Reviews

Why make it so complicated?

I will never understand why Korean writers are so obsessed over adding so many external conflicts to every drama ever, while also making them so over the top and not relatable for the majority of their audience. Love in Contract is a rom-com, not a business politics drama, we do not need this much focus, or even any focus on the shenanigans of the chaebols.

I honestly think removing the whole aspect of the “rich elites” from this show and making it at best 12 episodes long would vastly improve the quality. The whole second half was just a dramatic mess. All the important bits about learning how to rely on others, trust them, move on from past traumas, heal, find your own dreams and goals - drowned in the pool of misogynist powerful men and overprotective mothers.

That said, the first half of the drama was a blast to watch. Choi Sang Eun is a great female lead with a strong personality, clear views that impact her behavior, but also a solid dose of insecurities that we get to explore as the drama progresses. Jung Ji Ho, being one of the most unique male leads in dramaland, had some of the most solid character developments - improving his communication skills, creating social connections, improving his understanding of other people’s views and perspectives, while still keeping the core of his persona true.

Out of all the supporting characters, I for sure enjoyed Jung Ji Eun the most. Appreciated her understanding nature and willingness to improve and not just be a menace to the main couple. And it would be a crime not to mention Woo Gwang Nam. I have to say, that’s honestly a solid representation - a character that is gay, but his whole existence, personality, internal and external conflict do not only resolve around his sexuality. He was neither comedic relief, nor the typical tortured soul. Easily the most complex and well established supporting character this drama had to offer.

Would be lying if I said I was impressed by any of the performances, since I feel I have seen similar characters from these actors in their previous roles. I’d even say it’s impressive how type-cast the drama was.

I have little to nothing to say about the production value. There was nothing bad, nor outstanding about the directing, editing, soundtrack, set design. Sure, the female lead’s outfits were amazing, but that’s not enough for me to praise the overall quality.

Overall, the show was simply basic. It had great moments, nice supporting characters, but when it’s surrounded by mediocrity, I question if it’s worth watching the whole show for scraps.

