Completed
A League of Nobleman
12 people found this review helpful
by Lighter Flower Award1
Jun 30, 2025
29 of 29 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

A League of Nobleman: Where Truth and Vengeance Collide in a Dance of Shadows

Introduction:

“A League of Noblemen” isn’t just a drama; it’s a journey into the very soul of its characters. It begins as a quiet mystery, but unfolds into a complex tapestry of emotions, where every choice, every word, and every silent glance between the leads holds profound significance. It lures you in with its beauty, grips you with its psychological complexity, and leaves you breathless with its hauntingly beautiful moments. This is a story of redemption, sacrifice, and the blurred line between justice and revenge—a story that makes you believe, if only for a moment, that the world is as fragile as the emotions we hide deep within ourselves.

Plot & Story:

At its heart, A League of Nobleman is a tale of two men, bound not by destiny, but by the heavy burden of their pasts. Lan Jue (Jing Bo Ran), a Vice Minister haunted by his father’s wrongful death, lives in a world where every step is calculated, every word carefully measured, as he seeks to clear his family name. His emotional conflict is as palpable as the silk robes he wears, smooth, delicate, yet fragile beneath the weight of his secrets. “Is justice worth the price of my soul?” he seems to ask, torn between his desire for revenge and his growing understanding of the cost of truth.

In contrast, Zhang Ping (Song Wei Long), a naive scholar with an almost obsessive pursuit of truth, embodies the purity and conviction of youth. “The truth must be uncovered, no matter the cost,” his heart seems to cry, even as he naively stumbles through a world full of darkness and deception. Their paths cross, and though their initial relationship is one of rivalry and distrust, it slowly, like a delicate flower, grows into something far deeper. What begins as a clash of ideals becomes a meeting of two fractured souls, seeking not just justice, but understanding.

Each case they tackle is more than just a puzzle; it’s a mirror, reflecting their own struggles with morality, their pasts, and the futures they’re fighting for. The mysteries, as complex as they are, serve only as the backdrop for the rich emotional and psychological battles the characters face. The story’s depth lies not in its twists, but in how it forces you to confront your own beliefs about right and wrong, and whether the end truly justifies the means.

Character Dynamics:

What sets A League of Nobleman apart from other dramas is its remarkable depth of character. Lan Jue and Zhang Ping are more than just protagonists; they are two halves of a whole, each embodying a different side of humanity’s moral struggle. Their relationship is not one of immediate camaraderie, but one that develops slowly, delicately, like the weaving of two threads into a single, unbreakable bond. Their connection is profound, built on shared pain and the mutual recognition of each other’s flaws. Each time they exchange a glance or a word, it feels like they are slowly stripping away their own facades, revealing the vulnerability that binds them.

The chemistry between them is understated but undeniably powerful. Where others might expect sparks to fly, the quiet, almost imperceptible shifts in their bond, each look laden with meaning, each moment of silence filled with unspoken understanding, speak volumes. There is something deeply poetic in how their relationship grows: “It is not the grand gestures, but the quiet moments, the subtle exchanges, that reveal the depth of love and trust,” their story whispers to us.

Lan Jue is a man of contradictions, torn between his loyalty to his father’s memory and his growing empathy for the very system he’s trying to destroy. Jing Bo Ran’s portrayal of Lan Jue is nothing short of mesmerizing; with each scene, he breathes life into a character whose every movement, every glance, betrays a mind always at war with itself. His journey is one of immense emotional complexity—struggling not only with his external enemies but with his internal battles, his deepest fears, and his most painful memories.

Zhang Ping, portrayed by Song Wei Long, is the mirror image of Lan Jue—young, idealistic, yet increasingly aware of the grey areas of the world he once saw as black and white. His transformation is nothing short of breathtaking. From the brash, unyielding truth-seeker to a man who understands the painful necessity of compromise, his journey is a testament to growth, loss, and the acceptance of the world’s complexities.

