldn’t have made it out alive without his assistance, he had several opportunities to redeem himself but chose not to. From the very beginning, he knew that his wife and child would remain in danger, regardless of how hard he worked for Shrike. Yet he was blinded by his pursuit of power and wealth. So, any so-called redemption arc or whatever they tried to push was total bullcrap. Xu Wei got no less than what he deserved, much like Jin Maochang. I could say I feel a bit sorry for him because the despicable deeds he committed weren’t for fun or simply for money and power, but rather out of love for his daughter. I dare say he’s better than Xu Wei, as he repeatedly tried to eliminate Shrike, even if it was also motivated by a desire to save himself. So, yeah, he better be dead.

As for the acting, bold italic and underline: top notch. And I can’t help but indulge myself by praising Zheyuan this time. Most of the cast consists of veteran actors and actresses, yet Zheyuan managed to hold his ground; there wasn’t a single moment in the entire 38 episodes where he seemed out of place. The scene where Shaobai and Jin Yan were crying in the car was absolutely off the charts; they needed no lines to convey their emotions. Jin Yan's crying scene after her father's death was also nothing short of terrific. Speaking of Shaobai and Jin Yan, I really don’t mind how their story unfolded. They might not be together (yet) by the end of the story, but it feels very fitting. If they had tossed in any hints of romance at the end, it would have felt way too sudden.

But, I have to say, I have a little complaint: the ending would’ve felt more realistic if Jin Yan wasn’t lying in the hospital bed. She only got stabbed once in the back, while Shaobai was shot multiple times, so how did she end up in worse condition than him? He even managed to go out and get a haircut. I really hope the reasoning behind this isn’t just because Shaobai is a man and Jin Yan is a woman.

Well overall, this drama was terrific. Amid all the seriousness and importance of their job, the comedic relief felt perfectly timed. Some scenes had me cracking up, and I loved every second of it. This whole viewing experience could very well be the catalyst that encourages me to explore more dramas in a similar genre in the future.

(Ps. Sending love and hugs to Huzi. In every drama, it feels like there’s always a need for a close friend or family member to be sacrificed toward the end. This time, it was Huzi who had the unfortunate honor of fulfilling that sentimental role.)

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I'll admit right off the bat that I was itching to write a review on this, but I actually watched the drama a year ago. I still remember it vividly though, and of course Min Ho. nomnomnom

I really enjoyed the drama, probably more than I thought I would. I liked a lot of things about it. I'll be honest and say that I was really suspicious about it at first, because, well, portal through time? I mean, it doesn't get more cliche and wierd than that. But, oddly, I think they pulled it off really well. Not to mention the age difference between LMH and KHS--10 years! I couldn't tell a bit, I really liked her character. She had a pretty good back bone, if I remember correctly. She was really funny, too.

I liked the pace of the relationship, too. It was slow and steady, but I believed it. It was truly beautiful if you ask me. Their love was right up there with GX and MC from Autumn Concierto. There may not have been a lot of kissing and things like that, but there were cute moments, too. The little things, I liked those. The simple gestures were very telling. In the beginning and a little of the middle, I was frustrated that there wasn't much interaction between the two, but then I began to be okay with that. Siting on his lap and holding hands, things like that, they were more important to me. I still wish there would have been ONE more juicy kiss, but that's the dirty drama noona inside of me talking. hahaha

I have to admit, the drama and main evil-doer in the show really bothered me, and I won't lie and say that I didn't skip over some parts in the middle and end. I think it was more because of his annoying face than the drama itself. I can get past some difficult stuff, but his character just really annoyed the piss out of me.

This drama deffinitely had me crying a couple different types, especially the ending. A lot of people don't like the ending because it was vague, but I think they just left it to our imaginations. They're together, that's all that matters. What, you wanted to see a wedding? Meh, I was just happy with the ending they gave me. I thought it was really clever, too. The supernatural aspect of the story... I really thought I wouldn't believe it. I thought it would get too cheesy and weird, but it actually wasn't so bad.

