Reviews

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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A great rebirth drama

Lacking time to write a full length review, I will just simply say that this one is worth watching for any fans of Chinese period dramas. It’s an idol drama to be sure, but it maintains all the beats and elements that have made any excellent C period drama of yore stand out in the sea of period dramas from any country.

Rebirth dramas have been popular lately, and I think this one balances that fantasy aspect with realism quite well. It’s grounded in Ming dynasty aesthetics and politics, which helps that side of the story work much better than say that of The Story of Kunning Palace. The romance side is done quite organically, with the tremendous help from a director with solid vision to tell that story with palpable tension and believability. My only small gripe is that the character of Song Han just didn’t work for me - he seemed to me an unnecessary villain in a story already complex enough with various antagonists.

Ultimately, gripe aside, of all the Chinese romance period dramas to pick from this year, this one reigns supreme for me.

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Everything is great especially the costumes

Worth the hype, worth the watch everyone played and executed their parts excellently.

The female lead and the male lead have very great chemistry, the supporting characters were on point too.

I was pained when one of the twins died and FL younger sister died. I really hoped she would have a better ending but it makes sense though because in other for FL to change her fate, she had to die. Her marriage was one of the things that caused it.

The costumes made it even more worth watching.

Including it in my top 3 best historical drama of 2024.

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Not bad at all

I quite enjoyed this mini series. This one was done decently with a pretty complete, more detailed story than the usual mini dramas.

The Good

The plot was decent here and kept me engaged throughout the show. I appreciated that the love triangles were kept to a minimum and our main couple was the focus throughout. No real evil love rivals and annoying childish characters. It was a more mature romance as they recognized and acted on their feelings pretty early on. Definitely lighter on the tropes but a couple were thrown in (not the annoying fall into a kiss ones). The acting was also good here especially from our main leads. This almost felt like I was watching a fuller length drama. The production was standard for a modern drama but it had a nice OST. Oh and this has lots of romance and kisses. A very green flag couple.

The Bad

Wished some of the characters could have been fleshed out more but with this being a mini series, they were limited on time to do that. Also, it’s not a new story as it’s an older woman/younger man trope. Some may not like it. It also had the bad parents tropes which sometimes gets tiring.

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JCOC!

This drama is great for the love part only.

Type is an a-hole, self centered, egotistical, moul fouthed, jerk, douchebag, hypocrite kinda guy. I hope I write all of them that represent Type character, because the actor is so awesome on portraying it, or better, the writer!

The plot is spicy for some, full of TW for sure.

The one thing that make me stay to watch it is the way the director make the scene, especially the lovey dovey scene so perfect, you want to play back just to watch and get the feels.

In the end, Type is a great love to Tharn.

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Could Have Been Better.. Should Have Been Better..

Face Me is another attempt at medical crime thriller drama that had the potential to stand out but it falls short due to the lazy screenplay and narrative.. The whole concept felt off at the beginning.. Even the initial cases failed to create any real pull towards the story.. The dialogues were not that great.. I guess thats why the initial episodes felt boring..

Lee Min ki and Han Ji Hyun both delivered good performances but I felt they are far better actors and they were underutilised in Face Me.. Especially Lee Min Ki.. Han Ji Hyun is a lively character.. I hope she does a historical drama soon..

Lee Yi Kyung was also good in his role.. 2024 has been a great year for him.. Marry My Husband and Face Me.. And even Marry YOU.. He is showing his range and gaining more attention as well..

They could have made the scene where the real culprit is revealed much more dramatic.. It should have been a goosebumps moment.. I mean imagine realizing the person who killed your father and tried to kill you.. The culprit you have been looking for / hiding from is right in front of your eyes about to operate on you.. And you only realise this as you are slipping into unconsciousness.. If only they had made it more edgy or exhilarating..

I actually think Face Me is a better drama than what the ratings and comments indicate.. I guess the rating is below 8 because most of them were expecting some romance even if it's not the main focus.. And also they were expecting something more dramatic i guess?? What were they expecting?? A killer who changes his/her face after every murder??

Overall the drama was good.. The ending didn’t feel rushed.. And the conclusion hinted at a romance between the leads.. Which was nice.. However I would have loved it if they had explored that a bit more.. What harm would an extra 15 minutes in the final episode have done??

P.S.. The subtitles were poor again.. What will it take for them to hire someone skilled to handle the subtitles properly??

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