Story: This season it's focusing on Tsukasa's love for Makino and how they are meant to be together forever. Honestly the breaking-up/getting back together was starting to get on my nerves a little by the end, but it all proves that they are destiny. I especially loved the side plot with Yuki and Sojiro but this version didn't let them get as far as the Kdrama version which kinda sucks. I like that couple. I actually can stand Rui in this version. I feel really bad for him and I think that he deserves a great girl. Also I like how this story develops the other 2 boys of the F4 more than the other versions. The fourth F4 member in the Kdrama version was hardly ever present and didn't really get much characterization. But in this version I understand him and his character. All the girls who were after Tsukasa were annoying though. But I like Shigeru, when she wasn't after Tsukasa. She was a fun character.
Acting: I honestly love the acting of this one a lot more than the Kdrama version. Oguri Shun gives Rui more depth than Kim Hyun Joong did, also by the end I was thinking that Oguri SHun is a bit more handsome than Kim Hyun Joong (Don't kill me, you're a still a super hottie KHJ). I love Masumoto's acting, I really felt like he portrayed Tsukasa really well. Inoue Mao it goes without saying is a much much much better actress than Goo Hye Sun. I though she really bought her character to life. I was really invested in the characters, and they made me believe that this was real.
Music: I really liked the Arigato song. Though it was played a little bit too much I like the melody. The only problem I had with the music overall was at some points the music was inappropriate for the scene. But other than great!
Rewatch: Definitely to watch again when I'm in the mood for a great romance drama. Maybe in a few months because I don't think I can go through the emotional roller-coaster again.
Overall: It gets a 10 since I liked this season more than the first season and I gave the first season a 10.
I still have to watch the Tdrama version of this drama and I plan on watching it in a few months. I don't think I'll be able to watch Meteor Garden without comparing it to this one if I watch it right away. Even with Hana Yori Dango I was hesitant to watch it because I had tried watching it right after watching Boys Before Flowers (Kdrama)and the anime, and I couldn't because I was bored of the story already. Again I question why I ever thought Boys Before Flowers was a good version of this story. I think even if I watch Meteor Garden Hana Yori Dango will still be the best version.
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This review may contain spoilers
Felt like a state sanctioned anti-suicide infomercial
Ok. So I know the rating and review title might be confusing.This show has some great acting, the quality of production is fantastic. The music was great. Some of the stories were really interesting and it’s for the most part well-written.
HOWEVER, if I hadn’t been watching with someone else I would have dumped the show. It felt like I was being lectured about suicide but in a very strange way. Korea has a very high suicide rate and maybe that plays into it, but some of the message delivery was clunky and anyone with an ounce of common sense can throw the reasoning out of the window. Maybe they hoped to make people think again about giving life a chance, maybe scare them into carrying on. I dunno guys, it just fell flat.
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Doctor John separates itself from every other medical drama due to its willingness to address an issue that is more social than it is medical and/or political. Euthanasia is an extremely risky question because there is no single correct answer. One color to describe this drama’s dealings with euthanasia: gray. Very gray. As a human being, you probably have a preconceived opinion about it before you begin watching. And, amazingly, no matter what opinion that may be, it's more than likely that there is a character in this show that shares it. This show consists of the interactions between all different sides of the debate and how each is a combination of "wrong" or "right," depending on the context. Through these characters' actions and thoughts, Doctor John does the job of telling you that it is extremely dangerous hold one opinion as true across all situations.
That was one of my favorite parts about watching Doctor John. It doesn’t constantly preach one single answer and try to brainwash you into agreeing. It always shows you the multiple facets of every conflict. Whether it be through witnessing the physical and mental pain of terminal patients or the emotional turmoil of those close to them and their doctors, the writers create a bond between you and the characters. Once you begin empathizing (and with characters of different opinions!), the issues of life and death become less and less easy to decipher.
For me, the one peeve I have with plot comes in towards the end. It's one part of the umbrella issue that I like to call K-drama Syndrome, in which something about the latter episodes of a show seems to have an inner need to stray from the original conflict. I get it: it’s hard to continuously talk about something as sensitive like euthanasia without feeling like a piece of propaganda. But there’s a difference between quietly shifting focus and doing a screeching turn onto some unpaved path in the middle of a forest. Fine, this metaphor is an exaggeration—it was more like a kind-of-loud turn onto some unpaved path in the middle of a forest. Euthanasia becomes less prominent of a topic as the plot moves away from patients' stories and more toward less emotional conflicts. It isn’t quite enough to damage my positive opinion of the story, but I did spend the last hours of the ride with a tiny inkling that we might’ve gone in a weird direction.
