Reviews

Who said found footage doesn’t work?

I tend to watch coming-of-age dramas in bursts then I'd swear I'll never watch another one! I must be in my manic phase when I watched 3 such dramas recently . . . in a row.

Let’s focus on this show for now. Our leads are 16 years old high school students when we meet them. Typically, such shows would cover the period leading up to the all prevailing college entrance exams and some would go beyond that. This show walks the same well-trodden path. What sets this apart is a well written script that contains all the usual tropes, but it uses them rather than being subsumed by them.

On top of that, the leads played their roles well and they infused a certain warmth and je ne sais quoi to their story. The FL is in her elements. Her spunky personality and infectious smile make her so lovable. She takes no prisoners when it comes to dealing with love rivals, but she'd let her suitors down gently.

The pacing of the show is nice and steady. This is helped by a shortish 24 episodes run. There is little need for mindless filler subplots. However, I would venture to say that they probably spend too much time in their early years. Two third of the show is taken up with the first 2 years of their senior high school. The critical Gao Kao year is greatly compressed. Ditto their college years. The first year did get some attention but then it largely skips ahead to their college graduation. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with this because their school related plots are quite constrained as some topics are simply too taboo for the censors. They can finally explore their relationship to the full after they left school.

Acting overall is solid from the ensemble cast. The 2CP is well matched but they are a bit awkward around each other until they finally confessed their feelings and change status from friends to lovers. Overall, the show is very cute and sweet. The FL's parents are gems. The ML's more problematic but they do change for the better later on.

As I mentioned before, most of the plots are well written with one exception. When the FL worked as an intern, she was taken to a banquet for a big client. The setup is the classic honey trap with the pretty young thing sitting next to the middle-aged client. Of course, he starts to get handsy. This is nothing new to c-dramas and many nasty subplots start from there. Luckily, she managed to excuse herself but her manager later sent her a text saying that she is in the wrong and should self-reflect on her mistake.

Ok, I’m not a prude but in a show full of positive messages about youths and new horizons, this stood out like a sore thumb. How can a young intern be at fault when she is a victim of harassment? Should she have seduced the client instead?! This just served to propagate the horrid cliché. I understand that it allows the ML to play hero and comes to her rescue but the payoff is not worth it, IMHO.

Nevertheless, I still consider this to be a superior show. The positives far outweigh the negatives. I can recommend this show wholeheartedly. OST is nice and catchy. Rewatch will not be a chore.

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Plot… Story… what’s that !!

Obviously this show is made for people like me who watch anything in the name of BL.
A plotless directionless chemistryless drama.
What did they add to make a plotless drama to pull till 12 episodes - Repetitive dialogues… multiple unrelated characters… all characters with parental issues… some gender and sexual orientation issues… unrequited love.. love triangles… and all sort of daily problems.
Watch this drama for everyday chores. They have seriously shown everyone doing their daily mundane activities. Sleeping, Waking up, going to work, Eating, fighting with parents, even pooping and lots of bubble tea scenes.
A guy who was calling another person as a younger brother or even seeing himself as a father figure does things with him after 2 episodes.
Another thing with this drama is that you don’t reach anywhere, because you don’t start anything.
You can call it a slice of life drama, but I didn’t see much character growth.

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I only started watching this when there's an announcement in my inbox that Netflix will not air this series anymore next month. I thought I might as well give it a go. I was looking for an easy and feel good story to watch. However, this drama is not what I expected. I thought the acting and scenes were over the top. Majority of the characters are silly to me. It didn't feel serious at all, and I didn't think this is a comedy series, so I sort of got lost in the main plot of the story. The FL and ML's acting in this is just okay. The first two episodes are good and funny but it sort of went downhill afterwards. I would only recommend this if you really like the actors. Otherwise, I would suggest you skip this one.

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If you like c-drama and have not watch this yet, I would suggest you go and watch this! I think this is one of the best ones out there. If you like sci-fi mystery type of story, I would strongly suggest you watch this one. There has been so many reviews about this drama and most have mentioned what's so good about this drama. Although I'm not normally a fan of sci-fi or time travel stories, the reviews piqued my curiosity. I originally thought that I will be confused and bored and will write a not-so good review about this drama. But, boy oh boy, it does not disappoint! The drama is so intense that it keeps you at the edge of your seat most times. Each episodes dived deeper into the story and provides more context and background on the event (bombing of the bus) and the characters of the people on the bus. I like how they reveal bits and pieces at each episode and how it all connects at the end. The drama also deals with issues facing modern society almost everywhere (which is rare for c-drama), so I applaud this. The acting of the younger actors and actresses and the more mature ones are really good! I also really like the ending theme song (Zhou Shen surprisingly has a very good English pronounciation!)

