Reviews

You have to find your light , No matter what !

Every once in a while you come across a show where you have no idea what is going on but you hang in there curious enough ...and oh man ...a lot of disappointments but once in a while you end up in "absolute awe of what you saw" and that my friends brings us to light shop !!

Light shop is not just an everyday drama about what happens in the afterlife ...yeah well no one knows but if a speculation as believable as this is put across I wonder do we actually not know ?

okay so I have no idea how am I to convince you for watching a show without giving away about it (I think that's why all the synopsis about the show are just so fucked up) ...and can't you all take my word for it ...COME ON GO WATCH IT ...PLEASE ...!!!

if that didn't work, then you are just being mean ...but let me try again -

Light shop is a show about the dead but also about the living ...it is a show that promises hope ...a light, in the darkness that surrounds ...it gives you a way to believe that you can make it ..that in fact ,if you " will" ...you will make it ! But it's not your happy go lucky show ...and tragedies aren't just one sided ..they mostly do never have "a happy end" so what do we get then ...
what remains is -- the infinite hope ! Hope of the living ...hope of the dead !
Enough of the poetic expression of my love for the show ....

Light shop is the brightest shop in the dark alleyway that is somehow (ask geometry) situated near everyone's home ...you pass by it a lot of times but only if you "will" you shall find your light here...managed by a suspicious enigmatic man this shop is your one stop solution for lighting ....and oh the aesthetics. While the dead look for their own stuff and the living look for their own this shop is not just lights ...it's stories ....stories that are heart wrenching and stories that promise hope ...stories that are lot more than just stories ....

Here you sign up for a tightly packed mystery driven narrative with a horror backdrop garnished with tragedy and chills, you are in for the emotions it promises.
While initial eps might seem a bit difficult to follow if you let curiosity take the better of you ...be prepared with tissues for the finale !

There are a lot of them that will not seem connected initially and you may not be initially interested in any, but give it time ...as the layers unfold you will reach at a point where even if you were not paying a lot of attention you will be able to connect the dots. It will be easy enough to figure out and while you come up with your own conclusions you will deduce that a lot of them were there served to you right from the beginning.

what made me the most interested was the realization that 72 hours ...the 3 day Korean funeral which I think everyone follows in different forms actually relates to the 72 hours post operative care, 72 hours the golden period of making it through (i hope the lil fact check that I did ...had me with the correct facts) ....This show brings this forth so beautifully.

The depth in the narrative where every detail is paid attention to (another example like ...you have to find your light on your own)...all the answers are handed out by the end very subtly ....you still crave for more ...in a way that you didn't know ....this is a must watch !!
....so when are you visiting the ....the light shop !?

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Soup and Fried

Hats off to the wise, unknown regulator who banned Chinese showrunners from indulgently long seasons.

Fry Me to the Moon (yes, quite punny) is a walking advertisement by the Sichuan Tourism Board that would have likely overstayed its welcome under the past regime. However — in the new era — coming in at 24 episodes, it was tightly plotted, superbly cut and highly enjoyable. It singlehandedly cured me of my snobbery towards the Slice of Life genre. There is something to be said for low stakes and cheery —especially in 2024!

Fry Me to the Moon (FMTTM) is about Chuan Bai Lo. It’s a restaurant representing an idealised communal, relaxed, distinctly Sichuanese (which means numba one in China! (and the world!!!)) depiction of a dying China. Literally dying. Gu Da Peng (Zhang Guo Li), the restaurant’s head chef and owner is indebted and fatally ill. But he carries on, smiling through it all, hoping against hope that a changing world will leave his oasis untouched. That was not to be! Capital was coming.

The relentless march of capitalism’s drive for efficiency —turning all that was once solid into mist!— arrives in sleepy Chengdu in the guise of Liang Qing Ran (Charmaine Sheh). She’s the regional boss of Zhongting Capital, and she’s got a plan for Chuan Bai Lo that is at odds with the traditional view of what a restaurant should be.

Chuan Bai Lo must change. The question is how? FMTTM takes a side, and I very much enjoyed its story. I had minor quibbles over business terminology and the acting is merely competent, but everything is forgivable when you’re having fun. And that I did. So, yay!

I’ll flag that it’s a chick-flick —written and directed by women. I swear I did needlework unprompted afterwards! If you’re cooties-averse, this definitely isn’t for you. Otherwise, stellar! Also, Gu Man Ting —one of the show’s triumvirate of leads — is played by Li Chun. . .you know, Chun Li from Street Fighter! I ain’t got no jokes, sorry. Ahh, but Gu Man Ting was the best part of the show. At least, I think so. She’s its emotional core. And since princess-type characters aren’t easy to like, I think the show wouldn’t work with a less likeable actress in the role. Bravo, casting director!

