Reviews

Class Dismissed!

Binged this series in a day. It was such a satisfying show. It was so refreshing to see something like this. The show was so in your face both in a good and bad way. It touched on societal issues that plague the education system in Korea, but echoes what could also be happening elsewhere. This didn't try to preach but showed an alternate reality that tells us what, why, and how to teach a lesson. I particularly liked that it not only brought up issues on bullying, pressure and stress from grade and exam anxieties, parenting faults and excess, drugs, addiction, teacher and student abuse, etc., but also how all of these contribute to bigger and systemic problems. Yes, it was violent but in a rather cathartic way. Sometimes some people just need a beating, for real! I am hoping for a season 2 already!

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Better ML characterisation and romance arc made this drama superior to 'Hide Day and Night'

I have a column reddit where I watch and compare two dramas from the same source. This story was recommended to me by a Reddit member so I decided to watch both stories. I watched this drama after watching version 1 starring Lan Lan and Wang Kai Mu. I liked this version more. Anyway I watched on 花笙TV YouTube channel - be warned that the English subs were on and off.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I must say that the romance arc in this version was healthier than the romance arc in the other version. Consent is the key. I could sense that both of them were into each other and they became intimate, there was no coercion by ML. Good quality of kisses.
2. ML characterisation - He was respectful toward FL although he was pushy at the start when he forced her to stay with him.
3. Styling - I appreciated that the styling created two different hairstyles for Yang Mie Mie because there was a time jump. FL's outfits somehow reminded me of US movie Legally Blonde 2. Yu Long looked dashing in the military uniform.
4. Duration - This drama's running time is less than 100 minutes.
5. Acting - Both of them did good job in their roles. I particularly enjoyed Yang Mie Mie's performance during conflict scenes e.g. when she tried to repress her feelings because of her mother's resistance. The chemistry was palpable too.
6. FL characterisation - I liked that she created a boundary between her and ML when they met again at the start of the drama. She struggled between her feelings for ML and her mother's disdain for ML and his sister.
7. Editing - The predecessor is 50 minutes longer than this version. However I found Love Day and Night to be well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's sister in this drama was the antagonist. She was selfish and manipulative - had no remorse for doing those things. I also disliked both mothers of ML and FL.
2. Scumbag - There was a scumbag that kidnapped FL. I don't recall if he was FL's ex but I thought his arc was boring.

Favourite scene
When they were first intimate

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Revenge with a little love story

"Broken of Love" was an exceptional production, offering a unique narrative. I particularly appreciate the genre of revenge dramas. My only minor critique is that the limited eight-episode run somewhat constrained the depth of the revenge plot. I am curious about the rationale behind not extending the vengeful elements further, although the character development was commendably thorough. The romantic subplot was well-executed. To enhance the audience's belief in the profound love between the characters, a more extensive portrayal of their initial romantic development might have been beneficial. This would have solidified the conviction in LanLan's deep affection as the series progressed.

Overall, it was a remarkable show, especially considering it was their inaugural production. I anticipate that their subsequent endeavors will feature more extensive narratives and potentially a greater number of episodes. I hold Faye and Atom in high regard, and their contributions were excellent.

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Cowardly and selfish FL who took no accountability for her actions. I disliked this drama!

I got curious about this vertical drama after reading my MDL friend Raiana's review. I have only watched a few Korean verticals and most of the shows I watched (available on iQIYI) cannot match the quality of Chinese verticals. I had high hopes for this drama because I had already seen 2 rave reviews before starting this drama. Unfortunately I don't share the same love for this drama like the other reviewers. I usually avoid giving away too much spoilers in my MDL reviews so I apologise in advance - there are a lot of spoilers in this review.

What I liked:
1. Production value - The drama was well directed and edited. Burning the Line felt like a compact version of a standard Korean melodrama.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend and FL's dean / superior. They were the most rational people in this drama.
3. ML characterisation - He was lovebrained and overall nice guy. He was mature beyond his age and at times, more mature than FL.
4. Duration - This drama is less than 90 minutes. Thank gawd!

What I disliked:
1. FL - She was the antagonist of this story. She was unhappy with her career and love life but instead of breaking up with a fiance she didn't love and focusing on career advancement, she just let the engagement go on AND got entangled in a situation that could jeopardise her goal. I HATED that she gave weak excuses (to herself and ML) about being in relationship to ML despite knowing that he was her bestie's son! She was cowardly and did not take any accountability for her actions. She ran away when facing problems.
2. The ending - Gosh, what kind of ending was that?!! Noble idiocy!
3. Romance - I love noona romance but sadly I didn't like the romance arc in this drama. Their romance started with deceit and even though ML knew that FL was still engaged, he was happy to continue being in a relationship with her.

Favourite scene
When ex-fiance bumped into FL and ML.