The cast was lovely to watch. Some of the characters could have done with far more development, but amidst all the chaos of a hospital setting and the constant ins-and-outs of patients, it’s impressive that each character possesses as much individuality as they do. I feel like it’s insulting to him that I even have to explicitly say so, but Ji Sung is fantastic. Cha Yo Han is the right balance of mysterious and endearing; and he’s intelligent, yet not annoyingly so. It’s hard to match Ji Sung’s level, but Lee Se Young did a great job at depicting a capable but scarred young doctor. These two actors have a fantastic dynamic and the ability to simultaneously counter and support one another’s characters without being overwhelmingly cheesy. The romance between them is okay—I didn't care for it, but I also didn't mind it. It just isn’t as interesting as what the rest of the show presents; but luckily, it isn't too much of a main focus, either.
I’m content with Doctor John. Despite some rocky roads at the end, the high volume of tears that I shed and how it got the gears in my head turning are testaments to how attached I was to its story. Should you be in the mood for something thoughtful, emotional, and down-to-earth, Doctor John is a good way to go.
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Entertaining But Melodramatic.
8 episodes total. Okay for one watch but it didn't engage me emotionally. It took me a couple of episodes to really get interested in the characters. It was melodramatic but in an entertaining way through ep 6 and then it slid into eye-rolling over-the-top-ness. Ep 8 is painfully cheesy and it cuts abruptly from one vignette to the next. Ex: jumping from watching a bad guy getting hurt & a brief blurb about it on the news to a romantic photoshoot with bubbles. It was a bizarre final episode and not very satisfying.The actors (leads and secondary characters) felt rather forced in their intensity at times but it kind of fits into this melodramatic world that the series created. The actor Film has an un-hinged psycho-smile that would be too much elsewhere but kind of fits his character here.
There's good sexual tension between the main leads for the first half of the series then it kind of fades away. Which I thought was a weird progression because at the beginning one of them is grieving the recent murder of a family member yet has easy smiles with the other lead. There's a decent amount of skinship but anything beyond that is almost always interrupted. And when there are kisses (2 total I think) it's a dead-fish kiss. They seem much more comfortable ogling each other than sharing breathing space.
I found myself invested in and rooting for the secondary couple. They were the closest to getting my emotions engaged.
Nothing noticeably good or distracting about cinematography and music.
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This J-Drama/Romance was super adorable with a great storyline filled with wonderful actors. I enjoyed the entire movie and really wish it had been a series so I could have enjoyed it longer. Adorable. Relatable. And now one of my top favorite j-romances for SURE! If you love a sweet, romantic story, wonderful characters, and a romance that is believe-able and yet still swoon-worthy, then this show is for you.
Going to watch this one again at Christmas time!????
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A Movie That Lost Its Spark
At first, this movie was quite interesting, but it quickly became boring, leaving me feeling empty. I ended up skip it. I love both actors, but I was really disappointed in this one. It feels like there’s a deeper message hidden in the film, but it didn’t come through clearly. The storyline had potential, but it just didn’t deliver. It was supposed to be sad, but I couldn’t even cry because it was so dull. The ending felt sudden I was like, 'Wait, it’s over?' I’m not going to recommend this movie, but if you still want to watch it, go ahead.Was this review helpful to you?
I have no complaints about the cast at all. Viola Mi's character (Xiang Nan) was just beyond annoying as the antagonist but she is an amazing actress (this is the first drama I saw her in). Her emotional scenes were spot on and I could really feel her inner turmoil. Of course, many said Maggie Jiang was kind of cold and unemotional but I actually thought she nailed her role as a strong career woman and she had huge character development to change her previously cold exterior. Nothing needs to be said about Jerry. I always love him in dramas, but I thought this role fit him a lot more (he's really adorable when he acts immature). Last but not least, Ron Ng (I saw him in Cantonese movies before), but this is the first time I saw him in a drama, and unfortunately he was dubbed but anyone who has second lead syndrome would definitely fall in love with him. The rest of the cast were great as well. There are the accomplices, the hilarious (and gossipy) office staff, a supportive mother, a disapproving father, and two comedic reliefs in the form of Ban Jie and Da Luo!
