Reviews

Felt the angst and longing through the screen

The show really had me at the first half when we went through the school lives with the leads where scenes were heartwarming and cheerful. As someone who doesn't really enjoy an entire high school series, I was ready to drop it... until the second half came and they focussed on the time-travelling aspect. The second-half episodes were all very tear jerking and I shed tears EVERY SINGLE EPISODE for the last 8 eps. I truly felt the longing that both leads felt for each other that it makes my heart ache. Overall, I felt that the first half of the drama was a typical school drama with a few aspects of mystery as it slowly unfolds the truth behind zhang wansen's accident. The second-half felt more emotional, similar to what "Someday or One Day" felt to me but slightly more toned down.

- Story: Pace was great and it helps that there's only 24 30mins-45mins episodes. I also liked how smoothly they transition between the present and future. Every single episode had its purpose and there were no filler episodes in my opinion.
- Acting: The leads' chemistry was great but felt that the second lead couple didn't have chemistry and had slightly awkward acting but it didn't bother me that much since I usually skip their scenes LOL
- Music: 10/10 for me! The music fits the scenes very well and the meaning of the songs are also very accurate to the scenes. Super touching.

Recommended if you are looking for a light-hearted but emotional drama (ironic but it's really a mixture of both as explained above HAHHA)

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Rex Lantano probably has connections as a businessman and YouTuber, otherwise I can't explain why they cast him in leading roles. In addition to his youthful appearance, he has a flabby body with a tire and a head like a watermelon. I originally thought that I would not give this mini-project even thanks to Arnold Reyes in the role of Rich, because as a heterosexual, I didn't trust him at first when they made him a hottie with a pink shirt and a bathrobe. But then it dawned on me, when I was already reflecting after watching the series, that everything was lighthearted and presented with Filipino nobility and just like, and in the end, an above-average comic Pinoy project came out of it. When son Greg (Anthoy Flores) took the stage, I thought I was going to pee myself with excitement at how likable he was and the whole thing ended up earning me a 8

Rex Lantano má asi jako podnikatel a youtuber styky, jinak si nedovedu vysvětlit, proč jej obsazují do hlavních rolí. Kromě mladistvého vzhledu má povadlé tělíčko s pneumatičkou a hlavičku jak meloun. Původně jsem myslel, že i zásluhou Arnolda Reyese v roli fotříka Riche tento miniprojekt nedám, neboť jako heterákovi jsem mu zezačátku nevěřil ani nos mezi očima, když z něj udělali teplouška s růžovou košilkou a župánkem. Ale pak mi to došlo, když jsem už přemítal po zhlédnutí nad seriálem, že vše bylo nadlehčené a podané s filipínskou noblesou a jen jako a nakonec se mi z toho vyloupl nadprůměrný komický pinoy projekt. Když nastoupil na plac syn Greg (Anthoy Flores), myslel jsem, že se počůrám vzrušením, jak mi byl sympatický a celé mi to nakonec vyneslo známku 8

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Don't snooze on this masterpiece. it's a must watch

Going through all type of emotions while writing this review, wanted to hold on to it, but I can't anymore(considering this review has been on my notes for weeks now, which I keep adding and making new adjustments come every week/new ep)

First, I want to wholeheartedly thank sign production team for showing us the beautiful culture of Thailand. The myths, folktales, culture, storytelling is just beautifully done and depicted. This is the type of series you honestly learn from and may even help you in exams or random historical/mythological conversation. Gosh I'm in awe?. Now I want to visit Thailand so bad.

Second, you needed to see how my jaw dropped when I learnt that this is Tharn's first ever acting job, he is everything but a rookie actor. I do call him a monster rookie actor, far much better than those several years in the game. Job well done. I'm not joking when I say this is the best work I have seen so far from Thai bl production(I'm sorry but I hate Thai bl production, just overly saturated, terrible actors who can't act for shit, zero to half baked storyline, unnecessary cringy ass talks, and NC scenes). But this was literally the opposite of all that. Everything was properly depicted. Or is it the chemistry of all the couples?. No this guys did a great Job, well done, like take your flowers for a job well done?. I try as much as possible to stop myself from watching the new EPS so I can binge watch at once and that I have failed terribly??. I knew I wasn't the only one feeling this series when I saw the rating and number of comments on here?, good to see that we still have people with taste. Like do away with NC scenes in this series and I will be very much still be seated for this masterpiece, that is how much I love this series and I just hope it continues this way till the end

Lastly, this series isn't for you if you are looking for some burnt out rinse and repeat storyline sprinkled with unnecessary NC scenes everywhere alongside zero to mid ass acting/actors, in summary fast paced very common mediocre production, not my fault you are more into garbage just so you can satisfy your horny ass. So don't come here saying shit.

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Can we have more queer coding and less toxic men plz?

The Story of Kunning Palace has a fantastic premise. It starts where most historical Cdramas end: a despotic empress dies after losing a coup d'état. But lo and behold! She suddenly wakes up, reincarnated in the same life but as an 18 year old again, with a chance to set things right.

