Unusual dramas/movies that made an impact in my life.

This dorama only has 4 episodes, but made me think about it for WEEKS nonstop after I watched it the first time, maybe because of its underlying messages, its sheer vagueness and slight imperfections, and also its take on the harsh reality of what we think is admirable and goal-worthy. The layers and complexity of this dorama is also one of the main reasons why I chose to major in Literature back in college, expecting that if I come across works like this, I'll be more educated about humanity, too. What are the hidden consequences of being a celebrity at an age where growth and making bonds are the most important parts of shaping what you are as a person? Added with an internal pressure of pursuing fame against your will, what is going to happen to you? This dorama is the actual eye-opener for me, the door that I literally went through to see a completely different side of the beauty and depth of TV dramas, which showed me the darker, raw perspectives of surviving as a human being in a society like this. I'm a huge fan of Nana Komatsu. and I'm confident in saying that this is one of her lifetime best performances as an actress. The ending song is also hauntingly beautiful, unique, and fitting for the mood of the dorama. WOWOW doramas never disappoint.

Hands down, the best C-drama to ever exist. 10/10, highly recommended. Watched this C-drama in the span of 2 days, left completely feeling mindblown, and also very, very scared. Are monsters born as monsters, or is the society shaping them to be monsters? This C-drama might seem like a very heavy & dark drama on the surface, but after going through posts highlighting hints that I couldn't catch in the episodes, while also rewatching some scenes to discover all the easter eggs, I was shocked to realize that this C-drama is actually a true villain origin story, camouflaged as a psychological crime-thriller drama. It explores the lengths and roots of evil through the eyes of the main character, the 14-year old Chaoyang, being with him from the beginning until the end of his story, feeling all the riveting emotions from all the dominoes collapsing as time goes by. Just as when I thought the typical textbook form of justice would prevail, just like other crime dramas I've watched, I've been dragged to the floor & been proven completely wrong, because I found myself being played like a toy by the ultimate unreliable narrator of this drama. This is also the only drama I've ever watched without skipping a single opening & ending title sequence on every episode. I found myself being greeted with one of the creepiest, eeriest opening songs & animation I've ever seen coming from a drama, and with every end of every episode, the songs get more bizarrely chilling, building up the tension that is ready to tip the viewers off the edge. This drama has a lot of heavy mental powerplay between the characters who seem like a hero and the characters who seem like a villain, switching back and forth to make you question who is truly the evil one. Open your eyes wide, stay guarded, and understand that the real villain is right in front of you in this drama all this time. You can choose to swallow the cruel reality, or you can believe in fairytales; you decide.

A necessary, staple, must-watch classic for all Japanese dorama lovers, no debates needed. This dorama is one of the very few doramas that made me decide to major in Literature back in college. I've used Kazoku Game as my case for a Freudian research for a masters paper, and it made me realize that the power of visual literature such as Japanese doramas like this one is not to be taken lightly. Playing mental games around the borders of what is morally good & morally evil, this dorama gave me headaches and lots of moments where I'd sit down and think about what justice actually is. This dorama solidified my bias and admiration for Kamiki Ryunosuke and Sakurai Sho as actors. Absolutely brilliant, not one single character and plot is out of place. 10/10.

My number one comfort dorama that I'd keep on rewatching and rewatching from time to time. I love doramas that focus on heavy full-blown back-and-forth conversations and character developments, and this one is a go-to for me, no-brainer. Ikuta Toma is a gem, and I love watching him act as a "grown-up version" of Hana Kimi's Nakatsu here. This is also the dorama that made me understand how crazy talented Kiyohara Kaya is, and made me believe that she will continue to shine much, much brighter as an actress; she's just a natural talent. There are times where I wished there's a 2nd season for this, but I'm still satisfied with what we already have.

The theme of this dorama is highly controversial, but this dorama is still one of my timeless favourites. The cinematography is epic, the emotions and feelings of love portrayed by the main characters were raw and real. Everything about this dorama is sad and twisted, but also so beautiful, it makes you believe that love actually exists in this life and that love is not a fairytale constructed by the society and its people. Kamio Fuju is crazy talented, I can't imagine anyone else play his role as Iko. I wish there's a separate real movie for the "movie" they used as a symbol in this dorama. In one of the later episodes (episode 11), the ending credits was shown in reverse, it summarizes the essence of love in this dorama, and I personally think it's one of the most impactful ending title sequences to exist. 10/10.

What is the actual moral compass that bridges the relationship between an idol and their fan, and between a fan and their idol? This is a question worth exploring and understanding from various angles, and this dorama happens to be tackling one of the many viewpoints of idol culture. I, myself, am a fangirl. I'm a fan of EXO's Kai, Riize's and ex-NCT's Shotaro, and Seventeen's The8, professional dancers who equally work very hard, and I've been with them since their respective debut days. They are all incredibly talented, admirably hardworking, humble, righteous, has very kind hearts and great personalities, and of course they're all insanely handsome. They also have their own share of worries & insecurities, which makes them even more human, and also a drive for me to support them even more as time goes by. As a fangirl, this dorama hits home very hard, a little too hard at some points. When you've been able to stay with your idols for so long, you look up to them, you see them as your source of happiness and strength, something like a little escape gateaway. Idols are quite the same, because they also need their fans just as much to accompany them to walk towards the road of fame and success. Human connection and trust beyond words is what describes the relationship between idols and fans in real life. What I love about this dorama is how it doesn't stereotype idols, idol fans, and idol culture. This dorama is realistic and raw, some scenes are even difficult for me to digest because I cannot imagine them happening to my four main idols in real life. This dorama has stunning cinematography, smart camera focus choices, and impeccable use of visuals and music to intensify the language of the storyline. Of course, this dorama wouldn't be highly-raved about without the flawless acting of the main casts, especially Shiraishi Sei and Sakurai Yuki. 10/10. This dorama is a solid, staple must-watch.

Oh my God, where and how do I begin with this beautiful, epic masterpiece of an underrated dorama? I've always been a loyal fan of Iwai Shunji's works, yet I have no idea why it took me so long to touch this dorama and really delve deep into it. Maybe because I need to have sufficient mental capacity to understand whatever is going on into this 12-episode work of art. I understand why this didn't get as much recognition in its era as it should because this dorama's pace and storytelling style is not for everyone to digest easily. It's a dorama that will make you think, and the more the episodes go, the more the universe of this dorama will intrigue you. From the peculiar storyline, the shaky handheld-like cinematography, the fitting slow-motions with montages of Chopin's Raindrop and Holst's Venus, the smart usage of light and flares to maximize the filming budget, the analytical dialogues, to even the opening and ending credit songs, EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of this dorama is just AHEAD OF ITS TIME. The genius casting of acting powerhouses and hard-carriers Kanata Hongo and Sugisaki Hana is just another level because I really cannot imagine anyone else playing their roles but them. Kanata has always been outstanding at delivering formal stone-like monologues, and Hana is just a gem who can body any character given to her, even a princess. Iwai Shunji has this style where the plot will start accelerating moderately in the second half of the story, he has applied the same method to this dorama, and it is just the best pacing for a peculiar piece of work like this. Give it a watch, please, it's just SO GOOD and memorably strange, but it's worth binging. 10/10. Highly recommended, especially if you're a sci-fi and slice-of-life enthusiast.