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One of my favorite drama from years ago was Scarlett Love, where a modern woman traveled back to the Qing Dynasty and fall in love. With this one, the gender is reversed. A man, who's an author, traveled back in history and fall in love with a lady from that period of time. The story is promising and different. However, I got confused with the time travel part. Each time the author goes back to history, the lady seemed to be the younger version (well, I got confused even when writing this review :)) The episodes are very short (maybe that's why there's some missing details here and there) which is good for those who don't have plenty of time to invest in a long drama. Acting is okay. I really like the FL. Maybe I have to re-watch this to better understand the story. But for now, this is not high on my rating.

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This was an exceptional series. I loved the build up. The acting was amazing. The crying scenes made me want to cry too.

Series was about a woman who encountered hardship and how she moved forward to rebuild her life. Of course we have our ML who comes into play. His character had a friendly and bubbly personality that could most,likely get along with anyone but he was also one that wanted independence. These two came together and t was sincerely sweet and heartfelt.

The chemistry between the leads showed up heavily. I would like to say that karma as well, but it more like reality than regret. It was still very good.

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Very light-heart, rom-com drama about having a passion and pursuing it

Absolutely loved this masterpiece. The romance and chemistry between the lead was just soo nice to watch. Loved how the story didn't just focus on romance but also portrayed friendship, healing relationships, passion for a dream and perseverance. The storyline went very smoothly and quickly. Time flew by with this drama! And it had the most passionate ending too. The cast's acting was out of the world extraordinary. I loved and enjoyed it sooooooo much. Words cannot suffice to express how much I adored the acting skills of the cast in this drama. The music felt very very encouraging and sweet at the time, just like the story of this drama so I think the music fitted this drama perfectly. Overall, great rom-com drama about persevering for your dream and creating great relationships with people around you on the way. ?⛸️??‍♀️⛸️

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Beautifully shot, with an intriguing fantasy premise, but then the story flounders . . .

The two major flaws of this series is 1) the lack of chemistry in the romance and 2) the lack of purpose to the story. I was so frustrated I dropped it just a few episodes from the end.

Shin Hye-sun as the main female lead does an excellent job, as she did in Mr Queen, at portraying someone who isn't what they seem on the surface. I fully believed that she had lived many lives beyond this one. Ahn Bo-hyun, however, played his character so straight, wide-eyed, bumbling and a bit gullible that you couldn't understand WHY the main female lead was so intrigued by him as a romantic partner. Where was the depth of many lives in HIS eyes?!?

On top of that, the fantasy mysteries were all dragged out, why was she being reborn again and again? Who were these weird people popping out from the past? Why was everyone around her suffering bad luck? etc. These mysteries were introduced at the halfway point, but 3 or so episodes later we were no closer. Everything had stalled.

If the romance had been better OR the fantasy and themes been better, I would have stuck with it. But both fell down, and being cinematic and pretty was just not enough to hold my interest.

PS On a bit more of a petty note, Ahn Bo-hyun's suits were atrocious and I couldn't tell whether that was supposed to portray something about the character - it started to really irritate me.

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I Cherish It

This show was so wonderfully easy to fall in love with.
It tells the story of two best friends who happen to fall in love with each other and the journey that love takes them on.
What kind of love are they feeling? Is it really romantic? And if they really are in love, shouldn't something between them have changed? Whatever the answers may be, they'll figure it out together!

The deeply lovable cast of characters (I especially adored some of the side characters, such as the two teachers), solid writing, and realistic, yet truly charming and funny dialogue all work together to create that inimitable warm summer feeling of days gone by. This show teaches us the importance of cherishing the things and people you love. It will gently take you by the hand and take you on a slow, nostalgic trip down memory lane until there's nothing left in your heart but a vaguely gooey warmth.
It made my life slightly better for having watched it and I think it might just do the same for you if you give it a shot.
Go watch it.

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'Twas Alright

This was one of the most inoffensive, easy-to-watch shows I have ever seen. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing very much comes down to personal preference.

Was the story somewhat shallow? Yes. Were there certain plot points that made absolutely no sense whatsoever? Oh, most definitely. But the characters were charming, the chemistry was good, and it got a couple of good chuckles out of me.
Personally I even really liked the way the main plot and the subplot with the creditors wove together, however little sense it made. The creditors showing up with encouraging signs for the final race came so out of left field and made me actually laugh out loud, so for that alone I think the addition of this subplot was worth it.

