Just Okay, But Not Without Its Moments
I'm sorry, folks, but this was just an okay watch for me. While I grew up on and loved the Jaws installments—and still enjoy modern shark thrillers—I don't usually watch dramas centered around other predator premises. This one is about an alligator that goes loose during a storm. That said, there were parts of the storyline that kept me engaged, which is why I saw it through to the end. The film explores the social politics of officials, family and community ties, and includes several poignant moments that reflect love and sacrifice. So, while it was just okay overall, I wasn’t mad at it when I reached the end.Was this review helpful to you?
A GL with an intriguing story
Petrichor is very different from most GLs as the couple (ENGLOT) is part of a broader storyline regarding a serial killer from years ago. The acting truly stands out, not just from Engfa and Charlotte but also from the supporting cast. As Lieutenant Tul and Doctor Ran slowly build up their romance from a tumultuous start, they work on various murder cases. However a serial killer case from 20 years back starts to haunt them. As the killer taunts the police, Tul and Ran must solve the case before their loved ones become a target. It is an exciting and gripping story with alot of twists.If you're looking for an GL that is more than just a love story, this is one of the few.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Nicely Surprised
This is a okay piece of work. The perception that without known actors and a large budget it would not be enjoyable is false. The shift between past and present was handled well. From mdl's profiles they appear to not have much experience, but they did well, bringing both time jumps to life.I like period pieces as it operates within boundaries to create a believable story. The costuming and dance sequences were nice. The acting was good enough. Fone a little more at ease than Tar. Tar/Rak's autocratic biased father to the point that a few slaps was needed but not given. A bit too much, but the authoritative indignation fitting for the period. It's a pity, that death always brings wisdom.
There are some flaws with the script.
It could have been better without expected moments eg the great escape, the bitter intended bride, the banished son living in the same town but the father doesn't care to know. Some unrealistic as Tan, of low birth, is allowed to keep casting spiteful words towards Rak of high nobility, without serious repercussions. Still, it was used as a tool to create conflict in a world that didn’t have any other. They could have cut down on the shrieking. Too much at times from Rak's father and Sandy. Lastly, they are in love but vow to stay by each other's side until death without the physical aspects. Their love for the art is enough. Hmmmm
The changes that occurred were rushed in the last episode but needed to bring it to an end. I would have preferred a more realistic ending but it is what it is. Thankfully they didn't rush Lucky and Sandy's relationship to make it cute.
Despite all the irregularities, this it was okay.
Was this review helpful to you?
An Incredible Work of Art
This is an absolutely stunning GL that pulls you in from the very first moment. The cinematography is beautifully composed with a strong sense of visual storytelling, while the lighting creates a rich, immersive atmosphere. Paired with perfectly balanced sound design and music, the overall viewing experience feels incredibly polished and intentional.The performances from all the main actresses are truly exquisite—each one brings depth, nuance, and emotional authenticity to their roles. Faye and Atom, in particular, have undeniable chemistry; their dynamic feels natural yet charged, making every scene they share compelling to watch.
The mystery woven into the narrative is gripping and keeps you wanting more, while the tension and rivalry between Arisa and Weiling add an extra layer of intrigue and complexity. Their relationship feels layered and unpredictable, which makes the story even more engaging.
Overall, this isn’t just a love story—it’s a captivating and high-quality revenge-based GL that sets the stage for something truly special.
Was this review helpful to you?
Iyashi no Otonari-san ni wa Himitsu ga Aru
1 people found this review helpful
The series did not particularly normalize the act of stalking, but show it in a nuanced way
- Personal interpretation: I am opposed to any kinds of obsessive behaviors that devalue moral boundaries (and somehow some romantic Japanese series that desensitize those actions as attractive is truly repelling). However, this series emphasizes the interrelationships and intertwining pathways of both females and male protagonists. The obsessive actions, albeit ethically oppositional, are justly penalized as can be seen from disillusionment from the male protagonists. His failure to capture the hearts of the person that he truly loves desolates him to the point of nihilism, which is later propitiated by the female character with truly heart-warming and genuine remarks. Her ''live-for-yourself'' mindset shattered his heart, but reinvented him to rethink, relearn and reconceptualize his concept of goals and objectives. He cannot live vicariously through the disguise of someone else, but can proceed life through the rehashed mindset that is more internal, personal and authentic. His behaviors reconfigure him to not be a subordinate to life, but a stalwart adherent to self-understanding and genuine happiness.- Personal thoughts: From a cursory glance of the title, I thought this series would be a demoralized lense of romantic relationships, advocating for the wrongs instead of denouncing such actions. However, the series seems to somehow simultaneously lambaste the actions of stalking while showcasing it in a more empathetic fashion that truly resonate to the audience. Not a die-hard fan of such genre, but if authentic interpretation recompenses such stigmatized genres, I truly appreciate it. Definitely a good watch
Was this review helpful to you?
