This review may contain spoilers
Gripping but with an unnecessarily convoluted plot
I have always been interested in dramas with cult and serial killer elements so I was immediately drawn to this title. The first few episodes did not disappoint but in the middle and towards the end, the show seemed to get too ahead of itself with the constant flashbacks/time skips and constant complications. I was concerned when only 2 episodes were left but closure was nowhere to be seen. The writer/director seemed to realise this as well and certain plot developments were hastily explained/not explained at all. Unfortunately the ending fell short of what I had hoped for and I still have many unanswered questions. Uhm Tae Goo's character had many long, circular monologues which I felt were unnecessary and did not do much to advance the plot other than to continuously highlight the fact that he was a total nutcase. The ending fell short of all the various events that they were trying to set it up for at the start. I wished they had decreased the number of monologues and provided some answers instead but this is just my preference for more "closed" endings. Also, there are a few "jumpscares" so take note if you have a weak heart. Other than that, the cinematography, acting and production value are excellent.The reason why I rated it so low in rewatch value is because this is a show that mainly hinges on the suspense and finding the reasons/motives behind the various happenings. In my opinion, these questions were not sufficiently answered hence I would not rewatch it (despite the high production value).
Conclusion: watch this show if you like cults, strange murders and The Ring.
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Thumb up!
This drama is only half way, it still has to finish, but it gave me lot of emotions. Let just say that it makes you laugh a lot, this is what it comes out the most, but it goes beyond that, especially in the latest episodes (5-6-7). I think that the genre is easily slice of life, so don't expect a huge plot, but this doesn't mean it's weak, just different. I don't wanna compare this to other dramas, just think about this as its own, it starts really comically, let me says that the cast is really something else, they're really good! Little by little they start showing you what's under the surface, it starts showing that they can go deep without problem. They show why the leads are doing what they're doing and what happened to them so we can understand them better, because the first approach to them could be underestimating. You can say that this goes for every character in every drama and I have to say it's truth, but I'm telling this because I thing these kind of dramas are a bit left out in my opinion because the huge ones, with huge plots are more popular or at least they hit better. So I'd like people to notice this one too, because up to now it showed us really strong themes, I don't want to spoil so I prefer to not go specific and let you be curious about it, but it makes you think about. Personally I ask myself if real life goes like that or not, in my opinion there are so many variants where there shouldn't be, because no one should be penalized to do the right thing or to be themselves, but anyway they show us that believing and following yourself and your thoughts even if it's gonna bring you "troubles", it's better that betray yourself.So, don't let this drama slips your watching list :)
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Kiekoi is forever! Ida and Aoki made me too happy!
I never write reviews but this time I had to because I've never felt as invested in a series as I did with Kieta Hatsukoi.What can I say...? I loved every single moment of this series, it was such a heartwarming experience I could rewatch over and over again. This story is so pure and innocent and I loved how both Micchi and Meme played their roles. Aoki and Ida are so different and yet so complementary. First you have Aoki, who's that kind of person who's ready to give his whole heart for the person he cherises the most and then you have Ida, who's more oblivious when it comes to feelings and falls for Aoki without being fully aware of his own feelings. Some may say this story is very simple but, to me, that's perfectly fine considering the message this drama tries to convey. It’s a very comforting and hopeful story about figuring out feelings and discovering love you've never experienced before. I think that's the core message you can take away from Kieta Hatsukoi. I laughed, loved and cried a lot all this way with Ida and Aoki and I wish we would get another season, a movie or even just a special episode. However, even if we don't get that, the final scene of the final episode was so cute that I would undertand if they decided to conclude the story there because, to be honest, that's the perfect ending for this perfect series.
Last, but not least, thanks to Kieta Hatsukoi I got to know Snowman and their amazing music. Of course I am a big fan of Meme now, but besides that I think Snowman is a very talented and amazing group! Same for Naniwa Danshi, although, at the time I'm writing this review, I haven't deepened very much into them yet. In any case, both are excellent groups and "Secret Touch" and "Ubu Love" will get stuck in your head as soon as you listen to them.
