Reviews

"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift

Reminiscent of the social satire "A Modest Proposal", a short story by Jonathan Swift, this drama, like "A Modest Proposal" focuses on the theme with power comes responsibility. While "AMP" focused on the effects of the Irish potato famine on the poor, each episode of the drama explores a problem within the Korean educational system. A system controlled by rich, powerful, influential people hell bent on making sure they get and keep their piece of pie while the poor just have to make do with the crumbs. As the episodes progress, the revelations of how and why these problems exist are revealed. Because these issues are well ingrained in the system during each episode, the viewer is given adventure, comedy, therapy, and justice. This is what makes it different from other school dramas. This is a very well written and intelligent no holds barred drama.

When it comes to fighting, episodes 1, 2, 7, and 10, be prepared for the male lead to use very controlled corporal punishment against some not so innocent older male minors (1 & 2). The most violent fights are with male adults who have weapons and fighting experience (episodes 2 & 7). In episode 10 the older high school students have weapons (pipes and knives). One episode about 14-year-old males, when fighting occurs, the main female lead takes over, and she is also very controlled (even though she is the "crazy" half of the duo). The male lead never lays a hand on younger students. In fact, there is one serious scene where the main male lead seems to be holding back a laugh while talking "seriously" with the boys. So the violence towards male minors is very carefully handled. The same with the females. Neither the male nor female protagonist use martial arts on female students. So the writers went out of their way to make sure that females are not physically assaulted by the people from the bureau as they are setting the example.

The rest of the drama deals with cyber and psychological bullying, drugs, gambling, exam fraud, and parental pressure. Even though it is episodic, the episodes do tie together with an overall arc dealing with the main male protagonists. By the end, the Korean educational system is turned upside down. It was a wild ride.

What I liked but others were concerned about:

1) Many commenters have written about the protagonists having full immunity from the law (in their personal life as well as their work life) as they dish out corporal punishment, but that is where the satire comes in. For whatever reason, these bullies have long been able to do these things without any consequences, it is like they have had immunity from the law, so why should ordinary people have to follow the law while rich, powerful, and influential people don't. So it is quite therapeutic to see the bullies get bullied in the exact same way as they bully their peers. Yet, we understand that this is not the way to deal with these issues in the long run. This is even mentioned in the drama. This drama is satire. This drama is not advocating for teachers to go out and beat up their unruly students. It is advocating that something needs to be done. They even give reasonable solutions as well as the over-the-top solutions. For the most part it is about changing the laws and adding protection for all people involved: teachers, parents, and students. Since the people with influence run the school system, they need to be aware of and do something to make the educational system equal for everyone. Rather than abuse the power that is given to them. So having someone with immunity come in and take them out is the icing on the cake for comedy, but also show that with power comes responsibility.

2) Another area of concern viewers had was with the issue of the teacher who was afraid to discipline a specific student in fear of retaliation. Once the teacher got up the courage to discipline this student, she used a wand to smack the girl's hands when the girl refused to solve the problem on the board. The teacher kept smacking the girl's hands when the girl continued to refuse to answer the problem. When the girl finally decides to do the problem, you could see that she had no trouble using her hands to do the problem, so you know the teacher did not hit her very hard with the wand. Again, very controlled use of corporal punishment. Viewers commented on the fact that the teacher used the wand instead of just asking the student to leave the room. This wouldn't have solved the problem. For me, the teacher's act symbolized the teacher having the power over the classroom again instead of the power being "in the hands of the students". Will the teacher continue to use the wand? I seriously doubt it as you could tell that it hurt the teacher more to have to use the wand than it hurt the student. With power comes responsibility.

