Reviews

THE POTRAYAL OF JWELLERY BUSINESS IN REALISM

I just finished *The Story of Pearl Girl*, and honestly, it’s a solid drama with a lot to love. The story follows Duanwu (Zhao Lusi), who starts off as a pearl diver living under harsh conditions. She crosses paths with Yan Zi Jing (Liu Yuning), a merchant on a revenge mission, and that meeting completely changes her life. From there, it’s all about her journey of self-reinvention and empowerment.

Zhao Lusi is fantastic as Duanwu. She captures the character’s transformation so well, from a powerless young woman to someone fiercely determined to take charge of her life. But let’s not overlook Liu Yuning—he absolutely nails his role as Yan Zi Jing. He brings a quiet intensity to the character, making him complex and compelling. He’s got this brooding yet protective energy that works perfectly, especially in the scenes where his softer side peeks through.

While romance isn’t the main focus, the relationship between Duanwu and Yan Zi Jing is beautifully done. It develops naturally over time, and their chemistry feels authentic. It’s not a sweeping, over-the-top love story, but that’s what makes it feel real. Their bond adds depth to the story without taking over, making it a lovely side plot to the main narrative of Duanwu’s growth.

Visually, this show is stunning. The Tang Dynasty setting is brought to life with incredible attention to detail—the costumes, the sets, and even the pearl-diving scenes are so well done. You can tell they put a lot of effort into making everything feel authentic. There are a few hiccups with lighting in some scenes, but it’s not enough to pull you out of the experience.

The Story of Pearl Girl* is a great mix of empowerment, drama, and just the right touch of romance. Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning both deliver performances that keep you invested, and the production quality makes it a feast for the eyes. If you’re into period dramas with strong characters and heartfelt storytelling, this one’s worth checking out.

Would I watch it again? Maybe not immediately, but it’s definitely a show I’d recommend to others. It’s one of those dramas that stays with you long after it’s over.

Read More

One of the worst things I have ever seen

"Snow White's Revenge" it's a revenge story about Seol Ah, a woman who lost her father at a young age, when he married a woman named Jeong In, a gold digger who married him to take his money. When he learns the truth, Jeong In along with her boyfriend Tae Chang kill Seol Ah's father and the girl witness everything.
Seol Ah goes to live in an orphanage and there she meets Jin Ho, starting a relationship that will last over 10 years, until he gets in an accident and loses his memory. She is reunited with Jin Ho, when she becomes a writer for a drama named "Poker Face" and he's the main lead, the problem is Jin Ho doesn't remember her, so Seol Ah tries to make him remember her.

By spending time with Jin Ho, who's now being called Woo Jin, Seol Ah learns that he's not a very good person. Even when his memory returns, Woo Jin doesn't want to go back to the time he was Jin Ho, he doesn't want to lose his fame, become a nobody again... There's even a moment in episode 31 when Woo Jin uses Seol Ah's feelings, being all sweet with her, only because he wanted her to delete a post she made on the internet, telling people about their past, how they lived together and even were expecting a child. When she doesn't want to do that, Woo Jin becomes violent and even slaps her. After that, he even made a statement to the media making himself the victim.

This is exactly why I don't understand the drama's ending. How does it make sense that Seol Ah and Woo Jin ended up together? This is ridiculous. He was a horrible person that abandoned her, hurt her in many ways, only because he was shot, everything is alright? How can a woman do this to herself, after everything he did to her? Doesn't she have any dignity? Seeing them happily in that orphanage, it was just weird. What about Hyun Woo? Seol Ah accepted his feelings and left him for Woo Jin? I don't think this drama leaves a very good message to viewers, specially about a healthy relationship.

Ju Ryun is a ridiculous character. She's not the villain, she keeps crying all the time and fighting with Seol Ah because of Woo Jin. It's sad to see such a beautiful woman low herself to that level because of a man and I even couldn't even hate her, because to me she was only pitiful.

