Completed
Hikaru no Go
13 people found this review helpful
Apr 13, 2021
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Painful, joyful and meaningful. Totally worth it!

This is way better than the anime. The anime is lacking and the ending felt rushed and it was kinda disappointing but this. The drama like... finally gave closure to the fans of the anime/manga. It was actually even better, The ending is satisfying compared to the manga. I want to see more!

I just wish Chu Ying never left but it really how it goes. I will remember this drama for the next months.

Hikaru no Go (Ep 32)

I am happy to have met all of you

Some people goes against the rules.

Some deviate from the path.

Some take risks and turn their lives around.

Some live to bring happiness to others. Even with adversities, some will see the light.

Some bear no regrets in life.

Some stay stagnant over the years remain unchanging.

Some have never strayed from their goals.

Some obtained enlightenment while some understand the meaning of life.

Some are born to be champions, while some will be remembered by many (she gave birth to a champion- pertaining to Shi Guang huhuhu).

Some may hide talent s in a jar, while some are able to change their fate.

Some are born teachers. They are meant to serve others.

Some return as prodigal son, and become the brightest star of the galaxy.

Some are meant to be on top. They go through ups and downs and live for a game of chess.

There are some who only exist for your sake. They are rivals chosen by heaven.

Some will bring you joy, while some will bring you sorrow. They are the happiest things in life, while some are unmovable obstacles.

Some are blessings you've earned over three lifetimes, a friendship and bond you've earned.
-----
We will always be together... (Haven't typed the other dialogues anymore because I already spent all my time crying huhuhuhu)

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Crazy Love
13 people found this review helpful
May 28, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

I Loved It

I really liked this one. The storyline was really interesting, and the main couple had really good chemistry. What really sold me on this one though, was the lack of unnecessary drama. I really hate love triangles, and they're everywhere in dramas. In this one though, that's not really the case (there is one, kinda, but it's one-sided). This made me really happy because that meant that there weren't really any stupid relationship issues and the main couple could just focus on each other.

This all allowed you to really focus on the mystery and get into the story. It had me on the edge of my seat, and I was really excited to see if my predictions were true. All in all, it's a classic story of a male lead with a crappy personality, and a female lead who has to put up with his bullshit. The character development in this was really good, and the male lead actually becomes a good person in the end. Also, it features a female lead with a backbone.

Honestly, I'm literally just waiting for my brain to forget some details so I can watch it again.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Her Private Life
13 people found this review helpful
by Hayley
Jun 2, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
Story
The story is a nice feel good Romance without too many dramatics like Romances often tend to have. What I really liked about this, is the fact it feels very slice-of-life without having the drag that slice-of-life sometimes tends to get (in my opinion). Characters communicated and because of that, the plot was allowed to move forward easily.
I like how the plot mostly focused on the development of the characters. Though at first it tends to focus on the romance aspect, slowly it begins to focus more on in-depth. Kinda like how you begin to know another person while being in a relationship. So though the plot wasn't super intense, the tension (or better put excitement) was mostly to find in the way the romance and friendships developed. How common life struggles can be overcome quite easily, if only you communicate. Honestly - I loved the communication message in here. Along with the message about family and friendship. How together you can overcome struggles.

To make this drama more unique, it's about a mature woman who is still a fangirl. Being a fan of a boyband myself, I could relate to this. For humor's sake, of course some things were exaggerated (though that doesn't mean it doesn't actually happen in real life) , but it was amusing cause it was just SO relateable for me. Definitely amused me well.

Also - the main couple is just relationship goals honestly.

Acting/Cast
I think the cast did a great job portraying their characters. Everyone was unique in their own ways. The characters were pretty diverse making for interesting interactions and each actor did well on their part. And I think the development their characters went through was shown well too. Honestly, I can't say much more other than I enjoyed the acting. (The only cringe worthy part for me was the obvious commercial scenes. But those hardly ever feel natural.)

Music
I can't say this was anything super special, but the music was catchy and overall suited the drama well. Oftentimes on the background you could hear other well known Kpop groups/artists and I loved when I recognized for example Ha Sungwoon's song. So the diversity of artists/music chosen on the background was REALLY nice for me.
The OST specially created for the drama was pretty average, but not bad. Catchy and enjoyable but I don't feel like listening it outside of the drama. (But I rarely do anyway haha.)