All I can say is if you're looking for an easy and largely enjoyable way to spend an hour and a half then you can't really go wrong with this show. You could also be watching something better though, in my humble opinion.

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A Mesmerizing K-Drama Journey into the Heart and Beyond

Prepare to be whisked away into a realm of captivating mystique and emotional resonance with "Alchemy of Souls" Season 1, the latest gem in the world of K-drama. This masterpiece weaves together fantasy, romance, and intricate storytelling to deliver an enthralling experience that lingers in the mind and heart long after the final credits roll.

From the very first episode, I was transported into a world where the lines between reality and the supernatural blur, much like the transformative process of alchemy itself. The narrative unfolds like a spellbinding incantation, taking us on a journey with characters whose destinies are interwoven with the threads of fate and magic.

Meet Jiwoo, a brilliant alchemist whose enigmatic aura draws us into the heart of the story. As we follow Jiwoo's trials and triumphs, we become emotionally invested in his individual struggle, much like the intricate stages of alchemical transmutation. His growth is beautifully portrayed, akin to watching the elements of his personality blend and evolve.

The chemistry between Jiwoo and Eunha, the ethereal enchantress, is palpable, akin to the fusion of elements that form the core of alchemical transformations. Their tender moments together are like the gentle alchemical reactions, while their intense scenes resonate like fiery reactions in the crucible of emotions.

"Alchemy of Souls" Season 1 is a treasure trove of heart-stopping moments, both romantic and dramatic. The fantasy world-building is a feast for the eyes, akin to witnessing the intricate instruments of alchemical laboratories come to life. Each setting feels meticulously crafted, transporting viewers to enchanting realms that mirror the protagonists' inner landscapes.

What truly sets "Alchemy of Souls" apart is its exploration of profound themes like destiny, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of souls. As Jiwoo and Eunha navigate these themes, the layers of storytelling are as intricate as the steps of an alchemical recipe, revealing hidden depths and hidden connections that resonate on both a personal and universal level.

As the season reaches its climax, mysteries unravel with the precision of an alchemical reaction reaching its zenith. Questions are answered, revelations surface, and characters are brought to crossroads that keep us eagerly awaiting the next season's alchemical concoction.

In conclusion, "Alchemy of Souls" Season 1 is an enchanting tapestry of emotions, fantasy, and spiritual exploration that is quintessentially K-drama at its finest. If you're seeking a series that seamlessly blends supernatural elements with heartfelt human stories, look no further. This K-drama leaves an imprint on the soul, much like the art of alchemy itself. ???

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A Casual Flicker in the Drama Galaxy! ??

Alright, fellow drama enthusiasts, let's talk about "Fireworks of My Heart" – a show that's cruising along with a storyline that's just okay, neither setting the skies ablaze nor fizzling out. ??

Our protagonist, Li Wei, takes us through her journey of dreams and ambitions, but it's like watching a firework that's missing a little sparkle. Her trials and tribulations don't exactly launch us into an emotional rollercoaster, but rather provide a leisurely stroll through her life's landscape.

When it comes to romance, Zhang Hao, the charming love interest, is more like a gentle glow than an explosive burst. Their interactions are cozy, like watching a campfire on a calm evening. It's not exactly a love story that sets the heart racing, but it emits a warm and steady glow.

The supporting characters, including Li Wei's spirited best friend Chen Jia and Zhang Hao's wise mentor Zhou Yi, add a touch of color to the drama canvas. Chen Jia's comedic interjections are like little sparks of humor, while Zhou Yi's advice is like a compass guiding us through familiar terrain.

Plot-wise, "Fireworks of My Heart" doesn't stray too far from the well-trodden path of drama storytelling. It's like watching a classic firework routine – you can anticipate the bursts, but they don't catch you off guard. The twists might not be hairpin turns, but they do manage to keep the narrative chugging along.

Production quality is a bit like watching a firework show on a comfortable summer night – you're not awestruck, but you're content with the view. The scenic backgrounds and costume designs don't steal the show, but they play their part in creating a pleasant visual experience.

Emotionally, the drama doesn't soar to great heights, but there are sporadic sparks of sentiment. Li Wei's moments of self-discovery might not elicit tears, but they do leave a pleasant impression. It's not the kind of drama that leaves your heart pounding, but it does offer a gentle tap now and then.

