Reviews

Great Casts with an Okay Story Line

I loved all of the characters in this drama. Every person played their role right. I have no complaints and this is one of the best drama of 2023 as well. I'm really in love with Liu Shi Shi's role and she looks like a HOT MAMA (if you know what I mean). Liu Yu Ning did his best and I really appreciate his acting growing each day. Yushisan stole the show, I'd really want to watch more of his backstory. All of the Liudao Hall characters stole my heart. I really wished the ending was better that was the only down fall of this drama. Highly recommend to watch and yes it's a bad ending.

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Ladies and Gays, please welcome, the BEST BL OF THE YEAR!!!

everyone in this series did their best esp jimmysea. you can really tell how much effort they put and how dedicated they were to be able to convey the beautiful message of the series. i've been a fan of this pair since vice versa and i noticed how they grow together, how they genuinely care for each other, and how they work hard to improve their chemistry even more. back then, most of the BL fans didn't really notice them that much, maybe because other pairs are much more popular. but now i am glad about the recognition they received; they really deserve it! i hope to see them together in another series soon. a big round of applause to everyone who are part of the production of this masterpiece! ??

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Excellent Chemistry and Development of Main Romance

“Last Twilight” is an unexpected delight. The biggest selling point for me is the chemistry and the relationship between the two male leads. Jimmy stole my heart here.

I love Mhok, a total green flag. He was introduced as a ‘baddie’ but really isn’t one. He just had a tough life growing up and life threw him a bunch of lemons, but that didn’t stop him from being kind, hard-working, caring and considerate. He’s the perfect person to bring Day out of his isolation. He not only treats Day with kindness when he isn’t very nice. He is patient and slowly breaks down Day’s wall. He’s tough but supportive. He’s the perfect caretaker and friend. Day, on the other hand, is spoiled and quite immature in a way. He doesn’t really know what he wants in life when badminton is taken away from him.

Jimmy did a great job portraying Mhok. He was a little quiet and shy in the beginning but then the fun and flirty side came out. Sea portrays a blind person admirably but at times, his facial expressions appear a little bland. Comparatively, I enjoy Jimmy’s acting a lot more. Does anyone find Sea look like Zhang Ling He in certain angles? No, just me? LOL

I like the parallel life between Day and the character in the novel. It’s an interesting way to tell both stories and tie in the adventures of self-discovery and growth to the book. There are many other dramas about the visually impaired or someone living with a disability. But what differs and what I enjoy the most is the reminder that being a caretaker and a boyfriend are two very different roles. Many people do not agree with the decision in ep. 11. As much as Day’s mom hasn’t been the most supportive person in the world, her worry about Mhok’s role transition is valid. Could she have provided guidance earlier on? Totally. But then we wouldn’t have ep 11 and 12. Mhok and Day needed time to grow and mature. I don’t really think Mhok pitied Day, but he has his own baggage that was never resolved. He might not be as emotionally available as he thought especially to have a real relationship with someone that’s a little different.

I wonder if I would have liked the ending more if I had binged it straight from ep 1-12. Unfortunately, my timing was not right and I had a 5-day gap between ep 11 and 12. I think it might have affected my enjoyment of the last episode and all my criticisms are focused on ep 12. as it’s fresh in my memory. Yes, the chemistry is still there between Mhok and Day, and I enjoy all the flirting and teasing. But then, the lines become cringey, especially the last 15 minutes of the episode. Declaring your love for each other is fine, but doing so repeatedly in different ways becomes a little unbearable. Additionally, there’s quite a lot of time spent on the ending of Night and Phojai’s story. I like them and think they make a great couple. My problem is that the drama fails to show and develop their romance in the first 11 episodes.

Overall, this is a lovely drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s not my # 1Thai BL drama, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. I appreciate the non-dramatic acting, nice OST and cinematography and the lack of ridiculous plot twists and turns. And this is very personal, I am also glad that it doesn’t have the camera stay on the actor’s faces for a few seconds too long for dramatic effects.


Completed: 1/26/2024 - Review #399

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It's an epic watch

This is the first time in my life that they have given the FL, fight both physical and verbal. Not every day you come across this. Anyway, most reviews have a lot of spoilers I'm just gonna give what i like about this C-drama. 1. The fact that all 3 of the kids aren't related by blood to the FL and she is their stepmother. This drama hit all the right spots in my heart not every day you come across a drama that shows that blood isn't everything and you can also form a family without even having a single drop of the other person's blood. 2. the show maintains the FL fighting both physically and verbally with the other characters. 3. The teacher that basically has a crush on FL is the sweetest ML that i have seen dude isn't some ice prince that is stuck up, he was a genuine character that i liked and he wasn't stupid nor where he possess over FL. I wish they showed the villainess went to court for her crime. Also why is the score so low 7.5 the score should have been a 8.5+ instead because it was really epic. I want more shows like this and the duration should be a bit long like honestly 10 minutes wasn't enough per episodes

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Proceed with caution if you're seeking a cohesive and satisfying teen romance.