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Boy meets robot

Boy meets robot
Technology has entered the world of cinema and television for many years now with the presence of artificial intelligence (AI), defined as the ability of a machine or a computer program to think, learn and act like a human being. Although she has sometimes played villainous roles and sometimes played heroine roles, there is no doubt that she has always, or almost always, played a leading role.
Examples of the above are: 'Her' (2014), 'Ex Machina' (2015), '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1970), 'Ghost in the Shell' (1996), 'Minority Report' (2002) , 'Blade Runner' (1982), 'War Games' (1983), 'The Perfect Man' (2021), The Ultimate Boyfriend (2008), The Bicentennial Man (1999), among other films.
The human being and the machines... the machines and the human being. From the moment I read the synopsis I asked myself questions that I had already asked myself before and to which I have no answers: Will machines replace us one day? Will we end up 'humanizing' artificial intelligence? Will we have to live in fear of being subjugated in the future? Will humans be vulnerable in a context of total dependence on technology? Do robots have wants, dreams and needs?
The premise of the man-robot relationship is the impetus for directors and scriptwriters of BL series to take advantage of the opportunity to give their followers, for the first time, a drama that portrays a romance between a human being and an android.
From the Taiwanese production company Vidol, Anti Reset will not present us with AI on this occasion as villainous and alien robots determined to control and destroy humanity, as T-800 from 'Terminator' (Arnold Schwarzenegger) tried to achieve. Nor will it bring us wonderful C3PO and R2D2 or the endearing WALL-E to delight us.
It will show us a total antithesis of the "robots are coming to destroy us" thinking, as it will move away from the basic concept of AI to bring us closer to a more conventional narrative associated with another genre, romance. This interesting story portrays one of the many perspectives that exist on the relationship between a human and an android.
The creators of BL series have decided to up the ante. Only in this way is the production of a drama that will not be the classic 'boy meets boy' romance but 'boy meets robot' explainable.
One of the protagonists is a substitute for the human being. The robot and the person it cares for and with whom it will fall in love, will take us into a multitude of moral arguments that surround the series, while we see a futuristic narrative arc that, without a doubt, will end up conquering us.
The drama tells the story of Chu Yi Ping (Wu Ping Chen), a man without emotions and few social skills who, after dislocating his hand in an accident at school, accepts his uncle's proposal to be taken care of by Ever 9 (Huang Li Feng). While the experimental intelligent robot is being secretly evaluated to decide whether or not it is suitable for coexistence with humans for the purpose of curing the emotionally disabled, it keeps company with a reluctant Yi Ping, who will soon discover that Ever 9 complements its deficiencies.
At first, Yi Ping has a hard time interacting with the robot. Although at times he is almost convinced of his humanity, he always ends up remembering that he is nothing more than a programmed machine. Interacting with Ever 9 will allow you to break your prejudices about robots and at the same time better understand human needs.
While the robot's capabilities are being evaluated, the relationship between the two young people goes beyond “normal” and Ever 9's apparent humanity begins to attract Yi Ping. Thus, he will look for a way to help the android go out into the real world with him, to live a life together.
To pass the time, Yi Ping asks Ever 9 to make a wish and complete the wish list together, but before completing it, Ever 9 breaks down. The repair only takes a week. But when he returns, his attitude towards Yi-Ping has completely changed. After the reboot, Ever 9 rushes to complete the wishlist and pretends to be bored with Yi Ping and actively asks for a return. Yi Ping doesn't know what's wrong with Ever 9, because he has learned from him how to be human and experience love. Can't you learn to be together all your life? Is the promise to never separate void?
'Anti Reset' is a romantic perspective on the love between robots and humans, it is an incredible reflection on the scope of the growing robot and artificial intelligence industry. While man wonders what the dangers that technological advances represent, this BL arrives to make us think about the emotions and the relationship that robots will have with humans in the future beyond their practical usefulness.
This series is set in a world that could easily be our future reality. So, we must open our minds, since together with the two protagonists we will delve into what love really is and what it means, through an atypical relationship.
The script, while not perfect, benefits from the performances of Huang Li Feng (Stay by My Side, The Ambiguous Focus, Kinematics Theory, The End of Our Youth (2016) and Wu Ping Chen (Stay by My Side, One Afternoon, Komorebi), giving a subtle and different twist to the characters of a plot that, otherwise, would seem too familiar or trite.
The two main characters will go through the different phases of a relationship that, although it is not a typical romance, covers universal themes, but the biggest dilemma that Yi Ping will have to face is whether we are prepared to fulfill our most intimate desires. and fantasies or if, on the contrary, we prefer that a love that was born platonic remains that way.
I remember an Asian film close to this one for the introduction of artificial intelligence, 'Customized companion' (订制男友, Dingzhi nanyou), the Chinese BL and science fiction romantic drama directed by Kuo-Liang Fu in 2017, in which he talks about love between two boys, who use a phone app and summon a personalized virtual companion in the hopes of finding what they have lost in each other.
'My Heartless Boy', one of four stories in the 2023 Thai BL 'Moments of Love', starring Fort Thitipong Sangngey, as Fort, and Pie Saranvut Nittayasuthi, as Pie, addresses a love relationship between a human and a machine which must also be discontinued.
'Anti Reset' is undoubtedly a proposal that brings originality and freshness to the futuristic analysis of the relationships between human beings and artificial intelligence.

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Recomendation: If you watched this on Viki... MUST rewatch on dailymotion.

I watched this a couple of days ago on Viki for the first time. Even when I really enjoyed the series overall, I got kinda pissed off by the ending (which felt unfinished), I just wanted them together (Xia Yao and Yuan Zong) somehow.
Last night, all my dreams came true. I found out that I watched a heavily censored version (without even realize it).

So, I won't spoil anything, except that: If you liked the series or the ML's chemistry; If you thought there was "potential" to be good; If the ending left you weird out somehow... Then go inmediately to Dailymotion and watch the uncut version (30 episodes, +21 mins each).

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Meh film

I love my monster horror movies, they are just fun to watch whenever you wanna feel like a kid again, seeing monsters destroy shit and then seeing humans try to escape or fight back at these monsters, see what plans they can come up with to win, but this movie... this film is just boringly mid, pretty predictable what is going to happen throughout the movie, they didn't even fight the ginormous octopus that is shown in the poster, It was just teased in the beginning of the film that some mysterious monster destroyed this underwater lab to set up the opening of the movie and then again at the end bit of the film too I guess set up for a sequel??? but I doubt it would get one because it's bad.

