Reviews

It was a 10 for me until the last few episodes. Then it dropped to 8.5.

This drama is a little rough around the edges with parts that don't flow very smoothly, especially toward the end. There's an intrigue that seems redundant, trying too hard to be sensational. However, the family dynamic is interesting to watch, and I personally enjoyed the power struggle between the Fu brothers. The cast is top-notch, no doubt about it. My biggest disappointment is that by episode 39, the drama fails to dwell too much on (well-deserved) consequences. Some characters commit atrocious acts that are not adequately punished or addressed (Yunshen's mother, I'm looking at you!). Cheng Yi is, yet again, the king of whump here. Seriously, his character has more lives than a cat. Shot, paralyzed, staked - you name it, he's been through it all. Overall, it was a great watch, except for the last draggy episodes that somewhat ruined the experience for me.

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Good one

I didn't realise it was sequel and I think I didn't need it . Story has started with a good note . A Queen of phoenix who was about to take human form but accidentally har spirit was shattered by whom it was happened he decided to bring her back . From here the actually story has started . Two main couples were there in the drama and each had their stories . BOTH I LIKED IT . One more pairing was there in the drama whose love story hadn't shown but they end it gave a hint that they would have a story . I liked other sporting characters of the drama. I had an issue with the ending part . By seeing the ending I think there must be season 2.

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Machi Suzuri must be proud!

For a Manga released on Twitter in 2020 and becoming a beautifully executed short series (3 episodes), Machi Suzuri must be beaming as its writer and illustrator.

There is only 3 episodes of 45 minutes each that made it extra difficult for the director to provide such a concise but well told story.

it is a small production but it showed a well executed short series. The story from beginning to end smoothly flowed, the artists acted well within their characters (so close to the Manga character I am seeing what I read being played in front of me). The wardrobe was just right, supporting cast made the main characters able to tell their story with clarity, and the set was simply done to meet the scene setting.

It is so far the best Japanese short BL series I have watched for a long time.

This is a highly recommended watch for anyone who enjoys BL genre, and even for those who don't but open to the idea.

Screenplay was well written, directed well, and roles were portrayed marvelously.

Thanking the production staff and producer for investing in this series.

#MangaSeries #BL #JapaneseBL #GreatBLSeries #2024BL

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DFF Better Than Expected

Before I write this review, I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect much. I’ve watched THC and to be honest, some of their acting was so so but I gave DFF a try because the plot was so interesting and it’s better than expected! I judged the boys too soon because oh wow, their acting improved so much! Yes of course some scenes had lack of expression but it’s barely noticeable. This show makes you anxious since episode 1 and I’m only in episode 3 and it keeps getting better and better. It has so much suspense and build up! I’m excited to see what actually happened. Now on the editing side, let’s not forget to give credit to BOC and their amazing cinematography! If there’s one thing BOC is amazing at is definitely their editing, colour and cinematography skills. Everything was well shot and edited! Overall kudos to everyone involved!

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Fun and silly ride with a few potholes that make it bumpy

The first half of this drama I really enjoyed. It was light and silly and the strong willed Yeon Woo was fun to watch. Sa Wol was one of the best characters in the show. She was so funny and lightened every scene she was in but also carried her loyalty and wisdom well.

Overall and nice watch to pass the time. But there are some things about this show that I found reduced the rating for me. First was the future Tae Ha's unbelievable jerk behavior when they first meet. I know that is a trope of the overbearing boss kind but it bothered me here. When he finally lightens up and starts to accept the situation he does become more likeable. Next is how quickly the women adjusted to the changes. It did not feel realistic with how fast they changed the way they dress and act in a time that was so dramatically different than what they lived in. And finally, is the love story. While it was fun to watch them bicker and find their way to each other then the love story gets a little boring. It almost felt like filler to watch them after that and while I love romance I thought that time could have been cut out for me and just moved on with the plot.

Slight spoiler here so be warned but I also could not stand the ending for the Old Joseon Tae Ha. I was annoyed the whole time I was watching it as the character did not deserve it.

Overall the music is quite nice, the production was done well from sets to costumes, and the parts were acted well. A good way to pass the time but I could also recommend several other shows I would find better than this as well.

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Controversial drama with disappointing ending

Controversial drama with disappointing ending

This drama has stellar cast and production quality is superb, but the plot and message behind it are very controversial, to say the least.