Also, the mystery of the story I liked too. Believe it or not there is a little mystery in it. You find out at the end, but throughout the whole story you're slowly piecing things together. It's really strange, but I liked it. A mystery within a melodrama within a romance. It really nabbed everything for me. It's in my all time favorites, or close to it, if not for the damned annoying guy. -_-"

I'll be honest and say that this is the kind of role I wish I saw LMH in more. I've seen him in several other dramas, and I really appreciate him in these darker more serious roles. Not only because he's completely SIZZLING HOT when he's serious in that armor, but because I think he gets stuck in immature highschool roles too much, and I don't think Heirs is the last time we'll see him in a highschool role. I haven't seen City Hunter yet, but I kind of want to so I can see another serious character.
LMH doesn't get all the credit, though, KHS was very good, too. Not only did she not look a day over 25, but she was a good actor, too. If I'm not mistaken, this drama was her comeback. She took a break after she had a kid (or 2?). I can't believe she looks so beautiful, I really liked it. She played her character well, too. Eun Soo was a very bright, but funny girl. She was smart, and she could be serious, but she was also fun, exciting, and almost a little impulsive. The character development in this drama was good, too, including the Emperor and Empress. Their relationship was kind of funny, to be honest. I found myself engaged and interested in their relationship just as much as LMH and KHS's. The side plots and romance in this show were very thought out.

It's sad that some people really don't like this show. Some don't like the set, or the story. It's true, this story was actually supposed to be something else, but something happened and their budget dropped off so the magic and editing was a little underdone, to some people. But I, personally, am a story and acting kind of person over a CGI and appearance person. I liked it for what it was, not what it could have been.

If you are interested in a serious Lee Min Ho, a touch of magic, and a historical drama this is the one for you. I highly recommend it!

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How might one describe the taste of peppermint? Refreshing and cool? Slightly sweet? How about the “clean” sensation left over once the candy has gone? In this intense and emotionally raw film, the peppermint transforms from mere confection into the reminder of one man’s lost innocence—and arguably, that of South Korea after the war. Though we might bite into the peppermint hoping for sweeter breath, whatever has dirtied the mouth still remains. So it goes with the attempt to live decently again, once personal sins and harrowing experiences begin to take their toll.

One might notice something unusual about Peppermint Candy straightaway: it’s backwards. It affects a non-linear structure, forcing the viewer to witness the lead’s story in reverse chronology. We start with a broken maniac ready to commit suicide on some train tracks, and end with a starry-eyed youth, happy and in love. What must have happened between these two points to result in such a drastic change?

That is what the viewer must uncover, journeying back through the years 1999 to 1979. The film separates into several segments to allow this, pinpointing only the most important details of the character’s life.

These specific years represent tremendous importance to the narrative, especially those sequences spent in the 1980’s. That decade was a particularly troubled one for South Korea; police brutality and government-sanctioned violence were not uncommon, as seen from the infamous protest crackdowns portrayed here in unabashed detail. The country many of us know and love today was a totally different place in that era.

Peppermint Candy relies heavily on visual motifs, particularly moving trains and the namesake sweets themselves. Trains appear at pivotal moments, usually during (or after) an unfortunate action taken by the lead. When I noticed this happening, the effect chilled; my stomach automatically dropped and I almost felt cold. Because the story segments are also broken up by footage taken from the back of a train, the effect is twofold. Note also the pensive string music which accompanies these instances. Other details become apparent over the course of the film; names and objects which make no sense in one part suddenly burst with recognition in another.

After seeing him as Kim Yong Ho, our tragic main character, Sol Kyung Gu definitely has my respect as an artist. He impressed unilaterally, whatever incarnation of the man he needed to portray. I hated and feared Yong Ho, I judged and even pitied him—but above all, I understood him. All this thanks to a masterful performance by a true talent. Moon So Ri also acted memorably, despite appearing very little; her Yun Sun Im was so built up, so discussed, over the course of the film, that it would have been easy to disappoint. She did not. The supporting cast does just as well, playing off the leads without drawing away focus.

Those viewers who devour character studies, art films, powerful acting, or are just looking for something different might take interest in Peppermint Candy. Please be warned that this movie contains varying degrees of violence, brief nudity, and depicts suicidal tendencies. Certain scenes can be disturbing.

