Completed in 2020
Titles I completed in 2020, more or less in the order watched
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1. Her Granddaughter
Japanese Movie - 2015
The FL is running from a bad relationship and finds herself cohabiting with her grandmother's former student. Although he is older and has a gruff personality, what he says with actions outstrips the empty words of her ex.
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2. So Young 2: So You're Still Here
Chinese Movie - 2016
The acting was so-so: The FL's acting is great, but the ML wasn't as good. The last song is beautiful, and I loved the reduplication in it. I didn't like how the movie ended because they left it open, but I got closure from the cut scenes on YouTube.
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3. Triad Princess
Taiwanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
This was short and fun but ends with several loose ends. The chemistry between the MC was great, but there wasn't any real reason given for the ML to fall in love so fast.
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4. Hua Jai Sila
Thai Drama - 2019, 27 episodes
This was a roller coaster ride. Production value was pretty high, and the MC's acting was great. BUT! There were too many stupid decisions, unbelievable ploys, and implausible situations to love it completely. Still, I couldn't help but grin like an idiot whenever the MC was canoodling. They were so sweet together, and their chemistry was electric!
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5. Roy Lae Sanae Luang
Thai Drama - 2013, 18 episodes
Ugh, I wanted to beat everyone at least once. The characters were all so frustrating.. yes, ALL of them!!! I fast-forwarded half of it and didn't miss anything because they recycled tropes so much. The only reason to watch this is Weir, and he's not a good enough reason. Skip it!
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6. Roy Leh Sanae Rai
Thai Drama - 2002, 18 episodes
Tik is such a good actor, but the plot was slow. I fast forwarded all of the catfights and didn't miss a thing. The newer version is better.
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7. Roy Leh Sanae Rai
Thai Drama - 2015, 14 episodes
I don't really like Push, but he made a credible Kongpope, who's halfway between nice guy and psycho. While he doesn't fall for all the BS his aunt feeds him, he makes some really, really, really stupid choices, especially when trying to get his wife back.
He has a cute side, which along with the grovelling, must be the reason she takes him back in the end. Focusing on his potential if he cut out all the craziness, I can't blame her; I might've taken him back, too. /shrug
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8. Lying Heart
Thai Drama - 2017, 26 episodes
This drama had potential. Despite a good start, it got bland. It relied too heavily on misunderstandings that could've easily been overcome with just a little conversation.
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9. Demon Presidents Contract Lover
Chinese Movie - 2017
Cheap Chinese rubbish
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10. Hua Jai Teuan
Thai Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
The level of emotional manipulation was high, and people were constantly making stupid, emotion-fueled decisions. Pakorn actually wised up, which I never expected; I'm glad he did because I was starting to feel sorry for him.
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11. Likit Kammathep
Thai Drama - 2007, 12 episodes
The FL starts weak but gets strong; I'm still not convinced the ML deserved her. The series had a Sawan Biang vibe.
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12. Go Go Squid!
Chinese Drama - 2019, 41 episodes
Rewatched! <3
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13. All I Want for Love Is You
Chinese Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
Although I really disliked the female love rival, I was really happy with how devoted ZA and GXM were; nothing could come between them. Negative points included slow plot, limited character development, and fake tragedy.
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14. Time Teaches Me to Love
Chinese Drama - 2018, 24 episodes
This had a typical contract-dating plot, but I really liked how the ML was taking all of the initiative. In fact, I got annoyed with the FL for being too obtuse. It's a decent drama for teens who want romance, but it lacked depth for the adults.
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15. Hajimete Koi wo Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi
Japanese Drama - 2019, 10 episodes
Cute reverse-harem drama! Such a tough choice between her options, but like she taught her students: In multiple-choice questions, start by eliminating wrong answers. I loved the story, the supporting cast, and the sweet ending!
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16. Well-Intended Love Season 2
Chinese Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
While it avoided some of the pitfalls, it also lacked the evil characters and conflict that season 1 had, which made it a little too bland. On the plus side, the leads were much more familiar with each other and, as a result, displayed fantastic chemistry onscreen.
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17. Please Love Me
Chinese Drama - 2019, 24 episodes
Marathon alert! (I finished in 3 days.) The leads has electric chemistry, and the story pulled at the heartstrings. A great romcom and a new favorite!
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18. L♥DK
Japanese Movie - 2014
It was OK, nothing really special. I liked season 2 better.
