Reviews

Lackluster and Ultimately Disappointing Series With Cowardly Characters!

By the time you reach the last few episodes, the series becomes like a plate of mushy carrots. You choke them down just to get through them, so you can move on to something better.

I’m going to start this review by saying that Shin Hye Sun is one of my favorite actresses, and I started watching this series because I saw that she was in it. However, I will say that this is the worst series that I’ve seen with her. It’s not her fault, however. As always, she gives an illustrious performance, given the lackluster and convoluted story and a very unappealing character in Cho Sam Dal.

The series is pretty solid through about the first eight episodes or so, but then it’s all downhill from there. No, it’s actually more like dropping off a cliff because the lack of story, quality, and direction, are suddenly nowhere to be found.

Cho Samdal is a prominent photographer, rising to near the top of stardom as one of the most sought-after photographers in the business. She photographs model and celebrities. Her protégé torpedoes Samdal’s career, forcing her to retreat to Jeju Island, where she is from. She hates the island, viewing it as a primitive locale where no one can possibly succeed in anything. What we end up having is a character who whines, drinks, and cries—often in that order too! At heart, she’s a true coward and unable to deal with her thoughts, feelings, or desires as well as her inability to stand up for herself. There is very little that is actually appealing about Cho Samdal.

Cho Young-Pil is a weather man based on Jeju Island and Samdal’s former boyfriend. Young-Pil is a man dealing with the tragic death of his mother—a haenyeo diver (women who dive for mollusks and other sea life) eight years prior. At the start, all we know is that Young-Pil and Samdal broke up, leaving the viewer to question why the breakup occurred as well as who instigated it. We find that one of the most cowardly characters of the entire series is Sang Tae, Young-Pil’s father.

A drowning man will always try to pull someone down, and Sang Tae is the spitting image of a man so lost within his own grief, that he sabotages Young-Pil and Samdal’s relationship. He holds Samdal’s mother responsible for the death of his wife, despite the two women being the best of friends. What is sad is that Young-Pil never really confronts his father about his irrational and self-destructive behavior. Even when Sang-Tae is verbally abusing Samdal, Young-Pil simply stands there without offering any defense or attempt to pacify. Sang Tae is a man who can’t see anything beyond his own pain, which literally mars and threatens to destroy the true memory and love of his wife. However, nobody bothers to even bring up this point with him. He spends his time drinking and sulking. The ultimate coward is the one who won’t let go.

In the midst of this, Go Mi-ja (Samdal’s mother) is suffering from a heart condition, which we might well connect with her own grief and guilt. I found her character the most appealing, and I wished the story had focused more on her and the friendship she shared with Young-Pil’s mother.

One side-story that was also far more appealing than the main one, involved Hae Dal Cho, the youngest sister and widow of Samdal. Her interactions with Ji Chan—a dolphin expert—were sweet and far sweeter than anything between Samdal and Young-Pil. I would have preferred a story surrounding her than Samdal.

By the end of the series, we have a cast of characters who are largely cowards at heart. Samdal is unable to deal with her past or even truly fight for her future. Doormats are only appealing because you can wipe your feet on them, and yet Samdal allows her protégé to use her as one three times throughout the course of the story. Samdal only wags her finger at her protégé, which does absolutely nothing. And I’m not entirely sure why Samdal would allow her ex-boyfriend to work with her after he betrayed her. So many things in this series made absolutely no sense at all.

It's sad how everyone believes that a “better life” must be in Seoul rather than in Jeju. I would have preferred seeing everyone make a success in Jeju, rather than treating it as the hindquarters of Korea where success goes to die. Who said you have to go to a big city in order to be successful? Not only is this deluded thinking, it’s also untrue. Samdal only succeeds in revealing her level of immaturity by how much disdain she has for her hometown.

Also, are you seriously going to tell me that someone with her wealth and notoriety doesn't have an attorney on retainer?! That was about the most ridiculous thing of this series as if the writer had no clue!

