Reviews

I know, I know. I'm super late with this one. To be honest I was just going to keep it for a set of micro reviews (as if there's anything micro about any of those, sigh), but well. *looks down* Yeah. So here I go.

Oh my gosh this show. What can I even say about this show. Gird yourself because you think I was long winded before? Ha, you don't know long winded.

The thing is that this show was completely off of my radar. To the point that I don't even remember if there was a mock trailer for it at some point, and to this day I don't think I've seen the official one either. The only reason that I bothered watching is that one of my mutuals was telling me about it and I said, "huh, this reminds me of School 2013 I think it was. I watched it because of my undying love for Lee Jong Suk." To which they replied, "oh yes, I think it's an adaptation of that."

And since I had watched that one and remembered liking it well enough, I decided to binge watch the first eight episodes (all that were out at the time).

I've never been so happy for an "eh, I guess" watch in my life.

Because this show was so good. Part of it is the source material - School 2013 was an excellent show that explored themes of friendship, the pressure that students are put under by parents to succeed, the trouble people get themselves into when they are desperate...it's just great. And this show explores that as well. Part of it is the cast - everyone was amazing even though I will never stop being mad that I loved Foie's Mr. Sung as much as I did - but in the end what it is is the same thing that got me with Peaceful Property: this show has heart.

What I loved most about this show is how hard it fought the idea that is so prevalent today that people are stagnant. That is a lesson that I really wish we had more of in today's world - so often we're willing to hate others forever based on something they did years upon years ago, often with very little evidence that they've continued to do so as they grew older and ultimately, wiser. So often the thing that we are holding against them happened when they were teenagers. And so often those opinions have changed. But we don't account for that, and neither do some of the teachers (most notably the Vice Principal) in this show. They see Class 2 as a project, or irredeemable thugs, or lazy and unmotivated. And Class 2 isn't really interested in changing that belief.

It isn't until someone actually expects them to do better - not demands it to get money for the school, but because they know that they are capable of it - that the kids start to change. But it's not really changing, as Mr. Sung points out later. It's that they're growing up. As we all do. And finally, they're doing so in an environment that is allowing them to actually grow.

But it's not jus the kiddos who are learning. It's the adults too. Because shockingly enough, we don't stagnate after we hit 20, either. So many people in this show are in the process of change. Of striving to be better. Of learning - sometimes hard - that their way of doing things isn't the only one, or even necessarily the right one.

Not that everyone in the show did change. Jeng remained a dick throughout, and I appreciate that, because while I do love the heartwarming message the truth is that some people actively choose to make the wrong decision and then keep on that path regardless.

At the heart of the show, though, was friendship. Fractured friendship that is being mended, tested friendship, new friendship, and friendship that is so fierce it causes people to reach down into the darkness swallowing you and yank your stubborn ass out by force, even if they have to enlist the help of every single person in the class to do it.

Shin and Saint's friendship was of course front and center, and I adored it - these two are so ridiculous about each other in the absolute best way, and I think we all knew that Shin was never actually that mad about Saint breaking his leg but about breaking his leg and then leaving him - not only taking his dream but also taking the one person, ironically, who could have made it bearable: himself. The amount of pain all over Shin every time he saw Saint's big pleading puppy dog face was enough to know that, but if we didn't get it they then had him literally scream it at him (to be fair, pretty sure Saint didn't get it. He's lovely but also kinda dumb, poor thing). Their friendship was the glue that held the show together, and it was threaded throughout even when they were barely talking or had worked things out and then somehow managed to adopt the rest of the class as their unruly kiddos. They were glorious, and both Sky and Nani did such an excellent job that I immediately put Wu on my to watch list even with that absolute farce of a mock trailer. I will watch anything these two are in together, BL or not. And I genuinely did watch most of HSF without shipping Saint and Shin, although by the end I was convinced that no they're in love actually (Shin absolutely is aware of this and Saint is not. See lovely but dumb). GMMTV's first branded bromance pair? I'd be down for it.

That said, Saint and Shin's friendship wasn't the only one in the show that got me. Eve and Peeta did too, as did Airy and Eve. I liked them a lot - Eve and Peeta's friendship is being tested a bit by her overbearing mother sticking her big foot in where it isn't wanted, but I really loved that when it came down to it and Peeta was starting to fall apart Eve only cared about her well-being. I also really liked that despite the initial dislike and distrust between the girls from the different schools, Airy was actually a really good friend to Eve, level headed and giving decent advice when she and Peeta were in the middle of falling out. I also liked the way she and Tangmay went to bat for Eve when they thought that Jan had kicked her out of the Thai competition due to preferring Peeta instead, and then apologized when they learned they were wrong.