The movie was too focused on the human drama that's going on between the characters that the monster was pretty much ignored in the film, well... not totally because they explained it a little, how they discovered this new species of octopuses in the Antarctic, how it can be used to develop something beneficial to the humans, they also fought with it, but just the small ones throughout the film, though at the end a semi giant octopus showed up and it wasn't that much fun to watch. Another thing, and this is where what made me throw my suspension of disbelief out of the window, is when this one scene where an octopus was able to escape, then made itself invisible and went to use the computer, hack it, and send a distress signal to the big boss I guess?? like how??? I would've understood it if they stated that it was some kind of alien octopus species that existed years ago and was frozen for so long that global warming thawed them, like I just couldn't wrap my head around it, how this octopus is so smart without any explanations.

The CGI is somewhat passable. If you could ignore its jankiness at times, then it's not gonna ruin your viewing experience.

The characters, none of them stuck with me, they are all boring and tropey, except for Wang Xing Chen's character of course, I'm biased since I mainly watched this because of her, she's hot as always and some of the scenes that she got are very expected from her.

So yeah, meh monster film. I wouldn't recommend it and certainly, I wouldn't wanna watch it again.

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Really worth watching

Love for love’s sake I think is really worth watching because is just so cute! Is also really entertaining and not boring also I think Tae Myung ha from the real world is quite relatable character to me personally. Also I think both leading males have such a great chemistry I did really saw any awkwardness between them. This drama short so you can really finish it like in a couple hours and you will be left wanting more episodes to watch! The ending is so cute that it made me cry! Another thing is that the whole cast are really good looking and cute! ! ! ! Anyways you guys should watch it! (☆_☆) *･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.: *･'(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)'･*:.｡. .｡.:* ･゜ﾟ･* ★彡 （＾ω＾） ↖(^ω^)↗ ◉‿◉

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Well i loved it for loves sake!

Ill be honest for a minute. I dont understand why they titled it 'Love for Love's Sake' (keeping the webtoon title Love Supremacy Zone would have been more appropriate). My initial reaction with the first few minutes of the series wasnt good because I have just completed reading the manga Solo Leveling and the world immersion in this drama, i thought, was a cheap knockoff of that series.

HOWEVER, what was initially my cautious attitude towards it quickly changed into adoration. How can i not?! First, they have assembled a pretty amazing and good looking cast- from the overflowing charm of Myung Ha to the irresistable puppy cuteness of YeoWoon. I cant also help but adore the badboy look of Sang Woon even in his limited screen time. I would also love to have seen more of Kyung Hoon and his supposed partner.

Second, i am thankful that not only did they do the episodes longer than normal KBLs, they also released all of it in just a span of 2 weeks (actually just about 9 days). That made the wait, longing and anticipation so much easier so i really thank the creators for that.

Third, and its also amazing, is the fact that although it was camouflaging as a high school fluff, it was actually a character study of someone who is extremely depressed in life - his hopelessness and aimless existance. Its MyungHa's cry for help and desire to change his life. It wasnt really about him making Yeo Woon happy, it is about him realizing what it takes to live his own happy life. When he saved Yeo Woon he was actually saving himself. It wasnt just about BL or homophobia, it was more about coming out of depression and self love.

After watching this I actually have so much more to ask and these questions are left unanswered. For example, my very first question is, how can a fine looking young man like YeoWoon suffered from depression and poverty when he already has a fan club and brands have been asking him to do jobs? I am also asking, was any of the characters besides Kyung Hoon really gay, cause they somehow glossed over the trope "im not gay but i like you because its you" (they did that even in the webtoon)?

But the biggest question remains whether Myung Ha was really given a second life and ended up coming back in the game or did the gameworld merged with his reality and erased his old life? Did he become younger and assume the 19year old Myung Ha's life? Was any of it even real or was it just a manifestation of heaven(or hell) after he took his own life?

Either way and questions aside, it was a satisfactory ending to the series cause who doesnt want a happy ending?