In the grand scheme of things, "Fireworks of My Heart" might not be the dazzling explosion we hoped for, but it's also not a damp squib. It's a drama that fits snugly in the category of "good" So, if you're in the mood for a casual watch that won't overwhelm your senses, give it a shot. It might not light up the entire night sky, but it's a comfortable twinkle in the drama galaxy. ???

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These Lawyers Do Not Get Divorced!

What a bizzarely underrated gem this one is. It's a heartfelt, mature story about love in its many iterations, an exploration of what being in a relationship can mean to different people, and the courage it takes to hold onto the people you love.

The two main characters are not only lawyers, which would already have been a unique premise, they are divorce lawyers.
This is an incredibly clever plot device that allows the show to explore, in depth, the concept of romantic relationships, why they succeed and how they fail. It addresses serious topics such a domestic violence and abuse, but also focuses on more universal questions such as - What happens if love alone isn't enough to make a relationship work? Can letting a beloved partner go be the right decision, or is it better to hold onto love with both hands and fight to keep it?
All these ideas are explored thoroughly and all tie into helping the characters grow and evolve.
As an added bonus, Yu Zhen and Shi Lei from Be Loved in House make an appearance here as well, which is very fun to watch for fans of that show, but even for those who are unfamiliar with the two, their story is a very sweet addition to show overall.

While the main couple's story focuses on the terrifying, exhilerating roller coaster ride of falling in love with your best friend, the side couple's story revolves mainly around learning to let go of the past to make space for a new partner and the difficulties of integrating a new love into an already existing family unit, especially when there's kids involved.
Serious as that may sound, both romantic plots are actually very sweet and uplifting and carry with them an incredibly heartening sense of hopefulness and joy.
I will also say that, even though I detest nothing more than a dramatic separation, especially if one character martyrs themselves for the other, here that plot point actually makes a lot of sense and is handled with a care and compassion that I really appreciated.

In short, Plus & Minus is a welcome departure from the more common university and high school centered dramas and delivers a story that is truly unique and heartfelt.
If you're looking for a mature queer show with solid writing, believable relationships, and a cast of sympathetic and lovable characters, then give this one a watch.

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Pretty Good So Far !!

I'm writing this after finishing episode 9. Honestly wasn't expecting this series to be all that good but it's very entertaining & with a good plot. It starts a little slow but they're just setting up the story first few episode then it starts getting interesting. Honestly would recommend it for anyone that's on the fence about watching it. I'm interested to see where the story goes for the last 7 episodes. The ML & FL have great chemistry. The characters are well written so far every character has ''character''. I'd give it a solid 8.5 - 9 so far. Hopefully the story doesn't fall off as it goes towards the end.

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As if in a dream.

This is the first drama I have watched in a long time. The initial premise caught my eye and as the drama went on, the resulting threads that spin off from this central betrayal kept my interest. That said, the main couple lost me around the sixteenth episode mark and the secondary couple kept me watching. Both of them fall into interesting and--rare (?)-- tropes.

The first couple is about a righteous general whose wife turns out to be a member of a demonic clan. However, if you are expecting a drama about contrasting principles or the struggle of incompatible lifestyles despite pure marital love, you won't find it here. It goes a slightly more mainstream route and the conflict is mostly about staying together in the face of outside evil. This is still executed well and the episodes that show how they got to their present state are the most captivating part of their love story. For example--the scene in which he buys her red-and-white flower shoes and puts them on for her is quite beautiful. The contrast between a civilized man and chaotic woman is played around with in a fun way during these episodes. Overall, they start off as a very innocent couple. This quality slowly goes away as they face more trials (you'll know what I mean when you see it) and hence I began skipping around on their scenes.

The second couple is about a princess who is forcibly married to her first love. She possesses Qilin blood, which makes her a coveted item throughout the series. It seems everyone in Chang'an wants her blood, including her villainous (or so you think) general hubby. These two kept me watching till the very end. The hook with them is a simplistic question about the morality of taking advantage of an innocent. But the drama manages to complicate this question with a few tragic backstories and watching the eventual romantic answer to this question is riveting. My favorite moment with them is definitely their first meeting, set during a magical night festival with the usual effects of sparklers, candied hawthorne, gold-tinseled booths, and lanterns.

Watch this if you are in the mood for an intense, whirlwind romantic drama. It will surely fulfill all your expectations in that case! I was lucky enough to pick this up at the exact right moment.

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