Music was really nice, albeit a little repetitive. I liked how they used some of JJ Lin's old songs. That being said, I even downloaded the OST so I guess it's pretty catchy!
Overall, I really recommend it. Re-watch value is alright because at 42 episodes, it's long! However, maybe I would watch it again a few months later, but I would definitely re-watch some of my favorite episodes. If your taste is anything like mine (meaning you're used to 'draggy t-dramas'-see previous reviews) and you can stand that for the cute OTP, then you will definitely love this drama. Of course, if you're a Jerry fan like me, you can't miss out on this drama either! (9.25/8)
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This review may contain spoilers
Predictable But Entertaining for 4 Hours and 20 Minutes or Less
With 4 hours and 20 minutes or less, you can enjoy this short-length series between two long dramas or when you're spare time is limited. One of the better short-length series of many China has produced nowadays. I will review not with the usual format to highlight the positive and negative aspects in a bullet point.• Predictable but still entertaining
This is just my opinion since I am also a mystery-genre fan, so I watched too many similar setups. I could guess the plot just by watching Episode 1 only. But the drama is highly entertaining nonetheless because of the suspense and the chemistry between the main couple Yan Zhen and Chu Ze Jia/Chu Ze An.
• Great chemistry but not many smoochies and skinship
In short-length dramas, which usually are not censored heavily, we can expect real kisses and/or skinship. Especially for the husband-and-wife scenes, aren't they married? Not in this drama. We can feel the sexual tension between the two, but because of the in-law circumstance in the current plot, we don't see the intensity of the romance. Regardless he is her husband Chu Ze Jia or her brother-in-law Chu Ze An, in the current situation (not flashbacks), he is a family member, not a romantic partner.
• Good acting but underutilized the twin roles
Overall good acting by the leading actress Meng Xi, whom I've never seen before, and Li Zhuo Yang, seen in the mini-drama "Mutual Redemption Love". However, I think the production team underutilized the twin brothers Chu Ze Jia and Chu Ze An roles. They have strikingly different personalities with the older Chu Ze Jia being more reserved and mannered because he is a company CEO, in comparison to the younger Chu Ze An, who is more outgoing and free-spirited being a globe adventurer and photographer. But I'm not sure if the actor was not directed to act differently, or if he couldn't act differently, sometimes I couldn't really tell the difference between the two. I got it that the actor is somewhat new, so he probably did not have much acting experience. But a good director can make the best of a rookie.
• Nice mother-in-law but annoying sister-in-law
In short-length dramas, it's common for them to follow a soap opera-ish trope with mean MILs. Luckily, in this drama, Mrs Chu is a very nice MIL. Not the sister-in-law Chu Ze Xin. Although she doesn't oppose Yan Zhen, her character is the same ol' trope of SILs in rich families: annoying, immature, and bratty. You can skip the scenes with Chu Ze Xin because it's a filler, IMO.
Before the last bullet point regarding the ending, here are the two nice OSTs of this drama:
1. Ending theme "Rose Graffiti" by Fei Zhen Hua
2. Insert song "Waiting for Love to Return" by Guo Gai Ya
Scroll down to find out about the ending spoiler.
• Happy ending but with disappointing trope
A lot of viewers are disappointed with this typical Chinese drama ending style, including that I docked 0.5 points of my final rating. After the showdown with the villain, the drama ends with Yan Zhen leaving Chu Ze Jia and he couldn't find her. Viewers might think this is a retaliation against him leaving her in the past. However, I think that this is normal since Yan Zhen is pretty much exhausted mentally from all the hard work she did, investigating the mystery (the initial mystery and the mystery of her husband) and managing the company for years. Including the mourning and heartbreak because of the deaths. That girl needs a break. So she went vacationing by herself.
The drama ends with Chu Ze Jia visiting the place where they first met and a woman comes to take a Polaroid picture of him. We can't see the woman's face, but it's Yan Zhen for sure. because the scene is similar to when they met for the first time. So it's not an open ending. But I'm disappointed nonetheless since Chinese dramas like using this kind of ending, a mysterious reunion in which we can't see the other person's face, a similar voice calls the protagonist, or the protagonist looking up to the other person with a surprising look.
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I enjoyed the story of this drama and the writing script as well. The acting was ok, i love Maki's character the most and she did great here in my opinion, however, i got annoy by Yamada's character, i don't see a point to have this character in the drama at all. I think the script could be better because i have seen a drama about pilot before i think it was better than this one, however this one still a decent one to watch. There are some annoying part in the drama but still the acting of Maki help a lot and Kikuda' s character also help as well.
