Reviews

Raw, brutal, horrific and proof that beauty can be found in the darkest place

This drama is far from your regular BL and will take you on a brutal journey as the characters are evolving in the darkest side of the night life of Shinjuku. The story is very heavy and gritty in addition to be totally immersive: once you start, it is both very complicated to continue because of the violence but at the same time as difficult to stop watching. There are a lot of exploration in the psyche of the characters and I was deeply invested in the storytelling. It was in overall well paced, I only wish there had been a bit more time to wrap up the ending.

The acting was overall very good: I found it pretty balanced between the two male leads and there were no obvious weak link among the cast. Maybe the way that some of the heavier material was played could have been improved but I found it was mostly a convincing emotional portraying.

There is an inherent indie feeling to the production that I enjoyed a lot. The various locations were very interesting and well-filmed: wether it is the Shinjuku night life as well as the other places the characters are going to. I enjoyed as well the opening song, very fitting for the series.

I would recommend this drama to people that are looking for a dark story. Be mindful of the triggers, there are a lot of abuse, violence. It is a super impactful story, not necessarily that rewatchable to me because of how gut-wrenching it is. You need to be strong to go through the horror but at the same time the moments of beauty and love that can be found are worth the brutal journey.

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Why are you reading this review? Just go watch it: it's great.

It's a story about the power of hate.

Or, rather, it's a story about the power of ha-te (はて), an interjection in Japanese meaning "Hmm..." or "Let me think about that...".

It's the catch-phrase of Tomoko also known as Tora-chan who is a fictionalized version of Mibuchi Yoshiko, one of the first women to pass the Japanese equivalent of the bar (three women passed at the same time) in 1938. She later became the first woman judge in Japan. Tora-chan was, thus, a lawyer in Japan before women had the right to vote, and so, in part, the series is about First Wave feminism in Japan although it touches on many other social issues as well including the wars, the judicial and legislative response to the use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, prejudice against Koreans, the conflict between rehabilitative and retributive justice, and even conditions for LGBTQIA+ people in Japan during the span covered by the series.

Ito Sairi plays Tora-chan throughout the series from age 17 through her 60s in a role demanding a huge range from comedic to tragic to romantic to analytic but always, always, always empathetic. Ito's Tora-chan is smart (of course), routinely questioning the assumptions and presuppositions of the laws of the time but those of the broader society as well. However, she is also light-hearted and energetic. She occasionally makes mistakes, but invariably tries to listen to and learn from everyone around her even when she is the sole judge in a case. She is that same Tora-chan both at the bench and at home. The cliche is that "acting is reacting". Ito's reactions are *frequently* priceless throughout the series.

Accompanying Tora-chan along the way are the four other women in her class at law school and the women around those five who support them. They form an informal consciousness-raising collective that spans the series. They include Tora-chan's high school bestie, Hanae; a noble woman from a wealthy family, Kyoko; her servant, Tama; a Korean student, Hyang-suk; a woman fighting for the custody of her younger sons in a marriage which is falling apart, Umeko; and masc Yone. The series is not particularly a court procedural though a case or two is usually the b- or c-plot for each week. Instead, the lives of this set of classmates and friends more frequently form the basis for the main plot each week and which introduce the societal issues the series addresses.

Also, there are some men in the series.

Okay: that's a joke. Tora-chan has a couple of cishet romances and a lot of mentors who were instrumental in the formation of the post-war judiciary under the new constitution in Japan. In fact, some of the male actors give some of the best performances of the series, and I must particularly shout out Matsuyama Kenichi as Katsuraba in a surprisingly interesting role as a powerful if dyspeptic member of the judiciary who was at the center of the formation of the justice system in a tumultuous and transformative time in Japan's modern history.

The series was written by Yoshida Erika who at this point is probably best known for her award-winning anime adaptation of Botchi The Rock! But you can probably get a better sense of the kinds of issues she likes to explore in her great aro/ace live-action drama from 2022, Koisenu Futari. Any asadora is a challenge for a writer for its length, if nothing else, and the fictionalized biographies like Tora ni Tsubasa are particularly challenging since they should be true to what is known about the historical, real person while also being interesting throughout and while still covering the better part of that person's lifetime which are typically not uniformly dramatic. Yoshida triumphs against that challenge, and Tora ni Tsubasa is a fucking tour de force.

