Reviews

The DAD Takeover

Recently, a Korean adaptation of this came out but I decided to follow all the comments to watch the Chinese version first. I have no regrets and would highly recommend that too. So much happened in only 7 episodes of Go Ahead that I can't imagine the Korean one being only 16 eps.

1. Family Dynamics
Story centers around 3 siblings who all suffer from a dysfunctional family in slightly different circumstances. They make their own family all thanks to the JJ's Dad and LX's Dad. Each sibling has their own issues and has missing piece of their family. I do wish they would've gone more into JJ's character. She was obviously the glue that held the whole family together, but I wish she wasn't just made the savior/happy pill because she most likely had her own feelings. I understand her role though.
If you have experienced the absence of a parent/ a toxic family, this show will tug at your heart strings. Incoming Daddy and Mommy Issues! The writer must resent their mother, because all the mothers in the show were not portrayed positively haha. The show has many family themes, but one of the recurring images is them sharing a meal together (so common in Asian families).

2. Romance
If you came in looking for romance, you might be weirded out or dissatisfied. I usually love watching romance, but this show offered much more than that. The first 15 episodes were so gripping and the sibling bond really made you feel for them. I could have gone without the romance and it may have been a little weird, but the romance was very well hinted since the beginning of the show. It was always clear that the Ling Xiao liked the JJ romantically, and the reasons for the romance had underlying meaning as well. LX was obviously a bit trauma bonded to JJ though, so it was clear he needs help with his mental health.

3. The Acting
It's so funny how the oldest brother is really the youngest cast member in real life. Yet the casting really worked out. Zi Qiu , the younger big brother's acting was great. He really nailed the feelings of loss, abandonment, and emptiness. I especially loved the bond between him and his dad. LX's mom was also really good at making viewers hate her; honestly her crazy eyes made me soooo anxious lol. I loved loved the kids, it was so adorable to watch the childhood moments. Very heartwarming!

Rewatch Value: 8/10
Such a meaningful, realistic story and very well done. I love dramas that make me feel something and aren't just empty tropes with attractive leads. A refreshing display of a father's affection; many stories and shows are very focused on mother's love.

Perfect fall/winter time show that makes you feel warm inside. Smile, tears, and laughter were all there!

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I finally visited the most ICONIC scene in Boys Over Flowers!

After visiting Seoul Tower this fall 2024, I realized I did not post a review when I first watched this series.
I enjoyed my time so much in Seoul and it was Lee Min Ho who first form this inspiration to visit the film location
and I was so happy. I saw many fans of LMH there and taking photos at the iconic scene location.
This Drama was executed very well and the bully scenes should not give a low rating based on that.
I watched a drama called KinPorshe where there were worse things than bullying and they rated it very high.
That series story and characters were not better actors that Boys Over Flower South Korea.
I watched all the other adaptations and still could not like any of the others as much as this.

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Mid, freaking mid

bro..... no let me chill, gotta start with the good, I did absolutely fall in love with Lian and Kuea. the production was great, clearly they put a lot of money into this.

Now...Kondiao and his man made me so uncomfy ion how to explain it. their relationship seems so odd. I did not like it, it was awkward and I had to skip or watch it at a high speed. the constant reference to the past with little explanation, the weird misunderstands, the feeling that they are terrified of talking with each other CONSTANTLY .

Ultimately, the charters are flawed / written too badly. iono if it's the acting or sometime but some scenes felt forced..iono I just felt it was not that good.

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Mostly age appropriate sweet coming of age romance

The make up, hair, and styling for the show is very nicely done. The cinematography and the editing could be better, but I appreciate that they tried to do something a bit different. The casting of the three high school leads are very nicely done, they're new comers with a lot of great chemistry with each other and good presence. Qi Zhang and Ye Guang's relationship is really lovely, two gentle boys that actually get time to get to know each other. I like that it's not an opposite personality attracts situation and they are both kind and nice to each other. Ray's chosen pronouns was unclear, but their storyline is the edgier one dating adult men and being more physical quicker. I dislike the trope of high school teenagers dating grown men being shown as normalized. Ah Jian's age hasn't been stated, but I hope he's only just a year or two older. The surprise double date scene was immensely cute and the most natural all the actors were as their characters. I really like how the main high schoolers aren't portrayed as too childish or too adultified, outside of the cartoony guy that was bullying Ye Guang that disappears from the story.

This show definitely had more story to tell than it had time for with it's 22nd per ep runtime. Most of the plot lines feel finished still in media res like it was meant to continue for another season, but that's not usually how asian dramas work. The storylines introduced are usually wrapped up in one season and have new storylines even if there is a second one. The rivalry with that bully kid that's too obsessed with his sister joining the student council elections went nowhere. Ye Guang didn't have a final face to face understanding talk with his parents, though it could be that they could only reach one with space between them via phone as they had been suffocatingly controlling to their son. There's a lot of potential for more of this story, but it doesn't look like that will happen. It's still a good watch for folks looking for something wholesome and sweet that doesn't talk down to the audience.

