Reviews

Entertaining survival drama with a good cast but some defaults in the writing and production

I quite enjoyed this drama but was a bit disappointed by its ending and some storytelling elements. It makes sense that the show has an open ending given the fact that it is planned as a first season with a second season coming up end 2023 (as well as apparently already a third season scheduled for 2024). Nevertheless, I was a bit frustrated by the fact that overall this first season is only a big introduction which does not provide any answer to anything really.

Given the low number of episodes and the numerous protagonists, I appreciated their characterization but I would have loved to see more development for most of them. Story-wise, I also found some of the choices made by a few of the characters lacking of logic and seemingly were there more for theatrical effect and impact rather than making sense from a survival point of view.

The casting and acting is the strongest point of the series in my opinion. It was my first time seeing Song Kang and I found him great and touching in his role. He had really a strong charisma who was necessary to carry a part that could otherwise been seen as quite bleak and not as interesting. Similarly Go Min Si is a great discovery for me: she made an impactful performance, making a character that could have been detestable, a relatable and endearing one. It was also a real pleasure to see Lee Do Hyun as well as Go Youn Jung among the cast members even though they were a bit overshadowed by other actors/actresses with more flamboyant roles.

Production-wise, the series is a mixed bag. Sometimes the horror is good with some effective jump scares but a lot of time as well it is kind of a miss. I enjoy the almost circus / freak elements of some of the monsters (it felt a bit like Beetlejuice / Tim Burton style in a way) but some of the monster design choices are so over-the-top with questionable CGI that it become therefore much less frightening and more comical than anything. The soundtrack was good with some deep beat that really brought a lot of atmosphere to the drama.

I would recommend this to people looking for an action survival series with some horrific elements. Despite the flaws in the writing as well as some misses in the making, it is an entertaining show, very binge worthy and carried by a good cast. If you enjoyed the manga Attack on Titan, the Kdrama Happiness or some of the seasons of American Horror Story, you will likely appreciate this as well. In terms of gore and horror, they could have gone further but it was still pretty strong, so be mindful if you have any trigger.

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Storyline

Unfortunately this Series is like so many BLs being made dull and boring.
The two main leads had no charisma at all. Scriptwriters need to stop making so many dull BLs and more with a decent
storylines.Getting drunk.. Unbuttoning shirts..long stares like they have forgot their words.Its awkward viewing.Mon and So we're completely unmatched and main leads need to appeal to the female watchers. Saint was my favourite actor easy on the eye and he needs to star in a series as a main lead
with Pond or Micky.Mon I couldn't work out..he looked totally depressed about everything and everyone he came in contact with. SO wasnt much better.Putting these two as the main leads was a disaster. No charisma whatsoever. The moments Saint and Mon were together was a different vibe. At least Mon smiled more.I hated So for humiliating Mon by deliberately kissing a girl.I wish he had ended up with Saint.He did love Mon.The ending wasn't an ending.I am none the wiser wether Mon ended up with anyone.

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The Luminous Solution was the solution to an uneventful Friday

Despite its low rating of 6.3, poor subtitles, and all the honest reviews on here, I for one enjoyed this series. I thought it was well made, down to earth, and clever in subtle ways. Right away, the series title is incorporated as the main cast is introduced. Thana, Patis, and Mai’s scenes were ‘dark’ and/or ‘light’ representing “Luminous” and Ryou’s was ‘Solution’ as he’s working on his school project.

I enjoyed the characters A LOT, flawed as they were. I love the bantering and different personalities of the main and side characters. I liked the uniqueness of the plot twist though I have to brag that I had a clue that was the case since episodes 2-3. Solely because the older and younger casts' timelines moved at different paces. I think it was episode two or three where Mai and Ryou had a time-lapse of a few days whereas it was the same day for Thana and Patis. As the series progressed, I saw more and more similarities between the older and younger characters (for example Thana and Mai having a habit of biting. Thana and Mai hate being alone and are afraid of loneliness. Thana and Mai smoke. Patis and Ryou are clear about who they like and want to stay friends with Naphat/Nack. Patis and Ryou are 'perfect' in the eyes of others, they're smart and hardworking. Patis considers Thana as his only family while Ryou has a distant uncle and auntie. Mai has a closer relationship with his parents, Thana does too except his dad has passed. The wooden stickhouse and wooden figures), then I started questioning why the older and younger characters hadn't had any direct interactions yet. That's when it hit me that they were most likely the older and younger versions of each other. I guess figuring that out earlier on made the whole series less confusing, messy, and more enjoyable.