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I have no complaints

Light Shop is a masterpiece, thanks to its incredible script and direction. This isn’t just a horror drama—it’s a deeply emotional journey that leaves you questioning everything even after it ends. The twists don’t just surprise you; they leave a heavy feeling in your chest that’s hard to shake off. And the amount of detail and foreshadowing it had was absolutely mind-blowing—every little moment seemed to have a purpose, adding layers to the story that kept you thinking long after it was over.

But what truly makes Light Shop special are the characters. They’re not just there to move the story along—they feel real. You care about them, fear for them, and at times even hate them. (If you know, you know.) The way their stories connect with the shop’s mystery is brilliant. And the acting? It’s so natural, it doesn’t feel like a performance. Every emotion feels raw, and it draws you into their world of fear and fragile hope.

The pacing might be slow, but it’s exactly what makes the show so gripping. It feels like waiting for a storm you know is coming but can’t escape. Every scene builds tension, and when the truth is revealed, it hits like a punch in the gut.

What stays with you are the themes—regret, redemption, and the weight of choices we can’t undo. They creep into your thoughts, making you reflect on your own life without even realizing it. It’s rare for a horror show to make you feel this way, but Light Shop does it so effortlessly.

And then there’s Kang Full. His stories always have an ending in mind, and that’s what makes them unforgettable. After all, if the ending falls flat, what’s the point of everything else?

This isn’t just a show to watch—it’s something you feel, something that lingers with you long after it’s over. It stays in your mind, creeping in when you least expect it. For me, Light Shop is more than a show—it’s art.

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Surprisingly, the main conflict plot is holding on and yeah, you will fall for this Fujun & Furen

Basically i crawled my way out of drama slump to finish it within this year. That's how determined i am. The good part is i enjoy it. It didn't feel like i forced myself to finish it as if someone put a gun on my head. Well, i already love the characters when i started it a while back yet it's not enough. The plot is always the key for me, among many factor ofc.

Idk whether it's true or not, i heard this drama lost more than 10 eps (that damn regulation) yet they still able to wrap it all neat and clean. I said wrap, the end, not the path since it was a bit rough. From the beginning, we know who is Lu Wen, they don't try hard enough to hide it, it was intended imo. With that alone, it also obvious they'll separate once the cards open. Personally not a fan of hidden identity, hence the reason i put it on hold, and they reeeally took their time. It needs more than halfway to separate the couple which also mark of the new chapter, understandable yet dragging. The reunion and reconciliation aren't force nor ooc, both stay true to their value and work it out together. That's power couple for you.

The main conflict is engaging enough. The villain's motive is acceptable and make sense. All the stuff unravel till the last minute but it's okay, i got it. Especially after i learned about the lost episodes. The main conflict is holding on yet you can see many side characters plot are underdeveloped. I believe second cp has more to offer and needless to say, i want more of our emperor and empress. Shi Xueji is hard not to love character, not only to viewer but also to Liu Yu. It just bound to happen, for his heart to blossom again. Their tacit understanding and silent companionship is perfect palace romance for me. I love it that much. Furthermore, like many others, i, too, wary of Cui Xingdi. This is what happened when you watch enough cdrama to understand some actors is givin certain vibe and Leon Lai is that one. The most obvious is his role is just "too small" and easily passable, plus his filmography isn't helping. Understandable if he listed as guest role but he listed support role. Technically i doubt him till the very end. Turns out, his character is in fact, a villain in the novel. They probably cut many of his scene to fit the max 40 eps.

On a final note, i enjoy this more than i expected. I admit the bar is low since i come without expectation and only curious to see Zhang Wanyi acting for the first time. Still, i devoured it all.

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My all time fav. Mature, light and deep

Actors - the ML looks like he has years of experience in theatre. He is wonderful at capturing emotions and making it look effortless. He is the star of this drama. The FL fits the cheeky role perfectly. It seems like it was written for her. All the supporting characters have a special place in my heart. ❣️

My only problem with the ML's character is that he doesn't have any real character flaw. The FL is written better

Plot - The plot is simple. Its about finding a new life in the Countyside. However, it deals with some very very serious issues like lookism, classism, suicide, insecurity, loss of loved ones, old age problems etc. In a way that doesn't make the drama serious at all but definitely touches your heart deeply.