What the hell was the whole thing with Jeong In being Woo Jin's mother? The weird thing is the way she starts to treat him when she learns the truth. It was really creep, specially because she doesn't say that she's his mother. I have to say that in some moments I thought Jeong In was really in love with him and not like a mother.

And what was Seol Ah's revenge? What exactly did she do to avenge her father's death? She only complained, but still kept was working for Jeong In's company, doing nothing legally to show the truth out, so it was basically nothing for 102 episodes. How are we supposed to like this? The only person who actually did a revenge in this story was Sun Ae, she was an amazing woman who avenged the death of her two sons and helped Seol Ah in the process. Without Sun Ae, Seol Ah wouldn't have done anything.

The drama is really bad, there's nothing good about it. The acting is weak, the characters are terribly written, the story is confusing and there's no clear direction in the story's development. It's not something I would recommend to someone to watch, it's not worth it.

Read More

An excellent spy drama worthy of one's time and brain cells

"Deep Lurk" (深潜) is a Republican era spy drama set in 1939, before the Battle of Changsha, where the Japanese were trying to capture the city. It tells how the different Chinese factions worked hard, each with their own ways and means, to overthrow the Japanese’ plans and dismantle their spy network.

I found this to be an engaging and intriguing Republican era espionage drama. I like the brilliant plot, the mystery and the excitement. It kept me thinking and guessing who the real mastermind is, but at the same, there were moments that I was just willing to sit back, relax, and let the story take its course. There is also a balance of conversations and action scenes, so I didn’t get bored by all talk and little action. Although the plot is complex, I like that it is consistent and did not digress into other story lines that usually make one feel overwhelmed. So, throughout the drama, I knew that the story is about espionage, and the Chinese intelligence and counterintelligence efforts focused on thwarting the Japanese’s quest to occupy Changsha. Sure, it touches on family relationships and there is some romance, but they complement the main plot 👍.

All the main and supporting cast portrayed their characters really well. There are many characters so I will only talk about a few. I like Cheng Yi’s portrayal of Yun Hong Shen, how he developed from someone who’s impulsive, somewhat immature but brimming with idealism, into a more mature and tempered Yun Hong Shen, still idealistic but having a deeper understanding of the bigger picture and what’s going on behind the scenes. He is good in the emotional scenes too (and there are quite some of them). Ying Er’s Wen Ye Ming is idealistic, has a strong sense of right and wrong, and is a capable female agent of the KMT’s juntong (军统) or NBIS (National Bureau of Investigation and Statistics). She is good in acting out Wen Ye Ming’s cold and serious exterior, who also has a soft spot for children and the weak. I love the chemistry between Yun Hong Shen and Wen Ye Ming. Their romance is secondary in the story but I like that they put it in 🙂. I think it adds spice to the drama 🌶️. Too bad some of their scenes were removed from the final cut.

I’ve seen Zhang Tian Yang in other dramas playing supporting characters, some more memorable than others. His performance here as Yun Hong Qi is one of the more memorable ones. He is Yun Hong Shen’s protective older brother, and their relationship dynamics are endearing and fun to watch. Plus, he has funny scenes here. Han Cheng Yu also gave justice to Ling Han’s character. I’ve seen him in other dramas where his characters are starkly different from his role here. Ling Han is cold, calculating and hard to break through. He’s a lone wolf and has his own secrets. Han Cheng Yu’s looks and bearing are well suited for Ling Han. The other supporting actors such as Liu Huan (Ke Jing Ping) and veterans Wang Jin Song (Yun Mu Zhi) and He Zhong Hua (Yang Zi Ming) also showed off their acting chops.

As for the editing and ending, I read that 12 episodes were cut from this drama, so there were some scenes in the ending credits that I was waiting for but were not shown. Those cut scenes were obvious, making the ending feel rushed and missing some details. But they still wrap up the story and did not leave the main plot hanging.

Final Verdict ⭐: I would gladly recommend this drama, especially if you like espionage stories! And to maximize your enjoyment, it’s best to watch this without reading spoilers.

