Reviews

Lovers of drama will love this

A stand out drama from beginning to end. Not one scene is wasted or out of place; the end credit scenes alone are worth watching for the innovative treatment. Hard to believe this is Hashizume Shunki’s first drama; his direction is sure throughout, even allowing for his lead cast being highly experienced actors and a screen-adaption from the mangas by Asano Taeke who has 60 scriptwriting credits to her name.

Heart-breaking and gut-wrenching in slow motion as this story of friends and lovers plays out over 8 years of their lives together, and apart. A piece of LGBTQ+ storytelling so good it merits an exceptional quality award.

But a word of warning: those who wish for clean tidy resolutions should know that “More Than Words” is true to life, and aspects of the story could easily yield a follow-up. Instead it ends with the certainty that while we live there is no end point to the emotional knots these characters have consented to being in. And yet, over 340 minutes, their story held me captive with their love and care and desire to not let go of each other.

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My Personal Weatherman was more personal than I thought

So I waited for this series to finish airing to finally binge it and I have to say, dark as it got, I enjoyed My Personal Weatherman immensely. I’m both pleased and shocked to see that the directors and screenwriters are all women! I will touch on this later~

Right from the get-go you have to expect toxicity; your leads are walking examples of a typical traditional man of the house and housewife. No one likes a tyrant and I’m not one for extreme conservative practices, but when the show spoon-fed us the characters’ weaknesses and flaws 2-4 episodes in, we can’t expect significant growth. Especially in 8 episodes each ranging 20 minutes and the production team choosing to overkill with repetitive flashbacks. Either way, I can’t say that I’m all that disappointed, I also tried to be more flexible as this is a slice of life.

This is my second Japanese BL in 10+ years, the first one being the Takumi-kun series, and this one really brought back a lot of nostalgic memories for me. It reminded me of how beautiful and well-written Japanese films are, especially when it comes to slice-of-life and romance!

I adore the cast here, they had great chemistry and each character is so different in his/her own way.
Higuchi Kouhei is such a delight to watch. He had a lot of range in his expressions and body control, and he’s just drop-dead gorgeous! That hairstyle, someone please give his stylist a raise! Originally, I wasn’t impressed with Segasaki but considering who he hung out with in university, the saying ‘show me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are’ really fits him! Mizuki is an overachiever who sees himself as superior not because of his appearance, achievements, or popularity but his abilities. He’s confident, highly intelligent, and dogmatic. It’s clear that Mizuki cares for Yoh but Yoh’s denseness makes it difficult for them to be on the same page and transition their relationship into that of a more romantic one. Yoh’s slowness was also something Mizuki initially liked until the final episode where he seemed annoyed by it twice.
Mashiko Atsuki did an introvert justice. Yoh is a seemingly darker and gloomy character who concentrates on the negatives; since he’s cooped up at home and has more internal monologue and inner thoughts, he’s consistently doubtful and has the tendency to build up people’s persona in his head. While we see Mizuki applying and taking his meteorologist knowledge and career seriously, Yoh doesn’t seem to have the same passion for his mangas. Then again, if he has to cook and clean all day every day, he’s probably got writer’s block. I wished their little outing inspired something in him other than ‘bed sheets’ :/ I mean it was cute, but it wasn’t cute.
Manju is sooooo adorably funny! I had so much fun whenever she was on screen! Yoh is NOT the good friend she needs and deserves but if she’s happy helping him then girly do you!
Manju’s husband, Atsuya, was interestingly fun. You can tell he’s used to Manju’s quirks and shenanigans in the way that he reacts and supports her.

I like that the show touched on some stereotypes and modern issues such as women saying the opposite of what they want/feel (Yoh) and the wives' jobs don't matter to today’s husbands (Mizuki to Yoh). That being said, given that the directors and screenwriters are women, I wanted to see these two conflicts play out but oddly yet not surprisingly enough, there were no follow-ups. Aside from the problematic theme, on multiple occasions, the conflicts were either never resolved or forgotten. Nothing ever came of Mizuki and Yoh wishing they’d happily smile at each other as they do to other people; please don’t tell me the ending at the dining table was an implication of that. Yoh lying about working with Manju because he’s afraid Mizuki would judge them was unnecessary as Mizuki hasn’t struck us as an unreasonable character – lustful, possessive, and condescending yes but not entirely unreasonable. How hard is it to tell Mizuki that ‘glasses guy’ is Manju’s husband? And Mizuki, knowing that Manju has a husband never put two and two together? Why not? Communication between Mizuki and Yoh started off fine (for roomies who sleep together) until we got to them being jealous and possessive of each other. I hate to believe it but that may be the show’s way of telling us that Mizuki and Yoh were ‘falling in love’ after living and sleeping together for four years. The show would be a perfect 10 had they just replaced at least two sex scenes with serious conversations between the leads but no :/

I’m definitely rewatching for Higuchi Kouhei’s smugs, though Mizuki needs to take a hint, 'no means no' and 'stop! he's drunk!'!

