Reviews

I forgot how I came across this title, but here I am — done watching it.

It's a story about Riku and Keita, who are in a relationship but keeping it a secret.

Riku is the popular guy in school, while Keita is just an ordinary student. Their secret relationship sometimes makes Keita feel insecure.

It turns out Riku isn’t hiding the relationship for himself — he’s doing it to protect Keita. As a popular student, Riku doesn’t know how their classmates might react if their relationship becomes public. He’s afraid that coming out could put Keita in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

By the end of the story, Keita’s growing insecurities force Riku to make a decision about where their relationship is headed. Will they finally go public, or will they break up? And how will their classmates actually react when they find out — will they be supportive, or will they mock them?

That's pretty much the story without giving too much spoiler.

Sometimes, the simplest stories are the most powerful. Riku and Keita don’t need grand gestures or complicated drama to make us root for them. Their love story quietly but deeply captures the internal struggle between true feelings and societal expectations.

At just 17 minutes long, it’s absolutely worth your time.

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May or may not change after I watch the film.

First of all, I just want to say that although I'm one of those who read the novel and the manhwa(webtoon), I can separate the novel, manhwa and adaptation. I tend to treat them as separate entity. And this is my take on this. I haven't watch the film yet but from what I can see from the trailers and the leaked videos, it's very disappointing and aggravating. For someone like me who likes this kind of films it's made very poorly. Don't even get me started with the acting. I'm not saying that their acting is bad, it's just kinda awkward to watch and I feel like their acting is lacking. There's this scene I saw where they first met Jihye. I'm so annoyed with the way she hold her weapon, the rifle. It's like she's hugging some pillow and it kinda ruin the scene of her being supposed to be cool. Now, I haven't really watch much of the film yet, just some leaked scenes from those who've watched it so I can't really judge them for that yet. I'm just saying that it's very annoying to watch(that scene).

Now, let's talk about the plot. We can get the gist of the plot just from watching the trailer right? And I can't say that I am okay with it. Okay, I get it. This is an adaptation. But to change the plot that much? Goodness, I can't even describe how I'm feeling. I've read an article in some site where the director is comparing this LA to the One Piece LA. And how that this LA is getting hated while One Piece is not although there are also changes in it. And let's be real. You can't compare them. This LA (based on the plot) is not even closed to the One Piece LA. There's not much changes in the One Piece LA you know? While this? No need to talk. I just can't grasp what the director is thinking by comparing the two. They changed so much of the ORV's plot by making this LA. And I understand why this film is getting so much hate. Just imagine Luffy dreaming to become the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, that's how we see the Dokja in this LA. Him being a hero and wanting to save the world? Don't joke around, sure he love some people from the world but that doesn't mean he wanted to save the world. He WANTED to save the protagonist not the world. He wanted to see the PROTAGONIST survive not the world. By changing this important part of the plot, you've earn yourself a lot of haters. I'm not even going to talk about the changing of the weapon and their characteristics that made them being loved by the readers because if I do, another long monologue will be added.

To those non-readers who watched the film or to those who watched the film just to support their favourite actors. Let me tell you this, you can get annoyed or get angry or be disappointed by us (novel and manhwa readers) for leaving such bad reviews even without watching the whole film but get this, what you're feeling doesn't even amount the rage and dissatisfaction we're feeling right now. we (novel and manhwa readers) can at least understand some of your feeling but you (non-readers) won't be able to understand ours. Because before the official release of the trailers, the plot and the whole film, we are the first one who are excited and anticipated such film. And that's why our disappointment after it's official release is also this bad. That's just what this is all about. You guys support the film however and how much you want and we will do our best to protect the novel where it all started.

This review is posted not to discredit the actors and their efforts in making the film but to express how much this film ruined one of the greatest novel I've read in my life. This novel is not just some novel for some of us. This novel has become our comfort when we are tired of the world and it's people. It save us from thinking to much and from giving up. And now seeing the novel that we cherished be brought to life and ending to be disappointed. We just can't accept it. Some of you may dislike this review but go on, I'll take it and just think of how much privilege you are.

