Reviews

ML's actor ruined it

The premise was interesting, but as soon as I saw the ML's real age, I knew literally nothing substantial would come of this show.
If you're reading this review, you've probably read the synopsis, so I won't repeat it. Nekokare is, I suppose, what you could call a guilty pleasure, or at least in premise. In execution, it's just boring puppy love because everything is being legally limited by one factor: the ML's real age. (He was born in 2007, so he was 16 during filming.)

Now, I won't delve into the political/ethical issues this story presents. If you can learn to separate reality from fiction, you can get a pretty good story out of it. Look at Chūgakusei Nikki. for example. The main tween that and this show, though, is that the ML in that show WAS of age during filming, while this one isn't. Considering it's a ROMANCE drama with a 30-year-old year old FL, it closes practically every single door of opportunity. So, all we the viewers are left with is an attractive face and a very awkward viewing experience. literally should have just picked an actor from like 2005. and I bet you it would have been a much better romance.

Anyway, besides that KILLING the show, the story itself was actually kinda bad bad, haha. These kinds of large age gap dramas usually only when both characters (mainly the older one) are troubled people, We see this in Kōkō Kyōshi and Chūgakusei Nikki. But here, the FL has NOTHING WRONG with her life. Even the ML's problems are extremely minor, so for them to actually develop mutual feelings doesn't feel right.

The acting was alright, no one stood out as great, though the ML was particularly annoying. Maybe it's because he's still rather new in the industry, or maybe it's just how they wrote his character. But I swear he had the same annoyed/depressed demeanor the ENTIRE SHOW. I don't want to get canceled, so all I'll just say is that he looks and acts like a pushover, kinda of annoying.

From a technical standpoint, everything was up to mrn J-Drama standards: really strange colour grading, generally good lighting, good cinematography, decent music, etc.

Overall, it's not worth it. I would only recommend this show if you want to learn Japanese.

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I didnt exepect I will invest my feeling for this series.

Accidentally stumbled acrosss and find this series, honestly I saw some shorts on but it was really not much doesnt gave me mood to watch it. But i was bored so I think I wanted to try this series and I didnt expect this series would hits me this much.

(PROS) :
- Story : Very unexpected storyline, altough I literally tought it just basic romance story line with a game stuff?? I almost gave up until I find out Yeowoon story. I feel sad and I stay for his story. But again, expect the unexpected from this series. This series really not playing with the plotline.

-Acting/Cast: Everyone in this series does amazing job. But kuddos for Lee Tae Vin & Cha Joo Wan, they really all-in with their character which makes me invest so much with this two character. I want to hug Yeowoon so bad. T_T

(CONS) :
- Music/OST : I felt like this series seems doesnt have a proper Original Sound Track. T___________T
You know theres many scene that if they have their own ost it would makes it memorable. Well most of them is already memorable imo even without OST. But I think OST will definetly works like icing on the cake for this series. This series is already done really well, very well. But OST really really matters to the audience feelings. :)))))))

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A cacophony of crows.

The Story of Minglan is a leisurely and meandering account of how with patience and cunning, Sheng Minglan, the low born daughter of a concubine triumphs over many challenges to achieve both personal and social success. Minglan's father is a middling court official who over indulges his favorite concubine and allows her to turn his household upside down. The petty tyranny of harem rivalry leads to tragedy and Minglan ends up being raised under her grandmother's wing. Minglan's great misfortune has a giant silver lining because this formidable old lady is a force to be reckoned with. She sees to it that Minglan is well schooled and helps her navigate the many pitfalls of harem politics. Minglan blossoms into a quietly underestimated young lady who catches the eye of the most eligible bachelors despite her low status.

This drama digs deep into what lurks beneath the genteel façade of Confucian propriety among the status conscious Song dynasty nobility. The deceptively sedate, mundane, humdrum of women living lives of quiet desperation, occasionally broken by shrill outbursts that crescendo horrifyingly in a cacophony of crows. My eardrums barely survived the assault of this panoply of nasty, caterwauling women. The early arcs on Minglan's childhood and coming of age are the best, most empowering ones. The drama climaxes at her vengeance arc, where I found her quiet scheming and utter ruthlessness chilling and impressive. After that the domestic bliss arcs drag on far too long with the couple dealing with repetitive villains with all too similar modus operandi. We really did not need to see version 2.0, 3.0 etc of essentially the same not very smart wicked women archetypes that are too handily dealt with by our power couple.