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No plot, no conflict, just adorable characters and pure fluff

It's hard for me to rate this drama because it's pure fluff without plot. Literally nothing happens. There's no conflict and no problem that can't be solved in 20 minutes. The opening credits give away the entire story. This is the kind of show where the female lead lives in a crowded dorm room and yet somehow has a different brand new coat to wear every day. But the drama hooked me anyway because it's absolutely adorable and it gave me 12 hours of escape from the cold cruel world which I really needed.

The main couple is the living embodiment of the sunshine/sunshine protector meme. Su Zaizai falls in love at first sight with Zhang Lu Rang and showers him with warm positivity through the whole show (she also looks like a living doll). Rang Rang starts out expressionless and monosyllabic because of the pressure he gets from his mother to be a school topper, but as he spends more and more time with Zaizai he gradually thaws out and one of the best parts of the show is watching him blossom into a warmer and happier person. He also has two dimples which makes it even better when he flashes one of his rare smiles.

The rest of the characters in the friendship group are very cute but underdeveloped. I would have liked to have spent more time on the second lead romance.

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Super cute, easy watch!

I was lost after finishing The Story of Ming Lan and just wanted a light filler. Came across this and realised that Meng Zi Yi was the lead!!! (Fell in love with her after her Wen Qing portrayal)

TLDR; This was such a fun watch, it's short, light and sweet. While not perfect, it's such an easy watch and all the actors were amazing.

The Pros:

- Short! 24 episodes made it really easy to watch, everything moved really quickly
- Characters and Actors - really loved everyone in it. I saw some comments about the other characters taking up too much time and not enough for the leads, I actually really loved everyone else too. Princess Jiamin, Yun Han, Pei Jihuai, Yuan Wei... The Emperor... Of course it was also a eye candy galore with most of them and they were so cute!
- No Angst - After watching so many dramas, I came to realise that I dislike the break up, get back together, break up or obstacles x9999 stuff. I loved this because there wasn't much angst, friendships, relationships wise. Even the tiny angst with Princess Jiamin was super cute.
- Meng Ziyi (LOL)

The Cons:

- Bing mei ren overkill - hahaha, I think the portrayal of her as a bing mei ren was way too long, I actually really enjoyed her intelligence and fighting! Especially the scene with Princess Jiamin. But I get it, it was super cute at the end when she said it was her dream to be the most famous bing mei ren... lolol.
- Plot drops - I think they had many many great characters but there were some like touch and gos with some stories, such as Yun Han and the Du... Can't recall her name. I don't think it's that big of a con because it's 24 episodes. Maybe lesser storylines might have helped but also really loved everyone.

All in all, a good watch! Light hearted, fun!

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bittersweet but so good!!

I watched it
It was so good, I loved it
I had read the webtoon and it is different but honestly they did a great job regardless
the FL is an amazing actress wow those emotions I cried just bc of it and the story
it was beautiful honestly
the ending people don’t like bc
*spoiler alert*
she’ll forget her past lives but … were you not watching? she would pray every single life to not remeber her past lives for her next life; it’s what she always wanted, it’s haunting and sad remeber everything that’s happened to her — she wants to lives in peace and those who she loves come to find her and build a relationship with her bc they remeber and it’s so cute! the was ML went and treated FL the same when the tables were turned was just chefs kiss it made me smile although it’s bittersweet it was a good ending in my opinion it made sense - after every episode of FL saying she wishes to forget her pay lives it’s only obvious that’s what’s going to happen! to each their own but, personally, I loved it!!

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I like it above all things (all the bad things it has)

I just read a well written review with a 5.5 raiting for this drama and gotta say Im agree with that person even if i think of this drama as a good one, a good one who makes u feel nostalgic and reflexive but gotta find where (in my opinion) they lost a little bit a good way for the drama.

Drama premise was so good. The moment the drama got announced people start having high expectations, from ost to cast to plot to everything. People whom are huge fans of kdramas know the names of the leading characters, Park BoYoung and Seo InGuk, are well known actors in kdramalands. We also have Lee SoHyuk and his beautiful voice and Kang TaeOh both of them weren't very recognized at the moment they staring this drama (nowadays everyones know their names) although they gave an excellent performance.

