Reviews

can't fathom this ending

I'll start by saying I'm not an expert in anything, even less so in cinema so this is just my humble opinion.

This drama started really good and I actually really liked the characters and the story line. I'm usually not a fan of "transmigration" or similar things 'cause most of the time, it's very difficult to write those kind of story "well". In this case, not only is it "transmigration" but it's also a grown up (40+) that goes back into a CHILD'S body.

I honestly thought everything was going pretty well (except the very poor treatment of mental health but because it's a short drama I overlooked it) but the END couldn't have been WORST. How could Dok Pal continue to live in this body ? of course the kid was SUICIDAL so he might not want to come back but like... let's talk about it, let' see what we can do but the fact he STAYED in the body??? what the hell, it make the all point/story/moral of the serie USELESS.
Then they joke about like haha hihi hoho so funny I took someone's LIFE.... no really I can't understand how this was aired.

The last thing, at the very end Dok-Pal says he wants to go on a date... did he suddenly forget he was 40+ ? disgusting.
To make the matter worse I heard it's actually a BL webtoon that they straight washed and in the webtoon, Dok Pal goes out with Se-Kyung which is I think even worse considering the fact he is an adult in a child's body.

well anyway that was my opinion and I couldn't just keep it to myself after being brutally traumatised by that last episode.

xx

Read More

Yet Another Great Narrative Being Ruined by A Murder Plot

Korean dramas are often praised for their ability to blend complex emotions, engaging characters, and cultural depth into compelling narratives. Like Flowers in Sand attempts to achieve this by intertwining the world of Korean traditional wrestling (ssireum) with police investigations. However, while the drama has its moments, it ultimately struggles to maintain a cohesive identity, leaving viewers with a mixed experience.

The standout element of Like Flowers in Sand is undoubtedly Jang Dong-yoon’s performance as Kim Baek-doo. As a ssireum wrestler contemplating retirement, Baek-doo is the emotional anchor of the series. Jang’s portrayal of a kind-hearted, optimistic character is both heartfelt and nuanced. Even though the ssireum aspect of the story is given limited screen time, these moments shine brightly, showcasing the drama’s potential to tell a unique and moving tale of resilience and community.

Opposite him, Lee Joo-myung delivers a strong performance as Oh Yoo-kyung, Baek-doo’s childhood friend and the drama’s leading lady. Returning to her hometown as an undercover detective, Yoo-kyung balances her professional seriousness with heartfelt interactions that capture her rekindled bond with Baek-doo. The chemistry between the leads is authentic, blending lighthearted banter with emotional depth to create a believable and engaging dynamic.

The supporting cast also contributes significantly to the drama’s appeal. Characters like Min Hyun-wook, Joo Mi-ran, Kwak Jin-soo, and Jo Seok-hee bring warmth and humor to the story. Their camaraderie and shared efforts to save the ssireum team add a layer of emotional depth. Despite some underdeveloped subplots, the ensemble’s chemistry helps keep the narrative moving.

One of the drama’s most compelling elements is its portrayal of ssireum. The traditional sport is beautifully depicted, highlighting its cultural importance and the human connections it fosters. These moments feel genuine and impactful, providing a glimpse of the drama’s potential had it focused more on this aspect.

Despite its strengths, Like Flowers in Sand falters due to its inconsistent storytelling. Marketed as a slice-of-life sports drama, it veers into police procedural territory, resulting in a tonal mismatch. The transition between the heartfelt ssireum narrative and the murder investigation is abrupt, leaving viewers disoriented and disengaged. Rather than complementing each other, these storylines compete for attention, with the less compelling murder plot ultimately dominating the narrative.

The murder storyline is predictable and poorly executed. By the second half of the drama, it takes center stage, sidelining the ssireum team’s struggles and the relationships that initially drew viewers in. The resolution of the investigation—revealing the rice cake shop owner as the culprit—feels like an afterthought. This twist lacks impact and undermines the tension built up over the episodes.

Another significant issue is the underutilization of side characters. While the supporting cast delivers strong performances, many of their subplots are abandoned or cut short to make room for the murder investigation. This lack of follow-through diminishes the emotional resonance of their stories and reduces their contributions to the overall narrative.

The drama’s pacing is another weakness. The initial episodes set up an engaging story, but the latter half drags as the murder plot takes over. This uneven pacing makes it difficult to stay invested, with the narrative losing momentum and coherence as it progresses.

