One of a kind - The only one, perhaps!

Life Senjou no Bokura presents one of the most authentic BL/LGBT storylines I've encountered, capturing a profound sense of realism and passion. The narrative masterfully navigates the complexities individuals face when grappling with their identities, vividly portraying the suffocating impact of societal and cultural pressures. While the storyline may not be entirely groundbreaking, it manages to carve out a distinct space, evoking a range of emotions from warmth and happiness to a deep sense of love. Life on Line is poised to linger in my memory for an extended period, a testament to its ability to resonate on a profound and lasting level.

Story: 10/10
The narrative unfolds around the lives of Yuki and Akira, two sheltered teenagers aged 16, whose paths cross in a unique manner. Their initial encounter takes place as they walk along a road surface marking, perceiving it as a symbolic bridge in the fictional world of their shared game. To navigate challenges beneath this metaphorical bridge, they must stay on the line. Fate intervenes, and the two discover they are playing the same game, sparking love at first sight for Akira.

A routine develops where they wait for each other after school on the same line, yet for Akira, it transcends mere companionship; he longs to gaze upon Yuki's face. In the midst of confusion about his feelings, Akira rejects advances from the most popular girl and shares a meaningful kiss with Yuki. Thus begins their clandestine journey through adolescence, their love deepening against the backdrop of societal pressures.

As the weight of societal expectations bears down on Akira, he reaches a breaking point, choosing to end his relationship with Yuki to spare him a life fraught with challenges. Despite the breakup, Akira's love for Yuki remains steadfast, almost overwhelming. Akira proceeds to marry the popular girl, attempting to embrace a "normal" existence, but the void left by Yuki persists, resisting normalization. Yuki, on the other hand, experiences heartbreak and anguish.

Realizing the gravity of his mistake, Akira undergoes a profound transformation. He courageously confronts his family, bares his emotions in coming out, and takes the difficult step of divorcing his wife. Over the course of three years, Akira relentlessly searches for Yuki, driven by an unwavering commitment to fulfill a promise made during their shared dreams—to witness the aurora together. As he embarks on this journey, fate takes a surprising turn, and while venturing to the very place where they once aimed to bring closure to their ill-fated relationship, Akira finds Yuki. Amidst a storm of emotions, Yuki forgives Akira, marking a poignant and unexpected reunion that solidifies their shared destiny once more.

Yuki is warmly embraced into Akira's family, where he is graciously accepted. The two decide to move in together, embarking on an ordinary yet profound journey, navigating life's challenges side by side. Strengthening their bond, Akira formalizes Yuki's place in his life by registering him into his household, legally cementing their connection as a family. Together, they face the complexities of life with resilience, forging a path forward as a united and legally recognized family.

At 85, Yuki, now known as Ituo Yuki, wears two rings as he awaits their eventual reunion in a hospital bed. Serenely departing the hospital, Yuki, seemingly transformed into his 16-year-old self, steps onto the very same road surface marking where their paths first intertwined. At the culmination of the line, a spectral Akira, forever eternally 16, envelops Yuki, and together, they transcend into the eternal beyond, leaving behind mortal constraints.

Acting: 10/10
Shirasu Jin as Akira and Raiku as Yuki, were out of this world in their roles. I can not criticise, it was acting done right in their respective roles. All other supporting characters, shined as well.

Music: 10/10
Oh... I love the music given by band Ryu Matsuyama, all of the songs are mellow and with pop touch, my favourite are "Go Through, Grow Through", "Love is Coming Home", and "No Better Place (inst)".

Rewatch value: 100/10
This series/film is a heartwarming journey that offers a spectrum of emotions. From heart-wrenching moments to instances of joy, the narrative seamlessly weaves together elements of reality and love. It is a tale that unfolds with a perfect balance of poignant and uplifting moments, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The ending, while breaking your heart in a happy way, is so compelling that the desire to witness the characters' journey persists. This is one of those rare stories that begins with a clean slate and concludes with a satisfying and proper end, providing a complete and fulfilling narrative experience.