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The actors showed great emotion and I thought they found just the right people to play each part. The music did a very nice job of making the drama appropriately charged with just the right amount of emotion too, through all the characters' struggles and times of joy. I personally loved it.
I thought there were some slightly unresolved issues in the end, but nothing too big if you try to reason why they were left that way.
I loved the show's theme of the bonds that hold us all together reminding us that we aren't exactly alone even when we think we are (even if the theme is a little overused in general, especially I think, in Japanese stuff)
The main thing I was able to get from the two main characters' friendship was that it was a really strong one, a friendship that makes you seem more like siblings than friends (which is the best kind). The ending definetely gave me that impression.
Bottom line: if you want to watch something where it's very easy to sympathize with characters this would be something you might want to check out
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See Hear Love: Mienakute mo Kikoenakute mo Aishiteru
13 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Best Love Story
Manga artist Shinji Izumoto has secured a movie deal. He should be celebrating, but he's going blind, his manga series has been canceled, and he can no longer care for his grandmother. All alone, Shinji makes the devastating decision to jump off a balcony. When Hibiki Aida, a deaf fan of his, saves Shinji, they begin an unusual life together.The best love story that I think, due to the fact Tomohisa Yamashita and Yûko Araki have a strong chemistry in this story.
A manga artist, Tomohisa Yamashita lost his eye sight and a beautiful cute woman Yûko Araki. A simple story, but beneath it has a meaning of a strong bonded relationship. It is incredible that I cannot stop and take break; it makes you wanted to continue watching it until it ends.
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This review may contain spoilers
Rewatched it immediately [lots of spoilers]
I feel so stupid for not figuring out the twist until late into the movie. There was some stuff that seemed off fairly quickly but I didn't correctly guess until close to the end. The different streaming services, the article about the 5 students even though there was 6, and the outfit differences. I started rewatching it as soon as the movie ended. Literally the 3rd scene in the cosmetology lab has our main character leave the lab with her yellow shirt and older white iphone, and start walking outside wearing her blue shirt with her rose gold brand new iphone.I love that kind of ending that makes you want to rewatch it to see all the hints you didn't know about. The twist that we were seeing 2 different timelines was SO good, plus the cameraman at the very end? Perfect.
I love horror movies and found this VERY fun to watch. I wasn't scared at all but I had fun searching for the ghost and creepy stuff in the background. I loved the dorm room with the person shaped stain on the ceiling and the scene with the mannequins, especially when the large mannequin's head slowly turns to look at her, then quickly snaps back once she turns around.
It had parts based on different urban legends (the elevator, the repeating stairwell, the courage test) that I've seen in other asian horror series as well. I'm a huge fan of that kind of stuff, so it was kinda fun being able to recognize that stuff.
I wasn't scared at all but someone I watched it with was very creeped out. Just depends on your reaction anyways.
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Definitely worth watching
I initially hesitated to watch this since it was streaming online for a price (Php 250 or about US$ 5) and it had some limitations (e.g. must be played in 5 days and must be finished watching within 24 hours from your first play). However, curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to watch a BL series on Christmas Day (besides, the other entries in MMFF 2020 were not appealing to me). I am glad I made that decision.The story seems to be quite simple but I think what made this movie good is the acting, cinematography and music. The shots and angles were filmed nicely. (I love that miniature lamps in the field scene coz it appears very romantic and very "kdrama-ey"). The songs and background music were modern yet emotive . Although the film appears to have some budgetary limitations on the production values, the finished film was still good. Kudos to the producer, director, cinematographer and staff for this.
I am not familiar with their other works, but the actors playing the main characters were good especially Adrian Lindayag who plays Dominic. I could feel the emotions especially the "kilig" (romantic excitement) as well as the pain and sadness that comes with that kind of love especially since such relationship is forbidden by the Church (and Philippine society to a large part). The juxtaposition of having a religious background while at the same time patronizing mystic arts like tarot card reading (not to mention it is being done quite near the church) is an honest take on the ironic but real-life situation in the Philippines.