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19. L♥DK: Two Loves Under One Roof
Japanese Movie - 2019
For a cohabitation plot, I really enjoyed it. The characters were great, and the plot wasn't too dense. The ending was the best when the ML finally expresses his feelings.
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20. Love the Way You Are
Chinese Drama - 2019, 24 episodes
This was good until c. e15. By e18 I wanted to drop it; it got too preachy and started having stupid plot twists. I fast-forwarded through the remaining eps. I liked the ML who persisted in his love despite any obstacles, but even he couldn't save it for me.
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21. Lucky's First Love
Chinese Drama - 2019, 24 episodes
I loved it! The plot had nice story arcs that kept moving, except the last couple was an odd pairing and the eps 22-24 felt a little slow. Another love rival was unnecessary at that point. Of course, the MC was adorable with great chemistry and real kisses! I really enjoyed how they both wouldn't back down when someone was trying to get in between them.
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22. Nee Sensei, Shiranai no?
Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
Sweet romance between a persistent man and a easily distracted woman. Both career-driven, they have that in common to fall back on. Short and enjoyable.
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23. Love O2O
Chinese Drama - 2016, 30 episodes
Rewatched while in covid-19 quarantine
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24. Kimi wa Petto
Japanese Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
I can't recall the previous versions for comparison, but I did like this version. The characters seemed a little sweeter than I recall, which undermined the story's credibility. Momo had a younger vibe, and Sumire-chan was more innocent. How would such an innocent women ask a young man to be her pet?? While I had a hard time buying it, overall this was an adorable version. I especially liked how Momo supported her in her relationships despite clearly being in love with her.
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25. Second Love
Japanese Drama - 2015, 7 episodes
I wasn't expecting much from this after reading some of the comments, but I was pleasantly surprised. They both caused the other to grow in unexpected ways--Kei's career takes off and Yui learns to take risks. Looking at their relationship realistically, their breakup was to be expected because they were going down different paths and had conflicting goals. The ending was a little cliche, but I was happy with it.
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26. Our Glamorous Time
Chinese Drama - 2018, 50 episodes
This started off good, but it got draggy around ep 28. While it picked up again around ep 35, the charm had worn off. I liked the MC and the Cheng Zheng/Yayi couple, but the other 2 couples were too cheesy and cringy. Pres Xiao's character, especially, had a complete personality overhaul when he fell in love. I couldn't buy into it and skipped his love scenes.
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27. Leh Ratree
Thai Drama - 2004, 12 episodes
The remake is way better. There's no chemistry with this couple.
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28. The Masked Lover
Taiwanese Drama - 2017, 19 episodes
Great characters, fun story, and cute romance. It wasn't perfect, but it was much better than I expected. There was a good amount of romance, but I was left wanting even more scenes between Tian Xing & Jing Xuan!!!
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29. Majurat See Nam Pueng
Thai Drama - 2013, 15 episodes
Lots of love rivals and slapping in this one. The characters were pretty interesting in that they didn't always act as I expected. I liked the story, and the pacing was great. But the younger sister needed therapy STAT.
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30. Paen Rai Long Tai Wa Rak
Thai Drama - 2017, 30 episodes
Rewatched while (still) in covid-19 quarantine
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31. Missions of Love
Japanese Drama - 2018, 4 episodes
Short and cute mini drama that introduces the characters in the format of a dating sim.
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32. Missions of Love
Japanese Movie - 2018
Not as risque as I was expecting, but I liked the FL's awkwardness and determination. It made me want to read the manga.
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33. Rang Tawan
Thai Drama - 2016, 14 episodes
Not a typical slap-and-kiss lakorn. The story was great with excellent pacing, and I really liked the characters. The FL is strong yet motherly, and the ML is fierce yet vulnerable. They made a great pair. The second couple was there to lighten the mood, but they felt too platonic and got too much screen time.
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34. My Heart Twinkle Twinkle
Korean Drama - 2015, 26 episodes
I found this drama in a forum post about forced marriage, and it was spot-on. BSB was awesome playing the SOB ML, but the FLs were mostly annoying in different ways. The eldest was too much of a crybaby, the middle was too prickly, and the youngest was too brash. I was really only interested in the eldest's storyline; the rest felt like filler.
Production was so-so. Settings were good, but music, wardrobe, and cinematography needed work. For example, someone thought every suspenseful scene needed a close-up, which drove me crazy.
