Reviews

your typical okay type drama... dragged frrr

wanted to watch a modern drama cause I watched wuxia drama one after another...so for a change I went for something light...cause most of the well known modern drama's I've already watched...I thought this would be a good one...but to my surprise or should I say to my shock I was halfway bored and I only remember watching the drama at 2x and just wanting to finish it so this drama won't be eyeing me from corner to be not able to finish after wasting so much of my time on it.... acting was good but was dragged and the mention of mathematics in every single ep had my sleep triggered....

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I’ll Jump with You, Even Without the Sun

Had I Not Seen the Sun (Part 1) is not an easy watch, and it never pretends to be. It is raw, dark, and emotionally heavy, weaving together love, hope, trauma, and violence in a way that can feel almost too real at times. Consider this a gentle warning, because some moments are deeply triggering. But if you are willing to sit with discomfort, the story offers an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

The drama opens with a striking premise. Li Jen Yao turns himself in, calmly confessing to being the infamous Rainstorm Killer. He recounts his crimes in chilling detail, yet refuses to explain why he did them. He then agrees to an interview with journalist, Chou Pin Yu. Their initial encounter is unforgettable. A simple glance between them becomes charged with tension and curiosity, almost like time pauses just to let that moment breathe. Tseng Jing Hua brings a quiet magnetism to Jen Yao, balancing a smirky charm with something warmer underneath, while Chiang Chi’s wide-eyed, searching gaze makes Pin Yu instantly compelling. That first meeting alone was enough to keep me seated.

From there, the narrative begins to blur lines between reality and something more elusive. After meeting Jen Yao, Pin Yu starts experiencing vivid dreams and unsettling visions involving him and a mysterious schoolgirl. These sequences are eerie and intentionally disorienting. The lighting choices, often tinted in pinks and purples, feel a bit dated and occasionally take you out of the moment, but they still contribute to the overall sense of unease. Some of her visions, especially the more intimate ones, are strange to watch, yet they reinforce the central mystery. You are not always comfortable, but you are always curious.

As the story shifts further into the past, the emotional weight deepens. Jen Yao’s life is defined by chaos and pain. His father’s gambling addiction and violence cast a long shadow over his childhood, while his mother clings to false hope that things will change. You can feel his frustration, his helplessness, and the quiet desperation of wanting to escape a life that offers no light. And then Chiang Hsiao Tung enters, almost like sunlight breaking through a storm. Played with effortless charm by Moon Lee, she embodies warmth, innocence, and possibility. Her presence softens Jen Yao’s world, giving him something he has never truly had before.

The drama leans heavily on symbolism, particularly through the imagery of moths, butterflies, and the sun. Hsiao Tung, like a butterfly, represents freedom and lightness, moving through life with joy and curiosity. Jen Yao, like a moth, is driven by intense emotions, drawn to light even if it risks burning him. Between them is the sun, a symbol of hope and purpose, something bright enough to guide them both. It is a simple metaphor, but the drama uses it effectively to deepen their connection.

Their relationship unfolds with a tenderness that feels almost fragile. The closer they get, the more you start to worry about what might happen next. And that sense of dread is not misplaced. When Ouyang Ti enters the picture, the tone shifts sharply. His obsession and cruelty push Jen Yao into a corner, forcing him into situations that are difficult to watch. By this point, the drama becomes emotionally exhausting in the best and worst ways. It demands your attention, but it also tests your limits.

A brief escape to Taipei introduces a quieter chapter, where Jen Yao, Hsiao Tung, and Lai Yun Chen share moments that feel like a pause before everything falls apart. Yun Chen is a complicated presence. Her coldness toward Jen Yao can be frustrating, but it gradually reveals itself as a form of protection, rooted in her own pain and her love for Hsiao Tung. This arc feels almost peaceful, yet there is an underlying tension that makes it clear this calm will not last.

Episode 8 marks a turning point that is both beautiful and devastating. The intimacy between Jen Yao and Hsiao Tung is portrayed with such care that it makes what follows even harder to bear. When Hsiao Tung confronts Ouyang Ti in an attempt to help Jen Yao, her courage is heartbreaking because it is also naive. What happens next is brutal. Even within the limits of censorship, the drama does not hold back. The violence is depicted in a way that feels disturbingly real, leaving a lasting impact not just on the characters, but on the viewer as well.