For fellow fans of the latest isekai craze that has hit the anime scene, this plot may sound familiar. But unlike the comedic anime takes that places anime FLs in otome games, Kunning Palace takes itself far more seriously. Our FL is determined to do the right things by the people she wronged the first time round and does not mind using some underhand methods to do so. Along the way she (once again) meets the ML who, similarly, has good intentions and subscribes to an ends-justify-the means approach. A perfect match, right? So I thought initially.

Frankly, I quickly lost interest in the political intrigue of this drama and stayed around for the romance. Unfortunately, a gross error on my part. What the drama tries to construe as romance – I can only assume this from the sappy romantic soundtrack – is actually just the ML sexually assaulting the FL. Sorry to be blunt, but that's what it is.

This sexual violence would not have been an issue if the drama treated it as such. But with both the soundtrack and with the ML lead 'winning' the FL in the end, what the drama does instead is normalise violence in a romantic/sexual relationship. Ultimately, this ruined what I liked about the drama – two deeply flawed characters finding each other as soulmates.

Given this situation, I would have loved to see more romantic development with the FL and other characters. Obviously being a Chinese production, there's only so much you can do given censorship (especially recent crackdowns), but there was already clear queer coding happening between Jian Xue Ning and the Princess and You Fang Yin respectively. Perhaps this can be my pitch for a Kunning Palace baihe spin-off :)

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Fantastic Romance Drama That Could Have Been More

Be prepared to embark on Rollercoaster Journey of Emotions with My Dearest. It has been a long time since The Red Sleeve that I truly enjoyed a Romance Saeguk drama. I felt that the Writer really spent the time to develop and flesh out the Lead Couple & the Supporting cast through many different trails and tribulations. I felt the Pacing of these developments were acceptable and really aided in creating strong attachments between the viewer and the characters. Of course, this is also due to the amazing acting from Nam Goong Min & Ahn Eun Jin. Every crying or kissing scene really roped me in and I found myself hoping for a Happy Ending.

On the flip side, while the Romance part of the story was developed really well, I felt that improvements could have been had on the Political side of things. I did yearn to see LJH develop more into a "Strategist" kind of role, after the early glimpses of his genius in tactics. The Writer also spent quite some time fleshing out GC's business sense but she slowly got relagated to a waiting wife towards the end. I also felt that many characters were "killed" abruptly and did not had the endings they deserve (Big Hyungnim & the Captive lady, Ryang Eun, JongJong/Gu Jam, Gil Chae's family etc.). Overall, it had the feeling of over-development in Part 1 & a rushed ending in Part 2.

Despite the above, in the end, I still massively enjoyed My Dearest and strong encourage viewers to pick it up if you enjoy Romance Saeguk such as Red Sleeve & Mr Sunshine.

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Blowing a pleasant breeze of young love

It kind of feels average, but I salute the balance of giving us decent BLs with captivating visuals and a plot that is good enough to satisfy the viewers. It wasn’t as great as I was expecting it to be, maybe because of how the main couple took longer for their love to only bloom during the finale. I liked the tension of the enemy-to-romance troupe but this is a short drama that I badly hoped for an early access to love progress.

Nevertheless, no one can’t deny the fact that the cast perfectly does their best to give life to their characters. The amount of visuals is insane, and I easily fell in love with them. Giving the second lead a proper ending is the best decision of the production. They also hinted at a possible sequel that may focus on his romance.

The finale is certainly the best episode. I didn’t expect that they would almost draw a daring scene during the scene that involves sitting in bed, the ice, and asking if one wants to see the other one’s underwear. Ending them in kisses is fine but as said before, I am demanding more since the couple have the right chemistry and it is a pity not to utilize it in the show.

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Boo angst! Yay silliness!

If you've been watching dramas for a while, the premise might should familiar: an immature chaebol boss, Cha Ji Heon (Ji Sung), falling for his secretary, No Eun Seol (Choi Kang Hee). Rather than inserting melo and angst, Protect the Boss brings a very fun lead couple.

No Eun Seol is a kick ass and I love her being strong and independent, even reluctant to fall in love. It's rare to see a female lead who is not a damsel in distress. Ji Heon, instead of being the perfect businessman we’ve become so familiar within dramas, he has a stage fright. As he's trying to overcome it with Eun Seol's helps, romance ensues and I get to see his persistent and confident side. Their dialogues and hijinks are hilarious, kept me entertained throughout.

The highlights of this drama is the clever use of cliché, which makes it a refreshing experience. For example, Ji Heon and his father relationship are not frustrating despite the conflict between them. His father loves him deeply and secretly support him, which is a rare thing in dramas.

I have to admit, the pacing suffers in some episodes of the series, though it is not too boring that it ruined the enjoyment. Overall, entertaining, a solid ending and excellent acting from the leads, for sure. It has a good combination of romance, comedy, and friendships!

-Jan 2024, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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The show gracefully explores life, healing, and love.

