Reviews

Underwhelming

It's understandable to have expectations from a drama when it's highly hyped by others. However, in this case, the show didn't quite live up to its expectations. While the storyline was decent, it left some questions unanswered, such as the ML's previous connection with the FL, which could have been explored more. Additionally, the father's character wasn't punished, despite being just as bad as the mother, which could have been addressed better.

Regarding the acting, there were some areas that could have been improved. Sung Hoon's acting felt a bit stiff and lacked emotions, particularly when he tried to use a stern tone. However, the FL's acting did get better as the series progressed. Despite this, her character felt somewhat weak, which was disappointing, considering it's a revenge-based storyline. The acting by the evil mother and daughter felt too dramatic and over-the-top, like a soap opera.

Overall, the show was simple and straightforward, and the romance was not particularly strong. However, it still managed to work, and if you're looking for something to pass the time, this show could be a good option. There is still plenty to enjoy, but some aspects could have been polished better.

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A lot of laughter after a lot of crying

Like many other people, I cried my eyes out when IFYLITA ended and was anticipating this special episode like crazy. I was one of the lucky people who attended the IFYLITA screening at the Berlinale where the special episode was also shown. I really liked Scent of Memory because it made me laugh A LOT. It's completely separate from the original story and feels more like a side quest. It's hilarious to see Yai in our current time! I especially liked to see Yai and Jom back together and going on dates like people nowadays do. It's a nice change to see Jom taking the lead and explaining everything to Yai. I feared that I would need to cry at the end again, but this episode managed to keep everything light and happy. It was a really enjoyable watch and I hope that now after the first screening in Europe they'll make it available for other international fans as well.

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I'll Keep The Review Short!

I hate PAT!
I hate PAT'S faces.
I hate PAT'S acting.
I hate PAT'S personality.
I hate PAT's everything.

I don't care if this BL has a happy ending, sad ending, no ending. just end it. like I literally found myself mad watching this clusterfuck. PAT destroyed this series. remove him and it's watchable. whoever cast him and whoever directed this train wreck & allowed PAT to put forth that garbage and release it to the world should literally be ashamed. criminals should should be forced to watch this series as punishment. I'm sure they'd confess to anything to make it stop. I honestly wouldn't wish this series on anyone. ANYONE, DO YOU HEAR ME! I deserve my life back for the lost time I'll never recover while I watched this nonsense. I'm sure 5 years were taken off of my life after watching this rat shit. I'd rather break bricks with my teeth than to sit through this again.

ugh! I HATE PAT!
that's all. I'm out!

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THRILLING AND ZERO PLOT HOLES

Only flaw of this show is that it finished too quickly!!! ):
I really loved it! Not only for the cast which is AMAZING! But for the plot too.
It's definitely something new, but it ate and left no crumds. The thrilling part were always delivering amazing results.
And i felt soo bad at some point for seo in guk that i started too cry and i was so emotionally involved with this show whish is a good sign in my opition.
The whole industry is in this drama and I'm not kidding. Kim Ji Hoon THIS SLUT always have me in a chokehold. Every drama he does he's a total psycho and I'm always enchanted by him. AND I KNOW IT'S NOT NORMAL OKAY!!
Anyways overall this is a masterpiece and so fullfilling in every acpects.

ps: in some poing i started to ship choi yi jae with death which was kinda psychotic, but nvm...

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What can i say...

My ratings are already screaming my love for this show. First of all I'm not a fan of historical or fantasy dramas or i thought i wasn't, BUT THIS, this is something else. MU DEOKI, MU DEOKA or the actress in general so much in love with her. Her acting skills are just *chef kiss*. And please let me talk about my JANG UK baby he was funny af and we love him that way exactly.
The plot was amazing every character were very well written and all the episodes where full of entertenment with a hint of comedy and romance for the whole series which is absolutely great and... MY NAKSU BABY just killed it even tho she was a guest role. All the action scenes were so well directed the filming process was fantastic and even it was pretty long of a series (because 20 EP are quite too much and i generally watch 16 ep max so...) it was soo worth watching.

I reccomend this drama to people who love an entertaining and long show with lots of amazing main leads.

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Poor Acting, Writing and Execution of a Very Common Plot.

If I am not watching “Step by Step” due to the Clown Challenge, I would have dropped it within the first 1-2 episodes. The general plot is nothing special and we’ve seen many similar boss/subordinate relationships before. If the plot doesn’t stand out, then the acting, writing and execution must. Unfortunately, I don’t think this drama delivers. I also question if I should have watched the regular version, instead of the uncut version.