What lingers even more are the quiet moments that follow. Jen Yao walking Hsiao Tung home, her refusal to blame him, and the minimal words exchanged between them carry an emotional weight that is hard to describe. It is in these small, restrained scenes that the drama truly shines. The aftermath is just as difficult, especially in how Hsiao Tung’s parents respond. Their reactions feel misguided and frustrating, adding another layer of pain to an already devastating situation.

Despite everything, the story finds moments of fragile comfort. One of the most striking comes when Hsiao Tung admits she once considered ending her life. Jen Yao’s response is simple yet profound. He does not try to stop her or offer empty reassurances. Instead, he tells her that if she jumps, he will jump with her. It is not a solution, but it is companionship in its most absolute form. In a drama filled with darkness, that line feels like a small, flickering light.

The ending of Part 1 is bittersweet in the most painful way. Jen Yao spends years in juvenile detention, missing a promise that meant everything. Yet Hsiao Tung keeps her side of it, leaving behind traces of a love that refuses to fade. It is a quiet, devastating conclusion that feels both complete and incomplete at the same time.

This drama took me a long time to finish, partly because I needed breaks to process what I was watching. It is not something you casually binge. It demands emotional investment and, at times, emotional endurance. Saying that I enjoyed it does not feel quite right. But I can say that it moved me, unsettled me, and stayed with me. If you are looking for something light, this is not it. But if you are drawn to stories that explore love and trauma with unflinching honesty, Had I Not Seen the Sun (Part 1) is an experience worth having.

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boring

start was good I really thought he had amnesia but found later he is faking I dislike this it could've been better if it really happened and he faked only for sometime that is deceiving, then he treats her like slave, after living together he leaves without informing, so he did all this and FML forgives him so easily, and kiss scene was way too early at ep 5 ? the eps are so long ? why at 5 already? and when he tries to get her back she forgives easily?it becomes boring there's no slow burn no development no interaction and kiss already? what is left to watch then ? and also too much crime I had to skip it FML coworker stalks, harass, kidnap,hit ml etc that was so long , the drama is really boring, the korean one similar plot is better

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Can anyone explain the purpose of the breakup scene in Episode 1 for the FL? It almost feels like it exists just to show that she can date a rich man without being labeled a typical gold digger—only to get dumped without any emotional reaction. And then later, we’re supposed to believe that this time with the ML, she’s genuinely in love? The emotional setup just doesn’t land.

This drama had real potential, but it gets dragged down by poor direction and weak scripting.

At its core, the story idea is strong, and the cast is clearly capable. But instead of building on that, the show actively undermines its own strengths. The actors feel restricted, almost forced into awkward, unnatural performances.

The ML is written as a poker-faced, emotionally flat character—so limited that he comes across as boring and lifeless.
The FL is especially frustrating: in Episode 1, she’s confident, intelligent, and capable. By Episode 2, she’s reduced to a petty, almost clueless damsel in distress. The shift is jarring and feels like a complete betrayal of her character.
The SML is barely given anything meaningful to do, reduced to a decorative, fangirl/idol-type presence.

Episode 1 actually worked well. It had balance—comedic village scenes with the ML, strong professional and personal moments for the FL, and lively supporting characters that gave the story warmth and energy.

They already made the ML a cardboard character, and then gave him that “hero” entry on what looks like a kid’s toy tractor. Instead of adding charm, it just made everything more unintentionally funny.
Then Episode 2 completely falls apart.

The FL’s behavior in the village becomes painfully cringeworthy, the ML turns into a permanently grumpy statue, and the SML fades further into irrelevance. The pacing is choppy, the direction feels simplistic, and even moments that are supposed to be funny just don’t land. When even chaotic chicken scenes fail to get a laugh, something is clearly off.

It’s even more disappointing knowing the FL actress has proven her talent in stronger projects. Here, it feels like her abilities have been deliberately toned down to fit a tired “stupid FL” trope. The ML actor also seems capable, but stuck in a role that gives him almost nothing to work with—his only standout moment is a brief flash of personality that lasts barely a second.

To fix this drama:

Let the ML express real emotions—make him human.
Keep the FL consistent with the smart, confident woman introduced in Episode 1.
Give the SML actual depth instead of using him as visual filler.

Right now, it feels like the show is wasting a talented cast. The biggest issue lies with the direction, followed closely by the script.

I ended up dropping it. There’s only so much time, and this isn’t worth it.

