Reviews

loved it.

My friends made me watch this series and I loved it. The cast is great, especially First and Khao are just incredibile, immense chemistry and they’re both very good actors, always believable in their performances. The story is very nice, intrigues of friendships and romantic/sexual relationships that never fall into ridicule, and the plot twists, unexpectedly, were definitely surprising. The several relationships feel overall natural, and all the conflicts take the right amount of time to be resolved, nothing ever feels rushed. And last but not least, is a very hot series, lol, many interesting scenes indeed…
I would definitely recommend!!

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Real Gamers don't fit a stereotype

I absolutely loved this series because it didn't stereotype the gamers, the female gamer was both girlie but a badass. They made sure to showcase her strengths but also showed her integrating into the team where they both learned from her and taught her new tricks. Each of the gamers were unique, with different strengths and they made sure to show that none of them were the "unstoppable, god gamer". They each had to rely on each other.
I thought it was soo good to see the main male lead be the one who had the "emotional" break that lead to the group surrounding him to show support. They also showed a strong female who was the one who was rich and she stood up for her love.
Each storyline of the supporting characters were cute and I felt like each one contributed to the story, instead of just being filler.

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Where there is love, there are miracles.

I absolutely loved the first episodes. There are some things that I didnt like, but this series was so good and interesting and the actors were so hot.
I didnt expect such a chemistry between the main characters. To be honest, I liked Chen Yi and Ai Di more. Thanks God that they became a couple after all. Of course, I also liked Ze Rui and Bai Zong Yi. It was obvious that Ze Rui felt in love first, but Bai Zong Yi didnt want to express his feelings from the start. It was awful when he took the blame and saved Ze Rui. He wasted four years of his life, failed at school and lost his short memory in prison. Ai Di also made the wrong desicion, but after all everything had a happy end.
For a taiwanesse series, this was so good. Surely I will rewatch it.

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Funny and touching but nonsense.

The story is supposed to be funny with romance and maybe a little bit of drama. I can see where they tried, but the whole premise is off. The romance is fine, I actually think they had decent chemistry but if you watch it more than once, it will be more and more difficult to get into the fun of it. The side characters and romances were fun and some people said they were more interesting than the main pairing, but I have to disagree. I think they added to the show, but they weren't so interesting that they stole it. The main couple: Secretary Kim and Narassistic Boss don't have much character arc, considering the content of the show, but it was still very interesting and I enjoyed watching the entire series once. The music was good, but not outstanding. The acting was also good and I thought very in character. To understand why the underlying story behind the main couple, you have to hear some spoilers, but without spoilers, I can say it wasn't well done and was so nonsensical as to have been ridiculous. I would watch it once, but not twice because those moments of understanding will annoy you more if you rewatch.

With spoilers: the main couple have a history. This explains why a totally arrogant and impatient boss would pick a secretary who wasn't fluent in English and experienced enough in the field. She needed to work super hard to catch up to his needs. Over time as they work together, he grows used to how amazing she is and when he thinks of his life without her, he doesn't want her to quit. He tries mulitiple ways to get her to stay and eventually realizes that he loves her. Naturally, he has to overcome his gigantic ego to get to that point, but still. The process is funny and entertaining. She begins to fall in love with him as she sees his emotional sides. Naturally, the catalyst needed to make them both realize how they feel is the return of the boss's self-centered brother who decides that he wants Secretary Kim. Either because he's so arrogant as to think he can have anyone or because he wants to take her from his brother -- he causes problems between them just as they are getting closer.