The first thing that bugs me about this drama is the poor acting of the male lead, Pat. I understand that this is Ben’s first acting gig and it really shows. The character he plays, Pat, is already not a super likable character. He’s childish and whines way too much. Unfortunately, Ben’s portrayal makes it even more intolerable. His angry, frustrated, and sad faces are all the same. When he cries (and he cries way too much), there are no tears. When he pouts, I find him annoying instead of cute. Aside from him, Saint (who plays Jaab) is just as bad. This is also his first role and his acting is so unnatural that the supposedly cool guy Jaab acts like a lovesick teenager.

I also really dislike the annoying and loud coworkers. The first few episodes are really hard to digest when Ying can’t stop screaming and Prem can’t stop being nosy. Both of the characters are so inappropriate in so many aspects. Luckily, there are also a few fun and good supporting characters. Ae and Chot save the show. They are fun, bossy, flamboyant and the life of the party. The actors did a great job in making these characters come to life and not annoying.

I am not sure if I should categorize the romance to be slow-burn or delayed. But the development is not written well. There are some indications that Jeng likes Pat from mid-drama on. Not much comes from Pat when he seems to respect and fear Jeng as his boss, after the initial attraction when they were strangers was gone. Their interactions before they become a couple are not fluffy or heartwarming. The introduction of a love rival definitely delays their romance. I waited for 10 episodes for them to finally get together. Then within 3 episodes, their relationship goes through a roller coaster ride. Everything feels rushed in regards to their romance in the last episodes, as well as the final business arc in the drama. I wish their romance had started sooner, like in ep 7 or so, to allow their relationship to develop at a much better pace. I also didn’t find closure with the Jaab/Jane arc.

Am I the only one who didn’t find Jeng to be that bad of a supervisor? I found his ‘demands’ reasonable as a boss expecting good quality work from his subordinates. At least he is respectful when pointing out mistakes. I must have watched too many mean bosses in Chinese and Korean dramas. Does Jeng warrant all that criticism and talk behind his back about how evil he is? I guess we need Jeng to have some flaws and a character development plot. Otherwise, he’s just too perfect of a character and too handsome. I was just writing down on my notes how perfect he is (+ a hot body) when the troubles of episode 11 happened and he didn’t want to talk about the issues when he should have.

If I watched the regular version instead of the uncut, will the extended product placement and filler be reduced? There's so much screen time spent on actors just holding a bottle of sugar free green tea and other products, describing how good they are. I chose the uncut version because I wanted all the kisses and intimate scenes. But what I get are boring bits.

The only positive things about this drama are the kiss scenes and the intimate scenes. Unfortunately, they are mostly jam packed into ep 10, instead of spread throughout the drama. At least, we have two participating actors who are not shy in going at it. The intimate scenes are also done well without feeling cringey.

I would not recommend this drama unless you really like the actors. If you are a fan of Man (who played Jen) and his handsome good looks and hot body, then go ahead. I also enjoy seeing Up (who played Put) again after watching him in “Lovely Writer”. This is a very different role and I quite like him here. I am giving this a 6.5 rating, which is quite low on my personal rating scale. But given the fact that this does not seem like a big budget production, with two actors in their first roles, and some good kiss scenes, I am not going to rate this any lower.


Completed: 2/25/2024 - Review #408

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My fav kdrama in 2023

I started the series by watching some edits and clips, but then I fell in love with this drama The story was great and you were worried that something was going to happen to the main characters and there is a hidden sadness in the story that makes me want to cry when I think about it. The set and costume design was also very good and I was very satisfied overall And the acting of the actors... I have to say that both the main actors acted so well that you think they are really in love with each other. The series also introduced new actors who showed their talent well. In my opinion, the best Korean series of 2023 was my dearest

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God I don't want this drama to end

Till the End of the Moon is probably the most spectacular series of 2023 in my opinion as it becomes the most-watched series of the year and that's why I am writing my first review. The success of the series is no doubt because of the main leads, Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu.

At first I found it quite boring, but the twists made me stay there. The plot twists were very interesting and exciting. After watching each episode, you are looking forward to a new episode, but in my case before starting a new episode I always think if there a sad scene or a sad ending awaiting. The story line was excellent.

Luo Yunxi looked handsome as hell in the look of Devil God, the eye liner was smoothly and perfectly done.

After watching first 5 episodes, the exquisite costumes, jewelries, make up and those beautiful and handsome faces made me stay there very badly.

One thing I didn't like was that I completed the drama within 5 days, I very badly didn't want this show to end.
The music caught my heart the drama had so many beautiful songs(you should go and listen to them now).