It's been a very long time since we come across a slice-of-life dorama that is truly as outstanding as this one. The plot is very simple, there's no unexpected plot twists or sudden switches of fate among the characters at all; you get to watch the lives of three struggling comedians unfold right in front of your eyes, you grow to be fond of their quirkiness and of how they interact with the small-but-tight-knit circle of friends around them. This is by far one of the most realistically relatable doramas that have been produced, and once again, only Japan can pull off this genre the best. What makes this even more splendid is how the five main characters are all played by Japan's top-tier actors and actresses of their generation, and their acting across all episodes are SO BRILLIANTLY NATURAL, you won't catch yourself remembering that they're acting out their lines. All the friendships in this dorama are so genuine, all the laughs and sorrows feel genuine, everything just feels so genuine. As an avid listener, I noticed how there's barely any music or songs playing in the background for most parts of the dorama, and it just makes the entire slice-of-life atmosphere even more realistic, just like the skits (konto) these three comedians are doing for living. I will obviously highly recommend this dorama for someone who wants to understand what kind of genre Japan is best at. 10/10, a no-brainer cult classic for the Japanese dorama industry.

Oh my God, when I tell you that I've always been LOOKING for a dorama like this. Quirky, edgy, creative, and so unexplainably charming, with each episode keeping me on edge every time and very much SEATED. Though it's just a simple revival story of a komoribito and her rekindled relationships with her dad and her teenager-day friends, the writing is incredibly brilliant and humane in a sense that it's so relatable and sensitive to human feelings on a daily basis, it's just so raw and poignant. The cast is STELLAR, Iitoyo Marie absolutely killed her role, and queen Shiraishi Sei playing as a hidden key throughout the story? YES. Even the opening and ending title sequences playing The Hollies' "Bus Stop" is just a marvelous work of genius art (though I do wish they'd choose a different Debussy piece instead of a really mainstream one, just because). This dorama had me swooning and swimming in the vibes for weeks, and I just couldn't put it down & continued to rewatch the episodes again and again just so that I can stay in the moment without having to lose the grand experience when I watched it the first time. 10/10. Best dorama that took 2023 by storm, and possibly a really timeless take on the slice-of-life genre.

I've watched this dorama three days in a row, firstly, because of the stellar cast; starting from the top-tier, star-decorated, untouchable A-list of Eita, Tsumabuki Satoshi, Hikari Mitsushima, Aoi Yu, Masami Nagasawa, then down to the famous names of our generation like Emoto Tasuku, Ai Hashimoto and Shuhei Nomura. With these actors and actresses under the belt, of course there's no way that the dorama won't do well. "Dysfunctional" is the key word for the family of 5 in this dorama, yet I found myself being so immersed in their chaotic yet wholesome dynamics of this family. While I realize that this family of 5 have their own unconventional ways of solving their problems (which I'm highly sure may not be possible to implement in real life), I also realize that through those problems are they able to bond and understand one another, really like how families work. It's always so refreshing to see the characters just go from casual dinner talks over the dining table to literal full-blown outdoor brawls and heart-to-heart yelling and screaming between one another. With each and every episode your heart will soften at the sense of nostalgia, the feeling of youth, and the small ounces of memorable familial warmth you'll encounter. 10/10.

This dorama is a rollercoaster ride, and I had to watch everything with an open mind and think that this is wholly about an AV industry, but dare I say, is also dorama that only Netflix Japan can pull and not anybody else. I'm absolutely thankful there's going to be a 2nd season because it seriously deserves all the high budget and high production scale it got, and will be getting. Yamada Takayuki is as versatile as always, I cannot imagine anyone else play the role of Muranishi Toru but him. I've watched this dorama so many times, and I cannot express in words how entranced I am with Kuroki Kaoru's character. She is flawed, but she is one of the bravest and strongest female roles I've ever known, she's truly the highlight of the whole dorama. I can't wait for Season 2.

I watched this long-awaited 2nd season dorama in one sitting, all 8 episodes, from noon to midnight, right on the day it got released on Netflix. Compared to its 1st season, this season is much more darker, realistic with a complex take, and it's difficult to guess where the storyline is going. Nothing is sugarcoated, everything is unpredictable. The entire plot is emotionally-driven and touches deep on humanity. Is there a certain compass in human morality? What is the limit to expressing your sexual freedom? Ambitions that soar up to the skies will mean nothing if it brings harm to the ones you're the closest with; your friends, your family, your lover, anyone who supports you. That being said, Muranishi Toru is a dick in this season. Everyone I rooted for in the 1st season perished in the hands of his selfishness. Also, TOSHI? BEST MAN. In another life, I hope Toshi and Sayaka are happy together. It still frustrates me how there was nothing I could do about the downfall caused by Toru because I'm literally just an audience and so many of them deserved better. Overall, this dorama is BRILLIANT. Nobody casted in this show is out of place, everyone played their roles spectacularly, even the cameos and guests are impactful. It's not a show that you can easily digest, but if you're a huge fan of Japanese doramas in general & already of appropriate age, I can guarantee you're completely missing out a huge chunk of piece in your life if you decided to skip watching The Naked Director 1 and 2.

I remember wanting to watch this years ago because I know WOWOW doramas never disappoint, but I couldn't because I was too scared of it. Now that I'm old enough to understand dark doramas, I gave this dorama a good watch, and my heart and soul felt like they've been crushed. Everything is too gut-wrenching and raw, and yet still so beautifully-written and well-portrayed. This dorama tells the story of a young man with no grounded understanding of love and how to repay love because he never experienced a single of it as a small child. The psychological portrayal of Hokuto as a person coming from an abusive background gave me a fresh insight on how serious the aftermath of abuse is. This dorama also opened my eye and made me realize that there is no such thing as "pure evil"; everyone becomes evil at one point for many indescribable reasons, not because they want to. This dorama is a hard pill to swallow, I'm glad there's only 5 episodes because everything is too tragic, I don't think anyone can stomach more tragedy from Hokuto's life. Nonetheless, I've learnt so much from this dorama, and it will remain in my thoughts from time to time. I know Nakayama Yuma is the best actor from Johnny's; he played and embodied  Hokuto's role superbly, he should be highly awarded and praised. 10/10. It's best to watch if you're mentally ready.

