Reviews

amazing

this was an amazing special episode for the “You are Mine” series.

it was so dang cute and I’m pretty sure I now have a toothache with how sweet this was. I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time.

I’d been looking forward to the special for months once I found out they were doing them for the series and I was not disappointed.

I adore we got to see their relationship progress, and it aligned so well with the story.

my heart is so full. if you loved the series you will for sure also love this added episode. I just want more of their story, this was so unbelievably loving an so well done. the perfect end to their story ❤️❤️❤️

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Good book leads to great drama

I haven't read the book, yet this drama clearly indicates that if you pick a good book and follow it to it's minute details, you end up with a classic drama. As compared to the screenplays that are hashing out clichéd crap just to meet deadlines and make a quick buck,

This drama takes the c industry to the next level. It's absolute poetry, smooth, delicate, yet hard core feminist.
Sometimes feminist dramas trample on males, but here it is a sheer sense of admiration and respect for the ML.

And add to that the sizzling chemistry, heart fluttering relationship, beautiful landscapes, wonderful supporting cast.......
This drama is a gem.......

I had stopped watching c dramas because it was embarrassing to watch female leads speak like a baby, act like a teenager and wear crotch revealing outfits.

But wow.....the last 4-5 c dramas have beaten the so-called popular k dramas of 2023-24.

Way to go.......congratulations to the full team!!

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Will be waiting for the 2nd seasonn

With some high and low moments, getting better by each the episode. For me this season ended perfectly, with the desirable suspense and all. The main actors are amazing veterans, not news, and it was very nice to see Moo Saeng acting a good and trusty character for a change.
It's not a lightly drama but also not that heavy to watch. it brings a new concept, not very far from todays society. It was fresh to have a perpective of a possible outcome and consequences. Although I felt the story was not highly focus on that but instead on the characters own stories and the terrorist attack. Worth watching it.

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This drama is stuck in purgatory

This show is not bad. The real problem is that it doesn’t know when to stop. The initial premise is interesting enough. Multi-generational curse is nothing new but it is functional. The show pushed it for all its worth though. There are plot holes here and there but the show has enough momentum to push through most of them, at least initially.

Once it gets started it gives off a similar vibe to several other wish fulfilling style fantasy shows such as May I Help You. While other shows are more focused on the “clients” and their backstory, this show used them as fillers when the main plot needs to take a breather. The overarching plot is focused on the ML and the curse he inherited. In that sense, it is a nice change from other series where the leads tend to fade into the background and only pops up at key moments. Our OTP is definitely in the fore.

However, this is a double-edged sword. With the focus firmly on the ML, this series struggles. As the saying goes, the tank is running dry. It seems to slice and diced the same plot into different combinations and pad things out. What was novel at the beginning become rather passe by the half way mark. Several times the show seems to have reached its logical conclusion only to be dragged back into the fray just to stretch it out a bit more.

On the positive side, not only are our leads more in focus, his two ghost helpers also have their moments in the sun which is rare in such shows. I appreciate that because they are both interesting characters and they deserve some growth and attention. Deputy Go does fairs better than Mr. Baek and I'm keen to see Yoo In See in other roles.

Acting wise, the ensemble cast did a decent job with what they are given. The ghostly makeup is rather low rent though and more Halloween than scary.

The last episode is probably the most problematic. It really ties itself in knots with its own DIY mumble-jumble. A case of narrative purgatory, I suppose. It all ends well which came as no surprise. The series is watchable but could have been better and tighter. If only it ended 2 or 3 eps earlier while the going was good. One time watch for me.

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Apotheosis!

Constancy, consistency, and comedic. The three best words to describe this triumvirate of OSSAN’S LOVE, which is one of the best, if not the best BL series and franchises out there. It classically defines and shapes what this genre is all about. Perhaps not to a core of current fans who are zealots of the plethora of BLs with gorgeous young men in stories, that, for the most part, are forgettable and whose ‘love for one another’ is defined by the amount of ‘shipping performances’ they do together. This season and the ones before it are the true pioneers of what BL storytelling is all about and how to carry on with a narrative that remains as fresh and original as the first one. And as poignant.
I laughed and I cried. A lot in this season. But most of the time I simply sat there and watched as if I was reading a good book. It gives you that kind of a feeling.