The first 4 episodes were a solid 9, though heavy-handed, insensitive religious patronizing can be clearly seen from the very beginning. But after episode 5 it rapidly went downhill. Episode 6 was like those countless crime dramas about exaggerated corruption and untouchable chaebols with over the top acting and resolutions. Very meh.
And the last two episodes were drilling on the same message - suicide is a selfish act, it's not about you, you should keep on suffering for the sake of others. The only insightful part was about a suicidal salary man, who basically started the chain of events that lead ML to his own suicide - it showed ML the ugly reality of that dream he so desperately wanted to have, the one the government and society kept on brainwashing him to strive for since he went to school. But they never delved anywhere further with that. Instead of guilt shaming ML with his mother for the whole episode they should have explored what ML really wanted in life, how can he be true to himself like he said he wanted to. Is being a cog in an uncaring corporate machine what people really should strive for in life? Just such a waste of potential here narrative wise.

But as it is, this drama didn't try looking into the cause, didn't try to resolve any of the problems SK's society has that leads people to commit a staggering amount of suicides every year, like poverty and unemployment, it just tried to guilt shame suiciders through religious and societal dogmas. Makes one think that it was sponsored by SK's government, who seems to be impotent in solving this serious country wide issue and now just resorts to such cheap shots like this drama. Maybe it will work better on Asian audience with their traditionally communal mentality, but it's a very hard sell for individualistic West.

The suicide topic here is viewed from such narrow perspective, it really started to piss me off by the end. No exploration of mental health state of suicidal people or various circumstances that lead to this hard decision. Yeah, in ML's case perhaps he was too rash in attempting suicide since he had a caring mother and a girlfriend (though seeing how lonely he was with his problems at the beginning, these people have shown him lack of moral support when he really needed it, and his mother was later shown hoarding money for him, which she should have given him years ago to help cover his education debts he was paying off for many years). But what about people who have no such people in their lives? What about terminally ill/severely crippled/mentally unwell people who see themselves as burden to their relatives and society? What about kids being beaten by their own drunkard parents and nobody cares? What about people who are living in miserable poverty with no hope for a better future? They should also keep on suffering for the sake of others and their country or go to hell? So many unique lives with unique problems, but this drama had no compassion or desire to explore any of that. It's like that cartoon meme: Nope, stop talking, go to hell.

As for the ending, well, ML got a second chance in life and that's a win (?). But consequently it also invalidated everything ML did in other people’s bodies and all those who were supposed to die will die, including his girlfriend, and all the bad guys, including two serial killer psychos, will still be walking scott free.
So all in all, this drama just left me kinda perplexed as to how to score it, because, on the one hand, the quality and cast were superb, but controversial message and disappointing ending made me feel like I've wasted my time watching this.
I guess I'll score episodes 1-5 with 8.5 and 6-8 with 7.0.

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Controversial drama with disappointing ending

This drama has stellar cast and production quality is superb, but the plot and message behind it are very controversial, to say the least.

The first 4 episodes were a solid 9, though heavy-handed, insensitive religious patronizing can be clearly seen from the very beginning. But after episode 5 it rapidly went downhill. Episode 6 was like those countless crime dramas about exaggerated corruption and untouchable chaebols with over the top acting and resolutions. Very meh.
And the last two episodes were drilling on the same message - suicide is a selfish act, it's not about you, you should keep on suffering for the sake of others. The only insightful part was about a suicidal salary man, who basically started the chain of events that lead ML to his own suicide - it showed ML the ugly reality of that dream he so desperately wanted to have, the one the government and society kept on brainwashing him to strive for since he went to school. But they never delved anywhere further with that. Instead of guilt shaming ML with his mother for the whole episode they should have explored what ML really wanted in life, how can he be true to himself like he said he wanted to. Is being a cog in an uncaring corporate machine what people really should strive for in life? Just such a waste of potential here narrative wise.

But as it is, this drama didn't try looking into the cause, didn't try to resolve any of the problems SK's society has that leads people to commit a staggering amount of suicides every year, like poverty and unemployment, it just tried to guilt shame suiciders through religious and societal dogmas. Makes one think that it was sponsored by SK's government, who seems to be impotent in solving this serious country wide issue and now just resorts to such cheap shots like this drama. Maybe it will work better on Asian audience with their traditionally communal mentality, but it's a very hard sell for individualistic West.