3) The most serious is the issue of false allegations whether of child abuse or sexual assault. The drama handles the child abuse case really well. It is the sexual assault allegations that viewers are concerned about. In the drama, a girl accuses two male teachers of sexual assault. Both teachers are innocent of the allegations. However, by the time the investigation is done, both teachers have committed suicide. Viewers are concerned that because the writers didn't make one of them true that people will get the message that all sexual assault cases are false. While I understand this concern, for me, this was not the issue the writers were dealing with. We all know that teachers sexually assault students and these cases should be taken seriously, but it is the power these accusations have on the accused, the family of the accused, and the society as a whole. The girl posted these accusations online and commenters wrote about harming the families of these teachers before even hearing the whole story. Both teachers committed suicide. These false allegations harmed innocent human beings. This is what I liked about that episode. They explored the impact of these allegations on the accused. The one thing I didn't like about the episode was the ending. The girl is punished, but it wasn't really clear what she was being punished for as she had done so many things to deserve punishment.

4) Loved the quirky "romance" between the computer guy and the female lead as it brought some frivolity to balance out the seriousness of the male lead's love life. Commenters have said that it wasn't needed.

What I didn't like: Sometimes the female lead is way too the over the top in her acting, but I understand that she is the "crazy" to the male lead's seriousness, and he is serious enough for the both of them. Also, the rush wears off at around episode 7 and found myself just listening rather than watching.

Advice: If you are sensitive to violence, do not watch. If you are looking for realism, this is not that drama. If you are looking for fun, excitement, and a lesson, enjoy the ride!

Happy drama watching.

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10/10 Great Chemistry

10/10 Great Chemistry

This BL series is, without a doubt, one of the best I’ve ever watched. From the very first episode, it completely captured my attention and never let go. The chemistry between the leads is absolutely phenomenal, making every interaction feel natural, heartfelt, and incredibly believable. Their connection is the kind that makes you smile, laugh, and become emotionally invested in every step of their journey.

The story is beautifully written, balancing romance, emotion, and character development with remarkable care. Every episode brings something meaningful, whether it’s a touching moment, a heartfelt conversation, or a scene that leaves you eagerly waiting for more. The couple is undeniably adorable, and their relationship develops in a way that feels both authentic and deeply satisfying.

The cast is perfectly chosen, with each actor bringing charm and personality to their role. Combined with excellent production values and memorable storytelling, the result is a series that feels special from beginning to end. Heartwarming, engaging, emotional, and unforgettable, this is exactly the kind of BL that reminds you why you love the genre. I cannot recommend it enough. A flawless 10/10 experience.

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Yearners are earners

Seriously, the yearning by the ML in this show is top tier. This is what I like to see. Not only is he head over heels for her in the past but in the present as well. All timelines he is looking for her and waiting on her. What a story.

Lol, I’m saying this as if this plot has never been done before when its the most typical synopsis of time travel kdramas. One of the main leads from Joseon travels to modern times, struggles to integrate, then integrates, then intrigues their love interest for being so ‘weird’ and the rest is history. I’ve played these games beforeeeeee!!

But on a real note, these type of shows aren’t watched for new innovative plots. They’re there to be judged by their performances and how convincing the love story between the main characters is. And my god, they certainly sold their love story good!

Like I said before, time travel kdramas seem to be a hot topic nowadays so you have to be careful how you do it. You could easily take a genre like this and make it boring. But they kept it fun, entertaining and interesting. I was intrigued each episode and I LOVED! the couple. They were so lovely together that it made me sad when the end was nearing. Not only were they good but I liked the little side couple they created between the manager and the actress. Can’t say I didn’t see it coming but I liked their little cameos as well. Maybe a bit greedy of me to wish to have seen them develop a little more. If not that, I would’ve loved a spicy scene between the main couple since Heo Namjun definitely has the vibes for it…👀 But alas, the show was genuinely so good. No wonder it got good ratings! I was hooked from the beginning. Waiting for Fridays and Saturdays was hell. But now I’m sad it ended. What a lovely couple this show gave us.

Farewell Cha Segye and Shin Seori!

