Reviews

very cute spin off (want that historical series asap)

Overall: this 4 episode spin off (eps 9-12 in the YouTube playlist, about 44 minutes in total) was cute. I'm happy that SUKFILM made a series without love triangles/cheating/cliche evil women which are prevalent in their other series. This is my review of eps 1-8 https://mydramalist.com/profile/blcompilations/review/385435 Aired on SUKFILM's YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYfaogVGCvwQ_32A8H9oWjdEtXVTWcrja&si=sMchCmQ6G6zL8HKY (I watched as a non-member, normally the membership includes videos with longer kissing scenes).

What I Liked
- sweet/caring moments
- different stories/characters (that historical one definitely needs to be a full series)
- this kissing/intimacy/chemistry, good consent

Room For Improvement
- the constant background music with vocals which were also too loud

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Light hearted and easy to binge watch

As a huge fan of the original C-Drama, I was really looking forward to the Korean remake. Knowing that the kdrama would have to fit in the entire story into 16 episodes, I was quite intrigued as to how the producers and writers would do so whilst still keeping the main themes of the story.

This was in general a good watch and I would recommend to anyone who wants a light drama. I won't go too much into the differences between the two dramas, but if you want to watch the one with more emotional scenes, then watch the CDrama. FBC was lighthearted and easy, every episode had a pivotal moment and there wasn't anything that I felt I had to skip.

I sympathised slightly more with the "bad guys" in this adaptation than the other which shows that the writers did a great job in making the characters human with flaws. The acting of the main 5 characters was good, nothing felt too awkward. The second lead couple were very cute and I personally would have liked to see more of them.

Overall, FBC was a nice watch, it wasn't heavy and I didn't cry while watching this in compared to the other adaptation. I liked how the big theme of family was the central point in this and that it was evident throughout the show. I also like the chemistry between the ML and FL way better in this drama than the other so in the romance side of things, FBC wins. But this was definitely a "watered down" version of the original. If you want a drama that has emotional impact, this one doesnt have it. Like stated before, this was an easy watch.

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Confusing tonally ?

This drama was all over the place tone wise. I'm still not sure exactly what the viewer was meant to get from the show even before the extremely long advertisement for marriage in the finale episode.

I watched for Lee Yi Kyung. I'll watch just about anything with him because he's always entertaining. There were times, I felt he and the kids were in an entirely different show.

As a romance drama - it's like a 7.5/10 for me. The chemistry between the 2 leads flip flopped between cute, rom-com and awkwardly immature. There was a lot of baby talk in the last 2 episodes and I'm not sure why. It also leaned super hard into Cheol-Hui being pressured by the twins because they really only liked Ha-na. Which, compared the 2FL, understandable. There's the guy Ha-na lectured for only dating to make his mother happy and, while I do think Cheol-Hui liked Ha-na, there was way too much emphasis on the kids pushing him towards her.

There's the random stalker/kid-nap/incel plot with the mayor's son and I don't know why we needed that. The previous plot with the brother of Cheol-Hui's ex gf being creepy towards Ha-na because he couldn't let go that Cheol-Hui was moving on. That the show seemingly suggests forgiveness should be given to the mayor's son because he was an ignored, illegitimate child coupled with the under-reaction when they find In-ah escaping him was just gross. I don't care about the incel's childhood, he's disgusting.

The show flipped from some serious plots to humor a little too quickly for me. In addition, there were at least 3 men on the show that were just downright terrible (fake rich guy who wanted to humiliate the young woman marrying for money, the stalker brother of Cheol-Hui's ex gf, and the incel guy in the end). Tbh, Ha-na's ex was also a jerk. Cheol-Hui's brother/the twin's father also sucked. The show also seemed to want us to root for In-ah after she literally tried to ship the kids off to England. I just couldn't tell what the show wanted to be or understand why they wanted us to root for certain people.

