Reviews

Squid Game Season 2 hits on the red light.

Everyone knew that Squid Game was the talk of the town when it first aired, taking the world by storm. Hundreds of millions of people streamed it on Netflix, setting an all-time high record that no show has beaten to this day. So, when the second season was announced shortly after the first one ended, people were ecstatic, eager to have their questions answered when it finally aired.

Just to preface this "review," I personally did not like the first season. I understood why people found it fresh concept-wise, but for someone who has been consuming the "death game" genre for years, the idea was nothing original. It just boiled down to how the creators would put their own spin on it.

My main issue with the first season was its inconsistent writing. You could tell the writer had incredible ideas but struggled to integrate them smoothly into the plot. There were also unnecessary elements that dragged the show longer than necessary (one example being Il-Nam's ten-minute monologue at the end of the season).

That said, I did appreciate the character dynamics and the overall simplicity of the story. I genuinely believe that simplicity was the key factor in its success, especially considering Squid Game served as many people's first experience of the "death game" genre.

When the second season dropped during the holiday season, I decided to give it another chance. I thought perhaps I had been too harsh on the first season, as I only rated it two stars. Maybe the holiday spirit would help me enjoy the new season more.

Trust me, I really wanted to like it. I truly did. I focused on a few good things during the first two episodes, but as time passed, I realized that the one thing I genuinely liked about the first season—its memorable characters—was stripped off from this one.

Although the second season introduced a plethora of new characters, none of them were memorable. They lacked depth, making them utterly forgettable. To be honest, I couldn’t even remember a single name by the time it ended.

Plot-wise, it felt as though the creators sacrificed the show’s core focus to expand the narrative. This season felt rushed, with too many things happening at once, which negatively impacted both the quality of the storyline and the development of the characters.

As for the games, while most were new, they were colorful like those in the first season but lacked the shock factor that made the first season interesting.

Squid Game, like many other series bearing the "second season curse," unfortunately wasn’t safe from landing on the red light. I attribute much of this to the abrupt, and unfulfilling season finale. But who knows? Perhaps what this season lacked might become the strongest element of the next.

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One of the better dramas of 2024

Sad to see the low ratings.
I don't understand the hate on this series?? Yeah it was pretty cheesy and had several plot holes, but looking at the good parts, there were A LOT. I can easily compare this series with many others this year and it tops so much of them.

At first, I hated the fan turns into lover idea, but you had to keep watching to realize the main characters had more history than they realized. The plot twists, or just seeing the characters futures changing due to past jumping, got me really excited for the next episodes. It had me giggling in my seat, and I was also OBSESSED with the soundtrack. Not often you see main actors singing for their OSTs!! Minus points for the random plot confusion toward the end, I'd say this show was a success ♡

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Excellent Experienced Actors making the Most of a Slightly above Average Script

This drama is a mixed bag.

There are moments that are genuinely funny, some heartwarming. Then there are moments of mind-numbing cringe and stupidity.
it's a little predictable how things unfold, with a few surprises.

The actors are quite skilled and experienced, so the acting is the best part thus far,

But it is watchable, it is enjoyable thus far.

If you are in the mood for a lighthearted family comedy with lots of romantic sub plots, that still attempts to tackle some difficult and heartfelt issues. This one for you.

If you are looking for a more thoroughly scripted story, this one will leave you desiring a bit more.

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Feel Good Drama

This drama is for you if:
1. You are into or want to venture into classical music.
2. Looking for something fun to watch and want to bond with your family.
3. Suffering from existential crisis (like me).
4. Just want to try something new, a genre you haven't seen before.

So... I didn't expect that I will love this drama. I just decided to play it because I just finished watching BL Metamorphosis and I want to see Mana Ashida more. I've been her fan since 2011. I haven't seen yet any of her latest shows and I want to see how she's been doing now as a grown up actress. As expected, my cute little Mana Ashida turned into a beautiful adult. She can still handle her role well.

Back to the drama. It started really fun. This is my first orchestra/classical music drama and it really won my heart. I like how the story doesn't only revolve betweet the father and daughter. The side characters are also given their own spotlight and I can relate to some of them.

It automatically added to my faves and I want more people to know about this very underrated drama.

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Hooked from the start

I had been looking for a series with this specific trope for a while, so I dived in without looking up any reviews or spoilers and I fell in love with it.

From the very first episode, I was captivated. The music was so catchy along with the storyline. Needless to say, I've rewatched this series multiple times. I particularly liked how the main characters provided strength and support for each other.

Also, despite the language barrier, the second couple managed to build a successful relationship. I was pleasantly surprised to see a Thai actor in a Taiwanese series, which added an interesting dynamic.

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Truly a THRILLER! So epic as the Renevant was

I'm left with no words, honestly. This series was so EPIC and I wasn't prepared for it.
As a thriller, will keep you on the edge of your seat more times you'll ever imagine. As the story unfolds, we get to know the characters, and we try to realise with them what's going on, what's the truth. But trust me, the twists this story has... wow!
The chemistry between the three main characters is INSANE. Their relationship keeps becoming stronger and stronger. All of them have the stubbornness to do everything they can to save their loved ones and to save one another.
The acting, how everything are set will make you cry and feel the pain of the characters to your bone or feel the fear, for sure (you want to stop because of how scared you're but you want to keep watching as well because of how good it is).
Till now, the Revenant was maybe the most amazing and truly a THRILLER, for me. Now, The Guest is as well with Renevant a THRILLER- after you have watched this you're feeling you've made the right choice you started watching it. Truly.
The music for me was amazing and has given more depth to the drama, but maybe I wanted something a little better.
As rewatch value I'm not sure if I can handle watching it again, but the emotions I've felt while watching it I think I maybe will want to experience them again.
(It's my first review, guys. So I hope it would help you decide about whether to watch this drama or not 😇).