Personally, it's very relatable to me. I too studied in a sectarian catholic high school in the Philippines more than a decade ago. We were also attending masses, spiritual retreats and other religious activities coupled with strict teachers, bullying and even student fights. I especially had a laugh at the "Spanish fan" in the mass scene because that also happened to me although mine wasn't sequestered. Hello! It's a necessity considering the hot weather in school especially in the chapel. :-) In any case, it is a reality in an all-male school that some tend to be derided for being effeminate. One really has to have a strong backbone to stand-up to these dorks and survive the jungle that is high school. It was nice to reminisce high school life with its raging hormones and first love. Awww.
I guess my only small gripe was the final scene between the two leads. It somehow felt hurried to me. Although it was a satisfying happy ending, it kinda felt "kulang" (something was missing) as it abruptly ended after they makeup. Most of all, I especially loved the idea being espoused in this film - that fate is something we create for ourselves and we don't just have to rely on our supposed destiny being told by fortunetellers.
To those who are BL fans (regardless of nationality), I suggest that you watch this. I do hope that this be widely available with English subtitles very soon (and hopefully for free also) so that many more audience worldwide could appreciate it. While this year has seen plenty of Pinoy BL series (most of which are honestly sub-par), the film "The Boy Foretold by the Stars" is done quite well and a welcome "shot in the arm" so to speak to the usual lackadaisical MMFF with its inane, formulaic and predictable movies that we have been used to in the past. Hope this means we will get to see more substantial quality in Filipino movies (not just BL) in the near future.
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Though the leads, male female both are quite young but they bring justice to the role that they portrayed in the drama. It's a short drama of only 8 episode but it will make you witness the roller coaster journey of love, infatuation, betrayal and true friendship. It will make you smile and cry at same time. It was worth watching and I hope the writers keeps making such amazing dramas. Even though it was a short of only 8 episodes, it doesn't wrap everything in a haste rather it focuses on life of every character involved in the drama and end them beautifully. Everything from the plot to the acting and the soundtrack was beautifully done and will give you the feels of 70s. Worth watching!
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*Article: https://mydramalist.com/article/the-39th-hong-kong-film-award-nominees-have-been-announced-011014483
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Opposites Attract
This web series can be seen on YouTube; it's like you watch your favorite childhood book online.Story
A Chinese Ronja Robbersdaughter is captured by a general who offers her an escape route if she serves as a substitute for the missing bride of his son. The original bride was carefully chosen to avoid palace intrigue; that's why the bandit girl must keep up appearances for a longer period of time, in case some murder attempts will follow. Afterwards she may proceed her life elsewhere. She agrees under condition her bandit brothers will be released; one giant brother stays to accompany her as her handmaiden. The illustrious duo enters the general's house hold, stirring up trouble for his two sons, their friends, acquaintances, and servants.
Acting/Cast
Though this series isn't meant to win prizes, the casting is actually good; I loved the pairing of Yakisa who plays the lean and mean tomboy Bai Yun Feng and Gao Zi Tian as the scholarly second son, who loves to recite poems but falls for his practical bride as soon as he laid eyes on her. Even the giant bandit brother did a good job; I almost forgot he wasn't meant to play a travesty role like John Travolta in Hairspray.
The Good
Besides the odd leading couple who give us some cute and hot moments during the series, there are other interesting characters. For instance the eldest son and his wife, the female childhood friend of the male lead who wants him for herself, and her wise father who sees his daughter for who she is, trying to guide her within ethical boundaries we seldom see in Chinese period pieces.
The Bad
The downside of smooth story telling is that the end comes too soon. It's okay to leave out some dirty plotting, and the usual do-you-love-me-or-not-scenes, but one more episode could have been better, just to explain how the generals family and formerly bandits will cooperate in future times.
Overall
Still, Hold On, My Lady is a fast pacing piece with good vibrations within 4 episodes. It shows that opposites attract and holding on is all you have to do.
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Quiet, thoughtful and beautiful film. One of my absolute favorites.
