Reviews

I must say that I found the drama to be quite disappointing.

While I did watch the full season 1, I jumped to the last episode hoping for a happy ending. Unfortunately, I was left unsatisfied.

The cultivation scenes with the sage were excessively prolonged and dragged on for far too long. Additionally, there were way too many characters to keep track of, and I found myself getting lost and confused several times throughout the show. Many of the episodes could have been shorter and should have shown some real progress from the hero, instead of the same old storylines with the princess or the sage. The whole thing was just repetitive and boring.

Season 1 of the drama lacked any love story, except for a brief glimpse of the Princess. Therefore, it can only be termed as a NO romance drama.

The inconsistencies and bad edits in the show were alarmingly prominent. For instance, the characters walk past an alley covered in fake blood (probably a previous scene of the show left there), yet they continue their conversation as if nothing is wrong. Another example includes the protagonist achieving a talisman when he is almost at the bottom of cultivation.

The scriptwriters had major issues in grasping the age gap.
- The Princess left for two years to marry, and upon her return, she had a 5-6-year-old child.
- If the hero was around 10 when he saved the baby and 18 when he became a disciple, the child should have been 8 years old, not 12-15 lookalike
- the princess was a bit too old to fall for an 18 years old
The age gap didn't make any sense, and it was utterly frustrating to watch.

The martial arts choreography in the movie was outstanding and deserves an award. The special effects were equally impressive and the music kept me engaged throughout. While the costumes were good, they were not exceptional.

I must say that the actors and actresses did a great job, especially the master of the talisman. The bond between the master and disciple, which was akin to a father-son relationship, was very moving. The brotherhood portrayed in the movie was also well done. Overall, it was a fantastic drama with amazing martial arts choreography and touching character relationships… except the script.

I was thoroughly unimpressed and disappointed with the show. The repetitive episodes in season 1 made me lose interest in watching season 2 and I only watched the final episode out of curiosity. It was a letdown with no satisfying conclusion. To me, it seemed like a setup for season 3 which never materialized. Moreover, I strongly dislike when shows change actors mid-series. Therefore, I'm glad I skipped season 2 altogether.

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Good investigation series with Fan Shi Qi & Miles Wei

PLOT: a team of elite police officers investigate recent crimes, notably those linked to a 10-years-old "cold case". Inspector Jing Chu (the ML) also supervises the FL, a high school student endowed with superpowers, due to medical experiments carried out on her in her childhood.

PROS:
+ a bunch of excellent actors, including very endearing ML & FL.
+ efficient, lively production, in Action-Suspense mode
+ Good balance of investigation/romance.
+ Story written with intelligence, the hints are given at the right time, and there are no secondary stories unnecessarily developed. The last episodes provide answers to all the questions.

CONS:
- interesting and well-executed series, but not really addictive. The ending is a bit flat.

=> Good investigation series with Fan Shi Qi & Miles Wei, but also a bunch of other excellent actors.
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PLOT : une Team de policiers d'élite enquête sur des crimes, récents, notamment ceux liés à un "cold case" de 10 ans. L'inspecteur Jing Chu (le ML) encadre aussi la FL, une lycéenne dotée de super pouvoirs à la suite d'expériences médicales pratiquées sur elle dans son enfance.

PROS:
+ un tas d'excellents acteurs, dont ML & FL très attachants.
+ réalisation efficace, vive, en mode Action-Suspense
+ Bon équilibre d'investigation / romance.
+ Story écrite avec intelligence, les pistes sont données au bon moment, et il n'y a pas d'histoires secondaires, inutilement développées. Les derniers épisodes apportent des réponses à toutes les questions.

CONS:
- série intéressante et bien menée, mais pas vraiment addictive.

=> Bonne série investigation avec Fan Shi Qi & Miles Wei, mais aussi un tas d'autres excellents acteurs.