Zhao Liying delivers a credible portrayal of a docile, Song dynasty noblewoman with hidden depths. The way she digs into you with her eyes, the fleeting cunning smirk and brief flash of fury in her placid gaze foreshadows her evolution into a full-on temper tantrum throwing wife! That said, Zhao Liying is still best at fierce roles rather than as a docile still waters run deep kind of character. Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng paint the perfect picture of domestic bliss.Their chemistry is that of a long married couple in harmony and less of the sizzling kind that flared up between her and Lin Gengxin in Princess Agents. It is rare to see Zhu Yilong in a costume drama and I felt real sorry for his Qi Heng who unlike both Gu Tengye and Sheng Minglan, has no free will as he is unable to free himself from the social strictures of his time. The cast overall is very strong with many veteran actors that deliver comical parodies of the ridiculous pretensions of the Song aristocracy.

I am afraid I did not enjoy this very well made drama as much as many other people did. The 70+ episode narrative goes on for too long, conveying an unnecessarily realistic impression of how suffocating it was to be a Song dynasty woman. Considering Gu Tingye's incredibly modern attitudes with respect to polygamy and empowering his wife, I am convinced it was impossible to be a Sheng Minglan in those times. Some of the early arcs are worth 8.5 but the story climaxes too early and is bogged down by repetitive plots in the latter half. This weighs my overall rating down to 8.0. This is a drama that patient viewers with robust eardrums will enjoy more.

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A Solemn Tale of Love, Redemption and Reconciliation

Love. Death. Redemption. Realization.

Life is full of never truly looking at ourselves while also learning to understand exactly who we are.

And this is precisely the kind of story the Thai BL 7 Days Before Valentine offers. It’s a theatrical, intense story about a man named Sunshine whose love life hangs by a thread. Just as he grapples with the daunting task of charting his life’s course after an unexpected breakup, fate intervenes in surprising ways. A mysterious Cupid reaper, wielding powers beyond comprehension, emerges with a proposition: to restore Sunshine’s lost love within the span of seven days by having him wish away a person each night. Yet, as the intricate web of fate unfurls, it becomes clear that every boon comes with a price. As Sunshine embarks on a journey of choice and reflection, he learns that some lessons are worth their weight in gold.

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/02/13/7-days-before-valentine-series-review-ep-1-to-12/

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Positive, feel good, fun!

Feb 2024
I absolutely loved every episode of this clever, joyful, positive and mysterious K-drama.

Each character brought something to the story. Most were high school students, with supporting adult characters, many of whom could learn a thing or 2 from the youngsters!

As the time-travelling mystery centres around a group of high school students that form a band, eventually called Watermelon Sugar, expect a fair amount of music, as the group and individuals rehearse, play and write.

I loved the cast, who were believable in their roles, had excellent chemistry and sucked me right in.

The present day characters within the central family are warm, challenged, close, but not without their issues.

Characters from the past are very varied; ranging from mysterious, to goofy, aloof, mean and frankly evil.

There are references to child abuse, bullying, threat and suicide, but those scenes sit within a story that is overwhelmingly positive, often funny and also emotional. I laughed, wanted to punch people's lights out and cried, throughout the 16 episodes, which flew by.

This drama can just be enjoyed for what it is, a feel good, happy and positive watch; but within it there are also several messages that can be found if wanted and related to, as well.

Very few plot holes and any I noticed were easily forgiven within an overall well thought out and refreshingly positive watch.

I also loved that the issue of deafness and mutism is so maturely addressed. It didn't seek to make a pity party out of the drama, with the emphasis far more on the family attempting to fit in, support themselves, and be accepted as equals.

Of course, there were characters who attempted to take advantage, bullied and treated them as though they were stupid, but there were also positive friendships too.

There is a scene near the end where a female mature character has travelled back to S.K. from abroad and remarks that things are improving [in how those with deafness are responded to/treated]. I found that very telling.

The romances (yes, plural) are very sweet. A main feature, but at the same time not in a way that overshadows the rest of the story, even though they are an integral part of it.

One of the best characters has to be Grandma, fabulously played by Go Doo-shim. Her personality, attitude and relationship with her grandson, were a joy! Loved the name of their guesthouse too.

Choi Hyun-wook as Yi Chan, was probably my favourite character overall. He just grew on me and I totally loved him.

If I had to name something I thought could have made it even better, it would be more of the latter part of his young story with Cheong-ah. Also a little more of their lives in the present day, after their return from the past (especially that of Se-kyung).

Choi Won-young made a great Dad and I loved Chun Ho-jin (a favourite mature actor), as a music shop owner. The kids who played younger versions of central characters, were great too, especially Jung Hyun Joon (as Ha Eun Gyeol).

There are flaws, but for me, none that I couldn't forgive. I really loved that actions had consequences and that parent/child relationships were widely covered.

Would very happily watch this again and I LOVED the soundtrack (link attached for msin tracks).