I saw a low-res version of this about a year ago. I loved it but could tell I missed some subtleties in the acting, which was brilliant all round. I have just watched it again in better quality and enjoyed it even more. Sure I'll come back to it again at some point and I hardly ever watch things more than once.Sometimes when watching a film with a gay storyline I'm grateful just to see two actors on screen who aren't uncomfortable touching each other, though I wish that was a given. In this, it's not just a matter of good chemistry that can be duplicated from drama to drama; the two male leads are completely immersed and connected. In their one-on-one scenes especially I they both had an incredible intensity and I felt the relationship they created was one unique to this story.
The film tells of how the people in his life are affected by Nagisa's choices and how they gradually come to terms with how things are, take responsibility, care for and respect each other. I'm glad the film attempts to describe the impact made on his wife. There aren't nearly enough depictions of this situation from that perspective - I guess because it's not as appealing to watch.
I think it could have been cut a bit shorter in the second half, but if it was shorter and had a director's cut I'd be watching the extended version for sure, so that's a non-comment :'D
It left me feeling *emotional* but happy to have seen it. And the little girl is a complete joy.
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At the beginning, There were moments where F4 and Makino were together yet there wasn't actually a story to talk about.
You need to watch this before the final movie, if you already watched the film then there's no need to watch it because like I said earlier it's a promote to the fianl film.
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That aside, I didn't feel like this was complete by the end. I think the drama was too short for its story, which by itself was very good, but it needed much more time to achieve its potential. Because the story is neither plain nor simple, it needed room to grow and flesh out all of its intricacies that were there originally, but never really expanded upon.
The casting was perfect. I felt every actor lived up to their characters, however again going back to the time constraint I don't feel like I really got as attached and invested in them as I should have. I feel this way especially with Kuma-chan, who was such a fantastic character (superbly represented by Chiba Yudai, who really showed off his acting skill here), but got barely any screen time. The moments we got with him were some of the best, however.
The music sometimes felt like it ebbed into spots awkwardly, and sometimes it felt like it was missing. To be honest, the only time I really paid any attention to it was when one of the characters were singing, because it was a part of them and their dialogue.
I did enjoy this, however. Someday I may rewatch it, because it really was very interesting and I loved all of the characters, but it won't be for quite a while I think. Knowing all of the twists takes something out of the viewing experience. If you have some time, I recommend giving it a try.
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1This review may contain spoilers
To Match Her Freak
A Splendid Match is the kind of drama that knows exactly what it is from the very beginning. The premise itself is nothing groundbreaking. A noblewoman returns home, several men orbit around her life, and viewers are left waiting to see who ultimately becomes her “perfect match.” The answer is obvious almost immediately, but surprisingly, that never becomes a weakness. This drama is not interested in asking who gets the girl. It asks how two people become worthy of each other, and that distinction is what makes the story work.Gu Jin Zhao grows up exiled from her own family because of an old prophecy, yet instead of becoming bitter or fragile, she returns sharper, louder, and completely unapologetic about who she is. Raised with love by her grandmother rather than suffocated by aristocratic rules, Jin Zhao carries herself with a confidence that unsettles polite society. She refuses to indulge nonsense, refuses to tolerate injustice, and settles accounts immediately whenever she is wronged. Ren Min captures both her youthful charm and fiery stubbornness perfectly. Every time Jin Zhao stands up for herself, I found myself silently cheering like a proud sister watching family drama unfold at dinner.
What I appreciated most is that the story never turns Jin Zhao into a heroine waiting to be chosen. In true amor fati fashion, she embraces the life handed to her and bends it into something that belongs entirely to her. Marriage, for her, is not survival or social strategy. It is recognition. She wants someone who sees her fully without asking her to shrink, and among all four potential matches, only Chen Yan Yun truly understands that.
I am one of the minorities who liked how the narrative took time exploring Jin Zhao’s dynamic with every man in her life. While the male lead lacked (romantic) screentime in the earlier episodes, I thought the structure made sense. The first half focuses heavily on Jin Zhao and Ye Xian’s chaotic friendship, while the latter half gradually shifts toward Yan Yun and Jin Zhao’s partnership. It creates a natural emotional progression instead of rushing directly into romance.