I shall be devastated if this is the last season. I want and need more. They are family. Their last words were, “We are family.” Nothing can be more earnest as this defines and expresses and shows every form of a family imaginable. This franchise is exemplary and, dare I say, an apotheosis in every sense of that word. You will find no better defining example of what a BL is or ought to be than in any of these series and especially in this latest season. Humor, poignancy, charm, affinity, love, and most of all human warmth. What a ride it has been. Please tell me it is not over yet!

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Unsuitable for those who dislike melodramas and tons of angsty scenes

Before a drama starts airing, I will look through the synopsis and even read the whole novel to have a better understanding of the story - and the same happens for this one. I was overly hyped because I'm the fans of both leads. But, sadly, I had to drop after 9 episodes. So, I'm going to list out my thoughts based on what I've watched.

The story centers around a kind-hearted and brave surgeon (Zhu Jiu) and a spoiled son of a high-tech medical company (Fu Yunshen). At first, they didn't approve of each other and kept bickering. After having gone through the dangers in a humanitarian mission, they got to understand and develope feelings for each other.

Actually, I only watched until the part where Fu Yunshen returned to China and stopped since then. However, I'm sure that the car accident would make both leads separate for some years (this is just my speculation, so take it with a grain of salt).

Nine episodes in and there are several toxic characters including neglectful father, overbearing mother, morally ambiguous grandpa, jealous half-brother, and a girl who has unrequited love for ML. I won't explain this part in detail. For your information, they are the ones who made the rating that low.

The acting is top-notch, if you ask me. I absolutely love Cheng Yi and Zhang Yuxi's chemistry. They're very cute when they start to bicker (I just keep smiling when I see them together). Other noteworthy characters are Gu Ruanruan (I feel sorry for her, she had such a bad boyfriend) and Chen Le (Fu Yunshen's dumb secretary).

Overall, despite having watched 9 episodes, I still give it eight out of ten stars because of the leads. I will give you my sincerest advice. Do not watch it unless you love melodramas. Moreover, it's unsuitable for teenagers - the plot is adult-ish and too mature for young people to understand (cause I'm a teenager myself TT). I will be waiting for the leads in other dramas and wish they could make a collaboration once again. All the best!

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Cute and Enjoyable Modern Fantasy Romance Drama

I only watched it for Zhanglinghe and the story is cute. The sweet moments are the best part for me. I skipped some parts i don't find interesting especially because sports dramas are not really my cup of tea.The fl is cute not the annoying type which made me really enjoy the show. Zhanglinghe's character is very sweet and funny especially the part when he was first shocked by the fl and ended up mistakingly falling inlove. The school part of the story does not really interest me but it's quite fun. There are some things i really find annoying or hard to watch but maybe it's just me being overly critical to the show. The Osts are quite fine but and pacing is also fast. It's worth binge-watching if you ever want something that is sweet, fun and not stress-free plot.

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The bare bones of a good show

There's the foundation of a genuinely good story in here somewhere, but unfortunately you have to dig through a lot of meaningless-at-best, annoying-at-worst filler to get to it.
But let's focus on the positives first. This show genuinely has a lot going for it, the cinematography is good, the pole and aerial silk performances are surprisingly great, and most of the characters are genuinely likeable, realistically flawed human beings.
My personal favourite being Wela, who honestly could have been milestone for the genre on top of being incredibly charming, if only the script had been, well... better.
There are also middle aged lesbians in a thriving relationship as well as polyamory representation which we love to see. Yes, the latter could have been handled a bit more smoothly and I think that plot line would have benefited from more of a romantic buildup between Pan and Ken as well, rather than just between Seji and the other two individually, but all in all it still works surprisingly well and I am hopeful that this casual inclusion will open the door for more series and films to showcase healthy, loving polyamorous relationships.
Finally, and arguably most importantly, the show focuses on sex work and sex worker's daily lives which is an incredibly mis- and under-represented group of people, so I was understandably excited for this story.