"If you want gold, you need to exchange your most valuable thing. It's the easiest to exchange your life. But that's far from enough." This C-drama is one of a kind, but very unsettling, and is for mature viewers. Realistically focusing on the cutthroat truths of survival in a wild environment that easily encourages greed, everything from start to finish is suffocating. So suffocating, this is the very first time I'm watching a drama where I'd often take breaks for deep breaths in between episodes, mainly because the setting is really bleak, especially when a lot of the scenes take place inside caves. The actors are SPLENDID, no one is out of place, obviously. But I have extra respect for all of them because it must've been mentally exhausting to film at such suffocating locations, especially when they're all portraying sketchy characters who are either always under the pressure of nearing death or having absolutely no fear of it. This is also the very first drama in which I cannot pick a character to properly root for, because everyone is so morally ambiguous and grey, all similarly oozing lust and betrayal, all for the instant wealth they can get if they can get their hands on some of that gold. Nothing dramatic and exaggerated with no major plot twists or jumpscares, this drama is a heavy take on a slice of the life of people living in the dog-eat-dog world. iQiyi sort of slumped pathetically after the amazing breakthroughs of The Bad Kids and The Long Night in the Light On series universe, but this drama gave the series a marvelous redemption arc. Vicious and brutal, the last words I remember from this drama will always be planted in my mind for a long time; "You said that gold is the tears of the sun. It must've cried for those gold panners who don't know what they live for or what they die for."

This dorama is a very realistic, raw, harsh and truthful take on mothers and some of their actual unseen struggles of raising their child in this society. Mothers are given skyrocketing expectations and standards by the people around them, even by their close ones, and it can be an extremely lonely journey to live through. It took me a whole month to finish watching all 6 episodes because some scenes were too hard to watch, and I had to take breathers each time I'm done with them. What I appreciate about this dorama is how postpartum depression (PPD) is being represented in a very deep and well-researched manner. There is a serious lack of awareness regarding PPD in this society, and the lack of such awareness can be a deliberate form of ignorance which can further harm mothers, physically and emotionally. I especially loved the climax and ending of the dorama, because justice was served. Again, WOWOW never disappoints. 10/10.

I discovered this C-drama when I wanted to take a break from watching mentally-taxing dramas and movies, something which I usually like. When We Were Young feels like returning home to a comfort zone, with flashes of deja vu that reminds me of all the joys and pains of youth. This is also one of the very few dramas in which I never skip the opening title sequence, merely because the opening song is very lovely and comforting. If I ever have a bad day, I think I'd like to return and bingewatch these episodes over and over again, just to feel comforted by the life lessons, love, hope, friendship, and family bonds created in this drama. A must-watch for all drama enthusiasts, especially the C-drama ones.

All these years, and I still remember the storyline of this dorama very well. This dorama came out when LGBTQ+ was still brushed under the rugs by society, and yet every character in this dorama are so UNDERSTANDING about it. There isn't any LGBTQ+ prejudice found in the plot, it's brilliant. Some scenes are really tough to watch because this dorama doesn't sugarcoat anything and straight-out tackles the issues society constantly try to ignore, and Nishikido Ryo's role has left me SCARRED when I first finished watching. But this dorama taught me that platonic love found in friendships are just as important (if not more important than) as romantic love. There really is nothing wrong with love. Love is just love. It's what we need in this world full of bullies. Also, a special mention to Eita, one of my longtime favourite Japanese actors, for being so perfectly talented as always. Even the OST by Utada Hikaru is so legendary and so fitting. A solid must-watch. 10/10.

One of the darkest and most complex slice-of-life doramas I've ever come across. This dorama is probably where Yoshizawa Ryo and Ikeda Elaiza's performances are at some of their highest points. The plot twist towards the climax of the entire plot was so cleverly-written, it still gave me goosebumps to this day. Everything about the hard takes and the psychological-technical aspects of this dorama are so original, mostly because identity crisis is something that is criminally underestimated, especially in an adolescent, coming-of-age era. It's a bit raunchy and perverted, but I personally think it's an important theme and has an important place in the dorama. A must-watch.

Definitely the most unique dorama I have ever seen. Both Tada and Gyoten have a special place in my heart, I learnt a lot about how to treat different people with different backgrounds, different circumstances, and different stories from them. I always think I've sung enough praises for Eita, one of my favorite and most treasured Japanese actors ever, but this dorama made me understand that I haven't sung my praises enough yet. He's just...spectacular. I can't wrap my thoughts enough on how PERFECT Eita is. Not only he has the visuals, he also has the versatility and the TALENT. Eita and Matsuda Ryuhei are just the best for the roles of Tada and Gyoten in this dorama. 10/10.

The best C-drama that portrays found family tropes, and I'm sure everyone who watched this can agree with me straightaway. Three kids from dysfunctional homes, being taken under outstanding care by their two fathers who are each other's platonic partners, all have their different scars and different matters to deal with, but all have very warm hearts and good souls. There's something really wholesome and emotional about how this family build their platonic, romantic, and familial love for each other. My favourite part is whenever they would come home to gather at their small dining table to eat together, just the 5 of them, as a family. Touching on very serious topics like separations, abandonment, reunions, attachments and independence, this C-drama embodied the essence of a family which suffered a lot of losses, but also benefited so much more from those losses. This is also the C-drama which introduced me to the amazingly-brilliant Steven Zhang, whose other projects I have checked out after I finished this C-drama because he's known to have excellent taste in picking his scripts and roles. Highly recommended. 10/10, no brainer.

"Guilty pleasure" is the correct way to describe this dorama. I came here to watch Koseki Yuta ace his role as a handsome and chill playboy, but I stayed for the funny WTF-type of vibe and the weirdly addictive storyline. Perfectly blunt, straightforward with absolutely no filters, non-toxic, and fully equipped with perfect comedic timings here and there. This dorama was once the talk of the town for being absolutely ridiculous, which got people thinking if this dorama should even be produced in the first place, and yet here we are, ready to welcome its 2nd season. All the characters are so relatable and so human in many ways, and we found ourselves getting attached to them because they all just accept each other so wholesomely with zero judgement, we'd even wish we can meet those characters and be our friends in real life. This dorama made me take a step back, stop judging for once, and just enjoy the plot and lifestyle portrayed in it. Also, the opening song for the title sequence is GOD-TIER; each time I watch the episodes I find myself belting my lungs out to it.