I have never read the manga so my review of the movie was based on what was presented within it.

One of the film's major shortcomings is its rushed pacing. The narrative hurtles forward, leaving little room for meaningful character development and depth. As a result, key aspects of the story feel disjointed, and certain character motivations remain unclear. This lack of context left mw scratching my heads, especially as I was unfamiliar with the source material.

The chemistry between the main leads, portrayed by the talented actors Suda Masaki and Tsuchiya Tao, adds a spark to the film. Their performances bring the characters to life, and the on-screen connection between Mizutani and Haru is one of the movie's highlights. However, even their commendable efforts cannot fully compensate for the underdeveloped plot.

The cinematography deserves praise, particularly during the film's cute and romantic scenes. The camera work effectively captures the emotions of the characters and adds a visually appealing layer to the storytelling. The music, though enjoyable, may feel overwhelming with the abundance of songs, occasionally distracting from the narrative.

One of the film's disappointments lies in the underutilization of certain characters, such as Minami Hamabe's role, which seems promising but ultimately falls flat. This lack of attention to supporting characters contributes to the feeling of missed opportunities within the story.

In conclusion, "My Little Monster" has its moments of fun and endearing romance, but the rushed pacing and insufficient character development may leave viewers wanting more. Fans of the original manga or anime may find some enjoyment in seeing the characters on the big screen, but for those new to the story, it might be worth exploring the source material for a more satisfying experience.

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An action drama released without a proper story.

The drama is just a bunch of action that makes no progress. From the beginning and as per the details of the drama, it was about a 21 year old FL who is somehow targeted by killers possessing high tech ammunition like machine guns, sniper, drone killing machines, gas grenades, etc. FL is apparently targeted because of her relationship with uncle ML. Her uncle trains her to survive but let me tell you his training isn't really gruesome survival training, it is at most a self defense class that may work on a burglar or a car jack situation, but not on killers who been doing killing as profession with high artillery at their aid. Also during all this training he never tells FL why he is making her do this and what his actual job is. He disguises himself as normal business person while makes FL train for her own protection. And all that time not once FL asks her uncle aka ML what is all this or even get curious about him. Half the brain cells lost there itself

The whole four episodes is all about FL being attacked with no clear explanations other than she is ML's niece and if they kill her they will get money. It also shows ML is rich and very powerful enough but at the same time it doesn't make any sense he leaves her niece all alone on pretext she is code green and a code green will be protected by the ML organization he created but only one woman shows up to protect FL. And this woman only comes to protect FL after hearing killers gun shot instead of being with FL from the beginning when she had chance and also explain why this is happening to her and what is all the killing situation is about.

Nobody till 4th episode (the drama is only 8ep) don't explain to FL why everyone is trying to get her killed. They managed to drag this story till 4th episode. His uncle owns a secret artillery shop, FL should be killed to get money. But why, why must she be killed, why the ML is not around to protect her. Till 4th episode no clarity. Ok maybe I thought they are trying to build suspense, but till 4th episode showing no progress in any other ways is not called suspense. It is more like there isn't much story.

The drama is too slow for an 8 episodes. Only three things happened, ML goes off radar, killers try to kill FL, FL still trying to survive. There is no actual progressive conversation that makes you understand the whole point of this drama and every character action. Even the action scenes are not really well choreographed and planned.

It's almost like writers are thinking if we show an action drama with bunch of big guns, drones and killing machines and have a story that tries makes sense but at same time no actual strong storyline people would just watch because full on guns kind of action dramas are rare. And also ML is a class A actor, so people would definitely watch for him.

As of now when it comes to big action dramas, moving did the best when it comes to making sense of story. I don't understand why people are saying this is good as moving when it is not even close. Moving is very realistic written for a super hero action world and writer clearly shows audience what is going with story, why everything is happening to them. But this doesn't.

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Must-watch that turned me into a romance-fantasy groupie

Hold on to your enchanted hats because "As Long as We Both Shall Live" is the ride of a lifetime, blending romance and magic in a way you didn't know you craved!