Already rewatching. I just hoped they showed more of YeoWoon running cause the guy looks so fine in those running outfit. Overall giving it a 9.5, even if the last episode felt rushed i would still wholeheartedly reccommend this show and i am REALLY REALLY glad to have stumbled upon it.

And to those feeling the signs of depression, you just have to be strong and know that it will get better.

PS. You guys have no idea how big a TXT fan i am, and throughout the series i cant help but i kept imagining Soobin in Cha Joo Wan's role. :)

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A Soulless Trainwreck that Wastes Viewers Time

This is quite possibly the worst drama I have ever had the misfortune of watching. Normally I'd write an indepth review but this drama wasted enough of my time as is with it's nonsensical garbage plot that was completely all over the place. From murder to domestic violence to sexual assault it seemed like the writer wanted to throw in as much shocking plotlines in a story that could have just been a normal coming of age story. It's a completely emotionally flat drams that sucks the life out of you.

Outside of the horrible script and plot the only saving grace for this drama is the cast, they really did a solid job in navigating this mess of a drama.

I held on for so long with this drama and it continued to disappoint even more so than the previous episode.

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It Didn't Feel Like A C-Drama!

First and foremost, this show did NOT feel like a typical Chinese drama and that is absolutely refreshing. Nothing against the C Dramas, but they're a lot like K Dramas in the sense they're pretty predictable and they always feel like other shows within the genre. Which, again, is fine. This did NOT feel like a Chinese drama by any stretch of the word. I can't reiterate that enough. That should be more than enough for any potential watchers just case in they want to watch this one. I know I keep saying it but I don't think you guys understand me when I say this. There was skin being shown in this show. There was a lot of kissing. There was even a moment where the main characters were in bed together naked after having sex the night before. Like, this didn't feel like the censorship I'm used to and I'm happy about it!

For the sake of this review, just look at the show for what it is (regarding the age gap/age difference/power imbalance, that is) - a fictional depiction of something that could be terribly terribly problematic and gross in real life, yeah?

Now, I typically don't watch dramas with age gaps. Although I'm from the West and I have a very distinct relationship with coach/athlete or mentor/mentee dynamics due to that socialization, I didn't mind that aspect of this show that much. It didn't bother me, and I find myself ignoring it even though it's something that was mentioned quite frequently. It may be due to the fact that both actors felt older than that? Yu Cheng didn't FEEL like an 18-year-old, if that makes any sense. Yes, in some ways, he did feel immature. But for the most part, he definitely felt older than a teenager. If they casted actors who were more closer to the characters' ages, then I may have felt differently about it. Even in Yu Cheng's characterization, he came off as "more mature" than his peers. He wasn't all that interested in romance and sex, which worked out pretty well for this show because that probably would have easily turned this show into something else.

I think the fact that he was more mature and focused on his dreams of becoming a professional athlete is what helped me to accept his affections for Luo Na. If he acted like the typical 18-year-old chasing skirts and slacking off on both his studies and sports, I would NOT have rooted for their relationship. At that point, this show would have turned into a sad attempt at getting the audience to buy that this older, mature woman would even be interested in someone that juvenile. That's enough talk about the age gap/age difference.

I did see some people mention that Luo Na didn't act like she reciprocated Yu Cheng's feelings or that he showed more interest in her than the opposite. To those people, I have to say this - with all due respect, what show were you watching? It was obvious from the first episode that she was dazzled by him. It was obvious that he caught her eye and grabbed her attention. She saw him before he saw her. Out of all those competitors, Luo Na paid attention to him. It was like love at first sight for her. She was clearly rendered speechless by him. Not even the other coaches with her took notice of Yu Cheng, but she did. Their relationship was the perfect example of "she fell first, but he fell harder." She was way more careful with showing her affections for him, although I don't think she did a good job of it. Even though she may not have realized it, it was fairly obvious. She was attracted to him and that was obvious, but she didn't quite understand her own feelings. Which is why the 180 happened after they officially got together because the levy had been broken! She had no reason to hide what she felt, especially since she finally accepted it. However, I DO think it was silly for her to have told him that no one could know about them when she wasn't very careful while out in public with him. Come on, Luo Na! Anyone with eyes could see it.

