Reviews

A Melodrama that Missed

If you were to really look at the scope of this series, it feels like a melodramatic appeal from the ML perspective. The ML is tormented from beginning to end. Even the 'happy' moments are bittersweet. The OST was a bit nonexistent due to the dynamics of what the script was trying to convey. The leads didn't have great chemistry. However, they gave solid performances. The horror turn towards the end was expected due to the drag midway. Yet the end tried to do too much with too little. It was an assumptive 'extra' that wasn't needed. which made the drama fall short. This would have been better with an cleaner edit at 12episodes. Overall, this was okay.

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Everyone falls in love with Mamoru and so will you

Like a lot of people I came to this drama after watching the two MLs in Cherry Magic. But I ended up falling in love with Mamoru, one of the most unique and interesting drama leads I've ever seen (played to perfection by Eguchi Noriko).

The drama opens with her on top of the world as an orphaned heiress who has built a growing e-publishing business. Mamoru is smart, she's funny, she's brave and she's passionately devoted to her business partner and employees who she treats as her surrogate family. But when her partner betrays her and embezzles all of the company's assets Mamoru is dead broke for the first time in her life and forced to restart her business from scratch with only a small, ragtag group of loyal employees and inexperienced interns.

Mamoru is so charismatic that not only does she find herself in a love triangle with two younger men (played by Cherry Magic leads Akaso Eiji and Machida Keita), there's also a female employee in love with her. Even the employees who aren't in love with her practically worship her and it's not surprising. What I love about Mamoru is she always leads with her heart. She's piercingly intelligent and willing to take risks but she's also endearingly quirky and awkward and unexpectedly shy. It's a joy to see a drama female lead who's allowed to be a badass leader but also imperfect. She makes a lot of mistakes, mostly trusting the wrong people, but her unerring moral compass and devotion to her team makes up for it. Eguchi does a fantastic job with the portrayal and her unconventional beauty really fits with the character.

The side characters are also delightful and well acted. Special shoutout to Miyamura Sora (played by Machida Keita), a younger man whose life was literally saved by Mamoru and has sworn lifelong loyalty to her, and editorial director Ikari Kenji (played by Furuta Arata) the company's oldest employee who enjoys a strong drink, mentoring young comic artists and snooping into his boss's business.

Even though I loved this drama, there are two big flaws that I think are why this drama has very low ratings on MDL. Number 1 is the plot, which is all over the place. Big events take place that are never really dealt with and have no influence on the rest of the story. For example, a major character is stabbed and hospitalized but the entire incident is wrapped up in one episode and never referred to again. The plot also gets repetitive as certain incidents get recycled with different characters and similar outcomes. There's also a lot of time skips and after a while I gave up trying to guess how much time had passed in the story. The ending isn't terrible but it isn't terribly exciting either.

The second big problem is the tepid romance between Mamoru and the ten-years younger Yu (played by an admittedly very handsome Akaso Eiji). I'm normally all for a May-December relationship but these two don't have any sexual chemistry. I did enjoy their domestic scenes cooking and talking together but it felt more like a comfortable friendship than two lovers.

I think the best way to approach this drama is not to expect a tightly written and coherent plot or a burning hot romance and instead view it as an office based slice of life with an incredibly interesting and compelling female lead.

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An Unlikely Romance Between a True God and The Pheonix Queen

Adapted from the novel “Hidden God” (神隐) by Xing Ling (星零), WeTV’s latest adaptation “The Last Immortal” shares a close connection with the popular fantasy romance “Ancient Love Poetry”. Starring Zhao Lusi and Wang Anyu in lead roles, the show recently premiered to high expectations and is making waves throughout. I have been reading a lot of contradictory comments on MDL about this show; some like this drama immensely (like me) whilst others aren’t exactly enamored with Wang Anyu’s acting prowess. I had the same reservations, when I started with the first episode. His expressions seemed to mechanical and paired opposite a phenomenal actress like Zhai Lusi, his act was indeed disappointing. The show takes sometime and effort to get used to; I was mainly focused on the mystique surrounding Zhao Lusi and that was the only reason, why I persisted. But overtime, Wang Anyu’s Gu Jin slowly grows on you. Before going into too many details, let’s reminisce and rejoice!

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/12/15/the-last-immortal-first-impressions/

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Red flag alert

Even though I didn't like some development of the story and characters, it kept me interested until the end.

In the first episodes I thought I was watching the typical cute love story, but suddenly, it became kind of creepy.

The male protagonist, who seemed to be the perfect husband, unexpectedly, in a plot twist, transforms into an obsessive controller. And although it is assumed that he overcame his problems and is willing to sacrifice himself for her, I was left with the feeling that at any moment he would show his true colors again. Then, the ML stopped being so attractive. Undeniably, he is a red flag.

I'm not sure if I want to watch the second season.