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STORY: Black has been one of my favourite dramas, even though it is boring at times. Sometimes it feels like you need a flowchart to keep up because it does get quite confusing. The murder/prostitution cases are all connected in one way or another and it is surprising. But the problem is that some are connected in *unrealistic* ways. It is weird how they are all linked and just when you have one thing figured out, another piece of evidence joins the puzzle. By the end of the journey you are hit with emotions such as sadness, excitement, frustration and overall exhaustion. The ending was kinda satisfactory. It was bitter sweet. But I read somewhere that it was supposed to be a really sad ending and the director changed it to a somewhat happy ending last minute, thus making it a tiny bit tacky. Also, Go Ah Ra's character could have had more development, but that is just my opinion. In addition, you can tell that some parts are utter garbage and boring filler.

ACTING/CASTING: I have read a lot of comments stating that they don’t like Go Ah Ra and her acting. Saying that she portrays the character to be a whiny brat. Her acting was mundane but it was satisfying enough to display the character. As for the other actors/actress’ I believe that the acting was wonderfully done, showing true emotions. I couldn’t stop crying during episode 17 and 18 because of the Song Seung Heon’s acting. Also, Woo Hyun’s portrayal of his character was accurate and remarkable.

MUSIC: The music was standard but I really liked the original sound track. My favourite from the OST would be Another Me sung by Min Chae. But I also loved the others. If you haven't checked out the original sound track for this show, you definitely should!

REWATCH VALUE: The re-watch value is kinda high. I have already seen some episodes twice.

CONCLUSION: Black is a good K-Drama. I recommend this drama and I hope you give it a chance. I am sad that it’s over. It had its good and bad parts. Beautifully shot as well. Massive credit to writers, the director, actors/actress’ and other staff for making this drama. And I know I might be biased but this drama does hold a special place in my heart. No matter how boring some parts were.

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gimme gimme more gimme gimme more

You should probably most definitely watch it. There’s something about this drama that just has me dangling on a hook. The chemistry between both couples give me life. Granted I’m a little skeptical about the age difference with one of the main couples with one of the main leads still in highschool presumptuously but the other male leads character doesn’t seem that old so but ANYWAYS I GOT OFF TRACK. As an avid BL watcher of all countries Taiwan has some of my favorites as in this one we get so many cameos of iconic bl duos so that also has me thrilled!
So I actually take back my starting sentence with probably most definitely watch and instead replace it with you absolutely most definitely should watch.

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Was It Love , Or A Waste of Time?

As Korean romance dramas go, “ Was it Love?” certainly wasn’t one of the worst Korean dramas out there, with some intriguing themes tackled such as motherhood, parentage and abortion as well.

What is fair to say, however, is that “ Was it Love?” had so many opportunities throughout the drama to play upon its own cliches of the mysterious father, particularly through Noh Ae-jung ( Song Ji hyo)’s daughter, Ha-nee ( Uhm Chae-young )’s being allowed to bond with her potential fathers in equal manners such as ;
famous actor Ryu Jin ( Song Jong ho), financial head Koo Pa-do ( Kim Moon Joon) , P.E. teacher Oh Yeon-woo ( Koo Ja- Sung) and novelist Oh Dae- Oh ( Son Ho Jun) respectfully throughout the entirety of the show.

Although Song Ji hyo did captivate some of the elements of her character’s determination upon screen at times ( in addition to the scriptwriting ), her acting at times seemed a little wooden and thus didn’t help in making Ae-Jung’s personality seem often very lacklustre.

Of course that’s not to say that Ae- Jung was quintessentially a terrible character as there is no denying that Ae-Jung did seem to share genuine love and affection for both her daughter and her mother Choi Hyang-ja ( Kim Mi Kyung) throughout the drama . On the other hand, “ Was it Love?” ‘s biggest flaw soon became apparent by the scriptwriters’ decision to cram-in as much plot focus upon the aspects of Ae- Jung’s seemingly lingering “chemical” relationships with each of the respected male leads of the drama. Although it was undeniable that most of the actors were fairly brilliant in their respected roles, there were too many cliches which brought lacking emphasis upon characters such as Pa-do ( especially with the whole doppelgänger trope) and Yeon- woo as plot devices , rather than as individuals over the course of the drama.

