Reviews

This one didn't rise well

Bake Me Please is a rather watchable BL. It could even have been quite good for those who do not mind predictable stories. However, certain weaknesses in plot development affected the characterization.

Shin is a baker in a bakery he has started with his friends, Oab and Guy. One might wonder how he even had friends to begin with because of his cold demeanor, but we can overlook this. Oab's mother makes his brother, Atom, join the bakery, and Atom in turn pulls his friend, Peach in. As you might guess, Shin and Peach fall in love.

The story doesn't quite impress with originality, but to its credit, it doesn't. It can be a fairly good run-of-the-mill BL. Unfortunately, some flaws do compromise the watching experience. Some parts lack coherence in somewhat bearable ways. Peach's grandmother has been clearly open to Peach and Shin having a relationship, but Peach behaves as though he is surprised when his grandmother is totally fine with it when Shin announces that they are dating.

The worst moments in the series are the rather forced turns in the behaviors of the characters to fit rather forced turns in the plot. The first of these turns is when Guy quits to join another bakery, tired of playing second fiddle to Shin all the time and probably because he is jealous that his crush, Peach, is a couple with Shin. Guy is a fundamentally good person, so it is odd that there is no sign of hesitation or struggle when he does some of the less than honorable stuff he does. Then there is Shin's behavior. Although he is socially inept and even harsh with his words, he is not an unreasonable person, especially after meeting Peach. However, he refuses to let Peach continue his friendship with Guy and breaks up with Peach simply because Peach goes for dinner with Guy. The poor plot development mars the characterization as well.

I think the writers should have opted for the feel-good factor throughout by developing the plot in a different direction. The story does end pleasantly, which salvages things somewhat.

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Review

I havent watched season 1 yet but I get the gist of it already. I like the story. I also like the FL putrang or Og Karaked, she is strong and independent . The ML rid is cute too. I like the story. If there's one thing i dont like, it's how cowardly ML rid is. He basically let history repeat again by not fighting for Fl hand in marriage against the king? Like I thought, u wont let go of her? But all the ML says is destiny here and that. The Ml was more scared of the king than losing her. He was okay with losing her forever. What a wuss! She stayed to marry you but ML offered her to the king lol
I think rueng death is unnecessary. The king was annoying at ep 24-26

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“How you feel right now is not important. How you felt when it happened is.” – Woo Young Woo

This KDrama was absolutely amazing. Some people might say, "Oh, this is reaaaaaaaally overhyped," or some people might say "This is filled with stereotypes!" Yes, it might be filled with those kinds of things, but the true beauty of this show is showing how people, no matter what happens, they can prevail. This KDrama attracted me because of how beautifully Woo Young Woo was presented. She was presented as someone who seems dumb and doesn't know what they're doing, but in the inside, she knows what she's doing and how to do it. P.S.: It has been a while since I have watched this KDrama, but I wrote this review because I wanted to share what I love about this KDrama!

Story: It was great! This might be a really ordinary script and filled with many misinterpretations about people with autism, but I loved how the story played out. The law cases were fairly interesting, and it was mainly about civil cases. Nothing too much about criminal cases, so it's a bit lighthearted. Since it's lighthearted, there aren't many intense scenes if you compare it to "Vincenzo" for example.

Acting: OMGGG, Park Eun-bin was so good in this KDrama. Personally, I haven't really met people irl with autism, so I can't make a good judgment about her portrayal of people with autism; BUT, she did a great job in showing her emotions. Kang Tae-oh did a phenomenal job portraying Lee Joon-ho, and he did well in helping Woo Young Woo with her cases and caring for her too. Kang Ki-young, you did absolutely phenomenal too. I watched Kang Ki-young in different KDramas like "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo" and "Bring It On, Ghost!". He did absolutely amazing in those KDramas and in this one too! All the other cast members were new faces, but I saw a few of them in recently aired KDramas like "See You In My 19th Life" and cameo scenes like 'Dr. Romantic 3". Can't wait to see more from them!

Music: Didn't really listen to the music much, so you can disregard this rating if you would like to.

Rewatch Value: I have rewatched this KDrama so many times it's honestly unbelievable how many times I've watched it. I stopped rewatching it now, but it's a comfort KDrama that I like to return to every once in a while.