Final thought:
This drama doesn’t fail because of its concept—it fails because it refuses to trust its actors and characters. Instead, it forces them into clichés, turning something promising into something frustratingly mediocre

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Sincerity Stuck in "Practice" Mode

“Cherry Magic” is a series with a profound heart that unfortunately gets bogged down by its own hesitation. While the lead actors bring a beautiful sincerity to their roles, the production often undermines that maturity with a frustratingly slow pace and severe tonal whiplash.

Nowhere is the show's inconsistency more glaring than in the secondary couple subplot. While Adachi and Kurosawa operate with quiet, "serious person" sincerity, the friend’s secondary romance descends into over-the-top, slapstick caricature. This frantic, "Jerry Lewis" style of comedy feels like it belongs in a completely different genre, creating a jarring experience that disrupts the delicate emotional atmosphere the main couple works so hard to build.

This lack of maturity extends to the narrative structure itself. The show’s reliance on "practice dates" rather than genuine progression artificially lowers the stakes. By keeping the characters in a state of romantic "rehearsal" for the majority of the series, it often feels like "drama for drama’s sake"—a way to stretch the premise without allowing the relationship to evolve naturally.

For a story centered on the intimacy of literally hearing another person's thoughts, the show is remarkably hesitant to explore actual physical or romantic union. By delaying their official commitment and physical intimacy until the final episodes, much of the middle section begins to feel like filler. The profound mental connection the characters share is often at odds with the "hands-off," almost sterile approach to their actual partnership.

When “Cherry Magic” leans into its quiet moments of character growth, it is a lovely exploration of vulnerability. However, the combination of exhausting slapstick and a narrative that refuses to "get on with it" makes for a fragmented viewing experience. It is a show with a beautiful soul that is too often afraid to grow up.

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I definitely recommend this drama to anyone looking for something very pleasant and comforting to watch. There’s no complicated plot full of twists here - instead, it’s a calm story focused on a healthy relationship between the main characters. Their relationship develops in a natural and steady way. There are no major arguments or dramatic conflicts-instead, we’re given a healthy, almost ideal relationship between two people who are perfectly matched. They’re happy together, deeply in love, able to listen to each other and communicate openly, they trust one another, and they become better people by being together. Once they get into a relationship, they never doubt each other or what they have. Overall, their relationship quickly becomes very sweet, and watching it puts a smile on your face that lasts until the very end. It was a real pleasure to watch them, and their chemistry was very good. Beyond their relationship, we also got to see their individual growth-especially his journey of dealing with the past and maturing, particularly in her career - Nie Xi Guang.

A huge highlight for me, and a perfect conclusion to everything, was the final episode. Starting with the scenes with their daughter, which were wonderful, and ending with showing their growth and professional successes — things they had talked about wanting to achieve throughout the entire drama.

Another big advantage for me were the family relationships. On the female lead’s side: her mom, grandma, grandpa, uncle, and cousin. On the male lead’s side: his mom. First of all, the scenes with all of them were very enjoyable to watch - they usually brought a smile to my face or even made me laugh. Secondly, none of them were against their relationship, which sometimes happens in dramas, so I consider that a huge advantage. A special mention goes to the female lead’s cousin - Jiang Rui. I loved him as a character on his own - he was funny - but I also loved his dynamics with Nie Xi Guang and with Lin Yu Sen.

Among the other characters I particularly liked was Yin Jie. I could relate to her in many situations, and she was a very positive character. I was hoping we might get more of her on screen, maybe through some kind of relationship with Fang Sheng Yi(?) - that doctor friend of Lin Yu Sen.

As for the second male lead - Zhuang Xu - I’ll admit I expected him to be the cause of a major conflict between the main couple. I was worried he would disrupt their healthy relationship once he confessed his feelings. So I was positively surprised when Nie Xi Guang completely shut him down in episode 30 - it made me like her even more. And even though I wasn’t rooting for him, I do have a soft spot for toxic dynamics, so I can imagine an alternate universe where Lin Yu Sen doesn’t exist and I’d actually root for him, because his dynamic with Nie Xi Guang had the potential to be just as interesting — something I’d definitely enjoy watching :D. I was also hoping for some development in his relationship with Chris, but at the same time I’m satisfied that, after everything he did, he’s still pining for Nie Xi Guang, who moved on and built a life without him - just like the other girls did. Naturally, moving on from him to Ye Rong — I didn’t like her from the very beginning, and that didn’t change until the end. It’s hard to like someone so full of insecurities who makes life difficult for a person who has been kind to her from the start. It’s a shame that most of their college peers never found out about the extent of her manipulations, because she would have faced greater consequences if everyone had turned their backs on her. Still, despite my dislike, I am curious about what happened to her after she left, and we never find that out.

