Reviews

Refreshing! Amazing ending for a lakorn!

Is it a bit too long? Yes. Is it over the top sometimes? Well, it is a lakorn so yes, of course! If you are looking for an all logical and calm storyline, where everything makes sense stay away from lakorns and watch Kdramas.
I was literally blown away, that the bad guys really had a BAD ending here. This is sooo soooo refreshing!
Normally - in lakorns - the bad guys rape, steal, kill and so on and they are almost always getting a happy end with hugs and kisses, sunshine and roses....disgusting. Here? NOPE!
Story 7/10 but with that kind of ending it is a 10/10 for me.

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"I'll stay with you until you stop feeling lonely."

First, I just have to say, I started this directly after watching A Christmas Carol (2022). After such a dark, harrowing film, I had no idea what a perfect palate cleanser this would be, and I'm so happy it's what I chose to binge. Tooth-rotting sweetness that had my cheeks hurting after almost constant smiling every single episode.

For me, this is close to the perfect fluff-style BL drama. Adorable fluff mixed with tender, heartfelt moments with a dash of reasonable angst that didn't stray into too-heavy territory, just adding the perfect amount of depth and stakes for our main couple. That angst (and hurt/comfort) was rounded out and resolved very nicely as well. The pacing was perfect, and I continuously found myself thinking 'already?' whenever an episode ended, because I was so wrapped up in every moment and was never bored.

I have noticed some comments about the main pairing being "dry". Now, I'm all for 'to each their own'; if that's your opinion, who am I to say your wrong? Except... maybe you are? A little? No hate, I just feel like the people who think relationships and couples like this in BL are "dry" are looking for instant sparks, mutual intense pining, and lots of spiciness. There are plenty of BL series of that nature. But it's this kind of pairing in BL's that I think is exceedingly rare, and is my absolute favorite: quiet, solidly built, based on respect and day-to-day interactions. It's not an instant heart-eyes romance: it's more realistic, arguably more meaningful, and much more introspective. You come to love the characters for who they are and their roots, and from there, you come to root for something more.

As for the main pairing, I personally love their chemistry. There was never a single moment where I felt anyone was reaching too much, trying too hard, nor was there any awkwardness. They met each other perfectly at the middle, and it felt effortlessly real in that way; I found myself completely convinced in the way they interacted each episode. Everyone was fantastic, but I do specifically want to shout-out Iijima Hiroki. The way he portrayed Minoru was equal parts sweet and heartbreaking: the care and absolute love and devotion he had for his brother while simultaneously struggling with the thought of no longer having that independence of someone his age was beautifully done. Further, in the development of his relationship with Yutaka, he really did a great job in portraying that silent battle with his own feelings, how he slowly came to terms with how he felt, but struggled deeply with it, because he so badly wanted to stay close to Yutaka no matter what, valuing his company over anything, even so much that he harbored deep guilt every time he reached out a little with how he felt (which made moments like the cheek kiss, the confession, the hand holding, etc) so much more impactful. Iijima just knew exactly who he was playing, and brought him to life brilliantly.

I also can't end this review without giving a quick mention to little Maeyama Kuuga. Seriously, where did this kid learn to act? For example, the scene where he saw Yutaka crying and instantly broke down himself? What a little talent. I'm usually not into dramas that revolve around a child in some way, but he really made it impossible for me not to love him.

All in all, if you're into sweet fluff, realistically built relationships, and tender/adorable family moments, I would highly recommend this one. As someone with family troubles of my own, I found this extremely cathartic and just such a nice watch. Japan yet again proving that they're owning the BL game atm.

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Amazing story, handsome ML

I enjoyed this drama so much. Amazing story, with so many funny scenes. ML is super handsome, and FL is cute, clumsy, funny, sometimes too forward (for my taste), and clueless. Eventually, she listens to her feelings and realizes she loves him back. No love triangles, which is amazing too.

I wish this show had more episodes or a second season.
Also, more slow motion while kissing or hugging would be great.

I expected ML to have blonde hair like on the poster (like his father), but that does not happen... too bad, because he looks perfect with that hair color. And FL would look good in some other dresses, she has an amazing figure and posture.

Acting at times was weird, but mostly good job.

We need a second season PLEASE.
Also, we need Lin Shi Jie in more dramas.

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too much melodrama

I started watching this with high expectations... partly met by the gorgeous team of actors, especially the 2 ML's, who are so good-looking and versatile. Still after 15 episodes or so - the series being way too long anyway - i started to get bored with the repetitive actions. Our BL protagonists have little screen time together, though their scenes are the highlight of the drama. In the second half of the series, we hardly see them together.
The tragic factor is too obvious, you clearly see this is to become a tearjerker, though it had some funny characters/scenes in the beginning - but important characters started to die left and right, ruining the balance. So i stopped watching it right before the end, since i had the feeling it offered me everything i wanted to see in terms of passion, chivalry, bromance, love, action, revenge etc. Might pick it up another time for a sense of completeness...
Many handsome faces, and special mention to the evil character, who comes off as the most rounded and totally takes the screen. The shady policeman too, keeps a fine balance to all the tragedy!
Great quality drama, too bad the scriptwriter lacked the sparkle.

