Reviews

THE CUTEST LOVE STORY

As a family, we have only watched 2 Japanese dramas, this being the 2nd. When I tell you we were all GLUED to the screen, squealing, yelling, crying, and loving every minute of it. Usually we're on our phones while watching. With this though? We all wanted to see every little detail. This is the CUTEST drama we've ever seen. I was a bit worried because I had seen a few reviews saying to give it time to warm up to you, but we were all enthralled in less than 5 minutes. This is going on the rewatch rotation and I wouldn't be shocked to find my mom watching it on her own soon. This definitely deserves your attention. We absolutely adored this. 10/10!

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I just love them

I don't even know where to start.
In the first season these two were just side characters I barely focused on, but being able to watch Ngern and Oat in action was such a treat tbh.
The subtle emotion changes on Ngern's face was something I was always coming back to. I love their dynamic and the story is genuinely so heartwarming.
I read the novel along side watching each episode and tbh I love series like this where we get to see each couple in their own short story, and delve into the character development between them.
If you thought Fah was a wolf in sheeps clothes then Arthit is a literal fkn animal ohmygod. I was obsessed with the chin grabbing/directing. There are some changes between the novel and the series but I have no complaints.
The NC scene was lowkey intense I'm ngl, I was over here both shocked and focused on Arthits wound like hello you just got out of hospital boy.
I loved it, I cant praise it enough and I eagerly look forward to Ngern and Oat's next project.

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Aproveitei que vi o aviso da Jwells no feed sobre novos links disponíveis e resolvi reassistir rapidamente para fazer a resenha e relembrar o porque da nota baixa, já que na época eu assistia pelo Telegram e nem tinha MDL e nossa, nos primeiros relembrei todo o caos que era este drama.
As atuações não eram boas, Duan Mei Yang e a Peng Yao não tinham química nenhuma e o relacionamento entre os dois não me convenceu em momento nenhum, mas gostei da postura da FL em revidar as acusações e ser firme. O ML era um tanto quanto burro, investigava tanto, mas nunca sabia de nada de fato kkkkk
Mas assim que percebeu e assumiu para si mesmo, o seu amor pela FL, melhorou um pouco.
Mas havia os antagonistas principais, que eram o pai e a avó do ML e os mini-malas que eram as pseudo chá-verde que adoraram infernizar a FL e o ML, além do mala do 2ML kkkkkk
É tudo demais, e ela simplesmente vira as costas e vai embora, e voilá, 4 anos depois volta e fim.
A mãe da FL também era detestável, queria tanto ser da família e nunca se deu o valor, pra depois se fazer de difícil quando o pai da FL apareceu...

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Imperdível!!! Maravilhoso do começo ao fim...

Se a primeira temporada foi maravilhosa, essa foi simplesmente inesquecível, para dizer o mínimo. Enquanto a primeira temporada trouxe mais momentos fofos, singelos e doces, com Asami e Yuki se conhecendo e se apaixonando, apesar também do tom maduro da autodescoberta e evolução de Yuki. Essa temporada veio mais sombria, densa, mais séria, mais emocional e mais visceral, com a história do passado de Asami, a pressão da fama e o desenvolvimento do relacionamento amoroso de Asami e Yuki. Já adianto que o coração fica apertado e a emoção toma conta em vários episódios, foi impossível conter as lágrimas em vários momentos. Acompanhar Asami lidando com seus traumas do passado e seus pais, enquanto lida com sentimentos desconhecidos sobre seu relacionamento com Yuki e sua própria evolução pessoal, foi literalmente uma aula sobre a vida e o comportamento humano. Assim como continuei tendo minha relação de amor e ódio com Yuki, em meio as suas inseguranças e complexo de vítima, e suas voltas por cima primorosas e tocantes. E não poderia esquecer de mencionar sobre os agentes de Asami e Yuki, Shinoda e Akeno. Que mesmo sendo secundários na história, me deram alguns momentos maravilhosos, principalmente Shinoda com sua resiliência, esforço, motivação e admiração por Yuki. As amizades de Asami e Yuki, também deram a leveza, sabedoria e irreverência que equilibraram o enredo, Sakuma, Yamase e Mihara foram soberbos em seus personagens. Mas o destaque mesmo, ficou com a forma de se relacionar de Yuki e Asami, que exemplo lindo a ser seguido. Literalmente eles mostraram como um relacionamento deve ser, com respeito, admiração, paciência, empatia, apoio e muito amor, apesar dos problemas, dúvidas, ciúmes, inseguranças e do ego. O enredo soube com maestria também, abordar o preço da fama e a pressão e expectativas que acompanham ela, em um relacionamento amoroso homoafetivo de duas celebridades. Uma obra prima do gênero, essa é a melhor definição para a saga de “At 25:00 In Akasaka”, Japão novamente nos brindando com histórias perfeitas e experiências memoráveis. Minha nota vai ser 20, porque se a primeira temporada foi nota 10, a segunda merece o dobro de elogios e aplausos. Enredo, atuação, Ost, figurino, cenografia e fotografia impecáveis, sem uma falha sequer, e extremamente coesos e lineares com a história. Asami e Yuki se tornaram personagens inesquecíveis para mim, e esse BL entra na minha lista de melhores BLs, deixo aqui também minha sincera admiração pelos atores, direção e roteiro.