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If you want to see Wen Ning kick ass in a fight, this was made for you

Basically what it says in the headline. I think this movie was made to show off concepts they developed for Wen Ning that didn't make it into The Untamed. This is a low production value TV movie with limited cast and a very, very cliched script. I saw the "twist" coming a mile off. However, I came here to see Wen Ning rattle his chains and kick ass, and I was not disappointed. The chains are pretty cool-looking in action and I don't feel like I wasted my time.

As for everything else: I thought the emotional hook with his character was sort of trite, but executed okay. I have problems with how Sizhui was written in The Untamed and while there's nothing much to complain about here, I think the actor who plays him is just much too bland on camera. There's a running gag in the movie about Sizhui calling Wen Ning Wen-shushu and him correcting it to Wen-qianbei that I just found odd. Lan Sizhui is actually a patrilineal relation of Wen Ning and that's also a big secret, so I thought he might object for that reason, but instead he's complaining that "uncle" sounds too "old". Wen Ning knew Sizhui when he was in diapers! Maybe it's a Chinese thing and I don't understand. It also doesn't fit his characterization of being long-suffering and socially timid. It does fit a pattern of a hastily written and cringe script. Get this, in one scene, Wen Ning delivers the badass line "There are no ghosts, just cowardice" (okay, it was more badass in Chinese where it repeats 鬼...鬼) to the camera. Okay, that was kind of cool. Then, in the very next scene, he's talking to Sizhui and repeats the same line to him. Sorry, Wen Ning, you now sound like that weird uncle who practices his lines in front of a mirror before trying them out on the unsuspecting. All that being said, this movie is infinitely more watchable than the Nie Family Special.

PS: I hate that you must give a numerical rating to give a review. I don't feel like it's fair. Yeah, this thing objectively kind of sucks but I *enjoyed* it. If you know what you're getting into and that's what you want, don't let the rating deter you.

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An Inaugural Dive into Fantasy, Live-Action Anime, and Meiji Japan

This review was first written in my head at 2 a.m., immediately after watching the movie. I re-enacted every line in my mind, whispering my own witty commentary like some possessed drama critic. If I’d done it out loud, in daylight, I would have been sent in for mental evaluation.. So for the sake of sanity and public safety, Lets get into it.

I have a what I call a “queue survival” playlist, movies I keep downloaded for those painfully long waits in life (airports, banking halls, waiting for friends who think “I’m on my way” means “I’m still in bed”). All I need is noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses and a strong OST. Because the fact that I’m outside doesn’t mean I need to see the world.
ALAWBSL sat patiently on that list. I don’t remember when I downloaded it, or if I even read the synopsis. I’m glad I didn’t because I might’ve skipped it if I knew it involved fantasy. And that would’ve been a mistake. Also, I had zero clue it was based on a manga, went in blind, no expectations, and this review reflects my first impression and personal opinion.

SETTING THE SCENE:
According to my post-movie Googling rituals, this film is set in the late 19th-century Meiji Restoration era, aka my new obsession. (If anyone has Meiji-era recommendations, slide them over) And so you know "A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days With You" just jumped higher on my PWL..Talk about commitment. The first part of the movie is what I'd call the appetizer, a gentle introduction to what would become the biggest, most mind-blowing display of power I've ever witnessed. It introduces us to the simple characters, the complex ones, and everyone in between. And amidst all the chaos, love subtly blossoms

And then… the real feast.

THE STORY & THE CHARACTERS:
In this universe, spirits and magic exist, but their influence is fading. Enter Miyo Saimori, our frail, painfully soft-spoken heroine. She was born without any supernatural gift, unlike the rest of her family. This unfortunate genetic hiccup condemns her to a life of servitude under her truly evil stepmother. She's weak, a total doormat, and for a hot minute, you might think you're in for another tired "bullying" trope. But beneath that broken exterior lies a beautiful soul who, if treated with kindness and love, would move mountains for the ones she cares about. And that, my friends, is where our magnificently white haired ML swoops in.