You should definitely watch this KDrama though! P.S. (again): I do not mean to offend ANYONE while writing this review. This review is purely based on my views on this KDrama and from reading other people's reviews! I do not hate on anyone's opinions at all, your opinion is your opinion. I do SINCERELY apologize if this review seems offensive or hateful in any method, way, shape, or form. I do not have any knowledge of characteristics of people with autism because I view everybody as equal, no matter race, color, specialties, etc. All of y'all are loved, and I hope you all enjoy your day/night wherever you are! <3

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Confused...

I was really hoping to love this...and I do for some aspects...the couples are adorable and the head of KJ Agency, Araya is STUNNING...but the ending had me sitting there asking myself if I missed something...are there going to be more episodes? Is there a secret season 2 that we know nothing about yet? I certainly hope so because the ending was so unfinished. I really enjoyed the music, the acting was actually pretty good, and the most important part...the story...it had a good beginning but it really went down hill. I really wish I could say I recommend to watch but...I'd say pass on this one. It is more frustrating than it is worth.

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I don't think this is a bad drama as what others think. The drama is pretty solid with it's theme and also how it portrayed it's leads. The drama did get boring at the latter parts, since the climax part did not really have that impact that it suppose to give. As I get to the episodes one by one, I came to appreciate the drama and how it unfolds. I also appreciate that they wanted the characters to have a proper ending, almost significant character in the drama is given the spotlight in the end. One downside of the drama for me is the downfall of the excitement or the interest of the drama.
I like the main leads, their acting is great for me as a watcher. The chemistry is also there. I also like the OST. I think this is a pretty decent drama, and I would still recommend this one.

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The Progress of Falling in Love aka The First Love

I didn't read the synopsis and I thought Nanon was the one chasing his senior until I watched the first episode and it was other way around.

The story is really simple and cute. Belle one of the most beautiful senior of school always get every guy she wants to have but this time she failed to do so because of S, her junior. Breaking up with her ex boyfriend, he gives Belle a challenge to win over S and if Belle could do so in a year he will stop approaching Belle. Accepting the challenge Belle and her two best friends do many crazy things to make S fall in love with Belle but S is someone who doesn't even want to know what love actually feels like. When Belle actually falls in love with S, she stop approaching him. But at that time S has fallen in love with Belle.


This is pretty much the whole story with some additional plot twists. The interactions between Belle and S was actually really cute and sweet. Friendship of Belle and her friends were genuine. Overall it was a tennage love story with the same elements but still it seems fresh. It wasn't cliche at all, they didn't try to act mature rather their age.


Supporting characters were good and everyone did a great job in acting. Taewin stole some spotlight for me. This guy seemed timid at first but not only he is intelligent but also learnt about love real quick. It was fun to see him whenever he appeared on screen.


Let's talk about Nanon, he was only 16 years old and it was one his early roles as a main lead. He was good at acting even though he was so young. Isn't it a slap to the people who defend their favourite actors acting skills saying it's their early roles and they will get better later. Nanon did justice to his acting and show the true feelings that how a nerd tennage boy actually falls in love. Thanaerng was always good in her every roles and she did a pretty good job in here too.

There might a reason why people would hesitate to watch this, because it's a 2016 drama, but it doesn't feel like old and cliche drama.

And it has Nanon in it, young cute Nanon who would miss it!

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Now thats how you do a romcom!

Walking into this show was like taking a breath of fresh air and feeling that nice sensation in your body knowing you're in for a treat. From the start, the comedy always found a perfect beat and rarely got congested or cringe. They perfectly blended romance and comedy and made sure to balance them out. This show is so wholesome and feels genuine. The creators and actors made this feel like a love letter to BL. Giving us an inside look on the production and daily lives of these actors playing as actors made it feel like we're also apart of it, just watching behind the scenes. They put a lot of care into this and its very evident in how well they developed this series. It's a shame that it was so short, but they have potential in continuing this story. Though, this ending was satisfying enough. Overall, good pacing, and great acting. Very fun and uplifting. Definitely give this a watch, as for I will be returning to this drama often!

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Zero Plot, Just Cooking and Singing

Let’s be honest, there is no plot to this 32 episode series. Guy meets girl. They fall in love. They SLOWLY get to their first kiss. Everyone stares at them with adoration. They stare at each other. The end.

This is more of a - let’s just show a lot of good Chinese culture. Chinese dishes, Chinese clothes, Chinese music, Chinese tourist attractions. Bring in some good looking people, have them eat together and make it 32 hours.