The writer and director clearly had no idea where to take the story, and we have everything magically being resolved within the last few episodes without any viable explanation. Samdal doesn’t bail herself out. Everyone else does it for her, leaving the viewer to realize that she’s still never grown up or known how to take care of herself. True strength isn’t as much about helping someone out of trouble as it is about helping them figure out how to get themselves out of trouble! The story would have been far better served had they chosen that road.

Despite having some truly hilarious moments—especially the seaweed fight—Samdal is just a very annoying and largely unlikable character. She acts like a 14-year-old child most of the time. She gets angry with Young-Pil over the smallest things. She peeks at him through her bedroom window, and then gets angry when he confesses his feelings for her. She then runs off like a scared child and barricades herself in a shed because she can’t deal with any challenges or forms of confrontation. She’s about as big of a coward as you will ever find! I also lost count of how many times she hits Young-Pil. It was supposed to be humorous, but by the tenth or eleventh blow, it just becomes silly and tiresome.

Given the great cast and acting performances that this series had, it’s a real shame that it was all wasted on this unappealing story, which lacked both charm and sophistication.

I went back and watched “Our Beloved Summer” again just to get the bad taste of this series out of my mouth. I wanted to revisit a series that was well written with smart, likeable characters, because this series just doesn’t have either one. “Welcome to Samdal Ri”? More like, stay away!

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Pretty Faces, Predictable Chaos, and a Finale That Fully Lost the Plot

Oki besties, let’s get into it. This drama, as many fellow viewers have clocked with laser accuracy, is neither original nor particularly remarkable—but also not terrible. It’s the genre equivalent of your default dinner when you’re tired, uninspired, and emotionally unavailable: familiar, easy, and mildly satisfying if expectations are kept on a leash.

The leads were genuinely enjoyable to watch. The ML is certified eye candy—face card never declines, no debate there. I’ve seen him around, and while he absolutely delivers visually, his acting occasionally felt a bit… stiff? Not consistently, just here and there. Could be his style I guess, either way, still a pleasant viewing experience.

The FL did a great job. I hadn’t even realized she’d transitioned into mini-drama territory, but honestly? We roll with it. She carried her role well and felt grounded throughout.

Now, chemistry. Personally, I didn’t feel a strong romantic spark between the leads—and yet, plot twist, I still enjoyed watching them interact. A rare occurrence for me. Their communication was handled surprisingly well, they functioned as an actual team, and that alone did a lot of heavy lifting. The kisses were… fine. No fireworks, no earth-shattering revelations, but also not full CPR dummy mode—though that first one was skating dangerously close.

The villain reveal, however, did absolutely nothing for me. Mostly because the actress is a professional drama antagonist at this point. She plays the villain in nine out of ten dramas, so the second she appeared I was already like, “Ah yes. Anyway.” Let me locate my shocked face real quick.

The supporting cast did okay overall. I especially enjoyed the mother-in-law and the concubines—always reliable agents of chaos, doing what needed to be done, and love that we got a good concubine on our side.

And then… the final episodes happened. The plot didn’t just go off the rails—it launched itself into another dimension. Full commitment to nonsense. The last four episodes said, “We’re going out with a bang,” and then proceeded to cram a long separation and a reunion into what felt like the final three minutes.

So yes, we got messy drama, revenge, concubines, inner family schemes, and a finale powered entirely by vibes, but yes, a happy ending for our leads, all things considered.
As a pit stop between heavier dramas, this was a perfectly serviceable, predictable watch. Not life-changing, not groundbreaking—but sometimes you just want chaos with pretty people, and this delivers exactly that.