I think this would've ultimately worked better as a longer drama with more of an episodic feel to helping different couples every episode while Ha-na got more time to know Cheol-Hui. I would've appreciated more time spent with them as an actual couple, too. As it stands, I felt like we got 2 seconds of them together interspersed with random stalker/creep plots and way too much of the 2FL's dating woes.

So, in conclusion: it's not a recommend from me. It's not Lee Yi Kyung's best work, it's not the best romance drama that came out this year, and it's just not that great. To be fair though, I have watched worse dramas this year that I actually dropped. So, props for the fact that I cared enough to finish it.

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My own thoughts on lead role acting

I’ve been a huge fan of this story for a long time. I read the book in one sitting, watched the anime, and even checked out the first drama adaptation of Douluo Continent. Honestly, while I loved Xiao Zhan as Tang San and Wu Xuanyi as Xiao Wu in the first series (they were fantastic!), I was a bit let down by how they adjusted some of the characters.

So, going into this new version, I was skeptical—especially about Zhang Yu Xi as Xiao Wu. But wow, she nailed it! She completely surpassed my expectations and even topped my own imagination of what Xiao Wu should be like. On the other hand, Zhou Yi Ran as Tang San didn’t fully click for me. Don’t get me wrong—he’s an amazing actor (I’ve loved him in other series), but as Tang San? I wasn’t fully sold.

It might not even be his fault, though. Maybe the director or writers wanted him to approach the role this way. But for me, Tang San always had this subtle, reserved charm—like he keeps most of his emotions in check, except when it comes to Xiao Wu. Zhou Yi Ran’s portrayal felt a bit off at times, with expressions that didn’t match what I imagined Tang San would give in those moments.

And let me just say—the biggest disappointment for me? No blue hair after Tang San’s second awakening! That blue hair is such an iconic part of his character for me, and its absence felt like a big miss.

Overall, though, the show was pretty solid. Sure, a lot was cut or changed from the book and anime, but that’s expected with a TV adaptation. I get that tweaks have to be made, and I’m still happy with how it turned out.

Massive kudos to Zhang Yu Xi for her portrayal of Xiao Wu—she was phenomenal! Now, I’m just eagerly waiting for the final installment of the story.

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whatever it is very good and wholesome

This may seem like another same old story about a star and a common girl then yes it is this is that kind of a story but whatever it is this is very good and wholesome and have a high re-watch ability when you have a mood off or something.

The drama shows a simple yet effective story of a star has some past problems and his long term friend and love interest girl but everything is very good actually the story is small but very well written with focus all details themain charector and the side charectors also focus very well and they also show complete and detail story of them also which is very great.

The setup of a star management agency is showing very well many actors they show with there stories and the whole management is like a family to them they support eachother.

Sometime there are problems like stalking, cinicals fans, not checked reports in media bur they all handel them well and it is appreciated that they show those real life things also.

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First Love Memory!

I watched it purely for the 2ML but ended up liking it for the 4 Main leads and the supporting cast did great.
The story started well but a lot of things were unclear and misleading to have the audience guessing
if the 2ML was a bad liar, in the end, everything he did was to protect his brother and family.
While you watch this series you will hate the writer for misleading the audience and keeping a lot
of things a secret for the first half. Until it starts to unfold bit by bit. This series gets a bit confusing with the
love triangle and sometimes you will think the 2nd ML will get to be with the 1st ML, and another time
you think the 2 MLs will be together until they Kiss. The actions of the FL is confusing as she is unsettled and
loses track of what she feels to who she wants to be with due to her job as the Doctor of the patient, she
puts work first and that is how the chaos of her actions happens from attending the needs of the 2 brothers
ongoingly.
I almost did not watch it due to the low ratings but it was enjoyable for most of it, there are some parts where
the writing went off the mark of the story where you would think they could show more of what happened
to 2ML instead of having us label him as a bad brother when he was the savior.
It has a lot to do with mental health so if you are interested in Mental Health and Researching,
this is for you. I enjoyed watching for most of it.