Gu Qing Zhang (Wang Duo), whose arrival midway through the drama shifts the tone, adds an additional layer of emotional intensity. His obsession with his mother’s approval and his tragic descent into madness offer a chilling counterpoint to the internal battles of Lan Jue and Zhang Ping. His presence serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most destructive force is not an enemy, but our own unresolved desires and the ghosts of our past. “The past is never truly gone—it lingers, like the scent of roses long after the petals have fallen,” his story seems to say.

Cinematography & Visuals:

Visually, the drama is stunning. The sets are beautiful but understated, and the cinematography captures every emotion perfectly. The muted tones and occasional bursts of color reflect the inner turmoil of the characters. Lan Jue’s white robes, flowing freely in the wind, symbolize his internal chaos, as he walks a fine line between his past and his future. The visuals aren’t just pretty—they enhance the emotional weight of the story.

Soundtrack & Sound Design:

The music is subtle, but it adds so much to the atmosphere. It doesn’t overpower the scenes but blends perfectly with the emotions at play. Whether it’s the quiet piano in moments of introspection or the dramatic music during tense scenes, the soundtrack feels like an extension of the characters’ emotions. It’s almost as if the music is speaking the words they can’t say.

Final Thoughts:

A League of Noblemen is a journey worth taking. It’s a drama that goes beyond solving crimes. It’s about understanding human nature, the choices we make, and the internal battles we fight. The characters are rich, the plot is compelling, and the emotional depth is something rare in this genre. Even with its occasional missteps, it’s a drama that will make you feel, think, and perhaps even question your own sense of right and wrong.

If you’re a fan of character-driven stories, where the emotional journey is just as important as the plot, A League of Nobleman is a must-watch.

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Completed
Semantic Error
12 people found this review helpful
by Lighter Flower Award1
Feb 7, 2025
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

Debugging My Heart-A Short but Impactful Romance

Introduction:
"Semantic Error" stands out as a rare gem in the BL drama genre, offering a well-executed, character-driven story with sizzling chemistry between its leads. While the premise follows the familiar enemies-to-lovers and school rebel x nerd tropes, it does so with an authenticity that makes the romance feel natural and engaging. The drama successfully avoids common pitfalls seen in short-format romances by ensuring that the relationship progression is believable and emotionally compelling.

Plot & Pacing:
The storyline is simple yet effective, focusing primarily on the dynamic between Chu Sang Woo and Jang Jae Young. From the very first episode, the drama does an excellent job of establishing their personalities and the motivations behind their actions. Their initial conflict feels organic rather than forced, and the plot device that keeps them tied together—the group project—is well-integrated rather than feeling like a generic setup.

One of the greatest strengths of the show is how it allows the relationship to develop naturally. We see clear turning points in their interactions, where annoyance gives way to fascination, then to affection. There is no sense of artificial plot progression; instead, the gradual shift in their relationship feels earned.

Despite being a short drama, "Semantic Error" manages to maintain strong pacing without wasting screen time on unnecessary fillers. While some transitions between scenes could have been smoother, the overall flow remains engaging from start to finish.

Characters & Performances:
Chu Sang Woo (Park Jae Chan):
Sang Woo is an intelligent yet emotionally detached computer science major, ruled by logic and structure. His rigid approach to life could have made him an unlikable character, but instead, his quirks come across as endearing, thanks to Park Jae Chan’s strong portrayal. His robotic nature is humorous at times, though occasionally exaggerated to the point where it feels slightly overdone. Nonetheless, his emotional journey—from detachment to allowing himself to experience love—feels satisfying to watch.

Jang Jae Young (Park Seo Ham):
Jae Young is the confident, social, and effortlessly cool design major who initially clashes with Sang Woo. While he fits the "charming rebel" mold, he also possesses a depth of character that sets him apart from typical love interests in similar dramas. His playful yet self-aware nature makes him easy to root for, and Park Seo Ham's performance is a highlight, bringing warmth and charisma to the role.

Supporting Cast:
The supporting characters add personality to the show without detracting from the central romance. Choi Yu Na is a standout, avoiding the clichéd “jealous female” trope while also hinting at her bisexuality in a subtle but meaningful way. Go Hyeong Taek brings humor and lighthearted moments, making the overall viewing experience more enjoyable. While Ryu Ji Hye’s role may not have been entirely necessary, her presence didn’t take away from the show’s strengths. Like her character.

