Interesting at first but halfway through became boring
I had to skip some parts as the FL and ML became really boring for me, somehow the character i hated at first (Do Yeo Ju) became more likable in the end, as I felt she had the most growth and i really wanted to see more of her and Kwon Deok Bong. The only reason I finished it was because of these two. FL was just boring, nothing interesting happened with her. The mystery was resolved too fast to keep me invested in this. I had higher expectations after the first episode but it became a bit of a chore to finish. There were some good parts of course with the ML and they could have dug deeper there.I felt like Do Yeo Ju and Kwon Deok Bong had more chemistry and wished to see more of them. Also the brother-sister dynamic was interesing.
Wouldnt rewatch as there are many better dramas out there but it was still okay to watch (if you skip some parts).
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Starts strong, fizzles out later
I really enjoyed the first half of the show. Xiaolan is determined and easy to root for, and I enjoyed how the show juxtaposed scenes from her earlier life with the present (past, really) to help us understand her better.After a while, though, it felt very repetitive. Problems were solved immediately, sometimes even offscreen. There were no real stakes. It felt like a Lifetime/Hallmark show ... very cute and cozy but formulaic. Xiaolan had incredible character development for the first few episodes, but after that she became superwoman and could do no wrong.
Props to the production team for the amazing costumes & incredible OST!! Such a fun ride; pity I didn't make it all the way till the end.
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I Really Wanted to Love This…
but, I only really liked this drama. the exact episode I stopped loving this was episode 28. I really think they made this far too long and added way to many new and unnecessary revelations at the end. Situ’s spiral into madness could’ve been better, it just ended up being cheesy due to the lack of depth given to that storyline.I would 100% recommend this show, but just lower expectations.
Honestly loved all the characters though and acting was great. Adored Master She and the companions!!!
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A lesser adaptation, but great at doing its own thing
If you were comparing this to the original, this does some things better and some things worse.What this one did do better than the original I think, was setting up the romance much earlier. It's there in the original but so subtle I think a lot of people had trouble adjusting to it (not me though, I loved it lol). Here, they make the relationship much more obvious from the beginning, and while I wish we had the longer screentime for their development, I liked the clarity of it. The little bout of the SML "liking" the FL is also removed, which I thought was a relief, as it both gave the second relationship more time to develop, but also strengthened the main relationship by setting the FL's relationship with the two MLs apart.
The shorter runtime means they cut out a lot of slice-of-life moments that really brought the friendships and familial relationships to life. The third friends, while technically unnecessary, really rounded out the group and show's commentary on motherhood. A few things feel just a bit watered down, like the ML going to Seoul instead of actually abroad, or the SML's childhood backstory of almost having to give up school and work in the fields, leading to the FL's father taking him in.
Now, all comparisons aside, I think this drama was pretty great! The pacing and time jump feel natural, and it's really good at giving all the leads equal weight with their emotional stories. The family is by far the best part of the story, especially the dad; there are lot of scenes that will tug at your heartstrings, and the conclusion is sweet and satisfying.
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A Pretty looking romance drama
Disclaimer: There will be certain POLITICALLY MOTIVATED REVIEWERS who will lecture Koreans about their fantasy drama that doesn't showcase them as OVERLORDS but have hollywood superheroes as their profile picture because THAT'S SURELY REALISTIC.Imperialists saving the world. 💪🤡
They have a problem with some romance fantasy because "how can you like birth privilege" in a fantasy but I LOVE MY HOLLYWOOD ALIEN OVERLORD SUPERMAN who has the same "nepo privilege" assigned at birth. "Superior being"!
"My fantasy better than yours because in my fantasy....we fight for OI...i mean democracy! We bom...I mean, we save kids...we save the future" ❣️
There's so many other hilarious points that the review has put forth with such hypocritical confidence that I, as an Asian, could barely hold myself from fully screaming from astonishment.