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Problematic and fun... two words that only go together in fiction

I've seen the Korean adaptation but none of the others. The actress's portrayal of the MFL in the Korean version made the character so pathetic, I wasn't able to finish the series. I honestly only watched this version for Dylan Wang. As an aside, I didn't realize they dubbed his voice in some of his drama until I watched Only For Love and heard his real voice (which I actually prefer). Anyway, enough about voices.

This story is problematic-ish. I add the "ish" because it's based on a comic book and everything is always over-the-top in comic books. Since this version seems to follow the original faithfully, the over-the-top scenes don't translate as well to TV/film as a medium. The acting is rather cartoonish (except when Dylan Wang does that eye thing, where he communicates all his thoughts with a single look; that's impressive as always).

This show is also addictive. Something is always happening until about episode 12, then it slows down a bit, which was good. I was getting exhausted from all the back and forth. The romance is drawn out to the N-th degree, thus I found binging 5 episodes at a time to be the right amount.

Basically, if you enjoy watching cartoonish, fun shows with over-the-top reactions by the ML and FL, this one is for you.

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TOO basic Bl plot and a lot of cringe

The worst scenes are when people interrupt their *progress* and interactions in the dumbest ways. The shorter guy is just unbearable. He acts like a manga character (well most characters do) but it doesnt translate well into a live action drama. The cliches are overused. At least its good for a laugh :)) The tall guy kinda saves the drama. He’s a good actor and the character is likeable and not cringy.

Kinda spoiler territory: the “cupid” is also unbearable. JUST WHY CANT THEY COMMUNICATE IF THEY ARE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS???? and they need some rando who is just another cliche.

Not the most organised review ik

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Great story with a few issues that dont take away from the intelligent writing

This was an expertly plotted show. It was perfectly structured and paced. Both the protagonists and antagonists were intelligent, intriguing characters which made for a very satisfying watch. The flashbacks and character building scenes were integrated into the narrative well, they fleshed everything out without compromising the story's forward momentum. It did bug me how treacly and emotionally uncomplicated the father/daughter reunion was though (she was too perky and precocious, he was too quickly and unambiguously devoted to her), and how cavalierly the 4 year relationship between the mom and the second ML was brushed aside. With just a fraction of the screen time I thought the show handled the consequences of morally compromised parents being separated from their children better with the Chairman Han/long lost assassin son and Congresswoman Jo/disabled son subplots.

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THE CAST IS LIT ?

I don't usually watch thriller and crime genre but then comes through cast the PARK SEO JUN and HAN SOO HEE so definitely i atleast have to trg tbr 1st ep out. To my very surprise the ep got me hooked and i finished the 1st part.
it's breathtaking and fabulous. You don't see these kind of stories about Korean history and politics so that might be an ich for some of you but overall I'm impressed but the cinematography and the action that this drama present

Han soo hee the girl is on fire !! No seriously. She's one of the only FL out there who's not afraid of trying diff genre. From a sweet soft girl of nevertheless to this drama. she's drop dead gorgeous and she continues being the most amazing out there.

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Original, heartwarming, thoughtful, hilarious with quiet a few really amazing characters

