Reviews

Give Jiwoo a hug and apologize to him right now you haters! (Repost)

So, I've seen how people are kind of like trashing on Jiwoo because of what he did to Seojoon. It's understandable, and it's not very nice because, you know - he kind of just went AWOL without telling Seojoon why or what he did (it wasn't Seojoon's fault, anyway).

So, why did Jiwoo leave? In my perspective, I personally felt like he was insecure. He had trauma from his past lover, and obviously, they didn't end well together. Jiwoo had kept it to himself because he didn't want to be Seojoon's burden (with the guy already having busy schedules). Jiwoo's pretty much a pessimist, I think it was shown during the show (but I haven't watched it in a hot second and writing this months after I watched).

Jiwoo's afraid that Seojoon would leave him eventually, like how his ex did. Like he was afraid that Seojoon would finally realize how boring he was (he's not) and leave him, so with this plaguing his mind for a good year was probably tiring. And so he breaks up with Seojoon and ran away because he wanted to protect himself from the larger pain of when Seojoon does end up breaking his heart.

He's just trying to protect himself before it happens even if it won't because he doesn't know the future, he's insecure, he's negative about it, and he just wants to push himself away before it's too late.

So obviously, Seojoon finds him and brings him back and reassures him about it. Like it's fine. Anyway, thanks for reading through my little rant, I just wanna go give him a hug. I will literally be the biggest Jiwoo defender. I don't care.

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Give Jiwoo a hug! Let's understand him.

So, I've seen how people are kind of like trashing on Jiwoo because of what he did to Seojoon. It's understandable, and it's not very nice because, you know - he kind of just went AWOL without telling Seojoon why or what he did (it wasn't Seojoon's fault, anyway).

So, why did Jiwoo leave? In my perspective, I personally felt like he was insecure. He had trauma from his past lover, and obviously, they didn't end well together. Jiwoo had kept it to himself because he didn't want to be Seojoon's burden (with the guy already having busy schedules). Jiwoo's pretty much a pessimist, I think it was shown during the show (but I haven't watched it in a hot second and writing this months after I watched).

Jiwoo's afraid that Seojoon would leave him eventually, like how his ex did. Like he was afraid that Seojoon would finally realize how boring he was (he's not) and leave him, so with this plaguing his mind for a good year was probably tiring. And so he breaks up with Seojoon and ran away because he wanted to protect himself from the larger pain of when Seojoon does end up breaking his heart.

He's just trying to protect himself before it happens even if it won't because he doesn't know the future, he's insecure, he's negative about it, and he just wants to push himself away before it's too late.

So obviously, Seojoon finds him and brings him back and reassures him about it. Like it's fine. Anyway, thanks for reading through my little rant, I just wanna go give him a hug.

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short but sweet

The story shows two different back story that depicts peoples current life / work. One who struggles due to his low self esteem and one who experienced loss of loved ones. The show showed how exhausting life can be that you'll eventually agree due to to frustration and exhaustion. One scene that caught me off guard was when Hiro said the reason why he is reluctant in leaving and made me feel sympathy with him. Lot of people choose to do something they're comfortable that makes them reluctant to change and be contented with what is with them right. However, it shows how brave the MC is for doing it. Kudos to all the staffs who produce this good show.

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The best one out of the 4

I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

I stand corrected, this is the best one out of the compilation series. However, I may be bias because I love sci-fi storylines.

The positive: Although it had some elements that did not make sense, the script was good. The pacing was great and did a decent job introducing the characters’ backstories with one exception. I like the underline analogy about relationships in general. The two lines from episode 6 that sticks out to me is “You are an independent entity.” and “None of us own anyone.” The actors did a great job with their characters and portrayed them very well. Had very good cinematography, graphics, and music.

The negative: The script had some underdeveloped section which were only minor problems. It did take some liberties with the AI concept which some may not like. They also didn’t do a good job explaining the backstory with Chu Yi Ping’s dog. The script has one of my most hated story elements, but it actually made sense for a change. Again, this was only a minor problem for me.

******Spoiler Alert******


My main criticism is the length of the time jump. I’m not against it in this story because it did serve some purpose, but 7-years seemed too long.

Their first few kisses were predictable, but still cute.

I sort of understand the dog and Ever 9 comparison they were trying to make but it was weird and seems like a stretch to me.