All in all,I wanna say that this particular drama is A SIMPLE DISNEY STYLE ROMANCE FANTASY...you know the kind where a prince falls in love with a non royal? Yeah. That's what this is. There's nothing too deep about it. In fact,its pretty harmless and doesn't even stink of propaganda like some Hollywood superhero films so far. You can watch it FOR ROMANCE.
The visuals are pretty great and the production is high quality. Its too early to say too much about romantic chemistry so I will wait a bit more.
All I wanna say is, if some imperialist glazer wants you to think that watching a royal romance is a sin. Its not.
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New and interesting to watch
The actors were good, the music good and the storyline new!I think having a better production would push this bl to an 8-9, some scenes had bad audio, some others just didnt connect with the rest. It was refreshing watching something we dont see often in bl's, and hope there are more like this one in the future!!
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Seriously Underrated
I'm really glad I watched Made in Korea – it's such an underrated drama. The 70s cinematography looks amazing, the production quality is great, and the cast is full of talented actors who all do a fantastic job.This is a slow-paced drama, but in a good way. It really makes you question your own morals – you're never sure if you should be rooting for the good guy or the bad guy, because nothing is black and white. Both sides use whatever methods they can to get what they want. The drama does a great job with the characters. I was on Bae's team from the very beginning, while I found Jang annoying and not very likable.
I liked how each episode focused on one character's backstory. Watching Bae and the prosecutor try to outsmart each other felt like watching Catch Me If You Can. I'm already looking forward to season two.
That said, I don't think the backstories of Bae or Jang made me feel more sentimental toward them. Their personalities were already clear from the start, so learning their past didn't change my opinion. Maybe if the drama had been longer and given us a proper backstory instead of just a glimpse, it would have hit differently.
My only real complaint is that I wish there were more episodes. They could have explored the protagonists' pasts more deeply.
Verdict: A beautifully made, slow-burn drama that totally deserves more attention.
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Likeable Actors Trapped in Tropes
As much as I liked the cast, this drama felt much longer than 12 episodes because the story didn't come together well. It couldn't decide if it was a sweet romcom, a makjang melodrama, or a sinister serial killer mystery.The Good:
• The ML and FL were cute together, but I found the 2ML and 2FL more interesting.
• The mother of the FL had some nice moments. Amor fati!
• Seo Bum June made me despise his character. I'll attribute that to his acting skills, as I adored his character in The First Night with the Duke.
The Bad:
• I have a burning hatred for infidelity, so that storyline was painful and way too long. I don't understand compassion for a cheater. The FL drove me mad with her inability to shut her ex out of her life. Block his number and stop taking his calls, for heaven's sake.
• The makjang bits with the ex's family were an intrusion.
• The entire show revolved around the house. It was massively important until it suddenly wasn't.
I gave an extra half star for keeping the drama to 12 episodes.
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This series tries to be a romantic comedy, but it's stupid and has an unbearable FL!
PLOT: A young couple dies in a car accident, leaving behind a 2-year-old child. The child's aunt (the mother's sister) and the baby's uncle (the father's brother) move in temporarily to care for the child. The ML, a photographer, has taken parental leave, and the FL starts a new job. She then realizes that her boss is her first love. ML and FL will face co-parenting and learn to appreciate each other.+++ The ML is adorable, a tsundere, cute as a button.
+++ The kid is so cute he'd melt everyone's hearts.
That's it for the good points... Everything else is unbearable!
### The FL character is so poorly written: immature, selfish, agrees to be the nephew's guardian but doesn't take care of him, rude and disrespectful towards the ML, etc.
Furthermore, the actress has no charisma, no presence. Just bland.
### The twists are meant to be funny, but they're just brainless. The story is empty and should have been reduced to 5-6 episodes.
=> 4 episodes is enough! I'm done wasting my time and tearing my hair out ヾ (✿＞﹏ ⊙〃)ノ
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Série qui se veut romantico-comique, mais qui est stupide et avec une FL insupportable !!
