Reviews

Sadomasochism drama for you

The only reason I watched this is He Xuanlin. I really hate sadomasochism theme, but I kept holding on, along with any kind of curse words.

As the synopsis written, Lin Wenyu is the FL. Her real name was Su Wenyue, the daughter of Su Mu. Su Mu was the lieutenant of Duan Xunchu's father. Xunchu's parents thought of FL as their own daughter, so she lived in Duan family's house since she was a kid. Bcos of the close relationship between the parents, Wenyue was engaged with Duan family's oldest son, Duan Xunliu. However, one night, enemies barged into Duan family's house and killed everyone. Wenyue and Xunchu managed to escape and lived together. Wenyue lied to Xunchu to make him leave the city. Seven years after they got separated, they reunite. This time, Xunchu's mission is to make Wenyue, now Wenyu, to pay for his family demise. Then, after they resolve their misunderstanding, together they try to find the truth.

MUSIC
Tbh the music is just so-so, not memorable. Sometimes it is too loud. I don't like the opening song too.

CHARACTERS
Lin Wenyu/Su Wenyue
Our FL is a few years older than ML so she sees him as her own didi. She owns a apothecary and known for her beauty and skills as a doctor. An elegant, smart, brave, kind hearted and forgiving woman.

Duan Xunchu
The ML who vowed to make the killer of his family suffer. Therefore, he loves and hates Wenyu. He started to love her when they lived together for a few years after the incident. That's why he was in agony when Wenyu said his family was killed by her and her father. He came back after successfully becoming a general known as Iron Blood. After he comes back, he makes Wenyu lives in hell. He treats all women like trash.

Song Wanzhen
As usual, we have the delusional spoiled rich brat. She is the youngest chikd in Song family, so she acts as she pleases. A perfect match for Xunchu. Anyway her father tries to tie her with Xunchu in marriage, but Xunchu successfully avoids it. She always tries to bully Wenyu and she hates Huaining bcos he is not her real brother.

Song Huaining
The adoptive son of Song family. Somehow he doesn't remember anything before he was saved by his adoptive father. He is kind, gentle, well behaved. Although he is few years older than Xunchu, they became friends. Sometimes he has a severe headache, so Wenyu often comes to treat him.

ACTING
He Xuanlin is undeniably great. She is the reason that kept me watching.
Gao Mingchen got his first lead role, but as a red flag. He did great though. Some of you might think he looks more like an angry teenager. What do you expect? Xunchu lost his childhood and has been hiding from his enemies until he finally gained power. His mind is full of revenge, but he can't help feeling jealous to Huaining. He is conflicted between love and hate to Wenyu.
For the SFL, what kind I say? The easiest role in a drama is playing a spoiled rich brat.
For the SML, he fits his role. A gentle man shrouded in mystery. But sometimes he is lacking in expressions.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS
Tbh, I freaking HATE the ML. He is a disgusting piece of shit. He keeps treating FL like a trash on the first half of the drama! He hates her, but also cares for her. After choking her, then he gives her his coat or treats her wound. He is always jealous everytime Wenyu gets close with another man, then he will drag her along the road. Sometimes she doesn't defend herself and lets him do as he pleases. I think it is bcos she feels guilty for his suffering after they got separated. Once he finds out she is innocent, all he says is "From now on, I will make up for it. I'm sorry". WHAT??? That's it?? Everytime I see him choking her, I always scream "I will fry you, pig!" If I were Wenyu, I will never forgive him, or at least I will make him pay for it until I feel satisfied. I won't get swayed by his gifts, sweet words, etc. But anyway, Wenyu is too kind and forgiving. She accepts him right away.

SUMMARY
Would I recommend this? If you are fine with sadomasochism theme, you might want to try this. The leads have great chemistry. The mystery is predictable, so viewers just have to watch how the story goes and how the leads handle the situations. This is a short drama, only 10 minutes each episode. You can finish binge watching it in less than 3 hours.

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Felt like a state sanctioned anti-suicide infomercial

Ok. So I know the rating and review title might be confusing.

This show has some great acting, the quality of production is fantastic. The music was great. Some of the stories were really interesting and it’s for the most part well-written.

HOWEVER, if I hadn’t been watching with someone else I would have dumped the show. It felt like I was being lectured about suicide but in a very strange way. Korea has a very high suicide rate and maybe that plays into it, but some of the message delivery was clunky and anyone with an ounce of common sense can throw the reasoning out of the window. Maybe they hoped to make people think again about giving life a chance, maybe scare them into carrying on. I dunno guys, it just fell flat.