Except for Bhu Bhudis, the whole cast is new to me so that was nice. Means I get to know more actors/actresses! I see that this is Mig Teerapat Prongaroon's acting debut? I have to say that this man has the talent and potential to make it big if he stays in the industry and away from scandals.
Gun Napat and Bell Ratchata are straight-up adorable! Gun just makes me happy whenever he smiles. I love his interactions with just about everyone, especially with the nurse, Dr. Praem, and the older lady patient he saw twice. I do have to say that he does need to work on being less twitchy when it comes to serious/intense scenes but otherwise, I was in love with his character from beginning to end (and honestly, I would have thought Mig is the more experienced actor as he had more range but Gun’s acting isn’t terrible, at least not for his character).
I like Mig and Gun as a couple, they're cute as heck! The only thing that didn't seem right was the lack of natural physical contact. It might have been the director's choice or lax writing but a lot of it feels like what you'd witness in an acting class and not in real life. When they hugged or comforted each other, it felt like they did it because it said so in the script. And when you expect physical contact between two characters who have been madly in love for 10 years, you get nothing. (i.e. Patis coming home and crashing on the bed after a long day and night at work. Seeing Thana tuck Patis in would have been nice. Or the part where Patis bawled his eyes out and instead of staying and crying, hugging it out together Thana left to cry outside.) So lots of missed opportunities to showcase what I would think was a long-term healthy relationship.
I thought Bell did great. Dena, Safe, Tontae, and Bank were also all great.
Kanda and Pie being mother and son wasn’t that surprising either. I mean if she’s the younger woman we saw in the beginning then clearly Pie was either her boyfriend’s ghost played by Dome Woranart or her son who looks exactly like her ex-boyfriend also played by Dome Woranart.
Once again, the cast and characters were a plus for me. However, I must admit that Thana and Mai got super ugly. Hated the attempted rapes and Thana, for some reason, is always doing things he’ll be sorry for. Guy never learned.

Other than the lack of consent in some parts, my biggest issues with the show had to do with the director and editors’ choices. For one, they never made Time’s age clear though I’m assuming he’s 18/19 given that he drives a motorcycle and well, that fire exit scene. The show used terms like ‘student’, ‘homeschooled’, and ‘self-educated’ to hint at his age but we never got a solid number.
Secondly, there were A LOT of ‘romantic’ scenes that were played back to back to back to back and at one point it got annoying; I didn’t need to see Mai pulling Ryou towards him four different times from four different angles, thank you very much. Also, a lot of the close-ups on the faces were mostly awkward, especially when facial expressions weren’t key.
Thirdly, they play the same ‘mysterious’ song every time Kanda is on screen, and my goodness, please stop. Kanda’s repetitive theme song is not hitting when it’s being overly used and adds nothing to the scenes!
A lot of these episodes are about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes and seriously they would have been sweeter if they just cut back on the repeating and slower parts. The series having only 6 episodes was a good choice. I don’t mind open-endings but I don’t like that there’s a bigger chance Thana and Patis will get back together within a month :/ The idea of a secret cafe was interesting but its execution was mediocre at best so personally the show would have been better off without it, and as a slice-of-life-only series instead.

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A healing and comfort drama, the chemistry between Male Lead and Female Lead very good

This drama offers you everything you need. Romance, healthy relationship, thriller, comedy, enjoyable music & more.
Doha and Solhee present to us one of the greenest, most healthiest relationship between the male & female lead character in K-Drama land & not make the female lead as a damsel in distress. They present the importance of communication, trust, showing sincerity, being honest, making an effort, protect, help & understand each other & love unconditionally.
Hwang Min Hyun and Kim So Hyun great pairing. Their chemistry on & off screen is one of the most wonderful i have ever seen. Endearing & magical. They were more than phenomenal in my eyes.

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I LOVE IT! Literally can’t recommend it enough!