Unfortunately, however, this is where the series really crashes and burns.
It does treat its characters with the respect they deserve and even tries to address certain topics like social and systemic discrimination of sex workers, or the fact that sex work is a paying job like any other which pays the bills and puts food on the table (which is quite an important point to highlight seeing as, statistically speaking, quite a high percentage of Thai sex workers actively use their income to support family in their home towns). But any deeper exploration of these topics is hindered by bad writing, a meandering, unfocused plot, and So. Much. Product. Placement.
There is a certain point in the series at which I thought the story was going to address the vicious cycle of repeat criminalization which allows corrupt government forces to profit off the sex work industry endlessly while publicly condemning it, but no. To my great disappointment it's just another opportunity for the almost offensively cartoonish female villain to do her thing.
The series also spends way too much time on people making out with one another and while yes, the portrayals of physical intimacy are very good and yes, I understand this can be a draw for some viewers, these scenes take up vital screen time that could have been much better spent on more important things like fleshing out the plot and weaving more cohesive storylines.
Personally I also really dislike the ending of Wela's character arc, it feels completely contrary to his previous actions and kind of devalues most of the show's core messages.

All in all, this show tries, in its own convoluted way, to offer a nuanced and respectful portrayal of sex work and shine a light on the serious issues facing people working in that industry, and for that it is to be commended.
It does, however, mostly fail to achieve what it sets out to do, making it quite difficult for me to wholeheartedly recommend watching it.
Instead I would recommend doing your own research on the issues of sex work in Thailand and around the world before watching the show and forming your own opinion :)


P.S.:
If you don't know where to start you could, for example, read some articles published by EMPOWER, a Thai sex workers' advocacy group and non-profit, or by the NSWP, a global network of human rights organisations advocating for sex workers worldwide, which offer some highly educational material.
Hell, even just reading through the wikipedia entry on sex work in Thailand can offer some reasonably nuanced insights on the topic.
For any visual learners I recommend watching John Oliver's segment on sex work (it's available on youtube for free) - it does strike a fairly satirical tone and focuses mostly on America and other western countries but a lot of the points made are universally applicable and it covers a lot of ground in a relatively short time span, so I feel it could work well as an introduction to the topic.

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Cdrama Recommendation for Kdrama Addicts!

This is my first cdrama of Zhanglinghe as the lead. I'm not even a cdrama lover but just got bored one day and ended up seeing a post about red flag male leads on tiktok. I saw the poster and strangely i feel drawn to it. Among all the dramas posted there, this is the one that i gave a shot. I said to myself let's just try 1 ep and see if its good. But after first ep i started downloading all remaining eps and binge watched it for 3 days. I got really invested in the story and the characters, especially the leads xue ning and xie wei. This is the first after a very long time that I've gotten so obsessed with a drama. Xie Wei for me really stood a lot! They say he's a red flag but after watching it, he's definitely a black flag. He's character is so intelligent and cunning that he always have plans for everything. Xue ning is also smart and they are perfect for each other. I also like Zhang Zhe from the way he looks at Xue Ning, its a very genuine and warm love. Xie Wei on the other hand looks at Xue Ning with a longing expression and sometimes a bit possesive but he also has his warm and caring side. I like the reverse harem theme of the show and i like that it didn't focus that much on it and mainly on the political aspects of the show. The show is definitely a must watch!

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reminds me of dramas from 2013 era

Can I just say the starting episodes of this drama were really good. I was hooked and emotional and the story was so nice. It began with Seo Kijoo a ghost photographer helping to solve the last wishes of ghosts who are leaving this world. He has 2 assistants and their team is very funny and cute.

I would say the first half of the drama was good but I felt like this drama would have been the best if it ended in 12 episodes. Beyond the halfway point the writer stopped the plot revolving solving of the issues but instead the focus was on one main issue.

Once the ghost issue was resolved now the writer had to think of a way to resolve the curse so the drama continued longer to fit the 16 episodes. But i feel the pacing would have been nicer if it was faster, as there were quite alot of filler scenes towards the end.

Romance was also good at the start but gradually it lost the chemistry although all the kiss scenes were good but somehow the initial fluttering moments were nicer to watch.

Overall it was still a decent drama but the production did make it feel like it was a show from 8-10 years ago. Oh! but the OST was beautiful.