Kiyoka Kudou is elegant, mysterious, ridiculously powerful, BFFs with the Heir to the throne and raised by the Emperor himself (meaning his authority is unmatched). Also: coldest fish in the freezer. His reputation is so frosty that no respectable family wants to send their daughter to him. So naturally, Miyo’s family, ever the opportunists, ships her off to marry him like a lamb to slaughter. Little did she know this “slaughterhouse” might actually be her salvation.

Magic, power plays, emotional confrontations, and a love story blooming in the middle of chaos. Our “cruel” ML slowly softens towards Miyo. He may not fully understand why he feels empathy for her, but he does, and it transforms him. He makes it his mission to uncover her family’s abuse and protect her, even if it means burning the world down. Literally. (One of the most glorious scenes I’ve seen in a live-action fantasy movie, by the way.)

THE AESTHETIC:
The Japanese are gods of cinematography. Full stop. The opening scene alone felt like stepping into a living painting, like I had accidentally walked into a Windows 11 wallpaper, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The colors, the textures, the atmosphere, stunning. The voiceover in the beginning almost made me regret using my headphones that can produce 20,000Hz (because why did I feel that monologue in my bones?). Since this was my first real foray into fantasy and magic, and as someone who usually avoids even a mild horror movie, I almost bailed. But as the story unfolded and I grasped the narrative, I calmed down and just let myself be completely immersed.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
As Long As We Both Shall Live or Happy Marriage as it is popularly known, felt like more than just a movie, it was a beautifully shot story of resilience, and unexpected love. This isn’t just a romance. It’s a redemption arc. A misunderstood hero who’s more than his power, a woman discovering her worth, and a love that becomes their shared refuge. It took me by surprise in the best way, and I left with that strange, bittersweet feeling of wanting more. It was too short. So much of their time was spent battling enemies that their relationship didn’t get the growth it deserved. I wanted more stolen moments, more quiet intimacy, more space for their love to fully blossom. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But don’t blame me if you finish it wishing for a sequel.

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One of the best I've watched this year

I love Yamapi and basically anything he is in.
This was a very lovely and romantic movie, story is very simple, rely mainly on raw emotions, represented very well and the cast was all very impressive.

The two leads chemistry is spectacular!! I'm surprised a little since I couldn't picture them together at first but once both are on screen, wow it's like they are meant for eachother, they carry their characters very well.

I just didn't like one thing, the FL had to cry a lot ... And I mean A LOT in almost every scene if she isn't smiling beautifully, she is bawling her eyes ~
Also the very last minute switch that solves all the problems just like that *snap fingers* I mean could you at least show us how and why everything had ended the way it did because it's a very last minute thing ~

I recommend this movie if you are a fan of romance and don't mind a little drama, with a very fitting couple and great acting ❣️

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A Historical Gem with Outstanding Performances

Harbin is not just a movie , it’s a powerful historical reconstruction that moves, teaches, and stirs the soul. Masterfully directed by Woo Min-ho (Inside Men, The Drug King), the film transports us to early 20th-century Manchuria to tell the story of Ahn Jung-geun, the legendary Korean independence activist.

But what truly elevates Harbin beyond a typical historical drama is the outstanding level of acting across the board.

Hyun Bin, portraying Ahn Jung-geun, delivers one of the most intense and heartfelt performances of his career. With eyes full of fire and conviction, he conveys the emotional weight, bravery, and sacrifice of the character without overacting. His physical transformation and commitment to both the action and dramatic scenes are remarkable.

Park Jeong-min, Jo Woo-jin, and Jeon Yeo-been also shine in their supporting roles. Each adds rich layers to their characters, who never feel like mere sidekicks. Jeon Yeo-been, in particular, portrays the quiet but powerful struggle of the women who also played vital roles in the independence movement.

Lee Dong-wook, in a more restrained and somber role, captivates with his subtle emotional control and magnetic presence. His character adds tension and nuance, proving that even ambiguous roles can leave a strong impression.

The film boasts stunning cinematography, capturing both the harshness of Harbin’s winter and the warmth of the ideals driving its characters. The soundtrack is subtle and epic, enhancing the emotional tone without overpowering it.

In short, Harbin is a must-watch for fans of Korean cinema, historical drama, and powerful acting. Beyond the political context, it leaves us with a profound reflection on sacrifice, justice, and legacy.