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EDIT: BRILLIANT

EDIT AFTER FINISHING THE DRAMA:
I certainly don't regret the subscription fee in the app. My points in the first version of this review still stand (read below). Everything had it's logic, no gut punching turning tides events for the sake of dramatisation, very nicely paced, keeps you glued to the screen. I especially appreciate Wanmian's character, you go girl!!! The character and actor of Di Fei Sheng (thank you so much to casting directors, I LOVE to see Xiao Shun Yao like this). There's an extra small episode in iqiyi app, but you don't really need to watch it, it doesn't add much to the ending. Although I would've appreciated a happy happy ending, the ending they wrote was understandable. Personally, this drama is up there on my list with the best ones on my list. I hope this writers team will do more dramas like this in the future.

Original review I wrote after watching 10 EPs, unedited:
I've watched 10 episodes so far and boy, I'd binge this in one day if I could but I don't have the time for that lol.
Storyline is catchy so far, great cliff hangers which make you want to watch another episode. Some cliff hangers spread even through two episodes which I like, it's a smart move.
I've watched many series and dramas from many countries, so some mysteries are a little see-through for me but it's fine. It's good that the writers put the storyline logically.
I like that there aren't crazy fast movements from one location to another, no big storyline jumps, just a normal pace for when you want to chill while watching.
The only annoying thing so far is the immense amount of Fang Duobing's lines, like he's talking TOO much in some places, but I guess it's part of the charm of his character.
Two of my favourite things so far - Xiao Shun Yao is one of the main characters and he finally has screen time!
And most importantly THERE'S A DOG AND HE SHOWED UP REGULARLY IN THE SERIES.

I'll let you know my final rating once I'm finished :-)

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Makjang dumb plots chasing after one villain

This drama was written by the written who have written Miss Monte Cristo in 2021. While I was expected for this drama, but I also cautious because daily drama it is usually a hit or miss and this one was a miss in my opinion. If you have been watching from the beginning until the end then you know. Without going into much into it I like the fast paced early on until the switch of the actor which both are good actor, but I personally felt it went down from there and the writer lost momentum in writing the story and directing as well. I liked the acting for the most part, but this drama just went down afterward and I dislike how one person who been doing wrong never gotten taken down like what the hell is going on with this. If you like this type of drama then check it out but I don't think the stupidity does stop.

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"It's already bad that we are poor, and now you're gay as well" . This just got me.

If I had the privilege to award something, I would give this series the best BL series award in 2023.

I feel the sense of proud while watching this series. Why? Because, it is so nice to see how BL series have evolved to this.

Particularly the story. So if you are expecting a common troupe like poor lead falling for a rich lead and happily ever after, or poor couple falling in love and then becomes rich and problem solved or something like that. This is definitely not that, it has the most sense of realism that any story could ever have. It shows the actual struggles of working class people and how they make ends meet everyday.

When Uncle Jim said. To Li Ming
*"As if, Being poor was not enough, and now you are gay as well".*
I was tearing up with such a powerfull dialogue, specially the fact that it was said by someone who himself was a gay. That was too deep. It gives you the touch of sad reality, that even in this whatsoever progressive world being a sexual minor is still a challenge.

Earth-Mix acting is over the top. They blend into the character soo well, that you might question wether they are different person or the same as their characters. Gemini-Fourth acting and story is wholesome. First-Khao-Mark are steals the show as a side character whenever they are on screen.

I believe this kind of stories that have a good takeaway message should be more appreciated.

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To tell you the truth, the moment I saw you for the first time I knew I would fall in love with you

A drama full of emotion. I did not watch the Japanese version, but I really liked the story, the actors’ performances, and the music was calm
There was a sense of sadness in the series. I felt sad in most of the scenes?
, how misunderstanding destroys the relationship and that love requires courage.....

16 episodes. I lived the atmosphere of Cha Jin and Mo Eun’s relationship. I enjoyed the story and the narration was touching. At the beginning, we lived the atmosphere of the beginnings like any relationship, and how Mo Eun is passionate about her love and that Cha Jin loves her, but he was not able to convey his feelings to Mo Eun because he had a previous painful love story. Also, after his ex-girlfriend returned, he had an impact on their relationship. I felt the same way Mo Eun felt when she felt jealous of Song seo
Also during the series there is a one-sided and hidden love between Gohan and Mo Eun, but he was not brave to tell her his love. She should have realized that. She is always grateful to him for always being by her side, but she did not feel his love. I really feel sorry for Gohan.
also The character Mo Dam, Mo Eun's brother, and her friend Ji Yoo, had a cute relationship and scenes that added fun to the series.
Also, Ki Hyun's character was warm and their friendship was unconditional. The series is really enjoyable and worth watching..?