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Light hearted, wholesome short drama to binge while you on your way to your toxic workplace

This drama could've been better if the episode is longer since the plot is pretty interesting and easy to follow. Also the cast is not disappointing, they are all quite good in their acting maybe due to the short length of the drama a lot of scenes prolly were cut off making the entire plot lacking this and that.

Overall the chemistry between leads is there, tons of kisses (some of it is good , some is awkward). I know they both could've delivered better chemistry if their characters are developed well.

Do watch it if you are depressed from your work since there is prolong angst everything is well resolve within 24 ep of 10min runtime.

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Definitely a comfort show

I loved watching this so much, im not gonna lie. The plot is quite simple, but bro im eating it up. I love how the relationships are healthy and sweet. it makes me feel all fuzzy and warm inside.

I looked forward to each episode, this was one of my comfort shows. it's very easy to watch and fall in love with the characters. the couples are so easy to love, you're literally rooting for them each time. it absolutely adorable.

so the question you might be asking as you pour down reviews is "IS IT WORTH MY TIME?" I say yes definitely, just know from the beginning that it's pretty chill.

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The heart wants what it wants...a tale of unconditional love that loses out, or does it?

This was such a hidden gem!!! I don't know why it is rated so low here on MDL.

BL needle score: 7 - Reasonably strong BL-ness but with a lot of heartbreak

To say that I was stunned by how real it felt, will still be an understatement.....and yes, it is intensely heartbreaking...but you'll probably love it exactly because of that..

Please be forewarned that it can be very triggering for those who have experienced third party situations....and I guess its quite common these days..and definitely so in the gay dating scene...to always look for more, and pursue momentary temptations to complicate a wonderful relationship that has nothing lacking really....but then the heart wants what it wants, and so it must be......as they say, c'est la vie!!

Ping Jun was all that one can want, hot, caring, hard-working, always shows up for his lover, the entire package.....and yet, Hai Qing wanted Yan Fei, the entitled but rich and privileged guy........that one random encounter and kissing had them both hooked, and they had to consummate it..and they did....and that's probably how it happens in real life too, or at least most of the time anyway

The storytelling and screenplay is fantastic. Even though it does drag a bit for the first 2 episodes, once it picks up, you are sure to be hooked ...the acting is also quite convincing I would say...the fact that the leads are all such eye-candies, definitely helps too....

It almost felt like I was part of their story at the end of it...and was desperately hoping that each one of them, Yan Fei, Hai Qing and most importantly, Ping Jun, finds their happiness and can look forward to a life of hope....

I think that is the message that the makers wanted to leave us with, because they tried to lessen the blow by keeping the ending slightly open-ended....possibly to offer some redemption to all three leads....and to us viewers as well.

Also, the music/OST is so stunning

Do I recommend it? Definitely YES...but be warned of the possible triggers and having an achy heavy heart as it ends.... <3

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OST and Characters Steal Your Heart

Honestly there hasn’t been a drama this intense and gripping for me in a while! I thought the casting was great. One of my favorite scenes was the academic competition where JiangLi performs her musical piece. I just remember first watching it and being like WOW. Dramatic but amazing LOL. CGI could have been better, but the meaning and impact of the scene left an impression on my heart. Show has you feeling so many emotions and I legit binge watched in two days. We Jin Yan's presentation of betrayal is SO convincing and heartbreaking. Paired with an amazing OST, I still listen to it sometimes.

I love the chemistry between JiangLi and the Duke; very little skinship and more focused on subtle glances and tacit understanding. Their fates/goals/intelligence really showed in their teamwork. I love how it displayed that he knew her secret all along, and it cracks me up how they communicate in puzzles, talking about pawns haha. Given the age gap, I think they still did a great job of portraying romance through trust and acts of service. I'm personally a fan of slowburn.

Wang Xing Yue is so good at portraying subtle emotions in his eyes. Every episode keeps you entertained and with historical dramas, I find myself dropping it rather quickly if it doesn't make me feel anything. The connection between the real and fake Jiang Li was very meaningful. FL takes over her identity, but does great things in her name — restoring her honor. FL needed the Jiang status to be able to seek justice for both of them. Gotta love a smart and resourceful FL.

The plot was more centered on seeking justice for the innocent vs her just trying to make her ex-husband miserable. FL’s brain was literally on a different level even after getting hit by the shovel LOL. She knows when to use words and when to command with her emotions. Plot was believable, and FL was steps ahead since the beginning since she knew her identity would be checked. Though at some point it was just flat out obvious she wasn't Jiang Li.

Rewatch value is high on this one. I am impressed with WXY as he is so young! I wrote this review as I watching it and I'm not surprised it had so much a high rating on MDL months later. One of my tops for 2024.