Wholesome and still as chaotic as ever, the 2nd season of this absurdly-enjoyable dorama has reached its legendary status. The 5 main characters in Studio Delta each touch upon very different but also very relatable topics about just how far romantic and sexual relationships can stretch emotionally. Aside from the brilliant character developments (or downfalls, for comedy purposes), I actually learnt how broken relationships don't actually hurt if you don't invest your feelings into them. I also learnt that not all relationship types are right for you, but that doesn't mean it's wrong for other people too, and that's alright. For the first time in a while, we get to see our characters feeling anxious, confused, sad to the point of breaking into tears, and we also get to see them being optimistic and determined to gain the happiness they want. Some characters deserve better, some deserve a good "beating" of life lessons, but they're all very well-rounded and fascinating people nonetheless. What are the odds that a 3rd season will be made, because we can definitely be given one more? Also, I don't know the people behind this dorama did it, but I never thought a 2nd-season title sequence song can be SO MUCH BETTER than the 1st-season song until this dorama happened. 10/10. I'm down for another season.

A criminally-underrated dorama of the year. Very raw, very real, packed with harsh truths about surviving as adults in this society. This dorama moved me to tears many times, everyone's acting performance of is outstanding. The ending song is just perfect for the theme and symbolizations of this dorama. Not a single cast and plot development is out of place. Kentaro Sakaguchi shines the brightest when he plays complex and flawed characters. A must-watch.

This dorama has my whole heart the entire spring of 2021. No one in this dorama is out of place, everyone has their important roles for themselves and for others. I'd love to be able to live in a small town like this. There's a certain sense of bliss and fulfillment to be able to be accepted by the society you live in, to be cherished by its people and to cherish them back. It's true that nothing feels better than to feel being accepted. The storyline of this dorama is so brilliant and well-made, I'm so satisfied. Very binge-worthy, worth crying and laughing your hearts out to. 10/10.

THIS. This is exactly the Japanese movie that I have been wanting to feel something from. After watching it, it feels like as if I've been waiting for a movie like this for all my life, and this movie is truly IT. Frankly, I don't quite understand why I've put this movie on hold from watching for so long. Maybe it's because Kento is one of those A-list actors of my generation that have fallen into the typecasting curse, and my judgemental self believed that he'd play another same old role here. This movie completely proves otherwise. Both performances by Kento and Mayu are the real hardcarriers of this movie, both delivering the clear message of how a toxic relationship backed with unhealed social anxiety disorder can crash a whole house down. There are two scenes from this movie which I cannot forget. The first one was when Saki was being embraced protectively by Nagata after she got "assaulted" and Nagata had this raged-crazed look that I cannot get out of my head for a while. The second was that ending scene of this movie that had me pulling my hair out; knowing that this movie was done by the two geniuses behind Pink And Gray, I shouldn't be so surprised, but they got my leg anyway. There was no phenomenal musical score to colour the tone because this movie does not need it. Matsuoka Mayu will always be one of the most talented and groundbreaking actresses of all time, and if you want to know why Yamazaki Kento is so highly-praised all the time, you have to watch this movie to understand all the praises sung for him. Kento's portrayal of Nagata was so humanely real, and although I hated Nagata with all my guts, I find myself in his shoes whenever he retreats to his egoistic, narcissistic, self-destructive "shell" after being exposed to the society that he's scared of, to the sunshine his girlfriend Saki is. A lot of people don't resonate to this movie, but a lot of people actually really do, and I am one of them.

I love this movie, a whole lot. I've watched the prequel dorama of His, and while it was more of a teenage-crush serve, this movie brings the characters of Shun and Nagisa into actual adulthood while also bearing with the labels plastered by society onto them. What makes me have a soft spot for this His movie is the genuine chemistry between Shun and Nagisa, how one can simply tell from the emotions and gestures that they have known each other and have been each other's apples of their eyes for so long, as if unscripted and very much natural. It's not an easy feat to portray by actors, but Hio and Kisetsu Fujiawara did so well! Many people don't like how the child custody plot took over the latter half of the movie, but I believe it is a topic that hasn't been touched upon often in Japanese doramas/movies. To have the child custody plot being faced by two main gay characters really brings a lot of significance and importance of how staggeringly difficult adulthood can be. Shun and Nagisa are both very flawed characters, but are also very, very real.

Ah, we have yet another gem in the J-dorama history. I started watching this dorama solely for the love of my life, Ayano Go, because I love his portrayal of Detective Ibuki, all his quirkiness, his cheerful but catastrophic nature. I'm not going to lie, I would 100% rewatch all of the episodes just for me to be able to adore Ibuki himself. But it's obviously impossible to put aside the star-studded cast, starting from the excellence of Ayano Go himself, Hoshino Gen, Suda Masaki, and even the many other supporting casts who successfully made this dorama so outstanding. The incredibly cherished scriptwriter Nogi Akiko has designed this dorama as a visual essay of criticism and reflection towards the current police hierarchy, internet trolling, the nation's current treatment of juvenile crimes, all delivered with sprinkles of life messages to live by. Everything about this dorama is PERFECT. 10/10, no doubt, highly recommended.

Not going to lie, I first came to watch this movie because Krystal is starring in it. I jumped into this movie without expecting much, especially when I barely have any experience with Korean indie movies. Without even realizing, over the past month, I found myself rewatching this movie 3 times in a row. I don't know what pulled me in, but maybe it's because of Krystal's perfect portrayal of a reckless-yet-determined To-il, or because of the very simple yet realistic plot about early pregnancy, or because everything about it is giving me slice-of-life Japanese-movie vibes. There was this one-take brawl scene between To-il and her boyfriend's childish badminton teammates that had me so amused, it was probably one of the main factors why I've grown to really adore this movie. If you want something lightweight yet pleasant, I'd say this one is a good try.

The excellent and impeccable Iwai Shunji has done it again, ladies and gents. I was longing for a psychological school slice-of-life movie that would make me drift to a liminal space, and this is the exact perfect movie for it. I remember trying to watch this movie early in the year, but I kept it on hold during the 40th minute because my mental state was not ready for Iwai Shunji's classic jarring handheld camerawork and the brutal truth he was going to dish out with this movie. The story heavily interpolates Debussy and his daughter, Chouchou, into the fictional grunge singer Lily Chou-Chou who is the epicenter and "ether" of the main character and everyone else around him. He's just like one of us, really, seeking for salvation and rescue from the bitter daily life (of bullying for him) by devoting his soul as a fanboy of Lily's music and artistry. We witness the characters who are moved and influenced by her compositions descend into teenage paths that are for better or for worse. This movie is Iwai Shunji's letter to his audiences who are unaware of misguided, unheard, confused and tragic teenagers trying to navigate through the Lost Decade by becoming dominant and abusive to protect themselves or by hiding in the background and submit to their immobility to gain help, all while Lily provides a safe haven and also acts as fuel to the fire to these teenagers. Indeed, music has the profound ability to save and give meaning to people's lives, and in the movie's context, bring light to the teenagers who are helplessly surrounded by ignorant adults and inhumane peers. 10/10. I highly recommend accessing the real-life Lilyholic fanpage website here and also to listen to the actual full Kokyu album to immerse yourself in the bleak beauty of this world.

