Reviews

In Response To Negative Comments...

I've been seeing a lot of negative comments about this show saying that it's americanized etc. so I wanted to write a review in response to this.

I disagree that this kdrama is trying to be more Americanized. I genuinely like that they tried to make something more suited for adult viewers with the dark themes, intricate plot, and some nudity. It's refreshing to see such an amazing cast take on a much more daring role and it really shows how talented they are.

I will say that the plot was a bit confusing at points. The jumps between present day, the past, and the future were done well for the most part but there were times where I wasn't sure where we were. Another negative is that I hate when shows split the main couple up after they've been through a lot because they need to "heal". I personally think it's a bad choice and unnecessary.

I will also say that the show could have used a bit more depth on the relationships between the characters, there was limited dialogue when the leads were on screen together and instead we just see them trauma dumping all the time. Maybe if the show had been slightly longer to accommodate some more character building, I would have liked this aspect more. Or even if they just got rid of the friend's plot line - this felt so unnecessary... like okay she doesn't want to just be a mom, she wants to work blah blah blah but like where did this story actually go? What was the point? They either needed to develop this WAYYYY more or take it out IMO. I wanted to see his ex-wife's downfall, I wanted to see the leads accepting this new love, I wanted to see more healing in the characters... What I really mean to say by all this is that I think this show could have been a solid 10/10 if they had a more solid focus on the emotional/psychological themes rather than throwing in some of the other side plots.

Onto the positives - I really like the relationship between the leads. Their chemistry was amazing and I felt compelled by their stories. It was heartbreaking at times too when you see how unsure the leads are about what love is meant to feel like and how they should be treated by their loved ones. I like to crochet whilst I watch kdramas and this was a show where I would just constantly stop and just watch because I was so hooked on what was happening. I know my paragraph on the negatives is so much longer but that's just because there were a few key positives that really make this entire show so worth watching.

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Didnt like at all.

I don't know if I'm the only one, but I found this show so weird. It's such a messy storyline, too. It's definitely a different and out-of-the-box drama. I didn't like it. I had a problem with almost every character and plotline; it just wasn't for me. I found the ending funny; if you're a cheater, you'll be lonely for the rest of your life lmao. BUT I also had a problem with the ending, the daughter?!?!?!!! That's crazy?!?!?? (Unless I misread the situation). Anyway, I always finish a show if I start it, so that's why I finished this one. Otherwise, I would've dropped it. I'd say it's not worth watching at all unless you like unlikeable main characters and dumb storylines. Personally, a waste of time.

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"Prettyboy" é um dorama encantador que combina comédia e romance de maneira cativante. A série é repleta de momentos divertidos e apresenta uma proposta interessante com seus dois finais, permitindo que os espectadores escolham a conclusão que mais ressoa com eles. Os personagens são bem construídos, e Qingcai se destaca como o meu favorito, graças ao seu humor e charme irresistíveis. A química entre ele e Gan pu é excelente, tornando suas interações um dos pontos altos do drama. Além disso, a amizade de Qingcai com Wang Yi Shao traz momentos hilários, enquanto a paixão de Hong Hui por Qingcai adiciona um toque romântico à trama.

As habilidades de atuação de Darren Chen estão em constante evolução, enriquecendo a profundidade emocional da série. Em resumo, "Pretty" é uma recomendação imperdível para quem procura uma comédia romântica leve e divertida, perfeita para assistir e formar suas próprias opiniões!

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Beautiful set up of the main leads story, but ending execution is disappointing.

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75 (rounding up to show support)

Watching “Blue Canvas of Youthful Days” is to show my support for uncensored Chinese BL, even though I knew this drama is not perfect. Hopefully, the success of this show will encourage more uncensored Chinese BLs to be picked up by other countries to be distributed. Also, what a lovely drama title!

I agree with many reviews and comments that the first half of the drama is great. I enjoy the set up of how the leads met and their school interaction. Was it a little stalkerish on Qi Lu’s part to be clinging on to Qin Xiao? Probably. But I also applaud his courage to do so, knowing the consequence of when his father finds out what he’s up to. The growing friendship and affection between the two are developed nicely and convincingly. Xiao’s desire of having his own family is strong, but not enough to withstand his love for Qi Lu. However, we do have two young adults who are still quite innocent about first love. The ending would be different if they had talked to each other and figured things out together. But well, they were young.

I was not as invested in the secondary couple, possibly due to the age gap. Tan Yin just acts too young and naive compared to Liu Ming Yang’s maturity and as a teacher to our main leads. But I can see why Tan Yin would fall for Teacher Liu, and how Liu would eventually fall for Tan Yin. I just enjoy the dynamics between the main couple more. I also personally don’t like the blonde hair (LOL) and find Xiao Zi Zhou’s portrayal of Tan Yin to be the weakest of the cast (though not horrible).