Ha-te. Let us pause to consider. The back-bone of this series is Article 14 of the Japanese Constitution of 1947: "All of the people are equal under the law and there shall be no discrimination in political, economic or social relations because of race, creed, sex, social status or family origin." What does equal under the law mean? How do the instruments of justice assist in the formation and regulation of a society? How should a judiciary live up to the ideals encoded in any constitution let alone one unilaterally bequeathed by a foreign occupier?

Faced with an unprecedented number of orphans after the war who frequently had to beg and steal to survive, one of Tora-chan's mentors, Takigawa, posits that the approach of the family courts being created to address such cases should be based on love - that the judges even in criminal cases in juvenal court should listen and strive to find the best ways to bring the strays back into the fold using whatever resources the country is able to supply at the time. And that form of being open to the possibilities of what individuals want and need, that form of love, permeates this series. Tora-chan was blessed with parents who were open to possibilities for her beyond the arrange marriage that they tried to provide for her, and she in turn is open to a similarly broad range of possibilities for her family and those whose cases she must address.

Tora-chan listens, thinks and loves. In doing so she mostly makes the lives better for the people around her. But Tora ni Tsubasa is not a hagiography. Ito's Tora-chan is never comfortable being a first. She's just a judge trying support an approach to her country's constitution which lives up to its ideals knowing full well that no judicial system can do so perfectly. She is far less interested in being a role model than in helping her family, friends and her society in general. Tora ni Tsubasa makes the case that, ultimately, that power of pausing and considering is the bedrock for Tora-chan's ability - indeed, for each of us, our own ability - to care.

It's a story about the power of love.

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Another story that takes shortcuts

Well, I was interested in seeing where this story was heading after the first season's last episode twist. I liked the period setting of the first season and grew to care for the characters, so I was already invested in them enough to look forward to season 2. Unfortunately, I felt it far too rushed and the 7 episode season, too short to tell a proper story. Because the new season was taking place in the present, there needed to be some backstory on just how it's possible for our young leads to still remain young in the 21st century. Though there are scenes explaining this, the lore became muddled and, then, back tracked itself. When scripts do this kind of thing---negating what they themselves create, they lose me. It gives me the sense that the writers themselves didn't quite know how to end this storyline, or at least the main couple's story arc in this series. What we seem to get is a possible continuation of the series without the main leads, as it seems by the end of this season, headed in that direction.

What I liked about season one is that it had heart. I accepted the messy mother/daughter relationship and how it's the main purpose of season one. A mother will do anything to protect her child, even if it turns her into a monster figuratively, and in this case--literally. Holding on to her humanity made season one compelling, which is what season 2 seems to lack. It lacks direction and I felt sick to my stomach seeing endings for characters I never imagined. Around the end of the 4th episode, I started asking myself what the point of it all was? Master Jang explains it's to make the bad guys feel guilty, and if not, be a nuisance to them. But this rings hollow to me. There wasn't enough aha moments to balance out the pointless violence. It also leaves me with lots of unanswered questions like, what has Biotech evolved to since the end of the war? What do they hope to achieve with their experiments? Then there is the messy plot holes which will only be spoilers if I mention them.

In general, I would have appreciated this more if the writers would have taken the time to delve deeper into the story. It had a good premise, but evolved into another pointless monster movie akin to Sweet Home's last season.

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Sometimes in action or mystery stories, less is more when it comes to explanations because the more they try to explain things, the stories become less fun and it’s easy to find the plot holes. Healer definitely did not take the less is more approach and I think the story suffered for it. I almost dropped this drama so many times in the first half because I was so bored by the backstory. It took probably until episode 7 until I was more invested.

The action itself is great and it’s clear that Ji Chang Wook had a great time doing all of the stunts. The romance was also very well executed and Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young had such good chemistry. Her character getting into a love triangle with Healer and one of his other aliases was hilarious.

I ended up skipping a lot of the scenes with the main villains because it just did not feel interesting or make a lot of sense. The second male lead was also one of the weaker parts of the show as it seemed like they didn’t know what to do with him.