Read More

One of best Asian drama to come out this year!

I am usually reluctant to Chinese dramas. As rarely any good series in terms of content, writing and acting comes out these days. Plus, their overdramatic love triangles and unnecessary misunderstanding among leads has had me hesitant to touch a series of forty plus episodes.

But what should I say about, Go Ahead, I mean I can criticise on so many things but my heart doesn't allow it because this series touches your heart before it does anything else.

Three young souls, broken deep from their painful pasts comes together to create a new home, new life, and new happiness. Love is the only thing that binds them together. From their loving and caring dads to their evil moms, each harbors a story only they can tell.

Having lived in China, seeing their culture closely, I was stunned by their level of understanding, bonding and the love they showed in this series. Who loved who, who suffered how much and who endured the most pain, is meaningless, as what was important to those three people was their presence for each other and warmth of love they churn in togetherness, and in separation, that keep giving them hope in their cold and dark days.

From ZQ cute face to LX serious expressions and JJ innocent soul, they were never three, they were always one. Their dad, LHC and LHP, gave everything they could to raise those 3 champs, who turned out to be best of the best human beings. It was a first lengthy episodic length drama, I never got bored from. I just loved their bickering, sweet and cozy moments, to their sweet adolescent and matured years.

After every fall, they never hesitated to embrace each other, I guess thats what a family is. You hold the fallen ones and keep them close, not because you won't let them fall, but you will always be there to pick them up, after every fall.

Read More

True Title: Ex Mate

I mean, 32 episodes, and they created this? There was nothing special about this drama, not even the mental illness they try to project was properly educated.

I actually felt truly sad for male ex towards the end of show, as he did a "fanfuckingtastic" job of portraying a psycho and someone who is in real pain... nonetheless at fault. No sympathy for female ex though.

But salute to main leads, who despite good at acting, failed to create an inch of chemistry and love. Perhaps because of the lackluster script, that never gave them a chance to sizzle the screen, and they had a very less time together because of their crazy exes's.

Ps: There was a moment at the end of episode 15 when male ex-finally understood that he might lose the women he loves for doing all the crazing things so he decided to remove her from her mind and when he crosses her in hospital corridor, and pretended not to know her, broke my heart. I really felt bad for him... I wish him to find him his own happiness now. Overall, it was just an average show!!!

Read More

I can't even imagine if there is any other content like this!!!

Never I saw a drama like this. From beginning till the end, I was in awe of the characters, story, writing, music and the cold and chilly sadness of this creation.

There was no science fiction, there was no time travel, it was no fantasy. It was a story of a women trying to figure out her life, after such oppression of time.

She grew-up poor, loved by family, fell in love with the most loneliest person. Their life was short lived but she was so in love, that after he was taken away...her love turned to stone. She couldn't love anyone, not even herself, she suppressed her emotions and wanting to forget her pain, she did the worst possible thing - turning her back toward their son, the only thing she could have really loved. She froze in time, broken all the way inside, not knowing the light she needed was always there, but perhaps there was too much darkness notice that. Now old, and suffering from the incurable illness, she try to relived her life, as could have happened, if he wasn't taken away. She was finally able to save her love this time, going back and forth in her memory to help him live. In last hours of her life, she was able to convey her love, she hid from his for 50 years. Even after such sadness and unhappiness, she was content, she choose the happy moments she had in life. In her final moments, she crosses that bridge of "light" and succumbs to her love in the end, and they both embraced each other for eternity.

Acting: Kim Hye ja is an acting godess of Korean cinema so no comments on her further. But this young actor Nam, made me fall in love with his acting this time for this drama, he had for his age, toughest scenes, and he nailed every scene of his, and as always Han Ji-Min did what she does best. Hats off to this drama.

I can't even imagine if there is any other content like this!!!

Read More

STRONGLY AGAINST SUCH DRAMAS

I AM STRONGLY AGAINST SUCH DRAMAS. WHY?

