Reviews

One of the best watch of the year: dark, gripping in the best way

I love a lot this truly thrilling dark movie. It was torturous and violent, gripping and fascinating in the best way. The pyschological aspects coupled with impressive action scenes really got to me. I was on my toes during the full duration of the movie. It does not feel outdated at all (minus maybe the special effect and again it was still quite good to express what needed to be expressed).

The cast is amazing. I love Yeo Jin Goo (since he was acting as a kid in Iljimae) and I have seen quite a bit of his work. He was probably about 15 years old maximum when he filmed this movie and his performance was astounishing. There are many very well-known faces in this movie, actors that I really enjoy and who also delivers strong performances. It felt like a real feast to see actors that I knew from other works: Yeo Jin Goo but also amazing Jo Jin Woong, incredible Kim Sung Kyun, great Yoo Yeon Seok, as well as to discover very talented (and new to me) people: Kim Yoon Seok, Park Hae Joon,...and more.

I truly recommend this to people that are looking for a dark action movie that will take you on a thrilling journey with its main character. The psychological elements behind the characters actions and bonds between them are disturbingly captivating and pretty memorable. It is very violent and dark, so if you have any triggers, of course proceed with caution.

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Not your typical Star-crossed lovers

This is a Melodrama, so the story is not your typical fluffy Japanese/Korean drama.
The first two episodes started off with a fast pace. The story is very straightforward and no slow-burn trope here, yet the story is mixed with angst.

A very romantic couple end up getting separated after harsh circumstances only to find each other again years later because guess what? FATE shows up. What will happen is still early to predict, but so far, the leads have an awesome chemistry.

In just two episodes there are so many romantic scenes and the leads show a very realistic couple, yet there is a side to it.
Embrace yourselves for the story to unravel.

The OST is amazing! the background music pieces are just marvelous. The cinematography and colors they used truly match the mood and also show the emotions of the leads.

Overall, if you're in for a romantic mature angsty melodrama, this is for you! don't miss it!

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You heard my silence when I was busy hearing your heartbeat.

 This drama has a simple storyline, but the lead's endearing friendship and heartfelt love exceed expectations. It all started with Taichi when he was being a note-taker for a hearing impaired student, Kohei, in return for his delicious bento! 
 
I loved how delicately they handled the characters with hearing problems and how it affected their daily lives. Taichi helping Kohei at first was just a favour in return for his bento, but gradually it turned into affection and care. He moulded his life for Kohei so that he feels comfortable, safe, and appreciated by people. On the other hand, our quiet and brave Kohei couldn't help but fall in love with our sunshine retriever Taichi when he knew it was one-sided, yet he bravely expressed his feelings but never let that love ruin their friendship. 
 
Importantly, a character that I can't miss, i.e., Maya. At first, Maya seems annoying, and sure, we disapproved of her, but if you look at her from different perspectives, she is our deepest concern, intrusive thoughts, and fears we are afraid to face. The raw scornful attitude we hide to be accepted in society can be seen in the characters of Maya. She's immature but young and bold; she never fears to tell her honest opinions. She was open to more bullying, pitiful looks, and neglected peers. Her mantra or coping mechanism is to judge people before they judge you so that you don't have to get hurt later. I can try to understand where she's coming from. A person who's born with hearing difficulties is somewhat different from a person who lost hearing later. So honestly, she was definitely a bit annoying sometimes, but I really don't hate her character. Sometimes I feel she looks like my alter ego.
 
I enjoyed this throughout, but the last episode seemed rushed and ended abruptly. I wanted to see more of their lives when they're together; maybe a glimpse of their livelihood would have been nice. Without physical intimacy with the bare minimum skin ship, they established one of the greatest BLs of all time by just relying on their chemistry! 
 
Irrespective of the flaws, I adore these awkward kids! 

(+0.5 for Kohei's dimples and +0.5 for Taichi's puppy eyes)

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A series full of sweetness.