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before i go any further with this review, please let me say here that i have only watched a handful of Taiwanese dramas. BUT among those few, this could very well be the best i've seen.
the OTP's chemistry is totally off the charts! their acting, spot-on! i can feel their pain, their frustrations, their happiness, their emotions.
the only reason i put an 8 for rewatch value instead of a 9 or 10 is because i rarely rewatch dramas that i've seen. but i wouldn't be surprised if i catch myself taking another peek at an episode or a scene from this drama in the foreseeable future.

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I found this drama very entertaining. It is meant to be a comedy and although it touches on very moving subjects, it never fails to be hilarious! All the characters are very well played and very funny. They are all silly in their own way and although the plot is rather redundant, the entertainment the characters give makes up for the rather boring plot. Near the end episodes of the drama, I found it particularly funny when Unubore sang his own theme song. If you are looking for a drama that is a good solid dectective plot then this is probably something you would not enjoy. But if you like comedy (not in a sophisticated way I suppose) then you would thoroughly enjoy this drama. :)

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It's a masterpiece!

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First of all, let's all agree that the title of this series is terrible. There are many series to watch, and I skipped this one simply because of the feeling of "another way too cheesy drama" the title gave me. I was wrong.

The plot twists and turns until the very end, the acting is excellent, and the production is superb!

Most importantly, we've finally got a series that talks about many LGBTQ+ issues openly and explicitly. No more this "I don't like men, I just like him" BS! I couldn't bear to watch another series where being gay is something to be ashamed of and, therefore, protagonists are wiggling out of confirming their sexuality. Contrary to that, this series probably has the highest number of times the word "gay" is pronounced in the history of the Thai BL industry. And it definitely has the highest number of moments where "gay" is used as a self-description.



------------ MAJOR SPOILERS! ---------------

Here are some thoughts and my opinion about the ending. A lot of people didn't like it, and I get that. But what other options were there? Let's say Tarn gets out of the coma, and Nut remains human. Now what? Tarn, whose love literally gave life to Tofu and saved Nut and his dysfunctional family, remains alone, watching Nut and Tofu living happily ever after from a sideline??? Is that fair? And how would Tofu live knowing that about Tarn and not being able to talk about it to Nut ever? Do you think Tofu could possibly be happy??? I don't think so. Therefore, IMHO, the ending IS the best possible outcome.

Now, here's a message to those heterosexual ladies who love watching BL and are very disappointed in this one. I understand that this entire industry was created for you, but gays are not inflatable dolls that exist solely for your entertainment. Thailand is a pretty homophobic country, if you haven't noticed. And when you are "sinking" such a series, sending a message to the Thai BL industry to say that you are only interested in fluffy fairy tales, you are stealing voice from people who are suffering. This series was supposed to be an unrealistic fairy tale but somehow ended up portraying an actual real-life gay and his life in the most realistic way. If you don't like how the series ends, make sure that the described abuse and violence don't happen in your family and society.

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Drama's title is very self explanatory

The acting, chemistry and kisses was way better in this one! The premise was the most interesting also, Perfect Scandal it's full of scandalous situation indeed jus like the series with the title telling everything: Kiss & Kiss and Kiss! (It's a shame how difficult it's to watch it...)

The kisses we had: 1- In classroom with college's boyfriend, 2- personal trainer and actor couple make the rehearsal became reality, 3- married politician with his secretary, 4- BL - officers senpai and kouhai tasting the sweet lips (w-o-w), 5- very cute the producer with the voice actor, 6- old couple of idol and his secret newly exposed girlfriend, 7- traditional calligraphy teacher after class with his married student, 8- journalist comforting his director, 9- BL - secretly 2 idols in the same boy-group, JEEZ!, 10- university colleagues on a secret relationship the country girl and her idol, 11- the outside prince with the convenience store girl is like this that people scammed, 12- college student that can message her past self make a second fisrt kiss with clerk.

That's a variety of very curious settings, I like the opening design and the ending music it's really a very good vibe! Another word to this arc would be: Forbidden.
P.S.: I came for the BL couples and I was just damn right.

