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This review may contain spoilers
Choco Milk Shake: A Sweet and Whimsical Treat
Choco Milk Shake by Strongberry is a charming and unique addition to the Korean BL scene. Known for their well-crafted short films and series, Strongberry takes a leap with this full-length series, and it doesn't disappoint. The show aired from October 25, 2022, to December 20, 2022, and features 11 episodes written by Ahn Ji Hee.
The premise is delightfully whimsical: Jung Woo (Ko Ho Jung) is a young man who has faced profound loss—his parents and his beloved pets, Choco the dog and Milk the cat, all died in a tragic accident. Fast forward to the present, and Jung Woo is living a solitary life until one evening, two strangers knock on his door. To his shock, they claim to be the reincarnated versions of Choco (Lee Jae Bin) and Milk (Kim Seung Hyuk). The series then follows this peculiar trio as they navigate their renewed life together, blending light-hearted moments with deeper emotional undertones.
From the get-go, the series captures attention with its cute and quirky concept. The first episode leaves you with many questions, particularly about how a dog and cat could return as fully functional humans. While it takes a while for the show to provide answers, it remains engaging throughout.
The portrayal of Choco and Milk is particularly noteworthy. Both characters retain distinct traits from their animal pasts, adding a layer of humor and charm to the series. Thankfully, the show avoids overdoing these characteristics, striking a balance between their animalistic quirks and human behaviors.
The chemistry among the characters is another strong point. The romance develops naturally, with feelings growing gradually and convincingly. However, the series does a brilliant job of exploring themes beyond just romance, touching on loss, acceptance, and the different ways individuals cope with grief. The actors, especially Lee Jae Bin and Kim Seong Hyuk, deliver performances that are both convincing and endearing, embodying their roles with a depth that elevates the story.
Production-wise, the series is impressive, although there are moments, particularly early on, where the setting feels a bit too empty, detracting from the realism. Fortunately, this issue is addressed as the plot progresses, tying it into the story in a clever way.
Overall, Choco Milk Shake is a delightful watch that blends light-hearted fun with moments of emotional depth. Despite its short length, it manages to deliver a well-rounded and satisfying narrative, making it a standout in the Korean BL genre. It’s the perfect series to binge-watch, and it leaves you wanting more—a testament to its charm and the quality of Strongberry’s storytelling.
The premise is delightfully whimsical: Jung Woo (Ko Ho Jung) is a young man who has faced profound loss—his parents and his beloved pets, Choco the dog and Milk the cat, all died in a tragic accident. Fast forward to the present, and Jung Woo is living a solitary life until one evening, two strangers knock on his door. To his shock, they claim to be the reincarnated versions of Choco (Lee Jae Bin) and Milk (Kim Seung Hyuk). The series then follows this peculiar trio as they navigate their renewed life together, blending light-hearted moments with deeper emotional undertones.
From the get-go, the series captures attention with its cute and quirky concept. The first episode leaves you with many questions, particularly about how a dog and cat could return as fully functional humans. While it takes a while for the show to provide answers, it remains engaging throughout.
The portrayal of Choco and Milk is particularly noteworthy. Both characters retain distinct traits from their animal pasts, adding a layer of humor and charm to the series. Thankfully, the show avoids overdoing these characteristics, striking a balance between their animalistic quirks and human behaviors.
The chemistry among the characters is another strong point. The romance develops naturally, with feelings growing gradually and convincingly. However, the series does a brilliant job of exploring themes beyond just romance, touching on loss, acceptance, and the different ways individuals cope with grief. The actors, especially Lee Jae Bin and Kim Seong Hyuk, deliver performances that are both convincing and endearing, embodying their roles with a depth that elevates the story.
Production-wise, the series is impressive, although there are moments, particularly early on, where the setting feels a bit too empty, detracting from the realism. Fortunately, this issue is addressed as the plot progresses, tying it into the story in a clever way.
Overall, Choco Milk Shake is a delightful watch that blends light-hearted fun with moments of emotional depth. Despite its short length, it manages to deliver a well-rounded and satisfying narrative, making it a standout in the Korean BL genre. It’s the perfect series to binge-watch, and it leaves you wanting more—a testament to its charm and the quality of Strongberry’s storytelling.
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