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Not even top-tier actors can save this shitty drama

This is so disappointing. This drama could have been a little bit better without the love interest; it doesn't even need any ounce of romance, and there is not enough buildup in the background story of Lee Ra El for me to feel the revenge. Ra El waited 13 years to execute her revenge just to fall in love with an old guy who contributed to the death of her family. That is so stupid; she and Kang Yoon-kyum don't even have chemistry. If she just focused on her plan, I would add 1 point to my rating. The only time I feel thrilled in this drama is when she is inside the secret room of Yoon Kyum; the rest are all bland. Han Sora is the only good character in this show. I am surprised Seo Yeji and Park Byungeun accepted this drama.

A 3/10. This is more of a fashion show between the wives than talking about revenge.

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'Ben X Jim Forever': Two soulmates condemned to suffering and oblivion

Regal Entertainment Inc.'s 2021 Filipino boy love (BL) romantic drama 'Ben , two people who, after going from friends to lovers, become strangers with memories, after a sad family secret is revealed that they were both unaware of and that causes the breakup of their love relationship.
Set in a period marked by the pandemic caused by Covid-19, the series, retitled 'BXJ Forever', is told in this second season from Jim's perspective. From there, it is shown how mutual the attraction between the two really was, which would explain some of the flaws in Jim's character development in the first season.
Viewers learn more about Jim's relationship with his father and how this has broken him. We appreciate both young people equally and can analyze their thought processes and feelings.
Jim cannot conceive that his childhood friend and later lover is no longer a part of his life. After throwing everything away because of Ben's decision, Jim now works as a barista.
The series revolves around Jim's continued search for Ben after he disappears after the unfortunate ending of the first season. With the help of friends, Jim tries to find him, while recounting all the good times they had through letters that will be revealed that he sent to Ben, over the years, until June 5, 2015, his last letter.
The series stars EJ Jallorina as Francia, Ron Angeles as Olan, Kat Galang as Flo, Sarah Edwards as Yana, Vance Larena as Val, Royce Cabrera as Roy, Miko Gallardo as Bogs, Darwin Yu as Dante, Jomari Angeles as Burn and Johannes Rissler as Leo.
Over the course of the show's two seasons so far, the star-crossed lovers struggle to regain their relationship amid family drama, third parties, and the challenges that come with being queer in today's world.
Ben and Jim have everything to live a beautiful love story: they are young, single, handsome and deeply attracted to each other. It won't take them long to realize that they are made for each other. But a family secret catches up with them and has fractured them as a couple. In your case, the breakup is not caused by heartbreak, disappointment, or the extinguishing of the fire of passion. Both are still in love, but Ben has put a distance between the two out of shame that Jim will know a dark past that involves the parents of the two boys.
We witness the subtle construction of their new lives, and we observe their movements after the breakup of the love relationship. Can they forget what they were as a couple? Will they be able to recover their love?
With an insightful cinematographic staging with insistent and expressive camera movements and intelligent use of scenery and locations, Easy Ferrer, its director and screenwriter, tells in the continuation of the series that Ben is more open about his identity and how Jim Learn about political correctness when it comes to LGBT+ terms and issues. This theme is explored further and more pointedly in this second season, with the passage of the SOGIE bill being an underlying discussion throughout the eight episodes.
The drama brings a more bittersweet and grounded reality of love and the consequences of fighting for love. Through transgender characters (correctly played by transgender actors EJ Jallorina and Rica Castaño), the series contributes to the debate on the spectrum of sexuality and gender.
Through more diverse subplots and the addition of new characters, 'BXJ Forever' addresses themes such as internalized queerphobia, sexual exploration, discrimination in the workplace, cancel culture, the need for sexual positivity, general positivity, gender reassignment and self-validation, maturity issues, and social media toxicity.
The series contributes to making the struggle of LGBT+ people visible through in-depth political debates, with identifiable stories.
The story tends to get overly complicated. The narrative loses cohesion with the incorporation of new characters and conflicts that contribute little to the main story. Tends to rely on narrative and character clichés.
At times, it seems that it is no longer Ben and Jim's relationship as the main plot that is being narrated.
Some stories and events are also messy or inorganic, such as the fact that Ben suddenly resolves to return to the world he abandoned, six months ago, once he decides to unilaterally break up with Jim.
The context of the story taking place in the midst of a pandemic then becomes an afterthought, and elements indicative of the health crisis, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing, are inconsistently portrayed.
Three years after finishing the second season, I highly doubt the story will be resumed to give our protagonists a happy ending.

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'Linlang' review: gaslight gatekeep girlboss in thriller drama form

When it comes to infidelity our first instinct is to blame the husband — he must have been the one who cheated or neglected his family.

Rarely it happens in real life and in shows that the wife is the one who is in the wrong. Hence, Linlang's plot comes to me as a fresh narrative as it revolves around Juliana, our female lead, breaking everyone's lives, hearts and trusts.