The suicide topic here is viewed from such narrow perspective, it really started to piss me off by the end. No exploration of mental health state of suicidal people or various circumstances that lead to this hard decision. Yeah, in ML's case perhaps he was too rash in attempting suicide since he had a caring mother and a girlfriend (though seeing how lonely he was with his problems at the beginning, these people have shown him lack of moral support when he really needed it, and his mother was later shown hoarding money for him, which she should have given him years ago to help cover his education debts he was paying off for many years). But what about people who have no such people in their lives? What about terminally ill/severely crippled/mentally unwell people who see themselves as burden to their relatives and society? What about kids being beaten by their own drunkard parents and nobody cares? What about people who are living in miserable poverty with no hope for a better future? They should also keep on suffering for the sake of others and their country or go to hell? So many unique lives with unique problems, but this drama had no compassion or desire to explore any of that. It's like that cartoon meme: Nope, stop talking, go to hell.

As for the ending, well, ML got a second chance in life and that's a win (?). But consequently it also invalidated everything ML did in other people’s bodies and all those who were supposed to die will die, including his girlfriend, and all the bad guys, including two serial killer psychos, will still be walking scott free.
So all in all, this drama just left me kinda perplexed as to how to score it, because, on the one hand, the quality and cast were superb, but controversial message and disappointing ending made me feel like I've wasted my time watching this.
I guess I'll score episodes 1-5 with 8.5 and 6-8 with 7.0.

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Just the most fun you will have watching a kdrama

Maybe at some point I'll come back and write a proper review of this hilarious comic action parody about a vigilante named Skunk who steals back Korea's artefacts from dastardly villains.

For now, I'll just say - it's the most fun thing I've watched in years. With a perfect mashup of comedy, action movie parodies, well-directed fight scenes and a boat load of tongue-in-cheek humour (and okay possibly a smidge too much patriotism), Stealer is a ride that you won't regret taking.

The longer review will probably note the second half is maybe not as strong as the first. But who cares, really. It's a hoot.

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Do you have faith in destiny and love that defies time?

This is the tale of a Confucian woman from the Joseon era thrust into the year 2023 after her husband's sudden passing. Determined to uncover the truth behind his tragic demise, she encounters someone who bears a striking resemblance to her late husband and shares his name. Is he truly the same person as her beloved spouse?

Beyond being a love story, it delves into themes of family dynamics and camaraderie. Moreover, it highlights the constraints faced by Joseon-era women, juxtaposed with the modern era where women experience greater freedom and opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Despite its short episode and some episodes with a hasty narrative, "The Story Of Parks Marriage Contract" stands as a beautifully crafted love story. It skillfully portrays the transcendent love journey between Yeonwoo and Taeha across time and space, leaving me filled with immense joy and happiness.

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One of the better Josean era dramas, even pokes fun at some of the over used tropes

9.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2023 South Korean Romantic comedy drama with 16, 60 minute episodes

First I provide a unique synopsis then review

Synopsis

Shim Jung-woo (Rowoon) is still salty about being “sold” into marriage into the royal family. To make things worse his new wife, the Princess, died from poison on the eve of their wedding. Which locks him into celibate bachelorhood and makes it so he has way too much time on his hands. He is known as the grouchy Prince (resentful man) as he uses his exceptional intellect to ensure no one else is having fun either (in the guise of upholding strict Josean law). Jung Soon-deok (Cho Yi-hyun) loved her husband but is a young widow locked in the role of little madam as the second daughter-in-law of the Left State Councilor. She prefers to use her skills as a matchmaker to playing lady of the house. Fate lands these two unlikely accomplices in league to get three old maidens married in order to manipulate the politics to allow the young crown prince to marry. Neither should be interested in anyone romantically as social tradition ties them to their deceased spouses. Will the two succeed in their unlikely task of getting all three old maids wed? Will their hearts abide by the dictates of society?

Review

One of the better Josean dramas I have seen. It even pokes fun at some of the tropes such as the “I love You So I am Going To Leave You” trope. Rowoon is always a joy to watch, he can play such a diversity of characters well. Multiple romances in this, as would be expected given the topic, and they all end well. It is entertaining throughout and ends happy. I recommend to fans of either of the main leads, Josean drama fans, those that like a little action, and a little mystery and not an overwhelming amount of politics. If it was on, I would watch it again and I recommend it as an excellent drama.