It’s hard not to dwell on the missed opportunities in Like Flowers in Sand. The drama had the potential to be a heartfelt slice-of-life story centered around ssireum and the relationships it nurtures. Jang Dong-yoon and Lee Joo-myung’s stellar performances, combined with a talented supporting cast and the cultural richness of ssireum, could have created a memorable and meaningful series.

Unfortunately, this potential is overshadowed by the decision to prioritize the murder plot. The narrative’s lack of focus and its attempt to juggle multiple genres—comedy, thriller, romance—results in an identity crisis. Instead of excelling in one area, the drama spreads itself too thin, failing to leave a lasting impression.

Like Flowers in Sand is a drama that offers glimpses of brilliance but ultimately falls short. While it boasts strong performances, heartwarming moments, and a fascinating glimpse into the world of ssireum, these strengths are undermined by an uninspired murder plot, uneven pacing, and a lack of narrative focus. The result is a drama that’s both engaging and frustrating, leaving viewers longing for what could have been.

If the writers had chosen to focus more on the ssireum story and the human connections around it, Like Flowers in Sand could have been a standout slice-of-life drama. Instead, it’s a reminder of the pitfalls of trying to do too much at once.

Read More

Slow and predictable BL in a school setting, have seen better in this genre

Really liked both leads and their acting, two young guys we'll definitely be seeing more of.

But the series is incredibly slow, had to fast forward through parts of it. It feels a bit like watching the same episode over and over again, not much happens, they could cut the episodes in half and it would have been much better. Also a bit tired of these school series from Thailand with multiple gay couples without any real plot.

Feels more like the production company has used the series to test and showcase a few different couples to see if the audience likes their chemistry, more than some of the the couples have any function in the story.

Can't really recommend this series but hope both leads get another chance in a series with better scripts and production.

Read More

A Weblike Slow Burn Psychological Thriller

This is a heavily character driven show. This is both the strength and the weakness.
The plot structure is unbalanced chose consistent rising action, keeping us engaged with tension stemming from doubt.

On one end it's a whodunnit, on the other end it's an ensemble character study; of which through the eyes of the cops, the victims and the suspects we explore humans and the relationship between doubt and trust. This extends to the collogues we work with, the friends that we have, our family relations.

It is a pretty intricate, slow burn reveal of connecting threads, in which even the reveals are given in a way leaving us doubting. Everything is done in that manner. The camera shifts periodically allowing us to see the action from the perfective of a particular character, or in a manner that hides the actions of a particular character. So that we the audience to have an idea of what is being done, and what is happening but at the same time put in a position of doubt. Suspicious character is taking action X, but we are blind to their motives and goals. So, we carry along our suspicions and doubts as the various characters deal with their suspicions and doubts.

It's a pretty cool story telling gimmick, requiring investment with the characters and their actions. So, in certain ways, it feels different from most other investigative crime dramas. So those who like experiments, and atypical approaches are likely to enjoy this. Those looking for a more traditional, fast passed thriller will be disappointed.

Not a bingeable show, because there are few breaks for the narrative tension. It keeps you tense for pretty much most of the show. You get used to it. I think now that I have gotten to the last act this show will be the most fun for those who try to solve the crime before the heroes. Can you pick out the lies, can you pick out the truth? Can you intuit the motives behind the actions the characters are making.

There cannot be a season 2, there is nowhere to go from here. A show I enjoyed more than I thought I would and is stronger in the beginning than in the end. Novel approach to plotting, and great use of the camera and music to tell the story; making you a participant in the drama. Best parts are the story, plotting and use of the camera to aid in the story telling. The bad part is the constant tension. Overall, it's a good time, but one done you are not going back to it. 8/10.

Read More

Rooting for the three living together :)

I've had this series on my watchlist for quite a while, primarily because of two actors: Hyuga Wataru and Akaso Eiji. I had previously seen them in BL series and thought they were talented performers. So, when I stumbled upon this show on Netflix, I decided to dive in and ended up binge-watching it within three days. It definitely had a captivating quality that kept me hooked, putting several other K-dramas and BL series on hold.