PLOT: Un jeune couple meurt dans un accident de voiture et laisse un enfant de 2 ans. La tante de l'enfant (soeur de la mère) et l'oncle du bébé (frère du père) vont co-habiter temporairement pour s'occuper de l'enfant. Le ML, photographe, a pris 1 congé parental, et la FL commence un nouveau boulot. Elle s'aperçoit ensuite que son chef est son 1er amour. ML et FL vont affronter la co-parentalité et apprendre à s'apprécier.
+++ Le ML est adorable, un tsundere, mignon comme tout.
+++ Le gamin est très cute et ferait craquer tout le monde.
C'est fini pour les bons points ... Tout le reste est insupportable !
### Le personnage de la FL est mal écrit : immature, égoïste, accepte d'être tutrice du neveu mais ne s'en occupe pas, impolie et irrespectueuse envers le ML, etc.
De plus l'actrice n'a aucun charisme, aucune présence. Juste fade.
### Les twists se veulent comiques, mais ils sont seulement brainless. La story est vide et aurait du être réduite en 5-6 épisodes.
=> 4 épisodes, ça suffit ! J'arrête de perdre mon temps et de m'arracher les cheveux ヾ (✿＞﹏ ⊙〃)ノ
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? The Art of Sarah — Ambition Has a Price
Before you start this drama — one important tip: pay attention! 👀 Every small detail matters here, so this is definitely not a “watch while scrolling your phone” kind of show.Also, don’t go in expecting romance. There’s barely any — though I won’t lie, a part of me really wanted the two leads to fall in love (maybe Season 2 will hear my prayers? 😅). And yes, the story feels a bit incomplete, so I’m honestly hoping we get a second season.
Now, coming to the story — it’s actually quite refreshing. It asks a very real question:
If you come from nothing and want to reach the top… how much are you willing to sacrifice?
Our female lead answers that loud and clear — everything. She’s ambitious, determined, and willing to lose even herself to protect what she built. That makes her both impressive and a little scary to watch.
If you enjoy thrillers with mystery, ambition, and strong characters, and don’t mind the lack of romance, this drama is definitely worth checking out. It’s more about power and choices than love and emotions.
P.S. – This is one of those dramas where you keep thinking, “Was it really worth it?” 😶
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? Positively Yours — Simple Love, No Drama (Literally!)
This drama is actually pretty good — and the best part? No breakup-patchup chaos! 🙌 Finally, a romance that doesn’t rely on unnecessary drama to keep things going.The story follows two strangers whose lives get unexpectedly intertwined, leading to a relationship that slowly grows into something meaningful. It’s simple, a little predictable at times, but still warm and comforting to watch.
The plot works, the chemistry is there, and it gives you that soft romantic vibe without stressing you out. That said, the music didn’t stand out much, and personally, I don’t see myself rewatching it.
Still, as a one-time watch, it’s definitely worth it — especially if you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good romance. 💫
P.S. – Sometimes you don’t need complicated love stories… just two people finding each other at the right time is enough. 💛
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This review may contain spoilers
Echoes of loneliness
There is a distinctive branch of Japanese cinema that is crafted for a specific audience; these are stories you don't often hear. They tend to be controversial, sad, and hard to digest, delving into deep human emotions and leaving your heart heavy with a sense of understanding and melancholy."52 Hertz Whale" is a perfect example of this cinematic style. I do believe you should possess a unique perspective and a mature taste in storytelling to appreciate the beauty and depth of this movie. Because this movie is painfully beautiful, it brings together storytelling, acting, and cinematography, truly a hidden gem.
Spoilers ahead***
For those unfamiliar with the story of the 52-hertz whale, allow me to provide some essential context. The "52-hertz whale" is an individual whale known for emitting calls at a frequency of 52 Hz, which is significantly higher than the 15–25 Hz range typically used by its relatives, such as blue and fin whales. This high-pitched calling makes him inaudible to other whales in the vast ocean, which is why he has been dubbed the loneliest whale in the world. His story transcends mere marine biology; it serves as a powerful metaphor for human loneliness and the universal yearning to be heard and understood, which is the essence of this movie.