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If you're into undisciplined drugs, sex and violence, this is the movie for you. Writer/Producer Kim Hae-Gon weaves a tale of the most dysfuntional characters I have ever seen on screen.



The story opens with 4 friends who plan to rob a local casino. However, the The robbery goes bad and the guys are forced to deal with the consequences of their actions. One turns traitor, the other becomes a junkie and one a recluse. The main character, who takes the fall for them all, serves a 2 year prison sentence and returns to a world that has changed drastically. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of greed, paranoia, revenge and a grudge match that becomes the highlight of this film.



The action sequences are truly remarkable and so realistic; so much I found myself flinching with each punch and kick delivered. Sadly, the actress roles are reduced to 'doormats' and very little respect is shown them. This film would have rated a 10, in my opinion, if the witer would have delved more into his character heads and shown a bit more of the past of the 4 men.



All in all, it was a great film and I highly recommend it, if you only see it once.

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Okay so here's the deal, I hardly ever write reviews unless it's a really good movie or drama. So here it goes:

This movie is a very touching movie, I guess in one word I would describe it as inspirational. I hope that one day I will meet friends just like the member of Sunny and have the same relationship as them.

The story line was amazing! It was never slow or lagging behind to the point where I had to fast forward it. There was never a dull moment in the movie. Ever second I was lured into the movie either because of the emotions the characters showed and because of the story itself.

The acting/cast was PERFECT. Honestly, it's a miracle that the directors were able to find such perfect actors and actresses that were able to portray their characters incredibly. Also all the actors and actresses were beautiful.

The music even though some of the music was... how should I say it... "old styled?" I still liked it because it was catchy to the point where it got stuck in my head and made me want to Google up the lyrics for the song and find the music.

I would totally re-watch the movie. Usually I'm very picky about re-watching stuff but... this... this is worth re-watching because it has life lessons in it, and the story and plot actually seem realistic to me. Watching the movie didn't make me think "Ohh, this is so unreal this would never happen in real life". I was glad because it someone shows the truth behind an all girls school. Even though people hardly see it, there are actually girls like that. (I know from experience)

Overall, I would actually give this movie a 11/10! For me, now a days I find it hard to find movies and dramas that catch my attention because I feel as though I've watched it all but luckily this movie caught my attention thanks to WGM (We Got Married). So anyways, I would recommend this movie to people who want to watch a heart-touching movie about seven women who were friends in high school able to reunite after 25 years.

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A tribute to ink

This is richly produced if deeply flawed drama set during the Ming dynasty, highlighting the Huizhou ink industry. While there are moments of stirring tribute to the painstaking craftsmanship involved in the making of ink and moments of genuine human drama, this is overall a pretty meandering and lackluster drama that is far too long with 42 episodes. Think of every family drama trope you have seen in a period Chinese drama of a similar genre, and you will find it in this show. Most critically, there is little chemistry between the lead characters, who are only thinly constructed in writing and even more poorly executed on screen, especially the character of Luo Wenqian.

Some real emotional weight is brought through several veteran actors - notably Tian Xiaojie as Li Zhen's grandfather, Li Hongliang as her uncle, and Cao Lei as Luo Wenqian's brother. Unfortunately for Yang Zi, this is not her best feature - she is far more effective and engaging in the recent Flourished Peony.

I could not help thinking of The Story of Minglan while watching this. That drama was perhaps the first of this kind of idol period drama. Although a very long drama there as well involving various family and political drama arcs, it built to a nice climax as it went along. Moreover, the characters were dimensional and grew as the story grew. Unfortunately in The Heir, things build to an awkward ending arc (against the Japanese?), and the lead characters for the most part remained the same throughout the show. Unless you are very interesting in exploring ink-making or a devoted fan of the cast, you probably could skip out on this one.

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To understand the plot, it would help a lot if you have actually read the manga which is still ongoing as of this writing.