This huge cast of actors did absolutely NOTHING. How much teasing can they give the main couple? How long must the FL act 12 and shy every single time she’s with her boyfriend? What about the side couples? They literally moved slower than a grandpa with broken hips. All the side couples got together in the last 15 mins. They have the main couple way way way too much screen time doing nothing but act cute. I wouldn’t mind if they actually showed some sort of character growth or storyline. If they made it just 12-16 episodes, it would’ve been short and sweet. But y’all.. 32 episodes?! What’s crazier is that I actually made it to the end. I mostly skipped by episode 25.

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An Epic Series About Political and Business Corruption In Korean Baseball!!!

When I first got into K-dramas about four years ago, my first series was “Descendants of the Sun.” For me, it was like finding a gem after some lackluster TV series in the West. But, I thought that I was only lucky once. Then another series came along, and then another. To this day, I’m still amazed at how finding one “gem” has led to an entire treasure trove!

Hot Stove League is a brilliant series about the interworking of a Korean Professional Baseball team, the Dreams. In the first episode, we find out that this team is terrible in nearly every facet of the game, aside from having one of the top hitters in the league. We also find out that, despite the terrible years of being “cellar-dwellers” the team continues to have a genuine following with its fans. In other words, no bandwagon fans here!

It doesn’t take long for us to realize that there is corruption at the top and throughout the team, whose owners are hellbent on gutting the team from within with the hopes of either selling or disbanding the team. Teams in Korea are owned by corporations. There have been many instances of this type of corruption within American sports teams as well. Donald Sterling (previous owner of the Los Angeles Clippers) routinely traded away any good, viable players. Publicly, he stated, “I only care about making money.”

Enter Baek Seung Soo (beautifully played by Namkoong Min) as the team’s newest GM. He has no experience in baseball at all, but he’s put together championship wrestling teams, hockey teams, and handball teams which won Olympic medals. Clearly, one of the representing owners of the team, Kwon Kyung Min (played by one of the best Korean actors in Oh Jung Se) is hoping that Baek Seung Soo will be a puppet GM who has new clue about what to do. He’s quickly proven wrong, and to everyone’s wonder, Baek Seung Soo quickly begins to right the sinking ship!

Baek Seung Soo has to deal with corruption within his own people, a corrupt scouting manager, and a slugger in Im Dong Gyu, who believes himself to be untouchable and can treat everyone around him with violent disdain.

Baek Seung Soo’s first task is to gain the support of his staff, many of whom are already scratching their heads regarding his hiring. The most charming and hard-working of the group is Lee Se Young (played by the ineffable Eun Bin Park!) and her tenacious assistant, Han Jae Hee.

Baek Seung Soo is a man who cares very little about what people think about him, and yet, he shows off his brilliance like a grandmaster chess player. He also always seems to know exactly what is going on within the staff, the organization, and the players. He’s calm but incredibly efficient, despite his lack of personal tact. He doesn’t engage in pleasantries or anything at all that may seem superficial. In short, he’s confident enough in himself to simply be himself. From other people’s point of view, he comes across as rude and insufferable, which quite frankly, adds to his charm and appeal. We rarely ever see him lose control of his emotions. He reminded me a lot of Mr. Spock from Star Trek; a man displaying wisdom well beyond his years. He may be new to the sport of baseball, but when it comes to playing the political and business game, he’s more than a match of his adversaries.

As with so many K-dramas, the show presents a heartfelt message on the back of an engaging and provocative show. It’s about people who need to learn how to speak up and stand up for themselves, and not worry so much about the consequences of their actions. There is real strength in numbers, and in a culture that is highly competitive, and where “underlings” are expected to bow and obey every order without comment or complaint, the series demonstrates that this is not the way to behave or conduct business. It demonstrates that money isn’t everything and that those who have it are quite often the most miserable people around.

This series has a top-notch cast which cannot be showered with enough accolades! Oh Jung Se (whom I first saw in “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”), plays the complex, villainous role of Kwon Kyung Min like a master of his craft. We get subtle hints, that despite his pettiness, there is something else going on, and of course, Eun Bin Park is a young woman who can easily do any role that is handed to her, even capturing the funniest line of the series! Namkoong Min, whom I’ve only seen once so far in “Awaken” is nothing short of sublime.

The series reminded me a little of “Misaeng” in which we are given a glimpse into the Korean corporate baseball world and perhaps see that, despite the culture, there isn’t that much difference between East and West when it comes to depraved depths that people will go for money. Indeed, in today’s world, money is threatening to bury all that we love and hold dear about professional sports and why fans love them.