I find it brilliant to use the story of the 52-hertz whale to illustrate human loneliness. Just as the whale sings in high frequencies across the expansive ocean yet cannot find another whale to hear him, many people experience a similar sense of isolation. It highlights the feeling that, at times, one's cries go unheard in a world that often feels so vast. It emphasizes how rare it is to find someone who can truly perceive your struggles and extend a hand when you are in need.
That's what Kiko also experiences. She has endured relentless abuse from her mother since childhood, forced to live like a servant abused just to take care of her stepfather. When she is about to do the unthinkable, fate intervenes, and she encounters someone who finally hears her.
In contrast, we have Ango, who harbors a deep secret and has been calling out for help since childhood, yet nobody, including his mother, has ever heard him. When he meets Kiko, he recognizes her silent suffering, perhaps because he himself has been a lonely whale navigating a vast world largely unheard. In reaching out to help her, he connects with her loneliness because he understands what it feels like to be a lonely whale.
Ango's story is heartbreaking. As a transgender man who falls deeply in love, he grapples with the crushing realization that he cannot give Kiko the love in the way she needs. He deeply wishes for her happiness and does everything he can to support her but ultimately acknowledges that he is unable to provide the love she deserves. This conflict between his profound feelings and the reality of their situation is incredibly heartbreaking. Although he heard Kiko, nobody heard him, and his ending was deeply painful.
The introduction of Itoshi feels like a twist of fate, a symbol of how those leading lonely lives, much like the 52-hertz whale, are destined to intersect with others who understand their pain. Their interactions reflect a journey of trauma bonding, highlighting the shared experiences of abuse and emotional neglect. Kiko recognizes the same suffering in Itoshi that she herself has endured, and as Anko provided her with salvation, she strives to offer the same to Itoshi.
This narrative is profoundly layered, melancholic, and beautifully articulated; it can truly be described as pure poetry. The acting is exceptional, breathing life into the complex characters, while the cinematography captures evocative moody blues that enhance the film's atmosphere of serene yet somber melancholy. My hope is that more people discover this cinematic treasure; it is a profoundly beautiful work, resonant with heartache yet deeply relatable, inviting audiences to reflect on the universal experiences of love, loneliness, and the desire to be understood.
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Rushed, no emotional connection with story
The production is of high quality, but the storyline is rushed and difficult to connect with. The plot begins moving too quickly in the first episode, with the main couple being introduced almost immediately, there’s no time to build tension or a connection with the audience. GL productions thrive on tension and buildup, BOL lacks this entirely. Faye is typically a captivating actress, but this is not her best performance so far.Was this review helpful to you?
What’s not to like about this drama
Took me a while to find it but I did so on UK’s YouTube channel ‘kk cdrama’.The story follows four icons of the student body at MingDu University and international champions of the bridge card game, who call themselves collectively F4. A bookish, slightly autistic and very talented musician (Hua Ze Lei), a playboy with a hidden past who loves tea (Zi Men Yan), a fun and flirty boy with cute looks and a penchant for older women (Feng Mai Zuo) and the most drooled over of them all, a bad boy who is very protective of those he cares about with a monster for a mother (Dao Ming Si). Life is an easy one for these guys - all over 6 foot tall, with brains, big hearts and even bigger bank balances - until they cross paths with a female pint sized whirlwind (Dong Shan Cai) and her motley crew. She’s not impressed by their fan base or their aloof attitude and turns the world of at least one of these young men on its head.
There are twists and turns, high and lows, laugh out loud moments and tears aplenty in a story of how a pairing of complete opposites go from absolute haters to a couple so deeply in love that they are prepared to sacrifice themselves for each other.
The story takes us from the uber rich elite lifestyle of Shanghai to the impoverished one-step-above-the-breadline daily grind of musicians in London, from the lower working class areas of Shanghai to a sleepy little fishing village in rural China and the beauty of the best of London landmarks. (However the London pad of the Daoming dynasty was probably shot in rural Surrey but let’s not let the facts get the way of a good story).