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He came... he haunted and he healed!

I genuinely thought this was going to be another campy adaptation but I am pleasantly surprised by the good execution.

Menn is a grumpy ex-thief turned undercover informant, who somehow ends up getting married to Titi, who is dramatic, clingy and very much dead. They embark on a journey of 'who killed Titi' and what could have been a paranormal disaster somehow morphed into this weirdly wholesome and emotional movie.

Their character dynamics felt very genuine. The evolving connection was handled with emotional depth, wit and a certain level of chaotic charm. It was a little cliche and slapstick at times but it never mocked or reduced their individual journeys. The humor never came from character's pain points. Their partnership is what drive the movie for me.

The movie juggles with too many threads at one time, from action (police investigating drug lord) to relationships to grief and finally some self-discovery. While it does justice to almost all the sub plots, it did feel a little chaotic at times. The pacing also suffered especially during the last closing scene between Menn ,Titi and his dad. It definitely had emotions, but it didn’t hit as hard as it could have. It felt like it was almost there, just needed a bit more weight. That scene had a better impact on me in the OG version. ( When I say better, it means I full on cried)
Comedy was hit and miss for me, but mostly hit. Action scenes were less but was decently done. Since I already saw the OG version, I knew what twists were coming, the reduced the shock value of key moments.

The cast delivers solid performances, especially the leads. They breathe life (and afterlife xD) into the characters that could have easily fallen into caricature territory. It's been a while since I saw Billkin and PP Krit on screen and honestly I missed them. Even though romance wasn't a focus here, but they had very comfortable and visible chemistry.

Overall, this was fun, chaotic and far more thoughtful than it looks on paper. The humor is loud but it sneaks up on you. It is not perfect by any means but a good one time watch!
I would definitely recommend it!

Side note : I wanted to title the review as 'Boo-hemian Rhapsody' but decided otherwise! 😂

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My eyes still burn and I'm still on the verge of crying.... nvm.
lost for words honestly... aside from me finally discovering my fav genres...I js wanna say, whoever made this is an absolute legend... I'm not even exaggerating..idk how to describe this I'm really not finding any words to describe this....I was 20 minutes into the movie and I wouldn't stop crying..I was having a hard time being able to watch it since it was all blurry from my tears... Is this even real??? I would love if anyone can recommend similar movies or dramas..ty

Also took me a while to find it, it is named Shoot Me In My Heart.. best movie ever

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? Oh! My Prince! – Sweet, Sassy, and Surprisingly Thoughtful

This drama totally caught me off guard—in the best way. Oh! My Prince! might look like your typical historical romance, but it’s got way more going on beneath the surface. The banter between the leads? Sharp. The chemistry? Instant. And the pacing? Just right—never drags, never rushes.

What I loved most is how it plays with misunderstandings without making it feel frustrating. You get just enough tension to stay hooked, but it never loses its playful charm. The visuals are gorgeous (hello, costume goals), and the vibe is light without being fluffy.

The actors bring a lot of heart to their roles, especially Feng Zhi Mo and Sun Zi Hang. Their dynamic feels real—like two people trying to figure each other out while navigating some pretty wild circumstances.

If you're into dramas that mix romance, humor, and a little emotional depth without going full soap opera, this one’s a solid pick. It’s fun, it’s fresh, and it leaves you with just enough to think about after the credits roll.

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it feels like a bad parody of orv instead live action

i'm sorry this is the worst live action ever
why they change about the character background? why they change their weapon? why they change their personality? not to mention the cgi was so bad that it wasn't enjoyable to watch this

when watching this movie, i don't recognize who they are, why do you make kim dokja like that? why he hates the ending of the novel he has like for years? the novel that keep him alive? and what do you mean kim dokja kill his friends? our kim dokja? and wdym kim dokja take care of his single mom? and wdym his fav character is heewon? and why did u make him wants to be a hero? he wasn't a hero! he is a reader!
it feels like a bad parody of orv instead live action
i don't know what the director is thinking when making this movie
why couldn't you just make them exactly the same? why you should change their background, personality and even their trauma?
i think the director made this live action to just make us the readers angry and sad. i just hope they won't continue this garbage movie

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Lack of story direction = Disappointing

Let me start this off by saying I really did want to like it and was really looking forward to this. My critique is harsh but I ultimately did enjoy it for what it was/could've been.