Read More

"psychic" series

There is no doubt that this is a "psychic" series, suspenseful and violent (you need to have a high level of concentration to understand the small nuances). The series gives a glimpse into the dark side of the era of artificial intelligence (AI), and the abuse of dating sites. A glimpse into the difficulty of Asperger's diagnosed people to read social and environmental situations. It has some social messages, concerning the question of what is relative morality.
The casting is perfect, the acting of all the actors is professional and perfect +++.
Clearly erotic scenes that are not typical of Korean series (I don't know how the actors stood it during filming, haha)
There were scenes that were borderline illogical (in my eyes) that damaged the credibility of the plot, this is not a fantasy series, the plot is based on reality and therefore it bothered me personally.

Read More

A Remarkable Remake That Captures the Heart of the Original While Adding a Fresh Twist

First of all, I want to acknowledge the producers, director, actors, and the entire staff of LoveSick 2024 for doing an exceptional job with this remake. LoveSick 2014 is one of the pioneering BL series that helped establish the entire industry. As someone who became a fan after watching both Seasons 1 and 2 of the original, I approached this remake with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. This review will include a comparison between the original and the remake, highlighting their strengths and differences.

When I first learned about this remake, I was thrilled and found myself constantly checking for updates. Once it aired, I was glued to the screen. Even if you haven’t watched the original series or read the novel, you’ll likely find yourself falling in love with this remake. Similar to the original, the 2024 version features young and fresh talents, giving the series a vibrant and contemporary feel.

Differences Between the Original and the Remake

One of the most noticeable differences lies in the structure. The original LoveSick spans two seasons: Season 1 has 12 episodes, focusing on how the main characters, Phun and Noh, begin to develop feelings for each other, culminating in an open-ended finale. Season 2 extends to 36 episodes, delving into multiple story arcs for almost every character in the story. The remake, on the other hand, compresses both seasons into a single 15-episode series.

This was an ambitious task, and I was initially skeptical about how they would manage to incorporate the iconic moments of a 48-episode story into just 15 episodes. To my surprise, they succeeded. The remake skillfully retains the core elements of the original while streamlining the plot for a modern audience.

Although both versions follow the general storyline of the novel, the remake introduces adjustments to better align with the sensibilities of a new generation. Certain character arcs have been altered, which I will touch upon later in the review.

Strengths of the Remake

The comedic antics of the side characters continue to provide the same entertaining vibes as the original. Notably, the remake includes an uncut version, which I highly recommend for fans of the novel and the original series. This version includes scenes that flesh out the arcs of the side couples, adding depth to their stories. In contrast, the YouTube version feels fast-paced, often omitting critical moments involving characters like Per, Win, Earn, and Pete.

Character Comparisons

- Noh: Across the novel, original series, and remake, Noh has always been a lovable character. In the remake, Progress captures Captain's (the original Noh) charm, wacky expressions, and overall adorableness. Watching him felt like Noh hadn’t changed a bit, even after a decade.

- Phun: Almond brings his own flair to Phun, delivering a softer, flirtier interpretation compared to White’s (the original Phun) more masculine portrayal. Both interpretations are excellent, but Almond’s relatable charm stands out.

- Ohm and Mick: Ohm, portrayed by 2 different actors in the original (the 2nd season of the original was way cuter then the 1st season), but NJ in the remake, exudes charisma and sex appeal, making this version even more captivating than the original. Meanwhile, Mick transitions from reserved and adorable in the original to a bolder, K-pop-inspired character in the remake, enhancing the Ohm-Mick dynamic.

- Yuri: Both versions depict Yuri as clingy and sweet, but I found the original portrayal more compelling. The remake’s Yuri feels slightly clueless at times, though her role remains crucial to Noh’s journey to self discovery.

- Aim: A significant change was made to Aim’s character. While she was romantically involved with another guy in the original, the remake reimagines her as a girl fallin in love with a fellow girl student named Li, making her arc with Phun more cohesive and offering a satisfying resolution to her mistakes.