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Sorry not sorry, can we be spared from the movie? lol

One of the lowest shows I have come across in a while... oh gosh. Worst plot ever, dog cafe without dogs or costumers, not a single coffe was actually served lmao nothing was believable, majory of the scenes were so cringy and hard to watch.. only made it cuz of the korean main actor. Poor guy to have debuted with this.., I wish he has a decent one next time. This was just awful and terrible, even the decent budget wasnt enough to save it from disaster. Mew was a disappointment in this show but at the same time what to do, all lines were cringy and stupid.
I think if both main actors were korean the result would have been different.
Maybe a cute little drama would have come out of it.

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A rare K-Drama Sci-Fi that hits it out of the park

It's not too often we get to see a sci-fi K-Drama, especially one with a high budget but this is exactly what Disney delivered here. This show has very similar vibes to the "Bodyguard" from Netflix, revolving around a Bodyguard who applies to a company in order to find out if its CEO was responsible for a terrorist attack at his old military base.

Through these 10 episodes, we get to be a part of a thrilling political drama with amazing action sequences, the final episode felt like something I'd see in John Wick and it honestly wouldn't surprise me if that was an inspiration. Firstly I'll go into the acting which overall was amazing, Ju Ji Hoon and Han Hyo Joo were amazing in their roles and honestly I very heavily disagree with another review I read where they claim both of these characters are robots. Not every K-Drama needs to have overdramatic soap opera-style acting, these roles were incredibly realistic, and both characters are written as determined and calculated; they're not going to burst out in emotion like a Shakespeare tragedy. The subtle tension created through our lead's acting was amazing, it made me yearn for more interactions.

Outside of the leads, I thought everyone else also acted quite well with the exception of Woo Geun who was the Chairman of the rival company to BF. Dear god his acting was so so so so so bad, I've seen this actor in a few other shows and it wasn't anything to speak either way about but this performance was just so bad I need to look at the director because it honestly largely falls to them. I can't even describe what was wrong with this performance because it was so awful from top to bottom. The last scene with him and his son I had to rewatch out of hate.

The story is quite good, the beginning creates a lot of immediate tension and each episode pushes the plot along at a good pace while mixing in a good amount of corporate/political drama with investigative work and action sequences. I have a problem with how quickly the dialogue seems to move because there were many times I rewound to understand what exactly was going on. There were a lot of moving parts and this show never paused to let the people-watching process exactly what was being said. I loved the ending as well, there was an insane amount of suspense, and the fight scene was one of the best EVER in a K-Drama, it honestly shocked me that he was straight-up killing people because so often we just see dudes getting knocked out, it really had me giggling at the sight.

There is one caveat though, there needs to be a season 2. I don't mind open-ended finishes to shows, in fact, if done well they're amazing. But the way this show finished, it truly needs a second season, there are a lot of stories or plots still to explore and despite reading some 'theories' on what exactly happened at the end I don't like the fact the show did almost nothing to set or backup those ideas with more hints if that was what the writers are going for.

Overall I gave it an 8 but that's assuming we get more of this show, if not I'd probably lower it down to a 7 just because the ending is unfulfilling.

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So much potential

I don't know about you, but I hated the ending.

This drama is funny and cute, with the exception of the 2ndFL. It is not that she is outside the chinese drama beauty standards, but the fact her character became so far away from where she started off. As someone who is portrayed to have social anxiety, she did not seem to be like this towards the end, which is frustrating.

I am not sure why there were so many angst between the characters for silly situations, but the story between the ML and FL was very well developed. Which is why I hated the ending. I didn't understand why they wanted to trick the viewers to think they are getting married while packing the 囍糖 - Wedding candy, and decorating the office like a bridal shower. Then it was to celebrate the games' sales performance. I think it could have ended better with news articles suggesting it being the first 3A game ever to come out of China.

Also, I wish he was able to celebrate with his father's co-founders - I didnt understand why a super small cameo from the investor who was his father's co-founder. And also, his mother not even accepting that her son has achieved both his and his father's dream. Or at least indicating this outcome.

I did rewatch it for the romance, but the story line was not up to my standards.

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Family

This drama is really underated. Watching it for the first couple episode make me realize the important bond between sibling. From the story acting everything is just perfect. Love the big brother role here as he step up as a man for his sibling. My favourite couple here is the third sibling and her husband, it is just so warm. As much as I hate the father in this drama, it also make me realize how much you hate your parent in the end it is still your parent. Whether you like or not at some point when they were really gone I think you will really miss them.

This drama is really recommend for those who love family, slice of life.

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