Reviews

A beautiful and tragic story

Finally checked out this movie and I am so glad I did!! If I could give this more than 10 stars, I would. This is an incredibly beautifully tragic film. I went into this knowing nothing more than the title and knowing people cried when they watched it and nothing else. I'm really glad I went into it that way, so everything was a surprise to me.

I loved both Jae Won and Seo Yun so much. They were both such likable characters. I love how kindhearted Jae Won was and how fun Seo Yun was. They had the cutest relationship with each other too! I knew something was up with Jae Won as soon as he gave that weird excuse to why he didn't like sports.

They're story is so beautifully tragic, it's the only way I can think to describe it. I sobbed during the last 25 or so minutes. I haven't cried that hard over a piece of media since Mr. Plankton or Life Gives You Tangerines. I had a feeling this story would end sadly but didn't realize just how emotional it would be. This film is perfect and I have absolutely no notes. Huge shout out the actors as well, this was incredible.

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Highly Recommended

I am absolutely obsessed with this drama because it delivers the ultimate "girl boss" lead who is truly the brilliant mind of the operation, while the male lead serves as the perfect strength to complement her. Their dynamic is so refreshing—I love their openness and the unshakable trust they share, especially seeing how he is mature enough to finally let go of the past to build a future with her. The acting from the entire cast is top-tier, making every scene feel grounded and impactful, and I honestly can’t get enough of seeing a power couple that actually communicates and respects one another's roles.

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THE ENDING WAS NOT IT

the drama started out pretty strongly and it had great acting. but the ending I honestly don't get it. The thriller aspect was really amazing because I couldn't stop watching it. at first, I thought that she was manipulative and everything but she couldn't kill someone but then my perception changed as soon as I watched the next episode. the story was written in a manner where you're not sure of anything which I personally really enjoy. because I love guessing and having theories about what's going to happen. but I just don't get the ending, with the murder and everything. and she said that she was not Sarah kim and everyone was just like okayy huhh??? I think there are definitely some plot holes but I had fun watching it.

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Assistant LI Is So Charming(2023) is a very good romance comedy with Zeng Hui (as Shen Xu) and Li Keyi (as Li Xiang Yang) in the leading couple’s role. The cast did a fantastic job bringing their characters to life and the leading couple had great chemistry. The leading couple didn’t have passionate intimate moments which could disappoint many in the romance seekers audience but their moments are really delightful and sensual. If the viewer is looking for a vertical short drama that will leave you smiling at the end, this drama will entertain you! Enjoy it!
In the meantime, this drama can be found in YouTube under the caption:“She disguises herself as a man, yet is asked by a handsome CEO to be his lover!” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg7CUd6cjaY)

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Charming, if not a little flawed.

Okay. I really loved this drama. The wit was next level in the beginning. The banter when they were ‘enemies’ was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was super fun and entertaining. I loved how J and Jinn’s personalities really shined through their interactions with each other. The snide remarks, the facial expressions. They had me rolling those first couple episodes. The entire time I kept thinking ‘there’s no way they can keep up this momentum’ and while that was somewhat true, I love that neither lost their playful banter with each other, even after getting together. Even when lovey-dovey, the wit and humor was still there and I love that as it usually goes away completely with a premise like this.

The relationship J and Jinn had with their moms was beautiful. They were so supportive and wonderful. The moms weren't just there, they were part of the story and I loved seeing that. It was like a breath of fresh air honestly…and when they came out to the parents and the parents were basically like ‘okay, and this is news how? Anyway…” I laughed my ass off. It was just…so them. Very wholesome and amazing to watch. We need more parents like this.

I really loved how the drama mentioned Jinn having a crush on J since they were kids, J’s reaction to it, and Jinn later confronting J about how his reaction affected him. It was very thoughtful and well done. I have to give credit to the actors on this. They knew the assignment and gave it their A game. Okay….they MOSTLY gave it their A game. I can’t remember their kissing scenes from Only Boo! But uh…my dudes…what? You gave your all in every scene but when intimacy rolled in they were like ‘uh, what do we do?’ It was awkward. They looked uncomfortable, to be honest. They sold me on literally everything except desire/passion. You’re seriously telling me you love each other, want each other, but going to kiss like unsure middle schoolers trying it for the first time? Nah, bro. Still, they tried so…I can be nice and ignore that because one issue doesn’t override how great they were overall.

As for the side couple, I felt they had the same kissing problem, but still did it way better. Makes me wonder if it was a director issue more than an acting issue. I’ll be fair, I wasn’t really into the second couple. Van was…a bit of a dick, and I really like how the characters kept calling him out on it. He seriously annoyed me…but he was also very real-coded. People like him are everywhere I get it. I can also admit that I like how he tried to change. Do I think they’d work long term? Probably not, but this is fantasy so why not believe they will?