The actual spoiler is why the premise is really messed up and nonsensical. You see, way back when Secretary Kim was 4-5 years old and her boss was 9-10 and self-centered brother was maybe 11-12, the brother bullies the young boy boss and eventually leaves him in a deserted street where he is kidnapped. Then baby girl Mi So (Secretary Kim) is also kidnapped. They help each other through the experience and end up home safe and sound but naturally with fears. Why Mi So's family doesn't tell her the truth when she asks if she was ever kidnapped makes absolutely no sense to me. Until you recognize and accept that you've been hurt you will never be able to deal with it on an emotional level. So keeping it from her is like telling her to pretend she doesn't feel the pain rather than taking her to the doctor. The young boss hires her because he remembers her, but she doesn't remember and he also doesn't explain. No reason, but that's more excusable. Last, boss's mom and dad who are supposed to be good, normal, loving parents, are actually full time idiots with hateful and stupid notions about family. When older brother feels bad for what he did, he has a mental break and decides that he was the one who was kidnapped. Then mom and dad decide that it's better to pretend that their arrogant, self-centered older son was actually kidnapped than to make him face his wrongdoing. Which is to say that young boss who was the one who was wronged, has to deal with an insufferable prick brother who treats boss as though he were the one in the wrong. Why would the parents take the side of the bully child over the one who has an actual trauma that needs to be dealt with? Because they are stupid, thoughtless, self-centered, and hateful bullies themselves. I mean, they did raise two sons who think they are perfect and hate each other. Who comes up with these plots? If you're going to make them thoughtless bullies, don't have the main character pretend with them. He was an adult, he should have told them the truth and said that their behavior was stupid and hurtful and then told them they needed to tell the truth and stop pandering to their favorite child (obviously the self-centered brother). I will never understand why people who are supposed to be smart and strong and well mannered never can seem to stand up for themselves or say no when something is wrong. Then again, if they were all people who had backbone and common sense and courage, the show would have been over in 3 episodes. Still, that's why I can't watch it twice. I want to ring the mother's neck and kick the older brother very hard in his self-centered face. I get too angry and annoyed at their behavior to be able to watch it twice, but that's me.

Ok, rant over. If you can deal with this amount of stupidity for the background story, the rest is really wonderful. I think they had great chemisty. I thought it was super funny and well acted. I enjoyed it so much that I was tempted to watch it twice (then I tried and had to go bake for 2 hours to get rid of my frustration).

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Excellent....

Going into this drama, honestly was kinda 60/40 but glad I did tune into it....
Luo Yunxi for me has been an actor very hit and miss....
Zhang Rounan, never understood why she has got such a big push....

Wow, did my perception of both these actors change just watching this drama.... Seriously what have I learnt?....
Luo Yunxi is indeed very good, some reason never really liked him alongside Bai Lu however with Zhang Rounan has been exceptional, she has really got the best out of Luo Yunxi for me, funny me saying this as he is a veteran actor....

Zhang Rounan, Ok right now I am watching dramas which feature Bai Lu, Wu Xuanyi, Jian Tian however with confidence can say Zhang Rounan is MVP.... She is the best actress right now.... Honestly this is a very basic script, if it was anyone else acting in it i think would have dropped this drama but Zhang Rounan has captivated me with her performance..... I have said it, actors like Xu Kai, Zhang Ling He & Wang Hedi need to seriously do everything they can to secure a drama with her, she is to perfect.... One they shouldn't let slip!....

Where to now?....

Luo Yunxi reminds me of guys like Jasper Lui & Gao Hanyu.... guys that can still turn on the charms.... just need really focus now at this point of their careers just sticking to their strengths and not get sucked into bad scripts....
Jasper and Luo Yunxi seem to know this and watching both latest dramas are doing this.... Hopefully Luo Yunxi replicates this, finds a Female Lead which growing momentum that can excite the viewers along with a script that keep us engaged and again, another success....

Zhang Rounan, simple keep doing what you are doing, Xu Kai & Wang Hedi agency will be calling soon....
Please dont do a rubbish script like Only for Love, think Wang Hedi has learnt his lesson there and will find nice script for both of you....

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Everything you need to swoon, cry, laugh, and appreciate a story

Cha Joo Hyuk (Ji Sung) was unhappy with how his wife, Woo Jin (Han Ji Min), has become after years of marriage. One day he gets a chance to go back in time to redefine his whole life, which affects everyone he has known and loved. How is he now with this new life?

Familiar Wife isn't a show with a complicated plot or high stakes — it’s character-driven, and the characters were the best part of this drama. At first, Joo Hyuk might not appear as an appealing person because the choice he made was solely for his own happiness. But watching him navigating this new life, his character grew so much. He made selfless decisions, which was heartbreaking and heartwarming altogether. Woo Jin, too, wasn't perfect, but both of them for learned that it’s choice, and not fate, that makes a marriage work.

There was so much comedy here, like Woo Jin spunky, love to crack dad jokes with the guys. Everyone has a fresh fun chemistry, the quirky gang of misfits, the bank team. I like the ups and downs of Joo Hyuk & Jong Hoo's friendship. A nod to Ji Sung's acting, he always got me with his genuine emotional scenes. Overall, I enjoyed Familiar Wife. It has everything to make you swoon, cry, laugh, and appreciate a good storyline.

Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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A disappointing Wuxia series, even whith good actors and lots of wired stunts.

PLOT: FL, a young leader of a small clan, joins a competition to become the leader of all martial arts clans. She is in a duo with the ML, handsome, cultured and intelligent, but too weak to be a pugilist. The ML becomes the leader, and together, they will try to restore order into the clans, and fight against the villains.

PROS:
+ Good actors (almost all)
+ Well-written story
+ a little touch of humor, thanks to the secondary characters ( Feng Yu is, in particular excellent)
+ good OST
+ A nice Happy ending (I like when it does'nt stop at the wedding :)

CONS:
- Yu Meng Long is an expressionless ML. OK, he can play "poker face", but there are minimal micro expressions required!
- FL's character is very naive, even idiotic (and her servant too).
- some narrative arcs are too long (love triangle, broken heart)
- The narration is too slow , the series could have been 24 episodes, it would have been enough.

=> I went to the end out of pure curiosity, but the journey was long... I will definitely not watch this drama again ლ(ಠ益ಠ)ლ
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une Série Wuxia décevante, avec de bons acteurs et beaucoup de cascades câblées.

PLOT : La FL, jeune chef d'un petit clan, rejoint une compétition pour devenir le chef de tous les clans d'arts martiaux. Elle est en duo avec le ML, handsome, cultivé et intelligent, mais trop faible pour être un pugiliste. C'est le ML qui devient chef, et ensemble, ils vont essayer de remettre de l'ordre dans les clans, et lutter contre les evils.

PROS:
+ De bons acteurs
+ Story bien construite
+ petite touche d'humour grâce aux personnages secondaires (Feng Yu, excellent)
+ bonnes OST
+ Happy ending sympa (j'aime bien quand cela ne s'arrête pas au mariage :)

CONS:
- Yu Meng Long est un ML inexpressif. OK, il peut jouer "poker face", mais il y a un minimum de micro expressions nécessaires !
- personnage de la FL (et de sa servante) très naïf, voire idiot.
- certains arcs narratifs sont trop trop longs (triangle amoureux, coeur brisé)
- Narration très lente, la série aurait pu faire 24 épisodes, c'était suffisant.

=> je suis allée au bout par pure curiosité, mais le voyage était long... Je ne regarderai certainement pas ce drama à nouveau ლ(ಠ益ಠ)ლ

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Only for for enthusiasts of mind-bending twists and gripping fantasy

A 17-episode Kdrama, beckons viewers into a world of jaw-dropping twists and turns, orchestrated by the masterful pen of an unbelievable screenwriter. With high expectations fueled by the extra episode count, the anticipation for a stellar ending soared, yet, alas, my instincts proved wiser than my optimism.

The screenwriter, known for her penchant for intricate narratives, weaves a mesmerizing tale of fantasy that demands viewers to bid farewell to their logic at the door. It ventures into realms where the boundaries of reality blur, delivering an intense rollercoaster ride that defies the conventional.

At its core, the drama seeks to unravel the vices of greed, lies, and deceit, portraying them as malevolent forces capable of claiming lives. The narrative serves as a blood-boiling commentary on the consequences of succumbing to these moral pitfalls. As characters grapple with their own demons, the series becomes a riveting exploration of the human psyche amid a backdrop of fantastical elements.

While the storyline's complexity may challenge conventional sensibilities, it undeniably showcases the screenwriter's commitment to delivering narratives that push boundaries. it may not cater to those seeking a straightforward plot, but for enthusiasts of mind-bending twists and gripping fantasy, this series is a must-watch, offering a unique and adrenaline-pumping journey into the darker facets of human nature.

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The 19 kiss scenes of "Le You Yuan"

Xu Kai and Jing Tian, were so sweet and were so close that they forgot themselves but failed because of "this point".