Speaking of acting, I generally enjoy it. I was surprised to find out that this is everyone’s debut project. If that’s really the case, their acting is quite good. I especially enjoy Zhang Xuan Yu’s performance as Qin Xiao (I also find him to be the most attractive one 🙂). I also enjoy all the scenes related to art and the art school. We actually see students painting/drawing and not just pretending to be students.

Unfortunately, there are still quite a few things for me to pick on. The second half is definitely not as strong. Tan Yin’s hearing loss and the ease of him speaking fluently in just a few minutes is unrealistic. The last couple episodes are jam packed with different plotlines. Everything crashes down on our main leads in a matter of minutes. I was disappointed in the ending. The drama wasted a lot of time in showing Tan Yin and Liu Ming Yang’s happy moments, and failed to show the audience Qin Lu and Qin Xiao’s story. I want to know the ‘HOW’ and not just the ending result. Because of the somewhat blurry filter used in the last episode, I was wondering if that’s really the ending or was it one of those dream-like endings that happened in an alternate universe.

I did have a decent time watching “Blue Canvas of Youthful Days”, and especially in the earlier episodes of the main leads. Their story and acting are both good. If you have time to kill and want to support this drama, it’s worth checking it out. I watched the YouTube consolidated version and binged it all in 5.5 hours. The drama could have been better with editing and storytelling in the end, but that could have been a result of censorship.


Completed: 12/7/2024 - Review #525

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Emotional and lovely

The drama has so many mixed reviews about it, and I belong to the one that likes it, actually I'm probably against all the negative points mentioned about it.

First acting is amazing, Toma's appearance with how little it was, he still shines as the goofy, hopeless romantic and nice BF/Friend.
Also I'm a HUGE Arimura Kasumi fan, and I loved her role and everything about it, kentaro too was great.

The story itself is very predictable, it plays in that gray area about the whole two souls inside one body, and what's considered cheating or just go what your heart's desire.

Now, I really love Saeko, and I believe I'd literally do the same thing she did, on the other hand, I didn't respect Mike's at all, and I don't believe her love that much, she was selfish and arrogant, selfish when she didn't care about her husband's heart and how it changes him, I believe the most frightened person should be Naruse, the one who is confused about how he feels and need emotional support and help, and arrogant when she boldly confronted Saeko, and at the end when she told her about his heart condition.

I may be evil for liking how this end, if Saeko lost her lover, so does Miki, now she would understand how it feels to lose the love of your life.
I may be a little harsh, and I genuinely liked how they ended on good terms, but she just played victim the whole time while the only person who gained something from this whole situation, her lover is safe and healthy - up till the end at least- while Saeko lost hers, and Naruse got identity crisis.

Overall I loved how it ended, I just hated how Miki behaved and I know everyone is commenting about the cheating but seriously, what did you expect from a heart transplant story where the person gain memories from the hearts and meet the lover of the donor. It obviously says between the line that we will have a dilemma of falling for two people, yet, I believe the whole cheating part was just confusion, not real feelings.

That been said, it's a very interesting drama, you can easily binge it without a moment of boredom.

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THIS WAS LITERALLY A GEM?

I was NOT expecting this.... I legit thought it was going to be like one of those boring new BLs and I was really hesitant especially cuz it's new ...but I liked the series cover it looked interesting then I went and saw some clips of the kiss ...and when I saw that it was in episode 9 i was like DAMNN!! i have to wait that long?? This series must not be that good.

Oh boy was I wrong.


From the acting to their chemistry...to the story, plot the comedy this series was literally soooo well done. The comedic scenes were in their perfect place and was so natural and actually really freaking funny.. like legit laughing out loud!! I cried many times because of J&J relationship. Their story did not feel forced or rushed...it was told absolutely in a perfect and beautiful way befitting their characters.

Let's not even talk about how handsome they both are..and that sexy scene AHHHH!!!

All of the characters were amazing (boss sister nang, rose, grandma - her words always made me tear up-) especially their friends group!! I immediately went on and followed all of them on Instagram and watched clips because I was really invested and interest to know WHO they were and how comes I've never seen ANY of them ANYWHERE

Absolutely 100% recommend this..Thank you to everyone who loved this series and if by some crazy miracle the staff, actors or makers see this review then thank you very much for creating such a beautiful series🙏

To those who didn't like it...what's wrong with you?😭

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Funny and Sweet

As an office romance based on a Josei Manga that got REALLY spicy, I approve how they tackled the NC scenes. It was comedic and gave fun and playful in a way that wasn't making fun of but having fun with. it was a shy, quiet female lead with self confidence issues, which is a common staple in Japanese shows. The good thing is she does grow as a character and stand for what she wants.