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It is a really nice show. Like in every drama or series, for the sake of the script, some things are CLEARLY intentionally fictionalized—like, for example, punch-drunk syndrome and its symptoms (personally, I really don’t get why people are so mad about this, like- in medical series they do much worse and get all kinds of things wrong when diagnosing or curing diseases, and here it’s not even the main theme of the series).
I found the action scenes really good, and the plot itself is very interesting and well written. It’s not all over the place; there are just many connections between the characters.
Overall, it’s a dynamic and fun series, with relatable characters that you learn to love.
The OST are on point.


PS.
This is a drama with lots of humor, comedy and sarcastic scenes, so don't expect an extra serious approach to certain situations.

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One of the funniest things you'll ever see

This drama is honestly so, so, SO funny! And the special effects are great as well! I love Kim Wonhae in everything he does, but his work in this drama is hilarious - without giving you a spoiler, every time I think of him, I think of a scene from this drama, haha. Don't get me wrong, though, he plays a lot of extremely funny characters in other dramas (as well as serious, memorable ones)!
What I hated about this drama was how terrible the main character and her mother were - her father and Minmin deserved better. If it weren't for this aspect, the drama would've been perfect.
Minmin and Gyeongshim were my favourite characters - they were walking green flags, the sweetest people there could ever be, and I'm glad Hyungshik and Bomi were the ones who played them because I LOVE them! And bonus points for the fact that they made Bomi use Busan Satoori!
Also, judge me, but I would easily be one of the killer's victims because he was just so handsome, lol.
All of the actors in this are amazing!
On another note, Hyungshik's song, 'Because of You', is perfect!

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As someone who doesn't like sports romance, this drama made my entire week!

I absolutely hated sports romance. Mainly, because I'm not interested in sport and I never watched a drama before where they'd done it the right way to keep me interested.

I found this drama through social media. I was like, why not? Let's give it a try. Maybe I'll hate it or love it.

Thankfully, I loved it!

This drama is about loosing and gaining. You either keep going, or you won't move from one place and get stuck.

The chemistry was amazing between the leads, but what got me the most was the humour. I often don't find dramas with similar humour as mine, so I was shocked.

I'd definitely rewatch it as it brought me a lot of comfort. I cried, I laughed and I couldn't stop smiling at a lot of scenes.

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The Perfect Movie for an Evening

To be honest, I didn't think I'd end up watching this movie. But after seeing a TikTok video with Yoona, I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did! The whole movie is filled with that signature Korean humor: simple, sweet, and genuinely funny, without feeling forced or fake.

The chemistry between the characters is great, and there are plenty of hilarious moments. If you're looking for something lighthearted and positive, I highly recommend it. It's a very easy watch. It might not be the kind of movie that stays with you forever, but it's 100% guaranteed to put you in a great mood.

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Non guarderai mai più i tuoi pensieri allo stesso modo.