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35. Pin Anong
Thai Drama - 2012, 22 episodes
I had this in my dropped list but dragged it back out for Weir. I just knew it had to get better, but watching it was pure agony. Fast-forwarding was the only solution after ep 14. The main problem with the plot is the lack of suspense.
And then there's Pin Anong. She is truly TSTL. Jom is a violent a-hole who's so envious of Yai that he literally tries to murder him. How is PA friends with him?!? Why does she constantly forgive people who don't deserve it?!! Her first love, Na, is another spineless loser; his only redeeming feature is when he abandoned PA to save himself and made me LMAO at the irony.
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36. Girlfriend
Chinese Drama - 2020, 36 episodes
The chemistry is electric, and the MC is adorable! I really enjoyed the beginning where she was hired as his nurse, and toward the end I was shocked by the plot twist they used. The second half gets a little bogged down in side characters, but the ending was great: cute, sweet, and funny!
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37. Hot Gimmick
Japanese Movie - 2019
This felt like a watered-down version of the manga, which I can't recall reading, but the plot was obviously thin. Ryoki's character is supposed to be a despot, but he doesn't come across as being all that bad in the movie. The FL is so weak I wanted to hit her in the head and put her out of MY misery. Why am I being plagued by weak female leads recently?!
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38. One Smile Is Very Alluring
Chinese Movie - 2016
Rewatched while in covid-19 quarantine (STILL~)
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39. Secret Agent and His Beautiful Wife
Chinese Movie - 2018
Plot's thin as ice, but it was fluffy and funny. The MC had good romcom chemistry.
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40. The Female Chief of the Shadow's King
Chinese Movie - 2018
The plot was pretty juvenile and vampire stuff isn't my thing, but I liked the ML. His crying scene was realistic and heartfelt. Not to mention his gaudy, toreador-inspired outfit was the best part of the show. ;)
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41. Fall in Love With Fox
Chinese Movie - 2019
Short and simple story about a fox alien who has to help a human in order to return to his planet but falls in love instead. Lots of eye candy, and nice kisses at the end.
I'm on a roll with these Chinese B movies. Note to self: Uninstall IQIYI.
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42. Loving, Never Forgetting
Chinese Drama - 2014, 34 episodes
Pin Anong's cousin. >_< How can anyone be so painfully naive and stupidly kind? The FL's sweet, kind, and generous; and, the jerks around her don't deserve her. It was good, but I probably won't rewatch because it was emotionally tiring.
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43. Crash Landing on You
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Finally--a FL with gumption! This was so good. The music, cinematography, colors, scenery, characters, chemistry, plot, and comedic timing were outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but... .
Was it just me? It lacked something to make it one of my favorites. I think the mirrored plot where she's hiding in NK, then he's hiding in SK, plus knowing they couldn't end up together, was what curbed my enthusiasm.
Still, I would wholeheartedly recommend this drama to romcom fans!
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44. Are We in Love?
Korean Movie - 2020
I love the MC, but the plot was woefully bare. It felt like a poor remake of a Hallmark movie. I did enjoy the ML's tsundere character--him kicking himself for not saying "잘 자요" was too adorable!!
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45. Daisy
Korean Movie - 2006
Nice characterizations, but I was a little lost in the beginning and wished there had been more explanation of their back story. I loved the hitman! Great ending.
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46. Marmalade Boy
Japanese Movie - 2018
It was cute, but the plot was typical shoujo--nothing a frank conversation or DNA test couldn't clear up in less time. :^p
My favorite part was how they used light in the scenes. Gorgeous! The actor playing Yuu was very convincing, and Youji's voice was ear candy. I can't wait to see them both again!
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47. Too Late to Say I Love You
Chinese Drama - 2010, 36 episodes
Thank God it's over! This drama was too convoluted and crazy, even for me. I was really hoping everyone would die in the end, except Dr. Gentleman Cutiepie. (Yes, I'm sure that was his name!)
47b Rewatched Raeng Tawan to get over this mess!
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48. Marn Bang Jai
Thai Drama - 2020, 15 episodes
While it had issues, the things I liked most about this drama were how they addressed the age gap and how she would randomly cry from missing her dad. I can totally relate to her feelings, which made me sympathize with her character. Plus, I ♡ Weir, and he made an adorable nerdy dad!