This series is divided into three acts and I must say the last act is my least favorite. It felt anticlimactic and rushed.

The last few episodes didn't live up to my expectations. The story should have stuck up on being a makjang. I certainly enjoyed the dramatic plot twists and heightened feelings. All the rage and fury dissipated by the time we got near the ending. They also gave us a glimpse of the younger sister's dating life which no one asked for and is irrelevant and bland.

Despite these shortcomings, I must commend how the four main leads never fail to deliver great performance. What struck me the most is the pile of lies and betrayal and how each character stood their ground even if they are in the wrong. How audacious of them. The characters/actors made quite an impression to me and that's what I appreciate in this series the most.

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This is the best depiction of a BADASS & SHAMELESS couple

I've never expected much of this drama, but after reading the synopsis, I was hooked up entirely. Assassin-themed plot is my favorite and given the visuals of the supporting casts, I was more than encouraged to start this. Alright, let's just begin, shall we?

A Journey to Love was set in two fiction neighboring countries, An and Wu, who have borne longtime grudge. Okay, so the reckless Emperor of Wu decided to attack the An and look what it had become... he was kidnapped by the An who put a bounty on his head.

Meanwhile, a retired leader of Liu Dao Hall - Ning Yuanzhou, was requested to seize back his position and immediately lead the Wu diplomatic team to negotiate with the An with the hope of getting back their emperor. Aside from that, Ning Yuanzhou also encountered a badass yet shameless former An assassin (Scarlet Guard), Ren Ruyi aka Ren Xin. She grudgingly agreed to become the part of the diplomatic team after he ensured that she could leave wherever she wanted as long as she explained all sorts of things regarding the An.

Eventually, their teams consisted of the flirty Yu Shisan, the clever teenager Yuan Lu, the stoic Qian Zhao, the cheerful Sun Lang, and also the lonely princess of the Wu, Yang Ying. Together, they embarked on a journey and shared the moments of joy and sorrow together. At the country of An, their band expanded to the brave Chu Yue and the delulu Li Tongguang.

Eventually, the mastermind would be the Emperor of An and the second prince of An whose mother was Ruyi's former superior. It is quite predictable, but of course, we need evidence and proves to make sure they're the culprit. Nonetheless, it's still very twisty, though.

The bloodbath in the last episodes was unnecessary at all. Why should you kill those characters who only had their developments after venturing into An? To me, it's unacceptable. However, the writers perhaps thought that they've died as patriotic heroes and have no regrets to die for the country. In my opinion, Ruyi and Yuanzhou could've been dead after the attack of the Beipan. I previously thought that they were going to live in seclusion after everything was settled. But fate was playing a cruel joke on them. That's my only disappointment, though.

Acting is bearable and I've got no trouble regarding it. In fact, I didn't feel the main leads' chemistry despite their flirty actions. On the other hand, I would like to appreciate Liu Shishi for playing such a badass girl like Ruyi. She is fit for this kind of character and I'll will be waiting for her in 'Kill My Sins' and 'Fox Spirit Matchmaker 2'. Liu Yuning did perfectly in his first ever lead role and he looked charismatic too. The MVP here might be Yang Ying, portrayed flawlessly by He Landou. She has the most character development here, from the shy and lonely princess to a brave and decisive prince. Special mention for Chang Huasen who played the delusional Li Tongguang too perfectly. I really rooted on him and couldn't help to like him. The master-disciple dynamic between Ruyi and him is one of the good aspects of this drama. I can even feel their chemistry. :)

Opening OST is the best, which is sung by Liu Yuning (aside from beautiful voice, he's good in acting. He's an excellent all-rounder (reminded me of Mo Qingcheng in Love Me, Love My Voice)).

Despite the bloodbath, I still love this series. Overall, a ten out of ten. However, I need to use fast-forward button in order to watch quickly (due to my tight schedule and exam last year). If you love this kind of plot, you won't regret this. My suggestion is to give this a shot and you'll be entertained in no time. Good luck in watching.

P.S.
Surprisingly, I didn't use the fast forward button in Li Tongguang's scene. He's just too pitiful to be skipped forward. Wkwkwkwkwk.

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The pain of betrayal and how to regain your dignity after having experience the brink of death

Back From the Brink is one of my favorite xianxia dramas. I admit that there's a little loophole in the plot, but it doesn't defect me from enjoying it. So, now let us venture into the intriguing plot and characters!