The OST was excellent, we have AILEE and every good kdrama consumer know that she is like midas, every ost for a kdrama she did was a completely bomb. Her songs holds message and feelings, I know im not the only one who feels a lot with her songs, get goosebumbs and almost cry. Obviously Ailee isnt the only one who makes this ost excellent we got davichi, baekhyun, txt and even seo inguk too.

So, the big problem with this drama was writer didn't know how to develop their story plot and chracters, they full filled plot holes without being careful, even if the plot got ruined by it. The big mistake was the second couple and the love triangle while everything else was happening. The second couple lacks of chemistry and their love triangle is even worse, we know that kind of situations could happen in real life, but i guess was so dumb and even if main couple carried the whole drama with their performance and their chemistry even them at the end were ruine for the plot holes.

Although everything and the lack of coherence (kind of) this drama is one of my favorites, main couple are of my favorites actors in the world and their performance here gift me good moments while watching a few years ago, even if the plot is how it is, I like it above all things.

In conclusion, if you like Park Boyoung and Seo InGuk and most important, if you like dramas with a little bit of reflexive, which makes you value your life, maybe you must watch it.

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I wanted more

Oct 15, 2023

Taikan Yoho is definitely one of the better bls released for the last quarter of 2023. Although, it poses the very red flag and toxic male lead, Segasaki, he is not as bad as what you might expect from the synopsis.

Obviously, this bl is adapted from a manga, so the delivery of certain lines was a bit off when the actors portrayed it. But nevertheless, it was not a huge thing for me to notice or for me to drop the show.

The plot is pretty cute but I did feel like the ending did not give a very good closure of the series. It just seemed like it got cut off right there.

I still think that the series is pretty decent in terms of comparison with the on going/recently released asian BLs.

Please give this show some love as it deserves it!

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Comfortable and slightly emotional watch

BounPrem was arguably one of the strong Thai BL couples out there. In this series, they have proved once again why they had to have their own story after "Until We Meet Again".

Admittedly, the script writing could have been better but I'm all here for their strong chemistry and acting skills.

I just wished there were less other couples to watch. They could have stick to the romance of our main and second couple but to add three more is just too chaotic and unnecessary. I honestly have to skip these scenes as it seemed like it's just a filler, which made it boring and dreary.

If you enjoyed watching UWMA, you'll definitely do so with Between Us, that is, if you can forgive some inconsistencies in the story line, overlooked the unnecessary side couples and just mainly focus on the romance part, you'll get to appreciate this series too.

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BRUTAL VISERAL HONEST

Maybe I reacted to this drama in such an emotional way because our world is on fire right now. But, even if that was a factor this drama was beyond emotional & as a divorced person I could relate to the brutality that comes from being cheated on, used & ultimately cast aside. This drama correctly depicts that no one person comes out innocent no matter who is the cheater. It showed adults at their absolute worst, funny as per usual the children paid the price & the children were the only voice of reason in the drama. It was surreal to see the women make the meals, keep the house & raise the children mostly on their own again so relatable. I would suggest every married person no matter what gender or sexuality watch this drama it should be watched before anyone reacts to the ending of a marriage. It will stay with me for a very long time, no need to re-watch I won't ever forget it. The actors all did their job & I hope they were paid very well.

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Now I get the low rating...

Loopholes are everywhere. I do not understand the logic behind the "portal". and there are many scenes that you, as the viewer, may have to assume that 'maybe they brought it with them'. also, though I like Xing Fei, there are parts in the series where her expressions do not match the scene, and Xu Kai Cheng's acting is awkward (for me). Also, the chemistry between them is sometimes a little bit too forced to my liking.
What got me through the series is the fast-forward button; without that, I would have dropped this series after the episode where they got back to the 'modern' world.
What I hate the most about the story is the lack of communication between ML and FL. and I really hate the character of An Jingling, like what is wrong with your logic!!! you that is known to have a good mind is lacking logic. Like where is the logic in that!!!

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TOXIC!

This is one of those BLs where you will have quite a difference of opinions. Frankly, I am a bit surprised that anyone found this series even remotely entertaining, to any extent an affectionate BL story, or even well-acted. It actually sickened me to watch this series as a gay person to see so much toxicity detailed under the guise of love. And apparently audiences fell under its spell because it is presented so prudently.
I do not want to spend too much time on the toxicity of this series especially for those of you that have seen this and still see it some sort of ‘love story’. Even if I numerically listed the breadth of examples, you will still not see its harmfulness. And that saddens me. For those of you who have not seen this series, then look out for them with an open mind; they are glaring and obvious and disgusting and you cannot sugar-coat their effects. Hopefully, you will see them.