Chemistry- the male lead has a great Chemistry with no t just the FL but everyone in this drama 😁❣️ and you're gonna love that. The FL's character growth remains my favorite part of the drama.

Overall, its a 10/10 for me.

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Extremely unsatisfactory romance. Dragged for no reason.

This could have become the best cdrama of 2024 but it missed the mark...BY A LOT
1) the pacing is bad. The double had similar vibes but great pacing compared to this one. Cdramas are forcing people to drop stop watching by making it more than 20 episodes 15 would be perfect for a thriller and "Reset" is a good example of that.

2) Do the male leads have a good chemistry? Guess I will never know because they haven't explored that properly. This is definitely not for romance lovers. It seemed like an unfulfilled fantasy.

3) There's too many side characters. I have watched 60 eps cdramas as well and when I say there are too many side characters and side stories, it means its very messy.

Overall, it disappointed me and I am dropping it

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Zhao Xiu Yuan [Face via AI] made it!

Zhao Xiu Yuan [Face via AI] : HAHAHAHA AI Face passes idol drama level acting! Although, I am not sure if Zhang Hao Wei didn't get cancelled that he could do any better with this boring EX character.

Drama is watchable if you enjoy SPECIFIC actors. However put this next to Blossom 九重紫 that's airing right now, it won't compete. From a script, storytelling, characters, couple CP, cinematography, etc etc all fell short. However, if you watch it because you are fan of ML/FL then its enjoyable.

I am big fan of Zheng Ye Cheng. His Peking Opera background makes him a solid choice for these Heroic characters in costume dramas. He doesn't need constant doubles for horseback riding scenes, fight scenes, wire works, walking scenes, kneeling on the ground scenes.... (ahahaha like that 流光引 dude)
So I watch most of his dramas just for him, but he has zero CP w/ all the FLs thus far (expect for the Sleepless Princess).
As great as Tan Song Yun is, the pair just didn't work for me. Again, personal opinion.

Story is typical as is the dialogue. The evil character is always that actor.... Kind of lost count of how many times he played that type of character. It definitely did not need to be 40 episodes.

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She Came out of the Abyss (2024) is a nice rebirth story with Chen Si (as Gu Jing Chen) and Li Ruo Qi as (Cen Yuan) in the leading couple role. On her second life, she gets involved with Gu Jing Chen and they fall in love. The leading couple has good chemistry and some heartwarming moments. The drama unfolds nicely but the rushed and kind of unfinished ending doesn’t do justice to the cast. Some of the supporting casts' acting was not up to par performing their roles and there were some unnecessary scenes, Overall, the drama could’ve used three more minutes to change the ending and make it more satisfactory.
The drama can be found on YouTube with the caption: After being reborn, the girl had a one-night stand with her enemy, who then spoiled her immensely.

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What I liked about this drama...
- Nice cast... JHI <3
- Chemistry was cute between the main couple
- The ending was rewarding after the long turmoil we had to endure together with the main characters.

What I didnt like about this drama...
- I often read the word "realistic" used to describe this drama, but I don’t see why. Is this really the norm in other people’s dating lives? To me, this drama was just another melodrama. It wasn’t relatable overall, and I didn’t like the atmosphere it created—encouraging viewers to break up with their boyfriend for someone like YJH. Honestly, it’s highly unlikely you’d meet someone like that from the start. To me, love is something you grow together with. Maybe I’m being extra bitter because I started justifying breaking up with my boyfriend, thinking he doesn’t deserve me. I think this was the underlying message of this drama and It isnt really healthy.

I’m not sure about the rest, like being a single dad or divorcing an abusive husband. I’ve never experienced those things, so I can’t say if this drama portrayed them realistically.


Overall
It wasn’t a bad drama at all! It was actually a nice escape from reality for me, hahaha. I loved the acting, and I even caught myself grinning sometimes when I saw the main characters together—they were so cute~~! If the director's purpose was to depict the hardships of divorcing or breaking up with manipulative partners, I think it fulfilled its goal!

I recommend this drama to people who enjoy melodramas with good acting and might need a push to leave their partner.

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DO DO HEE DO DO HEE

My expectation was low when i start to watch this drama. turns out it was a really good kdrama!

I love the story between both FL and ML. Their backstory is so damn sad and well portrayed. The OSTs is so good that I finally added some of the songs in my spotify playlist.

The only lackluster in this drama is the comedy part. Some of the comedy scene feels like forcing you to laugh and some of it also may gives you a cringe vibe.