Could have had a more thoughtful ending
Full disclosure: I watch way more BL than straight drama so this was already at a disadvantage. But that's also part of why I gave it a fairly high rating; opposite sex, same race couples are boring to me yet I kept coming back to watch this one.I'm surprised by the amount of hate this is getting, but I understand why some folks are disappointed, especially with the ending.
I like the idea of this show. The representation of the devil as having emotions, a backstory, and a sincere purpose. The evil that men do, and the price of complicity (duplicity? ). Families are complicated. Etc. And I didn't totally hate the execution. But, there was room for improvement.
I wanted more of the assistants story. I really liked them a lot. I wanted more of some of the other characters too. It was so focused on the mains that we missed out on some of the interesting and fun side stories. I wanted a better ending. I'm all for the happy ending, but don't pull it out of thin air. It needed to be stronger and more grounded in the weight of the story. They wrote a suspenseful drama and gave it a rom-com finale that was tied up a little too nicely even by that standard.
Also, I don't know why, but it took me a VERY long time to finish this one. It was months of starting and stopping, but not for any particular reason. I think I just found other shows that were more interesting and this is the one that got paused. Again, I'm more likely to be watching BL so this is probably a me thing.
Overall I enjoyed it, but I doubt I'll re-watch any of the episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A fragile bond restored in a nice story
Glaze of Love is a quiet, meditative drama that trades high-octane conflict for the slow, meticulous process of emotional repair over 20 episodes at approximately 30 minutes each. While it occasionally moves at a very slow pace, the series succeeds because of the undeniable spark between its leads, making it a healing watch that prioritises character growth over flashy plot twists.The standout of the show for me is undoubtedly the ML. I recognise him as the 2ML from Shine On Me, where he suffered from what I would say, that script doing him dirty. He’s got main character energy and Glaze of Love finally gives him the lead spotlight he’s clearly been ready for. I think I’m familiar with the FL as she has a very familiar face—the kind of actress I know I’ve seen in a major production even if the specific title is hard to pin down. She plays her role with a delicate vulnerability and the chemistry between the two is the show's engine. It’s a soft and simple romance that feels built piece by piece, much like the ancient ceramics they work to preserve.
The most refreshing aspect of the writing comes at the halfway point of the final episode. After travelling to Malaysia to surprise him, the FL slips into the Noble Sacrifice idiocy trope, suggesting they endure a 2 year long separation while he stays to study abroad. In a move that saves the finale, the ML shuts it down immediately. His refusal to leave her again subverts the lazy time skip cliché that ruins so many C-dramas, choosing active, immediate connection instead.
The drama grounds its stakes in realistic parental pressure. The ML's overbearing mother, whose control was a trauma response to his scumbagish father, finally reconciles with him after acknowledging his path isn't a repeat of the past.
On the FL's side, her own suffocating mother reaches an emotional peak at the airport. In a poignant scene, as the mother prepares to return to her hometown, the two finally bridge the gap with a tearful hug. This reconciliation acts as the FL’s permission to finally step into her own life.
Finally, this show doesn't overstay its welcome. By having the ML call out the "Noble Sacrifice" trope in Malaysia and focusing on the leads' chemistry, it earns a solid score. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate nuanced family dynamics and a lead actor finally getting his due.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Khon - of Ramakien, in the past and to the future
I really liked this - and I'm genuinely excited to be telling everyone why. The Masked Hearts was a perfect blend of story, romance and culture, and the perfect way for a drama to find a place in my heart.The series was produced along with the Thai Ministry of Culture and is about Khon, a traditional dance from Thailand, based on the Ramakien and is part of the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (let me be, I'm nerding out a little). And though the story doesn't focus on the intricacies of Khon itself, the narrative is beautifully weaved between past and present, situating the importance of Khon in each landscape.
In the past, we witness the struggle of the leads Saen and Rak as they attempt to establish themselves as part of the Royal troupe, amongst the very few people who could practice the art. But besides being artists who dance together, Saen works for Rak's family, and ever since their first meeting, they've quickly and quietly been falling in love. Unfortunately, the time they live in does not reward love, passion or dreams - making them face all kinds of obstacles to protect their love - both Khon and each other.
In the present, we're introduced to Sandy and Lucky, two students who love Khon but have very opposing views on how it should be performed. One of them argues that the tradition must be kept in all aspects, while the other wants to modernize the performance for newer audiences. When one such argument is filmed and posted on the internet, they have to work together to create content and ensure the Khon club is not shut down.
I adored both the timelines, not only because I'm a nerd who enjoyed situating a traditional art form in ancient and modern societies, but because the story was very well executed. All throughout, we get the sense that both timelines are very connected - it's an apparent reincarnation story, and the past is full of angst and tragedy, while the present is more light hearted. And immediately it works because it's a reincarnation plot done right.