As for the downsides, I didn’t find many, and the ones I did don’t really affect the overall enjoyment of the series:
-> First, I was somewhat disappointed with the storyline involving the female lead’s father - Nie Cheng Yuan. He never fully found out that he had been manipulated by Qian Fang Ping and her daughter Nian Yuan. He did find out part of the truth and kicked them out of the house, but he never discovered, for example, that Fang had been faking her illness the entire time. I was hoping for more drama and emotional impact when the truth came out. I also expected stronger consequences once he realized he had been the one used. Later, we also don’t find out what happens to him (we only get a brief mention of the mother). We also don’t know what happened to them after being kicked out, so overall it feels like wasted potential.

-> Second, the storyline involving the male lead’s father. In one conversation, it was suggested that the male lead’s uncle and his wife were involved in the issues surrounding his father, but then that topic just completely disappeared. No one mentioned it again, even though it seemed quite important - especially since their son was supposed to take over the company. It’s possible this was due to a translation issue, so I’m not treating it as a definite flaw.

-> Third, the plotline about taking over the grandfather’s company. This topic appeared throughout most of the drama, but in the end we don’t know who actually inherited the position. There is a time skip of about 10 years at the end, so the grandfather is unlikely to still hold that role.

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Korean Noir at its most Hypnotic

“Thundercloud Rainstorm” is a polarizing, visceral experience that defies easy categorization. It is a story that is simultaneously gut-wrenching, violent, and undeniably beautiful, anchored by a actor who feels like a generational standout.

As Lee Il-jo, Yoon Ji-Sung delivers a performance of such raw vulnerability that the audience has no choice but to fall in love with him. It is easy to identify with the "rich" character in the story, because, like him, the viewer becomes captivated by his "poor cousin.” Il-jo’s line, “Is it really you? Am I dying?” encapsulates the show's haunting, high-stakes emotional landscape.

However, the series poses a difficult question regarding its use of extreme, repeated violence. While it certainly arouses sympathy, one has to wonder if such painful-to-watch brutality is a legitimate narrative tool or a shortcut to emotional engagement. When violence against a character becomes this central, it risks overshadowing the delicate "warming up" of his partner—an oddly severe loner whose slow thaw provides the show's most interesting psychological arc.

The show’s primary weakness lies in its pacing. The plot device of Il-jo constantly leaving—occurring three or four times—eventually loses its emotional impact. What begins as a poignant reflection of his selflessness begins to feel like narrative filler, a repetitive "stutter" in an otherwise propulsive and magnetic story.

Despite its flaws and its difficult-to-watch brutality, “Thundercloud Rainstorm” is a work of undeniable beauty. It is a hypnotic, painful exploration of how two disparate souls find a way to collide in a harsh world.

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Not what I expected

The plot was good, and I expected a "silent" and touching love story, but here it was impalpable.
I didn't like that ML pretended to be able to play the piano (taking advantage of her being blind), nor that she found out without telling him... well, what the heck is this?

Realistically, I didn't see the basis for a love story to develop; without the medium of communication or eye contact, it could have been explored more deeply (perhaps the idea was better on paper than on screen).
The first part of the film is very slow, and we mainly follow Aoi's day-to-day life. In the second half, the story becomes so melodramatic that it seems forced, just to accommodate Aoi's sacrifice, going to prison in his place.

I thought the cast was passable. With a script like this, everything relied on the actors' expressions, and unfortunately, they didn't convey anything to me. She, in particular, was lacking.

For me this movie was quite disappointing, I wouldn't recommend it.

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A 30 mins story is stretched to be told through 12eps

I liked the story, and the first few episodes were really interesting, the way the animosity in the beginning changes into a mysterious visions and finding a way to stop someone's death, I dare say it got all my attention.

However, up till ep 6 it was acceptable pace, then it was the same episode all over till the last ep where we get a very lame reason behind those visions and a very odd explanation for not killing the ML.