The period drama " Wonderland of Love ",Starring Xu Kai and Jing Tian,
has increased its viewership. The two represented a weak and fake sick grandson and a strong general who fall in love with each other. The kissing scene became the highlight. And CP fans are obsessed with him. lol

When talking about the kiss scenes, the two laughed in unison and said that the "duration" of their kisses was the key to success because the director never complained about it, there were times when the kiss lasted too long and they couldn't help it. I can't help but laugh out loud! lol

"Wonderland of Love" describes a time when the court is in crisis.
The emperor's grandson "Li Ni" (played by Xu Kai), who guards the border, is forced to take on the great responsibility of countering the rebellion.
He has to deal with the General's only daughter "Cui Lin" (played by Jing Tian) who hides his true identity from him. Each one leads an army and is involved in the world war. The two face each other several times in overt and covert struggles of multiple forces, and then fall in love with each other, staging a romantic love story in which the two are committed for the country and the two will fight together........

『 THIS PART MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS 』

The two fell in love and there were 19 kissing scenes.(??) In one scene, she sweetly yelled, "What are you doing?" Then, Xu Kai kissed her (even more) The two hugged and kissed passionately. The scene was sweet and sexy tbh..... There was another scene where Xu Kai was sleeping and his face was close to Jing Tian's neck. She looked at him with eyes full of love and couldn't help but kiss him. During the rehearsal of this scene, Jing Tian couldn't stand Xu Kai's affection. I really kissed Qiao for a good position and pink bubbles flew all over the sky.

Recently, the two were interviewed and talked about interesting things behind the scenes of the kiss scene. Xu Kai laughed and said that the length of her kiss was the best because the director didn't stop and kept pointing next to him: "Kai, please, Kiss harder!" turn around. Turn around. kai!, turn around, don't stay here! Sometimes the two can't help but laugh after kissing for too long. lol Furthermore, he and Jing Tian have high noses, "We ran into each other all the time, one (kiss) scene, the noses kept fighting!"?

Xu Kai and Jing Tian worked well together. The couple's CP combination in the film was called "a battle of wits, courage, love and death." Outside the movie, Xu Kai felt that Jing Tian was just a foolish Baitian, and how could she have so many tricks and tricks. Jing Tian discovered that Xu Kai is a very talented person: "Brother Kai can change roles very quickly.
The popular word on the Internet is that he can switch between wolfdog and milk dog at will." XD XD

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Marking my favorite idols

Casting idols to play as former idols is a good choice and having both Xiumin and Hyungwon in one project is a blessing. Been a fan of these two ever since the peak of their careers as KPOP stars and seeing them together makes my heart beep with happiness. They are my bias in their respective groups and I loved the bond they formed even after the filming of this drama. It is funny that their role contrasts with their real-life personality. Shin Tae Ho being grubby and unorganized is very different from Kim Minseok aka EXO Xiumin as he is the most obsessed idol I knew when it comes to becoming neat and clean. As well as with Jo Yi Joon who was tagged as a fashion terrorist yet Hyungwon from Monsta X is the best dresser in the group. Furthermore, the two of them did not disappoint me as they executed their characters very well with the right amount of acting skills and threw their lines with perfect emotions.

The rest of the cast did pretty well as well and I like each of their characters’ establishment from the story. Eun Young Min, the butcher catches my attention since he is the only actor I didn’t know from the show and he is extremely cute too. I think the downfall of the show for me is how they give us a plot that is too unlikeable. The villain, who turned out to be the cousin of their deceased friend/member, is too hateable. His acting is believable and I wanted to punch his face whenever he showed up on the screen. Having him the redemption of the mart and his reconnection with his auntie and uncle at the end isn’t just as good as it seems to be.

Thunder Boys is such a cool name and I wish they also show us more of their journey when they are still active idols. Yet, the ten episodes are good enough to deliver everything that the story has to offer. I enjoyed it but not as much as I expected it to be. It is all thanks to the perfect set of casts that the drama seems to be more interesting.

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Acting is the saving grace

I initially tuned into this show solely for Luo Yunxi, without much expectation due to past experiences with modern Chinese dramas. However, the trailer intrigued me, and I hoped it might surpass my expectations. While it wasn't bad, it also didn't stand out significantly.

Pros:
The acting stands out as the strongest aspect of the show. Each actor delivered their role excellently without going overboard.
As a fan of "Till the end of the moon," I particularly enjoyed the chemistry between GYZ and FMF. The main leads also had good chemistry, with many scenes feeling natural.
Luo Yunxi's performance deserves special mention, as he consistently elevates his acting in each role. This is arguably his best modern drama performance to date.
ZRN shows potential as one of the standout actresses in the Chinese entertainment industry, especially in emotional scenes.
Even the side characters portrayed their roles convincingly.