Yumi’s Cells non è un drama. È un esperimento sociale. Perché dopo averlo visto, inizi a sospettare seriamente che dentro la tua testa ci siano davvero dei mini omini che litigano per decidere se rispondere a un messaggio o ignorarlo per tre giorni.
La protagonista è Yumi, apparentemente una ragazza normalissima. Dentro di lei, però, c’è una vera e propria riunione condominiale permanente tra cellule emotive che hanno più problemi di comunicazione di un gruppo WhatsApp di famiglia.
C’è la cellula dell’Amore, che si accende come una luce natalizia appena vede un sorriso carino. La cellula della Ragione, che prova disperatamente a mantenere un minimo di dignità. E poi c’è quella dell’Ansia… sempre attiva. SEMPRE.
Tipo Wi-Fi di casa: instabile ma costantemente presente.
E il bello è che queste cellule fanno più trama loro dei protagonisti in carne e ossa.
La storia all’inizio sembra la classica romcom: incontri, appuntamenti, piccoli drammi quotidiani. Poi però realizzi che il vero fulcro non è la relazione… è il caos mentale che la precede, la accompagna e la distrugge.
Perché diciamolo: Yumi non vive una storia d’amore. Yumi processa una storia d’amore con un team interno che nemmeno una startup in crisi.
E tu, spettatrice, sei lì tipo: “Ma io li conosco questi pensieri. Li ho avuti tutti. Anche ieri. Anche stamattina. Anche adesso.”
La genialità della serie sta tutta lì: trasforma ogni micro-emozione in una scena epica.
Un messaggio non risposto diventa una tragedia greca. Un appuntamento riuscito sembra la vittoria ai Giochi Olimpici. Un dubbio? Apocalisse.
E vogliamo parlare del lato romantico?
Perché sì, c’è. Eccome se c’è.
Ma non aspettarti la favola lineare. No, qui è più tipo: “Ti piaccio → forse → perché non hai risposto → ho detto qualcosa di strano → addio dignità → no aspetta forse sì → ok mi ignora → no aspetta ha risposto → matrimonio?”
Cinque minuti dopo: “Non funziona.”
Realismo puro.
Gli attori fanno un lavoro perfetto, ma diciamoci la verità: le vere star sono le cellule animate. Perché riescono a spiegare meglio loro le emozioni umane di anni di introspezione personale.
E a un certo punto succede una cosa inquietante: inizi a giustificare le tue scelte dicendo “Non è colpa mia, è stata la cellula dell’Amore.”
Pericolosissimo.
Verdetto finale: Yumi’s Cells 1 è la prova scientifica che: dentro la nostra testa è sempre crisi organizzativa, l’amore è una riunione che poteva essere una mail e le decisioni importanti vengono prese sempre nel momento peggiore possibile.
È dolce, intelligente, divertente… e leggermente destabilizzante, perché dopo non riuscirai più a prendere una decisione senza immaginare un piccolo omino che preme un bottone nella tua testa.
Assolutamente da vedere.
Ma preparati: non guarderai mai più i tuoi pensieri allo stesso modo.

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Glitch and dicks

What a bizard movie with weirdly creative visuals and a complex love story and class analysis between a gay man who has it all, he is likeable, handsome, rich and has a high status job in finance during a big recession and a heterosexual man struggling with drug addiction to cope with surviving being dirt poor, feeling uncapable to provide for his sick mother working many jobs and later feeling insecure next to this "perfect" man loving him.

This "perfect" man is believed to be rich because of his hard work, while the broken poor man works his ass off but still he has nothing.

This movie feels like an amphetamine trip, we see it through the lense of the broken poor man that is on drug to survive.

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Power of Teacher

I watched the first "Idiot Girls and School Ghost" and this sequel over two days. The sequel stays faithful to the original, introducing new characters and new ghosts, while keeping the same satirical comedic horror atmosphere and style. Once again, we follow a group of “not-so-smart” students who try to cheat on their exams by challenging the school ghosts. This time, instead of playing hide-and-seek, they face mini-challenges presented like a video game.

The sequel doesn’t even try to be scary. The ghost elements are mostly symbolic — they represent a theoretical danger to the students and serve as an allegory for the terrifying teachers who pressure and threaten “poor” students preparing for exams. However, not all teachers are scary; some take their duty to care for and protect students very seriously, and the main character is one of them.

I was a bit disappointed with the ghosts. They were funny, sure, but their performance was pretty weak. I’d even switch the words in the title and call this movie School Girls and Idiot Ghosts. Also, why do the students curse so much? Anyway, this is a fun, light watch when you don’t have anything important to do.

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This one is for the girls

Honestly, My Royal Nemesis has that K-drama X-factor. You know the one. The vibe is immaculate, the chemistry is chemistry-ing, and before you know it, you're giggling, kicking your feet, and wondering why we don't get dramas like this more often.

And let's talk about the male lead.

That man was so obviously written by a woman. Romantic, devoted, swoon-worthy, yearning at Olympic levels,oof, we haven't had a male lead like this in a long time. He is absolutely for the girls.