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Soft and gentle, communication is everything

"Monster Next Door" is one of those gentle and soft romance dramas that are more about two people of opposite characters slowly getting closer to each other and finding a good balance in their relationship than it is about external conflicts.
As such, it can be either comforting or boring, depending on the personal taste and mental state of the viewer.

The tl;dr:
1. Is it good? -- It's certainly in the upper third of this year's Thai BLs, but it's not top-tier -- the overall production quality is good, acting is solid, and here are little to no plot holes. Regarding flaws, see below.
2. Did I like it? -- Yes, I enjoyed it immensely. I chose a time when I was in the mood for a light watch, with a soft and gentle couple, and this hit the spot. More on that, see the paragraph directly below this one.
3. Do I recommend it? -- I do. But only for those who are looking for a gentle low-stakes love story, where nothing hurts (much, or not for long), that has mostly but not only fluff.


I love how the drama shows us a couple who resolve their problems with open communication and gentleness, and try to understand and accommodate each other.
Park and Big represent their roles well -- one is more reserved and sometimes you have to look closely to understand how he feels, while the other telegraphs everything. The supporting friend group is hilarious, and both couples' stories fit well within the plot. I like the sets, the use of colours -- and even the opening song grew on me.
I very much liked it as a stress reliever and diversion from work and life, the drama is perfect for that.

(As an aside for those who have not watched this yet or were confused: Near the end of epiosde 1, God asks Diao to become คนคุยกัน /khon khui gan/, literally "people who talk with each other" -- it's translated as "dating" in the subtitles, which gives a wrong impression. /khon khui/ are two people who will meet up often, "talk" with each other, to get to know each other, with the prospect of a romantic relationship at a later stage. I don't think Western cultures have this exact same thing, so it's really hard to find an expression for it in English.)


Coming back to the drama; even if I like it a lot, there is one major and some minor irritants.

The one major irritant is Khun Shy's living conditions. Khun Shy is Diao's much beloved turtle -- for him, Diao even asks his neighbour for help, even if he doesn't quite trust him at this point. So, apart from the fact that it hurts every time we have to watch Khun Shy desperately trying to escape his prison, it also does not make any sense within the story that his cage is so small.
Everything else in both Diao and God's rooms is lovingly chosen and presented by the production team -- these rooms represent their owners in style, displayed items and colour scheme. Why then, is this not true for Khun Shy? Diao's love for him should have been reflected in the turtle's living condidtions. You can't tell me that someone like Diao, who has been obsessed with turtles his whole life and loves his own little turtle very much would *not* dedicate at least half his living space to a luxurious habitat for Khun Shy?!
It is a grave mistake on the side of the production team that they did not see this.

There are a few minor irritants that could have been avoided with a few more passes over the script and the editing -- the whole drama does not feel as polished as it could have been. Quite a few of these things I have also seen in other Thai BL production, so "Monster Next Door" is not alone in this. But given the care the drama shows in other aspects, it's a pity that these little splinters are left.

What follows now is what the Germans call "Meckern auf hohem Niveau" -- "complaining on a high level". When something is well done in comparison to other similar things, it's sometimes even easier to point out remaining flaws; to wish that something good could be even better, if not perfect. So, yes, even if the following text got quite long, the flaws really ARE minor.

I'll just list a few examples, to make my point clearer (some spoilers ahead!):
* There are many smaller excellent ideas. For example, the "angel" and the "devil", who represent the "introverted" and "extroverted" character traits. Or that Diao posts his thoughts on a private profile, so that nobody will see them. Similarly, the use of the MBTI types -- only seen during the opening scenes and mentioned once later in the drama, but later it doesn't play any role. All of these cute ideas are discarded as soon as they are no longer useful (or forgotten by the writers?) -- I'd have liked to see a resolution or a more continuous use for them.
* Passing of time is often unclear. How many days passed between God and Diao's agreement to become /khon khui/and the next step in their relationship? How often did they talk on the balcony during that time? Must have been often enough that God found it necessary to buy a bell so Diao can call him -- and often enough that God knows a turtle motif will please Diao -- but these scenes are never shown, and if viewers don't pay attention then they might be a bit confused. (A similar thing happens after Diao loses his bracelet.)
* God (whose name is short for "Godzilla") is repeatedly and consistently the "monster", it's even in the title. I think they should have explored this more and deeper, have him consistently be a bit too loud, a bit too large, a bit too much. Instead, they chose to add the "God is like a dog" simile -- while it does fit, it's too much for one character.