Chen Yan Yun is, without question, her splendid match. Mature, wise, reliable, and quietly affectionate, he feels like the rare male lead who understands that loving a strong woman does not mean taming her. Ci Sha portrays him perfectly. The actor embodies the mature, manly, and reliable allure of his character. Chen Yan Yun never asks Jin Zhao to compromise herself for his comfort. Instead, he protects the space where she can continue being exactly who she is. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and admiration, which makes their romance feel deeply satisfying even within a fairly cliché setup. He may navigate political disasters effortlessly, but love clearly short-circuits his brain, and honestly, that made him even more charming.
Once they got married, this drama practically turned into a romantic buffet. The kisses, the hugs, the mirrored gestures, the teasing intimacy, everything delivered maximum flutter damage. I also appreciate that the production committed fully to their chemistry instead of hiding every kiss behind curtains, sleeves, candles, or strategically placed furniture like some historical dramas love to do. Their romance feels passionate because both characters themselves are passionate people. The physical affection supports the fiery nature of their relationship instead of existing purely for fanservice.
One of the strongest parts of the writing comes from how the drama handles emotional conflict after marriage. When Chen Yan Yun discovers the history between Jin Zhao and Chen Xuan Qing, the story wisely avoids the easy route of one dramatic argument followed by instant reconciliation. Instead, it lets Yan Yun sit with the discomfort. Of course it would hurt knowing your wife once actively pursued someone else, especially when that someone is your own nephew. The added realization that they may have ended up together had he not intervened makes the situation even more complicated. What made the arc work for me is that the drama allows Yan Yun to spiral through those ugly “what if” thoughts instead of pretending mature people instantly process emotions rationally. And true to Jin Zhao’s character, she refuses to lose herself trying to soothe him. Her “I won’t indulge him” line felt completely consistent with who she is. She loves deeply, but she refuses to abandon her own dignity in the process.
Ironically, Chen Xuan Qing’s storyline only further proves why he and Jin Zhao were never meant to be. He may have been her first love, but he fundamentally lacks the courage and conviction needed to stand beside someone like her. Jin Zhao is drawn to his worldview and gentleness, yet in the end, he mostly awakens her protective instincts rather than standing as her equal. When forced to choose between safety and love, he chooses himself. That decision defines his entire character.
I honestly think the writers did Xuan Qing dirty toward the second half. His character practically takes a full tragic opera turn into pathetic lovesick territory. Zuo Ye portrayed his restrained misery very well, but the writing reduces him into someone consumed entirely by resentment. It is understandable for him to feel jealous of Yan Yun and out of place with the Chen family, but at some point his bitterness becomes exhausting because the Chen family genuinely treated him with sincerity from the beginning. The drama wanted emotional collapse, and boy, did it commit to it.
On the other hand, Ye Xian ended up becoming one of the most interesting characters in the drama for me. At first, he is basically a spoiled manchild wrapped in pretty robes and family pressure. Winwin embodied that mischievous youthful energy perfectly while still hinting at the burden beneath it all. His relationship with Jin Zhao works wonderfully as friendship because they are too similar. Putting them together romantically would be like throwing two fireworks into the same box and hoping the house survives. They bicker, annoy each other, protect each other, and genuinely care deeply, but they would absolutely self-destruct as lovers.
Episode 28 genuinely hurt. The wedding procession crossing paths with the funeral procession was one of the strongest scenes in the entire drama. While Jin Zhao and Yan Yun move toward happiness, Ye Xian stands there grieving the loss of his own love story. The way he lowered his gaze and stepped aside felt devastatingly mature. It was acceptance, resignation, and heartbreak all folded into one quiet moment. That scene alone deserves applause.
I also appreciated Ye Xian’s eventual growth. Watching him choose responsibility over obsession was satisfying because it finally felt like he matured beyond simply chasing Jin Zhao. Him addressing Yan Yun as Jin Zhao’s “fujun” carried more emotional weight than any dramatic speech could have. At the same time, the battlefield storyline constantly filled me with dread because it felt less like heroism and more like a beautifully wrapped suicide mission. Yes, from a character perspective, it makes sense. A man with limited years left would rather burn brightly on the battlefield than fade slowly in bed. But emotionally, it still hurt to watch.
