Reviews

Let down after a gripping season 1

NOTE: Spoilers start in second half of review & noted.

Incredibly excited going in and knowing season 2 (S2 for short) was a fresh spin on a tried and true formula in season 1, came out disappointed and with more questions than answers. At the crux of it, the repetitiveness of plot beats in S2 made me constantly compare it to S1, and it just kept coming short every time.

Starting with the good:

– As usual, Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee are consistently strong actors and this season is no exception. Both are great at carrying scenes individually and have great chemistry when they're sharing a frame, but this season lacked the high highs and low lows that allowed them to really shine in season 1 (i.e. when HSH's character finds out the creature is her mother in season 1). The supporting cast did a fine job, but barring Bae Hyeon Seong's Seong Jo, didn't leave as strong of an impression as the House of Golden Treasure squad.

– High production value and special effects + CGI, creating a moody atmosphere and some pretty tense scenes. The only two downsides here were that 1) the 1940s setting of S1 had more charm than the modern of S2 (and personally, the prison / underground was creepier when old-timey than sleek & modernized); and 2) some action sequences were very lowly lit / have strobing lights, which while accurate, make them hard to follow

The bad:
– Tonally, the show was one dark grey slate throughout. There's no time for lightheartedness or camaraderie in this season – the shorter 7-episode length means there's room and only room for high-strung plot intrigue, interspersed by action sequences. Where PSJ and HSH separately and together had their cute / comedic moments in S1, S2 plunges you right into the thick of it and never lets you up for breath – and the leads are suitably broody until the end.

– The biggest disappointment, by far, was the plot. Without going into any spoilers, the show had me hooked with the dynamic between the two leads and many (many) questions that had me binging the episodes to learn more, only for plot threads to be left hanging. There's some interesting dynamics between the characters but the majority are left unexplored or touched on only at a surface level, which leaves characters' motivations flimsy at best.

** SPOILERS AHEAD **

At its core, the show has some straightforward messages: Humans should be treated with respect. Some acts are too terrible to forgive and can never be forgotten – and a fight isn't meaningless even if you're just one person against the system. Friendship isn't transactional, and trust – and love – aren't given, they just are.

Because of the modern setting though, none of these themes truly strike a clear and resounding chord the same way that PSJ and HSH's – and the larger Korean struggle – against Japanese Imperialist rule in the 1940s did in S1. The clear good vs. evil, the righteous fight for justice of the oppressed against the oppressor, the power of love and friendship – these are instead replaced by faux moral ambiguity that don't hold weight when peeled back.

Seung Jo had so much potential to be the core of that moral complexity but ended up as largely a one-note character. We know his cold upbringing with Lady Maeda is why he's so callous with murdering and doing what it takes to get what he wants, but we're never shown his relationship with Jang Tae Sung, which makes the absolute trust that JTS places with him seem ridiculous – especially because all we've seen up to that point is SJ murdering or absolutely beating the shit out of JTS, and for what? Just so he can have 'his version' of JTS back? Why would that inspire friendship, and why would JTS forgive him for both that and putting Chae Ok at harm? We're never shown how difficult of a choice it might have been for SJ to choose between his evil upbringing or the good that was extended towards him, and so his numerous choices up to his ultimate betrayal serve as one-dimensional villain decisions simply to move the plot along. Not only that, but the obvious betrayal also throws JTS' judgement into question.

More broadly, S2 leaves so many questions unsolved. What was the point of Chae Ok staying away (and not even keeping tabs on JTS) for 70 years if she only goes 'hungry' when she gets injured? Why does JTS' investigator buddy make a deal with Maeda to constantly protect JTS (and why was it something his grandpa asked him to do)? What was JTS doing in the 70-odd years after getting a Najin in the 1940s, and why does SJ keep going to meet him? What was the point of showing Captain Kuroko's disabled girlfriend / wife when he's said multiple times that all he cares about is that 'the company survives' (again, a try at moral complexity that doesn't add much to the story)? Speaking of Kuroko, wtf are the black-clad Kuroko armies? Did I miss where all the henchmen that can climb on walls came from? What was SJ's goal of releasing the grandson so he could kill people in public if SJ knew he was going to turn on JTS anyway? What even was the point of continuing development of the Najins – just for funsies (unlike S1, there was no General Gato and his 'next stage of human evolution' fanaticism to keep this convincing beyond a superficial 'we're just evil for evil's sake)?