I have to admit though, 'Precious Little Girl' is still echoing inside my head. And I did love the pingle-tune that re-occurs a lot throughout the drama.

Rewatch Value
It was a really nice, feel good ride. It was nice not to have complicated plots. I personally probably won't rewatch it for a good while to come, but maybe in the future I will. I can definitely understand others would want to rewatch this though! But since the plot isn't very exciting, you won't be left with much new things to explore. But if you're in for some good fangirling over the relationshipgoals - then it's a very pleasant rewatch.

Next time though, I would definitely try to spot more mistakes. It's amusing to see the director or editors didn't notice some recording flails. But those weren't too distracting. I just couldn't help from noticing though.

Overall
I don't regret watching this drama. I really enjoyed my time, though I do admit I -sometimes- missed a little more action. But honestly, it was just too much of a feel good not to keep watching. I also shed plenty of tears because you just start to feel for the characters.

I can't say it's a favorite of mine (I'm too picky for that), but I can definitely advice anyone who enjoys Romance to give this a try!


Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Xin Dong Huan Qing Gao Su Wo
13 people found this review helpful
Apr 9, 2025
85 of 85 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Gripping drama on falling in love while facing adversity

I am a massive fan of Guo Yu Xin but I never watched her dramas within 6 hours of release. Instead of adding this drama to my watchlist, I decided to watch it last evening and write this review now at 12.36 am. I finished this drama in one sitting.

Having seen Guo Yu Xin in black sports attire, I would like to see her in action, suspense drama. There are a few espionage vertical dramas so hopefully we get to see Guo Yu Xin as a spy or undercover agent.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow spectacular acting by Guo Yu Xin. Her micro expressions were on point. That very first scene already made my heart heavy. I don't watch many Wang Kai Mu's dramas but I think he did well with his role. His acting was calmer and more subtle than Liang Si Wei whom acted with Guo Yu Xin in a melodrama also about terminal illness.
2. FL characterisation - What a beautifully written journey. It was understandable that she went through the different stages of grief upon receiving her diagnosis.
3. ML characterisation - At first I disliked ML for being indifferent in their marriage but my icy heart thawed when he protected his wife from his evil elders. He was calm & collected even in the face of adversity.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance with some passionate kisses. I enjoyed watching the progress of relationship from married strangers to allies and then lovers and family.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Dr Song, ML's brothers and in particular ML's assistant for being an astute "confidant" to ML.
6. Antagonists - I was relieved that the antagonist arcs were not draggy.
7. Styling - I love the styling for FL! Gorgeous, elegant outfits. The outfits for F4 male characters were stylish as well.

What I disliked:
1. FL's decision - I didn't agree with her decision to drop the bomb on a special day. She should have come clean with ML about her illness but not on that day.

Favourite scene
FL's operation

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
One Last Order
13 people found this review helpful
by p_s
Mar 18, 2020
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
I loved this short film.

From the beautiful poetry. To the fact that Jongin considers both the male and female baristas as potentials for his secret admirer. To the process of elimination.

Everything was adorable. It was a light, fluffy, feel-good short. Worth the 15-17 minute watch! Most definitely.

The actors did a wonderful job. Yoo Kyun Seon was adorable as Jongin the looking customer with a secret admirer who is baffled as to who it could be and wants to find out. The three baristas were adorable. Angelica - the potential female love interest is gorgeous with a mysterious air about her. Shim Min Ki - The potential male love interest is adorable as the shy, introvert who loves always has this dreamy look. And Lee Seul Gi was the possibly the show stealer for me - the bubbly latecomer who is a little bit of a yoda. Love her.

What a great short.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Terms of Endearment
11 people found this review helpful
Apr 21, 2012
70 of 70 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.0
This is not your typical family drama in which everybody hooks up with everybody in the end or finds happiness elsewhere. Its premise sets from the love games and pain that we cause to each other and what lies and masks can do in relationships.
It's more of a lesson to us that trust and love must both be present in a relationship and if you build it with lies they will all crumble in the end. I can't say I disliked the ending, it was all to real and all to familiar to things I know, have seen and have felt in my own life.
Therefore, it's not sad, it's just real, and in that lies its beauty.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
4Minutes
13 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2025
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 5.5
This review may contain spoilers

storyline ok, acting is good, jesbib did amazing

honestly this series is good if they removed unnecessary nc scene between korn tonkla, it's so uncomfortable to watch them especially when u know about their age gap at that time (NO HATE TO THE ACTORS). the rest of this series is good and ok, the ending is kind of open ending? because idk if tyme and great really alive or is it just them in after life, they don't really show it, and i think they might be show it in 8Hours. but i don't know. anyway if you watch this series i bet you'll immediately like jesbib chemistry
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
A Gentleman's Dignity
13 people found this review helpful
by Freya8
Mar 28, 2014
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This drama was great! I loved seeing these 40 year olds act like mature men and then change to 18 year olds in the blink of an eye.