Now, do I have issues with Shin So-ri's characterization? Yes. Many. But Lim Ji-yeon did such a fantastic job that I found myself overlooking problems I normally wouldn't. That's the power of a good performance.

The frustrating thing about this drama is that everything surrounding the story is a 10/10. The cast, the ensemble, the chemistry, the atmosphere, the visuals, the villains , all work Then the plot has holes in it.

And goodness are there plot holes. Some genuinely baffling inconsistencies. There were moments where I found myself getting annoyed because I wanted this drama to be as good as its cast deserved.

But goodness, is it charming.

I loved how refreshing the casting felt. Everyone looked like actual people. No distracting filters or uncanny perfection. It felt authentic in a way many dramas don't anymore.

I also loved the little nods to My Lovely Sam Soon. As someone who considers My Lovely Sam Soon the gold standard of rom-coms, those references felt like little gifts.

And despite all my complaints, I had a great time.

Did everything make sense? No.

Were there plot holes? Absolutely.

Did I swoon anyway? Unfortunately, yes.

Objectively, this is probably a 5.5 or 6/10. But my heart? My heart says 7.5/10 because these actors were working overtime to sell every emotion, every yearning glance, every ridiculous plot development.

Sometimes good acting can carry a drama much further than it has any right to go.

And My Royal Nemesis is living proof of that.

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I laughed a lot.

Sold Out on You is a very good rom-com. It really serves its purpose by letting the viewers, even for a bit, put away their worries and just laugh along to all the hilarious jokes and blush when the romantic scenes come. But it also shows the deep burdens that people carry for years and how we can help each other heal.

One of the things I’ve really enjoyed with this drama is the OST. When I saw the line-up, before I even started watching the series, I got so excited. And they certainly didn’t disappoint! The instrumental tracks were also really good and fitting and I have to mention all the sound effects that made the drama so much funnier to watch!

As a big fan of Ok Ja Yeon, I was very thrilled to see her in Sold Out on You, I got happy every time I saw her on screen!

The intro was really nice and even comforting, my favorite intro recently and one that I barely skipped (which is unusual for me)!

My favorite character was Yang Sang Geum, she and other villagers were actually so funny. I’m a bit sad that she barely got screentime in the last few episodes but she really made Sold Out on You even more enjoyable for me!

I also liked how many relationships there were to cheer on and how all of them ended happily at the end!

Could have been better: There was some unnecessary miscommunication and questionable things, but I’m feeling good today and choose to not rant about everything.

Really recommend if you're seeking a light and funny watch!

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Best series ever!!

TRUST ME YOU'D NOT REGRET WATCHING THIS!! I HONESTLY HAVE A LOT TO WRITE BUT I CAN'T DESCRIBE HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS SERIES AT ALL!
EVERYTHING IS TOP NOTCH, EVERYTHING IS PERFECTLY DONE! SALUTE TO P'WAA FOR EXECUTING A MASTERPIECE!! IT DESERVES SO MUCH MORE!! EVEN AS A BROMANCE THE CHEMISTRY IS SO BEAUTIFUL!! ITS TO DIE FOR!! IM A SUCKER FOR NIRANPETE SINCE 2024, THE SERIES WAS ABOVE MY EXPECTATIONS, I STILL CANT BELIEVE RHIS EXISTS IN GMMTV , THE SERIES IS THAT GOOD YK, ITS A DAMN GEM! SO DAMN GOOD I CAN NEVER NOT REWATCH IT, THE DEPTH, THE EMOTIONS, THE TOPICS THAT IT HAS TALKED ABOUT NEEDS TO BE NOTICED, EVERY DETAILING, MUSIC DETAILS , FORESHADOWING EVERYTHING IS JUST ON POINT THIS IS MY MOST FAVOURITE SERIES FROM GMMTV SO FAR AND WILL ALWAYS BE ✨ TRULY A DAMN MASTERPIECE!

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