Sometimes less is more, and I think it would have been better for the writing team to go over their script two or three times more to cut everything that is not necessary to the story (there are some scenes that don't add anything) and instead explore some of the themes in more detail.

For example, God accuses Diao in a later episode that he doesn't know anything about him -- but what do we know about God? What made him the way he is? Where does his need to be a "good boyfriend" come from? Why does he obviously need to prove his worth by providing for and servicing his Diao?
As it is, God is more the stereotypical "green flag boyfriend" / "good seme", a fantasy boyfriend for the (female) audience, rather than a three-dimensional character. I think the drama would have gained from more background for him.
(Maybe leave out the secondary couple -- that one had such an interesting story, and there must be more to Wan's need for security and desire that things stay the same as always, which was already there before Tan left. Those two would have deserved their own story.)

Related to that, I would have liked the drama to break out more from the "top/bottom" mold. They had the best starting point -- an introvert and an extrovert who will have to find a balance between their needs.
Why not cast the smaller man in the "extrovert" role of God and vice versa? Why not let the smaller and introverted Diao top God, at least let him "top from the bottom", instead of letting him slide back into the passive "uke" role in bed?
We got a good story about character growth, and Diao has always been straightfoward and strong when it comes to stating his own needs and wants (even in times when he needs to process and think, he usually makes it very clear). We got a beautiful story about a couple that has to find their own way, so both of their needs are met. Why not reflect that when they are physically intimate?

This is what I mean when I say "the whole drama does not feel as polished as it could have been". There are quite a few missed opportunities, and that's a shame when this is a drama that is quite good overall.
I think, on the whole Thai BLs have been consistently getting better in quality, and "Monster Next Door" is on the upper end of the scale among fluffy Thai BLs from 2024.

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Interesting sequel!!!

Ever night season 2 begins with a short narration of ever night season 1 story.The story then starts off with Ning Que embarking on a journey taking Sang Sang with him for treatment.The plot takes a major turn when a starting revelation is made and Ning Que and Sang Sang run for their lives, constantly being protected by their academy brothers and sisters.This season also focuses on the Tang empire,their internal strife,warfare and the God starting formation that protects the Tang capital city.
The plot mainly revolves around Sang Sang's identity exposure,in the first half and mainly on Ning Que as the protector of Tang empire in the latter half.
I really liked Dylan Wang's performance as Ning Que.He was perfect as the matured,cool,smart, protective yet caring and loving Ning Que.His love for Sang Sang stands as the main highlight of this season.He is excellent in his role.
Song Yiren as Sang Sang is always my favourite character in this drama.She is innocent and cute like in season 1 and also I liked the way she portrayed her transformation as Heavenly Maiden.Though her role is limited in the second half,yet she shines in her role.
Though some of the actors were replaced in the second season,the drama manages to keep us hooked till the end.
All the actors were very good in their roles.
The costumes,music,sets, special effects,all were good.
Overall I liked this sequel very much.A worth watching drama!!

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Long but my cup of tea

If you’ve read anything I’ve written before in review section, you’d notice I tend to give high ratings. I mostly visit to share my viewing pleasure (seldom unpleasant except for maybe one) whether it be the story or even acting. I say this mainly because I see quite many viewers did not particularly like this drama. Of course it’s alright but let me share mine.