As a romance drama there isn’t anything entirely wrong with this format, however, in making this decision, there was little actual focus upon Ae- Jung’s development as a character as well upon her familial bond with her daughter.

Although an undeniable driving factor of the series was the actual question of Ha- nee’s biological father and the miscommunication between daughter and mother adding to the final climax , it’s fair to say that the ending revelation could not help but severely highlight and question a lot of Ae-Jung’s decisions.

It’s natural to see what Ae-Jung was trying to do in shielding the truth from Ha- nee; she had raised her for nearly fourteen years a as a single parent and Ha- nee finding out the truth about her father would threaten their relationship a lot. On the other hand what did not seem particularly fair was that it hadn’t crossed Ae- Jung’s mind even when her mother mentioned Ha-nee’s interest in finding out more about her father, to at least sit down and give Ha- nee, the respect and liberty to ask about the matter . This was initially ( regardless of events ) quite a selfish act committed by Ae-Jung , both for Ha-nee as well as her father, who is later revealed to be oblivious to the fact that he even had a daughter in the first place.

This is also what bothered me a little but about Ha-nee’s sudden shift from intrigue and wonder over her father to suddenly acting hostile the minute she actually finds out who he is. Whilst I can understand Ha- nee acting this way to some extent when she learns of some of the events and hardships her mother was put through, it just didn’t add up to Ha-nee’s character by not having a moment of actual intrigue or an attempt to get to know him more affectionately, even once in the show ( without being forced of course). If the plot tropes and cliches weren’t bad enough, the cliche of Ha- nee’s ending is even stranger with little actual necessity or purpose apart from wanting to give viewers a “ happy ending”.

Overall “ Was it Love?” is a perfect example of a “ throwaway drama”; easy to binge- watch without a second thought, but certainly lacking within memorability, characters and plot development as a consequence of cliches and tropes adding little value to the actual drama. Whilst enjoyable with certain comical elements, the show was certainly a waste of time if you’re looking for something to actually invest in.

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An amazingly well done Sci-Fi movie!!

Wow, this was epic. I didn't expect too much from a movie that is basically a promotion and introduction for a debuting boygroup, but this movie became one of my favorites. The story was intriguing from the very first minute and you got to see the future, the past, and the present that all lead up to a fascinating timeline.

The production was incredible. The quality of this was seriously so high, I was blown away. It has nothing to do with Kpop or an entertainment company, it is a really well executed movie that includes tragic scenes that made me tear up, well done action, fighting and supernatural scenes, funny scenes that made me smile and you got slice of life as well! The soundtrack was fitting, the effects were great (the only thing bothering me was that talking plush bear...but whatever).

The actors were amazing, too! Of course the focus was on the P1Harmony boys, and they truly did an awesome job. As far as I know, it's their first time acting and each one of them smashed it! Nevertheless, the other actors got their limelight as well, and they made this whole movie so enjoyable and realistic. Every character was interesting and got portrayed perfectly, and it makes me want to know more about them and their story.

Now really, I am not praising this because I am a fan of P1Harmony (who literally did their debut AFTER this movie, so I did not even know them when watching). Actually, that's the only thing that i dislike about this movie: that it's seemingly only for promoting their debut. Like, give me more of the movie, of that story, of all the different characters!!
I love this so much, and I am not quite satisfied with the end, because it leaves so many things open. I hope that this movie will be continued, because it has so much potential.

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A Sugary Sweet Romance Story...

Love is Sweet accounts the tale of emotionally sensitive and hardworking investor Jiang Jun ( Bai Lu) , who after landing a place at MH firm, runs into her old childhood friend Yuan Shuai ( Luo Yunxi) , now one of her conniving bosses determined to make her life a living hell. As Jiang Jun tries to guide her new career between work and making allies with the sudden arrival of a new friend from a rival company Du Lei ( Gao Hanyu) , Yuan Shuai’s secret feelings from his youth are rekindled again for Jiang Jun, as Jiang Jun finds herself more and more bamboozled by Shuai’s actions.