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Unexpectedly Enjoyable After a Rocky Start

I honestly did not intend to watch this series at first, but having a 16-hour direct flight from SF to SG made me realize that I really needed something to watch for that long journey. So I gave *The WONDERfools* a try, mostly out of necessity.

At the beginning, I have to admit that I underestimated this series. It felt messy, a little too chaotic, and I almost wanted to drop it. I also don’t usually enjoy silly characters when their behavior feels too random or unreasonable. But surprisingly, as the episodes went on, the series started getting better. The comedy, the found-family dynamic, and the imperfect superhero concept slowly grew on me. It is not the most polished drama, but it has its own charm, especially when the emotional and comedic moments actually land.

The one thing that stopped me from giving it a higher rating was Jun Mo. I really wanted to see what he could do, especially since he is supposed to be one of the special “children.” But until the end of the series, we still did not really get to see his full capability, which was kind of disappointing. Overall, it was a fun and surprisingly enjoyable watch, but I still wish the story had explored some characters and their powers more deeply.

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No boring episodes!!!!!??

It’s actually my first time writing a review for a drama on this site. I just couldn’t help it this drama is so perfect… I heard it’s the same universe as study group so it makes the fighting scenes even more enjoyable. At first seeing reels and tweets about the drama I genuinely thought it was basically about getting revenge on student bullies but I love how they touched literally every part of bullying in education in such a short episode run.
Ntm it’s also my first time watching the male lead in a drama and I’ve honestly become a fan. I genuinely love all the characters. l personally loves whatever was wrong with Jin Kin Joo in this drama too😭..
The drama is definitely a 10/10 for me and I must say I’m in love with Netflix original series run this days.
Not to make any negative statements on my review but SK would try to cancel everything besides their pedophile
Ending this review with go watch if you haven’t watched!!!!! literally the most enjoyable revenge theme kdrama I’ve watched besides judge from hell🥹🌹

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Crossing the line - turning point for the Air

Episode 4 was a huge milestone for The Air, so it’s no surprise that North Star Entertainment celebrated it with a special premiere event at SIAM PAVALAI, SIAM PARAGON, complete with a live audience and livestream for fans watching from home. The excitement surrounding this episode felt well deserved, as the story finally reached a major emotional turning point.

The episode balanced romance, tension and comedy beautifully. Some of the standout funny moments included the memorable shower scene, as well as Bua’s playful greeting and obvious flirting with Wind, which sparked some entertaining jealousy from Padpha.

Freen and Becky continue to impress, bringing depth and authenticity to every interaction. Their chemistry feels effortless and Episode 4 showcased some of their strongest emotional performances yet.

Of course, the moment everyone is talking about is the ending. After weeks of growing tension and unspoken feelings, Wind and Padpha finally shared their first kiss. However, the episode cleverly leaves viewers questioning whether the kiss actually happened or if it was only a dream, creating the perfect cliffhanger heading into Episode 5.

Overall, Episode 4 delivered romance, humor, jealousy and a memorable ending that left fans wanting more. With Freen and Becky continuing to elevate the story, The Air is quickly becoming one of the most engaging installments in the 4 Elements series, and Episode 5 can’t come soon enough. ✨💙🍃

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My first 10/10

I usually never give a complete 10/10 to any drama, even if I enjoy it a lot because, usually, there are tiny little things that bother me about the drama, though not enough to overall disappoint me a lot.

But Fated Hearts was not that. Not only did I enjoy this drama A LOT, I sincerely loved everything about it.

When it comes to cdramas, writers tend to forget about telling an overall story and concentrate mostly on the leads and their romance, leading to unsatisfying resolution of conflict and sloppy ending and plot holes. But Fated Hearts' greatest point is the writing. It is simply beautiful.

While the leads are strong and great, I dare to say they are not the strongest point of the drama. It's the conflict, and how every single character is so well written, coherent and tragic.

It' absolutely delicious to see how every character is so complicated, how every antagonist is so layered and how the conflict isn't able to be solved with just a heart-felt apology or even a single death. It's so much bigger than that, it's so much more complicated than that. The relationships, the consequences of everybody's actions are so wonderfully written!!!

Nothing is as simple as "this person is evil", and watching these characters's choices and mistakes snowball into an inevitable tragedy is just DELICIOUS!

So yeah, I think the writing is definitely the greatest strength of this drama, and it earned that 10/10 from me.

Also... Princess Xiyang, my beloved, I'll always defend you my queen!