Chemistry & Romance:

One of the biggest reasons "Semantic Error" succeeds is the electric chemistry between the two leads. The attraction between Jae Young and Sang Woo is both palpable and well-developed. Their tension and gradual emotional shift are handled with care, ensuring that viewers understand why they fall for each other rather than just accepting it as a genre expectation.

A notable strength of the show is that while Jae Young pursues Sang Woo persistently, he also respects his space at times—something rarely seen in dramas where the aggressive suitor trope is romanticized. However, there were moments where Sang Woo’s physical boundaries could have been handled with more sensitivity, and an open discussion between them regarding personal space would have been a welcomed addition.

Cinematography, Editing & Soundtrack:
Visually, the show is a good, using vibrant colors and a cozy autumn setting to create a warm atmosphere.

The beginning editing is playful and ties nicely, but sometimes the scene changes feel sudden. Some scenes could be clearer about how much time has passed, as it's not always easy to tell.

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring songs that perfectly match the tone of the drama.

Final Thoughts:
Semantic Error is a solid and well-executed BL drama that delivers exactly what it promises—a fun enemies-to-lovers romance with strong performances and great chemistry. The production quality, character dynamics, and engaging moments make it an enjoyable watch. While it didn’t become a personal favorite, I still appreciate how well it was done. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a good, entertaining drama that fans of the genre will likely enjoy.

A must-watch for fans of the genre.

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Hotarugusa
12 people found this review helpful
by pash
Aug 4, 2020
7 of 7 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Such a perfect, oh-so-Japanese, traditional tale of honor and revenge!

Amidst the recent, ever-surging wave of "westernized" j-dramas, filled to the brim with all sort of depravity, decadence, obscenity and utterly despicable characters, it does one's heart a whole lot of good to find a small gem like this "Hotarugusa"! Such a perfect, oh-so-Japanese, traditional tale of honor and revenge, with endearing, ethical, righteous characters one can't help but wholeheartedly root for, complete with a healthy dose of "mono no aware" (the eponimous flower being itself a symbol of this fleeting yet so strong feeling) and topped with a few moments of comic relief which are ideal to avoid making things too gloomy.
An astonishing performance by Kiyohara Kaya, as well as by the rest of the cast (with honorable mentions for Machida Keita, Hamada Mari and Ukaji Takashi - oh, and the kids are just *adorbs* - there, I never thought I would've used that word, LOL). Some extremely nice music completes the package. Perfect 10 all the way!

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Hitotsu Yane no Shita
12 people found this review helpful
Nov 17, 2014
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
"Where's the love in that?" —Kashiwagi Tatsuya

Many consider the 1990’s a golden age in Japanese drama. It’s been said there was a certain spark at that time, an outpouring of talented writers and actors, even more daring scripts and sizzling romances. Unfortunately I have yet to experience many of these gems from another era. But after Hitotsu Yane no Shita (Under One Roof), believe me when I say they will be a priority and a must! As one whose go-to genre must be considered “family,” I cannot remember the last time I’ve seen one as memorable or involving. Plus the screenwriter is Nojima Shinji (Pride), so how can you go wrong?

Viewers join Kashiwagi Tatsuya—or An-chan—as he attempts first to reunite with his scattered siblings, then to keep them together again. But can blood ties bridge seven years’ worth of separation, resentment, and loneliness? Are they better off as a family or apart in their new situations? Hitotsu Yane no Shita ventures to answer these questions, focusing on the Kashiwagis and their struggle to live both as individuals and a family. Each sibling is granted their own plot line, from which many types of stories spring (some with shockingly mature themes); these build up throughout the series and connect to the final arc with a masterful touch. What stays constant across the board is the unique humor and gentle warmth that allows Hitotsu Yane no Shita continued relevance. One might connect deeply with the members of the Kashiwagi clan, and then leave the drama feeling they’d all grown a lot. What an incredible experience—though I must admit I didn’t watch quickly. It would have meant saying goodbye to this wonderful family, and I wasn't ready to for a while.