Everything with Healer and his team was great. The team dynamics, humor, and caring for each other. Her dad and the ex-cons he’d hired at the cafe were fun to watch and the dad was one of the sweetest drama dads ever.

I wish the show had found a way to be more mystery of the week rather than focus on this big convoluted conspiracy that’s gone back decades. Every time the show would focus on the mystery, I just wanted to go back to the main leads or see some more action sequences.

I would have dropped this drama if the romance didn’t hold my attention like it did. Ji Chang Wook really is great in both action and romance, and Healer showcased his skills in both.

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Typical BL with a harmonious first couple

Its a typical BL: a naive, soft main character and one with a hard shell but a soft centre. Good chemistry between the two.
Second couple also very typical; the down-to-earth normalo and the rich asshole who can change himself. The chemistry is okay, but not great.
The token woman who can do nothing but scheme and cry.
8 episodes seem a bit too rushed. 9 episodes would have been better; the resolution of the secret deal in F8 was handled too quickly for me. Normally this is the typical F11 that all bl lovers are afraid of haha. Then there's the ring-intensive ending...one more episode would have been better.
Some points remind me of the BL TharnType (Someone acts like Lhong).
The Story is okay, also very typical. But a little bit flat and repetitive.
Despite everything, not a bad BL. But also not an outstanding one or one worth seeing again.

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A woman who balances various walks of her life

The rational life pleasantly surprised me.With a plot based on a woman who faces constant pressure from her mother to marry and settle,constant problems in her office from her colleagues to bring her down,guides her friends and juniors in in their life issues,strives to promote the business of the company she works in,and unexpectedly finds true love amongst all the busy days in her daily routine.
Shen Ruo xin,is a 30+ career driven woman who works in a car manufacturing company and also deals with various departments associated with cars,like insurance,on road pricing, models,and many more.
Qi xiao joins her as her assistant after their unexpected and awkward meeting.
Gradually they fall in love with each other.Qi Xiao is always there for Shen Ruo xin,even in her difficult situations,low points and helps her swim through all the struggles she encounters in her personal and professional life.
Their chemistry was good.
Calvin as Xu Ming Jie was good in his role.
The costumes,cast were good.
A decent drama which narrates the life of a 30+ contemporary woman.Go for it .

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A RECORD OF YOUTH

Strangers who turned enemies, then friends to brothers before they realised that what they felt for each other was so much more.

This is what I signed up for to begin with. I never imagined life at 17 could be that tedious or that two divergent characters could abandon their own natures and embrace those of their better halves.

Now this is more than an average junior high school crush when you realise that "spoiler alert" almost all the Couples feel restrained, afraid perhaps even uncertain of themselves. They fight heads on and yield the same way until you realise that they are all willing to give up as much or more for each other's sake. I couldn't find any reason to deny this show the perfect 10 perhaps even 1,000,000/10 cause it deserves it being a story of growth, sacrifice, longing and the feeling of wanting something you'd never have.

We need a season 2. This is my favourite BL of 2024.

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Could've been shorter

Main reason I watched this despite its age, is because I like Hyun Bin as an actor and was curious about one of his roles from a bit further back.
I saw some mixed reviews, and although my opinion differ from those giving very poor reviews, I can't give it top score either.

I like the acting: I think Hyun Bin plays out his double role well. I am a bit more mixed about Han Ja-Min; I felt she "overacted" the sadness/weariness a bit at times.

As for the storyline, it got a bit too plot-heavy. I felt it could have been rounded off nicely at 12 episodes; I kind of expected it to be near an end in episode 10.

But: I must admit I got emotional (last 2 episodes).

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Story of stone and pearl!!