This does not only give wrong impression to all the girls, but boys as well, that they can get whatever the f**** they want.

A girl this dumb, with such low self esteem and confidence, sure... does exist in real lives, but drama does not give any message through this or show progress of girl turning into maturity. But instead it turned into twisted and horrible love story, with a boy never learning. Even though he falls in love with her, he was an arrogant bastard till last scene.

The poor second lead I truly felt so sorry for him, but I was glad, that he didn't end up with stupid girl, who doesn't know what love actually is. He is an amazing single father in real life, I hope he gets all the best.

However, the male lead does genuinely loves her, and shows kindness in his own way, but thats not how you show love to your wife or anyone by being pain in ass. Even his little brother was arrogant dog.

The only thing good about this show was male lead mother, never saw a Korean mother this good. So 10 points to her already.

Read More

Masterpiece in everyway

The movie, that brought me to Korean world.

I came to know about Oldboy when I watched unofficial remake or similar film, "Zinda lit: Alive" (2006) and found out that film had uncanny resemblance and plot elements similar to Korean film, which itself is an adaption of Japanese manga of same name.

Ebert summed the film that, "we are so accustomed to 'thrillers' that exist only as machines for creating diversion that it's a shock to find a movie in which the action, however violent, makes a statement and has a purpose".

The captor and his prisoner, went through gravest pains for their mistakes. Avenging for the most dearest sole he lost at the hand of his prisoner, the captor took revenge in the most jaw dropping cliffhanger of all time. The film depicts the gruesome revelation of truths, oppressions and pain.

Sadly, it also shows, human above all - are the most cruel living beings on planet earth.

IT IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST REVENGE FILM OF ALL TIME.

Read More

Classic good old story, hitting all note right.

A heartfelt story that showcase what happens when you take things for granted.

The story is same old and thats why it hit you even more. The show really kept me on edge, both actors did fantastic job. I know HW from Witch's Love, and he did very well, however this is first time I am watching something from KUR, as her drama Defendant is still pending in my list. And she was brilliant. I really liked YJO, his role as X, was very intriguing from the start, I knew he had a back story, thats why he is playing evil, hiding good self behind it. He did his job with beauty.

I don't know what happened, did they originally intended to release as film or what. But I don't think so since the the run hour is approx. 5 hours, it can't be film. Anyway it came out as series, and came at once. I am glad this short series, was well made, and it strike where it intended to.

A love between two people fades away when they took each other for granted. Their fate was then intervened by someone who hold grudge against humans for being too weak and greedy when it comes to forgetting love and moving on. Entangled tale of fates of those two people and that very "someone" motive to punish those who take love for granted, comes to learn the true meaning of love.

All episodes are meaningful, and leaves you a bit teary. I can't nitpick much, as it is very plain and simple story, with some heavy elements emphasising not to take things for granted regardless of time.

A must must for all. This series is for everyone.

Read More

"No Master No King, When The Ritual Begins"

King of Pigs, is breathtakingly brutal, violent, aggressive and graphic representation of what a bullying and money looks like.

East Asian countries are full of high-school bullying, where impact on victims has ruined so many lives throughout the history. And it is one of the crimes of this unjust world that goes unpunished in the court of law.

So, what happens when the weak, timid who has been oppressed to death suddenly wakes up to this whole new person to avenge those who has destroyed him, wronged him and hurt the people around him – death, yes death follows.

King of Pigs holds a plot of school extreme violence against two poor souls who is described by their savior as Pigs and those of perpetrators, he names them Dogs. A story that follows a man who traces the events of 20-years back in time to his high school days – the most miserable time of his life which opened the doors of hell on him and his friend – to the present, avenging those perpetrators one by one with a hidden plot of their savior who died on the hands of those whose time has come to an end.

I feel sorry for watching this for a mere entertainment, while there are many stories in real life as well. I just hope the show doesn’t give any salvation to criminal, as this not usually happens in reality.