- Per and Win: Shane’s Per in the remake is undeniably handsome but lacks some of the goofy charm that made the original Per so entertaining. I just really hope that Shane can improve his acting on his next projects. Sky’s Win, on the other hand, is absolutely adorable, delivering a refreshing chemistry with Per. Just by Looking at Sky's face will make every viewers heart melt. Their revamped arc is relatable and emotionally engaging much to my liking.

- Earn and Pete: Earn remains a pivotal character, with Krit’s portrayal in the remake brimming with charm and charisma. I also think that Krit was the best actor to play the role of Earn for the remake. He has 3 times the charm and sex appeal of Ngern(The original Earn). I also love the way he makes his facial expression every time he makes a move on Noh and make Phun extreemly jealous. Pete was originally played by August in the original and now Played by Phop. Pete's character is full of inocense and pure unrequited love for Earn, however, the lack of character development for Earn and Pete is disappointing. Their storyline deserved more screen time to highlight the complexity of unrequited love.

- Jeed: In the remake, Jeed is more of a straightforward antagonist, a departure from her anti-hero arc in the original. While this simplifies her role, it does make her easier for viewers to dislike.

Improvements in the Remake

The remake wisely eliminates unnecessary drama, focusing instead on the novel’s central storyline. The bond between Noh and Ohm is given more emphasis, showcasing their deep friendship and brotherly love. Additionally, Fi’s role is expanded, making him more integral to the story as Noh’s best friend and a part of the Ohm-Mick-Fi love triangle.

One delightful addition is the Phong-Ngor ship, which wasn’t in the original but provides a charming subplot. While some comedic scenes felt slightly forced, they didn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

Overall, LoveSick 2024 is a remarkable remake that balances respect for the original with thoughtful updates for a new generation. From the excellent casting to the polished production and engaging storytelling, the series offers a fantastic viewing experience. Fans of both the original and the remake will undoubtedly find themselves wondering what new stories the Friday High students could tell in a potential second season.

Read More

The Emotional Interest of Love

He's the constant.
She's the variable.
Life is the equation
&
Love is the problem.

It's about the interest one has to pay after being indebted with love for someone. It's about the emotional cost of being attached to someone naturally. It's THAT INTEREST. It's that EXTRA YOU PAY.

A very mature & complex tale of a group of people with all sorts of differences from backgrounds, social status, education & emotional strength to deal with a job, love, life & relationships.

Beautifully filmed, Cinematography & Music was so brilliant. Characters were all flawed human beings & striving for that care but with so much hesitation in their minds & hearts.

YYS had the best emotional expressions through out the show. It's criminally underrated performance. Shadow love OST was fabulous.


It's a drama for mature minds & will need your time & attention to consume it.

Read More

The Best of 2024!!!

This year wasn't the best year of cdramas but the end of the year has brought us amazing costume dramas such as Fangs of Fortune and Love Game in Eastern Fantasy but all of these dramas didn't end as well as Blossom did.

Blossom is honestly the entire package. The plot was nothing new but Blossom definitely executed it the best way. This drama honestly gives me the vibe of Love Like the Galaxy but in my opinion, this drama was a better version if Ling Buyi and Niaoniao communicated better 😂 This drama though filled with politics and schemes managed to give us such a sweet married life of Song Mo and Duo Zhao.

I am honestly in love with how they are together. Once they decided to be together, they never parted or doubted each other once. Duo Zhao was honestly such a heroine just like Song Mo says. I'm really really obsessed with the part of the plot where Duo Zhao helps Song Mo through everything especially the pivotal times that made him who he was in the first life.

She saved him from jail, and talked him out of rebelling when the emperor closed his Uncle's case. It was that river moment when Song Mo was about to give up his twin blades of loyalty and fillial peity when he decided to rebel in the first life, but because Duo Zhao was in his 2nd life, she was able to convince him not to continue.

The next one is when his mother passed away. The symbolism of him reaching for the spear that he used in his first life after being abandoned by his father was so powerful. Instead of being able to reach it, Duo Zhao saved him and turned him back in the right direction. Song Mo is such a pitiful but strong character. Him and Duo Zhao are such a perfect match and I really just loved them in this drama.