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LEFT ME WITH A HEAD FULL OF THOUGHTS

This is a kdrama with every kind of emotion you can think of. But I have to say if you don’t like gore or violence then this may not be for you.
this is truly one of the best action, mind bending shows I have ever watched the acting was amazing as well as the selection for the cast and directing.
The key concept that this drama left me with was mending and determining the contrast between good and evil and how it can change our ways and morals beyond to what you would ever expect or imagine. Ji Chan Wooks character shows this marvelously and it was intriguing to see him change as the show progressed, it makes you realize how certain events can really change a persons morals and actions in order to achieve a given goal, how you can grow apart from people as well as deeper understand the people you once misunderstood by stepping into their world firsthand while excluding your own life experiences even your own identity as a whole. This drama had my eyes glued to screen always wanting to know what happens next and how the chatecters will grow and act while living in different environments as well as how their relationships will grow or drift. I won’t spoil the ending so you’ll have to determine your thoughts and opinions on the ending by responding to this review but I have to say that it really left me almost to tears making me think about ones experiences throughout different relationships and ways of life whether it be the interpretation on life, Thinking “Who’s good, Who’s evil?”, “What does good mean to you, What does evil look like?”
it is unbelievable how life can take its turns without you even realizing or noticing and this drama really does a great job of showing how the human race CAN really “get used” or adapt to other environments and how we as people can manipulate/train our brain to see different living situations, points of views, people, etc. and most importantly how we can actually reveal a whole different side of ourselves that we never knew possible.

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An Emotional Odyssey from Weakness to Resilience

Weak Hero Class 1 is not just a drama but a testament to the power of storytelling. It's hailed as a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit transcending the typical high school drama tropes. I strongly encourage viewers to embark on this emotional journey, as it truly is an experience that lingers in the heart long after the final episode.

The drama's ability to balance intense action with profound emotion is highlighted as a standout aspect. Fight scenes are choreographed with precision, showcasing character growth and determination. Although full of fights and actions scenes the drama never loses sight of its emotional core, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deep level. It explores the power struggles within high school and although it might appear somehow exhagerated it portrays a realistic description of bullism. Seeing the characters getting their retribution gives an addictive feeling of immense satisfaction.

In the unyielding narrative of this drama, the refusal to subscribe to conventional notions of forgiveness becomes a powerful thematic element. The drama emphatically communicates that there's no necessity to extend forgiveness to bullies who perpetrate harm. Instead, it champions the idea that these tormentors will inevitably face their own retribution, delivering a sense of justice that resonates deeply with the audience. This stance, while unconventional, aligns with a broader message about standing resilient against those who seek to diminish us.

The drama imparts a resounding lesson: the indomitable human spirit is a force to be reckoned with. No matter our perceived weaknesses, we possess an innate strength derived from intelligence, resilience, and an unyielding will to overcome our limits and our deepest fears. Weak Hero Class 1 becomes a rallying cry, urging viewers never to cease the fight against those who attempt to push us down. The narrative invites us to recognize our collective strength, emphasizing that our intellectual fortitude and resilience can far surpass the limitations imposed by external forces.

In the face of adversity, the characters' journeys become a source of inspiration, illustrating that one's internal strength and determination can ultimately prevail over external threats. As viewers, we are encouraged not only to empathize with the characters' struggles but to internalize the message that we, too, can emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of challenges. Thus, Weak Hero Class 1 becomes more than a drama; it transforms into a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and a call to arms against those who seek to undermine our strength and potential.

The characters were meticulously crafted and flawlessly portrayed, with performances that are described as mesmerizing. My connection with the characters, from the timid protagonist discovering his strength to the charismatic antagonist masking vulnerabilities was truly heartfelt. Moreover, the cinematography and soundtrack were flawless, each of it was a true work of art that pictured in detail the true essence of each character's journey.

This drama is perfect 10 out of 10, a ride that won't be forgotten.

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better than the series (start at 17 min)

Overall: maybe because for once Dino wasn't a walking red flag and it was only 36 minutes (the rest is behind the scenes/talking with the cast) I found this easier to watch than the series. Aired on iQIYI (have to pay an additional amount, about $2.80 USD), heard it's also on Vimeo to buy but can't find it in the U.S.

What I Liked
- a few cute moments like the shopping trip

Room For Improvement
- the comedy sound effects didn't make anything funny
- almost nothing happened, watched it at 3x speed, they repeated almost the same conversation multiple times in a row

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Disappointed

The first episode started great, it's a high budget production and episode one made that clear for me. I went in with high expectations, ready to get invested, to get emotional to understand the story and the characters.
But none of this happened. Characters are very static, I don't know where they are popping from or why, what their aims or aspirations are.
I could only tell who's good or who's evil. But felt no connection to the story. No build up.
I feel like there's a huge part of the story missing. All there is, is fights and fights. Nothing else.
It was kind of a waste of time for me, sorry.
Love the actors, their performances and the cinematography though.