I know perfect ending doesn’t exist, but I wish to see a justified ending as real world is cruel and real enough already.

Read More

A well-made story of deceit and betrayal

Without diving into words of beauty, I am gonna put it in a simple word - this is your typical well made story of political-thriller.

Based on 2016 UK series of same name, it does well, in terms of emotional weightage, which is like Asian series trademark. Undercover uncovers the political corruption, power and greed in name of patriotism that has ruined so many lives. A life that could have lived freely was forced to live under fake identity in order to save a love that came in a way of that very "patriotism".

Imagin, denying your only family member, your own father you meet on a street, that they have mistook them for others, how painful and cruel it is for both parties. While watching this series, the elements that are infused with this story of deceit and betrayal, I can't help but anticipate the next moment and the grand revelation of this series is going to break hearts.

Ji Jin Hee almost always plays miserable character entangled in family and his work life. Based on his previous work, this series premise and setting is not unfamiliar for him and he transformed into his character very naturally. I have not seen anything but "Designated Survivor" from his profile and he does it so well playing roles with unidentified emotions. And as for Kim Hyun Joo, she was absolute brilliant in Watcher. As it is their second project together, in same husband-wife role, their chemistry is beaming, however it is not very lovey-dovey, like how it was in Flower of Evil. The FL here has much more things on her plate then to be concerned with romance, and her this obliviousness, gonna brought doom on her.

The children are adorable, Yoo Sun Ho who plays an autistic child has tried his best to stay true to its character, however it seems he is overworking on his character. As autistic child is not very talkative but the spectrum is different from individual to individual.

For those who are going to watch this or plan to watch this, expect nothing sort of great fro this as it is a very very basic story with all the elements that can keep you hook, - a good old recipe that works every time.

Despite a JTBC show, this show failed to garner any special attention even though it has average ratings per episodes. But watchers, should give this series a try, as it is definitely worth it, and not a waste of time.

Thank you to all the subbers for subbing it, as this series gets subbed three days after the episode release. We understand, but what is the reason behind this?

Read More

"Stand by Me" going to stand by my side for a long long time...

This one takes your heart away. There is an intensity that keeps you on edge, makes you anxious, and makes you look forward to every scene of almost every character.

The two leads of this series are like none other; if one is fire, then the other is earth (not water). The earth keeps the fire grounded instead of extinguishing it. There is another element of the story who is a phoenix, not in a good way or a bad way, but it fans the flames of the fire even more.

So this story of fire, earth, and phoenix is an amazing and enthralling tale of youth, longing, desires, dreams, and the destiny of setting oneself free from the shackles of society and those around who try to fit you into a box when you are more than that, when you are capable of much more than that.

Qi Qi, Xiao Bo, and Zhang Jun by no means are ordinary high schoolers. Wrangled in a constant push and pull of their inner voices, they dream big for themselves, failing every time they get close to it. However, they never give up, no matter how much they are thrashed by their peers, parents, and society; their vision becomes clearer with every fall. They have each other to embrace after they face setbacks in life.

Especially Qi Qi and Xiao Bo, their affection for each other, care for each other, proves once again that blood has no meaning if you don't show love, support, and warmth for your family. QQ and XB have an unfathomable bond and support for each other that makes me want to find a man like XB. He is gold for her, and she is a diamond for him.

The phoenix of this story, Zhang Jun, is an uncontrolled beast of goodness that stirs up the world of fire. ZJ made my heart flutter even more; his gazes following FL speak more words than any mouth can ever speak. But his ambiguity makes me anxious; it frustrates me, and I want to yell at him for making the fire flame up every time they come in contact. I had difficulty reaching ZJ's mind, like what he is thinking, what does he actually want? Is he a delinquent kid with no parents around? Does he yearn for love? Is that why he is keeping Qi Qi close to him and yet staying far from her? It's like he wants her and then acts like he is a stranger. Their days spent in their childhood under the tunnel, talking about math, equations, dreams, and broken hearts in their families, stay with them. But it has frozen their time, and they are unable to move past that time, although they have become adults. They are unable to communicate exactly what they want from each other.