Spoilers

I liked the “resentful” man angle and was a little disappointed to find he was not coerced into the marriage. It was less appealing to me that he actually loved the Princess. I thought him being forced made his intractable nature more understandable.

The character growth in this was amazing. The King, for example, I did not think I would like him but he turned out to be one of the best characters. The way he saved both Jung-woo and Sein-dook in the end was heart warming. It was clear he grew to love and appreciate Jung-woo as not only a close trusted advisor but like another son. The queen was also an awesome character in the way she lived her son and how kind she was to others. The young Crown Prince was bright, wise and kind. The royal family in this series is one of few royal families, in Josean dramas, I have liked.

Soon-deok’s mother-in-law (MIL) was purely evil and I know it was supposed to be her punishment was being alone but I would have liked to have seen her seriously punished. Or for her to come around, accept her daughter’s choice, and allow her daughter-in-law to have a life. I was disappointed Soon-deok did not see her MIL’s tweet true character sooner. She admired her through most of the series even when many of the things she was doing were underhanded and evil. I got she was being filial but there were points when I wish she had stood up to her or turned away from her more.

It ending with Jung-woo and Soon-deok just having a magical romance, a courtship, prior to marriage was a little unsatisfying. After all they had gone through to be able to be together, ending in their marriage would have felt more “happily ever after” than we are just going to essentially date and marry later.

#KimSeokWoo

#Rowoon

#TheMatchmakers

#ChoYiHyun

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Delightful!

I am so sad that it’s over ?. This show was so delightful to watch! With every new episode that was released, I enjoyed it more and more. It was the perfect mix of mystery, fun, romance and heartbreak, and I think they used up the 12 episodes they had very nicely.

Se Young’s and In Hyuk’s chemistry was so nice, I loved their characters together so much! And the second couple matched each other’s unhinged energy so perfectly, both couples were a delight to watch.

The music also delivered amazingly. The instrumental was so great, building up the scenes so well that it got me at the edge of my seat!

The styling was also so beautiful. Everyone looked exquisite and I really enjoyed the fashion show in the middle part of the series. Usually, when there is such an event teased in a show, the hype within the story is too big and the final scene ends up being super underwhelming, but not here. The designs looked fresh and pretty and definitely matched with how we got to see Yeon Woo up to that point.

The last episode was really nice as well, and wrapped up both stories quite nicely. Overall, a great show to finish as the first of the new year?

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Only For Bai Lu

The story is nothing new same cold CEO & bubbly FL. The drama became popular because of Leads. I wouldn't have watched it if it wasn't for Bai Lu. I honestly skipped a lot of scenes.

Zheng Shu Yi is a beautiful financial journalist. She is talented, smart & confident. Liked how she used to flirt with Shi Yan

Shi Yan is the CEO of Yunchuang Capital. He left his family business & started his own business. He is a cold, reserved & private person. He values talent over private relationships. He being jealous every now & then was unnecessary.

Bai Lu as always did her best. In the trailer I find Dylan Wang acting bland, but after watching the drama, he did well.

I liked Qin Shi Yue. & also Tang Yi I also need a supporting boss like her.

I liked the way Zheng Shu Yi said to Shi Yun that she will pursue him. It was cute.

Business aspect of the drama was unimportant, not like Rising With the Wind. I mean why would an investment company give so much importance to a bankrupt company which isn't doing well even if they have potential.

Ost was good.

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Draggy love story, immature characters, meandering plot, saving grace is humor and scenery

The love story is uninteresting and the only thing that is drawing the audience from watching is whether the ML and FL will get together, and the reason why they broke up. Other plots serves as fillers most of the time. Otherwise, most of the time the ML and FL are hanging around having conversations like teenagers and the FL is always acting like an immature teenager girl. The drama keeps having flashbacks of them as teenagers, and although the drama also tells of stories of friendship, the other supporting characters do not quite have good character development.

The upside of the drama really is the depiction of the relationship of the FL’s mother and her family, and the scenery around Jeju.

I cannot find myself being engrossed with the ML or the FL. The ML is too passive, and only took action in episode 11. The FL is too incongruent, whiny, behaved like a teenager and awkward to be very likeable. I understand it is a character setup but for kdramas to always setup female leads that way, and have relationships only work out towards the last few episodes does not work well for me.

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