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49. About Is Love
Chinese Drama - 2018, 30 episodes
Rewatched in covid-19 quarantine
This drama gives me amnesia. I really enjoy it when I'm watching, but I can never remember what it's about or how it ends.
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50. Clean with Passion for Now
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
The FL's a bit of a damsel in distress, but so is the ML. Can we call them even? I really loved how the ML insistently pursues his love even when the FL tries to reject him. The inconsistencies in the plot underscore its manhua beginning, but overall it's a great romcom.
Verdict: Funny and sweet plot, explosive chemistry, easily rewatchable
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51. Healer
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
I'm glad I finally got this out of my PTW list. The plot, the music, the characters--I loved everything about this drama! I really enjoyed both the MC and the supporting characters. They made an excellent team. I'm sure I'll watch it again and again.
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52. Search: WWW
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
The show is not at all what I expected, but it sucked me in by the 2nd episode. The story was tight, the music was beautiful, and the cinematography was excellent. Although the romance was just OK, the main story about 3 woman working in demanding job roles was fresh and exciting. I found new actors to follow, too.
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53. Mr Honesty
Chinese Drama - 2020, 31 episodes
Ugh, I stumbled back onto another weak female lead! :/ But, the ML stole my heart as he slowly fell for the FL, and their romance had a realistic buildup to skinship and plenty of it. His little sister was a gem and the (ONLY?) voice of reason because the side plots and secondary characters were just bad.
53b Mulan, Disney 2020 version with Crystal Liu
Having never seen the animation, I enjoyed Mulan but I didn't love it. The main problem is that it's very much a task-based movie. She must become a soldier, check. Win a battle, check. Save the emperor, check. It's too systematic without enough emotional connection to the characters. I think the director wanted it to be a feminist statement, but rather than being a strong, realistic female role model, Mulan turned into Mary Sue. With fellow feeling and flaws to overcome, Mulan would've been inspirational. Instead, it was just a pretty and entertaining film, not too long, with beautiful music, scenery, and production. Score: 8/10
Bonus: I discovered Yoson An, who I can't wait to see again! -
54. Bungaku Shojo
Japanese Drama - 2018, 8 episodes
Ah, this was a strange one. It started out strong with the FL doing slightly crazy things, but it became dull in the second half. The ending was boring with an unnecessary time skip and no on-screen conclusion.
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55. Hannari Girori no Yoriko-san
Japanese Drama - 2018, 4 episodes
It's a very calm, heartwarming story about friendship and helping others. The cool FL is drawn into helping the clueless ML and ends up teaching him about the city, its culture, and its history, while he unwittingly helps her recover from a broken heart.
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56. The Romance of Hua Rong
Chinese Drama - 2019, 24 episodes
Pure, unadulterated FLUFF! Definitely low production value, but they embraced the cheesiness so hard that it was filled with laughs and sweet MC moments. I loved how the MC grew closer, learned about each other, and learned to trust each other. They were so funny and cute, I'm sure I'll watch it again!
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57. While You Were Sleeping
Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes
I really enjoyed most of the plot, and the production was excellent! Two nitpicks: Why make the bad guy practically a cartoon character? :/ And, I didn't feel the romance. They went through all the motions, but Suzy seems to hold back, which made the ML's reactions awkward.
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58. Flower of Evil
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Amazing production, story, music, and acting. LJK was incredible and MCW was no slouch--feels everywhere!! I hope to see them work together again. I wasn't 100% in favor of the final trope and was tempted to take off 0.5 for using it, but it did make sense for the character. So, that's my only complaint. Everything else was fabulous!!!
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59. Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru
Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
For a manga adaptation, it followed the plot almost exactly. Plus, the visuals were excellent--so many beautiful yukatas and traditional desserts. The main problem was that the MC seems to fall in love for no reason and events occurred too abruptly.
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60. The Romance of Tiger and Rose
Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
I did not expect to fall in love with this drama as much as I did. I loved all the FL's reactions, and the MC was just too adorable. Even the ending was a little sad but sweetly satisfying. I did take off 1 star because the ending had a lot of watchers confused.
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61. Dating in the Kitchen
Chinese Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
I did question the age gap, but I like that it's addressed by having the people around them question it, too. What satisfied me the most was that it hit most of my favorite tropes. Plus, the music was pretty and ethereal.
I rewatched 1/3 of the episodes immediately after watching, so this is going into my faves list.