For those familiar with Wakamono Tachi, they are very similar to one another. They have the same high-speed bickering, brotherly wrestling matches, etc.

Casting a family must be tricky. If one member fails to ignite chemistry with the others, you can bet the whole thing will be thrown askew. But have you seen this cast? It’s pretty much perfect for the purpose. First we have Eguchi Yosuke, now an exquisite veteran actor, but apparently he could carry a drama even twenty years ago. His An-chan is a lovable dummy who follows his heart with admirable determination and adores Ken-Ken the Dog (Muttley from Whacky Racers!); beneath all his silly bluster, An-chan is reliable, hard-working, and every bit a pillar of strength. Eguchi-san proves his ability to perform comically and turn right around with the most believable tears time and again. The second brother Masaya/”Chi-niichan,” lands us another present-day veteran in Fukuyama Masaharu. Perhaps being a good friend to Eguchi-san helped, but their scenes make you believe they might actually be brothers. An early episode between the two could be considered one of the best of the series for that matter. And if you allow me a moment’s shallowness, both are as cute as anything in Hitotsu Yane no Shita.

Of the other Kashiwagi siblings, most memorable are Yamamoto Koji and Sakai Noriko. Sakai-san performs beautifully as the backbone of the Kashiwagis, the adopted daughter Koyuki; her presence is calm, gentle one without being pretentious, and there’s a maternal strength in her performance that’s very appealing.

For someone who grew up in the 90’s, Hitotsu Yane no Shita is a delightful nostalgia trip. Every single track sent me back in time and was an utter delight, especially paired with the series. Probably most memorable will be the fantastic theme song, “Saboten no Hana” by TULIP; between this and the family Muttley-laugh, there's a lot that I'll take away from this series. You can bet it's worth watching twice, too~

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Completed
Rising Feather
12 people found this review helpful
by kpun
Jan 20, 2024
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

On a dangerous path as a choice

A young woman, sold from the “Flower House” to the prime minister to become his concubine, turns out to be a strong and independent personality with her own goals. She also has a mysterious connection to the prime ministers son-in-law, which makes her endeavour even more risky, while at the same time yields an advantage, as it enables her to involve him into her scheme. Being well prepared she turns dangerous situations into opportunities, so she is not afraid, to provoke such situations, despite being already almost killed by the prime minister, before even entering the mansion. There the story unfolds, as she works on settling old scores and retrieving something important, that had been stolen from her.


Maybe give it a try, if you are looking for something with more tension and passion between the main characters, than the average cdrama and if you can bear enemies/lovers stabbing and hurting each other in plenty of ways repeatedly… Also, if you are tired of the innocent, always nice and kind female lead characters, but also don't want her to be unemotional or a stereotypical physically strong woman/warrior type.

I would not recommend this to people, who only want to see sweet/innocent romance. This surely isn't a wholesome love story, since the main characters are set up to be “enemies and lovers” at the same time. Problematic behaviour occurs, but in my opinion, its framed as problematic, not as something to aim for.

I appreciated about the drama:
-that the female lead has agency. She is resourceful, confident and willing to take matters into her own hands. Additionally she has political aspirations besides her personal motivations, giving her purpose beyond romance.
-that the second female lead plays a role beyond being an antagonist to the main leads, not simply being a character to be exclusively hated by the audience, like in many similar dramas.
-that the acting is decent and the plot moves along quickly (there are more flashback scenes in the beginning, but its not excessive throughout the drama)

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The Piper
12 people found this review helpful
Apr 2, 2016
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
The twisted version of the fairytale the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

This movie has an unique story, I've never seen it like this and this movie is quite remarkable. The movie uses the fairytale as the red thread, with some other things thrown in there.
The first half off the movie might come off slow and even boring, but this connects very well to the second part of the movie, so don't give up! I also had a hard time continue the movie, but it was so worth it.
The are some 'comical' parts, but I believe if they could have kept a serious tone throughout the movie that it would have made it better.
This movie is classified as horror, but I thought it has a more of a thriller/mystery vibe. But I do warn you that some things can be considered as gross.
The actors did a splendid job, I had sometimes a hard time with the facial expressions of the main lead. But overall it was well en greatly done!
The music was lovely, especially the music from the flute.
I would rewatch this movie, because I think it is one of a kind. But, this is also a movie that you really going to like or going to dislike, there is no inbetween.