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Love is so strange yet so Beautiful

You can read this this is spoiler free


Before starting this review I want to tell that this is a noona romance so don't start this if you don't like the genre I saw many people hating this show just cuz of that stupid reason. The difference isn't that much here either. ML is 32 and FL is 37 just 5 year gap and both are adults. Don't start this if you're not gonna continue. Cuz you know every book got its own charm some may like it and some may not. This is a simple Slice of Life story showing us the daily lives of some people. So don't expect that there will be bloodshed and everyone will be at gunpoint. This is a whole different genre by Lee Jong Suk. So now that you've got a clear picture of the drama continue if you are going to complete it or else don't start there are plenty of other shows you can watch go ahead......



So now that I completed Romance is a bonus book I am in love with this show and I already miss it so much.

So let's talk about the plot as you've read this story revolves around the daily life of a divorcee Kang Dan I who's struggling to find a job despite of having a successful career and Cha Eun Ho a famous, kind, young Author, Chief Editor and Profesor who doesn't believe in love.


Cha Eun Ho is a really lovable character he cares about the women whom he loves and admires. He always gave his shoulder to her when she needed and they always believed that they will stay for one another even if the whole world is against them

Kang Dan I is a single mother who was divorced by her husband. She's now unemployed and doesn't have money. She somehow gets a job in a company where Eun Ho is chief editor. Her character is like a warm cup of tea. She's so good to everyone throughout the series despite having problems. I don't get why people don't like her I mean she's just a simple human what else can she do She's working hard to earn so that she could pay for her daughter's education who's in Phillipines.



Overall I'd say that if you're looking for something that can calm you down and you want to get out of your stressful life and want to take a break this drma is for you. Give it a chance you'll really like this. The acting,cast ost everything was just so perfect. Don't look for much of a story just continue and you'll fall in love with show and the characters shown here.

If you read it till here thanks for reading and I hope you'll have a good time watching this.

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Life is stuck in the past

All the recent dramas that have been released are somehow attached to their previous lives .For example, this drama also 1. moon in the day, 2. the story of park's marriage , 3.my demond etc

This drama did not need to do so many episodes. 8 or 10 episodes could have ended the drama well. The story could have been made stronger, the chemistry did not come between the hero and heroine, the good actors of the family mamber were not given enough screen time and acting move.Comedy could be done in drama. Because there were many comedian actors.The drama could have been a little romantic. There is no proper screen time set in the second leads actors.
The second female lead and the story are a little bit non-perfect. It is not known who her husband is. And I could not understand how her husband forgot his wife ?

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Monotonous watch

The trailer put me in spin as romantic comedies are my go to stories. The star cast drew my attention as Mr. Queen has been teaming with K2 for the first time.
Once upon a time, a boy and girl was entangled in love fate as soon they were born. Their love story bloomed by the shore of Seoul but a cyclone paid an uninvited visit to the long stretches of Jeju only to wash the blooming love. So, did they leave each other or did they fight for their love.

One thing is annoyingly becoming common in romantic comedies which is a love connection happening when leads are growing. This may used ignite spark at the beginning but now it is the biggest turn off. This is the biggest loophole for Sam Dal and Young Pil story. They have been unconditionally and irrevocably in love only to break up at the age of thirty. Love does not fade and enmity does not make them sour. You know what's happening next.
Penned by the person responsible for cult classic like 18 again and Hi Bye Mama, this story is just an elongated drag of some of 208 or 2019s sweet stories. Director Cha Yeong Hoon who is known for making joker in When Camellia Blooms failed to bring the allure. The cinematographer did a wonderful job in snapping the beautiful shores.
Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Soon fit perfectly in the shoes of the leads. But their chemistry did not make butterflies. Kang Yeong Sook as Bang Do tried to turn heads but attention mostly vanished before the yellow car.
Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Soon fit perfectly in the shoes of the leads. But their chemistry did not make butterflies. Kang Yeong Sook as Bang Do tried to turn heads but attention mostly vanished before the yellow car.
The story is a perfect amalgamation of love, enmity and humor. The friendship of the five who gets along even after staying apart all these years will tear you. Even though it is a love that we know, watching the journey through various nooks and holes makes it a beautiful watch.

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Kill Or Be Killed...or not!

So far - so good!

Episode one paves the way whereas episode two gives us some background and a bit of context as to how Jian comes under her uncle's care before his apparent suicide when she is older.

There are some truly wicked scenes like when she (older) is finding "blind spots" when being targeted by a hit man in episode one, the scene where she (child) is hanging off a pipe or pole under the window of their upstairs apartment showing how quick she is to think and act in order to survive even at that young age (ep 2), also, when she crawls in to the morgue space to discover quite by accident her mother's dead body lying there yet stays quiet and calm knowing there are "bad men" trying to hurt her (ep 2).

Resilient in survival mode at its fullest.