As you may have guessed, Love Is Sweet is filled with all the cliches and certainly isn’t what I’d typically define as “ original” or “ unique” in regards to a new concept for a Chinese drama. From high school crushes, boss and worker / cohabitation romances , excessive product placement ( looking at you Burberry ) and the “ older woman and younger man” tropes, it certainly does beg the question what on Earth is the point of watching a drama which has been seen and done before a million times.

Going into Love is Sweet with zero expectations ( and certainly seeing this concept done incessantly in Chinese Dramas before ), one of the things which immediately clarified the answer to this question for me, was its ability to hook you as a watcher from episode 1 ( despite the tropes) , something which must exceedingly be praised as a consequence of relationships between characters and of course the cast‘s acting abilities . None is this more shown than Bai Lu’s portrayal as Jiang Jun. Whilst I will be honest that Bai Lu didn’t entirely tread new ground within her new portrayal as the “ workaholic, independent woman” trope, yet, she did perfectly capture the essence of a successful, yet hardworking and emotionally- driven businesswoman (something which I wish some Chinese dramas would portray more in romance dramas rather than the “ airhead “archetype ). In addition to this, there is no denying that Bai Lu’s chemistry and the scriptwriting for her character was approached in a refreshingly modern manner to her romance with , Luo Yunxi’s character, Yuan Shuai.

Again, the relationship between Yuan Shuai and Jiang Jun has been seen and done before a million times in Asian Dramas, but, the one thing which did impress me in a more realistic manner ( and no, we are not talking about Shuai’s aftermath of excessive product placement in buying her gifts ) to their relationship rather than the “ tight embrace; do or die ” approach of most asian dramas, was that refreshing respect and obstacles within their relationship as two working individuals. This was shown particularly throughout the drama by ; the distances sometimes their jobs presented within travel, the occasional arguments and the respectful distance that the characters would take as well as respect of privacy ( well, in most cases),and of course ,Yuan Shuai’s refreshing speech near the end of the show, where he tells Jun that he will respect her choices, just as he hopes that she will respect his. Undeniably, this is something which was brilliantly portrayed by Bai Lu’s costar, Luo Yunxi, who took upon the role as the smart yet love crazy businessman brilliantly, and a portrayal which I hope that Asian Dramas seek to explore more often.

Like with all dramas, however, there is the dreaded cliches of love triangles without respect to the characters’ contrasting personalities in a forced manner, particularly through Du Lei ‘s sudden transition to feelings for Jiang Jun and of course, Jiang Jun’s supervisor Qiao Na ( Zhao Yuan Yuan)’s “ feelings since she knew him” cliche for Shuai. Whilst thankfully the show didn’t dive into the oldest trope in the book by putting Qiao Na and Du Lei together, there was still a lot of inconsistently with the love interests here for the leads; not least destroying the friendship between Du Lei and Jiang Jun ( with little redemption either ) and writing off Qiao Na’s feelings in order to make way for the relationship with Jiang Jun and Shuai by pairing her with a younger lead by the end of a drama. Whilst there was certainly nothing entirely wrong with deciding new love interests both characters, the way this was done demeaned a lot of unnecessary time in the show apart the obvious “ spanner in the works of love” trope, which took away a lot from both these characters as individuals.

On a more positive note, I was mildly surprised by the emotional depth behind the build-up of the relationship between Jiang Jun’s best friend Xu Li ( Shane Xiao) and Shuai’s younger cousin and technology genius Li Xiao
Chuan ( Riley Wang). Playing upon the overrused cliche of the “ older, slightly ditzy” woman and the “ younger, attractive and cool- headed” boy, it was inevitable both leads would end up with one another through the “ opposites, attract” scenario, yet, what did surprise me was that rather than the female lead entirely chasing after the Male lead, the show reversed the old trope by providing the Male lead being in the female lead’s shoes later in the show; as shown with his jealousy when Xu Li is “ being hit on ” by another guy. Whilst there are a couple of criticisms I do have within the portrayal of Xiao Chuan’s controlling nature over Xu Li at times during later scenes , it was a surprising reverse on the trope to see a level of depth to this cliche.