Guys, please, do yourselves a favor and WATCH THIS DRAMA! Even if the gag comedy in the beginning makes you think it won’t be good, pleaaase give it a chance! This is literally one of the most perfectly paced, well-written, witty, and entertaining dramas I’ve watched in a LONG time! The cast of characters is amazing, all with neatly fleshed out stories and personalities that come together to create an absolute BANGER of a show! God bless the writers for creating this masterpiece!

Disclaimer: I’m writing this after ep 14, so I’ll update this after finishing, but I just had to write this all down while it’s fresh in my brain!

When I started this drama, the slapstick comedy made me actually laugh out loud (and I need more of that in my life) so I stuck around and kept watching. When the mystery part came in, I didn’t have any expectations, and just wanted more hilarity. I thought it would be a fun show where I could turn my brain off for a couple hours each week. Boy, was I wrong… This show is BRILLIANT! It kept me at the edge of my seat, and had me guess and second-guess myself all day! This is the most well done mystery I’ve watched in a LONG time, and a billion time better than all mystery K-drama I’ve watched (and better than most rom-com K-dramas too honestly). And while I was watching, this drama really brought people together, because we were all in the comments section theorizing about this mind-bending show. K-dramas normally help me relax and tune out, even the action-packed ones, but this drama made my head spin. I was losing sleep because I wanted so badly to solve the puzzle! And the writers put in such brilliant clues throughout the show that really made me think!

Some notes;
- They had to use butt-touching as the trope because it would be a lot easier to solve the mystery if she just had to touch their hand or face (which wouldn’t be much of a drama, now would it?)
- The writers said this is a “com-rom”, not a “rom-com”, so if you want a typical gushy, over the top, romantic k-drama, this is not the one for you. That being said, I preferred the romance in this show because it felt so much more authentic.
- The music!! Oh my god, the music and soundtrack of this show was just PERFECT!
- There is not a single character that is neglected in this show. Most K-dramas feel slow for me, with too many fillers and irrelevant moments. On the other hand, this show felt way longer than it was because of how jam-packed it was with amazing, fleshed out characters with their own special story.
- This show switched between nonsensical hilarity and DARK mystery in the snap of a finger, so if you can’t stand whiplash, I would say maybe give it a pass (though if you go in with that expectation, you might be able to get past it and actually really enjoy it :))
- Watch it!!! (Pretty please <3)

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Great but slow plot line with good acting

Honestly, i loved the movie and can recommend it.

the plot is absolutely great, sadly it takes a while to really get going, but let me explain

----------some spoilers ahead, read after the line if you want to avoid----------

the story will show not tell how a wife is being abused in different ways during a marriage, quite frankly its hard to watch. this goes on for quite some time until she decides to take revenge in her own and smart way. its a joy to watch and the payoff is huge

-------------------------

aside from the plot the acting is quite good not the best i have seen, but really solid, you feel with the characters and their blights and can look forward to a satisfing expression.

the music did not strike me as particularaly memorable thus only 5points

it has some rewatch value, but given that the feeling are mostly because of the plottwists, its obviously diminished.

all in all a movie i can highly recommend

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Convoluted movie with mostly subpar acting

The story is convoluted at best, while the stakes are pretty clear from the start, there is no indication on how to change things. so the whole movie is basically about following the life of a couple of humans during a particular point in time.

All in all given the subject theme, the movie is pretty boring.

-minor spoiler from here-

Also some story beats really dont make sense to include, there is a girl who has obviously been bullied at her former school, and the movie shows that she is still bullied in her new school, that plot takes a substantial part of the movie, but neither is it resolved nor does it impact the story further in any way. while the girl seems to be super integral (if i understood the movie correctly) for the ending, she is just a deus ex machina with no further function.

the reason why the villans do what they do is also only adressed in one sentence and basically amounts to 'humans are evil the world needs to end'.

---spoiler end--


at least the actress is super pretty, sadly she only has screentime in the first story for the first 10 minutes or so.

all in all, cant recommend, waste of time

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saket

An oath of silence
My feelings swore to
Not to be spoken of again
But I like to think you too, keep quiet
I'll never shout it out to the world
That I feel a certain way
But I don't want things to change
I swore to the heavens
I swore to the sea
I swore that I'd make you
Stay with me
An oath of silence
I swore to myself
It makes me all the more confused
Picture perfect agreement
I,
I wasn't sure you understood
That I feel a certain way
But I don't want things to change
I swore to the heavens
I swore to the sea
I swore that I would make you
Stay with me
I swore to the mountains
I swore to the trees
I swore that I'd set you
Set you free

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ONE OF THE BEST SERIES OF 2023 TO ME.