TL;DR: Aimless, over-ambitious, and over-inflated plot that commits to nothing and does not feel rewarding. Would've worked better as a drama. Cute role reversal, though.

A movie that wanted to do and be a lot, so it ended up just being aimless. Maybe this is because it's based on a manhua that likely goes on forever and they wanted to include as much of it as possible, but the story (in movie format) feels extremely rushed and at the same time boring as hell. The important scenes aren't actually made important and so much is going on of little consequence that you don't really care about anything. There's no time to actually sit with the characters before you're yanked onto the next scene. It goes from one beat to the next in the snap of a finger, and important moments are sped through or shown in montages, depriving the audience of any anchor to connect with the story or characters.

To me, it felt like I watched the combination of the first and last episode of a drama with some scenes sprinkled here and there for connection. It felt like one of those YouTube recaps more than an actual movie.

But a bad plot for me can ultimately be passable if the characters are good, but that too was lacking because everything was so rushed. I think the characters are what actually suffered the most. The moments where the two leads can actually have a moment of quiet and interact with each other for longer than 30 seconds at a time were the absolute highlight for me. Unfortunately, those can be counted on one hand, because the romance is mostly in the background. Had they committed more to the rom part of the romcom, I think this would've been a far more enjoyable experience... But alas, they did not.

So, what's the main point of the movie if not the romance in a romcom? I honestly have no clue. I don't think even the creators know. Like I said at the beginning, it wants to do and be so much. They wanted the sports arc, the fashion arc, the romantic arc, the love-triangle arc, the secondary couple arc, and the acceptance arc... So they did all of them very, very sloppily. In order for so much to work in 1½ hours, the story needs to be tighter, but in my opinion, it should've been a drama. That way, everything could've unfolded better and actually told a meaningful story, allowing the characters to lead us through their lives and hardships rather than this speedrun of the manhua (which is what I'm guessing happened).

Pivotal moments between the leads that develop the romance were completely missing, all for the sake of all this other inflating filler that ultimately added nothing and went nowhere, because that, too, was glossed over and rushed. Things are set up at the beginning, and then at one point, we get a 180 turn and they're resolved. No buildup, no resolution. Just a brief conversation/line if you're lucky, and voila.

As for the rest... Nothing stood out. The production quality is mid to low-tier, so don't expect good camera-work, locations, sound quality, or music but it's watchable. As for the acting, it was alright. ML and FL were good enough; everyone else was honestly pretty lacking. The comedy was 95% a miss for me. It relies a lot on obnoxious humour. The funniest moments where the unintentional ones, I do think.

It has some entertainment value if you're here for the atypical role reversal dynamic between the lead couple (aka, if you want to see some short king x tall queen rep which I for one very much did), but if not, you might wanna skip this one.

── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅

◇ Was it what I was expecting? Pretty much.
◆ Did it live up to its potential? No.
◇ Would I watch it again? Maybe, probably not.
◆ Would I recommend it to others? Not really.

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WOW - Just WOW

Powerful movie. I won't give any spoilers. I will say that my university Chinese instructor shows a couple of movies every semester and I am going to recommend this one to her for fall 2025. I am also going to see if I can actually find a DVD available for purchase.
I didn't cry but I definitely could feel tension and sadness within myself while watching this. I was never bullied and to the best of my knowledge I didn't know anyone who was bullied when I was in school. BUT, I am an English tutor now and one of my students had to transfer schools because he was being bullied so much. My heart hurt for him because he is a delightful third grader.
Anyway, I would highly recommend watching this movie. Excellent work by the cast. This came out in 2019 and I noticed two actors that I have seen in dramas I have watched so it was cool to see them in some of their earlier work. I also loved the realism of the faces done by makeup people. The characters looked like real people instead of the perfectly made up idol faces we see in TV dramas.

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