Let's talk about the movie's fancy production – it's so top-notch that even my neighbor's cat would be nodding in approval. They turned heritage sites into a Pinterest dream board, and the costumes are giving off elegance with a side of tradition – basically, a fashionista's paradise.

Ren Meguro as Kiyoka Kudo is the eye-candy you never knew you needed. Grey wig, long hair, and a navy military uniform – he's like the James Bond of fantasy romance, minus the martinis and with a heart of gold. And Mia Imada as Miyo? She's the wide-eyed charm we all wish we had, making us believe in love and magic, even if our love life is more like a sitcom.

Now, let's talk magic – Kiyoka slinging fire like he's headlining a magic show. No abracadabra here; it's embers dancing like they're at a rave. The fight scenes are like a Hogwarts duel but cranked up to eleven – sabres flashing, cloaks swirling, and magic doing its thing.

And the music? It's the DJ at a mythical rave, dropping the beat for intense fights and serenading us with slow jams for those heart-melting moments. It turns every scene into a dance party, and who can resist a dance-off with a sprinkle of magic?

But here's the twist – the showdown with the villainous family is pure soap opera drama on steroids, and I'm living for it!

"As Long as We Both Shall Live" isn't just a movie; it's a rollercoaster of emotions, doused in fairy dust, and served with an extra helping of sass. If I could give it more than 10/10, I'd toss in a unicorn and a disco ball. This film turned me into a romance-fantasy groupie, and I'm counting the days until the next chapter of this epic saga. Let the love flow, the magic sparkle, and the sass reign supreme! ?✨?

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There is nothing hilarious here - Move Along

Here is what the drama promised: "The story of how people who hate each other the most become the wildest, weirdest, yet hilarious family begins now!"

What you get is
-serial killer(I know, right? in a supposed COMEDY)
- a FL who starts out great but deteriorates in to a pile of stammering, non-sentences, when confronted by her ML's mom
-2 cheaters (call it what you want but those two had a thing going on, I don't care what the story says because a married man doesn't go to another woman's house and stay all night to give her medicine cause because he is worried as a friend)
- a delusional-whining-crazy ex (see below) who thinks everyone should do as she says because it is all about her,
-another delusional stalker colleague that won't take no for an answer,
-a POLICEMAN who thinks the stalker can do no wrong even when she tells him she is going to break up her victim's relationship (it's his sister's relationship),
- a 37 year old hot tempered woman who acts like she is 14,
- her half-sister who is super flaky (but kind of likeable),
-a cafe owner who is raising a child (supposedly dumped on him by his ex??? ) but acts like he has never dated before
- a sister/sister-in-law who sold her own niece and nephew out over alimony money to give to a lover who dumped her and kept the truth from her sister for 30 years (how do you sit across from your own sister everyday for 30 years knowing you kept the truth from her - sick),
-a delusional-whining-crazy ex - yeah that one (see above) - woman who can't shut up about what happened 30 years previously (you feel for her at first but please know she is a snake in the grass) - she is remarried, supposedly loves her husband, has 2 great kids with him, yet can't stop droning on and on about how her first husband cheated on her and took her kids. Okay, I get the kids part - I'd go crazy too if my ex had taken my kids and left the country and I didn't see them for 30 years but this is 2023 - how can she not find these kids in the 30 years she has been looking??? Their names didn't change. When they entered the Philippines to live for 17 years they had to registered in that country somehow. It's not like she didn't have the money to find them - but I digress because no matter how long i think about this the writers are JUST not going to make this make sense - she moans and moans and moans till you get sick of it.

The only person I ended up liking in this whole drama was Kang Seon Woo. He is the only one who has any common sense and wanted to keep his relationship with Eun Sung going (she flaked on him too - loser FL character).

There isn't anything funny about this drama past eps 20 something. It's contentious, dark at times, nasty, hateful, spiteful, delusional, and whacked.

Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.

**edited - I came back after pausing for 3 weeks at ep 78 and caught up to current episode. My thoughts on this drama mentioned above in my review, sadly, have not changed one iota so far. The fact that they added 10 more episodes to this train wreck makes you want to scream to the heavens "whyyyy???"

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A Story about Hope and Hope Realized

If you're looking for a BL show that has:
(1) Faithful depictions of visually impaired people
(2) Meaningful narratives about life struggles
(3) Solid cast with exceptional acting
(4) Stellar cinematography
(5) Great OSTs

Look no further, you are in for a ride! Do prepare some tissues.