I'm seeing so many negative reviews about this series, I don't know why, but I love it. It's my first time watching these two actors, and they blew my mind with their amazing chemistry and exceptional performances, making me eagerly anticipate each new episode. The story may have its flaws, but their talent shines through, creating a unique and memorable viewing experience.

Jakjaan: Some of her facial expressions were overdone, but she was amazing; her acting felt real, drawing the audience into the story with genuine emotions and a captivating presence on stage.

Kate: We didn't get to see much of her, but she did a great job at drawing the audience's attention whenever she appeared, leaving us wanting more of her captivating presence and talent on screen.

Aya: She has now become one of my favorite Thai actresses, and her performance in this series was truly exceptional, particularly in her portrayal of the complex relationships she shared with her best friend and her girlfriend. Her ability to convey the intricacies of these connections brought authenticity and depth to the storyline, making it all the more relatable.

Her chemistry with her best friend and girlfriend was palpable, and it was heartwarming to see how her character's journey unfolded. The moments of joy and vulnerability she shared with them were beautifully portrayed, making viewers emotionally invested in her character's happiness.

When she and her girlfriend ran away together, it was a triumphant and heartwarming moment that had me cheering for their love story. It was a testament to the series' ability to showcase diverse and meaningful relationships, breaking away from traditional narratives and celebrating love in all its forms.

Her portrayal of this character has left a lasting impact on me, and I eagerly anticipate her future roles, knowing that her talent and ability to bring depth to characters will continue to captivate audiences.

Pak: I find myself utterly captivated by the depth and allure of this man's eyes. It's as though I'm ensnared in a trance, unable to tear my gaze away from their mesmerizing beauty. His portrayal of his character is nothing short of remarkable; every nuance and emotion he conveys feels so genuine that it's as if he's not acting at all. I'm not watching a performance; I'm bearing witness to the unfolding of a real-life story.

The way he inhabits his character is a testament to his incredible talent, drawing the audience into his world with an authenticity that is both rare and captivating. His eyes, in particular, serve as windows to the soul of his character, revealing depths of emotion and inner turmoil that resonate profoundly with viewers.

It's not just his physical attractiveness that makes him stand out, although that's undeniable. It's his ability to use every facet of his being, especially those entrancing eyes, to convey the essence of his character. Each glance, each expression, is a revelation, and it's a privilege to watch him bring this character to life.

In a world filled with actors, he is a true gem, a talent that leaves a lasting impression and ensures that I eagerly anticipate each new project he takes on. His ability to make the audience feel like they are part of his character's journey is a testament to his skill and dedication as an actor. I'm simply in awe of him and his extraordinary abilities.

Sunny: Seeing this guy for the first time has left me thoroughly impressed, as I've grown to adore his performance. He showcased remarkable talent, delivering a truly convincing portrayal that effortlessly drew me into the narrative. His acting exuded authenticity, allowing the audience to genuinely feel the depth of his character's love for his partner.

The connection he established with his on-screen partner was nothing short of remarkable. It was evident that he had delved deeply into his character's emotions, and his portrayal of being in love felt so genuine and heartfelt. Their chemistry was palpable, creating an enchanting on-screen dynamic that resonated with viewers.

What struck me most was his ability to convey the nuances of his character's feelings. His expressions and gestures spoke volumes, making it easy for the audience to empathize with his journey. It was more than just acting; it felt like a window into a real and profound emotional experience.

This introduction to his work has left me eagerly anticipating more of his performances in the future. His talent for making characters come to life and creating believable relationships is a testament to his skill as an actor. I'm genuinely smitten with his work and look forward to witnessing the depth and versatility he brings to his roles in the years to come.

overall STORY

This series left an indelible mark on me, and it's not just because it was amazing—it was a masterpiece in every sense. The characters, the acting, and every scene were nothing short of spectacular. I found myself completely engrossed in the storyline, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn, and craving more with every passing moment. The intimate scenes were handled with unparalleled grace and sensibility, making them some of the most tastefully executed moments I've witnessed in a long time.