The Story
The story is quite simple, about love and loneliness, with food bridging the gap between them.
The screenwriter did a wonderful job teasing the viewers, constantly keeping them on edge with a taste for more, and this even happens in the final episode.
The manga was more superficial, where the character of the police officer was rather boring and far from the character in the series, who is more flirtatious, positive, and charming.
There’s significant character development here, especially for the main character. However, it’s clear that the series could have been even more perfect if it provided more perspective on what the police officer's character was going through, or focused more on loneliness during the tougher moments.

The Actors
The acting is perfect, it couldn’t be more perfect. The actors are very talented.
They have great chemistry and are a perfect match..
The lead actor has been acting since childhood, and it's clear how skilled he is. He brought the character from the manga to life in such a way that it makes you want to be his friend and fall in love with his sweetness.
The actor who plays the police officer is also highly skilled and has a charm that is rarely seen in other actors.
There’s an elegance about him that truly captivates, both in his movements and speech.
At times, he feels like an older woman with life wisdom, but this worked perfectly

The Music
I specifically didn’t like the songs in the series. One of the songs is from the lead actor’s band, and of course, he has an amazing voice, and the song is very catchy.
Both songs are quite catchy and in a modern pop style, but personally, I found them a bit banal.
In my opinion, the Japanese pay great attention to choosing music that fits the series, and while it was indeed fitting, I believe they could have put in more effort, as Japanese music is usually very creative.

Rewatching
I’ve watched this series several times since it started, and I’ll probably watch it many more times in the future because it’s very sweet, relaxing, and fun. It’s one of those timeless series you never forget and always come back to because there’s never a dull moment, and the actors are perfect. Honestly, it’s such a charming series that it’s impossible not to love—unless you’re an annoying snob.

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Best Chinese BL (obviously censored) I've ever seen !

What a ride! This kind of mystery/detective games are just my type, I enjoyed this Series so much. They all had their happy ending. The game has been purified, those who were dead in the game are now happily living in the real life & Jiushi is finally going to the love of his life & the virtual world, where he belongs ! The plot was well executed & enjoyable. The leads are perfect for this series & their bROMANCE is chef's kiss; give it a shot, you won't be disappointed. And I'll love to see (actually manifesting) Xia Zhi Guang & Huang Jun Jie in another BL/bROMANCE series in future :) [I actually found 3-4 little plotholes (basically unanswered questions) but that doesn't mean you shouldn't watch this] Sako & box demon's cases are my favourite.

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A Heartwarming Reunion with a Nostalgic Charm

The Time of Fever (also known as When I Feel Your Warmth) is a tender, emotionally charged South Korean BL series that serves as a prequel to Unintentional Love Story, exploring the formative student years of Hotae and Donghee. The series captures the tension and complexity of their friendship, which begins to transform after years apart, as Hotae returns to his hometown to live with Donghee. What begins as a brotherly bond evolves into something deeper and more complicated, as both wrestle with newfound feelings.

The plot is straightforward, without unnecessary subplots, allowing the delicate dynamics between Hotae and Donghee to take center stage. The story is not new, but its fresh delivery gives it a refreshing charm. As a spin-off, it complements Unintentional Love Story beautifully by offering a glimpse into the backstory that led to the original drama’s events. Donghee’s quiet longing and Hotae’s gradual realisation of his own feelings are portrayed with an intimacy that feels raw and real.

The cinematography is stunning, with bright yet blurred colours, and the sound design is exceptional, often mimicking the heightened senses of the characters. The attention to detail—like Donghee noticing Hotae’s breath or the tactile tension of a hand on a shoulder—heightens the emotional weight of each scene. The music choices only serve to amplify this atmosphere, drawing viewers into the world of the two leads.

What stands out most is the chemistry between Won Tae-min and Do Woo, reprising their roles from Unintentional Love Story. Their interactions are packed with yearning gazes, subtle gestures, and a palpable connection that carries the show. It feels light and avoids unnecessary melodrama, giving it a natural, lived-in quality.