There are other scenes too that are just as good - like when it goes back to the start in episode 2 with the hitman and dealing with the drones, also, the relationship development between Jian and her uncle which has some humourous and serious moments.

Not sure just how graphically violent or gruesome it will get as it goes on, but there is one scene (ep 2) where it seems like someone is hacking off the arm of her "uncle's friend" that had gone to her family home to either get her or protect her.

Her "uncle's friend" seemed quite young and good looking so it wasn't great knowing his likely fate. Never know!

Am ready and revving for the next episode...

It is really good right until the end!!!

If I was to complain about anything it would be about some of the flash backs used which are overused to clarify something, but it doesn't subtract too much from the experience.

Also, I kind of predicted something about one person from the very start so wasn't surprised when that person's true colours shone right through when they did - sad for me though as I kind of had a soft spot for them.

Highly recommended!!!

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The cast is the only good thing to come out of this show.

Re-review after re-watch:

I'm going to take a chance at providing a better review now that my emotions towards the show aren't as intense as it was when I wrote the original review.

Story:

The issue with TC is not that the story is too typical or already seen. Human creativity can have its limitations. The issue is the Main Problem and what came with Him and Her. Some of these problems were not in the novels apparently. Though take that fact with a grain of salt as I have not read it. The issue also lies in the pacing. The development of TonChon relationship was slow, while not an issue generally, it is an issue when you have small number of episodes to pull everything together. Which is literally what they did. The last episode was clunky. They had to tell us what happened to the main antagonist through a flashback and someone asking about her. Why would anyone ask about her approximately three years later? When the person that asked the question would have witnessed the whole thing anyway. If you have to create a mini plot-hole to answer a question I doubt many people care about is testament to awkward pacing. Some parts of the last episode could have moved forward if the relationship between the main couple (Ton and Chon) had sped up just a little bit.

The twist that Ton knew the truth but still did what he did is baffling. So you knew, but still tried to change him? Ton was shown to like it but still did as much as he could to change Chon. Or did he try to lie to himself because of his family? So many odd questions and plotholes... It almost feels as if that big reveal was thought of later, after the intial filming (though it wasn't).

One subplot I did like was of the sister and her husband's issue. It was nice to see that issues like that can exist and how nicely it was managed along with how the couple got stronger after they communicated with each other. Perhaps a relationship feature Ton and Chon could have unlocked.

Cast:

I stand by what I said. The cast was really good. They worked well together. Decent chemistry. Solid comedy acting. The first scene that introduced Tonhon and Chonlatee? Hilarious. The actors did really well with making me laugh. If they had been given a better plot with the humour, the show would have been a hit. Neo was the best actor overall. That scene at the end made out to be a tiktok video? Phenomenal!

Music:

Not much to say, it was fitting with the aesthetic, but nothing to outstanding.

Re-watch value:

Obviously, as this extended review is of my watching it the second time, the show does have it's good parts, its potential is just killed with the last two to three episodes.

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Originial Review after re-watch:
Every actor did a great job with their characters. Were the characters ass? Yes. Did the actors do well acting out as asses? Yes. With the exception of Na, I found at least one serious flaw in the characters. Chon’s mom comes in second.

The cast should try again with another comedy series. I’m sure they’ll do well!

Story was crap. Apparently, a vital part of the series and the main insitigator for the problems wasn’t even a part of the original book, which I have not read.

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Obsessed with RaySand

I really enjoyed watching this, even though I actually prefer to watch cutesy, sweet, no-angst shows, which I would say this isn’t.

First off, I love RaySand’s story/romance it’s done so well and Khaotung and First do an amazing job acting. I will say I wasn’t really all that interested in MewTop, but that didn’t detract from the story too much. The acting is all quite good, I think this is a pretty top-tier cast (especially Khaotung, the way he portrayed emotions was really really good). Some emotional moments nearer the end did make me tear up, again the way Khaotung and First portray their characters is SO good. I also am a big fan of Neo, he did a great job (even though Boston isn’t the best).

I started this show not really thinking I’d even get through it, but mainly because I just wanted to give it a try- then ended up finishing it in 3 days. There’s a lot of messiness with the characters, and a lot of drama (and a lot of bad decisions made), and it makes for a great show.

I also really loved how the show talked about sexuality and consent and such were important and talked about. I see too many BLs living in some sort of fantasy world where consent is not given and it’s not a problem- not even talked about. Also there are some BLs that are just weird with pacing and the story and confusing, but this absolutely was not, the plot and pacing were very natural, the way characters react is completely natural. It was a very good watch.

I wasn’t even planning on writing this much, I just finished it so I think I have a lot to say about it. If you’ve actually read this, I definitely recommend you watch the show, and I hope you enjoy it.

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