I have not watched Ivy Chen before and I must admit that she kinda irritated me during the first few episodes but she definitely grew on me. Kyoko, which is the girl Ivy was portraying doesn't seem to be as animated as her but nevertheless I would say that I cannot imagine any other actress better fit to deliver this role than Ivy ;D

I was glad that the script writers tried to stick to the manga as much as they can especially for Ren's manager who was definitely very much like the one in the manga and L.M.E's flamboyant president.

If searching for Siwon and Donghae brought you to Skip Beat then I must tell you that the beautiful boys are worth watching ;D

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Definitely worth a Re-watch

I’ve finished watching Episode 12 of “Unforgotten Night” and although I can understand why some of the reviews are waspish to say the least, I also think they show the dangers of attempting comparative reviews of both novel and film. The novel is one thing, and the film series is another, and neither can, or should, be judged by the other.
Take the character of Cherry as the outstanding example. She appears in the series, but isn’t even suggested in the novel. And yet in the film series she undergoes considerable character change, which Ging Areeya Pholphutrakul develops very well indeed. Without Cherry, the evil antagonist Danai, excellently played by Beam Sarunyu Prachakrit, would certainly not be as villainous.
The decision to write Cherry into the narrative can only be placed at the door of Ongart Singlumpong, classified as the “Producing Director”. This highly capable and experienced person has an unusually strong gift for cinematic narrative and continuity, which shows itself throughout the production.
Another big contrast between series and novel is the character of Kamol, impressively presented by Yoon Phusanu Wongsavanishakorn. In the novel, Kamol is a stereotypical Mafia leader, tall, hard, with a black beard, enough to send shivers along the spine of any ordinary person, whereas in the series Kamol is shown as a slightly built, baby-faced, rather introverted character, although possessing the organisational and killer qualities of a Mafia boss. As for Kim, very sensitively and intelligently presented by Ton Saran Anantasetthakul, throughout the series he changes from an unhappy and dependent young man to a loving, confident and very capable companion and tiger-lover.
The film series does show the lack of a truly supportive budget, but even so, the story comes through. With the resources provided by a wealthier backing, “Unforgotten Night” could easily have turned out to be an unforgettable series. However, as it exists, it is certainly worth paying attention to and re-watching for a number of excellent strengths and subtle flair.

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A Heartfelt Journey Through Youth and Growth ?

“Lighter and Princess” (2022)unfolds as a beautifully crafted Chinese drama that begins with the familiar setting of a college campus drama—a world where dreams and youthful romance collide. Yet, this 36-episode series evolves into something far more profound, delving into the complex terrain of human struggle and personal growth.

Plot and Themes ✨:

Initially, 'Lighter and Princess' captures the light-hearted charm of youth, with its vibrant characters and their pursuit of dreams. But as the story progresses, it reveals a richer, darker undercurrent—a narrative that doesn't shy away from the rough edges of life. The drama is divided into two well-paced segments, each marked by impeccable cinematography and a soundtrack that perfectly complements its emotional beats.

At its core, the story is about the imperfections and struggles of its characters, which ultimately make them memorable. The journey of Li Xun (Chen FeiYu), Zhu Yun (Zhang JingYi), and Gao JianHong (Zhao ZhiWei) is a reflection of our own human quest to navigate flaws, seek redemption, and strive for personal growth.

Reflections and Insights 💭📚:

Watching this drama brought to mind Mitch Albom's memoir, *Tuesdays with Morrie*. The recurring theme, "What’s wrong with being number two?" resonates throughout the series, particularly through Gao JianHong's journey. The drama explores why we chase after being the best and questions whether this pursuit is truly fulfilling.

In essence, the series suggests that personal growth is not about outshining others but about surpassing our past selves. It’s a journey of self-improvement and understanding what truly matters to us, rather than merely striving for external validation.

Characters and Development 🌟❤️:

- Li Xun: An introverted genius who struggles with loneliness and a desire to make a difference in the world. His character's evolution—from a solitary coder to a loving partner—highlights the complexities of balancing personal pain and relationships.