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in an industry where there is a lack of well-developed stories (because unfortunately we still haven't overcome the bls with like 6 episodes that lasts only 20 minutes...), "love for love's sake" debates important themes that are not usually portrayed in other korean bls, at least not with too much depth.

talking topics such as the fear of letting yourself feel and not letting yourself love and be loved, as well as addressing homophobia (finally!, because i particularly don't remember a korean bl talking openly about this), i believe that the bls industry, not only in korea, but also in the rest of asia, will have to work hard to be able to make something good as what "love for love's sake" was able to provide.

SPOILER (?) AHEAD:

and we had a bisexual main character everybody cheer !!!

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THIS IS A MUST WATCH!!!

This is a MUST watch ok. I kept seeing it on tik tok and stuff and i was like i gotta watch this and i finished it. It is so sad but so good at the same time. This is one that i would definitely rewatch again and again and again without getting tired of it. The plot is amazing but confusing. You will understand when you reach the end of the series, but both of the main leads are so good at acting. I just can't with it and I'm gonna go and cry myself to bed because I dont have a golden retriever boyfriend!

But if anyone does read this comment or review please help yourself and watch it! It's so good you won't regret it!

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If you’re expecting a tear jerker, this
isn’t it.
If you’re expecting ground breaking, this isn’t it.
Oscar winning, this isn’t it either.

If you want a series that makes your heart warm, puts a smile on your face, and make you realize that the world is indeed a beautiful place - this is it!

Cherry Magic, regardless of the iteration holds a special place in everyone’s hearts. It talks about the workplace. The relationship between different people. It tackles the mundane and the complexity of day to day living - Choosing love, career, friendship, happiness and self worth - it tackles all. How the production makes it look simplistic is its magic. Everyone would be able to relate and see themselves in some way of form.

Yes, I may have a bias since this series features my ship, TayNew. But I wholeheartedly can say that it be a disservice for you to not give it a shot. Never not happy watching each episode.

For anyone that believes in love, this is a must watch.

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i love this drama huhuhu

oh i love Liu Yuning and Liu Shishi in this drama. Their performance really captivated me when I saw this drama. I also like all the cast, they tell the story very well!

I watched this drama and finished it in 3 days.

acting, ost, production, story, visual effects, cinematography and other small details are really beautiful in this drama. I keep putting off watching this drama because I find it quite difficult to finish dramas with lots of episodes and heavy conflicts. but this drama refutes all my principles!

This is like watching the film Train To Busan, namely a storyline that leads to a place with various conflicts and obstacles experienced. I really like how all the characters develop and find their best point. However, in episodes 35-39 I didn't watch it because I couldn't bear to see the characters die one by one.

I hope to watch similar dramas like this again.

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Caution! This will mangle your heart.

I needed a few days to process what I had just seen before writing a proper review. My heart was way too invested in this and I needed some clarity before proceeding...

If you are a sucker for a good romantic melodrama, this one tops the list. The heat in the room gets turned up by the smoldering male lead, Jang Hyun, played by Namkoong Min. He falls for his lady the moment he set eyes on her and sets out to steal her heart by any means necessary. Our female lead, Gil Chae, is aptly played by Ahn Eun Jin (Hospital Playlist). Gil Chae has no interest in our ML, however, because she has her eyes set elsewhere. What is obvious to us, though, is that our FL has fallen head over heels for our ML but she is the only fool who doesn't realize it. What transpires is a delicious game of push/pull and how Jang Hyun would cut his heart out of his body for Gil Chae if she wasn't so self-absorbed to appreciate it.
We get a sweeping epic of historical fiction that will throw our leads together or tear them apart. We get lost in the intense gaze of Jang Hyun telling his lady he resents the hell out of her, while granting her the simplest of wishes. We are swept along in the tidal wave of their love and it is beautiful.

Unfortunately, this beautiful epic love story has its flaws. Most of the plot was taken from Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind, in the first part and then riddled with cliches and sloppy writing in the second, leaving us confused and asking a ton of questions. There were time lapse issues, abandoned story arcs, and implausible scenarios. How is it that Jang Hyun can fight so well? He hates war and is a bit of a dandy, so when did he train to be so deadly with a sword? His past is alluded to but not clear. The storyline gets muddled and repetitive, so it would have been better to just stick with a simpler plot. After all, it was delivering spectacularly in the romantic aspect.

The OST...what an OST!! It was sonorous, sweeping, simple, and unforgettable. It conveyed the romantic emotions, the angst, the desperation, and the deep longing of two people who can't live without the other. Bravo!

Then there are unforgettable lines like, "I tried to hate you when you left me, but I couldn't, So, I hated myself instead." "I never left you, I just couldn't bring myself to have you." Add these to the stellar acting and breathtaking cinematography and you have yourself a noteworthy production despite its flaws, deserving of its many awards for best actors and best drama of 2023.