The production values are first class, the songs beautiful and appropriate to the scenes and the actors utterly brilliant though I do think that the scriptwriter could have given sister Yu more of a backbone and thus a more interesting part to play in the drama.
Would I watch it again? Absolutely as the chemistry between the characters and the ‘will they, won’t they’ plots of the main characters and their love interests was so well written.
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This review may contain spoilers
A xianxia drama that is quite good!
I often dropped yangyang in his modern series but I persisted in watching this drama. It's so obvious I love watching xianxia( mythological dramas). It is more apt for him to play cultivator roles, imo.Cultivation is part of Chinese daoist mythology. In xianxia, they are everywhere. There is a long process in attaining immortality. Lowest in the rungs is having innate qi, then establishing your foundation, then forming your core and finally becoming divine-like. Benefits are longevity( one can go living to hundreds of years young), superpowers and becoming immortal( as long as you were not struck dead by another immortal)
Cultivators are like priests or monks in the ancient times. They have to renounce any worldly desires except for the pursuit of attaining immortality.
Hanli got into cultivation because it might bring money and food to his family. He got to see his younger sister married off and i presumed his parents died out because they were never mentioned after being accepted as an " intern-cultivator". He thought he had an innate talent because his shifu said so, not knowing that the latter wanted to use hanli's inner qi to regain his younger body. Shifu was only 36years young but looked like twice his actual age. Shifu was killed instead by hanli so he continued his journey to join any cultivation sect.
As a viewer it was quite a disappointment to see that hanli in fact has no " qi root" in his body. In short, he is like any mortal. (If he is an ordinary mortal, it will take him very long years just to level up. Then why could he fast track his cultivation skills if he possessed no "qi root"? I find this to be the one of the 2 flaws in the story.
I love watching the drama because it is a story with no love interest ( so far in season 1. There is another season 2 coming up. Dunno if they will inject a love interest to it).
We can see that 4 ladies were smitten with him. They are The daughter of his shifu( mo), 2 sect-sisters and 1 core cultivation master by the name of nangong wan. 2 were subtle with their feelings while the other 2 had openly declared their love towards him But he is unmoved because of his desire to reach the top in cultivation, besides being free spirited. He is not a person without feelings. He has a strong brotherhood feeling towards his neighbor friend who went with him to practise cultivation. He is kind to his sect mates and respectful towards his masters. But he did not allow " worldly love" into his life yet so he won't be distracted with his meditation, his herb gathering to make elixir and power pills and he can attain becoming a "core practitioner" faster. What i also admire hanli about is his flexibility not to go into a difficult situation if he knows he can't win it. Like he won't risk his life joining the battle if his opponent is a "core cultivator". He deals with anyone of the same level skills he has or lower than his.
Also in
daoism, not all things are in absolute black or white. Black and white are together just like evil and good. One does jot exist without the other, so we see in some dramas that good immortals can be devious and some bad immortals can be kind too. Since mythology is pure fiction, authors of mythology novels write their characters like they have human attributes( not far from Greek mythology,isn't it?)
This drama is packed with long minutes of " xianxia battles" taking up almost a whole episode. Lol. The cgi effect is ok( I am easily pleased). What i don't like is their sword-riding ( Cgi effect isn't that great for this). in chinese mythology, sword riding is part of a cultivator skill and it is NOT a borrowed concept from Harry Potter at all. The most powerful cultivators have their mythical beasts as carriages, FYI!
I love also 2 songs of this series, namely " a moment" and " Mayfly aspiration. It somehow,imo, likens hanli to a Mayfly ,a lowly insect and has a very short life span who wants to fly "higher"( attaining an almost impossible task?)
The 2nd flaw i found is ... where he got his skills when at the last episode his powers were ABSORBED by nangong wan. Maybe the manhua mustn't have touched on this topic but was not delved too much on the screen?( It was hinted that he should lose his powers 3x before he could reach the more powerful " core power").
So far this drama is quite entertaining. It has a good rewatch value.
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