Every aspect of the series felt grounded, all of them got equal importance in the flow of the story. The romance wasn't forgone to give us a history lesson, the story wasn't ignored just to give us a happy ending. It was beautifully done and you constantly want to figure out how the past is connected to the present, what exactly happened, and you look forward to it, even if it may be the most predictable plot ever.
I will say, I wanted to see more of them in the present (because I love enemies to lovers, and this was a genuine enemies to lovers setup) and towards the end of the series, I would've liked a lot more answers than we got. But for the most part, this short series was a very enjoyable watch that I'm quite impressed with.
Was this review helpful to you?
Good storyline
When I first watched the series, I made sure to listen to the intro music, and it's really unique. I was invested in the intro, which is why I continued to finish the episodes. I thought I would be seeing cliché high school stories, but the storyline is top-tier. I love the arrangement and how they built up the character of each main lead per episode. Specifically, I love how Bell ended up in the final episodes. I was hesitant about how her character would evolve because I found her to be someone with a weak personality who was always dependent on someone else. But in the end, I liked how the characters found each other. Thank you for making a story like this!Was this review helpful to you?
In the meantime, this drama can be found in YouTube under the caption: “高甜來襲《原来你也喜欢我》全集：心灰意冷甩開渣男，卻在醫院值班室撞見真正的命運！他為她等了2小時...“這顆受傷的心由我來守護！”#大陸短劇 #甜寵劇 #港台推薦劇#短劇”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M3G5WrJGFA
Was this review helpful to you?
Horrible
Let me start by saying I had high hopes for this store and the storyline, but sadly this was just horrible especially acting wise. The blonde long hair, is a bad actor, the other I liked. There is no chemistry for them it looks and feels forced. The storyline was so bad from beginning to end, this looks very low budget with little skill and underdeveloped character growth. Just horrible.Was this review helpful to you?
Must Watch, specially if you watch the 1st season
Season 2 is brief, but the main cast’s acting has significantly improved👏👏👏👏. Their natural chemistry and comfort with one another truly shine through, making their performances much more authentic. The two leads easily outclass many "hyped" GL couples who rely solely on visuals rather than talent. The industry needs to prioritize fresh storylines and genuine acting like this. I am eagerly looking forward to their next project together; they deserve more opportunities to showcase their skills!Was this review helpful to you?
Fear inside
This production lingered in my mind long after each episode, even slipping into my lucid dreams. Its atmosphere, acting, and writing are masterfully woven together. Throughout the drama, suspicion shifted from one character to another — every moment made me wonder who the killer might be. When the idea of a face swap was introduced, I sensed it wouldn’t be that simple, and I was right. Each episode unfolded with twist upon twist, never settling into predictability.Woo Seok’s yearning for Seol Ah is portrayed with heartbreaking intensity, a love that aches through the screen. The drama’s luxurious aesthetic adds a strangely comforting layer, wrapping the suspense in elegance.
This is more than entertainment — it is an artwork. A drama that captured my heart, kept my thoughts restless, and inspired me to reach an imperfectly perfect world.
In the end, I expected a bigger twist, but it turned out to be me—and even without it, the art stands firmly on its own.
Was this review helpful to you?
almost dropped it at episode 14 but im glad i continued..
the cast is incredibly attractive and easy on the eyes, and the director does a great job highlighting their charm.ngl, it slows down a bit around episode 14—it feels like not much is happening. but things pick up again around episodes 17–18, and it gets much better from there. i ended up binging the rest. i was initially looking forward to the part where they leave the village, but after reading the top review, i got worried the story would go downhill and stopped watching. i’m really glad i gave it another chance, though, because it only got better. i enjoyed the linan arc, but the palace politics and battle scenes were definitely necessary. although i agree with what the top review said about the FL having better fight scenes and ML needing more depth and impact to really show why he deserves the title of marquis.
toward the end, around episode 35, i was worried about how they would wrap up all the storylines, but it concluded in a satisfying way without feeling tooo rushed. i even cried like a baby over the two main antagonists, which honestly says a lot about how good the show is. the ost is great too im currently listening to the album I LOVE "rising storm" ITS SOOOO FUCKING GOOD… i want more episodes, but unfortunately, this is the end.
Was this review helpful to you?
Laughed All the Way Through It
I loved this K-Drama. Of course the beautiful Kim You Jung helped a lot but her sassy super capable character with all the bad breaks really made it fun to watch and the clumsy likeable Ji Chang Wook was the perfect patient punching bag. Its not a realistic kind of love story but its great fun. The alternate characters are super annoying which somehow adds to the whole train wreck of two loser lives coming together to make a perfect couple. I've watched it twice already.Was this review helpful to you?