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Spoilers below!
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POSITIVES
(+) Actings!
This show has a solid cast that delivers outstanding performances in every scene. Sea's portrayal of a visually handicapped man on a journey of acceptance and resilience is particularly noteworthy. His ability to convey hope and determination amidst challenges is convincing (and tearjerking). Jimmy also shows impressive growth since Vice Versa. He excels in scenes that require the expression of intense emotions, such as carrying the regret over his sister's fate through many episodes, his anguish following Day's loss of sight, and the turmoil from his sudden breakup with Day. The side-characters are great as well; I especially enjoy the dynamics between Day and his family, and Mhok with Porjai.

(+) Wonderful Life Messages
While the final episode may be divisive for some viewers, the series undeniably conveys powerful and meaningful life lessons. Two messages particularly stand out to me: the importance of hope and the value of giving ourselves a second chance. The kindness shown by everyone around Day, including strangers, in light of his disability, is really heartwarming. In a world where life's challenges can be overwhelming, especially when societal barriers may add to the difficulty, this show serves as a reminder that kindness, support, even love exist for those who are willing to seek and embrace them. It's often thought that forgiveness is something we give to others, but truly, it's often for ourselves. Thanks to this show for the reminder!

NOT-SO-POSITIVES
(-) Inconsistent Focus on Side-Characters
The finale's emphasis on Night and Porjai's wedding preparations and ceremony seems disproportionate, considering their limited interaction in earlier episodes. The narrative relies heavily on exposition to establish their relationship, rather than showing it through meaningful scenes. Despite the excellent performances by both actors, the lack of early development and interaction with the main couple results in a storyline that feels underdeveloped. Some scenes are unnecessary too, like the transition from Wedding Venue -> Airport -> Wedding Venue in the finale, which instead could be used for more meaningful characters interactions (more Chef Ramon + Chef Mhok acknowledging each other pls!)

(-) Sound Design/Editing
This show has impressive OSTs, yet the sound effects placements are often distracting. Scenes like August's regretful kiss and Day's breakup with Mhok had these jarring cymbal rolls and loud instrumentals, somewhat overshadowed the actors' performances. Yet, the sound design is perfect in other scenes, like Mhok finding Day in Chatuchak, or Day's total sight loss at Khao Khuha, proving that the cast performance could carry the scenes without over-reliance on sound effects.

FAVOURITE SCENES (in any order)
1. Day reconciling with his dad
2. Porjai telling Mhok about her pregnancy
3. Beef stew for Night
4. Last Twilight at Khao Khuha

ENDNOTES
All in all, this show stands out as a poignant and beautifully crafted series. For anyone seeking a BL show that combines emotional depth with quality storytelling and production, this series is a must-watch.

I am really excited about what's next for JimmySea. Their growth and development as actors can be observed in this show, where they have successfully portrayed characters that are so different from their real-life personalities. I hope they'll get more opportunities that challenge and showcase their range.

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Adorable

This drama was so refreshing. The story was sweet, catchy, cute, and humorous. I was grinning from ear to ear.

has slight humor, great acting, the way the MLS carry themselves in the bedroom is so cutesy.
low key wish it was longer but really it was the perfect length. no slow moments, no rushed moments.

just a great well rounded story that followed along the plot.

the acting was spot on. the ML & FL totally nailed their vibes. A “confident, dominant” FL. With the quiet, cocky, almost submissive ML. In bed the roles are reversed. I loved the episode from his POV, was so accurately placed to keep you guessing. He was a total pro and gentleman.

the last few episodes had me aggravated - typical trope with love rivals. Norhing too crazy, they both clearly state & show they still love one another & the rivals know as well. Does last but 1-2 episodes.

This show was so fun to watch. I caught myself laughing out loud, then when I tried to explain the humor to my husband nothing was actually funny it was just the essence & flow of the show that gave it that giddy feeling.

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Get ready for a teen drama that's as twisted as your last breakup

"He Won't Kill, She Won't Die" takes high school drama to a whole new level, and I'm still catching my breath from the emotional rollercoaster it threw me on!

So, picture this: three seemingly unrelated stories – a grumpy guy who thinks 'die' is his favorite word, a girl going through more boy troubles than her Wi-Fi signal, and a relentless romantic warrior who could give Cupid a run for his money. Confused? Good, that's the point!

At first, I was like, "What's going on here?" I felt like a detective trying to crack a high school mystery, and I didn't even have my magnifying glass! But hold your horses; it's all part of the master plan.

The movie's got this crazy, genius timeline that'll make your head spin faster than a teenager's mood swings. Just when you think you've got it figured out, bam! It hits you with the unexpected – a plot twist that's more shocking than finding out your crush doesn't like pineapple on pizza.