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The Emotional Rollercoaster!!!

Okay so I want to start off by say this... This show gave me Emotional Trauma in literally the best way possible. It's 100% honestly one of, if not THE BEST Kdramas I have ever watched in all my life. The show held my attention so well, the emotions were on point, the acting was suburb and the story was just endless excitement for me. I've never cried so many times watching a show in my life, some part made my chest feel so tight and so many times I was just left with my mouth hanging wide open... ohhh my goddd!! 10 out of 10..like this show was just perfect to me. It's amazing that I just finished it and I want to rewatch it again... I literally never wanted it to end. I fully recommend this show to just about anyone.. it had a little bit of everything. Comedy, thrills, some spooky bits, romance and even just that good old fashion relationship drama that makes you want to just cry your eyes out. Ah I'm sad it's over... it was just an amazing show, just amazing. I will be rewatching this in the future for sure

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Plain Piece of Toast

Life do-over very similar to "Till the End of the Moon", minus the crazy magical element. This is a very plain piece of toast drama.

The ML.... who is the SML up till now (ep. 9), is wonderful, as he always is. Actually, all the actors are well-cast in this. No weak players here. But there is no plot to be found yet.... at ep. 9... and that's pretty late to be looking for a plot. This could have easily been a really good "slice of life" drama.... except.... it wants to become a melodrama, which would give it some flavour, but I personally don't like melodrama. It kind of wanted to be another "A Dream of Splendor" drama, but fails in the story department.

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Adrift Characters Find Determination In Unusual Somber Yet Hopeful Tale

Cinematography 7, Lighting 9. GENERAL SPOILERS ALLUDED TO below.
I started out hating Ritsu, as Nishini does, and normally I'd have a hard time forgiving that kind of character if they made those choices as an adult, but he's a stupid, young 20 year old. I have seen people in real life change their priorities by their 30s, especially when fueled by regrets. With the 10 years that have passed since they've seen each other and the looming end of the world in 7 days, the story manages to make Ritsu's imperfect-redemption possible. It's not a fairytale, and Ritsu's character does NOT get a knight-in-shining-armor make-over. And I think that makes the story more real and compelling.

The extenuating circumstances (the end of the world) acts like a pressure cooker; puting force behind Ritsu's contrition and speeding up Nishini's absolution. Each episode smartly reveals to Nishini and the audience a little more of who the present Ritsu is, how his past impacted him, and how he's being more thoughtful (it's subtle, but it’s there). He's still a flawed person, but Nishini's shifting attitude towards him is, at the very least, understandable. I was with Nishini all the way and able to feel happy and satisfied for the solace they find in each other as some of their wounds are soothed.

The series does a good job overall balancing some really heavy topics with hope (in various forms but can't explain without giving too much away!). Trigger warnings for suicidal ideation and attempts (with a pill, non-graphic). Plus some existential ruminations, as one might expect with the end of the world in sight. Even though the ending is positive and life-affirming, it would have been too hard-hitting for me to get through if I had watched it while in a severely depressed state myself.

Seto Toshiki completely redeemed himself from his simplistic acting in Senpai, This Can't Be Love. He portrayed a wonderful range of nuanced emotions in face, voice, and body in this series. Nakata Keisuki was a good match with him. He's a little more subdued but it works for his character and he and Seto have good chemistry together. The other actors were great in their roles too, there were no weak links.

The intimate scenes, of which there are a few, are definitely NC-17. They are more rough than artistic, and the actors seem pretty comfortable with each other so their interactions are believable.
I SO appreciate the line "...it feels so good." Finally, a 'bottom' character who expresses that it's pleasurable (and pain free)! As it can be, if properly prepared! It aggravates me how many BLs treat "being the bottom" like it's humiliating, painful, or a chore.

The time the characters are at a cabin was my least favorite part of the series. Not a huge deal, but the plot felt more contrived during this part, some character decisions didn't quite make sense, and the pacing felt slower.

The music was beautiful, sentimental, somber, and hopeful. It blended with scenes well and enhanced emotions. I will listen to this soundtrack as background music.

I love asianblreviews very thoughtful, insightful, and well-worded review of this series. I recommend reading that too. Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/03/21/bokura-no-micro-na-shuumatsu-review-bl/

SPOILER ON THE ENDING:

I loved how they shot this and at what point they decided to stop filming. It's meaningful to have Nishini and Ritsu facing a new dawn together. Symbolic of the new and hopeful path of their relationship, as well as their individual selves that have done some healing and been reforged; ready to face life again individually as well as together.

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