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Cherry Magic, Thailand, - Early impressions? One of my best romance web-series of the year!

I must confess that my expectations for this adaptation were nonexistent. I cherish the Japanese version most ardently and, on top of that, I hold a profound dislike for "remakes", which is not the case here. So, my first thought about it was, unfortunately, negative.

However, what a pleasant surprise I had watching this first episode! It was impeccable, flawless! Every false prejudice that I held against this work vanished almost immediately! The screenplay is in harmony with the story, the production is outstanding, and the acting is lovely! For me, if I had to point out a highlight of this series, it would be the excellent cast. All of the actors were perfect for their roles. The casting team did an exceptional job!

"Cherry Magic" is a must-see among Thai series of 2023! 🍒

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Act No. 9754 Article 15 Your country needs you

D.P. is a drama that mixes frustration and entertainment. Drama in the aspect of frustration is very effective at making you feel that way.

From my perspective as an Army veteran, I can speak for how things were for me and my comrades. I realize this is a TV series, not a documentary, but something tells me things are or were like this for some Korean soldiers or airmen. The reality is that no agency or organization is 100% flawless. In fact, the United States has its fair share of military scandals too.

The two main lead soldiers (Han Yul and Ahn Ho) in a special unit are responsible for seeking and recovering deserters. We soon learn that even in the special task force there is bullying, belittlement, and outright assault. Each "deserter" has their own motive. Some I completely get it, others really were just copping out. But the majority of the backstories were controversial.

Throughout the series, the actors conveyed powerful emotions. The main leads were more than hunters. I saw them as investigators with compassion. Despite this, upper management pressure resulted in investigations and recovery, which were like a competition between groups.

Most of my personal frustration occurred where deserters were obviously wronged and pushed to their limits without help or support. Leaving was survival. This isn't your average Kdrama. This topic may not be discussed or monitored proactively very often. Throughout the series, we are introduced to a variety of situations involving deserters, often causing the leads to reach their limits.

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Full of action without a soul!

Before I start my review, I want to say something, so people can understand why I think, this is just another below average Japanese adaption!

I LOVE Yu Yu Hakusho since I was 10! I still remember that every week when the new episode aired in my country, I recorded every episode on my VHS. Yes, I'm that old, I used a VCR.😅 Then I watched all the 112 episodes, over and over again. I've seen the anime at least 50 times. So, when I say, YYH is my favorite Anime, I'm not exaggerating at all. When I first saw the trailer for this adaptation, my first thought was that it looks cheap, like basically every Shounen Fight adaptation that was made in Japan. Even tho the casting looked good, and the best part in this adaptation is the cast and the acting, I don't think I can name other positives.

The worst thing in this show is not the fact that it's only 5 episodes. They literally adapted 66 episodes from the anime in 5 episodes! Okay, okay, technically this isn't true, because they left out some side-stories, not to mention important characters and backstories. The worst part is not this. The fact is, if you never watched the anime, I don't think you're going to feel anything towards the characters. Sometimes it made me emotional, BUT only because I know these characters already, and I know why those things happened. Also, why these characters acted like the way they did.

If you never watched the anime, maybe you'll feel that it was a fun, because it is action packed and there's no slowing down, not even for a second. Still, I don't think you will have any connection with the characters. This adaptation is like a recap of 66 episodes. You will know the basics, but what's the point watching a recap when you can watch the whole story with real emotions, and you can see the whole journey and character developments? Not to mention, you'll understand why these characters became friends. They completely left that out from the show. This is like when you play an online game with strangers. They're not your real friends, but it's still fun, except that you will forget about them after you closed the game. This show is exactly like that!

So, yeah, it's not bad, but you're going to forget everything and everyone after you finished it.
I don't see the point of having another recap season. The best part in this show is the fight scenes, the acting, and the fact it will make people watch the anime!

Lastly, I have to say that the OST (the songs and the score too) was boring. One of the best part of the anime is the score!
Also, the VFX is not always bad, but it wasn't anything special. It's a typical Japanese CGI anime adaptation.

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Storyline.

I absolutely love japanese BLs. I haven't watched one yet that was bad. Japanese actors are extremely professional in their acting. They are really good at portraying every emotion verbally.. through facial expressions and body language. I fell in love with these two main actors.. Aoki with his mop of hair and big eyes
and Ida the more reserved quiet student. Aoki was the more excitable and paranoid about his feelings for Ida
as he started off trying to get together with Hashimoto a girl but developed feelings for Ida who is a male student and it all started with an eraser. I will watch it again. The storyline was great so a big thanks to the scripwriters.. Directors.. Production staff everyone behind the scenes and all the excellent actors who took part in this little gem of a series..

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