I also can't get enough of how many of the characters changed in the 2nd life. My favorites is Duo Ming and Chen Jia. Duo Ming didn't grow up with her mother in the 2nd life hence she didn't turn out badly. I actually cried for her when she died. Although she changed and her husband loved her, he was still useless. Chen Jia was hard to trust at first since he played such a pivotal role in the rebellion in the last life, but he was so cute with Duo Zhao's cousin haha. I was actually do touched when he killed the eunuch in the end and fought side by side with Song Mo.

In conclusion, this drama is the perfect mix of romance, friendships, and political drama. The rewatch value is definitely a 10! My top pick for this year!

Read More

A Spectacle of Disappointment

Rarely does a television program manage to deliver such an unrelenting assault on the senses as The 8 Show. Marketed as a groundbreaking series promising innovation and thrilling entertainment, it instead reveals itself to be an insufferable amalgamation of lazy writing, uninspired performances, and downright baffling production choices. By the end of its interminable runtime, one is left questioning not only the judgment of those who greenlit this disaster but also their own decision to endure it.

The most glaring flaw of The 8 Show is its sheer lack of identity. What does it want to be? A drama? A comedy? A surreal experiment in avant-garde storytelling? It attempts all of these without mastering any, resulting in a tonal Frankenstein’s monster that lumbers aimlessly from scene to scene. The plot – or what one generously calls a plot – is an incoherent mess riddled with gaping holes and unresolved threads. Characters are introduced only to be discarded moments later, and any semblance of a central narrative is buried under layers of needless subplots that go nowhere. Watching it feels less like following a story and more like wandering through a labyrinth designed by someone actively trying to get you lost.

Adding insult to injury, the acting is uniformly atrocious. It’s as if the casting team deliberately sought out performers with the least charisma and emotional range. Lead actor - whatever his name was - delivers his lines with the enthusiasm of someone reading a grocery list, while the supporting cast alternates between overacting and looking visibly confused about what they’re supposed to be doing. Chemistry between characters is nonexistent, which is especially damning in a show that tries (and fails) to rely on relationships and interpersonal drama as its core.

The show’s visual and auditory design does nothing to salvage the experience. The cinematography oscillates between pretentious slow-motion shots and amateurishly framed scenes that look as if they were filmed on a whim. Lighting choices are often inexplicably harsh, lending everything a cheap, soap-opera aesthetic.

Perhaps the most infuriating aspect of The 8 Show is its pretension. It struts around as though it’s the pinnacle of artistic achievement, but beneath its flashy exterior lies a hollow core. The dialogue is riddled with pseudo-intellectual drivel that attempts profundity but only achieves self-parody. Its "bold risks" are less daring leaps and more missteps into creative quicksand, dragging the entire production down with them.

The 8 Show is not just bad – it’s offensively bad. It’s the kind of entertainment black hole that sucks time, energy, and goodwill from anyone unfortunate enough to encounter it. There’s nothing redeemable here, no silver lining to be found. For the sake of your sanity, avoid this calamity at all costs. Just do yourself a favour and skip this garbage.

Final score: 1/10. Even that feels generous.

Read More

What A Great Drama to End This Year

I have been eyeing on this drama ever since the day it was still airing, but unfortunately I haven't got to watch it until this December and got a long break from work. This drama didn't disappoint me in EVERYTHING, I'd say they go all out and have given the viewers a really great drama from the casts, storyline, and even the ending. If you like a drama where communication is the key then this is for you, also, the family relationships is good although I was not liking it from the start, but yeah as they say.... Life can really change and shape a person, and they're the testament for that. Overall, it was so nicceeee watching this drama and I would rewatch this if I would have a time again.