I appreciated the music of the drama, especially a violin instrumental piece that became an instant favorite.

Cons:
The plot and execution fell short. While there were enjoyable scenes and episodes, the overall story lacked coherence and direction.
The portrayal of kissing scenes was a letdown. While I didn't expect passion, I hoped for better expressions from ZRN during these moments.
As a medical drama addressing diseases like Huntington's, I wished for more exploration of the struggles faced by HD patients and their families. The focus on family and love drama detracted from the potential emotional depth of the show.
Overall, I'd recommend watching it once if you're a fan of Luo Yunxi or enjoy modern medical dramas in general.

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One of the very best!

This drama was awesome. The script was clever, profound and gripping and raising a multitude of issues! Corporate greed vs. human lives is one, but it touches on so much more. Work ethics, personal ethics, ideals versus reality, viable compromise, ways to survive without losing one's humanity. Friendship, sacrifice, brotherly love, personal dignity, trust. Even mental illness as a coping mechanism.
I don't know why and how, but on reading the synopsis one might think that the subject matter is dry and potentially boring, but in reality it's more gripping than a wild West adventure and you can't wait to see how it's going to unfold. There's never a dull moment, or a slackening of pace, even in the introspective moments with interior monologue which are possibly the weakest, but still play their role.
The two (three? four?) love stories are organic to the plot, they are not an afterthought, and they even help the plot go forward and the characters evolve.
The characters are all flawed, there isn't one perfectly "good guy" without any weaknesses, there isn't one bad guy (except for one) that doesn't have a good side to him/her. Every character richly detailed and developed with plenty of nuance. Even the chauffeur or a nurse we only see occasionally, all characters have been taken care of. This is so rare in k-drama.
The direction brought every detail of this masterful script to life, with the help of a group of extremely talented actors, each and every one of them on top of his/her game, down to the last role.
A special mention goes to the main lead - who is Cho Seung Woo, not Lee Dong Wook. He really makes the difference in this drama, shining bright.

It's not a drama to watch in a leisurely, distracted way while doing something else, or when you're sleepy. Maybe also not if you are under 18. I think that I wouldn't have enjoyed it when I was a teenager, but then today's teenagers might be different. It does require concentration, because so much is going on all the time. But you'll be amply rewarded for your attention, it's so enjoyable! And yes, it does have a happy ending - or as happy as possible, which will leave you smiling and satisfied.

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prompts reflection on the delicate dance between morality and desperation

A gripping 10-episode Kdrama, unravels the compelling tale of a struggling lawyer teetering on the edge of morality. The narrative deftly explores the intricate relationship between financial desperation and the allure of easy money, cleverly depicting how one's circumstances can push them towards morally ambiguous choices.

The protagonist, a lawyer harboring a secret dark side, becomes entangled in the shadowy world of a notorious criminal. The storyline masterfully navigates the thin line between right and wrong, questioning whether redemption is possible once one succumbs to the temptations of the forbidden. The drama raises thought-provoking questions about the lengths individuals may go to rescue their families from financial peril.

The cast delivers stellar performances, adding depth and authenticity to their characters. The story unfolds seamlessly, avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary elongation, making it a refreshing departure from typical dragging dramas. With just 10 episodes, manages to captivate its audience with a well-paced and engaging narrative.

This drama serves as a cautionary tale, exploring the consequences of succumbing to the allure of illicit gains when faced with financial hardships. This Kdrama not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the delicate dance between morality and desperation.

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Rewriting Standards, Simple, Short but Heartfelt

This BL KDrama surprised me in many ways. It's a 15-min long per episode that feels so complete. I couldnt imagine an episode can do so either but yes, it delivers! I love how straightforward it was. Have conflicts just any other drama plot out there and a few cute, lovely scenes that will surely hit you right to the core, felt pain and joy watching this drama. It even have flashbacks! Yes, they squeezed it in and found the right placement each episode. The lead actors are commendable for their portrayals. I need a lot of their couple chemistry badly right now. I love them so much! I never thought I will still find a BL drama I will recommend so much just like ITSAY, 1000 stars, Color Rush or Semantic Error.. but this show proved me wrong a thousand folds. A true statement of simplicity is beauty.

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