Also, are you telling me that Maeda's entire, convoluted plot was to:
1. Force JTS to take back the Najin by 'threatening that he'd die in front of CO'
2. Allow JTS and CO to escape with SJ's help to gain their trust (and hope neither dies in the onslaught of Kuroko)
3. Hope CO and SJ ride in the same car and JTS is separate, so SJ can inject her to take away her powers
4. Subdue JTS via Kuroko to bring him back to the compound
5. Capture all of JTS' friends
6. Make JTS choose between the 3 friends and CO as what, some sort of test of 'people aren't all equal'? When Maeda had just killed all of JTS' House of Golden Treasure friends all in one go? I could even understand it if she was just blatantly holding a (LONG) grudge against JTS for rejecting / rising up against her, but they had to pull some moral question into the mix that felt out of left field

I don't believe it.

All that to say – don't regret the 7 hours, but that's not another 7 hours I'm going to be spending to rewatch this. Rewatch season 1 for the superior version.

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Great Idea, Execution Was Off

I like to give BLs some benefit since they are not like normal dramas but although this one had a great premise that I was excited for, it ended up being slow and lacking in action, especially for a show about ghosts and ghost hunting. I will preface this by saying I did end up fast forwarding a bit towards the end due to some of the long parts of dialogue, but more on that later.
The main premise is that the main character, Kevin, comes back from America to visit his aunt, uncle, and 2 cousins for a break. He gets to the house and feels like something is off and although he learns later, he doesn't know that the whole family died in a car accident and the 4 are trying to hide the fact they are now ghosts from Kevin. The second male lead whose name I don't know was hired by the ghost family to help with some house chores, although I don't know how they hired him or why they need help with that at this point. Once Kevin finds out the family is dead, they try to make the best out of the last moments before they fade.
This was all in all, a great concept-but I didn't mention above that Kevin was a ghost hunter-which would sound exciting, but really it wasn't in execution since he only ever saw one ghost and the ghost looked like the second male lead at the time.
The two main guys were fine, both of their looks and their acting was just fine, but like with the rest of the story, they just talk. A lot. Same with the ghost family. This show suffers from telling, not showing. They will talk and talk about what is happening or about their past and sometimes there is a little background clip that will play showing what they are talking about, but otherwise it is purely just them talking back and forth.
The main relationship is a little bland. I never really found out why they really liked each other past just looks and one of them being scared sometimes.
The story they have made is interesting, just them only talking about it breaks some of the emotion that might have been there for some other parts of the story, like about Kevin's roommate that died which is why he started ghost hunting. They only talk about it until the later episodes where they show it finally, but at that point I feel like there isn't much emotion attached to it as much as I would like due to the whole story being laid out verbally already.
I will say the ghost family had some cute moments and good casting, especially for the two cousins. You do end up feeling bad for them and how they died.
Overall, the story was there with some good moments between the ghost family and a few with Kevin and the family as well. I will say not very rewatchable and I wish that there was a little more planning with how the story was told and it might have made it more engaging in the long run. I really hope to see more ghost dramas though, especially if they level them up a bit as there is so much potential with them.

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Dark, Disturbing, Pain, Sorrow, Healing, Brilliant!

Fluffy this is not. Talk about a roller-coaster of emotions! I have to say I didn't think I would like this one much, just by what I thought it would turn out to be I wasn't thinking much, wasn't sure if I wanted to watch it, but I am so glad I did.

Both had a disturbing and traumatic past yet they as the story unfolds more and more, both of them start to fall in love with one another and by doing so each of them start to heal the other in the process.

No, it wasn't an easy love that they each gave and got, it only started that way, it got better through out the series. Even though it wasn't sweet love like most shows do, it was one of a kind love for them, and in the end it turned sweet enough for them both.

I o have to say that everyone did a really great job acting, I didn't see any faults in this wholes series, and at times there are some, but all of them did a great job.

Even though I wanted to beat the shit out of Maya every time I saw him
Asari Yosuke did an excellent job with acting this character!

All in all, job series, even being a Disturbing one where I was wanting to climb in there and kick some ass! LOL! Haven't seen this yet, well why not start it now?