Now, I’ll delve into some spoilers, so proceed with caution! The story features hairdresser Kayashima and fireman Shirahama as they walk down the street to catch a train. The way Kayashima gazes at Shirahama instantly gave me strong BL vibes, making it seem like the hairdresser was quite taken with him. Then there’s Miss Hatano, a gymnastics teacher. She knows Shirahama from a distance, having been inspired by him during a demonstration at her school, which gave her the courage to do her best at her work in school, trying to engage more with her pupils.

They find themselves on wagon 5 and, along with wagon 6, get lost—not just in space but in time, ending up in 2026. The show emphasizes the relationships and bonds between the characters. At one point, it nearly resembles "Lord of the Flies" due to tension between the two groups, but thanks to Yonezawa’s heartfelt speech, conflict is averted.

Shirahama harbors unrequited feelings back in 2023, while Hatano clearly has feelings for him. Despite Kayashima's seemingly stoic demeanor, he becomes a source of strength, and Hatano grows increasingly fond of him. Meanwhile, Kayashima, feeling he has no chance with Hatano, tries to push her and Shirahama together. Shirahama is the leader of wagon 5 and feels a overwhelming responsibility.

Japanese dramas often tread a fine line when it comes to romantic scenes, oscillating between being overly restrained and excessively explicit. In this series, the romantic tension is very subtle, with no kissing or overt displays of affection. You can only infer that one couple is together based on protective gestures, and I sensed a potential connection between Yonezawa and Tako, but nothing materializes there. Allthough their genuine care for each other and smiles and banter, looked stronger then a bromance

Another bromance, that between Shirahama and Kayashima, is quite strong throughout the series. The ending left me somewhat puzzled. It appeared that Kayashima finally expressed his feelings for Hatano, suggesting they would head off to Switzerland together, with many other survivors from wagon 5. However, he ultimately sought out Shirahama. I strongly believed Shirahama had feelings for Hatano as well, and at one point, I even wondered why the three of them didn’t consider living together as a trio, given their deep bond.

One of the more confusing aspects was that only 53 out of the 113 people returned, but instead of going back to 2023, they ended up in 2026. It seemed that the survivors of wagon 6 had no idea they could go back in time. They stayed behind in the future. The conclusion of this show left me to question if Japan was safe. I think it is, as the professor appeared relieved after a phone call. Overall, the conclusion left me feeling somewhat unfulfilled. I wanted to know for sure if Kayashima and Hatano are going to end up as a couple and what with Shirahama?

Read More

good acting, messy plot

First of all, keep in mind that i have no watched the original version.
I randomly started this drama not knowing at all what to expect, and even after finishing it, i am still not sure how i feel about it. I like the actors a lot, I think it is probably the best thing about the drama, also, I've seen some people not liking the choice of song for the time travel but i personnaly really enjoyed it, it felt very nostalgic.
However, as the drama goes by, I started to have many many questions which ended up not being answered at all. The main idea is good, but the issue with time travel plots, are any supernatural plot, is that is has to be perfectly logical, which was not the case here.
I also had trouble getting into the drama at first, then throughout most episodes I was invested, until the last 2-3 episodes which honestly, i have scarcely watched, skipping some scenes just so I can get to the actual ending. How could it feel so rushed but so boring at the same time? Honestly I have no idea, but it really negatively impacted my opinion on this drama, even though as I said earlier, I got really invested in it at some point.

Overall, is it worthed watching? Perhaps for the actors, or if you're able to turn off your brain and pretend that there are no plot holes and that everything is perfectly coherent.

Read More

A Great Journey of female empowerment and Fight. And a look into the Brocade trade

Got to say that even though the last 8 episodes or so were extremely tedious, because of all the angst. This story is a great journey of female empowerment and like I saw when BO was still airing it was so easy emerging myself in Yingying's journey. She was one of the best FL's I've seen. Even though she fell she knew how to stand back up and she never gave up. Yes, this drama is not without its faults, but I loved it. The good outweighed the bad for me. And the acting was impressive. I saw complaints about the romance being underwhelming on here and I disagree. Could we have had more Yingying and Jinglan moments? perhaps but this drama wasn't about that. Romance was secondary because this was Yingying's journey to becoming Lady Silk. Still, I pretty much loved their love story and the chemistry between Seven Tan and Zhen Ye Cheng. Plus, the villains' demises are extremely satisfying for me. Everything Yingying went thru mattered in the end to get where she is.
10/10

Read More