Even though, people want to see some romance in this drama but i don't think this inspiring kind of drama need the romance side within, if they are trying to push it in i think, it will lose it charm so this is reasonable to ditch some romance scene in this drama.
The music was great, i love the ending theme, it suits the drama.
The rewatch rate is low because this drama is one of those inspiring drama, you get those feeling right after you finish the drama, so you might need a break for a while to rewatch this kind of drama once again the get the same feeling. However, i think for a while it could possibly be inspiring once again for those who still cannot find a goal in your life yet, this drama could give you a way to find it and fight for it otherwise your life is such a waste.
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Welcome to the house of horrors
This drama is about Mio Meguro, who experiences an extremely bad turn in her life by being fired from her job, kicked out of her house, dumped by her boyfriend and harassed by debt collectors all at the same time. In the darkest moment of her life, she finds solace in a kind soul who offers her refuge in a quaint little traditional share house. But, not all is as it seems….As far as the usual J-Dorama eccentricity goes, this show is not even half as weird as most of the same genre. Although the premise centres around the “youkai” (mysterious creatures of Japanese myth and folklore), spiritual/ dark arts themes with (minimal) elements of horror, this is pretty much a light hearted, comedic and well-acted production.
Koshiba Fuka plays the FL, Mio Meguro and her performance fits the role to a tee. Much like her previous role in Tokusatsu Gagaga, she is adept at playing the shy, timid, soft spoken and unassuming character that makes you want to protect this poor unfortunate soul who gets trampled on by unscrupulous boyfriends, bosses, and basically all other bullies. In addition to the fragile wimpiness, she projects the perfect blend of dramatic acting and comedic timing, thus making her well-suited to such humorous roles.
The supporting cast of the various Youkai are equally fun and entertaining, with the fantastic monster makeup and get-up, which comes across as more adorable than terrifying, during the transformation segment of every episode. This motley crew comprises monsters from tales as old as time, with Oiwa-san, Shutendoji, Zaishikiwarashi, and Nurarihyon as the primary share house occupants. Guest appearances by their comrades in arms come in the form of Okiku, Yomotsushikome, Yamauba and Amabie. Witnessing each of them with their uniquely strange and awesome powers truly is hilarious and mind-blowing.
The OST is provided by Miwa (who guest stars as herself in the final episode) who composed the distinctive J-rock piece, Daitan (check out the MV, which was produced with a unique “Youkai” concept).
I was honestly caught by surprise at how entertaining this show was. The ending was astonishing but hugely satisfying as well. Youkai Sharehouse is a light and easy watch if you’re in the mood for some laughter and fun, with the added insight into traditional Japanese folklore and myth of how the Youkai came into being. Running at only 8 episodes, it won't take too much of your time to indulge and you'll be positively relishing every moment of it.
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nice yang Zi, born to be Alive drama
The journey through the first 28 episodes of "Born to Be Alive" has been nothing short of transformative. This drama is a rare gem that balances a gripping narrative with a deep, humanistic core. Set against the breathtaking yet harsh landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau, the story follows Bai Ju (played by Yang Zi) and her relentless pursuit of justice and environmental protection.The Evolution of Bai Ju
Yang Zi’s portrayal of Bai Ju is a breakthrough in her career. From the early episodes where we see her growing up in the Gobi Desert to her transformation into a courageous police officer, Yang Zi captures every layer of her character’s growth. Her dedication to the role is visible not just in her acting, but in her physical transformation—sporting a natural, "outdoorsy" look that perfectly reflects the life of someone living on the plateau. By Episode 28, Bai Ju has evolved from a girl searching for self-worth into a formidable guardian of the land.
A Legend of Two Generations
The dual-narrative structure, which connects the anti-poaching struggles of the 1990s with the modern-day efforts for ecological revitalization, is masterfully executed. Hu Ge, in a special appearance as Duojie, brings a profound sense of gravity to the show. His character, inspired by real-life rangers, represents the legacy of sacrifice that Bai Ju eventually inherits. The interaction between these characters—across different timelines—highlights a faith that is "engraved into the land".