I absolutely adored this saeguk. I binged it in almost 3 days. The concept is fascinatingly original, the characters and plot deliciously mature, I'd say there's almost no part of this show that was unnecessary (something very rare in Kdramas). I practically started watching bcz everyone was hating it despite the unusual plot summary (I have no idea why'd people not admire a well-made project like this). It has some veteran actors in their best forms playing some of the best developed characters. The king and the mother-in-law of the Jo family were flawless.
In fact, it has one of the finest negative characters I've seen in a while. And she's a smart, wise, plotting woman who is infinitely complex as a character to simply be a villain. I loved that dialogue when she said, "Must you disappoint me till the end?" She literally savored the death of her husband! And Rowoon's character improved with every episode. I loved how frank Jung Woo is. He confessed multiple times, and with such heart! It's a beautiful, thoughtful drama. The exaggerated comedy complemented the dark assassination plots. I actually enjoyed how childlike our hero is, his innocence never undermined his courage. And Sun Duk is such a mature character, I loved how she listened to the encounter of the princess and Jung Woo, I don't think the expression of love can get any more profound. I loved how Jung Woo mentioned his remark to his father as cruel. Those are bits of life. The matchmaking of lady Yoeju too was fine in its deductive finesse, it was a display of strategy at its finest. Lady Sam Soon was a literal delight. I wasn't fond of all the pairings (I'd have liked the farmer to fall for Doo Ri, it was so predetermined I wished they'd show that people don't always fall in love with who they're supposed to be with. The 14-year-old prince and 24-year-old lady Ha Na was another daring move. I don't know if 14-year-old kids actually fall for older women like this or vice versa especially considering how grown-up Ha Na is and how mature her taste is) but at this point I'd rather not complain (and it all worked out in the end like pieces coming together in a puzzle).
Could not find a single plot hole in the drama till the end. And I have to mention the playful music and stunning visuals. The interiors were especially detailed. The pingfengs (folding screens) in every room were so pretty and distinct (I especially liked the mother-in-law's minimalist and the princess's maximalist flower-patterned screens). In a way they reflected the personality of the inhabitants. There were also indicative cinematography, pretty visuals and nice locations (probably common in every high budget saeguk, so I digress).
The ending was fitting, wise, not shocking but reassuring and very proper. I loved it. I think the last I contemplated rating a Kdrama 9 was 'Flower of Evil' and even that didn't have a perfect ending. This was a well written, well-acted and well executed drama, which managed to strike the right balance between light and dark and remained warm till the end.

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Friends-to-lovers: Simple, Repetitive, Nothing new.

The title, “I Cannot Reach You”is so accurate. Yamato spent the whole drama trying to reach Kakeru. If that’s the type of drama you enjoy - shy, awkward, unsure, simple teen romance - then this might be for you.

However, to me personally, it takes too long to reach Kakeru. Nothing much really happens and the drama can be summed up into a few points:
Yamato couldn’t control his feelings for Kakero anymore but doesn’t want to jeopardize the friendship (repeat this every episode).
Kakeru is confused about Yamato’s actions and his own feelings (repeat this for 70% of the drama).
Yamato and Kakeru are constantly being interrupted during pivotal moments (repeat this for 70% of the drama).

I also find the acting below average. There’s a way to act awkward, shy and cute. But I find Yamato too awkward (especially in the earlier episodes) and Kakeru acting way too cute. Maybe I am too old for this drama or I’ve seen too many already. This drama doesn’t bring anything new. However, this could be a gentle and easy watch for someone who just needs a breather. I might have liked this more if the acting is better and if there are more cute and fluffy moments.


Completed: 12/25/2023 - Review #387

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The result of a powerful plot and amazing acting

It took a while for this drama to be released and I must admit, it was worth the wait. If I had to describe this drama in three words, I would use outstanding, thrilling and action-packed.
Set in the joseon era(1945), this drama is a moving and captivating portrayal of survival amidst Japanese invasion. It always focuses on a girl's quest (Yun Chae Ok) to find her mother and she joins forces with the owner of a pawn shop, Jang Tae Sang.

The storyline is unique as compared to other dramas about zombies or creatures. It is a level up. Seven episodes in and it's been nothing but thrilling. It is imaginative, fascinating and keeps you engaged with powerful scenes. Every single episode was well-delivered.


The emotional aspect of the drama was greatly felt when Chae Ok came to face to face with her mother and had to come to terms with the fact that she was no longer human but a monstrous creature. It was sad and moving.

The costumes, effects, cinematography and visuals was top-notch and truly impressive .

A job well done to the entire cast especially the main leads Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee. They did amazingly well in bringing diverse emotions and acts to life. It was pure naturalism which it was riverting and enthralling.