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Must Watch Jose Rizal Movie

Even though I already have a copy of the movie, I still decided to watch this on the cinema, taking advantage of MMFF50. The experience watching this on the cinema was well worth it.
While I don't think this movie is as creative as Bayaning Third World in demonstrating the life and legacy of Rizal, I still think it's creative in its own way. I love how the movie inserts Rizal's works Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo (especially their main character Crisostomo Ibarra/Simoun) to compare what's happening in those books to what's happening to Rizal and society. In it's own way, it also portrayed Rizal as someone who was daring two write two novels that portrays the ill of Filipino society at the time of the Spaniards but also as someone still resistant of a grand revolution rather than just reform.
I also appreciated how they portrayed Rizal as a normal kid, having his own struggles as a child before he was able to excel as a young student (I'm not about the complete truth, but my impression of Rizal based on most things I read about him was that he seems like someone who is brilliant at all things even as a kid). Plus I like the fact that not all Spaniards are portrayed as pure evil in this movie. I like Luis Taviel de Andrade, even as a Spaniard he has compassion towards Rizal and only wished him to be judged only via his actions (it's refreshing to see Jaime Fabregas in this role, I'm so used to seeing him as either evil Spanish priests or officers who only want harm to Filipinos).
The shots in the movie are made with effort, the sets and the costumes are beautiful. The acting is also magnificent. I really wish I could praise Cesar Montano (he's good here but him starring as a lead in a Marcos Apologist movie kind of taints his reputation for me). Joel Torre, having played Ibarra in a Noli Me Tangere series a few years prior to this one. is also really excellent. I love that they got some of the actors from the aforementioned TV series to be in this movie again (though some not playing the same characters they did in the TV series). I also enjoyed Gloria Diaz as Rizal's mother as well as Micky Ferriols, Chin Chin Gutierrez, and Monique Wilson (what a beautiful singing voice as Maria Clara) too. All of these elements (acting, shots, sets, costumes) really did help enhance the movie.
I only wish Philippines can make more historical dramas/movies in the future. And I'm praying Filipinos will pay attention to these more than Star Cinema movies, which are mostly made with little effort and are very low quality movies except for a very few (I watched a few of their romcoms only because I like the actors in them) in my opinion. I hope GMA's success with Maria Clara at Ibarra and Pulang Araw will translate to film.

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Hopefully we get a part 2!!

I finished the show and I had to read reviews and shit because I was super confuse for a minute. Now, the cast was marvelous everybody understood their job and fulfilled it excellent. However, as always I needed more. The story had my questioning wether this was a romantic BL or if the protagonist are really in an sentimental relationship like whats up. Despite that I like the story. It was not rushed I think some scenarios were unnecessary but, I understand the portrayal. Like Sheng its only 17 so we definitely have a long way to go. On the other hand, what concerns me is the fact that we dont have a season 2 confirm lol. Definitely this series is a slow rollercoaster ride but I like it bc you grow with them to the point of even navigating and overcoming your own traumas. I really hope we get part 2 or more episode with them as adult and not just for the main couple if they make it to couple land. But also Pepper and Gao like I need to see that couple. In addition to Qi Jiahao issues there is still so much to see. So I will keep my hopes for the series.

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Only for those looking for romance and nothing else.

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

If you are looking for a pure romantic comedy, then “Cinderella at 2 AM” is for you. The whole drama focuses on the relationship between Yun Seo (FL) and Ju Wong (ML). There’s a little bit about family relationships but for the most part, it’s romance all the way. Is that a good thing or not? Well, it depends what you are looking for. I am a romance lover, but I find the drama lacking in plot. I was more invested in the first half of the drama and loving the romance. But towards the second half, I was looking for more than what the drama could give me.

Having said that, Moon Sang Min is just too adorable. I am actually watching this for him (and because I am looking for a stress-free fluffy romance). Moon Sang Min pouts like an adorable (but very clingy) puppy. But when he stands tall with his 3-piece suit on, he’s a lovely sight. His visuals deserve a solid 8.0 rating. Can you tell I might have a tiny crush on him? LOL.