I absolutely believe the scene stealer is Tantai Jin who played by the awesome Luo Yunxi. He portrays his character brilliantly and he's very believable in doing it. I have to admit, I love his visual and expression as Tantai Jin. I guess no one can play the character of Tantai Jin better except him. As if the character was made only for him. And for you all information, I could not take my eyes off the screen whenever I saw him on it. Tantai Jin you stole my heart in your every look so, I am coming to take it back.

Those who think there should be a season2 for this drama with a happy ending please vote.

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friends to lovers ? amo

mais uma vez eu aqui defendendo o friends to lovers!!!

eu não sei o que aconteceu pra eu ter largado esse daqui no passado mas estou feliz que colocaram ele na minha tl (em comemoração aos 2 anos de lançamento) e eu pude dá uma chance novamente. eu já disse em uma review aqui antes que como friends to lovers tem um ponto incrível que é a evolução de um amor que sempre foi genuíno e bonito. a relação entre o haebom e o taesung não é uma das melhores mas é possível se observar ali o carinho e a preocupação que eles tem entre si. quando o amor evolui para algo romântico é difícil não se pegar com borboletas na barriga enquanto se torce para os dois. a história tem uma passagem de tempo muito rápida mas eles conseguiram fazer algo coerente com isso, os personagens (quase todos) são um amor e a interação entre eles é algo divertido de ser ver. um ponto alto fora o romance é a relação de ambos meninos com a sra Ha, é uma relação de respeito, gratidão e amor materno. no geral é uma boa história de se acompanhar.

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It's cute, but there's nothing special about it

I discovered this drama through Instagram, and as I really like office romances, I went to watch it.

At first, it was very interesting; I really liked the way the FL adapted quickly and didn't hesitate to work hard to achieve her goals

The office part was pretty cool, but what piss me a little was the couple's delay in getting together — because, obviously, the female protagonist always needs to "wait for the man to confess his feelings and take the initiative" *insert an emoji here scrolling the eyes*.

Anyway. Despite those annoying stuff, the drama is cute. The character development of the protagonists was really cool to watch, and although it had the meaningless clichés — the annoying second lead — and, obviously, the random drama at the end, it was a good experience

It's a light drama, with good chemistry between the actors and decent acting, but nothing unforgettable

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It could have been better

Just like I said in the title, it could have been better.

First of all, I didn't have that many expectations, especially because I do not like Xie Bin Bin's acting, at least according to my experience with his previous dramas.

Honestly, I don't think it's a good drama, however, it wasn't a terrible experience either. It was... avarage?

To begin with, I believe that although the plot is interesting, the silly and meaningless clichés that some cscreenwriters still insist on bringing to dramas, have made everything very lacking in content.


For me, the CONS:

- Jiang Xiu's strange relationship with his "brother" Jiang Jie: is he really his brother? I ask this because, honestly, the writers wrote a character who has many dubious actions. Although she is called the younger sister, in my opinion, she acts like a girl in love with the guy she grew up with. For this reason, I found the way she acted throughout the drama quite strange.

- The stereotype of obsessed SF: I really can't take it anymore, I just wish the writers would extinguish the second female or second lead thing once and for all, because for me it's not realistic, it's extremely irritating and, most of the time, the feelings that these characters have for protagonists are extremely unreal and unfounded in their own idealizations.

- The loss of "timing" for the couple to stay together: In my opinion, the screenwriters wasted a lot of time with misunderstandings and unnecessary nonsense. I would have liked to have seen the characters together much longer and seen them as a couple.

- Very average performance by ML: I don't like to criticize people personally, but as a viewer, I really didn't enjoy Xie Bin Bin's performance. This happened in his previous dramas, too.

- I wish they would have more "chemistry", you know?

- The kitchen part sounded amateurish, although I understand that it was probably the budget


PROS:

- A friendship between a man and a woman without a annoying crush in the middle: Finally we don't have that annoying and heteronormative cliché

- Incredible FL with dualities

- Good acting by Zhang Miao Yi

- The story is interesting, despite the script nonses


This was my review.

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Interesting & Complicated Plot but falls short in Writing/Execution. Could have been better!

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25 (0.25 bump for an interesting plot)

“The Sign” started off really strong with a lot of fun scenes while the characters are in training. The action scenes are fun, and the interaction between the characters are interesting. The flirting and naked men took over the feeds when the drama first started airing.

The biggest selling point should have been the very interesting plot. It’s quite uncommon to find a Thai drama that mixes folklore, action/crime investigation, past lives and romance all in one. This is a very brave attempt. If the writing and execution are done right, this would be a winner. Unfortunately, I feel that the drama falls short. I wonder if the novel is a lot better.