The one friendship I did not expect to feel so much about was Ken, Knot, and Nate, though. I thought they were going to be just a trio of hapless bullies, there to be fought against and not much else. But no. Instead of making them two dimensional bullies and not much else, they made them well rounded human beings who adore each other to pieces, who clearly bonded because they feel like they have no one else (this is especially shown in Ken's case, that dude's dad sucks). The way that Knot begged both Nate and Ken to please think about their futures because he loved them so much. The way that Knot and then Nate pretty much dragged Ken out of Jeng's gang by the scruff of his neck (with help from Saint and Shin, resident Batmen and aforementioned coparents to a bunch of kids only a couple of years younger than them). The way they rallied around him and were willing to do just about anything to help him out. That's love, and it won me right the fuck over with ease.

Ken in particular got me in a damn chokehold. The way his face would get whenever anyone treated him like a friend always made me feel a bit teary. And the way that he really did start trying once he realized that there were more people than Nate and Knot on his side, and that he didn't actually have to fight the world.

I also really need to take a moment to talk about how amazing Mark Pakin was as Chadjen. Just an amazing performance. I really hope that he gets at least a nod for it.

I guess this turned into more of a love letter than it did a review, but whatever. The show was amazing and I loved it. The only criticism I have is that I feel like Ken's father's turn around was a little too pat. I do like that the kids weren't the only ones learning lessons and changing, but I don't buy that one conversation with Ms. Jan took Ken's dad from drinking too much and saying things like his son would never amount to anything and it was a waste of time to care about him to sincerely wanting to make an effort. I also wish that we'd seen at least some of how Shin's mom went from very reluctantly allowing Saint back into their lives (understandably, to be honest, considering everything) to making him food and treating him once again like part of the family. I have my own thoughts about it, and we didn't have to see it, but it would have been nice.

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Makers should've stuck to the central themes properly

This show started out pretty strong, the introduction to everything was great, around episode 12 or so, the makers got confused because they tried to do a lot at once, and it all got tangled and didn't make a lot of sense. The show tried to be a good blend of emotional connection, intrigue, mystery, romance, family, comedy, etc. But it felt like the makers lost the plot halfway through and added random elements without any explanation. Overall it felt quite rushed and senseless.
It is not a perfect drama by any means, I just think the makers should have focused a little bit more on the story so that there could have been some structure and at times the leads' relationship felt a little fake, the relationship felt a little rushed to me but their chemistry made up for it. Had there been more focus on the characters and less on the all sorts of useless things in the story this could've been a 10/10 for me.
I rate a drama based on the entertainment it gives me, while being so senseless at times, it managed to keep me hooked and this is the first drama I have watched in a while after a slump so it does hold a bit of an emotional value to me. The only time when I felt like wtf is going on was in episode 15. The filmography was beautiful, the acting was pretty good, chemistry was there, despite it feeling a little rushed, the romance was good.
Go in with no expectations and you'll likely enjoy it!

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confused why they liked each other lol

oof. this one did not work for me at all. i thought the writing is sooo bad. for a story that has a competition in it, it was so boring and corny (not in a fun way). the dialogues were so bad. i wasn't fond of any of the characters which is so sad. they're all so bland. but most of all, the romance did not make sense to me. i don't understand how those two liked each other. they disliked each other then next thing you know, they're destroying the kitchen area and making out. as i said, i wasn't liking the writing and i think that affects my enjoyment of the characters especially plawan (i'm sorry). i just find him annoying to be honest and i can't believe two people are so into him so quickly. this is making me sad to type because i thought sailub and pon had so much chemistry but these characters in this dream kinda ruined it for me. even the second couple and supporting characters weren't enjoyable to watch. i don't know.... ugh. i'm disappointed.

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Captivated by the light

The cutest heartwarming onscreen fluffs have the right CP (chemistry) between the leads. And in Moonlight, we got Esther and Ding Yuxi featuring the romance between Chu Li, a newbie editor and Zhou Chuan, a talented up and rising novel writer.

While the love troupes for this story are nothing new, the show is a fun watch thanks to the chemistry between these leads. Their actings are natural. Zhou Chuan’s character, in a lesser actor, will make him rather annoying unless tsundere male lead is your thing.

What’s extra lovable is the characterisation of Chu Li - she was kind, but not a Mary Sue, she was persistent, but respectful, she looked idealistic, but grounded-ly worked hard for her dreams. After gotten the editor job at her favorite publishing company, Chu Li treated all books and authors that she signed with utmost sincerity and responsibility - be it the up and rising author, the outdated author or the newbie.

Tune in to Moonlight if you are in a rom com drought. Perhaps you will find yourself slowly captivated by it - like how Zhou Chuan is drawn towards Chu Li.