I fell in love with this one, as it was unusual from other Chinese school setting series, and above the intense scenes, and entailing music, and sadness of this one makes me want it more and keep me hooked to screen. I love it so much and this is going to be in my memory for a long long time.

Read More

If every day "Chen Xiao" is this beautiful, I don't want sunset!!!

JBR and TSY is one of the dream pairing I could ask for, I had wished long time ago to see them together, as I thought they would look super good and my wish came true, and waited for this series to pass, and when it came, seriously it was worth it.

Everyone who knows TSY, they know how hardworking she is and how much commitment she has for her work, and on to of that she is among very few CN actors, who can be crowned among many top actors around the world. It is always love to watch her in any role is graces.

JBR had me much earlier with his modeling days, his sexy instagram pictures, and photoshoots really is one of a kind. He is a pure "dongbei ren", sometimes his face looks bigger (lol) but he is way too handsome, and not to mention "good" at his craft and not just flashy face and body.

I came to love the series, although the aspects of nationalism, and patriotism robes my attention as it feels forced fed, and as per readers that in book these elements are also greatly incorporated - I would have just loved a simple love story. Anyway it is not something that can do anything about, so leaving it as it is and focusing on them.

They shot in northern Xinjiang, of Altay region in Hemu village, known to be one of the most beautiful villages in the world, I really admire the actor to do their in such tough conditions. The scenery is really really beautiful. I love how actors channeled their love for their each other, growing from their mistakes, fighting for what they had to, and reached where they wanted to.

Shout out to the kid acting, very handsome "xiao gege" sublime, and mature acting, hope when becomes an adult he will gets his due leading role, as he is amazing at his job.

Loved this series and when it comes to CN series, I shut my critic valve and look for other aspects that I know I will love.

Read More

Brutal, sad, cold, and warm tale of adolescence

Strikingly beautiful and amazing. Hiding your pain and cruel past by becoming a bad boy is an ultimate story of the most warm person. Such is the story of Night Flight. Sadly, it has elements of some brutal realities and oppression that the boy wasn't able to overcome or prevent happening to the person he loved. But indeed their love was apparent. I want to write more and more, but perhaps my thoughts on how to make this film more memorable isn't enough. It is going to be in my memory for a long long time...

Don't watch this, if you come here for a BL romance, watch it, if you can see the inner surface behind their characters and the struggle of them being singles out, called out, bullied, and oppressed. Ending too, of this film was one fine one, that served it best.

Read More

Cheesy, cliché and what not? But you can't escape the charm!

This is perhaps one of the dramas, I will never bring my critic out. If I do, then I will have to give 0 ratings. When it comes to Korean drama, I let my guard down in critiquing, otherwise, I wouldn't be able to watch anything.

But this is a masterpiece of typical Korean rom-com, yet feels different and it has all the perfect ingredients of a successful content, both in popularity and money wise.

This is the only K-drama, I have already watched it 3 times, whenever I have nothing else to watch. From acting to story, and to music and stills, it will keep you entertained and not a single moment, you feel boring.

I am big fan of main leads, I have watched them before this drama, and they are one of Koreas greatest actors of their generation. Hyu Bin and Son Yejin, have done some projects that proves their acting ability beyond perfection. son Ye-Jin is close to 40, and she looks in her early 30s. Her dramas and films, are just out of class, watch all of em.

Read More

Through a Cloudy Haze of Sun Lit Sea...

I absolutely loved the the series, after Go Ahead, this is the first Chinese series, I can actually feel and it has effected my mode more than I had thought.

The direction, cinematography (I don't mind washed up screen), the pacing, and the shift between past and present is so smoothly done, that it is rare for a CN drama these days, where everything is fast paced, quick, without any logic and the random evilness, and mostly you are not given any time to empathise with characters or feel them, but surprisingly this drama offers you a plenty of time to know characters and not let you bore at the same time.