I first wanted to watch this because my superstar, Peng Yuchang, starred in it, and I was prepared to witness 3+ hours of goodness coming out of his performance here. Yet I was never prepared for the mental toll this literature movie took on me. This is, by far, one of the most strikingly memorable literature movies I have ever seen. The cinematography is very banal and the dialogues drag along the long plotline, but I was able to really feel the nihilism and emptiness throughout the ride. Things depressingly happen and we continue to trudge forward in life, but the same elephant will stay sitting still in Manzhouli. I thought this movie wouldn't stick with me after watching it, but I found their two main theme songs (composed by the ever-so-brilliant HuaLun) being stuck in my head for DAYS on no end, and the same songs would replay in my head whenever something depressing or glum creeps into me. I don't know how the late Hu Bo did it, but I've come to the conclusion that this literature movie almost feels like an audiovisual suicide note, and it's one that will not be taken lightly by those who appreciate it, including me.

I discovered this dorama real late, and I'm the dumbest because of that. But this dorama is GOLD. It made me realize so many things about marriage and it shed light on a lot of realistic topics that are hard to swallow. What works in someone else's relationship may not work in ours. Conversation is a solid irreplaceable pillar in marriage, and this dorama makes me believe even more that I have to be married to someone I'm truly in love with, someone whom I can be accepted at my best and worst and likewise. The final episode is probably one of the most heartfelt and satisfying endings I've ever come across. This dorama also further emphasizes the actual reason why Eita is one of my longtime favourite Japanese actors, he's brilliant in every performance. Very binge-worthy and a fun watch. 10/10.

An amazing dorama that played around with my emotions and my thoughts the first time I watched it. This dorama embodies the standard definition of thrillingly psychological. It gets you up on your tiptoes all the time, and it makes you question so many things and gets you searching for answers that could and could not be understood. This dorama brought Netflix Japan to the center of the spotlight even to this day, a real hard-carry, there's a reason why international news outlets kept talking about it during the time it got released.

As I always say, Netflix Japan just doesn't miss and doesn't disappoint. You might think it's a mere, simple dorama about switched souls in swapped bodies, but there's really so much more depth than that, everything about the plot is so mysterious, kept me glued, and thinking about what more to come. Lookism and envy are some of the strongest drives that can stem in people who live in a society like we are in today, and this theme is tackled brilliantly in this dorama. Also, this dorama made me fall in love with Shigeoka Daiki and Kiyohara Kaya all over again. Perfect casting. Great storyline. Great soundtrack. Very binge-worthy.

The best mellow-dramatic, romantic, dorama in my opinion. Sure, there are other more well-known mellow-dramatic and romantic doramas that are much more impactful, but this dorama has my whole heart and soul. Everything about it is very raw and real. Makes me realize no matter how perfect or how broken a person can be, they still need love to  help them survive life. And even though people would say that you don't find love to be happy, I still believe love plays a strong role in obtaining a sense of actual happiness. Perfect casts, perfect storyline, and with a fitting mellow OST. 10/10.

Very wholesome, heartwarming, and bittersweet. This movie highlights the reality of dealing with depression on a very relatable level. Depression is definitely one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses by the society, something that is always taken very lightheartedly because there are way too many cases where it is being misused in so many situations, and I'm glad this movie sheds light to what depression actually is, and how its impact can be much darker than what people usually imagine.

Directed by the same woman who directed Netflix Japan's Love And Fortune, I had set my expectations high on the cinematography and aesthetics, and of course I was not disappointed at all. This dorama is a severely-realistic take on teenage sexuality, especially from the viewpoints of different young girls with different issues and interpretations on sexuality. It's something that is always brushed under the rugs even though its importance is strong enough for a teenager's development towards adulthood. I don't understand why this dorama is so underrated, it's just as brilliant as its anime version.

This one-shot dorama made me incredibly emotional. Kaho is amazing, as always, but she completely embodied the role of a hikikomori in heights I couldn't imagine. A very beautiful, touching, yet sad and hopeful dorama, it reminded me a little bit of myself when I was once unable to face and talk to people. You can do anything, as long as you have the belief, the courage, and the willpower to do it. Highly recommended.

Yet another criminally-underrated dorama that deserves a lot of praise for its story writing and execution. This dorama has 3 of some of my favourite actors and actress, them being Riisa Naka, Mashima Hidekazu, and the wonderful Hoshino Gen. This is a realistic slice-of-life dorama about humanizing people who were once criminals with different backgrounds and circumstances. The overall mood of the dorama is dark and bleak, but it made me realize how people normally take second chances for granted, because these people who were once criminals really treasure their second chances and make the most out of them. I can't say this enough: WOWOW doramas never disappoint.

This dorama is a clusterfuck of a twisted, and yet so beautiful, friendship between three different women. I don't have the exact words on how to explain the spectacular storytelling and tension that come along with the main character. I had to take a breather after finishing all 5 episodes because it made me realize how teenage years are literally the most important years in a person's development stage, and how the society is still failing in protecting these women in their growth days, especially from sexual abuse. Also, I've always known Hashimoto Kanna shines the brightest when she plays dark, complex characters, because she's BRILLIANT in this dorama. 10/10. A must-watch.

I've always loved "school revolution" type of doramas, and this one is a timeless must-watch. Very powerful and moving. This dorama emphasized how nobody is really too late for anything, and that age is really just a number. As long as you are alive and well, you can make a change for yourself and even for the society whenever you can and want. It's also interesting how most of the actors and actresses who acted as students here in this dorama are now top-tier superstars of the current Japanese acting generation.

I originally wanted to watch this because of Nakao Masaki (whom I'm a huge fan of; he's talented and he's hot, who could ever resist him?), but then stayed until the end for the plot. "What will I do if I only have around 100 days left to live?" is exactly the question that swarmed in my head throughout my time of binging this dorama. It's a family dorama at an aspect, but it actually goes much more deeper than that. I couldn't foresee anything from the story flow of the dorama, and there were a few plot twists that got me so shocked and amused, I had to stand up from my seat several times. Some parts were a bit unrealistic, but nothing too bothersome. A really good watch.