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Better not watch

This is the most homophobic sht I've seen in a long long time. I'm so mad about literally 75% of the film, especially at the ending I felt like it must be a joke. Are you fcking kidding me? I sat there, mad and in disbelief, that this is considered a BL, are you fckn serious!?!?!? I'm just warning ya'll, don't expect sht, it's horribly written, there must have been serious homophobes at work, who know nothing about love or teenagers, or the world, or feelings, or depression, or happiness. This is some fckd up sht man. Should be taken off of GAGAOOLALA GAY theme! For real!

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Small Space and small Cast

The use of this very small space and this very small cast of actors is the incredible thing about this movie. It doesn't need a huge cast to make an impact and the directors and actors did such an incredible job utilizing these very few resources. I've been into Zombie movies when I was younger but very quickly realized that a lot of them don't have any real depth and the struggle that is being portrayed feels "fake" - this movie is an excellent opposite of all that I've just mentioned. All in all it's not necessarily a typical zombie movie, but it is worth watching, especially when you are not totally keen on the typical zombie movies.

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Loved this movie.
It was just a recommendation in a youtube shorts and watched it yesterday. I totally loved the movie and story plus actors did a good job in their role. But the only drawback of the whole movie was park shin hye's acting who played the adult version of the kid.
It looked more of her character from "the heirs"
All her scenes made me remeber that character as if she did not come out of that character yet when she portrayed this role.
Even in her monologue scene where she was standing for her father, the scene looked more of her fighting for her love for her boyfriend. She looked more of that poor girl rather than the character she had to play.

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A quick summary:
Mo Ning Xi's grandfather passed away and then she was kicked out of the house by her mother in law and went abroad. Six years later, she came back as a well-known fashion designer with her two kids to make things right.
She met her ex-husband again and the story goes on.

The cast is good looking, The ML is handsome and FL is also pretty but had an odd eye make-up that I couldn't get used to until the end.
The acting overall is okay and the leads have chemistry.
The ost is nice.

There is one thing bothered me while watching this drama! That it had so many slow scenes.
If you could turn a blind eye on that, and some incoherent dubbing, you might enjoy watching this drama more than I did.

Anyways ML carried the show for me. I don't dislike the FL but she didn't do much of anything by herself.

The story is quite predictable and has lots of cliche, So I think it's just an okay watch to pass time.
I might re-watch it in future.

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Just a simple romantic fantasy movie

I have been following this movie since it came out and just heard the reviews are unfavorable regionally and internationally. Yet i encourage you to watch this movie without any bias, but based on the fact that you love a good simple romantic film.

Plot summary:
Childhood friends who lost each other and found each other again after many years, thanks to fate! However, life happens along the way and their love is tested. Fantasy elements are introduced and the unfortunate couple tries to change their destiny to stay alive, but this time without each other. Yet as the saying goes, what is meant for you will find you no matter what.

Acting:
I saw CFY in Lighter and Princess and i dare say he is improving. he is a young actor and is in the learning process. then again, in this very particular movie, he portrays a very normal youngster who is in love but goes through hardships in life.
Zhou Ye is also quite decent and depicted a very cheerful yet faithful lover. Both had good chemistry together. i just wished we could see more kiss scenes, albeit the ones shown were ok imo.

Writing:
It's a movie so we can't expect to see many details and elaboration of how things are. everything is fast-paced. Also, this movie is a fantasy romance, so many things cannot be explained with logic. it's just how it is. One thing that was a bit questionable to me was that they keep saying their love is tested and that we can't fight destiny. Yet in the end, we see a different scenario. Like are they gonna suffer again? the curse was gone? did they go through the loophole again? but the ending was kinda nice. they got what they deserved.

Production and soundtrack:
The movie is rather simple. It has been filmed in very simple locations as it is in most movies. The soundtrack was kinda nonexistent. I didn't hear anything playing Lol

Overall, it's a beautiful romantic movie. Nothing that extraordinary, but very beautiful if you're into romance. Don't pay attention to the overly negative or overly positive ratings.

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6 points for the comedy part of the story, 1 point for the elfs who saves the dragon, Deduct 1 point for logicality and CGI。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。

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"Into the Abyss."

The Devil Judge was hyped up a lot during its initial run and I only got around to watching it in 2023. The one aspect of it that makes it distinct from others I've seen is how well written and acted the characters were. As for the others… I'll get to them.