RECOMENDADÍSSIMO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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It had great potential, but for me this was a one watch drama. This drama is a about a man that has split personalities, one CEO cold, expressionless and the other charming, artistic, a hero personality. Although the mental health issues was handled tactfully, romance is what I like at the center core of every drama I watch, and it was just not there for this drama watcher. On the positive side, the actor who played the mental health doctor that performed hypnosis who was seeking revenge was interesting, as was the CEO male secretary.

Unfortunately, for most of the drama, the viewer just watches the ML and FL have a contest to see who can be the most expressionless and dull. The music was whiny, with mostly pressing one mouth to another with no movement at all, very little chemistry at all between the leads. During the last three episodes, I just wanted to be done with the drama already...... not recommended from my perspective.

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Not Your Usual Tragic Lesbian Period Piece

The Handmaiden is based on Fingersmith (2002) by British lesbian author Sarah Waters.

The Handmaiden (2016) moves the story to 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea and then just starts pulling the rug out from under you every twenty minutes.

A pickpocket named Sook-hee (working under the alias Tamako) is recruited by a swindler known as Count Fujiwara. His plan is for Sook-hee to become the handmaiden to Lady Hideko, a wealthy and secluded Japanese heiress living with her domineering uncle, Kouzuki (in a beautifully gothic mansion, I must say). Sook-hee is tasked with convincing Hideko to marry the Count, after which they intend to commit her to an asylum and steal her inheritance.

What I love is how it takes the whole doomed, repressed lesbian period drama expectation and just refuses to sit in that box. The longing is there, the tension is there, but it doesn’t wallow in suffering. It’s messy, funny, horny, and, crucially, it lets its women be active participants in their own story instead of just tragic figures trapped in it.

And yeah, the sex scenes. People always circle those, and yes, they should've had a sapphic intimacy coordinator. But at the same time, the characters’ only frame of reference is those pornographic books, so it kind of makes sense? Regardless, even when parts of the love scenes feel inauthentic, the connection between the leads is incredibly intimate and powerful. The sex scenes do NEED to be there, they’re kind of the point. Not in a cheap way, but in a “this is what reclaiming your own body actually looks like” way. It’s deeply moving because it’s the only time these women are allowed to be fully real and liberated.

The acting overall is pretty much pitch perfect, especially the two leads. They start with this ice princess / nurturing maid dynamic that slowly evolves into something much more intimate as the layers they’re hiding are revealed, both emotionally and physically. And honestly, that dynamic has clearly had a huge impact. You can see versions of it everywhere now, across sapphic series, manga and manhwa.

Also, the movie is just outrageously good-looking. Chung Chung-hoon shoots this like every frame is trying to seduce you personally. The house alone deserves its own credit, all sharp edges and hidden spaces, like it’s constantly watching the characters right back. Besides being a thriller, erotic, and a bit of a heist movie, I mainly see it as a gothic romance. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it might be the greatest gothic romance film ever made.

There are some things here and there I wish were done differently (less time spent on the men in the last part, for one), and a few moments I could’ve done without, but it doesn’t really take away from the overall experience. The final reveal is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had watching a movie. And that library scene is just incredibly moving.

It’s vicious, beautiful, horny, scary, romantic, playful, a little bit feral (in the best way). And underneath all the twists and schemes, there’s something incredibly satisfying about a story where women who desire each other don’t get reduced to a cautionary tale.

It has resonated deeply with many Korean women for its sharp, satirical dismantling of colonial and patriarchal structures. It’s a film that understands that the most dangerous thing in a man’s world is two women who love each other.