The most unique romantic-comedy dorama to ever exist, and I still stay true to this statement. Came for Anne and Yuto Nakajima (my solid Hey!Say!JUMP oshi), but stayed until the end for the plot. Everyone in this dorama is so unique, you never know where the storyline will flow from one episode to another episode because you'd be amused and be questioning everything. The song and visuals for the opening song is PERFECT, nothing else could be better. This dorama is a must-watch for a dorama filled with lots of conversations and complex characters. I guess it made me realize that different takes/forms of love can work differently for different people because each of us are unique and we have our equally-unique expectations to meet, and that's alright.

A dorama directed by the very famous Ninagawa Mika will always be filled with colours, more colours, stunning artistic visuals that are so pleasing to the eye. The characters truly reflect this dorama. They're all equally very ambitious, very strong, and very self-aware. I think the society being reflected in this dorama is exactly like the society that we are living in; it can build you up but it can also tear you down. I wish there's more emphasis on using social media as the plot's symbolism, but I'm still quite satisfied with what we have. As always, Netflix Japan doesn't disappoint.

Probably the cutest mini-dorama I've ever come across. 5 minutes per episode isn't enough at all, I keep wanting more. Shigeoka Daiki is the absolute cutest, I'm so thankful he's given the role for this dorama. Higuma is so adorable and (for comedic reasons) so unlucky and pitiful as a young bear surviving in a city full of humans. If this mini-dorama gets an extended full-length version, I wouldn't mind watching the episodes at all.

I love this a lot. I don't know what exactly made me love this movie a lot. Maybe because I've always been weak for anything Ayano Go does, he's such a fatal charmer, it's difficult to resist him. Or maybe because of the intense chemistry both Tabe Mikako and Ayano Go has with each other. Or maybe the way Tabe Mikako and Ayano Go kiss each other, or the way they smolder when they look at each other. Or maybe because of the star-studded cast, including Tori Matsuzaka and Masaki Suda. The plot is simple, and has a few cracks that can make you question them. But I stayed for 2 hours for the movie, and I love all the feelings I got from it. I'd love to rewatch this movie again some other time.

Came here for the marvelous and gorgeous Ayano Go, blasted with a surprise of star-studded casts of Aoi Miyazaki, Hirose Suzu, Kenichi Matsuyama, Tsumabuki Satoshi, and even Takahata Mitsuki, stayed throughout the 2 hours entirely for the plot. I think people are completely missing the actual point of this movie, in which the plot seemed to center around the question of who the actual murderer is. The whole movie actually centers around different lives of different characters who are living in the same society where everyone just suppresses everything. The social suppression caused all the frustration, agony, pain and sadness to pile and pile even further, until they all burst, and cause misunderstanding and mistrust. All the characters in the movie had no actual closure towards the ending because they brought it all upon themselves; they all completely have no trust towards the people they're the closest with, and each of them had to endure the consequences of jumping into impulsive conclusions. This movie is a really tough piece of cookie, not for everyone to digest easily, but the hidden themes distributed among the characters are worthy of the star-studded cast lineup,  whom each can literally carry a whole movie alone but are incredibly wonderful together here. When I want to remember why it's important to trust people, I will watch this movie again.

This is probably one of the most realistic take on child abandonment I've ever watched. Koreeda happens to be one of my all-time favourite directors, and he obviously has his way of touching topics that are about familial love, familial relationships, anything about family, that whenever I'm done watching his movies I'd feel very grateful for the family, the parents, and the life I'm living in right now. The moment the movie starts, I was already inside Akira's world, I was already drawn to his surroundings, to his environment where he was forced to grow up as a child with responsibilities at an age where kids of his generation would be busy with school and making friends. Tragic isn't even a strong word enough to describe Akira's situation, and the more the minutes go by in the movie, the more anxious I was for Akira and his siblings.  I was even more shocked to find out that this movie was based on the Sugamo child abandonment case, something that actually did happen, only much worse and brutal.

This is one of those J-doramas which I regret passing because I judged it from MDL ratings and the promotion poster too quickly. I watched this dorama in the span of 2 nights, nonstop, and it was a joyful ride. I was also quick to be fooled by the visuals of the promotion poster, thinking that it's a light dorama, when it's actually one of the heaviest, if not one of the darkest realest J-doramas I've ever come across. This dorama opened my eyes to a whole different point-of-view of legal prostitution, about the people working in it, about the women who mostly had no choice but to choose such job in order to make ends meet (literally). It's always a stupid lie when people say that money cannot buy them happiness, because having money is a damn good headstart for a better life. Although this dorama doesn't do women justice enough, by the time I finished watching all episodes, I hope that people who work in the prostitution industry will at least be surrounded by an environment where they are being treated nicely, just like other humans. It's a crazy underground business where ones does not only sell their body but also possibly their entire soul, so I hope they are all being treated humanely nice, just like how it's all supposed to be.

Why on earth did I not come across this dorama much earlier? This was GOLD, I wished each episodes are much longer than the 20-minute duration. Here we have a very wise and brave 5-year old boy named Kotaro who speaks in a very noble manner, and who is living alone. He is surrounded by adult neighbours from different backgrounds who are also living alone. They all have two things in common: they are all sadly very lonely, but they each also have a big warm heart. Kotaro serves as a catalyst to his neighbours, often wisely giving them lifechanging advises, even though he already had so much scars waiting to be healed by time. The same goes with his neighbours; more than the way they treat Kotaro as an actual child, they also see him as an equal among them, they take his words & thoughts seriously, and they help Kotaro grow just like what actual parents do. This dorama also made me realize that children are really blunt but honest human beings, and that we need to sometimes be on their level to learn about how to work our way out in life from them. A bittersweet yet wholesome dorama, one that I can rewatch again from time to time if I need a pinch of Kotaro's wisdom.

A very different fresh dorama about homosexuality that cuts really deep and doesn't sugarcoat anything. I was completely fooled by the seemingly-sweet promotion poster, because everything about this dorama is highly thought-provoking. I realized that there is a wall between sexuality, wants, and needs, and there will always be this indescribable struggle for those who try to balance them out to be able to both fit with the society and also to be happy with yourselves. When I thought I already knew a lot about what closeted gay men can possibly deal with everyday, this dorama gave me a slap in the face and made me realize that my knowledge of them is really only surface-level. The only problem I have about this dorama is an episode which made me feel perplexed about being forced to come out by your own friends because you can't hide yourself anymore and need to face who you are. Other than that, everything from start to finish is engaging, keeping my thoughts running. I learnt a lot from this dorama.