Overall, it’s fair to say that Love Is Sweet doesn’t tread on new ground with overrused tropes, product placement and inconsistencies for a romance drama. Despite this , it was a surprisingly enjoyable show within watching our two leads and our side couples slowly developing over the course of the drama without toxicity and often realistic mutual respect in their relationships , something which I’d hope more Asian Dramas will be able to portray in the future.

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The WTF value

DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE MOVIE YET. I'M WARNING YOU NOW BECAUSE IT CONTAINS A BIT TOO MANY SPOILERS.









Before I get into the actual review of the film, I'd just like to say this really quickly; I must be a really messed up person to enjoy this movie as much as I did... This was a 10/10 for me. I'd also like to point this out: I didn't read the manga because the film is the way I found out about the story. Forgive me for getting loads of stuff wrong, please.

The plot of the movie was a whole lot of wtfuckery that I can't truly summarize into a few words, so with that said, here we go:
The start of the movie made me so goddamn confused at first because of the whole Makoto being tied up already on the bed when Ryoji walks in as if seeing the guy tied to the bed as a normal situation. Yes, he is the one who had captured and tied him up but the fact that he doesn't show any amount of an expression upon seeing Makoto awake and being scared out his wits has me questioning things. 8/10

One thing is for sure, I did in fact enjoy the film. Not only for the story line, the music or just the actual thing as a whole, but over all, I enjoyed it a bit too much, I'd say.

The actors were a bit iffy at times but I can approve of their acting skills. They're talented in conveying what is going on just through their actions alone. I'd even go as far as saying that I liked Watanabe Sho's acting over Kitadai Takashi's more. 7.5/10

The music as far as I could tell was enjoyable. A bit of mystery filled tunes but also an eerie type of feel to it, too. Haunting and enjoyable, at the same time. 10/10 for me.

Would I re-watch it? Maybe once just to see if I can clearly see what it's truly about even though it is already laid out in full. A man, who has lost his parents to an accident, feels like he doesn't have the will to live, tries to commit suicide only for another man to save him just before he even gets the chance to. Being kidnapped basically instantly afterward, used as a sex slave(as a way to make him feel alive? WTF) and then being released as if it didn't happen; only to then have sex at the end of the film again after the man who kidnapped him tried to kill himself, too. HUH. Instant mindfuck. 5.0/10

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A Gentle Masterpiece That Redefines GL

“Us The Series” is, without a doubt, my favorite show of all time. I’ve rewatched it almost every day since it first aired, and each time it still feels like a warm hug.

The story is captivating, but not in the usual “constant drama” way. For some, it might seem slow or uneventful, but only if you don’t truly understand what the show is about. It isn’t filled with endless breakups, forced misunderstandings, or toxic love tropes. There aren’t many explicit scenes, and there’s no over-the-top fighting or constant tension. Instead, “Us” dares to do something rare for a GL: it focuses on genuine love, growth, and healing.

The heart of the story lies in its two leads.

Dokrak (Bonnie) is a simple, genuine soul. She grew up in a hostile environment but refused to let it change her. She fought to keep love and sincerity alive in her life, always seeing the best in people.
Pam (Emi) is her opposite, a woman carrying deep trauma, mistrust, and the belief that letting anyone close would only lead to pain. It’s only when she meets Dokrak that she learns a beautiful lesson: being loved can be simple, natural, and life-changing.

Unlike most GLs that focus on the couple’s internal drama, “Us The Series” lets external events shape their journey. Together, they navigate the world, heal old wounds, and teach each other (and the viewers) that:

It’s okay to let yourself be loved.
It’s okay to let go of the past that hurt you.
It’s okay to accept a future that heals you.

The plot is thoughtful, the characters are perfectly written, and the development of their relationship feels real and deeply earned. This show redefined what a GL can be, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you want a story that will stay in your heart long after it ends, “Us The Series” is the one.

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Based on a pair of popular novels from award-winning author Jun Ikeido (notably a former bank employee himself), Hanzawa Naoki has enjoyed monumental success. Ratings opened through the roof in Japan and, continuing to rise every week, eventually stood at a dazzling 42% on the finale. Even more impressive is how the Japanese have embraced this drama and its titular character, almost to the point of pop culture status. When people start naming limited edition breads after something, you know it has to be special.