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?Snap Crackle POP IT! ?°8.2° °Excellent°

🍹This show is a long cold draught on a hot day: Refreshing.

MPUB (2020, 12 1hr eps) is a story about the workings of the Afterlife, both up⬆ there, and down⬇ here. Many Afterlifers have jobs, while others have to do community service. Due to the creativity of writers Bae Hye-Soo (webcomic) & Ha Yoon-A, and director, Jeon Chang-Geun (What Happens to My Family?), it's fun to watch them do what they do.

Weol-joo (Hwang Jung Eum from Kill Me, Heal Me) runs a tent bar in Seoul as a front for her real job (eh, court-mandated community service, ahem), which is resolving grudges. She discovers that a local boy, Kang-bae (Yook Sung Jae from Goblin & The Golden Spoon), would be the perfect helper at the bar. That is because Kang-bae has a special talent for getting people to open up - No soju needed. Kang-bae has never been happy about this special talent of his, however. A gig is a gig, so he goes to work with Weol-joo and her bodyguard/Chef, Gwi (Choi Won Young from Under the Queen's Umbrella & Twinkling Watermelon).

Kang-bae is immediately plunged into hazardous assignments. Training is all on-the-job-as-you-go. It's hilarious when they step into a client's deep subconscious, without warning Kang-bae of how wildly and inappropriately dangerous their venture is. Only after he screams "BUG!" and almost drops them down the !!🕳🕳infinite abyss🕳🕳!! do they tell him the downsides of the J😱B. I did, actually, L🤣L! at that scene.

Another 🌃night, when Kang-bae comes to work, he walks through the tent door and enters a 🌞 field. In the background a jaunty band plays. It's the Afterlife Lottery Games! Next they have him partake in a criminal act that jeopardizes his 😱WN afterlife. Kang-bae can't even begin to get his balance🎢

The first few episodes mostly deal with stories of various clients. Some are amusing and some are tragic. Later, things take a more personal and dangerous turn. There are quotas to be met. There are bad guys to catch. There is Soju to drink. There are mysteries to be solved. Some have links to events 500 years past.

🍺There's a couple small logical chips on the glass, but the flaws are minor and few. This story is bright, full-bodied, and original. What imaginative delights the writer gave us. The acting and directing are a perfect pour. The cadence is also perfect.

So...pour the Soju and give it a shot!

IMHO...
🎬8 🤔6 🎭8 ⚡7 💓6 🦋3.

Age 13+

In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~ you may also like:

Modern Day:
Mad For Each Other 7.8 ~silly fun;
A Witch's Love 7.8;
Love to Hate You 8.9;
Her Private Life 8;
Touch your heart 8.2;
Crash Landing On You 9.1;
Oh My Ghost 10;
It's Okay Not To Be Okay 9;
Love Struck in the City 7.3;
Hospital Playlist 9;
My Mister 9.5;
I'll See You When the Weather is Fine 9;
Something in the Rain 9

Historical/Period:
My Only Love Song 8.7 ~ excellent comedy;
Live Up To Your Name 7.6;
Mr. Queen 8.5;
My Sassy Girl / Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo 8.5;
Saimdang 8.5;
The King's Affection 8.3;
Mr. Sunshine 9

Action/Sci-fi/fantasy:
K2 8;
Private Lives 8.1;
Sisyphus 8;
Tunnel 8.1;
Signal 8.6;
Black 9;
Squid Game 8.4;
Kingdom 8.3;
Sweet Home 8.4

Consider a Chinese historical fantasy romcom: The Romance of Tiger and Rose (9.8), Love Between Fairy and Devil (8.9) or Japanese lite romcoms: Maid Sama (10), Mischievous Kiss Love in Tokyo (7.8), Love, Chunibyo And Other Delusions (8.4), or Toradora (8.5)

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I like this series so far. Each story have their own impact n values to me.. from the mermaid, tiger, bee, dragon n now rosefinch bird.. people do critic about the gci since this series is release bit late but for me it is still lovable fantasy n legendary story to watch n i do enjoy watching each episodes of it.

I just cant help on how taotie is so blind to see chang qing’s heart towards her until almost half of the story n still so clueless on how he willing to sacrifice even his own life to safe her. Idk what can make someone that old 500years still can see that 😢 n even mistaken someone else as his former lover. I hope taotie can realise this soon.. n it will be happy ending for them plssss

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A fun take on historical fantasy romance

Watch it if you like historical fantasy with a twist - this is a story that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Brief synopsis:
The female protagonist is a screenwriter who gets transported into her story as a side character who gets killed early on. Since she knows how the story is supposed to unfold, she does her best to change the events to stay alive so she can get back to her reality. It turns out it isn't that easy to control events, and when real feelings start to develop, how will that affect her actions?