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Impossible to Watch only Once

LOVE LOVE this Drama -- the actors the story the visuals just everything -- Talk about a toxic family -- Money definitely doesn't buy Love or Happiness -- But Power seems too-- With Lee Jae Wook smiles are never much on the Agenda & he plays this part to Perfection -- Got to love a Tall Handsome Intelligent Man with his emotions firmly under control -- Lee Jun Young the total opposite character Impulsive Aggressive Psychotic as all get out -- not many actors can carry this role but he acts the actural crap out of it -- This drama is not really about the women they seem to just push the narrative perfectly -- the actor I have to mention that stood out Choi Jin Ho he is an amazing character actor love his performance -- The Patriarch of this bunch of Psychopaths Unfeeling Removed Stoic but yet still likeable 2nd time watching it !!!

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there should definitely be a second season

frankly, i didn't expect something this good. the first episode was excellent but then the series got a little boring, but it started to get better after the first half. i do not recommend the series to people who only want to watch bl romance, but the series was great in terms of subject and treatment. i searched to see if there were any logical errors in the series, but they answered every question, which was impressive.

the acting was great. i just think that the person playing peace can't make you feel much emotion in some places. other than that, the friendship of everyone in the series was perfect. i never believed that nap was a traitor and i sensed a romance more than bromance between not only the main couple but also the other friends. it would be nice if there was a romance between aim and jihun :) and of course nap and kawin would be a perfect couple. sun already said that nap did all this to protect kawin.

the series needs a second season because of that scene at the end that will shock you. (by the way, i wasn't shocked because their injury wasn't that serious.) frankly, now that the real devils have emerged, we need to learn what they will do next. if there is to be a second season, i hope it will be like this.

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Season 1 Burnt Hotter and Brighter

Season 1 burnt brighter and hotter but it was less consistent. Season 2 is the complete opposite.

Comparing S1 and S2 feels like finding equilibrium on a scale:
- In one arm, there is S1 with the hot scenes and bold decisions, but inconsistent and imbalanced story flow.
- In the other arm, there is S2 with less hot scenes, a boring and casual story, but a more consistent writing and characters.
The fewer bold decisions in the story/hot scenes made S2 feel like a totally average GmmTv BL.

It feels like the creators could not elevate and improve the series, but took away something in order to gain something else. Personally, I liked the bold way more, it was an interesting concept to make a series with "wilder" story and entangle the different ships in the Thai BL industry with each other, because that concept made it somewhat special. A breathe of fresh air and excitement.
I guess the "Only Friends" name should hold on to a concept or style and bring it along its seasons. This show could have been a standalone show and be called "Boys from the Disco/School/DramaClass" and it wouldn't make any difference.

I know and love every actor, having seen them in different shows already, but I feel like that most of them didn't really have a great chemistry in this show. It's highly subjective, but I liked them more in their other shows.

Conc.:
Well, S2 just went back to a more lovey-dovey, "You chase me & I chase you until the plot wants us to be together" concept that you can see in 90% of Thai BLs, which is a downgrade for me. It made the show feel much less unique. I would have loved to see a similar show as S1 but with improved story-telling and script. I guess it would have been great if I hadn't had any expectations. While I tend to rewatch some of the great BLs, or some strong episodes or hot scenes from others, at this moment, after finishing Only Friends - Dream On, I feel like I would never want to rewatch it, not even certain episodes or scenes.
I can't rate it higher than "Slightly better than average" 6/10.

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Shin Hae-sun, full stop.
...
One of the best actresses around today, in any category. She's phenomenal as an authoritarian, ruthless, even hurtful, boss. You can't possibly contradict her when she gives orders. She's so funny in this role. A complete contrast to The Art of Sarah, yet still excellent. Gong Myung broke my heart in Way Back Love ; he's also a brilliant comic actor. Both are flawless in every respect. Great chemistry ! I didn't know it was possible to end up in each other's arms quite so inadvertently. What a pair of clumsy fools !

"Isn't it be easier to be honest ?" I often ask myself that question, too.

There's nothing particularly original about this K-drama, but it's a good rom-com. They make a huge fuss about their relationship, even though they're both single. It always surprises me. You're not committing any crime, you know ? It's no big deal. Just love each other ! (my French side coming out, sorry)
For the most part, I really enjoyed the way the story unfolds day by day, with genuine conversations between them. They talk all the time, about everything. Literally. What chatterboxes ! They share so much. I'm not so keen on the melodrama at the end ; it felt unnecessary. But judging by the bloopers at least, the atmosphere on set must have been a lot of fun.

Still. South Korea. A country where beating and abusing someone doesn't land you in court, but where a mere suspicion of infidelity costs you your job and all your friends. Such hypocrisy. On the other hand, defamation is a very serious matter in the eyes of the law ! Which makes sense, since a defamation lawsuit is the weapon of the guilty. All's well that ends well for half of the population.

12 episodes where practically nothing happens, and it almost felt too short to me. Yet office dramas really stress me out, and how ! The trauma of those years trying to work despite my disability ; I totally burned out my brain and body with all that nonsense. Anyway.

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