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interesting?

I saw the drama trailer and I thought it was interesting.
The first episode looks good for the shooting, the effects in the drama and the cinematography, but I have to say FL's acting really bothered me

FL's gestures were awkward with an unconcealable expression in her expression. the plot in the first episode was also not strong enough for me, it seemed like something was missing in this episode with the plot when FL and her friend were on the bridge, I found that scene to be strange. especially then the next day FL changed into really nice, neat and fashionable clothes and went back to the bridge, isn't that strange?

During the ML scene it was also strange, I thought his friend had just entered the operating room (?) but he had already been taken to the rooftop? This is what I also find strange

in episode two I tried to survive, but couldn't. Maybe if I have the intention to continue, I'll try watching it again

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Mr. Queen (2020)

An intricate tale of unorthodox romance layered underneath a veil of silliness and exaggeration.

As with all stories involving the olden days, there's always the twists and turns involving hierarchy, politics, corruption, et cetera. Mr. Queen, despite having comedic roots, still managed to fulfill those roles quite well. The show kept viewers engaged to the story progression and knew exactly when to alleviate the tension with lighthearted comedic bits. While largely entertaining the show's script did carry a bit of bloat. Bloat that, when combined with the historical context, did make the show feel draggy at times.

And then we have the ending. A tricky thing to approach and ultimately one of the rare weaknesses of the show. The way the ending sequences and the penultimate moments where the "all's well ends well" pieces start falling into place were a bit... weird. It was unfortunate that some parts of the show felt unnecessarily fleshed out whereas the vital ending moments were anything but.

The cast. Just wow. All of the characters, leads and supporting, were all enjoyable to watch; performances that were over the top yet well executed. Of course, Female Lead Shin Hye Sun puts on an absolute gem of a performance and really gave life to her character. Actors that are tasked to portray characters that pull double duty can be challenging but when they get it right it sure is a sight to behold. And her majesty did not disappoint. Her majesty, Mr. Queen.

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Absolutely Amazing

I loved this Drama! I will watch anything Yang Zi stars in. She is incredible and never fails to deliver an amazing performance. I love her, She killed it in Lost you forever! She’s funny, charming, sweet and Bold! She always invokes so much emotion in me. i loved her role here, she starts off impersonating a young man in a village just trying to live an honest and easy life. Trouble always finds and she was meant for so much more! I devoured this Drama in 2 and a half days! I loved is so hard! How can you not love it! There are 4 male leads and ofc I loved the RED FLAG the hardest! He’s my Roman Empire! Xiang Liu is played by Tan JianCi, I’ve never seen him before but i fell so hard! He’s mean and a pain in the a22! But you know what he’s always there for her and their relationship was everything! Gah! I need that season 2 immediately! Our first male lead is her long lost cousin/brother CangXuan, i had mixed feelings about him from the start! He’s gorgeous and made something of himself in his ambition to get the crown. I believe deep down he has such a deep love for XiaoYao, but he keeps it hidden to get to the top and protect her. I love that through it all he backs her, and her decisions. I really didn’t care for ShiQi/Jing. To be honest, he got on my nerves from the first time he let let our girl down. I should’ve know he was gonna be full of issues from then on. He really disappointed me and it killed me even more how much XiaoYao held on to him. CangXuan should’ve handled that from the beginning. I honestly don’t really count FengLong. lol he gives major golden retriever energy and he’s adorable but just didn’t rank high on my list, I would take him over Tushuan though. I loved the episodes of FengLong and XiaoYao bounding, when XinYue said “you turned your crush into a buddy” i died! They had such great fun together. now as for my Love, Xiang Liu. He keep me on the edge of my seat! He was so temperamental and he gave me whiplash. But you could always see his sincerity in his devotion. I think the only one who never saw was XiaoYao. He really keeps everything close to the heart and has major issues sharing. he’s a little bit psycho but i think he tried so hard for XiaoYao. The ending left you in such a good place. You want more and know there is so much to come, and things are finally happening. I’ll just be here fantasizing over XiangLiu and thinking of these characters and what’s to come!

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Nothing to write home about

This drama had the beginnings of an interesting premise, but nothing much was done with it. There were too many different story threads, and so no one storyline was developed enough to be satisfying. Vigilante dramas are nothing new these days, and I don't think this one did enough to stand out.

Acting was generally okay, with Kim Hee Jun being far and away the best and most engaging performer of the cast.

Production-wise, there was some effort to create some interesting and quirky cinematography, but it didn't go far enough. It would have been better if the show could have sustained a unique visual style throughout rather than just in one off moments.

Overall, this is quite an entertaining watch if you have nothing to do over the weekend. But I don't think anything from this drama is going to stay with me for long.

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