-Zhu Yun: The supportive and rebellious friend who learns to assert her independence. Her growth reflects the struggle of balancing personal dreams against societal expectations and familial control.

- Gao JianHong: The rival who battles envy and personal insecurities. His story is a powerful reminder of how destructive jealousy can be, and how true victory lies in personal self-acceptance and growth.

Acting and Cast 🎭🌟:

The performances are exceptional. Chen FeiYu and Zhang JingYi embody their roles with such depth and authenticity that their chemistry is palpable. Each emotion, from joy to sorrow, feels genuine and compelling, drawing viewers deeply into their story.

Music and Cinematography 🎶📸:

The soundtrack of *Lighter and Princess* is a standout feature. The opening theme and the accompanying OSTs perfectly capture the emotional highs and lows of the drama. Combined with stunning cinematography, the music enhances the viewing experience, leaving a lasting impact.

Final Thoughts 🌟💬:

*Lighter and Princess
transcends the typical campus drama. It’s a poignant exploration of growing up, facing flaws, and the power of love. The addition of a cancer storyline in the final episodes serves as a powerful plot device, pushing characters to confront what truly matters in life.

In summary, this drama is more than just entertainment; it’s a profound reflection on life, growth, and the human condition. For anyone looking for a series that offers both emotional depth and insightful reflections, *Lighter and Princess* is a must-watch. It’s a gem that will stay with you long after the final episode ends.

Rating: 10/10 ⭐️

"May we all find the strength to love and be loved, and never forget what truly matters in our journey through life."

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An outstanding drama that only gets better as the story unfolds

Before I begin my review, let me briefly summarize the plot. The story revolves around a girl named Nozomi, who was in an accident at the age of 10 and has been in a coma ever since. However, 25 years later, on her 35th birthday, she miraculously regains consciousness - only to realize that she is no longer 10, and the world is neither the same as it used to be nor how she had hoped it would be. She then embarks on a long journey toward adulthood with the help of her family and a childhood friend.

Although the time-travel plot isn't particularly unique, what sets this drama apart is its thoughtful portrayal of growing up. Unlike many dramas with a similar concept, it doesn't rely on cute or lighthearted moments. Instead, it takes a more realistic approach to the protagonist's emotional development. She begins with the mind of a child trapped in the body of a 35-year-old woman, then gradually experiences the different stages of adolescence - from middle school to high school - before finally maturing into an adult.

I also loved the portrayal of the family - the individual members, their flaws, and the way they relate to one another. They’re imperfect, yet somehow perfect in their own way.

Lastly, can we take a moment to appreciate Shibasaki Ko’s incredible performance as Imamura Nozomi? What impressed me the most was how she captured even the smallest details of a child’s behavior - the way they cry, the way they speak, and even how they refer to themselves in the third person. Honestly, I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role as perfectly as she did. She was simply phenomenal.

Of course, no drama is without its flaws. While I wouldn’t say there were any major issues, there were a few moments that could have been handled better. For example, I wasn’t entirely satisfied with how the mother’s death was portrayed. Although it wasn’t unexpected, it felt a little abrupt. I also had mixed feelings about Nozomi’s job, Mana’s award, and Tatsuya’s career. Everything was wrapped up so quickly that the final 10 minutes felt a bit rushed and, at times, unconvincing. It almost seemed like the drama was trying to give every character a happy ending, when a more subtle conclusion might have felt more natural.

Aside from that, everything else was nearly perfect, from the supporting cast’s performances to the cinematography and even the OST. The soundtrack, in particular, is probably one of the best I’ve heard in a J-drama, and I don’t think I’ll be forgetting it anytime soon.

Overall, I’d highly recommend this drama to anyone looking for something simple yet captivating, with a heartfelt story that avoids unnecessary cringe or exaggeration. It’s definitely worth checking out.

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