This is a fun take on the historical fantasy genre where modern day persons travel to historical times. The FL is a refreshing character, and the ML does a good job of switching between devious and "puppy-eyed loveable".

All in all, this was an enjoyable viewing experience.

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Could have been 4 episodes shorter

As my headline says: I kind of thought this was coming to an end in episode 16, but then it kept going for another 4 episodes.

Brief synopsis:
The male protagonist, Moon Soo Ho, was as adopted into Jung Hae Ra's family when he was in his adolescence after his father died in a mysterious fire. He later disappeared abroad, where he became very successful. Jung Hae Ra on the other hand met misfortune, her family loosing their fortune, and both her parents dying.
She now works as a travel agent, working hard to advance her life. By chance she gets a job trip abroad, where she happens to meet Moon Soo Ho, without recognizing him from her youth. He on the other hand finds out who she is, as he has been searching for her for many years. He pursues her. Back in South Korea their paths cross with his wife from a past life, who was cursed to live forever after her evil deeds back then. She is still obsessively in love with MSH, so how will this love story unfold?

I have a bit mixed feelings for this. I kind of liked it, but then it did go a bit heavy on the scheming and the plots. I thought it was a little confusing in the beginning with the jump between times.

The cast was good. The main couple played by Kim Rae Won and Shin Sae Kyeong had some sweet scenes - they showed intimacy in an affectionate, sweet way.
Seo Ji Hye as Sharon really plays her villainous role well, as do Kim Byung Ok in the supporting role as director Park.

The music was a bit different, but I wish they could have used it a bit more subtle, maybe; I felt it got a bit too much in length.

All in all, when the story threads fall into place it works for a while, until it gets a bit too heavy on the plots. I think it could have been simplified a bit, and I didn't quite see the point of the aunt; her character felt a bit redundant, to be honest.

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The never-ending drama

I enjoyed many things about this drama. ..but it should have ended at 26 or 28 episodes. By the end, I was so over watching the same things happening again and again. A good story does not usually need to have it's characters coming back to life one after another. In the last few episodes, I was actually happy if a character actually died, and then stayed dead. And honestly, I only finished the drama because of the actors. They were great in my opinion. That being said, I personally didn't see any chemistry between any of the couples, which was disappointing. The FL had better chemistry with her keeper than with her ML. But that's nothing against the acting. And the story isn't even complete, but I don't see there being a second season since the timelines for story completion and actors ages won't match up. Which, of course, is fine, I wouldn't come back to this story. I will follow up with the actors though.

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Seems Deep in the end its just hollow

I have major problems with this show. It is wishy washy in the execution. Kidnapping is all cool. The female lead just changes sides like it's no major issue man, you gotta feel for the second male lead. What was even the male lead planning to do...he just roams around for the 10 ep and just dies. The second male lead runs away from home and can't stop thinking about the female lead but then the second when the FL and he meets they are all good. Bro was just used and thrown as required. Overall not happy with how they dealt with many of topics in the show, they just scrape the surface and move one. I don't seem to understand why the show is rated 8.7. Genuine disappointment.

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C-drama another attempt into futuristic/ scientific genre

It had potential of being a good drama.

Its either limited time or the writer and producer couldnt figure a proper ending in tying the loose ends.
The production to the series seems like there wasnt enough effort in differentiating a bionic person and a real person. what was the reason for hatred between the two. Also is this euphemism between foreigners vs residents intermingling with each other. (maybe cause they make it in a way that real people were the superiors and the bionic people were the inferior...)

We see a bionic person raising a child better than a biological parent. Two bionic people falling in love and and out of love, and one ending the life of their counterpart. The man-hunt of illegal biotic peoples. (this part did not make any sense, as where did that come from???).
Where did these bionic people come from, at first the story makes it sound like they were made in a lab. They are then sold into the market as nannies, lovers, workers, etc.
The next they just happen to be there , and you can alter a bionic person's memory into thinking that they are a real person from the beginning.
Another issue was that, telling the difference between a real person vs. bionic person. As side from a little programing "magic" and their eyes turned white. Otherwise you really cant tell them apart. Really disappointing that they didnt put any effort in that part to make it obvious.
The whole series was just a incomplete and had too many stories with many plot holes and not alot of time to properly answer them.

I was hoping that they were able to answer as to why, where, what cause the rift between the two species. With soo few episodes to this drama. It doesnt make it a proper drama. They just jumble some stories together and left it like that.

Dont get me wrong, the acting between the two leads were fantastic. Them stepping out of their comfort zone, I give them props. I just felt unfortunate that they were given a half-written script and had to act and guess/ab-lib the rest to present this so-called "drama"

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