Instead, the best thing about “The Sign” is the chemistry between Phaya and Tharn. Of course, romance takes center stage in the plot, and it’s not a bad idea to have strong chemistry between the leads. Initially, I thought Phaya would be the cool and cold-on-the-outside character. I was quite surprised when he became clingy and totally smitten. Not the direction I anticipated or liked, but it sort of works out since Tharn has been the more cautious one in this relationship. Billy (Phaya) and Babe (Tharn) deliver great scenes together. Their kisses are passionate and believable, while their intimate scenes do feel very intimate and romantic (give me “I Feel You Linger in the Air” vibes).

Acting is average (at times above average) all around. Even for the leads, there are some scenes that call for more subtle acting but I don’t think the actors quite deliver. It’s Babe’s first role and for that, I think he did a really good job. I do think the acting gets better as the drama goes on. I’ve seen some pretty bad acting in Thai dramas but at least no one sticks out like a sore thumb, just a few below average (Doc and Dao). It’s also a nice change to see Akk/Captain not playing an evil character. I’ve seen Akk in other dramas before and his acting is always pretty good. He’s solid here as well and looks mighty fine in uniform.

I was hoping for more action and police work, especially when the drama started off strong with all the training and missions. So, I am a little disappointed in that respect. The middle of the drama has a lot of talking, and not a whole lot of action. It’s probably also because the folklore/past connection takes more of a center stage. It’s interesting to see how Phaya and Tharn are truly connected together and Babe looks quite pretty as a girl/Naga. I am still a little confused about the Naga, and not quite sure what Tharn has done in the past to warrant being ‘cursed’ in the present time with people trying to hurt him. The writing is weaker in the second half. It either glosses over certain things (e.g. why Doc is so obsessed with Tharn, or how someone could be saved so easily), or when the drama decides to tell us instead of show us (e.g. the last episode and what happened between Tharn and the Doc). If the drama is longer, maybe it can really show us and explore the background story all characters in

Overall, I applaud the attempt to create such a drama with an interesting and complicated plot. Although I wish it had been better executed, I still had an enjoyable time watching. Babe/Tharn’s first role and he did quite well. I wish to see more of him in future.


Other Random Observations:
1. There are also many shower scenes of men posing naked with blurred out butts in weird positions.
2. The blurred butts also take away the very romantic feel I get from the intimate scene.
3. Thai dramas have the best grandmas! We have 2 in this drama. Thai dramas have the worst parents, and luckily we see none of them here.
4. The classic music played is a little too much during the art case arc.
5. I like Yai. I thought he would be a useless sidekick, but he ended up being the better cop than the leads. Tharn was so strong at training camp and seems to lose the ability to fight later. Yai beats him big time!
6. In C-dramas, you know to expect your fav supporting character might not survive till the end. With Thai dramas, it’s harder to tell which way it will go.

Completed: 2/24/2024 - Review #407

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Twisty plot with full-blown crazy characters

This drama was chaotic and mysterious at first, but also intriguing. Many secrets to unfold, who is bad and who is not. None but one of the leads in this show are truly likable. I wasn't always felt connected with our female lead Jae Won, maybe because her mannerism and thinking process was hard to belief.

With each passing episode, there were satisfying moments, but the plot twists are annoying and becomes a hot mess towards the end. Just when you think it's time to warp up, the next scene is another drama and not everything of it makes sense. It was a quite enjoyable watch, though. Mainly due to Jae Won who is strong, bearing and still can attack despite being hurt a lot of times. Also, the villain, who is obsessive, borderline psychotic and selfish, carried the show's momentum and excitement. Great performances by cast all-around, especially So Yi Hyun, Jang Na Ra, Lee Ki Taek and Park Ho San. Despite not feeling head over heels over this drama, their acting kept me wanting to watch until the end.

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Started good, but lost it's way midway

Though A Killer Paradox delivers on its promise of a slightly uncomfortable thriller, the limited runtime proves to be a hurdle for character development. A tighter focus and keener sense of the message behind the killings could have elevated the series more. But there's some fun when it comes to killer's sheer ambition, not to mention the wish fulfilment of it all.
One of the best aspects of A Killer Paradox is the cinematography. The show features visually stunning images of Tang’s hallucinatory scenes, where the killers haunt him in his dreams. The images play tricks on the viewer and slow-motion shots of him attacking the killers in the action sequences. The series is flooded with bloody red and green lights to show which character is the hero and the villain. The entire second half of the season slows down. Episodes are longer and the plot lags a bit. The scripts lose their crisp structure and become a little sprawling. The ending does leaves loose ends and doesn't satisfy the morality of the show.


My Rating : 5.7/10

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