"On A Starry Night" is a lovely Japanese show about life, love, and finding happiness. Imagine a quiet seaside town where two characters, Suzu and Issei, lead us through their stories.

Meet Issei, a lively guy who happens to be Deaf. But guess what? The show doesn't make a big deal about it. Issei's zest for life steals the spotlight, and actor Kitamura Takumi makes his character shine with enthusiasm and authenticity.

Then there's Suzu, an older doctor who's feeling a bit worn out. Yoshitaka Yuriko brings her to life, showing us Suzu's strength and how she learns to heal. The seaside setting adds a calm touch, making it almost like a character in the story.

The best part? Issei and Suzu's connection. They make an unlikely pair, with an age gap and different experiences, but their relationship is genuine. The show avoids the usual drama clichés and instead focuses on their support for each other.

While some might find the story a bit simple, it's perfect for those who love slow, peaceful tales. It's like a break from the rush of the real world, giving us a chance to appreciate the little moments.

Issei's Deafness is just a part of who he is, not the whole story. The drama teaches us to look past our differences and see people for who they really are. It's a call for everyone to be included and appreciated.

In the end, "On A Starry Night" is a heartwarming journey through life's ups and downs. The actors, especially Kitamura Takumi and Yoshitaka Yuriko, make us feel all the emotions. If you're up for a gentle, thoughtful show that feels like a warm hug, this one's for you.

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Youth is a secret room made of awkwardness

The mystery-youth drama masterfully merged mystery-solving into student life, creating an absorbing series. Each episode captivates with its unique charm and fulfilling endings.

Yamada Anna and Okudaira Daiken excelled as Sappukei and Katogi, portraying complex characters brilliantly. Their performances, paired with a great script, were praiseworthy.

The show shines in telling various stories through different characters, avoiding excessive drama and highlighting modesty. Each narrative has its allure, leaving a lasting mark. Its emotional depth and poignant moments resonated deeply with me.

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A handsome man doesn't mean you'll get just get a serving of cute and mushy feelings...

Firstly, the lead actor (playing the TV weatherman) is strikingly good-looking - it's not difficult to understand why his housemate has been compelled to draw him from when he first saw him in the cafeteria. Segasaki has a unique kind of beauty that draws not only Yoh, but also his friend Manju and the viewer too. This is one strength of the drama - what is such a man like in person? How does the outward image of a popular persona translate into his real personality when at home?

Secondly, to address the conflicting opinions around this drama and its storyline: I liked the couple and I do believe it takes all sorts to make the world go round. I guess my main frustration was simply this: how about a bit more direct communication?

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I would recommend watching. Rewatchable or not depends on every individual.

The story was good, the chemistry between the leads were good. You guys can watch it. The rewatch is 2/10, I just gave it randomly & it depends on every individual for them it is rewatchable or not & Music 2/10 because I don't know Chinese.

But I have one complaint with the FL drama character: After breaking up with her ex-boyfriend & started dating with the ML, & when every time her ex-boyfriend meets her face-to-face, sometimes her behavior gave me the vibe that she still has soft corner for her ex-boyfriend & she might get back with ex-boyfriend by breaking up with the ML, although her ex-boyfriend had some kind of secret relationship with other girl & the FL also knows that.

DISCLAIMER: My above POV is regarding the FL character as per the script, not against any Actress or Actors.

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Bring your tissue boxes and hydrate

Fast-paced (in a good way) without taking away from the overline story and emotions.

**spoilers**
when the friends come to visit him in the hospital after quite some time, and their faces when they realize that he gotten 100 times worse from when he told them about his diagnosis. That 10-second camera pan to the friends faces was enough to see the regret and sadness they had inside of them when they saw theirfriend.

The Ex gf- did an amazing job conveying their relationship and regrets.

The main character-- you truly saw the stages of acceptance -- denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance. He was able to convey all of them in the real world and in his imagination.

Must watch, I know this movie will help you go through the stages of acceptance with the character, especially if you or anyone you love has dealt with a similar diagnosis. Be well all!

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Don't take life for granted.

I never thought this drama would have me rethinking a lot of stuff in my life. The drama overall was really great. With a great plot and a great cast, a drama can succeed. What started as selfishness ended up being awareness.

With almost all of the lives connecting to Taewoo, I liked the way it ended with him. With all of the lives he cost, he got what he deserved.

Yijae's mom, Jisoo, Hyuksoo, and the baby's deaths made me cry so much. Those kids and Jisoo weren't connected to Taewoo in any way but still died in the hands of absolute psychos, and those deaths hurt the most, especially the kids. I'm glad Yijae's last life was through his mom. He needed that wake-up call because what he did really hurt his mom. She lived her life for him, and in a way, he did the same in return. With that, I'm glad he realized his mistake and got his second chance.

While looking through the lives of others and walking in their shoes can be exciting, it doesn't mean they're your size. Walking in other people's shoes can only be uncomfortable because they're not your shoes to walk in. There is only one of you. Only you can truly be you. That's what this drama has been trying to tell us this whole time.

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