For the most part, the plot landed, though it did have some tropes that are often overused. Gay for you? J probably is for Jinn. Accidental kiss? Right on the cheek, my guy, but hey no mouths magnetically finding each other, so win? Random illness from nowhere? Who knows? I don’t. The future J saw wasn’t really clear on that. Episode 11 breakup curse? You got it, but hey, it only lasts like five minutes. Good job, drama. You were so close to not doing it at all. A for effort. Bad communication? A bit, yeah…to the point it was frustrating at times, but I also get why they did it. It went on too long and could have been tightened, but hey, it didn’t kill my enjoyment, so no harm done in the long run. Same with Jinn and his dad. More time could have been spent on that, but whatever. It is what it is and I still loved what it delivered. Not every gift needs perfect wrapping.

The only thing I can truly say bothered me in this drama was the editing. Who’s bright idea was it to pivot between couples in what often felt mid-scene? Just when things were getting good they’d change couples. Like, what? Wait, no – go back, they weren’t done yet, wtf?! It was grating. I get why for pacing reasons. They only had so much time, but wow was it jarring. Talk about whiplash. Despite that though, I loved the drama and can’t wait to see more from SeaKeen.

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an absolute must-watch and proof that Thai BL continues to reach new heights

Love Sea completely swept me away. From the very first episode, the chemistry between the leads felt effortless and magnetic — the kind that doesn’t need loud declarations to convince you. Every glance, every quiet moment, every argument carried weight. Mahasamut especially? Absolutely everything. He might just be one of the greenest flags in BL — steady, patient, emotionally aware, and deeply sincere in a way that makes your heart ache in the best way.
One of my favorite moments was when Mahasamut confessed his love to Tongrak. The vulnerability in that scene, paired with Tongrak’s immediate panic, felt painfully real. It wasn’t dramatic for the sake of drama — it was raw emotion colliding with fear. That push and pull between certainty and hesitation gave their relationship such depth. The storytelling didn’t rush their growth; it allowed the emotional tension to breathe, and that’s what made it so powerful.
Visually, this series is stunning. The scenery and cinematography elevate everything — the sea isn’t just a backdrop, it feels symbolic of the characters’ emotional tides. The atmosphere pulls you in and refuses to let go. Even quiet scenes feel full because of how beautifully everything is framed.
The ending was near perfect for the main couple — satisfying, heartfelt, and earned. My only slight frustration is being left hanging with the side couple. Mook and Vie were… chaotic, to put it kindly. Their storyline felt messy and unresolved compared to the emotional polish of the leads. Still, that small complaint doesn’t take away from how strong the overall experience was. Love Sea delivered romance, depth, and stunning visuals — and it absolutely deserves its 9.5.

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Rule of Dance

Surprising and fun. This short movie, shown as the third part in the Love Track series, started off very confusingly, mixing relationship drama with horror and thriller elements, but the blend was very satisfying in the end. We also get a bit of comedy, even parody — a classic Korean mix of genres — all packed into a quick 30 minutes story.

I liked the couple. I can't believe that I had never seen this actress, Kim Ah-young, before. As the couple falls into the hands of a serial killer, we even learn the most important rule of dance: to trust your partner, because you don’t dance alone. This becomes an allegory for life and for any love relationship. You should trust that even when your partner doesn’t fulfill your expectations, he is trying his best. Watching this, you will be entertained but also come to respect your partner a bit more.

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Ep 1–27 totally worth watching. Ep 28 was a letdown… and Ep 29 and the rest too.

I really like Bai Lu — her acting here was engaging and powerful. I’ve been a fan of hers since watching Story of Kunning Palace, and she truly nailed her role in Jadewind too.

The story started off with a very captivating storyline. The pacing was strong, the tension built up well, and it genuinely made me look forward to each new episode.

However, things started to feel a bit forced when the emperor suddenly changed his affection and became unsupportive toward Li PeiYi. That shift didn’t feel natural to me — it lacked proper buildup.

Then came Episode 29… which felt like a major drop in quality. The male lead suddenly appeared weak and unreasonable, and the storyline felt like it was artificially pulling everything backward instead of progressing. It broke the immersion for me, and I honestly lost the motivation to continue watching.

It’s disappointing because the first 27 episodes were genuinely strong and had so much potential.

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A major disappointment! Even Choi Soo-young couldn't save this drama.

A successful, mature lawyer who is blindly and obsessively in love with an idol? That’s simply not believable. If the main character were a teenage girl, I could understand and accept this behavior. But we’re talking about a serious, responsible, and professionally accomplished adult lawyer who becomes deeply depressed for three days just because her idol dating news is revealed. This level of emotional immaturity makes no sense in context.

The main character is full of contradictions and lacks psychological consistency, which ultimately makes her feel unrealistic and poorly written. Her characterization is neither coherent nor convincing.