A great summery feelgood yet bittersweet dorama that also makes you think a lot about whether you live to please yourself first or to please others first. The clever storywriting makes me still remember the sensation of being in amazement when I specifically watched episodes 9 and 10. We go inside the life of the main character, Nagi, watch her grow and fall steps backwards, then grow and fall steps backwards all over again, and we'd find ourselves uncosnciously rooting for her or scolding her as if she's our own friend or neighbour. The plot on its own is very simple, but the outstanding cast also completely hardcarried this dorama. Takahashi Issei is everyone's classic favourite and he's phenomenal, but he really blew my mind away here, especially when he's playing a character with so much flaws and so much scars, and yet still has all the charms in the world to make me melt and just sympathize for him. It'd be great if someone considers making a 2nd season for this dorama. Highly recommended.

Came to watch this dorama because the amazing Shiraishi Sei and the stunning Miura Shohei both starred in it, and I finished all episodes feeling very content and satisfied (even though they're short at length). I've always had a weird weakness towards band-centric doramas, and this one is very light and easy to go through. The tone and colour palette of this dorama is so youthful and pretty, very visually appealing to the eye. I found myself getting attached to all the songs sung in this dorama, and it made me realize how Shiraishi Sei is quite good at singing and she seems to have a knack for playing band or idol roles in doramas.

Being someone who does not watch tokusatsu doramas, this was a completely fresh breath of air for me. I love how lightweight and relatable this entire dorama is, especially when it comes to exploring the life of an adult fangirl whose hobby is generalized to be something targeted towards children. This dorama makes me believe so much more about living your best life by doing whatever makes you happy, fangirling included. Also, the soundtrack of this dorama brilliantly captures the spirit & charm of tokusatsu culture, it's wonderful.

I remember watching this when its episodes aired live back in 2018, and I wasn't fully invested in this dorama because I wasn't mature enough to grasp the easter eggs and messages conveyed. Picked this dorama again to rewatch all the episodes for the 2nd time last week, and I LOVED every minute of it. Yamada Takayuki and Masaki Suda, both being some of Japan's most highly-praised actors for their range and outstanding acting skills, are totally the duo that hardcarried this dorama. That doesn't mean nothing else mattered, because this powerful duo is boosted with excellent script, flawlessly realistic storywriting, beautiful cool-toned cinematography, and the most important thing: their chemistry as each other's opposites. It's been a week, but I still think about episodes 4 and 6 a lot, maybe because I know Japan always hit gold with portraying school bullying and social exclusion the best. The only complain I have is how much I wished this dorama will have a 2nd season, because 8 episodes are not enough. 10/10, highly recommended.

I don't really know how to put this K-drama into words, because it's just an amazing piece of cinematic work. All from the start to the end, I was mesmerized by just how brilliant the writers and directors are for being able to bring depth to a plot that seems so simple as this. Not only did they bring an accurate portrayal of Asperger's to the surface, they are also able to dish us with how trauma cleaners are, truly, the kind of people we need in our lives. This K-drama has touched my heart in a sense that the vibe strongly reminds me of a Japanese slice-of-life dorama, something I always find myself keep coming back to whenever I need a good watch. I'd be lying if I said that this drama didn't bring me to tears once because it did, and it can bring so much more to other audiences than me. The cast are wonderfully chosen, the theme and messages about society were delivered by them very well, even the choice of classical pieces were truly fitting. 10/10, highly recommended. It's worth its hype and high rating.

This is a mini-dorama prequel to the actual movie that will come out a few weeks later as I speak (now in December, 2021). The plot is very simple yet engaging; you get an insight into the life of a probation officer who takes professional care in her ex-convict clients. I was surprised to learn that being a probation officer is an actual real job, especially with how it's more towards social volunteering since the officers do not get paid a cent for a mentally-taxing job like this. And it isn't just any job. You have to keep an eye out on your clients, but you cannot police them. You just have to accompany them and make sure they don't break any law while they're in probation. I believe this job really requires a lot of guts, patience, determination, and a big heart. Some scenes will make you lose your mind because of how absurd they can get, but nothing in this dorama is sugarcoated; they all really do happen in real life, and when you think about it, you'll feel like you'll lose your mind even more. If a 2nd season is happening even after the movie got released, I would love to give it a good watch.

It's been quite a while since I found a light, feelgood slow-paced type of school slice-of-life dorama, and this one delivers just exactly the way I want it to be. Simple plot with no drama or exaggerations, with perfect comedic timing that isn't overboard or cringey, and characters who are lovably showing constant progress in their growths. I wish there is a 2nd season to show the development in the relationships between the characters, but I'm satisfied with what we're already getting at the moment. Refreshing and wholesome, I'd give this a rewatch whenever I need something to light up a smile on my face.

I could be very biased, but fourth quarter of 2021 really kicked off with a bang after another bang and another bang of excellent, high-quality doramas, and I can confidently say that this is one of them. Not many people will be into this genre, in which the romance, the plot, and even the characters are all rather ambiguous, but I really like this one. I've always had a soft spot for MBS' cinematography and filming style which always focus on the ambience and mood, and I really enjoyed every moment I took with watching this. I especially had to repeat the latter half of the final episode because the chemistry between the two male leads just hit the roof so hard, everything was emotionally gorgeous. If anyone wants a lightweight but also a rather dark(?), different take on BL dorama, I'd recommend this one right away.

People who seem to randomly pop in your life and have an 'effect' - this is the real essence of this dorama. Taking the six-degrees-of-separation idea on a whole fresh & dreamy level, I had to watch this dorama twice for me to understand why I like it so much even though the plot isn't anything too stellar or unique. However, it's the camerawork, the way the characters are showing not so much but also not so little of who they are, the opening and ending sequence songs, the vibe, and the little easter eggs of life messages in this dorama that had me wrapped around its fingers. The only upsetting thing is how it only has 5 episodes for the audiences to enjoy, analyze, criticize, live by. If anyone is looking for a quirky, poetic dorama that might confuse them but also grip them in their seats, I'd definitely name this one.

I was in dire need of a slow-paced, peaceful, healing, slow-burn josei/seinen type of romance, and I'm incredibly happy I've stumbled upon this one. Furukawa Yuki and Ryusei Ryo are two powerful household names, and of course both of them delivered yet another splendid performance. Watching this movie makes you want to blanket yourself in the picturesque countryside landscapes and the matching country-style soundtracks to colour your days, makes you want to experience falling in love with a sunshine country bumpkin and the warmth that comes from such relationship. I can find myself coming back to watch this over and over again when I need something simple and sweet to watch.

Coming out with a quiet bang in 2021, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't watch this for my all-time favourite Ayano Go, because I really did. I've always loved watching him completely SLAY his action-packed roles and his playful yet serious banters with his other fellow characters, but this one is different. The plot and script is very average, but it's the cast who bring life to this dorama. Watching each of the characters do their jobs to bring poetic justice to the messed-up world they're in are always satisfying, but of course all heroes have to collapse at some point, and this is how things get even more engaging, gripping you until you won't be able to leave your seat. Towards the second half of this dorama, there's a massive plot twist that had me so shocked to me core, gave me so much chills, I'm still labeling it as one of the best things I've ever watched in the entire year. If you want something thrilling with characters you want to root for, this one is for you.