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" A Heartfelt Tribute to Thai GL Series and Their Bold Celebration of Love and Culture"

First of all, I want to thank Thailand for producing GL (Girls’ Love) series while other narrow-minded countries remain immersed in promoting homophobia through media content. I am genuinely grateful to this country because I would not have been able to find happiness and joy during my darkest times if it weren’t for Thai GL series. Thank you so much.

As for this series, it created an unforgettable space in my once-shrouded heart. To be honest, I found some episodes to be dull, as it felt like they repeatedly featured similar scenes. However, despite this flaw, the show deserves to be praised and applauded for its unique qualities.

The series beautifully captures the little details in the environment, making every scene vivid and immersive. It showcases traditional Thai food so exquisitely that I felt like I was watching an aesthetic food blog—something rare in television. Moreover, it highlights Thai royal traditions, cultural events, and functions, offering viewers a glimpse into the royal attitudes and behavior of Thailand.

Above all, the show masterfully portrays the calm, sweet, lovely, restless, emotional, romantic, intense, overwhelming, and even dangerous love between two Thai royal women—Princess Anil and Lady Pin—who belong to a conservative society.

One of my favorite moments was the scene where Anil bravely declared her love in front of her mother, brother, and Lady Pin's aunt, Pattamika. Her courage to confess her secret love for someone of the same gender in front of her family filled me with pride and left my heart boiling with emotion. I admired her guts to stand up for her love against societal rules and restrictions.

This show is not only a beautiful love story but also a bold statement about love, culture, and courage. I truly loved it.

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Well written, fast-paced romantic suspense series

I can't remember what led me to this series but glad I watched it. It covers many genres: romance, thriller, action, drama and a bit of science fiction. With 16 episode format, I think this series can be adapted into Korean drama.

What I liked:
1) The writing - This series was well-written and engaging, thanks to its tight running time (16 episodes with each episode lasting 25 to 45 minutes). Even though I figured out the doppelganger, I appreciate knowing the intent behind this doppelganger arc. I also like that 3 supporting characters (Ding Bei Fan, Tian Sui, Jiang Tian Cheng) had substance & played important roles in the storytelling.
2) An Yue & Xu Xi Xi's characterisation - It's wonderful to see contrasting personalities of these individuals but the evil twin wasn't evil all the time. I understood and sympathised her despite the mean demeanor.
3) The romance - For a romantic suspense series, there was good amount of romance between female and male leads. Makeout sessions were hot but my favourite is the first kiss - I was surprised. Yilia Yu and Tsao Yu Ning seemed very comfortable with each other, so the development of their love story seemed natural.
4) Acting - Good acting in particular Yilia Yu, Tsao Yu Ning and Wu Hao Ze. The latter was a standout because he was earnest at playing a newbie in entertainment industry who is attracted to a talent manager that already has a suitor. Tsao Yu Ning did well in expressing different feelings such as desire, concern, anger, love.
5) Action - Wow, the action scenes were impressive. The fights were well choreographed and even the 'blast from the past' scene was good.

What I disliked:
1) The music - I think there are 2 separate English songs used in this series. The lyrics are sound though I would tweak some words of the main song to make it more meaningful. The only thing I cannot stand is the voice. The song is too loud (sound mixing needs to be fixed) and singer's voice doesn't suit the song/moment.

Favourite scene
When the bomb was about to explode

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the new line up is a breath of fresh air

it is very interesting to see the only girl in the group is the boldest among the chickens lol. if you are a fan of Great Escape and watch all previous 5 seasons, you should already know how great Bibi's brain is in problem solving. As the strongest brain in the group (Da laoshi's words in ep 0), she is calm, kind and not scheming. i love her as a guest in prev seasons, definitely love her as a regular member this season.

about Xukai and PengPeng, oh dear who doesnt love this duo in season 4 and 5. all episodes with them together are so hilarious and funny. i look forward to laugh really hard in this season too since they are both regular members now and we will see alot of these infamous chicken duo moments haha.

talk about chicken, this season we have the third one in the group. Chen Zheyuan is hilarious when he was scared (sorry not sorry haha). thanks to him, KaiKai and PengPeng suddenly looks courageous as compared to him. and thanks to him, season 6 has chicken trio now lmao.

Da Zhangwei is as great as ever. as a senior in GE, he is kind and very supportive towards other members.
so nice to see Guowei stay as a regular this season too. he absent alot in season 5, kinda miss him.

overall, if you are dissappointed not seeing old members in season 6 but you are a fan of this show, continue watching. the new line up is a breath of fresh air. you can see the difference in dynamic of the group and how they solve problems together. the theme is always entertaining. but if you are watching GE simply because of your idols in it and not because the show itself, dont waste your time here. im halfway watching season 6 btw. gonna finish it soon.

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