Hanzawa Naoki treads the waters of Japanese financial culture, following a brilliant man who dove in after experiencing its volatility firsthand. The main body of the tale begins once this man, Hanzawa, has established himself at the management level of a certain bank. We follow him through two intense loan crises, each taking five of the total ten episodes. While the first, occurring in Osaka, is truly excellent, this drama shines most brightly in the second (Tokyo). Everything feels tighter, more intense, and more character development occurs; the first half is merely beautiful set-up in comparison. If you feel daunted by business talk, don't worry. With a clear narrative careful to explain everything, Hanzawa Naoki is very accessible. Long story short, this is an intense and unpredictable drama -- sure to get hearts pounding and fists pumping. Bring on a sequel, I say!



Sakai Masato, one of the finest actors currently working in Japan, is the real draw here. As Hanzawa himself, Sakai-san oozes nuance and dynamic characterization. How hard it must be to portray this samurai-like banker, full of ferocity and compassion at once! But he makes it look easy, with his sharp and seemingly effortless performance. Even his delivery of the now-famous catchphrase: "If you screw me, I'll screw you back. It's double the payback!" induces goosebumps.



Of the supporting cast, Takito Kenichi (troubled Kondo) and Oikawa Mitsuhiro (cheerful Tomari), are memorable as Hanzawa's old compatriots. Their chemistry with Sakai-san is really wonderful, especially during the Tokyo arc. Some intense kendo practices occur between Hanzawa and Kondo, making for telling character interaction. Also featured, veteran Kagawa Teruyuki rounds out the talent as deliciously two-faced Owada.



Sweeping, dramatic instrumentals fill every scene. They are of a cinematic quality, perfectly placed, and unique. Without realizing it, I recently found myself humming the theme song while doing laundry. Though there are no traditional vocal pieces, you won't even notice.

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Don't Miss This: Must Watch! Highly Recommended!

A gentle heads-up upfront: this piece touches on my overall journey through the three seasons. My aim isn’t to reveal surprises, but to share the feelings this series evoked the questions it raised, the emotional connections I made, and the reasons I’ve become deeply attached to the story. This is my personal reflection from the very first episode of S1 to the end of S3, and I want to convey why this is a series you simply have to watch. 10/10 for me.

Season 1: The Start – When I Knew I’d Found Something Special

It all began in (2022), on a quiet evening while browsing for something new. Little did I know that the next 36 episodes would mark the start of a journey I would follow for years. Season 1 deftly introduced Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming two men of contrasting personalities, yet their partnership would become the beating heart of the entire series.

Lu was every bit the warrior: as deputy minister of the Grand Court of Justice, he wielded a sharp sword and an even sharper sense of justice, often leading him into precarious situations. Su, in contrast, was a registrar of cleverness, possessing a quick tongue and a gift for uncovering secrets he solved cases not with force, but with keen observation and wit. Together, they navigated mysteries that seamlessly blended the supernatural with the deeply human. I was immediately drawn in by how the narrative explored the complexities of human nature, set against the backdrop of a richly realized historical period.

One of the moments that resonated most from S1’s finale involved Lu and Su confronting an impossible choice between loyalty and duty. The scene where they stood together, refusing to compromise their values, remains etched in my mind. It was at this point that I recognized this was far more than just a costume drama; it was a profound exploration of courage, integrity, and the strength of true friendship. The final scene, with the pair vowing to continue their fight for what’s right, left me eagerly anticipating what was to come.

Season 2: To the West – When the Story Grew Richer

When S2 arrived in (2024), I felt a sense of nervous anticipation. Could it possibly live up to the magic of S1? Within the opening minutes of the first episode, all my doubts vanished. Under the direction of Bai Shan, this 40-episode arc transported Lu and Su on a perilous journey to the western regions of the Tang during Emperor Ruizong’s reign. The empire remained grand and prosperous, but beneath the surface, dark forces stirred, and strange incidents plagued the countryside.