Also, another thing. I didn't mind Yu Cheng's short bout of heartbreak and depression. It felt realistic to me. He was a young guy who felt like he had been rejected by the girl he likes. Why wouldn't he lash out and respond like that? He was sad! It's normal to feel that way and it was normal for him to lash out like he did. Yes, kids, alcohol makes all of us do stupid things when we're using it to bury our pain and grief. He screwed up! He didn't pay for it with his life, thankfully, but it was stupid. I think a lot of people feel the same way that I did about Yu Cheng not feeling like a teenager, because anyone who's ever been around teenagers should be surprised by his reaction. I guess people forgot that he was technically a teenager and he was acting like a stupid, immature teenager. Kudos to the actor for his acting! He did VERY well with depicting a heartbroken teenager. I felt sorry for Yu Cheng! He made me feel his pain. Good for you, buddy!

Also, the chemistry! OMG! The chemistry between these two was off-the-charts. They were fucking hot together. The first time they kissed, my heart raced! It was so sexy. I don't know how to explain it, but you could feel the heat and sexual tension wafting off of your screen. Their chemistry was unquestionable. You don't have to ponder whether the chemistry is there, because it definitely is. I know some people didn't like Yu Cheng's characterization or maybe they were grossed out by the logistics of their relationship, but they can't deny the chemistry. The chemistry was undeniably hot! You will definitely enjoy their scenes together.

Now, the thing that kept this show from getting a perfect 10. I do agree with some reviewers regarding the ending. The ending felt .. weird. I can't explain it. I didn't like the last episode. There was something off about the final episode, and I can't quite put my finger on it. It's a happy ending, and we love that! However, I do agree that the reporter angle in the last few episodes was unnecessary. That didn't need to happen. I think the writers ran out of steam and didn't know how else to fill those last episodes, so that's what we got. But outside of that, I do like the show. I would rewatch it again because it's a feel-good romance drama. It's not too heavy, it's not too dark, it's not too angsty. There is very LIGHT angst, but it's not enough to make you angry. it's not enough to piss you off and make you drop the show altogether. There's not a lot of relationship drama or drawn-out love triangle nonsense to annoy you. (There is a love triangle technically, but I wouldn't even consider it as such as Luo Na only feels strongly about Yu Cheng and not her best friend who's in love with her. Luo Na never returns her best friend's feelings, and he knows it so he's never confused or under a different impression regarding their relationship.) It's just a clean, wholesome show. Like, if you want to watch a cut-and-dry romance drama with no real outside issues, then this is the show for you!

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What Actually Matters…

A truly must watch if you are a sucker for slice of life theme that triumphs on meaning making plots and characters.

I started this with low expectation and purely because I have seen Katrina’s (FL) past works and thought will just try this out. It’s my first drama with ML, to my surprise, his acting is really good, spot on and made the whole character lively and relate-able. He is not an idol but definitely a good actor and should be given more recognition. After watching, it was beyond my expectation, there were no dull moments in the main or side stories narrated.

It is a slice of life theme but not overly dramatic, stories were realistic and the plot were characters’ driven. The growth of characters are organic and progressive with lots of learning moments and very touching.
The conflicts were resolved quickly and no ridiculous fillers.
Normally I don’t pay much attention to side couples, but this drama, I even enjoyed watching the development of the other 2 secondary CPs storyline.
Overall it’s extremely therapeutic and healing for me, like my daily chicken soup reading.

The gist of story…
I won’t give too much spoiler, the synopsis already mentioned the main storyline. It’s about a talented, self-centered, prideful, small town girl who plays Suo Na (an instrument that I always thought it’s too loud to listen solo and only works in a group with orchestra). She always have a fixated dream, one goal in mind which is to be a Principle Suo Na player with the reknown National orchestra group, however during her audition, deal to stress and pressure, she couldn’t perform and developed an auditory condition.
In despair, she decided to go back to her hometown to recuperate - there she found new friends, love, and rediscover what she truly value and her growth. We will also understand later that her fixation of this goal was also related to a deeper value she longs for, a connection whether with self, family or her instrument.
Apart from FL’s journey of growth, redefining her values, finding love, reconnecting with family, there is also a background theme in this story which is to flourish the rich Chinese culture in this small town and to create more awareness.