However, the romance side is quite good. the combination between FL and ML I can say perfect. The way FL cries does looks like a true tears.

I've heard "IM SOL", "HAE IN". Now, I heard "DO DO HEE!" (*^▽^*)

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A fun, at times silly and at times a bit spicy harem drama

The fantasy drama consists of bite sized episodes of well worn tropes that doesn't break the mold, but is done in an entertaining way. The main character who has lived over 1000 loops of life has maxed out his skill tree and becomes the ultimate business strategist, suave fighter guy that women of all ages become attracted to despite his physical body still being a teenager. There is a fine line between confident and cool vs arrogant and annoying, and the actor manages to keep the show in the former which makes it a fun watch as he competence porns his way through most of the situations . The show actually manages some actual spicy chemistry moments certain female leads. The story ends very abruptly though like there would be a next episode even though all the listed episodes has been aired. I hope there is another season to continue and finish out the story.

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I can't believe this drama is made in 2020

I guess people were so bored during the pandemic that they made this drama. This is a 2012 type of Korean show. I can give you a lot of old kdramas that have exactly the same flow and plot. Yes, it has its own twists, but not exactly new either. 
 
The only thing worth watching in this show is the relationship of the older sister of Im Jukyung, which is Im Heekyung and Han Joonwoo. I like the character of Heekyung here, a strong and cool woman (I'm trying to be like her fr). And my baby Kang Soojin (Park Yoona) also did great. This is also the first drama of Kim Minki (who plays the younger brother of the female lead, Im Juyoung) where I saw him, and he did not disappoint.
 
I only give this a 5.5/10. Let's be real here: if the two male leads are not handsome, people won't love this drama that much.

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Not for Me

I watched three agonizing episodes, and I can no longer do it. Mind you, it took me four tries to get through episode 3 cause each time I kept falling asleep. Something about this felt completely off, and after skimming through a couple of reviews and comments, I've come to the conclusion that this isn't really a BL, and that was honestly all I needed to know.

Let's Dive In.

Can't believe that I'm even dropping an OffGun series, cause I will quite literally (or use to think at least) that I would watch any BL series with them in it, but I don't think I can do this. Already starting off in episode one, it was extremely slow-paced and just down-right boring. The build up of the characters felt entirely too dragged out, and I kept feeling like something was off, but I couldn't quite put it. Then I watched two more episodes and it was agonizing. I couldn't even try to continue watching this even if I didn't come to realize it's not (really) BL, cause the sneak peek of episode 4 looked extremely dull. I'm glad I'm going to end this here, because there's nothing pulling me to continue watching, and I mean nothing.

I've said in the past that I don't like side-BLs cause if they're not the majority of the storyline then I'm usually bored, and that's exactly what this is. The GL seemed promising, but not enough to keep watching. I liked Poon and Sea in this, and then of course there were my babies OffGun. But this is where my journey ends with them. Oh well, until Burnout Syndrome I guess.

Ratings:

Story: 4.5/10: I liked all the little definitions of film lingo at the bottom of the screen. The story was extremely tedious and agitating to get through. OffGun couldn't even save this for me.

Acting: 8/10 - Fine. Nothing bad, nothing overly amazing.

Music: 5/10 - didn't pay it any attention.

Recommendation Value: 2/10: Not (really) BL, but OffGun, so watch for them if you really want to.

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Worth the wait for S2!

Under the Skin is a gem, both S1 and S2. I'm really glad they kept the original cast and S2 opens up with all familiar faces. Seeing all the cases unfold before my eyes, it seems like the team has leveled up somehow.
The cases are complicated, intriguing and engaging multiple truths of life. I can't imagine anyone else playing Shen Yi except TCJ. He is amazing in every role and that deep voice really suits the character, he's calm, gentle and kind.
Just finished watching the 3-4 episode and omg I have no words for it. The case was good, nothing too complicated, but the FEELS! I was crying throughout the two episodes. Really beautifully done! The fact that just an episode before Shen Yi had told Du Cheng that he wants to draw what's in the hearts of people and not just their faces, this episode was proof of it! In such a short time he was able to understand the secrets between Yun Lei and the kid! Just this episode alone could win an award fr!
I still have to watch more episodes, but honestly this season 2 has been worth the wait! Tbh you don't have to watch S1 to understand what's going on here. I think even watching it as a stand alone works. S1 definitely had a underlying backstory for Shen Yi and Du Cheng, but S2 isn’t showing much as of now.
Overall for me it's a 10/10 !

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