As for the crime/legal storyline—it completely falls apart. Not only does it fail as a crime plot, but it doesn’t even work as a decent legal drama. The narrative is messy, underdeveloped, and riddled with plot holes.

The only reason I continued watching this series was Choi Soo-young, who—despite not being widely recognized by international audiences—was my favorite childhood member of Girls' Generation (SNSD). Unfortunately, even her presence couldn’t save this drama, and the show ended up being a major disappointment for me.

The male lead, Kim Jae-yeong, delivered a very weak performance as well. I understand that the production likely had a limited budget and couldn’t afford stronger casting choices, but that doesn’t excuse the overall lack of quality.
Ultimately, the story itself is extremely poorly written—disjointed, incoherent, and full of narrative flaws.

I know many viewers enjoyed this drama because of the fan–idol romance fantasy, but personal enjoyment of that trope does not justify high ratings or indicate strong overall quality.
Overall, this drama was genuinely disappointing.

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Queer-positive and realistic portrayal of family relationships

This film is based on the real-life story of Singaporean drag queen Sammi Zhen. And it’s not just a film; it is a heartfelt depiction of family relationships, the responsibilities of caregiving, and the journey of self-acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals.

"A Good Child" has made a significant impact on audiences, garnering positive reviews for its nuanced exploration of complex themes. The film does not sugarcoat the challenges of caregiving or the complexities of family dynamics or the pain of reconciliation between an estranged parent and their LGBTQ+ child. It confronts these issues head-on, offering a raw and candid look at the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful process of coming together as a family. This authenticity is what raises this film above a typical family drama, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of cinema.

Richie Koh's portrayal of the drag queen Jia Hao is nothing short of outstanding. Koh brings depth and complexity to the character, capturing both the flamboyance of Jia Hao's on-stage persona and the vulnerability of his off-stage identity. Koh's performance is both captivating and moving, elevating the film to new heights. And the rest of the cast did just an amazing job as well.

One of the strengths of this film lies in its attention to character development and how their stories intertwine with the main conflict. Each character, from Jia Hao to his estranged brother and mother, is given the space to grow and evolve, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The relationships among the characters are deeply explored, and the honesty in portraying the real struggles faced by the characters creates a more profound and impactful viewing experience.

In conclusion, "A Good Child" is a standout Singaporean film that deserves to be recognized for its queer-positive and realistic representation of family life. Through its strong audience resonance, outstanding performances, and honest exploration of complex themes, the film shines as a beacon of quality cinema. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a moving and insightful film.

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So much potential, wasted on a truly horrible script.

The cast is fantastic. Love both leads and the supporting cast is excellent as well. In particular, Guan Xue Ying is brilliant at making you hate her psychotic unrequited female rival character. The production quality is good. Some of the martial arts scenes are fantastic. Indeed there are plenty of enjoyable entertainment moments scattered throughout this series.

But the script is god-awful. The writers rely heavily on a relentless stream of cliche' plot contrivances, one after another and the plot loses all credibility again and again. The villains never truly get punished despite getting caught. They just keep coming back again and again repeating the same stupid schemes. And no happy ending either.

The chemistry between the leads is fantastic --- when they actually get to be together! But the plot gimmicks employed by the writers just bury all that goodness. The chain of absurd, improbably events , one after another, that the writers contrive drag what should be short story arcs of 1 or 2 episodes out to 8-9 or more episodes!! It's easy to forget just what led to where the story ends up at various points. In particular, the long stretch of contrivances they use to keep the main leads apart is just crazy and drags across a huge span of episodes.. The script leans heavily into plot-induced stupidity again and again to create unnecessary drama events that just drag the resolution of larger plot lines to a slow, frustrating crawl.

I'm so disappointed. I really like the premise of this story. And Li Qin and Qin Hao both are wonderful to watch in their scenes. But I can't recommend this show. It's just too exasperating and the end-game payoff is just not worth enduring it.

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A troubled palace

This drama looks pretty but is lacking in some key areas as far as storytelling. The drama simultaneously serves as a detective/case-breaking story as well as a classic revenge story of our female lead, Li Peiyi, niece to the emperor, whose entire family is wrongfully killed. The cases are the strong point of the drama, carrying emotional weight that builds to a point at the very end when Li Peiyi confronts the emperor defiantly. The revenge plot, however, is not well-constructed. The antagonists are not developed, and the political struggles are not even touched upon in this show, making it difficult for the audience to connect with the story beyond the superficial.

Ultimately, Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue are not given enough in the script either to sculpt their characters or to nurture any kind of romantic chemistry (at least it did not work for me). In fact, the most passionate performances from Bai Lu in this show (again, for me at least) were her scenes with the the Right Chancellor and the emperor. If the end credits' tease is to be believed, further seasons could be coming. In my opinion, enough time has been spent in a palace filled literally with skeletons in the proverbial closet.

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