I don’t find anything quite new with the plot and storyline. We here who enjoy asian dramas can probably agree we’ve seen way too many, therefore it’s normal to see revolving plot lines. This drama involves four women, each with a love interest. After seeing Lin Shen in Dating in the Kitchen I found him charming and wanted to see more of his work. Not disappointed here. His role is quite different but lots of similarities. Wasn’t too sure about Elvira Cai but she made it work here. She comes out as being too strong minded but I think it balances with her counterpart. This pairing is good.

If you’re patient enough, it’ll all come together. There’s a mystery as to why one of lead girl hates main lead guy. It’s about relationship development of the four girls. We can like or dislike these characters and their personalities or life but that’s exactly why they’re written. There’s something to learn about from everyone. There’s pain and scars we carry but they don’t necessarily need to keep us from moving on happily. Those are central themes if you stay long enough in this story, you’ll get.

As I said, there’s enough variety in this story to keep me entertained. It’s not perfect but find me one without a single complaint of some sort. This ends well for all cast, especially the main leads who were just lovely when they finally became lovers, rather than enemies. Would revisit this again for sure.

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Delusional cult following ending in a disastrous watching experience

It was very much a disappointment, as the drama promised depth yet only provided a surface-level spectacular and absolutely miserably failed at living up to its title. The story revolves around the meteoric rise of an aspiring performer to fame and can effectively explore ambition, sacrifice, and the grit of showbiz but instead felt contrived and very uninventive. Characters were written with reprehensibly little dimension; FL herself was the usual tired cliché of a dreamer whose motivations were never fleshed out. The dialogue was supposed to be emotionally packed but came off as empty and repetitious, eating into the seriousness in connecting audiences with actual struggles of the lead. The rhythm of the show was also wanting, with plot points either being belted out too fast or stretched beyond reason, thus stealing much of the momentum and excitement in the story. Even music sequences that should amaze and excite were uncouth in choreography and even without energy, to one's surprise. Instead of whisking viewers away on some sort of immersive rise-and-fall tale of celebrity, the drama shuffled its way through plot points that rarely offered anything new or impactful throughout. It's a drama that wanted to shine bright and turned into a flash in the pan that's hardly memorable; it left me to consider what could have been if it reached for believability instead of reaching for empty theatrics.

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A young girl in early menopause and her terminally ill ex-boyfriend.
He kidnaps his ex-girlfriend who is about to get married and drags her with him in search of his biological father.
But couldn't he have gone alone, I wonder?
What was the need to ruin her life, knowing that he will die soon?
Arguments, violence and mistreatment of this poor friend/companion (what a shitty role he has), the bodyguard specially brought back from America who practically doesn't say a word. This poor betrothed who chases her to save her.
In all this tragic comedy Woo Do Hwan's physique is one of the few things I would save.
From the eighth episode until the end the pace becomes slower and the story sadder.
Ups and downs of the disease that keeps getting worse, one moment he's fine, then he seems dead and the next moment everything seems ok... which makes you wonder if it will be over or he will wake up again...
Towards the end we discover the reason for the title "Mr Plankton".
In all this there are things that don't hold up: for example... The real father was the first. But taking the test when the child was little, no? The story collapses like this and makes no sense.
He abandons her by her real mother, runs away with the car, loses control and when it stops, the fiancé gets into the car (?!) or when they are on the island the criminal appears out of nowhere, alone and without henchmen in tow (?!!)...

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Feisty heroine, interesting hero, not padded as the usual costume dramas are with fluff

The story may not be original but the acting is excellent, the cinematography is also excellent, and the episodes are well-paced without being padded by unnecessary or wasted material. One of the better period pieces I have watched this year. Along with The Double I find that these less hyped series with less well known stars are turning out to be the best. I am hoping that this excellence continues through the remainder of Blossom but so far I am impressed by the quality and I find myself anticipating and looking forward to each episode as it is released which to me is the mark of a good drama. Plus the two leads have excellent chemistry so the connection between them and their love story is very believable.

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