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Except for the whining of the main female character (which was almost unbearable by episode 18--way too long), the rest of the story and the actors worked. Wang You Shuo, as always plays his role perfectly (which he's done numerous times, but I never tire of). He gradually and smoothly goes from villain to good guy, doing so in a manner that is credible. As many have said, it's a shame that the lead actress, who is new to me, but I felt could probably have played the role differently if written to do so, would have been so much better keeping some of her confident, warrior attitude earlier and throughout the show. I'm glad I finished it, because after watching the first episode and stopping for a couple of months before picking it back up, I didn't think I'd come back to watch it.

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The chemistry between the actors was the best. It was the most realistic.

If I compare the story of the series Love Next Door, it's like I'm sipping fine wine while listening to classical music. It doesn't have any excitement or chaos. It's a story that slowly seeps into my heart. The love and bond of family, young friends, a harmless relationship, changes in age, awareness of feelings, and seeing one's own worth.
Seok-ryu, the character who carries the burden of her family and tries to find her true desires, is a character that reflects the real life of today's young people. I love her. I love every scene where she argues and tells her mother her desires. She is a strong character with leadership qualities. She is never a burden to anyone. I like this strong character.
All the actors did a great job. I like the Lavender gang. They looked so natural like friends who have been close for decades. I love the relationship between the three musketeers, Seunghyo, Seokryu, and Moeum. I deducted a few points for the ending because I wanted them to get together at Seunghyo and Seokryu's wedding. I want to see their children.

Lastly, I have to compliment the chemistry between the actors. It was the best. Jung Hae In and Jung So Min. Their chemistry was explosive all the time even when they were fighting. During their sweet love scenes, my heart was beating fast with every hug and kiss. It was incredibly realistic.

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Such a masterpiece. A golden treaure and a great story of

second chances and powerful characters. This is how Chinese dramas should be written I was revited from beginning to end. Dou Zhao was definitely one of the best FL's I've seen in CDramas. Strong, courageous, determinedto change not onlyher fate but that of others as well. She was brilliantly acted by Men Ziyi too. Song Mo is someone that is also someone who is driven by his desire for justice and love for his family. His sense of justice can bring him very close to comitting hideous acts but his patience and his love for his wife always manage to pull him back. Itwas great to see Li Yunri leading his first drama, he's excellent and will go far with his talent.
The love story of Zhao and Mo was beautiful I love how they worked as a team not only in terms of fighting for justice but in their relationship too. When he needed to take a stepback and think clearly, she was always there offering her hand and he took it. Their relationship was so healthy for that matter. All their battles they fought them together even when they didn't know each other. That was how strong their bond was. Fate brought them together for a reason. I wish more writers would write their main couple like this.
As for the story it keeps you engaged from the first moment. The twists and turns keep you at the edge of your seat you want the heroes to suceeed and the villains to pay (and oh boy do they pay.) I highly recommend this drama.
Overall, 10/10 and I will be watching it over and over again.

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Superbly Presented

This was unlike any other BL drama ive watched and it was amazing, arguably the BL was barely even present.
This was a story , majestically acted, covering all stages of grief and human emotions. It had real depths to it and didnt shy away from anything.

Ive only seen Pond in Forever you so far and clealry that series is not making the best of his potential. His range in this series was magnificent, you could feel his emotions, sorrow, love, sadness, loneliness, desperation, adoration and his endless search for better memories and to be wholly loved. I was taken aback tbh as i didnt expect that level of acting from him, yes exceptionally good looking but in this, he was far more than eye candy. God i was rooting for him, i sooo desperately wanted him to have his happy ending.

I loved that it had only 3 real characters and each of them were excellently acted out, the story was well written, paced well, the characters developed so you understood them all and where they were coming from.
The filming location was simply stunning and fitted the theme and pace of this perfectly.

I loved that you werent distracted by side stories, the typical angry femal lead or revenge plots, sub twists etc, it was exactly what it was.

My only sadness was the ending, he didnt get his happiness, yes resolve on his father but that was replaced by sadness for the unresolved love. I wanted to kick uncle, for being a whimp to, and beyond, the bitter end. I felt sorry for the grief he had carried all these year's and yet, he still never got past it. I think even 5 minutes of seeing Pond in the future, with a forever family, love or happiness, would have settled me. His journey was such an emotional roller coaster and he had suffered so much sadness, i just wanted that 5 minutes.

This was truly a magnificent series, different, sucked you right in, made you invested in how it ended and hats off to all 3 lead actors, fantastically portrayed.

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This is a literal piece of art

I don't even know how to start.
Everything about this BL is beautiful. The story is so well written, the acting is top tier and the cinematography is just perfect. The lightning and the play with the colorization as the episodes go on, and the characters feel more bad and depressed..it's just perfect and so beautiful.
They portrayed this so well.
My personal favorite is "Jaewon", this character is just so complex and portrays real depression so well. The therapy sessions hit me like a bus. As someone who struggles with depression, this felt so real, as if this isn't a show but really just a depressed person I'm watching.
Also, just the tension between the two male leads drove me crazy. The feelings between them, and just everything about them, made me want to scream.
Personally, this IS and probably will be my favorite BL for a very long time. I rewatch it so often, and with every rewatch I just love it more to be honest.
I waited every week for a new episode and the waiting made me go crazy to be honest, lol. Was my favorite in 2023 and is still my favorite in 2024.

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