I am glad “Cinderella at 2 AM” doesn’t focus on the age gap, since I am not a big fan of noona romance. However, visually, you can see Moon Sang Min is younger than Shin Hyun Been. Their chemistry is good though. Their cute scenes make me giggle, and their struggles to stay away from each other hurt me as well. I love that ML is happy just from watching FL being happy, and that he’s willing to try things he doesn’t like because of her, and end up finding new hobbies and likes. The acting is decent and their story is fun….up until I found it a little repetitive with the back-and-forth. I understand it’s not easy to break up when you still love each other. The wishy-washy behavior is totally understandable, it just doesn’t give me a fun watching experience.

The secondary couple is odd yet interesting and lovable at the same time. It’s quite interesting seeing how Seo Si Won and Lee Min Jin fall in love. It provides some more comedic moments.

The two sets of siblings have very different dynamics, and I love them both. The work colleagues though, are borderline annoying and over-the-top.

“Cinderella at 2 AM” is a decent rom-com if you are in the mood for it. It doesn’t take itself seriously and oftentimes makes fun of drama cliches and tropes. But if you are looking for something with substance, then this is not it.



Completed: 9/27/2024 - Review #491

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This is one of the best if not THE BEST BL of 2024

If you are looking for a drama that contains plot, talented actors, and top tier chemistry this drama is for you. If you watch it and end up dissatisfied with the lack of NC scenes or are mainly looking for those scenes.
1. They are in Highschool.
2. There are more important things to focus on than those types of scenes in this drama.
3. The story is very well fleshed out, with many lovable characters.
4. The actors are talented and you can tell how much hardwork every person that participated in this drama put in.
5. This drama actually makes you think, with some episodes giving out themes and/or foreshadowing that coincides with the rest of the episode.
Now, if you really want those spicier scenes show more support for Season 2. Rate 10 stars on this website and also IMDB, also please watch The On1y One through legal channels to show continued support. Show support on Instagram/X(Twitter). Either on the actors’ accounts or the main account of the show.
Instagram: theonlyone_tw_series
Actor for Sheng Wang: zayineric
Actor for Jiang Tian: benjamin_tsang

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Story of morality and righteousness

Nirvana in fire 2 had me really hooked from the beginning to the end.Not an inch extra or an inch less, everything was perfect in this drama including the pace,story and screenplay.
As a sequel to Nirvana in fire,I personally felt that this drama dealt with family relations,emotions, responsibilities towards the country and the people and moral values.
Xiao Pingzhang,the elder brother is a very respectful,responsible,sincere,honest, righteous person who is the epitome of a good som, husband, brother, general and most importantly citizen.From letting his little brother to be carefree,to balancing the affairs in the court he shoulders it all without going against his values and principles.Huang Xiaoming was perfect in his role.
Xiao Pingjing,the younger one,is carefree,joyful and playful but never lacks from his responsibilities.I liked the way how his character transforms into a matured,calm, responsible person in the later half.Liu Haoran has nailed his role perfectly.
Tong Liya as the loving and caring Qian Xue,wife of Pingzhang,is very pleasant,gentle, supportive lady of the house.
Zhang Huiwen as Lin Xi is quite impressive.She is composed,calm,focused on her work and profession,rarely gets disturbed by emotions and is very matured.
I liked the romantic track between Pingjing and Lin Xi which was quite decent.
All the others, including antagonists were good in their roles.
While Nirvana in fire is a political based drama,this drama though has political issues, but largely based upon emotions as the main point.
All the scenes were written well,the story was gripping till the end.
The plot engages and involves you in the story of Xiao Tingsheng and his two sons and family and how they battle against all the struggles both on the battlefield and against the people who want to see their downfall.
Indeed,this is one of the best Chinese dramas I have watched.
There are a few scenes in this drama which are worth to rewatch so this is definitely on my rewatch list.
A beautiful story that leaves an impression on you.

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Truth exists,only lies are invented!

He Fei and his wife are on a trip celebrating their wedding anniversary,and mysteriously hid wife goes missing.But then,a woman claiming to be his wife shows up,but he does not accept and insists that she is not his wife.
Then he meets Cheng Mai,the lawyer who takes up his case and the rest of the story deals with the dark secrets that unfolds before you in a most bizarre way.
Well,the investigation process was good but a bit confusing.It could have been much better for the intense and suspenseful plot that it has.
The twists and turns were good,though the final one is not expected.
Zhu Yilong,Ni Ni and the rest actors were good in their roles.
Well,the movie once again brings to light the concept that,a truth can never be hidden and lies need to be remembered as one just makes them up.
A truth is always a truth.
A good one time watch.
You will not be disappointed for sure.
I suggest to watch it.