Watch this if you like an unique storyline, great acting and good story.
Skip this if you want a horror movie or if you are expecting romance.

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Draw the Line
12 people found this review helpful
by ChaseD
Oct 4, 2022
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This is a really good drama. I can't believe I just watched a legal drama without skipping and fast forward. I have watched too many this kind of drama setup especially Korean and ended up switching to others. I'm too tired of those some kind of hero or heroine became lawyer or police because of revenge, corruption, organization power abuse, trauma etc. and I have the same mindset before watching this. Thankfully this director and screenwriter brought a good mix to the character and storylines. Common cases and characters but fresh and full of life values related with current society. The cases are very close to reality and how they kept stressing about the public opinion sometimes affect the judgement, it is very relatable.

Nothing to say about the main leads. Jin Dong, Cheng Yi and Cai WenJing are very good although I sometimes annoyed with Ye Xin character. Maybe that's how the screenwriter wants to design her character. The supporting roles caught me. I really like how they portrayed them. Sister Fei, Xu Tian, Sister Wang, Su Su , Xiao Wei, this is the first time I watched them and I really like all the relationship between all the roles. Also, the supporting cast that appear maybe only for two episodes or less. They did really well.

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Completed
High as Sky Wide as Earth
12 people found this review helpful
Jul 17, 2014
165 of 165 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This is definitely a LONG drama lol - there were times where I was really happy, times where I was really frustrated, irritated, joyful, disbelief, happiness - lots of different emotions. I'd have to say I think this drama is a bit slow paced - maybe b/c it's a family drama - I liked Muyeong & Jisu best and then Eunha & Jimin, after them it was Sanghyeon & Eunju (I didn't care for them in the middle of the drama though). Muyeong & Sanghyeon's parents were really nice and I liked them.
They all really looked like families - since some of their stories didn't seem very interesting to me - I skipped quite a lot (but not enough to not know what was going on).
I loved the relationship between Muyeong & Jisu - you can tell they grew up as friends from a young age - they are VERY playful (it's really cute/adorable to watch) - when they are together it's the best. There was about 10-15 episodes that were frustrating between them - but it eventually ends and then comes the best scenes between them <3
Eunha was a bit annoying to me in the beginning through the middle - until the late 80+episodes when I warmed up to her & she was no longer a threat. I really like her with Jimin however ;)
Music: I only remember the theme song and a ballad song that I really want to find.
Re-watch value: I'd only re-watch the scenes of Muyeong & Jisu if I were to re-watch it.
I believe the title "High as Sky Wide as Earth" stands for: "I love you as high as the sky & as wide as the earth" - that's my belief anyway :P
Park Hae Jin & Han Hyo Joo are the STARS of this drama I believe - they really captivate me and made it worth watching <3

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Completed
The Rise of Ning
12 people found this review helpful
May 10, 2025
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5

Intelligent and sweet

If you are a fan of intelligent leads, healthy relationships and green flag couples, watch this drama. I stumbled on to this drama because I was looking for other dramas by featuring Zhang Wanyi and I am so glad I did.
The acting from the whole cast is stellar, the villain was human with shades of grey and not just evil alone. The OST is beautiful and the sets gorgeous. In the beginning, I thought it reminded me of The Story of Ming Lan, there are some parallels there, then it stopped doing that in the second episode and became its own show. It's much lighter, sweeter and faster paced than TSoML where I found the atmosphere much more oppressive and gloomy and I definitely enjoyed TRoN more.

The biggest positive for me were the leads who were all in when they thought they were siblings, all in when ML knew they were not siblings and all in when their relationship changes to more. its a healthy, intentional and reciprocal relationship of two equals with small misunderstandings, easily and quickly resolved through honest communication on both their parts. Can we please see more of these???
This drama has very quickly been added to my favourite historical dramas and let me tell you that is no easy feat.