Now, let's talk characters. Rei, our grumpy protagonist, has a unique way of expressing his love – by telling Nana to 'just die already.' Sounds twisted, right? But guess what? It's their secret love language! Who knew 'die' could be so romantic? These two made me laugh, cry, and question my entire high school experience.

And then there's Kyapiko, caught up in a whirlwind of boy drama. I swear, her romantic life is more complicated than solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. But hey, she adds the perfect sprinkle of chaos to this high school concoction.

Let's not forget our romantic warrior, Jimiko, who's the MVP of one-sided love. The girl deserves a medal for persistence. I mean, I'd give up after the third rejection, but not our Jimiko. She's like a love superhero – no cape, just undying affection.

Now, the cinematography is no joke. It's like the filmmakers raided the coolest Instagram filters to match every high school mood – from cafeteria drama to rooftop confessions. The colors are poppin', just like the unexpected emotions this movie throws at you.

And hold on to your popcorn, because "He Won't Kill, She Won't Die" dives into some real talk. Depression, bullying, and one-sided love – it's like they went through my high school diary and turned it into a movie. Props for keeping it real, though!

The ending? Oh boy, it's like a mixtape of emotions. Some might love it, some might not – it's the pineapple on pizza debate all over again. But one thing's for sure, you won't leave without feeling something deep in your teenage soul.

So, is it rewatchable? Maybe not for everyone, but for the sheer wild ride, it's worth revisiting at least once. "He Won't Kill, She Won't Die" – a movie that's crazier than prom night and surprisingly heartwarming.

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seriously lacks

The next paragraph completely spoils this entire series. stop reading now If you haven't finished.

It's entire series is killed by the penultimate episode. The main villain is pinned with over several thousands of pounds of concrete but in the span of 15 seconds despite literally on the verge of being crushed to death he's able to completely unpin himself, find a shotgun, and shoot the FL... Of all the things I've ever seen in a k-drama this is the thing that makes the least sense of anything I've ever seen.

It completely ruined the entire series and any enjoyment I got out of it. There's still over an hour left of this series and I don't want to watch it now because of the god awfully bad writing that I just witnessed.

you'll miss absolutely nothing if you skip this series, and frankly it's simply not worth it.

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still the best cdrama of all time

I have now watched the full 76 episodes no less than four times. This is the only cdrama I have rewatched more than twice. But it's still so good and I discover new details every time.

If you're into palace dramas, like me, Zhen Huan Zhuan is just really carefully plotted, shot and acted from beginning to end. Sun Li put on an incredible performance but Jiang Xin (Hua Fei) and Ada Choi (the Empress) are both amazing as well. My only major nitpick is that some of the minor concubines are annoying and simple, but it's balanced by the detailed and complex main characters.

We start off the show when Zhen Huan is just a clever young girl, who has ideals about romance. Coming into the palace, all the concubines want the same thing. However Zhen Huan is an idealist, so she still overcomes the scheming of her rivals and falls for the Emperor. But in the end, the other concubines are not the real enemy.

Zhen Huan's journey from naive girl to the powerful but lonely empress is masterfully depicted by Sun Li, who can convey changes in emotions through the smallest changes in expression. It's really her greatest work. But I am still hoping someone can make another one like this.

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Like a cool breeze of nostalgia and a slam dunk of emotions!

Picture this: Haruno Miziku, your regular high schooler, takes a wild turn when she befriends the oh-so-handsome F4 basketball team. Let's spill the tea on this rollercoaster without giving away the whole plot!

Themes and Feels:
It is a feel-good fiesta that humanizes its characters, making them the BFFs you wish you had. The F4 boys aren't just eye candy; they're a squad of individuals with quirks and vulnerabilities, and we're here for it! The movie dives deep into the theme of friendship, taking us on a journey where growing up feels like a mixtape of emotions.

Romance (Shhh, No Spoilers):
Hold on to your hearts, because this movie adds a dash of spice with Aya Kamiyama, stirring up some romantic tension in the air. Miziku's caught in a love triangle, and it's like watching your favorite rom-com without the spoiler overload. The film dances through teenage romance, keeping us hooked without giving away all the deets.

Visual Fiesta:
Visually, is a feast for the eyes! High school vibes, vibrant scenes, and cafés that'll make you wish you were sipping a latte with the gang. The cinematography is on point, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop for the characters' emotional rollercoaster.

Conclusion :
It's a wild ride celebrating the beauty of genuine connections and the unpredictability of youth. The cast delivers performances that hit you right in the feels, making the characters your instant BFFs. As the credits roll, you're left with that warm fuzzy feeling and a reminder that high school, with all its craziness, is one heck of an adventure!

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