The story was interesting and I will admit that when I started the first episode, I thought to myself, "What am I watching?", but that soon changed, since it made me laugh so much. I definitely don't regret watching this.

It's hilarious and there will be moments of laughing mixed with moments of sweetness and romance. There are parts where I yelled at the screen (like they could hear me) when the drama wasn't going the way I wanted it, but thankfully any problems that the characters had was resolved within a few episodes and wasn't drawn out. I loved this and it allowed for more cuteness to happen.

So, I would recommend this drama to everybody.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
One Liter of Tears
13 people found this review helpful
by Katie
Oct 28, 2015
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I've never been so moved by a drama. I'm so emotionally touched by Aya's story. Though I went through many tears while watching it, I appreciated every second of this drama.

To be honest, despite the outstanding reviews, I was nervous to watch 1 Litre of Tears. While I was slightly afraid that it wouldn't live up to the hype, I was more afraid that I'd end up perpetually sad after watching it. Luckily my qualms were shattered within the first episode. Everything about this drama was so well done. As far as dramas go, this is definitely one of the best I've watched. The story, the plot pacing, the acting, the music, everything was wonderful.

I think the best part of this drama though, was how it managed to be sad without being depressing. While I do realize that it was based on a true story, dramatic liberties were obviously taken. Therefore, the writers did an outstanding job of balancing the devastation of the story with hope and inspiration. If this hadn't been done as well as it was, the drama could have been just flat out too depressing to watch. Yet, as it was, it managed to make me cry during every episode, while still maintaining a smile (for the most part. I totally lost it during episodes 8 and 11).

The plot itself never felt forced. Again, I know this was based on a true story. So while the drama obviously wasn't flawlessly accurate, it never felt scripted or planned. It felt like I was really watching a young girl's life slowly fall apart. The story unfolded beautifully all on its own.

While everything in the drama was well done, I think the music especially contributed to the whole vibe that the drama gave off. There were no purposely dramatic overplayed vocal songs (thank goodness!). The drama took advantage of simple instrumental pieces and the music fit the story beautifully. Let's just say that I'm going to cry whenever I hear Only Human and Sangatsu Kokonoka.

Honestly, I could go on forever about how much I loved 1 Litre of Tears, but that would be tedious. All I can say is, give it a chance. It won't let you down! But make sure to have some tissues on hand!

My video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybuVbKoPn8U

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Hot Stove League
13 people found this review helpful
Feb 15, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
This is no overstatement when I say that this is my favorite drama to date (gotta change my profile now). There is little comedy or romance, but it is satisfying and the ending is like nothing another drama has ever done before. I don't like baseball but I still think that this is the most worth-your-while drama ever.
For those that prefer comedy to destress this may not be great but whenever the Dreams achieve a goal you feel like you have achieved one too. The greatest underdog story in a while.
Please give it a try Nam Goong Min never disappoints and this screenwriter is a gem (one to keep for the ages)! Lots of Love (just finished watching on V-Day).
DramamaRamama 35/35 on the MC scale.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Spice up Our Love
13 people found this review helpful
by Genom
Oct 3, 2024
2 of 2 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5

Wild and passionate


As a fan of Han Ji Hyun's character in this drama, I must say I was thrilled to see her return—even if it was within the world of her own smut novel.

These two short episodes offer a wild, fast-paced ride that cleverly connects the story of this spin-off to the main drama without altering its core plot. Instead, it simply enhances your enjoyment, providing additional layers to the narrative.