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Sand Princess - A Heartwarming Blend of Comedy and Romance

Introduction:
"Sand Princess" emerges as a gem within Thai romantic comedy dramas. Led by the charismatic Baifern Pimchanok, the series seamlessly weaves together humor and heartfelt moments. As a fervent admirer of Pimchanok's previous work, particularly in "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," diving into this series was not just a choice but an anticipation of delightful entertainment.

Plot Overview:
The storyline revolves around Kod, an orphan navigating the intricacies of both school life and employment as a working student. Her financial support comes from Jirapat, a friend who seeks her assistance in various tasks. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn when Jirapat impregnates another girl and evades responsibility. Kod reluctantly agrees to masquerade as the baby's mother, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events. The entrance of Ki, Jirapat's responsible and understanding brother, proposing marriage to Kod to salvage the family's reputation, introduces a captivating love triangle.

Character Analysis:
Kod: A standout character, Kod embodies strength, intelligence, and diligence. While the notion of raising a child for financial gain may strain believability, the series meticulously justifies her actions through her past experiences and a genuine desire to shield the child from the hardships she faced.
Ki: In stark contrast to Jirapat's playboy tendencies, Ki emerges as the responsible and understanding brother, adding depth to the narrative.
Jirapat: The playboy character, irresponsible to a fault, his actions underscore his undesirability as a romantic partner for Kod.

Acting and Chemistry:
The cast's performances, with Baifern at the helm, are commendable. Her ability to seamlessly transition between emotional and comedic scenes showcases her versatility. The chemistry between the three leads is palpable, adding layers to the love triangle and keeping the audience emotionally invested.

Story Execution:
While the overall plot may traverse familiar romantic comedy tropes, "Sand Princess" manages to captivate audiences through well-executed comedic moments. The series strikes an admirable balance between humor and a touching narrative, ensuring a consistently engaging viewing experience.

Lessons and Theme:
Beyond its comedic façade, "Sand Princess" astutely incorporates lessons about responsibility, enriching the narrative with layers of depth and resonance.

Music and Cinematography:
The music, particularly during comedic scenes, elevates the viewing experience. While the opening song may not be groundbreaking, it sets a lively tone for the series.

Conclusion:
"Sand Princess" may not redefine the romantic comedy genre, but its potent combination of strong performances, compelling chemistry, and the seamless blend of humor and heart make it a standout series. For those seeking an entertaining yet resonant journey, "Sand Princess" proves to be a commendable choice.

In summary, "Sand Princess" emerges as a Thai drama that successfully delivers on its promise of laughter and romance, earning its place among the gems of the genre.

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49 Days/Pure Love (2011) - this drama has all the elements which you could really fall in love with. I remember I was so crazy about this drama. The importance of one’s life given the time limit, and how far love can go for you, with a twist of family love & friendship, with romance as well, this drama portrays just that. The soundtrack of the drama is good. My favorite character would be grim reaper Jung Il Woo (*who wouldn’t like him?). I just didn’t like the ending though because I want Kang and Yikyung to be together, which didn't happen. I find the drama heart aching and it exudes melodrama. The actors did really well from the villains to the leads. Highly recommended.

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Full House (2004) - It is hilariously good. I watched the drama in a day because I usually don’t do marathons nowadays but it’s a light-hearted drama, so it is so good. Though it was set years before, I can see some lacking parts of the scenes, but I still think it was good. I felt frustrations in both the female and male leads, but I guess it shows that I am affected with the story. Since Rain and Hye Kyo were still young in this drama, I could see the improvement in their acting nowadays. I really like how they keep me thrilled up until the end. I like it and it is fun to watch.

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Ha Jiwon, So Ji Sub, Jo Insung – with this main cast, who wouldn’t watch this? I watch this drama out of curiosity. I believe they were rookies at the time, rising to be the big stars of today. I was still quite young when this first came out on our local television so I haven't watched this one. I picked it up when I got the time and the availability of english subtitles. The acting was good, but the story line seems a bit off to me. I think it’s quite old (2004), that’s why the transition is not that good comparing to recent dramas. I can't help but compare this to the recent ones because I picked it up on the recent years. The ending didn’t do anything justifiable, but I guess it was hurriedly done, I don’t know. I can’t basically recommend this drama.

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