Revolving around the shady schemes set up by politicians under the disguise of goodwill in a dystopian society, the Devil Judge follows the eccentric judge Kang Yo Han, as he slowly plots their downfall. And the words of law that restrain him don't stand a chance. When a Live Court show is set up with him as the presiding judge, the public has a chance to decide the fate of the perpetrators. But, how will he fight against power and bring down the wrong doers to their knees?

Characters:

Kang Yo Han is THE deal and I wouldn't mind watching 16 episodes of his story alone. Complex, and ruthless. The word 'Justice' easily slips off our tongues, yet we see criminals get away with their crimes.
Yo Han makes pivotal decisions and dubious moves. By the end of EP3 or EP4, I began to slowly believe his intentions.
It was my first time watching Ji Sung, but he kicked the ball off the park with his performance. Will definitely be watching his other works.
I loved his hate-love attitude with Elijah. Both the actors captured their bond perfectly.

Yo Han was not somebody to mess with. It was thrilling to watch him blow up expectations and play with fire. His morales or lack of them thereof does not go unquestioned. Meet Kim Ga On, who plays this part.

Park Jin Young did his best with what he was given for sure, but I did not trust that guy till the very final episode. He might've been well written, so much that he managed to make it to the most idiotic characters I've met in my life list. I am not saying that he should've been complex or on par with Yo Han, but he couldn't even hold a candle against him.
If a character is written to be inexperienced, it must be done convincingly so. His family had fallen victims to a conman and he still manages to believe everyone. That too, he wildly jumps into situations without thinking twice or getting help. He was a grown up, yet he wavers in making every decision. He redeems himself, but all that was stuffed into one single episode.

The second character who was ill utilized was his best friend/love interest Soo Hyun. For a detective who graduated with magna cum laude, she fails spectacularly when it comes to being practical. Her entire arc was spent wasting on an investigation that seemed to be more inclined to soothe her personal vendetta against Kang Yo Han. Which was useless as more dangerous incidents kept happening and not once did she try to raise a finger or investigate the corrupt officials. She spent her whole free time on the church incident which makes no sense since her own friend Ga On told her that Yo Han never harmed him. She hides the fact that it was Yo Han who helped save a life. What was that for? The other thing which irked me was how she dove headfirst into situations without backup.

Sun Ah was a decisive villain with a whole plan. She had my sympathy as well as my hate. Sympathy due to her circumstances and hate for her shameless greed for power and validation. The only person whom she truly considered and respected as an enemy was Yo Han. I did think that her character was playing the "feigned innocence" demeanor a bit too over the top. But, the actress was insane with her performance. Particularly the final episode.

Shout out to Cha Kyung Hee, the spectacled director and K – they have my respect, limited screen time or not.

Others seemed to be written as their thoughts depicted them to be: clowns. But, highly entertaining clowns.

The OST was apt, not too bright, but intriguing enough. Nightmare by Sondia is my favorite one.

The last episode was too crowded. So many scenes that required an emotional build up were stuffed into one and a half hours. Plus, remove Ga On's stupidity and this drama would've wrapped up by EP13 or EP14.
All in all, it's definitely a worthy watch. There are moments where it loses it's momentum, but, as a whole, it's a 'don't miss it'.

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Story:
This is a slice of life story of four families trying to get a good education for their children since such a young age (I can't believe that they have to fight so hard just to get into a good primary school when the kid is still in kindergarten)! The story is quite okay for me and it's interesting to know how the education system works over there. It's also interesting to see the four families from different social and economic backgrounds and how each has their own issues and problems to deal with.

Music:
I like the ending theme by Ayanga. Unfortunately I watched this on the YouTube channel where they just silence the music :(

Acting:
The acting of the children I thought was pretty good.

Rewatch Value:
None for me. I don't want to go through the angst of daily life problems that are presented in this drama. Once is enough for me :)

Overall:
I think this is a pretty good drama. However, if you're not into melodrama, maybe i would recommend you skip this one

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A breath of fresh air

Aside from being streamed on Netflix (yay) - which is so convenient, this drama is very enjoyable to watch. The story is just right, very relaxing and easy to watch, yet it draws you back every episode.

I gotta praise all the actors who play magnificent jobs at portraying their characters, especially Ra Mi-Ran and Lee Do-Hyun. While Ra Mi-Ran's acting is not surprising to be that excellent, Le Do-Hyun micro-expressions are so superb as he's able to convey the emotions down to the last bits of details.

However, aside from all the greatness of the drama, the production and directions still a tad lacking in a way - as there were some off-key cut scenes that kind of feel awkward in a way, which affects the scene's entire flow. Maybe it's just me being overly fuzzy, nevertheless, the drama was a great watch and very worth-it.

As titled, it really was a breath of fresh air in terms of k-drama in 2023.

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