Definitely a standard for a classic mystery-crime C-drama, Burning Ice a solid thriller that is often mistaken as being part of iQiyi's Light On series. This drama is also easy for me to recommend because Qin Hao stars in it. Also known as China's indie film excellence, Qin Hao a real feast to the eyes and to the ears because he's SO CONVINCINGLY GOOD at portraying a cocky detective with superb intuition, he's a real blessing to this drama. All episodes are satisfyingly psychological, they keep you thinking and dragging you into the "whodunits", and you can't help but to pay attention to the details of the atmospheric yet dreary Harbin that is just a fitting setting for murder dramas like this. You get to watch one character intertwine with another through different scales of crime, watch them snowball and tumble into an unstoppable avalanche. The only regret I have is that some scenes aren't realistically violent enough to emphasize the dangers of the situations some characters are in, but I'd side-eye this one to the strict censorships and not to the directors and writers.

I don't know how China does it, but they're always leading the game in terms of the youth-highschool-rich-poor-friendship genre. Almost all of the ones I've watched pleasantly always bring a sense of lingering nostalgia, and this C-drama is one of the top-tier ones. Starring the ever-amazing Peng Yuchang, it took a while for me to finish this because I always need some sort of mood to bingewatch the episodes. For some reason, this is the only C-drama that has a theatrical vibe, and maybe it's because of the perfectly-timed montages that were able to capture the raw feelings of the characters. I'm also very pleased with how the "run" in "Run For Young" stays true to its meaning; I was able to catch all the characters running because it's their only way to express something they want to achieve, enjoy, or lash out at. Gritty but also very heartwarming, I'm always down for a rewatch whenever I need one.

Ah, another beautiful gem from Netflix Japan, and another work of excellence from the outstanding Koreeda Hirokazu. When I first watched the episodes, I didn't think the characters and the vibe of this dorama will stick with me. Now, whenever I come home from a very tiring day from work, I'd just tune in to this dorama, with my dinner in hand, and just calmly eat and watch in peace. I can always peek into Kiyo and Sumire's daily life events for the rest of my life, no kidding, heck, I'd do ANYTHING to be able to live a life inside Kiyo and Sumire's. This dorama reminds me again why I have always loved slice of life as a genre, no matter who the cast is or what the plot is. One season is definitely not enough, the audience needs another!

This is becoming a template at this point, but holy Lord, Netflix Japan has done it again. I have no other words than to highly praise Japan for always bringing the slice-of-life genre to the table in the best ways possible. This 2-hour movie is a brilliant feast of a buffet of kindness, warmth, peace. I absolutely love how every single character in this movie play a significant role in Chihiro's life, despite her being a gentle breeze passing by to others around her, except that she's unforgettable and very much present in their lives. The movie visualizes the morals of how kindness always goes a long way, and that it is always very easy to do and spread to others. I'd love to come back and watch this movie again to feel some sort of inner peace. 10/10. Highly recommended.

This is a very watered-down, lighthearted version of the epic idol dorama Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita (that I still love and think about to this day), with very memorable and lovely characters to stan for life. I will say the plot is nothing new, but the identity of this dorama is so strong in my mind and heart because of the AMAZING CREATION of the temporary fictional boygroup, 8LOOM, which TBS created for the sake of this dorama's promotion. Everything about 8LOOM's existence is PERFECTION, within the dorama and even in real life. Literally the best thing about this dorama are the hit title tracks that chart wonderfully and continuously to this day, and the songs are SO WELL-PRODUCED and the performance choreography are arranged so nicely, the public just continuously NEED MORE even if the group has disbanded after promotions are over. I know no one asked, but my personal rating for the songs would be Come Again = Forever or Never > Melody > I Will Be Your Bloom, what's yours?

A very heartwarming yet incredibly entertaining peek into the yankee family and their youngest son's double life, Nanba MG5 stands as the biggest scene stealer of the year's seasonal dorama. I purely came to watch this because my faves, Kamio Fuju and Mitsushima Shinnosuke, are in it. But I really stayed for the plot, the characters, the bond between them, and the little easter eggs of life messages found among the yankee chaos. At first this was going to be another standard yankee dorama, but as soon as the pace picks itself up from the 3rd episode, I was hooked. This dorama gave me nostalgic, almost-homage vibes as the other notable yankee doramas in the last decade, especially how the mood immediately switched up in the 9th episode. I understand the exact same empty feeling Kamio Fuju has about this dorama ending a little too soon, because I know this dorama deserves a 2nd season.

I was looking for a realistic Chinese slice-of-life drama about school life and gaokao, and this drama is probably the most realistic one out of the many I've watched. It's nothing sweet and fun all the time because it's very heavy and packed with anxiety, in fact watching some episodes made me feel the intense pressure of gaokao and university admissions in China. What I appreciate the most is how brilliant the writing was done. All of the relevant and supporting characters had fleshed-out stories which interlink with one another, and some of them were so realistic I shed many sympathetic tears. From the struggle of meeting parents' expectations, learning to accept oneself and overcome eating disorders, to screaming for attention by being rebellious, to protect an artistic passion that keeps them alive, this drama has it all but they're just very well-written that none were pretentious or unrealistic. I also gotta give it to Roy Wang because, not only he's a very established household name in the industry, he has proven himself to be a strong presence onscreen. 10/10. Highly recommended.

It's been a very long time since I've watched a lighthearted, feelgood C-movie. Again, I had been stupidly fooled by the low rating and the lackluster synopsis on this platform because they all do not do justice to the real experience of truly watching the movie from start to finish. As expected, Peng Yuchang and Qiao Shan do not disappoint; they're award-winning masters of their respective crafts, and combined together in one movie, they created something really memorable in me. This movie's rewatch value is impeccably high, I'd love to come back and watch how the actors really acted out from their hearts, and have myself cheered up all over again. 10/10, no buts needed.

This is probably one of the very countable few of the K-dramas I have ever finished watching. The cinematography is stunning, the pace of the story is very dark but meaningful, and the music choices for every episode and even the title sequence all describe Doona as a person. Aside from loving how the plot and episodes don't drag out unnecessarily, I just love how J-drama-like the plot actually is. Again, this K-drama just further confirms how idols are humans like us, and they will break down if they are being bombarded with expectations and gain almost nothing in return. What's worth noting is how the chemistry between Doona and Wonjun is so realistic and not too drama-like, it just made more sense to the ending. If you want a fresh breath of K-drama air, this one shall not be skipped at all.