I highly recommend it, whether as an easy binge watch or as a serious drama craving, it satisfies all your drama needs.

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Kirin ga Kuru
12 people found this review helpful
Apr 20, 2021
44 of 44 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Uncovering the infamous historical figure Akechi Mitsuhide

First of all, let's get our historical fact check. Mitsuhide is no other than the warrior who assassinated Nobunaga. While this is surely an act of betrayal. Keep in mind that both figures aren't perfect. Nobunaga might be famous for being one of the unifiers but he is also famous for being brutal & ruthless. There is no bad or good side here.

Mitsuhide might just also be one of the most mysterious historical figure of Japan. They don't have clear records of his childhood thus different to how Taiga dramas usually start (it most of the time starts with the lead as a kid) Kirin ga Kuru starts with Mitsuhide "Jubei" during his early days as a warrior just a few years before he becomes head of the Akechi clan.

When watching Taiga dramas I always look at the costumes, the way the characters talk, and the interior/sceneries. Costumes are on point, the acting & the way they talk truly takes you back to the sengoku period. Since Mino (Mitsuhide's hometown) is a village in the mountains there are scenes that captures the beauty of the mountainous region. Music was well matched depending on the scene although there aren't much. The opening is quite dark w/c is fitting to the destination of this story. I love openings of Taiga dramas including this so I recommend to not skip it, even just once, watch the opening credits as it is well made.

Hasegawa Hiroki as Akechi "Jubei" Mitsuhide and Sometani Shota as Oda Nobunaga reels you in with their portrayal. The way they talk, fight, or even just the way they stand, clearly creates the difference between these two men. They have a lot of scenes together and it was a feast watching these two great actors.

From the moment I started watching this, I've been wondering how would they end this, as most of us knows that Mitsuhide's life doesn't end in a good note. The ending was just right, a good take on one of the many assumptions on why he decided to turn his back on Oda.

Kirin ga Kuru "Awaiting Kirin", the title was mentioned a lot of times throughout the series. I like how they emphasized on it and explained this mythical creature the "Kirin". If you look at the poster for this drama, the black smoke-looking effect is actually a representation of the "Kirin". Try to look at paintings of a Kirin & you'll see the reference. I like what they did there.

Overall, I enjoyed this take on the mysterious man, Akechi Mitsuhide.

Just want to note that I am someone who mostly just watches Jdramas and interested in their culture and history. Please do read the tags/genre and plot before trying to watch this as this isn't your typical kind of drama.

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Kiss Goblin
12 people found this review helpful
Sep 10, 2020
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

Wonderful surprise

Well, I must admit, I really was taken aback by this serie. Since the characters untill the graphical effects.

The story was (as expected) a little rushed, but in my point o view was well developed taken in consideration the time of the entire serie. Lines well acted by the actors, I really liked the chemistry between the ML and the FL.

The ending was kind of expected for me but even so, the plot twist caught me off guard, hahaha.

In resume, the story was simple, direct, effective, warmt and for those who like short stories this one put a "must see" tag on it. I recommend.

PS: I gave 6 on rewatch value because i seldom see a serie again.

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Love for Two Lives
12 people found this review helpful
Nov 30, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Enjoyable and funny mini-show with time travel theme

What a wonderful mini-show. This is one of these small hidden gems I’m sometimes lucky enough to stumble upon. The storyline of traveling between two worlds (or time travel) isn’t new but I don’t think I have ever seen one where the portal connects a living room in modern time and a bedroom in ancient time - allowing them to go through time/space any time they want.
Character wise we get this sweet FL that is a bit air headed but resourceful, a ML who is strong and clever, a not too smart princess and a general that is kind of a genius but also soft hearted. There are also a couple of interesting side characters.
Acting wise this might not reach the top but the actors all do a good job portraying their characters. Since it’s a comedy we always have to take into account that the characters are supposed to be a bit silly. Especially the general’s Kung Fu, is hilarious. I also loved the princess the King was originally supposed to marry - what a strong woman, LOL.
I enjoyed this mini-show a lot and since the ending is kind of open, I hope to see a season 2.
Anyway, if you like a sweet and romantic comedy - with a parallel world/time travel theme - this is well worth watching.