As a person who likes happy ends, I was satisfied, but generally speaking, I was waiting for a reason that would make sense, supernatural or not, at least if it's gonna be like that, put some efforts in explaining it better, not just a line told by a character at the last scene.

I like the two leads, of course JJ too he always makes me smile, though his character here was really forced as if they wanted some comedy so they just put JJ character in, he adds nothing to the story except the comedic relief, but it's always a pleasure seeing this twin or half of them so nothing to complain about here ~

Was it entertaining? Yes, but also I can fall asleep while watching, the story was fine the execution was too stretched, but overall nice watch.
You can skip it or watch it it won't make any difference ~~

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Fluffy and cliché but so enjoyable

Things I loved

1 The male actor. I think he is a good actor and although not handsome in a classic way he's very attractive and the role fitted him. I've read many complaints about his character but I didn't feel he did anything over the top except for one thing and he tried to correct it. Usually I hate characters who are very controlling but this wasn't the case here, although there was a part I didn't like.

2 The female lead. I thought at first she was boring but after watching You are My Lover Friend, I loved her acting and the series so much I went looking for her other shows and here i am. That said, I didn't out her on my adore list because I felt like her character didn't have a great arc. She started great and then she changed to someone with less panache and less self worth and I didn't like that.

3 The female lead friend. I think she was a good actress and her character was great. I loved their friendship and it was one of the highlights of the series.

4 The grandma. I loved the relationship between the female lead and the grandma. She was adorable and she acted well. Another highlight.

5 Fei Ang. I loved the actor and the role. Great all the way. I wish he ended with the best friend.

6 The chemistry between the main leads. I started watching this and another show they have together and I found them in both great.

Things I disliked

1 The fashion. It wasn't great in my opinion. I've seen actresses and actors dressed a million times better in other series, and they weren't about fashion. I noticed though that shows about fashion tend to have a worse sense of fashion and I think this happens because they try to have a unique style, but unique shouldn't mean awful.

Things I hated

1 The 2FL. What the heck was her problem? One of the worst 2FLeads and I've seen quite a lot. Her only goal was to create problems and she managed quite well. She was ridiculous in the end with all her machinations and I wish she paid the price.

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The screenwriters, directors and actors ate! and left NO crumbs!!!

This series was so well executed and it had my full attention from the start to end. I rewatched certain scenes several times, just to make sure I missed no elements because it was literally like putting together puzzle pieces to figure out what is each character's next move and still you would be surprised because it's nowhere near what you guessed. At times i wondered how the writers didn't get confused and lost when writing this plot. There were twists and turns in every episode. And still in this chaos the series didn't lose my focus one bit. This is definitely not one of your light-hearted series you can watch to sit back and relax. But that was the fun in LOZH.

And man, you could trust no one in this series. everyone had their own goal they were trying to accomplish. everyone in the story had an amazing story line. At one point I convinced myself that the Marquis was actually a good guy. That is how complex the characters were. And I love how the ML is finally not the most physically or spiritually gifted and is instead relies on his intelligence and strategy. Also the FL rocks. In this story she is the one with the badass moves and sword skills which she uses to protect her man. We love a strong FL. ZH had around him truly supportive and loyal couple of friends even though everyone else in the story were treacherous.

And the master has my heart. Shifu is the best and I cried when he died at the gate for ZH's safety. Oh that was such a selfless act. This story had everything. Everything good. Would 100% recommend to anyone. This is actually in the top 3 of the c-dramas for me. I would also re-watch once my mind settles down :)

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Very high production, but lost in story delivery

This drama stared so well, the pacing, narrative and story buildup was very good, than it got lost somehow with incompetent characters, mesdy writing and just boring storytelling.
I loved signha and thup storyline, how they met, how they grow closer even tho im questioning why there is no lawyers for suspects in the drama but lets move on.
Details to connect ghosts with crime could've been better bcz darin, a doctor who work with police suggesting ghist doing crime in first few scenes was so random lol.
Darin and sey took few episodes to stop playing around eo with miscommunication, but they were cute when they got together.

Now coming to everyone, aka police officers, everyone is so incompetent, the characters incompetence for plot convenience was killing the story progress and the enjoyment, it lead me to just lose excitement while watching, bcz i went from i cant wait to watch to lets get over it., anyway the ending was satisfying.
I might complained a lot bcz i hate seeing potential to be wasted but i won't say i didnt enjoy it full

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