One of the storylines that struck me most deeply involved a village terrorized by a “shadow demon.” As Lu and Su investigated, they unearthed a tragic truth regarding the pain and injustice that can drive people to desperate measures. The narrative served as a potent reminder that the most terrifying entities aren't always the supernatural, but the very real demons that reside within the human heart.

Season 2 also injected fresh energy into the team with the introduction of new faces. However, it wasn't without its challenges. Lu was forced to confront a personal crisis when a secret from his past threatened to unravel his world. Throughout it all, Su remained steadfast, their bond of friendship deepening with each obstacle they overcame. By the season's end, with the duo setting their sights back on Chang’an, I was convinced that the series was only continuing to ascend.

Season 3: To Chang’an – And Then Came S3

And then came S3 (2025) a chapter that captured everything I loved about the series and elevated it to unprecedented heights. Under the direction of Ju Xingmao, this 40-episode season brought Lu and Su back to the capital, where they were tasked with escorting a golden peach tribute from the Kingdom of Kang. What initially appeared as a straightforward assignment soon spiraled into something far more intricate: Chang’an was in a state of turmoil, with political intrigue permeating every corner of the city.

The team established their base at the Sushan Inn, covertly transforming it into an intelligence hub, and initiated a “citywide investigation model” to tackle a series of bizarre cases. What I found particularly compelling was how each case subtly connected to a larger, overarching political mystery, ensnaring our protagonists in a web of deceit that placed their friends, families, and even their own lives in grave peril. The emotional stakes were raised to an unbearable level, and the finale, while tinged with tragedy, felt like a perfect culmination of all that had come before.

Despite the heavy price they paid in their relentless pursuit of justice, Lu and Su once again stood overlooking Chang’an, this time as the city embarked on its path to recovery. Their unwavering commitment to protecting the people of the Tang remained unshaken, and while the future may hold uncertainty, their unity in facing it was never in doubt.

My Journey: Why It Never Let Me Down

Having followed "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" from its inaugural season to its culmination, I can confidently say that it’s a series that has profoundly resonated with me. Not a single episode has disappointed. The writing is both intelligent and deeply moving, skillfully interweaving elements of mystery, fantasy, and history in a manner that feels both fresh and authentic. Each case is meticulously crafted to keep viewers guessing, yet it’s the characters themselves who truly elevate the narrative to unforgettable heights.

The friendship between Lu and Su serves as the very foundation of the series, and witnessing its evolution over the course of three seasons, from cautious alliance to unwavering brotherhood, is an absolute joy. The supporting cast is equally brilliant, with each character contributing their distinct voice and unique story to the ensemble. The production values are simply breathtaking: from the intricate costumes to the stunning sets and the captivating cinematography, the Tang Dynasty is brought to life in a way that truly transports you into the world alongside the characters.

However, what truly distinguishes "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" is its underlying message. In a world that often feels shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, this series serves as a potent reminder that justice, compassion, and friendship are values worth fighting for. It demonstrates that ordinary individuals are capable of extraordinary feats when they unite, and that even amidst the darkest of times, hope can always prevail.

Each time I revisit the series, I discover something new to appreciate a subtle line of dialogue I previously missed, a detail in the set design that enhances the atmosphere, an emotion I didn’t fully grasp upon first viewing. It’s this depth and complexity that makes it the kind of series that lingers in your thoughts long after the credits have rolled, prompting reflection and stirring emotions in unexpected ways. It serves as a potent reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.

The Magic That Awaits – Don’t Miss This

Throughout this review, I’ve touched upon some of the pivotal moments from my personal journey with "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty," but there remains a wealth of untold stories waiting to be discovered. There are emotional crescendos that will leave you breathless and adventures that will keep you on the very edge of your seat. Each season stands as a remarkable journey in its own right, but when viewed collectively, they form a complete and unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the final episode.

I can say with absolute certainty that this is a series you will cherish. It will elicit gasps of surprise, cheers of triumph, and moments of profound emotional connection. It will immerse you in its world, forge deep bonds with its characters, and leave you feeling utterly and completely fulfilled. I wholeheartedly recommend this drama to anyone seeking a story that is both thrilling and meaningful it’s a true gem that deserves every ounce of praise it receives. Don’t miss this.

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