The male lead is a genuine good guy and the relationship has bumps and such, but they communicate through it in a healthy realistic manner.

If you want a break from overwrought drama, i can totally recommend this and a good resting place.

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We all have that one co-worker

No doubt about it. "No Good Takano" is as dumb as a sack of doorknobs and not half as useful. It's a miracle that she remembers to breathe. She's not a savant or a secret genius. She is a serendipity magnet whose vexing idiocy is misunderstood in absurd or creative ways. Yes, it's over the top. But the OTT is what is funny as long as you can accept it for what it is and don't try to read into it intentions that aren't there.

The producers cast a competent ensemble of actors for both ordinary and silly characters. I liked how they took Nanao, who is an icon of glamour and often plays one, and let her go through a whole show without her looks being noted or having any meaning. Nanao herself seems to be having fun playing a deadpan character who makes lame platitudes and blank stares appear profound and wise.

I thought that neither the story nor the characters needed piles of development. They get the correct amount to keep them a bit interesting without asking the audience to identify or invest. The writing added enough depth to keep any characters from being one-dimensional. The ending, however, was a bit weak. It's not out of character for the series but I'd have hoped for something more satisfying. On that note, don't expect too much in the romance department.

The upbeat soundtrack is hardly my cup of tea as music goes but I found it appropriate and sensibly put together.

Should you watch it? I don't know. Takano offers the sort of detached amusement that helps me wind down and have a chuckle before bedtime. These things are hard to find for me so that may have earned it an extra point in my rating. YMMV but you can count on it being consistent. So if you didn't like episode 1 you will not like the rest and should watch something else. If episode 1 works for you you should keep going. That simple.

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Nothing New but Worth the watch in Intrigue!!!

I don't like long reviews so here is a short one.....

"Women should not be so assertive,assertive women will not be happy" Ep20

We have all watched these Makjang type dramas where the woman is trying to set herself free from the confines of marriage and the limitations that it puts on career and life choices for women. This story is no different as our FL was once a brilliant lawyer who gives up her career to be a housewife manipulated by her husband with anger issues. Of course there is always cheating and a crazy mistress that doesn't want to give up either.
What I liked about this drama is how even with 24 episodes, there is no moment to waste.If you watch cdramas you know how they can be sometimes with wasting time. The pacing was very good, there are a few episodes that were draggy but I mostly liked it.The only parts I hated were the FL's workmates who were feather brained for people that are supposedly lawyers. The ML's parent's plot was also a bit annoying, but thankfully it was shortlived.

The ML was very good actor, he was able to switch on the hot cold character very well. He even scared me sometimes with his coldness and those eyes.The FL wasn't that convincing though both as a weak and strong woman. I find it unbelievable that she never found her husband's behavior weird, her plotting also wasn't portrayed very well either. The kid actor was so exceptionally good, his crying scene for dad was gut-wrenching and he was cute overall. I maybe biased but I think Chinese child actors are advanced,professional little beings (so good).

Overall : It's not a new story line, but still very entertaining drama that kept me intrigued and waiting for more. I watched most of it in a day. That's how much it motivated me to watch it.

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Up There with TMOPB

If you are a fan of xianxia dramas, or any kind of good romances, then this is the one to watch. I got hooked on the xianxia genre after having come across the Chinese TV series Three Lives Three Worlds and Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, renamed Eternal Love on Netflix. I was so impressed with that series, that I worried I wouldn't find something that good again. I was wrong. I was sucked into the world of heavenly beings and their adventures completely in Ancient Love Poetry because the writing, production and performances were that good.

Once again we have a world of heavenly gods, demons, and lower immortals that co-exist happily, and otherwise, in a realm filled with beauty. If Heaven were like this, I would truly never want to leave. The landscapes, though CGI created, are stunning to behold, pulling you right into their world and to the story. Here we have two young people who gradually fall in love as they navigate hardships and responsibilities. Bai Jue, masterfully played by Xu Kai, is the serious, heavenly god who keeps to himself, preferring a simple and peaceful life to the lively social scene in the heavenly realm--earning himself the title "Ice Cube" by his peers. He is forced out of seclusion when he is tasked with the duty of training a new chief goddess by the name of ShangGu. ShangGu is his polar opposite--unruly, spoiled, unserious and full of mischief. Her efforts to lighten him up exasperates him to no end, as her relentlessness slowly breaks through his barriers and into his heart.