Jin Xing Jiang,played by Jasper Liu,is a stone who has transformed into an extraordinary human with high demonic power who runs a gallery which attracts many demons.
He also solves the cases that involve annoying demons wreaking havoc in human world,brings together humans and demons who are in love with each other, and though few end in tragedy.
Jin Xing Jiang is a very calm,sincere, honest,person ,who wants to resurrect his fiance Ye Ming,played by Gulnezer Bextayar,transformed from a night pearl.
To be honest,I felt Ye Ming sometimes annoying,foolish and naive for the demonic power she possess.
I particularly loved the characters of Ye Li Na and Ye Qing Chun,who were very helpful, These brother-sister duo were much matured than the female lead.
Also,I liked the romantic track between Lian Xuan and Xiao Qing.They were cute,though it ended as a tragedy.
Yu shaobai is a typical annoying villainy,who with Ye Ming,create many unpleasant scens to watch.They both were rather boring to watch
Nonetheless,all the actors were good in their roles, especially I was impressed by the acting skills of Jasper Liu.
Also,there were different stories of different pairs,which though were not interrelated,but involved the main leads.Few of them were good.
This drama may not disappoint you,it can be watched once atleast for the different stories portrayed.So,for me it's a decent watch.

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Poison-harmful and harmless

Han Yunxi,played by Ju Jingyi,is a talented doctor,who is well versed in poisons but has an ugly carbuncle on her face.Unexpectedly,she gets married to Long Fei Ye,played by Zhang Zhehan,on the insistence of the emperor of Tian ning,who is highly suspicious of his brother,the male lead.
The plot has good twists and turns to keep one engaged throughout the drama.
Especially,Han Yunxi uses poison to deal with many diseases and problems and wins the admiration of Long Fei ye in the process and falls in love with him.
The pace of the drama is also very good.
All the scenes were well written, especially the cat and mouse games played by both the emperor and Long Fei Ye.
The fights,sets,costumes,and acting of the actors were nice.
I specially liked the role of Gu Qishao,played my Merxat.He is very sincere,helpful,caring, clear headed.His acting is too good and his characterisation is very good.
The chemistry of lead actors was also good.
Everything about this drama is good.A good watch.

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Wife Cheats On Husband In her workplace, but plays victim.

A typical stereotype of working Chinese women. In home, looking after son and mundane life disgusts her so after a sudden fame, she starts working. Ridiculously, a blog writer needs to do everything around the office even have to go to dinner with boss. Just So happens, her first love works there, who has no sense of boundaries, drives her home, spends time with her and wife also enjoys the attention. But strangely this drama makes the husband as villain for standing up for himself, and not encouraging the mental cheating of her. Very very frustrating and disgusting. If you are married you should keep your distance from anyone whom you know is interested in you. But this drama tells us it's ok. It's women rights. DISGUSTING!!

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Prelude to Worst of Evil

I have so much to say about this drama I'm about to explode. But im afraid if my review is too long, you won't read it.

So I'll just sum up the facts first.
- definitely watch this drama
- the plot, however convoluted it was, did not detract from the overall experience of the show.
- excellent range of characters with development and none with skippable scenes

Now for all my opinions. Kdramas from 10-15 years ago, for some reason always give me early 90s American drama vibes. From the choppy cinematography, to the sometimes night time soap opera dramatics.

HC was a classic example of this filming style. The action scenes were fun but almost to the point of funny because you can easily see the choreography and sometimes hear the sound dept add in the "smack" sounds.

The most dramatic scenes, I could see the actors giving their all, but sometimes that was the problem. The "acting" part was a little too obvious. (super cringe crying face from Docs Son)

These are not complaints tho. This is just the type of style youre getting. The actors mostly gave excellent performances. The character of Ji Hyung Min was sooo well acted imo. Safari and Hyun Soo were villains you definitely rooted for.

The amount of betrayal in the show is staggering, so it's hard to believe the overall message I took from it in the end was about loyalty, friendship, and love. You will cry unless you're, ahem, Heartless.

If you have watched the more recent drama "The Worst of Evil", id say HC walked so WoE could run. If you haven't seen either, watch HC first. It's a classic old timey feel without a lot cheesy kdrama-isms (fisheye kisses, office Karaoke, cherry blossoms)

Then watch WoE. I don't want to debate as to which is better. WoE just proved that HC could have been done even better in 16 episodes. I do think it had one too many twists.

And my final thoughts-
This was a gorgeous cast, my goodness. Lee Jae Yoon in those plain white tees had me salivating. Yoon Hyun Min has never looked better and he is beautiful in EVERYTHING.
Jung Kyoung-Ho, glistening and brooding, could only rank 3rd against this tough competition but he was still deathly charming

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