Genuinely one of those films that makes you want to immediately rewatch it just to see how it pulled everything off. It’s now regarded as one of the best films ever made, and that honestly makes me very happy.

4.5/5

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Fresh & Incredibly amusing

*Undercover Miss Hong* was, above all, incredibly amusing, honestly, the best word to sum up my experience. I went into it expecting a romance, and halfway through, I found myself confused about why the storyline wasn’t developing that way, only to realise there were no romance tags at all, and surprisingly, I loved that. What really stood out was how smoothly everything unfolded, especially the slush fund plot; even in moments where it felt like things might fall apart, they somehow always worked out in such a satisfying way. The character dynamics were a huge highlight, particularly watching people gradually shift to the “good” side; it felt genuinely thrilling.

Albert completely stole the show for me; his presence, acting, charm, and overall demeanour had me fully captivated, and I’m already looking forward to seeing him in other roles. Director Bang was another favourite, endearingly cowardly despite trying to act tough, and the banter between Director Cha and Miss Hong was consistently entertaining and well-balanced. Nora was brilliant too, especially towards the end when she played that tougher, deceptive role so convincingly. The drama felt very complete, nothing seemed out of place or lacking, and even emotional plot points, like the roommate’s attempted suicide, were handled in a way that ultimately felt responsible and hopeful, especially with her later growth. The humour across side characters added even more charm, and I loved the little quirks each person brought. Visually and stylistically, everything, from the outfits to the soundtrack, was on point, with the music especially being so calming that I added it to my playlist immediately.

While I rated it a 9/10, mostly because it’s not my usual rom-com sweet spot, it honestly could be a 10 on another day. My only real gripe is that President Shin didn’t get as much screen time as I expected, but even that doesn’t take away from how satisfying the overall story was.

For me, this is what I’d call a “healing drama”, not slow or escapist, but one where problems are resolved in a wholesome, rewarding way. I genuinely, thoroughly enjoyed it.

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A full review of Veil of Shadows because I have… a lot of thoughts ?

Firstly, I must give major credit to Ju Jingyi and Tian Jiarui. As Lu Wuyi and Ji Ling, they absolutely carried this show. And honestly… they kind of had to, because by the end it really felt like they were the only true main leads, despite Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang being billed the same. Now, in terms of performance? They delivered. Their story might not have been the strongest in terms of writing, but the portrayal was solid. They had chemistry, they looked amazing together, and they sold the emotional weight of their characters really well. Ji Ling, though… had WAY too many identities 😭 I genuinely lost track. And every single one came with tragic baggage, like please let this man rest. And then Wu Yi is equally tragic, if not worse. Her entire existence is just heartbreaking. Being created by Jiu Ying, not even having a “real” origin, her memories not being hers… It’s honestly one of the more tragic identity arcs I’ve seen. The only thing she can claim as real is her love for Ji Ling, and even that feels questionable because of how she was created to be "fated." It’s just pain layered on pain.

Now let’s talk about the plot… because wow. It was really plotting, but almost to its own detriment. The twists just kept coming nonstop to the point where it became overwhelming. My brain was genuinely overloading trying to keep up. It went from a fairly straightforward “find the Dragon Deity power” storyline to a full-on time loop, sacrifice-your-life-to-save-your-lover narrative. The shift was so drastic that by around episode 18, I’m not even gonna lie, I stopped watching for the plot. At that point, I was there for the visuals, OSTs, VFX, and CGI… which were actually really good. Like, yes, the slow-mo + dubstep background music combo was overused, but at the same time?? It gave us some really cool, cinematic moments.

But the writing… that’s where things fell apart for me. So much of the dialogue felt vague and non-committal. Characters would talk in circles, talk about how to execute the plan, hint at things, say cryptic lines that don’t actually move the plot forward. You don’t really understand what’s going on until much later, and even then, it’s messy. The only time the dialogue actually becomes clear is when it comes to emotions, confessions, sacrifices, “I did all this for you” type of lines. Those hit, but everything else just feels frustratingly unclear.

Also… I can’t not mention Li Jie 😭 he is so handsome it’s actually distracting. In the earlier episodes, his exposed arm had me looking away from his face like hello?? And then his second identity, Yuan Wuhou, so annoying, but also somehow even more attractive in that dark, dangerous way. I was fighting for my life every time he was on screen.

And now… my biggest disappointment: My Wuwu couple.