This is a solid 10/10 for me and I think it deserves more recognition. It's a must watch.

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Acting Is Kinda Cringe, Plot Was Good But The Writing And Story Is Really Bad

Acting And Cast:
So Basically it is nothing like bad buddy, Specially the bottom guy he doesn't Know How To Act . His Chemistry With Top Guy Is Cringe Too, Only Kissing Was Good (Because Of Top Guy).
And the junior couple is like kids are playing game their casting is totally bad
I Like The Only Third Couple Of Meen And The Other Guy I Don't Like They Ended up together because meen is really good at acting his emotional scene are so good this drama will be great if they choose meen as ml with that top ml instead of that other bottom ml
Here is the actual acting grades from me
ML (Top) 8.5/10 = He Did Great Job
ML(Bottom) 3.5/10=He Only Have Good Looks Nothing Special In Acting
Friend Of ML and Also Rival (Who Also Likes ML bottom) 7/10= He Is Average But Good
And The Junior Couple For Both Of Them 5/10
Meen/Mean= 9/10 = I Really Want Him As ML with our Top ML

Story :
Guys When i read plot I was excited but after seeing the writing it was so bad starting was confusing but good like 2 episodes after that it gets very bad

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This absolute gem of a show deserves to be recognised!

These showmakers has a vision and goddamn did they ever commit to it! Translating a comedy manga into a live-action series can be challenging and often works best when certain exaggerated elements are toned down, but here the creators fully lean into the style of the source material, utilising camerawork, lighting, and editing to great effect and creating a stylised masterpiece. It is an absolute joy to watch which several people have, deservedly, compared to Zettai BL ni Naru Sekai VS Zettai BL ni Naritakunai Otoko.
Rather than the focus being on comedy however, like it is in that show, here the core of the series is a sweet and sensitive portrayal of a struggling artist learning to break free from expectations and pursuing love and happiness in their various forms.
The romance may be tame, but it feels real and heartfelt - given the show is based on the works of an openly gay mangaka, this authenticity may not exactly come as a surprise, but it is delightful nonetheless.
If you're in search of an uplifting slice-of-life series with great queer representation (Framboise is a personal highlight; he's eccentric, deeply likeable, and provides superb comedic relief without ever being the butt of the joke), highly lovable characters, and an endearing romance then look no further.

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exceeded my expectations, can't wait for part 2

this was one of my most awaited kdramas this year and it did not disappoint. i went into this having watched one trailer, and a couple of teasers, and this was beyond all of my expectations. i didn't expect any romance as the main plot because the entire setting suggested otherwise and it served. what did it serve? lots of action packed moments that were well choreographed, some horrifying moments with the monster and the gore, some really well written emotional scenes and enough time to bond with the main characters.
i love how they didn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of what their people had gone through at that time, the biological warfare and chemical experimentation being done on prisoners of war. these are things which are not talked about enough, and i'm glad the show shone light upon this particular matter (unit 731).
i'm giving it 9 stars at the moment, because it took 4 episodes to get me invested. after i did get invested, it sucked me in. not a very fresh story, but still narrated in a very good way. the cinematography and some of the shots were so pretty i literally paused a couple of times to admire them. i think tae sang was written perfectly, as someone not so likeable with his lack of patriotism and whatnot at the beginning, but a lot of selflessness and concern towards the end. chae-ok istg i would give her a hug if i could, and i was so glad her dad made it till the end (atleast for now, i can't say for sure bc there are still 3 episodes left)
gave the music a 6, because the ending credits were abrupt bc of it, and the songs didn't seem to capture the mood of the drama at all. the paintings in the intro were absolutely stunning though.
and as for the ending cliffhanger, i'm glad they made myeong-ja have the najin bc things are really going to get interesting from here on. can't wait to watch the finale on 5th of jan.
that being said, merry christmas and a happy new year everyone

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