Read More

A story about the power of mutual love and trust

Only when you have the power to move mountains, can you change your fate. That's what the old man tells our FL. She desperately wants to avoid the mistakes from her previous life. And so she embarks on a journey to conquer the intimidating ML, a man who became so obsessed with revenge it ruled his every choice, action, and thought, and save the kingdom along with her loved ones. This story is really good. Chemistry between the actors (leads and supporting) was absolutely top notch. I didnt give it a ten because of various plot holes, and near the end I wasn't really feeling the villain or their motivations. I got bored until we got our time skip and then I was invested again. They take the time to neatly tie up loose ends, which I really appreciate. I thought the FL was awesome, I loved her character. She is smart, witty, driven and determined. She cherishes her friends and allies, going to great lengths to lend a hand when they are in need. She even has compassion for the antagonists.

One of the reasons I've rated 9.5 instead of 10 is because of the antagonist themselves. Some of them are alright but one in particular I had a big issue with. His motivation was flimsy and actually didn't make a lot of sense. But I can forgive that because of all the good things about this show. The ending felt kinda rushed but also made me a little bored.

Other than that, I thought the show was well-written and performances were spectacular across the board. I'm always a fan of time travel fix-it dramas, and while this one isn't as good as the princess royal (in my opinion), it's still really good, and has probably the best ending out of any chinese drama I've seen to date.

Read More

Hyenas do their job

Plot and Storyline
The storyline revolves around Jung Geum-ja, a scrappy, cunning lawyer who will do whatever it takes to win a case, and Yoon Hee-jae, a polished, highly competent attorney who prides himself on his elite status. Their opposing personalities and strategies create a fascinating dynamic as they clash and collaborate in a world rife with corporate corruption, personal vendettas, and moral dilemmas.

The drama does a stellar job balancing intense courtroom battles with personal growth arcs. It’s more than just a legal drama—*Hyena* delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the blurred lines between justice and personal gain.

Performances
Kim Hye-soo delivers a standout performance as the resourceful and fearless Jung Geum-ja. Her portrayal of a morally ambiguous character is both refreshing and empowering. Ju Ji-hoon, on the other hand, shines as the arrogant yet vulnerable Yoon Hee-jae, perfectly complementing Kim Hye-soo's fiery presence. Their chemistry is magnetic, oscillating between rivalry and romance, keeping viewers hooked.

Highlights
1. **Complex Characters**: The depth and layers of the protagonists make them relatable and intriguing.
2. **Tight Pacing**: The drama moves briskly, with twists that keep viewers on their toes.
3. **Visuals and Production**: From the sleek office settings to the dramatic courtroom scenes, the cinematography is polished and engaging.
4. **Romantic Tension**: The relationship between Geum-ja and Hee-jae adds a compelling dimension to the drama, blending humor and intensity.

Weaknesses
While *Hyena* is an overall excellent drama, some subplots could have been explored further. Additionally, a few of the legal cases feel slightly rushed, leaving less room for deeper emotional impact.

Final Verdict
*Hyena* is a thrilling watch for fans of legal dramas and character-driven stories. With its sharp writing, powerhouse performances, and an electrifying mix of rivalry and romance, it stands out as a unique entry in the K-drama world. Whether you’re drawn to courtroom drama or fiery character dynamics, *Hyena* will leave you thoroughly entertained.

Rating: 3.5/5

Read More

This is for adult viewers or people who want more than just fantasy

This is a romance between races, but also tragic story of self-sacrifice. Most folks will hate the ending, but for me it was a world better than The Love Between Fairy and Devil!
From the first episode I was spell-bound. Considering I am not a big fan of fantasy this was one of the best I had seen in general and the best of 2024. Why? Consistent production. Great editing. Fun costumes, awesome color palette. Solid acting. Good story and interesting characters. Music and the lyrics! But what beats Burning Flames and Love Game for me was complex subtext of this story. The whole idea of animosity between two groups is nothing new but I have not seen anything like this before. I admit I only saw 350+ dramas, but this script was smart inside out. I was raised during the era of post-communist regime in the country where we could not openly speak of the tragedies and terror around us, so we developed an artistic, metaphoric way of communicating our observations, dissent and longings. I loved this drama because of how it spoke to that. If you are looking for an easy, HE romance, nah. Skip it. If you want a good story that is visually beautiful and filled with wisdom - give it a try.

Read More