The mini stories of the town folks were tear-jerking in both flavor of joy and sadness. The stories narrated the two major life changing events which are marriage and death.
The main ML holds businesses in both wedding and funeral arrangements.
He is a very sensible and sensitive character (well-written), who struggle with limited life options and circumstances yet never gave up his positive and constantly manages his challenges with resilience.
The message in each mini stories were touching and show us how we can be kinder to each other even when life is hard. There are so many good mini stories, one has to watch it to feel it. I will share one touches me, it is the first few stories that was also a turning point for FL. It was her first case of helping out to re-arrange a song and she played it at the funeral of a child who died from a car accident. That story left me so sad but the story resolution was so meaningful and healing, that cannot be explained through words.

The ending was nicely wrapped up on a joyous and warm note, with a progression of the main theme and the characters. I have a feeling that with all the given struggles and challenges that this characters have overcome. I believe the town, the people and the couples will do well.

The only complain for international viewers is the poor sub., so hopefully this drama receive more recognition and gain more publicity, where better streaming platform will take this up and provide good subtitles for more international audience.

This is a 9/10 for me.

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For a short length dram it was good

I didn't mind this show wish for longer episode but it is what it is. I love the 2nd life where the FL was the empress and ML was the crown prince. I hate that they made FL fall for ML plot like bro set himself up just to have her trust her and he was acting all hurt that she imprison him for shit that he did do but he act like all the shit that went on was his 3rd bro but it turns out he and his 3rd bro were all in on it. They made a fool of FL but FL ohh at the end she was victorious cause by committing suicide before her marriage she had died as the last imperial empress which was a victory on her end i loved how she chose death over submitting to him. He did her dirty in the 2nd life and she did the same to him bro had her on clouds 9 telling her/promising her he will marry her when he come back from the war but when he came back it was revealed he was a schemer of everything bro was like trust me 1 more time i call bullshit but the part where FL kill herself i wasn't ready for but i like that ending better than her trusting his ass one more time and be with him. FL was the 1 that had the last laugh well last victorious smile gotta say i like her for that.

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What the hell was that??!!!

This is absolutely the best kbl ever. I can even go as far as to say best bl ever.

I love myuang ha, our main lead. His acting was phenomenal. I can literally feel the confusion, fear, irritation and love through the screen from him. He is definitely a gem.
Yeon woo was just an adorable baby. I love the changes in his behaviour after he started falling for myuang ha. His little smiles and giggles whenever he saw him was just uggggggghhh(⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠).
And the best part he didn't took too much time to realise his feelings. He was so sure and true to his feelings. Also even though there were circumstances that stopped myuang ha from doing the same. We could still feel that he is too falling for him.
The other characters were amazing too.
I loved sang won's character. I felt bad for him but I loved it that he didn't started hating on Yeon woo just because he became his love rival. Moreover, he started helping him more because he loved myuang ha which is adorable and shows how much he really cared for myuang to even do what makes myuang ha happy. He is lovely and I wish he finds himself a lover too in their universe.


I won't say much even though I did but Just watch it.
Definitely worth every second.

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(Mild spoiler) Cute but with a pretty heavy dose of trauma and some plot holes/weirdness

Executive Summary
Watch it. It’s really pretty good and has a very nice ending. I don’t agree with the very low ratings, although it is not a “great” series. Fantasy is not my thing, but I did enjoy this series.

There is a mystery running throughout the series and they don’t reveal what is really up until near the end, and it was a bit of a surprise. So they did a good job.

The cast is great, especially the main couple (Nana and Jang Dong-Yoon) and the FL’s roommate (Gong Min-Jung). The main couple is pretty dour most of the time, because of their sad past. And that may be why some folks think the main couple lacks chemistry. But what makes the series work, for me, is that the lighter moments are really cute. When the FL is happy she lights up the room and steals the show! I would love to see her in more of a RomCom role where there is more happy and less sad. I think she would absolutely knock it out of the park in such a role. I’ll cross my fingers :-)

(Spoiler Alert)
And super extra points to the writers for giving us quite a few minutes of happiness at the end, and glimpse into the future of the couple after they are able to reunite. We need more of these types of upbeat and more complete endings. Yay!

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