Plot: The female lead, a novelist, falls unconscious and, in her dream, finds herself trapped inside the world of her novel, living out the very scenarios she had written for her protagonist.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Hold Me
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 12, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

A very soft teenage story about two boys about to graduate

STRONGBERRY is once again back with the good, good queer short films and I, for one, love to see it. This time, we meet two very sweet best friends in the moments just before graduation with all of the things left unsaid that they really want to say before they have to take their first steps in the adult world. The story is simple, perfect for the format and it did not feel like something was missing. It takes very universal topics and conversations (what will happen after we graduate, wanting to tell your best friend you love him and being afraid to say it) and uses its time very well to explore them. It felt very real and very earnest. Haven't we all wanted to say something, especially when it comes to love, and always thought "oh I have time", until you arrive at the fork in the road and you have to decide what to do because it is the last moment to say what you have to say to the other person before you each take your own path? This is a good exploration of just this and I would take a longer show of this, but I am also very appreciative of people who know how to pick the best format for stories and the best stories for the format. This short film made me say "aww, sweeties" aloud and also made me smile my biggest smile because cuties! Bless teenagers!

The actors did a really good job in portraying those two teenagers, they were very believable, and honestly gave me flashbacks.
The production, as for all of Strongberry's short films, is very strong with some nice shots, sound, and music. It really is a pleasure to watch.

If you are looking for the next video to watch during your break, I can only recommend that you watch Strongberry's Pride gift for this year, and check out the very soft and very good "Hold me". It delivers on its premise and promise and gives exactly what I want from a short film.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Nirvana in Fire
13 people found this review helpful
Nov 27, 2020
54 of 54 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Lots of reviews already but...

I loved it and have seen it 3 times. It rates near the top on China's Douban list and many see it as a masterpiece. The high rating is no mistake, it is a wonderful, deep, and intriguing drama. But it really depends on what you like. Some people like simple love stories or comedies. This is neither.

Lots of reviews already but... I just wanted to add that there is an unofficial version of the end that was cut. If you haven't seen it, please do. ^^ You can find it on YouTube.

Since this has been heavily reviewed, I'll still put in my two cents. This is a near-perfect drama for me. Probably the best I've ever seen as far as story. The casting and acting are top-notch. This is the second time watching it and no doubt, I'll re-watch it again. High re-watch value due to the complexity of the story. It has such a phenomenal story, and the casting, acting, and chemistry between all the actors/actresses are also top-notch. The genius of Mei Changsu is an intriguing and beautiful thing to watch unfold.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Somebody
13 people found this review helpful
by AelinG
Nov 23, 2022
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

I watched it... but...

So this was a funny one. I was totally hooked at the beginning but then it got confusing and the end I just did not understand at all. I also felt that in the middle it was very slow (i fell asleep during Episode 5 or 6 and then the end... well... it kind of left me hanging.
The acting was phenominal from all of them, soundtrack I cannot remember so I guess it was not good but also not bad otherwise I could remember it either positiv or negativ.
The shocker really were the sex szenes which were quite explicit (never seen so much nakedness in a Korean movie or series!) and it really made me laugh a bit because the drama EVE on VIKI had an 18 rating (there was hardly anything there!) and this one was rated 16 on Netflix (on Netflix Germany). I dont really mind it if its important for the story and I guess here it was to explain the relationship but it kind of made me question the whole rating thing again.
All in all - wouldnt watch it again and well, it had its moments but not many.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Happy Ending Romance
13 people found this review helpful
Dec 16, 2022
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Great series This series is under rated on MDL.

In my mind this is a short/mini-series. For sure this could have gone 45-50 minutes per episode with plenty of great scenes. But a lass, there are a few spaces between the smiling pearly white teeth of this series. The good stuff first, the basic story line was just awesome. Literary book writers intrigue and drama. The cast was also very strong. For sure Joog Woo carries and sold the series. His smile and electric personality lite up the screen in many scenes. I think Leo was and Karam did a great job, but I think the script and/or directing keep them from shining. For sure Ji Yeong was very strong and very convincing. Im also deserves some credit for being a likeable side kick who bails. So, the elephant in the room is what the hell did "writer Cha do to start this entire series? That would have been nice. The ending was a bit too quick and could have developed more and created more tension and a release to the happy (3 some) ending. (???) The other complaint was the lack of passion in the kissing scenes. (DFK) Ha Jong Woo did elevate this series significantly. For sure, this is under rated being under 8. Please that is unbeleivable. It is at least a 9 I gave it a 9.5.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?