It sure has some typical Chinese elements, but thats given and I can ignore that fully, because the acting, and writing is true star here, both leads are talented and veteran of their craft. When they are on screen, the electrifying chemistry flows in air and create magic.

The story is cliche, yet done right. I was anxious, and felt on the edge of seat to see FL and ML tension, specially ML coldness towards, despite his love for her. I am sure something happened in past that made FL leave her, nor his father nor her loving pother person broke them, it was something inevitable and culmination of her poor fate. When you are born poor, life is not just life, it is a struggle, it takes your pride away, it makes you do things that can make you feel less than your other half. She has been like that her whole life. Despite being talented, smart, she lost in the love she thought could save her. ML who sincerely loved her, wanted best for her, couldn't truly understood her. She knew he would believe her if she would tell him a lie, so she made him believe that she doesn't loved him but money or whatever. ML is keeping a damn good job at keeping himself misunderstood and ignorant of anything, when secret will be revealed he will run for her, I just hope it is not too late.

FL's husband, who is also not bad, is just not smart enough, good looking enough or fit the criteria of ML, but FL is loyal as she know, although she doesn't love him, and he knows that, she is keeping this name for sake relationship alive for reason, I truly hope we get to know soon. Like what exactly their relationship is. Is it a paper marriage? or marriage to protect her child. And we all know whose child Pingping is. I don't have to spoil or say it.

Music, and the melo scenes, and flashback are equally fantastic and it is a part of story, like essential part of story. So I am very much glad that the sequence of those flashbacks are so aligned and so well fitted to current timeline, that you keep wanting more. It reminds me of "When My Love Bloom", it has 50% same story, but with different touch.

It is a must watch series as it is mature romance, it might not fit for everyone, but it is addictive as hell, for a person like me.

Read More

Done right! Just done right!!!

It is pretty safe to say that the second season of this series is as magical as its first season was. And yes I am not exaggerating.

I loved first season, well we all did. Although it isn't a new story but it hit all mark right. Only into first two episodes of second season, I could see how humble they remain and stick to the story rather lost into the fame received from first season. Both leading actor performed exceptionally well in their respective roles, and they are performing with equal passion in second season.

The story is pretty guessable and seems basic, but what magical is how actors persuaded its viewers that a story told many times, still can be fresh if it is made, performed and execute with passion. And I can clearly see the efforts of cast and production to bring a quality content to us once again.

There are no big daunt on coming out or big stigma of dating a celebrity, but rather their problem exist in them, which led to sway away in a relationship. But love never lessened never faltered. Sometimes when you love someone beyond your limits, you are bound to hurt that person with your inability to control your emotional outburst of good or bad intentions.

What I have seen so far, their breakup has a deep connection of love that is very much alive but rather it is on a small hiatus, as among them one, trying his best to become the best version of himself, before he could offer himself to his love of life.

Love bird KSJ is a quick to react, but at the same time, can't hold grudges, easily forgives, ducks in to the love of his love despite not committing any mistake, smiles at him, cares to death for him, expressive and lives for him, on the other hand, HJW, a quiet puppy, with less words and expressions, he has mammoth amount of equal love for his lover. Although one may seem HJW is not reasonable but he knows he is trying best as his personality is opposite to KSJ, but stepping out of his comfort zone and move into the world of KSJ was not an easy step.

HJW already a man with fewer words, left KSJ for reasons we will know in coming episodes, but one thing remains, he loves him, and loves him to the point that he had to leave in order for him not to hurt KSJ out of his own miseries.

Also, I was surprised the girl in this season would be KSJ ex, but it turned out to be HJW's. This was a unusual surprise, usually in such type of story, ex appears for a popular one or should I dare say for "seme (top)", I know it is stereotypical of me to say that, but that is a surprise actually. I am going to see how once again love will bloom again and how HJW entrust himself to KSJ once again.

I am so looking forward to, first two episodes made me fell for this series once again!!!

Read More