The characters in this series were more than just well-written; they were beautifully fleshed out, multi-dimensional individuals who felt like they could walk right off the screen and into the real world. Their depth and complexity were a testament to the incredible writing and character development that went into the series. Each actor brought their character to life with such authenticity that it felt like I was observing real people rather than fictional creations.

The acting, without a doubt, was extraordinary. The cast's performances were nothing short of stellar, immersing me in a world where their emotions and struggles became my own. Every character was portrayed with such conviction and precision that it was impossible not to be moved by their journeys. The chemistry between the actors was palpable, adding layers of authenticity to their relationships.

Now, let's talk about those intimate scenes. They were, hands down, some of the most tastefully and beautifully executed moments in recent memory. Rather than resorting to gratuitousness, they were handled with sensitivity and grace, emphasizing the emotional connection between the characters rather than mere physicality. It's a testament to the series' commitment to storytelling and authenticity in its portrayal of relationships.

I wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone seeking a captivating, emotionally resonant experience. If you're hesitating due to negative comments or reviews, my advice is simple: don't let them sway your decision. Watch the series for yourself, immerse yourself in the world it creates, and then make your judgment. Sometimes, the best experiences are those that defy expectations and surprise you in the most delightful ways.

In conclusion, this series is a true gem in the world of entertainment. It excels in every aspect, from its well-crafted characters to its exceptional acting and its ability to keep you eagerly coming back for more. Don't miss the chance to be captivated by its storytelling, and remember, sometimes the most rewarding experiences are the ones you discover on your own, free from the influence of others' opinions.

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magical chemistry, but the story could've been better

the pacing is so rushed and the ending feels so forced(i like it anyway, who doesn't want a happy ending?)

even so, they were both so cute. i also like how there weren't homophobia nor characters who "just got confused" with their sexuality. they're also an unusual pair, which makes it interesting. i just wish it was longer and the direction was better. great acting and performance anyway.

could've been easily one of the greatest bl plots if it was just executed well by the director. weirdass sudden character development by the boss lol. thanks for letting the boys be together, i guess? lmao

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Season 4/5: His turn now!

Our novelist is back home but in spite of all success, she is not happy, missing the emperor all the time. The Book Scholar erases her memory of falling into her own book. But the emperor suddenly shows up wanting to pick up where they left off. When the Book Scholar tries to send him back to his own world, he realizes that the emperor is connected to the novelist too much. She has to find a way to make him want to go back otherwise she's going to suffer because of his presence. Now the emperor has to learn how to live in the modern society.

The comedy is back after the serious third chapter of this story. Unfortunately not as funny as before! Now it is his turn to be fish out of water and try to get used to the new setting. And just like the novelist in the first part, he gets comfortable very quickly and the focus of the story shifts to her workplace, friends and family. Mostly workplace as she tries to sell the sequel to her book and is having trouble being approved by the big boss. The workplace dynamics are quite fun to watch: the jealous supervisor, the love struck boss and his dragon of a mother big boss, the novelist's brainstorming team.... The relationship that stands out the most, though, is between the emperor and his secretary: there is a real bromance(without romance!) in the making there.

The big problem is the production value: the drama looks like their budget was cut in half: the cinematography is ugly, the colours are pale and when colours there are, they are obviously fake. The costumes are ugly, the hair is ugly (why does the emperor sport that horrible army buzzcut?). The music has been reduced to one song: I like it but I need variety.

Nevertheless, it is a fun watch, one cannot help but root for them and wonder if and how they are going to get their happy ending!

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okay, but I actually enjoyed this one…

idk what I was expecting going into this show. maybe kind of campy or a bit goofy or fluffy? but while it definitely has the older BL feel, this show has so much heart.

this show was well balanced. nothing was overdone or outstayed it’s welcome. there was some miscommunication, but that’s a BL trope at this point. secondary characters/relationships weren’t tedius or too annoying.

this show made me feel things. they sat in moments just long enough and it was easy feel things in the moment. things were handled realistically (or realistically enough), nothing was rushed nor took too long.

I’m honestly impressed.

10/10 would recommend.

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