Wu Wangyan and Wu Shiguang started off so strong. Wangyan was this cunning, flirtatious, powerful nine-tailed fox, and Shiguang was this revenge-driven character with intense presence. Then we get the huge reveal...Shiguang is the 10th Dragon Deity, one of the most powerful beings, and Wangyan is tied to the massacre of his clan under Jiu Ying’s possession. That setup alone had insane potential.

But what did the show do with it…?

Shiguang, the actual 10th Dragon Deity, the key to defeating Jiu Ying in a story literally about finding that power, gets reduced to a background character. He should’ve been central to the conflict, a driving force that shifts the entire power balance. Instead, he’s sidelined, underutilized, and barely feels impactful when he should’ve been one of the most important characters in the entire narrative.

And Wangyan… don’t even get me started. She’s a thousand-year-old nine-tailed fox. From the first episode, she was sharp, capable, and clearly powerful. But as the story goes on, it feels like all she does is look, cry, and be sad. Where did her fighting skills go? Where did that presence and cunning from the beginning disappear to? You’d expect her to be actively involved in these major conflicts, especially with how connected she is to everything, but instead, she feels strangely passive.

And that’s what makes it so frustrating. Because their storyline had everything from enemies-to-lovers tension, moral conflict, deep lore connections, and emotional weight, and it just wasn’t explored the way it should’ve been.

They went from feeling like co-leads… to feeling like background characters in Wu Yi and Ji Ling’s story.

+ Acting (8.5/10): Ju Jingyi and Tian Jiarui really carried emotionally.
+ Visuals/OST/VFX (8/10): super immersive, even if a bit over-the-top sometimes.
– Plot (6/10): ambitious but messy, way too many twists thrown in without enough grounding.
– Writing/dialogue (5.5/10): too vague, too cryptic, not enough clarity.
– Character balance (5/10): wasted potential, especially for Wuwu.

So yeah, 6.5 feels fair. enjoyable to watch, especially for vibes and performances, but frustrating if you’re looking for tight storytelling and balanced character development.

It’s a drama with a lot of potential, a lot of style, and some really strong performances, but also one that kind of loses itself in its own complexity.

Still watched it through though 😭

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Love Dragging Between Lines

I started watching this because I really like the FL and had just finished watching "Love In The Clouds". As the drama progressed though, I didn't like the fact that the FL was falling into the baby-voice, sad-puppy eyes all the time trope. I felt like she was falling into those female leads who always use a baby-voice tone and don't mature as the drama progresses. Like others have said, the drama fell into the classic cliches of role-play/cosplay/gamers, boss and employer, mentor and student, and don't forget, boss and employer living together. I'm not really a fan of when Cdramas pair up boss and subordinate relationships without really touching upon this taboo and unethical relationship. They never really once at least say, "Maybe we shouldn't date because you're my boss". Sure, they knew each other before but he gave her a helping hand to land a position at his own company. I really didn't understand how exactly did these two fall in love? Was it the role-play in VR? To me, the beginnings of their relationship wasn't authentic enough for me. As much as I love the FL as an actress, I really hope she doesn't fall into the same roles where she's almost like a damsel-in-distress all the time. I thought she was amazing in Perfect Match but in here, I almost felt like I was watching her in a highschool drama.

I found myself fast-forwarding in the later episodes past 20 as I felt like it was becoming predictable and my hunches were right. I don't particular dislike the ML either but I thought he was rather so-so and mediocre. Maybe I was expecting someone more cunning and vengeful rather than just a bore. I mean even his VR persona wasn't all that. It was really the other participants in the VR who kept gushing about him that you almost believed the hype too. The drama wasn't terrible but the love story was predictable.

I'm also not a fan of characters who bawl their eyes out over a broken relationship that barely started. Although that's just general in dramas anyways, we don’t need that kind of crying like someone died. I almost cringed. Ah well. It's okay to watch if there's nothing else but definitely not a rewatch.

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Worth the subscription

I’m quite content so far. The energetic opening music signals the thrilling episode that lies ahead. The cast demonstrate the required composure and transparency befitting for their rank in society. I have rewatched each episode so far and enjoy watching the story unfold despite my eagerness to learn the truth behind each character. IU’s brash FL must blaze her own trail among peers who have every advantage in life and still want the deck stacked in their favor. In contrast, BWS must deliver a closely guarded performance as the second prince conditioned to suppress his ambitions and feelings in support of the crown above all.

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