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The current rating isn't set and is subject to change so could go up or down.

So far it is good to see Japan and real Japanese actors plus the language not being sabotaged.

In saying that, this drama is all about a Japanese man and Korean woman and their relationship followed by a break up then meeting again in Korea 5 years later which is in the synopsis.

So...

What hasn't been good to see in just the first 10 minutes is all the luggage the main female character is carrying every step of the way from Narita airport when it could have easily been delivered directly from airport to door. Hassle free!!!!.

Unless of course that has changed...

Wonderful memories have been brought back with the bridge scene and what could have been a drone shot of Shibuya, Shinjuku or Akihabara.

Looked more like Shinjuku or Shibuya.

Winner so far just for giving me a walk down memory lane.

The story line isn't original when it comes to man meeting woman or woman meeting man, but what is refreshing is seeing more of a backbone when it comes to speaking ones mind or standing ones ground rather than apologising for everything whether the person is right or wrong.

Don't think there is any excessive bowing either...not yet anyhow.

Just so you know it does go back and forth between the past and present which for some will probably teeter on annoying whereas others won't mind. It has only been two episodes so this could change, of course.

I reckon the chemistry is a bit better between "Beni" and the Korean guy rather than her and the Japanese guy, "Yun Oh", although both act their parts well.

It is slow and not upbeat like some yet has it's light moments and own story to tell.

One thing I wish would change is all the drinking and getting drunk because in the first 30 minutes there is a number of scenes with drinking going on - maybe 2 or 3 so I hope this isn't going to be in every episode.

I think AA is needed in Korea and Japan like yesterday.

The piano music at the very start reminds me of that famous composer who composed Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, Ryuichi Sakamoto.

The piano has been pleasant to listen to throughout and I would buy it if it is ever made available to buy.

Am crossing my fingers that there will be one or two hit songs that will be good as Butterflies or Stay With Me. Even just one!

Early days yet so will be back to write more as only two episodes have been released so far.

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We need Season 2

"The Only One" season 1 left us on a cliffhanger, a bittersweet symphony of emotions that resonated long after the credits rolled. While the finale was beautifully crafted, leaving us with a sense of closure and a glimmer of hope, it also left a gaping hole in our hearts. The unsaid words, the unspoken feelings, the lingering tension between the two protagonists – it all culminates in a heart-wrenching climax that begs for resolution. The chemistry between [Character 1] and [Character 2] was palpable throughout the season. Their interactions were filled with unspoken longing, a dance of attraction and avoidance that kept us on the edge of our seats. We witnessed their individual journeys, their struggles, their triumphs, and their vulnerabilities. We rooted for them, we ached for them, and we yearned for them to finally acknowledge the undeniable connection that bound them together. The ending, although poignant and well-executed, left us with a sense of incompleteness. The final scene, where [briefly describe the final scene], left us with more questions than answers. Did [Character 1] truly understand [Character 2]'s feelings? Did [Character 2] finally realize the depth of [Character 1]'s affection? The ambiguity of their final interaction left us craving more, yearning for a resolution to the unspoken emotions that simmered beneath the surface. We need season 2, not just to see how their story unfolds, but to experience the catharsis of seeing them finally confess their feelings, to witness the culmination of their journey. We need to see them navigate the complexities of their relationship, the challenges they face, and the triumphs they achieve together. We need to see them embrace the love that has been brewing for so long, a love that has been tested, tried, and ultimately, strengthened by the trials they have endured. The pain we feel after the season 1 finale is a testament to the power of "The Only One." It's a reminder that we are invested in these characters, in their journey, and in their happiness. We are not simply viewers; we are invested participants in their story. We need season 2 to provide the closure, the resolution, and the emotional satisfaction that we crave. It's not just about the story; it's about the characters, their journey, and the connection we have forged with them. Season 2 is not just a request, it's a necessity. It's a chance to give justice to the emotions we have experienced, to see the characters we have grown to love find their happily ever after. It's a chance to finally see the love story we have been waiting for unfold, a love story that has been brewing for a season and is now ready to blossom. We are ready for season 2, and we are waiting with bated breath for the moment it arrives.

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