The scene where Yan Yun carried Ye Xian’s body covered by the Ye flag genuinely left me speechless. Alongside the wedding versus funeral procession, it became one of the most memorable moments in the drama for me. Jin Zhao’s devastation afterward also landed emotionally, even if some of the screaming leaned slightly too theatrical for my taste.
As for the rest of the cast, the ensemble adds so much charm to the viewing experience. The sidekicks bring excellent comedic timing, especially Chen Yan Yun’s sidekick compete over who can gather information faster. Unfortunately for him, nobody gathers gossip faster than women. The Ji family was largely lovable aside from one permanently irritated aunt, while most members of the Gu family existed solely to test my blood pressure. The Chen family sat somewhere in between chaos and sincerity, though I appreciated that many of the women in the household remained reasonable and supportive.
The overall atmosphere strangely reminded me of Bridgerton mixed with a classic chick flick romcom. The “searching for the perfect match” narrative, the playful romantic energy, and even parts of the soundtrack carried that same exciting first-love feeling. The production quality is admittedly inconsistent at times. Certain shots and color grading occasionally look a bit cheap or overly template-like, but the emotional core of the story remains strong enough that I stopped caring after a while.
My biggest issue ultimately comes from the ending. After all the suffering, heartbreak, political turmoil, and emotional growth, I desperately wanted one final peaceful moment for the main couple. A quiet meal together, stargazing, attending a festival, literally anything warm and comforting. Instead, the drama fully commits to its fire symbolism until the very end. I understand the intention. Jin Zhao and Yan Yun are intense people who love fiercely and burn brightly together. Still, after everything they endured, I wanted softness. I wanted peace. I wanted my splendid ending.
Even so, I genuinely enjoyed A Splendid Match. It is a cliché done right. The plot may follow familiar beats, but the sincerity of the characters, the emotional storytelling, and the chemistry between the leads make it incredibly engaging. Despite an ending that left me emotionally robbed, the journey itself was entertaining enough to make me laugh, cry, scream internally, and grow attached to nearly everyone along the way. Sometimes that alone is enough to make a drama worth remembering.
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Lens of Obsession or Rationality
This will be a short review, as revealing too many details would take away the thrill and suspense. If you enjoy a well-crafted psychological drama, this one is definitely worth watching.I recommend it not only for its intriguing storytelling and the unexpected twists in every episode, but also for the fantastic acting and undeniable chemistry among the cast. If you’re familiar with Qin Jun Jie, you might recognize him from the underrated yet excellent drama Hero. Here, you’ll see several familiar faces from that series, and their natural chemistry truly elevates the show.
As the synopsis suggests, the story begins with an investigation into a missing ex-girlfriend, which slowly spirals into obsession as more suspicious clues emerge. The main lead, Yang Zheng Hui (aka Da Hui Hui), a full-time detective blogger, becomes entangled with Zeng Jie (played brilliantly by Wang Duo), his wife Bai Xiao Ling (Maggie Huang, who gives an equally compelling performance), the police officer Li De, and the lawyer Zhang Ye. I especially loved the friendship that developed between Da Hui Hui and Li De—it added warmth and depth amidst all the tension.
Kudos to Qin Jun Jie, Wang Duo, and Maggie Huang for their exceptional performances—especially Wang Duo, who shines as a complex, morally grey character.
The storytelling perspective is particularly well done: we begin through Da Hui Hui’s eyes, then shift to the perpetrator’s point of view, and finally reach a neutral perspective through Li De as the evidence unfolds. I noted that episode 15 felt like the author’s intended ending, but episode 16 adds a meaningful layer—showing how every crime leaves behind loopholes, and prompting us to question whether we analyze things rationally or through our own biases.
One of the strongest messages here is that revenge should never be taken into one’s own hands.
Another reason this drama stands out is its excellent direction and cinematography. The framing and camera angles heighten the intensity and tension of each scene, making the viewing experience even more captivating.
In short, this is a gripping psychological drama—intelligent, emotional, and beautifully executed. Highly recommended, just don’t fast forward and avoid skip watch as you will miss the details.
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