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How to Die Young in Manila
12 people found this review helpful
by MAI
Oct 10, 2022
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

A nuanced take on queer intimacy

Symbolic and a macabre--exactly what we're used to from Filipino indie cinema. I liked it; it's a daring and nuanced take on the dangers that young queer people must face when navigating hook-up culture. Unlike their straight peers, who can happily frolic out in the open, the gay dating scene is shrouded in secrecy. It is in dark allies and dingy bathrooms that guys connect with the strangers they've met online-- and just like the city of Manila doesn't bat an eye at the decomposing bodies littering their streets, nobody really seems to care about these young gay men risking their lives in the pursuit of intimacy either.

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Paen Rai Long Tai Wa Rak
12 people found this review helpful
by Maja
Jan 15, 2019
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
Shortest way to give the synopsis would be: when a plan backfires, you should lie, lie, lie.
You've got the whole "lakorn to go" set in this one: possessive ML, secretes behind FL actions, plotting evil female, confused characters, mentor characters.. all well rounded up in a story that has enough energy to push you across the finish line. And we all end up cheering for our OTP (darn, I cheered for them from day 1, but it took them a sweet while)
WHY I LIKED IT?
I picked this one up because it had a good idea behind the story: while trying to help her friend get out of a forced wedding, our FL ends up messing it up so had, and they are now BOTH married. The good thing is: the marriage is only the beginning of the plot.
There is dramatic moment in every episode. That said, there are times the ML is a cold-blooded and vengeful guy, but the good thing is how he melts away in duration of a single episode. There are times FL is a scheming nuts (well, actually, that is her BEST feature) and she makes mistakes that aggravate not only ML, but it's cute how she warms up to every apology.
I liked it for the two of them.
And Mr. Writer knew how to give us the "fan service". Even when they were seemingly having fights, we were joyful, because that would lead to another cute/shy/*I'm rolling on my sofa laughing* kind of reconciliation.
Hats down for FL and her ability to do makeup: from re-creating fake bruises to drag-queen-gone-wrong, she did them all.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE
As a matter of fact, I didn't like the rest of the cast. :)
I didn't mind the second leads story, because it had some value to it. It's about how bad it is to lie about your baby-daddy and make a whole world of mess for everyone. Then, we get to see the actual reasoning behind this, and as we peel more layers, we get to understand everyone's action in that *backstabbing!* family.
The family itself is on a high level on insane. I can forgive the intensity of their madness. However, I didn't get the answer on what in the world happened to Pink's mom?! Where's my "who's done it" moment?! nothing? Fine.. live us in the dark.. it's not like this is the only drama that left me stumbling for answers and making up my own stories just to tie it all up.
And: it got a bit too draggy on all "let's not tell anyone about our secret mission" thing. Sure, fine, keep FL crying for a good long while (just so you know: I'd slap your face so hard for that.. you'd fall over!)
THE MUSIC
Good.
It has followed the story.
The couple theme was appropriate.
But, let us give applause the special sounds producers added in conversations, emphasizing the intensity of some looks. That was a nice touch! I approve it :)
RE-WATCH VALUE
Some parts, some funny/adorable moments - yes
The entire Mad Family Plotting scenes - heck, no!
OVERALL
What would you do for your family? How far would you go?
If you want to know - give this one a go.

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Completed
Biscuit Teacher and Star Candy
12 people found this review helpful
by iindu
Jul 9, 2013
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This is a good drama- based on a kind of forbidden romance, which is handled really well. The connection between Tae in and Na Bo Ri is where the drama shines. Their relationship evolves throughout, but always exudes a simple warmth and affection.
The drama has it's share of absurdities and annoying people. At times during the first half, you have to throw away logic and reason. At other times, you become intensely frustrated with some people. But,none of it is a reason to not like the drama. And those people do redeem themselves in the end.
Gong Yoo and Gong Hyo Jin are reason enough to enjoy this drama. And the ending makes it worth the while.

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