The tension between Hotae and Donghee is both heart-wrenching and electric. There’s a strong sense of longing, not only for each other but also for clarity in their emotions. The subtle chaos of their relationship—often conveyed through ambiguous dialogue—mirrors the uncertainty they feel internally. The series encapsulates the confusion, curiosity, and fear that often come with young queer love, making it incredibly relatable.

If there’s one thing I would have loved, it’s a final episode showing us what happens years later, after the events of Unintentional Love Story. But as it stands, The Time of Fever is a touching, beautifully told story that left me both satisfied and yearning for more.

The series is a must-watch for fans of the original, and it serves as an emotional prequel that adds new layers of meaning to the relationship between Hotae and Donghee. Rewatch value? Absolutely!

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Daily Dose of Sunshine: A Heartwarming Journey Through the World of Mental Health

"Daily Dose of Sunshine," a drama that's like a warm hug for your soul!

Not just entertaining but also incredibly important and heartwarming

Talk about Park Bo-young? This actress is a powerhouse, and she absolutely shines (pun totally intended) as Jung Da-eun, a nurse in the psychiatric ward. Her portrayal is so nuanced and heartfelt that I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering along with her every step of the way. The way she navigates the challenges of her job while dealing with her own personal growth? Absolutely brilliant!

First things first, can we talk about Park Bo-young? This actress is a powerhouse, and she absolutely shines (pun totally intended) as Jung Da-eun, a nurse in the psychiatric ward. Her portrayal is so nuanced and heartfelt that I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering along with her every step of the way. The way she navigates the challenges of her job while dealing with her own personal growth? Absolutely brilliant!

What really got me was how the show portrays the patients and staff. These aren't just "cases" or plot devices; they're fully realized characters with their own stories, quirks, and journeys. Every single character, no matter how small their role, has a story that touches your heart. I found myself getting invested in each of their stories, rooting for their recovery, and learning so much about different mental health conditions along the way. It's eye-opening without ever feeling preachy.

And can we talk about the staff dynamics? The way the nurses and doctors interact, support each other, and sometimes clash feels so authentic. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes look at the daily lives of these healthcare heroes. The camaraderie, the stress, the small victories – it's all there, and it's beautifully portrayed. The show really dives deep into the nurse work life, showing us the challenges, the rewards, and everything in between. The relationships between co-workers are so well-developed, you feel like you're part of the team!

The production value is top-notch too. The way they use lighting and color to set the mood is just beautiful. There are scenes in this drama that are going to stay with me for a long, long time. They manage to make even the sterile hospital environment feel warm and inviting.

I've got to say, "Daily Dose of Sunshine" isn't just a drama – it's an experience. It's changed the way I think about mental health, about healthcare workers, and honestly, about my own life. I've found myself being more empathetic, more patient, and more aware of the struggles people around me might be facing.

So, if you're in the mood for a drama that'll make you laugh, cry, think, and maybe even grow as a person, give "Daily Dose of Sunshine" a shot. It's like... well, a daily dose of sunshine for your heart and mind. Trust me, you won't regret it.

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Very overrated tv series drama of custom history !

I've finished watching it.... I'm disappointed, throughout 40 eps, the story is only to discuss fake marriage and how the main male hero must win back the heart of the main female.

Yes, even though it was successful & finally officially married towards the end of the story, but the socio-political intrigues & wars within the empire were cut completely.

There is also a very crucial 3-month time skip in the middle of the story, maybe because it was censored, banned because there were elements of a political & military coup against the legitimate ruler.

The ending is happy.

But the last 10 eps, seemed very rushed, especially the last 5 eps.

Too many characters appeared & were wasted throughout the story, because the total eps were only 40.

Moreover, the female protagonist, it is unclear why at the end of the story suddenly becomes a tough martial artist like her husband who is a famous warlord.

WTF.... Total score value is only 7 out of 10. Got a score of 7 more because the female protagonist is very beautiful, bro.

If she wasn't there, I would give a total score of only 5 out of 10.

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