Back From the Brink is adapted from one of Jiu Lu Fei Xiang's novel 'Hu Xin' which literally means protect the heart. It tells the interspecies romance of Tian Yao (once a legendary and ancient dragon) and Yan Hui (a freshly expelled Taoist cultivator). On Tian Yao's wedding day, his lover (Su Ying) dismembered him and sealed the entire parts of his body separately. In a final despair attempt, Tian Yao managed to gouge his dragon heart and sent it away before Su Ying could take action. He later died and possessed a body of a dead boy, trying to get back his body parts by hook or by crooks. Not long after that, Tian Yao encountered a bold yet cheerful former Taoist cultivator, Yan Hui, who coincidentally possessed Tian Yao's dragon heart. At first, they seemingly played the cat-and-mouse game as Yan Hui was adamant of Tian Yao's plan to use her with the purpose of getting his body. As the story progressed, Yan Hui slowly started to be attracted by Tian Yao and so did he. Just like the saying goes, if you've never encountered failure, how could you move on to become the better you? So, this drama depicts this saying in an excellent way. Nevertheless, the leads regained their dignities after encountering a lot of dangers in their adventure and nearly being in the slump of death multiple times.

As a novel reader, the story doesn't deviate very much except for the introduction of the shadow ghost (Bai Xiaosheng). At first, he might seem to be freaking annoying due to his interference of the main leads' relationship. Thank God I'm proved wrong. He was the CATALYST that would lead Tian Yao and Yan Hui to form a deeper bond which is more than just friends and companions. Also, he had numerous antics which would make me laugh like a lunatic. If I'm not mistaken, there was no Fu Yin (lord of the dark aura) in the novel. I guess it was made up for this drama. I'm not sure but I didn't like his character very much. Moreover, his backstory wasn't properly explained which led to the confusion of the watchers. I get that Fu Yin was a lonely person with only Xue Lin (a former Taoist cultivator who would eventually marry the fox king) as his companion. After Xue Lin got married, he began to resent everything in this world and turned evil. Is that all the writers have got? I wish we could see more about Fu Yin's flashback and how he transformed into the lord of dark aura.

Don't get me started at the ending! It was a SUPER LACKLUSTER! After a series of twist and turn, the writers decided to cram everything into the last episode and the KISS in the last scene was the prove of a happy ending?? Come on, we need more than just a kiss. At least, you can explain how Yan Hui was reincarnated again and found Tian Yao in the mortal world. Because of this reason and the above one, I will have to dock one point off the story.

Actings and chemistry are all fine. I've got no problem with that. What I like the most is the bickering relationship between Tian Yao and Yan Hui - there's always something they could debate of. Meanwhile, second couple (Xian Ge and Feng Qianshuo) have a more mature relationship and constantly support each other either financially or emotionally. Third couple (Huan Xiaoyan and Zhu Li) has a worse bickering relationship than the first couple and they seem to be pretty chaotic when they're together. Special mention to the fourth couple (Su Ying and Lu Musheng) who has one-sided love effect and the latter doesn't reciprocate thingy.

Guess I will end my rant until here. Although there're several cons, you can still watch it peacefully since it's a light-hearted xianxia compared to the angsty one (for instance, Till the End of the Moon). Happy watching and good luck.

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don't waste your time watching this failed thailand remake!!!! korean is way better!!!!

I think this version overall needn't to be already released cause I feel it is a remake copied entirety but with different characters and so poorly executed, it is obvious the story should be the same as an adaptation of my id is gangnam beauty but to make the thailand version successful at least make some little twist in plot or tiny changes in places, the characters, the events...

in addition especially the character of female lead liu is written in a horrible way, she is so clumsy and insanely fond of faye like she is knowing her very well from a long time, at least compared with kang mi rae in the korean version, she was the same deceived by the second female lead at the start but she grew suspicious with time observing the way she is behaving with her, she is more aware and vigilant than the failed liu character written but looking at faye she is way more talented to be sly and cunning than the one in korean version and those in comments who considered faye is more successful than any actor in thailand version were right!!!!!

I only watched 4 episodes and getting sick from this failed remake, if talking about the male lead I think he is so dull and like obliged to act with so weak performance at least he was better in his average drama "devil sister"!!!!??? even the way liu is hating guy is so repulsive that she is not giving him a chance to defend himself, she is prejudiced him so terribly?‍♀️?‍♀️?‍♀️ in the korean version the female lead wasn't at good term at the beginning with the male lead but didn't hate him in a heinous way like liu is doing!!!! 7.6 is overly overrated for this unsuccessful farce in my opinion and not outstanding as the original!!!!

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