ShangGu, played by the breathtaking Zhou Dongyu, knows she has a big responsibility but she would rather spend her days being idle and sleeping late, much to the chagrin of her very strict master Bai Jue. She resorts to coming up with all kinds of mockery to revenge herself on her exasperatingly handsome, wet blanket of a teacher. Egging her on are her close friends Tian Qi ( Liu Xue Yi) and Yue Mi (Luo Qiu Yun). When war threatens the heavenly realm, ShangGu is forced to grow up and take her responsibilities seriously. She comes to learn quickly that the future of the world lays squarely on her shoulders as the life she envisions for herself could be in jeopardy.

The twists and turns of this drama keep you glued to your seat and the 40 minute episodes make it completely binge-worthy. There are some slow episodes and Liu Xue Yi, one of my favorite C-drama actors, is sorely underused, but all deliver remarkable and memorable performances that stay with you. I can't say enough about Zhou Dongyu's performance as ShangGu. She is perfection in looks and talent. She doesn't just act. She becomes, and that is a rare gift. She made me cry so many times and made me deeply care for her character. Bravo! Xu Kai was sublime. His performances are so understated and simple in a way that draws him into your heart. He knows how to make you see his inner struggles. That is the mark of a person that truly knows his craft. I am very impressed by his talent and can't wait to see what he does next.

The OST is gorgeous and captivates the romantic nature of the show perfectly. ( Looking forward to adding to my my C-drama playlist.). I highly recommend this beautiful production for anyone who wants to great romance they can get lost in.

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The female lead character is rage quit level annoying

6/10 is the rating.This is a 2019 South Korean crime drama.  It has 16, 70 minute episodes.

First I provide a unique synopsis then review

Synopsis

Ryeong (Moon Geun-young) is a traffic cop who desperately wants to work with the subway crime unit.  Despite being ignored by investigators at the time, she is convinced her twin sister was a victim of a serial killer they call the subway ghost.  Go Ji-Seok (Kim Seon-ho) was promoted to be a metro police officer partially due to how handsome he is.  But he was also an extremely talented officer who could have clmbed the ladder if it weren’t for his responsibilities with his mother who had severe dementia or alzheimers. The metro freuqently bolsters their image by highlighting the metro police officers and their successes in fighting crime on the train system, so a good looking police officer in a prestigious position is considered a bonus for the optics of the force.  He tends to be very cautious and by the book.  Which is why when out for justice at any cost Ryeong starts "solving" cases to try to impress him, he is reluctant to have the over the top officer join his team.  She wears him down though as her steadfast ability to root out criminals has him joining in to deliver justice.  The unlikely pair soon find themselves not just tackling the string of robberies that have "haunted" Ji-Seok's team but crossing over into the business of the crime unit and pursuing the subway ghost.  Can Ryeong prove that her sister was the victim of the infamous subway ghost?  Can the two solve the case and stop the brutal killer?

Review

I thought, from the title that this would be a supernaturl story. But the “ghost”is a serial killer the nicknamed the ghost. I liked the overall premise but found the way the female lead character was written very annoying. I would not watch this again, found it only mildly interesting the first watch, and do not recommend it unless you are scraping toward the bottom of the barrel for serial kiler dramas, are interested in the subway police slice, or are big fans of one of the actors.

Spoilers

Ryeong was supposed to be a gutsy cop who would get so blinded by justice she cut corners. I think that is what the writers were going for. Instead it seemed she decided in any situation what the right course of action was and be dammed the consequences for everyone around her. She got Jiseok, the male lead character, in trouble multiple times and only showed minimal remorse. Then she would just turn around and do it again. It made no sense to me that he found her attractive with her doing that to him on regular. I would not like someone that continually got me in trouble with my superiors. Jiseok was her boss but she rarely listeed to him and jst did whatever she wanted. I really did not like when she stole the keys from him. It was sneaky and dishonest.

I also thought the leads were very mismatched on the attractiveness scale. A female or male lead can be less attractive if they have something that balances that like a really great personality or wealth. But she had neither. So, I could not by him liking her so much when she was not super beautiful and was constantly getting him in trouble.

To me it was also weird he was having this relationship with someone who was his subordinate and he called “the rooky.” Most professionals keep a separation between themselves and those they supervise.

The lead female character also put herself in grave danger time and again and got others hurt because she would blaze in without being able to take care of the situation. Like she goes in the tunnel where she thinks the serial killer is hanging out, he attacks her, and she just hovers in fear into the main guy saves her. That made her character seem not very bright and extremely foolish.

#CatchTheGhost #MoonGeunyoung  #KimSeonHo #JoJaeYoon #AhnSeungGyun

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