Cinematographic Brilliance
The production quality, led by Daylight Entertainment, is world-class. Filmed on location for over 188 days, the series delivers visual purity that makes the audience feel the weight of the vast, no-man's land. The cinematography captures the "Tibetan aesthetics" beautifully, from the snow-capped mountains to the simple, yet profound, daily lives of the people. This isn't just a drama; it’s a cultural tribute to the guardians of the Qinghai Plateau.
Fighting the Noise
It is clear that the malicious 1-star ratings do not reflect the true quality of this production. Real viewers are captivated by the varied social issues the drama tackles—from the fight against illegal poachers to the complexities of poverty alleviation. The story of Bai Ju catching her brother after he was scammed by human smugglers, or the heartbreaking sacrifices of the mountain patrol team, are moments of high emotional stakes that keep the audience hooked.
Conclusion
"Born to Be Alive" is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story where "life protects life," and hope continues to grow even in the harshest environments. As the series approaches its final episodes, it remains a must-watch for anyone who values high-quality scriptwriting and stellar performances. Yang Zi and Hu Ge have truly delivered a masterpiece. Rating: 10/10.
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Feeds your craving for chaebol drama and mess!
This show most definitely will not fail to intrigue it's viewers. I've already watched Sky Castle, The World Of The Married, and I'm waiting on Penthouse 3 to premiere, so you already have an idea of my taste in kdramas. I was waiting for another's drama like the ones mentioned above to come and my prayers were answered. This one is just as fascinating and with fleshed out characters to match. And a murder isn't a bad way to start off a show either.One thing I want to talk about is the overall feel of the show. It has an aura of mystery but one that affects how you view the characters and their actions. It's hard to articulate but it's like you know what's going on but at the same time you don't. Even if you think you grasp the characters and their motivations, there's this invisible fog that's clouding your judgement. That might've been purposeful on the writer's part but it only draws you in so you can find out more.
Each family member has secrets of their own and a storyline to go with them. The character I found most intriguing is Seo-hyun. She is the composed member of the family yet she is concealing the most damaging secret! Kang Ja Gyeong's backstory is crazy but the journey to finding out what led her to going up her son was really good. Hisoo is very likeable, which is good for dramas like this. In a world full of sinister characters you need someone to root for. My favorite storyline is that of Suhyeok and Yoo Yeon. They were quite minor but I'm a sucker for forbidden love and I just really found their dynamic interesting.
I definitely recommend this if you're a fan of the previously mentioned shows or if you just want to satisfy your craving for backstabbing rich families and dangerous secrets. 9/10
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This isn't really a horror movie or anything. You're able to see how two high schoolers who never spoken before discover they share the same interest. Death.
Story 10- The main characters unravels the mystery of a murder case in thier neighbourhood not to solve the case and catch the murderer, but to see the corpse themselves.
Acting 10- I thought the acting was brillient as I felt I could connect with the obession the characters have.
Music 9- The music genre fits wonderfully as it beats up the tension.
Rewatch 9- Again I enjoyed the movie, may have something to do with loving the manga so much.
Some people may not agree with me and I admit some parts were a little slow but it's definitely worth the watch. There isn't much blood, 'scary' disturbing scenes for a murder/crime movie, however overall I loved the movie.
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Basically, the drama follows a loving and warm family as they deal with the mother's illness and then her death and their life afterwards. Everything is handled quite delicately and the various storylines with all the many characters just mesh quite well together.
Kamiki Ryounosuke as Horo was a standout character in my opinion, as the narrator of the drama. His interactions with his family members and his friends were all so poignant.
Overall, a meaningful and deep family drama that addresses the depth of familial love.
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One of the best romantic comedies
I stayed up late to finish the final two episodes of this brilliant series, and I do think it's one of the best romantic comedies I've seen. However, this series is more of a romantic COMEDY than it is a ROMANTIC comedy.I love the humor of this show, because it is also referential. In Episode 11, it even hints at other recently-aired series such as My Liberation Notes ("revere me") and even alludes to Kill Me, Heal Me and many other popular K-dramas.
I have to say, it features romances that are refreshing because, again, the couples communicate well with each other. It's definitely not smooth-sailing all the time, but because they are able to converse with each other, they are able to deal with their problems well.
This is a rowdier, less sardonic Korean version of The Office, with smoldering romance at its center. The series is remarkably consistent in that even its kissing scenes are laugh-out-loud events: it's one of the few shows that feature kisses that are both hot and extremely funny at the same time.
Overall, this is definitely recommended. Intelligent, poignant, and yet boisterously funny, Gaus Electronics is one of the year's best series.
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