Reviews

Unexpected... Should you watch NOW, LATER, or NEVER?

I admit I doubted the chemistry in the first two episodes, but I was wrong. I wasn't supposed to start this review with the chemistry, but because I initially thought the pairing wasn't connecting with me, I was proven wrong by the following episodes. The build-up of the chemistry was done right. It was subtle. I would have to give that to the director. The nuances of the director's camera angles, framing, and movement intensify the chemistry. More importantly, the gaze, the smiles, and the portrayal of a deeper kind of love made the chemistry work.

Acting: I have admired Kim Sejeong's acting in Uncanny Encounter. She is a good actress. While I could not remember which drama or show I saw, Lee Jong-won, when I first saw him, I thought it would be nice to see him as the lead actor if he were given a break. I thought then that a badass drama would suit him because of his sharp features, but his portrayal of his character, the empath he is in this drama, showed his depth as an actor. I felt the sincerity, the warmth of the character.

Plot: A simple but enticing plot. The side characters gave it fun and light moments.

What's lacking: This is just a preference, but I wanted it to be like an "Itaewon" -ish drama. I want to know more stories about the brewing industry. They've tackled the supply chain, distribution channels, marketing, etc., but I wanted more of it so I could add this to the business drama genre.

Undoubtedly a WATCH NOW drama!

Read More

Honestly I was suprised!

Honestly I was suprised! I wish there was a webtoon I could read because this is exactly the kind of dynamic I love.

I watched the 1h36min compilation (for free) so I didn’t have to deal with the annoying 2-minute episodes. The only downside—and why I took off 2 stars—is the format and the editing. It’s really choppy. But besides that, the acting and chemistry between the leads are absolutely amazing (playful, sometimes shy, and they give you those “having a crush” kind of feelings, lots of teasing and playful competition ).

I also liked their personalities. They’re not annoying or toxic, and everything is consensual. No melodrama, unnecessary angst, or people acting like jerks. If there were the standard 16ep 1h duration I wouldn't hesitate to watch cuz they are great on screen. If the editing was done properly it would have rlly hit the mark and made it better but even like this I ain't complaining much.

Spoilers:

For this kind of show, I wasn’t expecting a kiss, or I thought if there was one, it would be the awkward "dead fish" kind. But surprisingly, it was okay! There’s one kiss scene and a much longer and hotter post-credit scene (like, what the heck? Why not put it in the show?). They end up together near the end of the show, so there aren’t a lot of romantic scenes, but somehow, I didn’t mind since they were adorable. The idol rlly suprised me with his boldness and honesty. I thought they would go the classical troup way but they didnt! I was pleasantly suprised. Definitely a recommendation!

Read More

Storytelling method is lacking, but awesome chemistry

Many times, especially in the earlier episodes, I felt disconnected from the plot because certain scenes seem too predictable/cliché. This also happens when there is an excessive use of modern ideology in the story which is understandable because it is catering to a modern, young audience, but doesn't suit the setting. Perhaps its due to the filming technique, I also felt there were too many anti-climatic scenes. There also isn't any memorable OST, I don't even recall much music from watching. But, these technicalities aside, you can't help but awe at the chemistry the main leads have and the outstanding, overall performance from the entire cast.

Read More

I thought I could never be so disappointed again.

I waited for this show and was excited for Ding Yu Xi. I had no high expectations or anything like that but the first episode was already so bad. I kept hoping that it'll get better but it didn't.

My main problems:

The script: The script is a mess. The whole "it's Binbin's fault" is so annoying. It's not his fault that he got knocked out and his gun got stolen. He can't protect himself or his gun when he is unconscious! That's so dumb.

Xing being a completely asshole and an idiot and then the script tries to justify it and say that he does a lot of good with a forced scene with his brother. 'Even tho his salary is small he still lends money to ppl in need' 🙄😒 His wife is rich af. His house is big af. He isn't lacking money. It's nothing for him and the fact that ppl do charity work doesn't change them from being assholes and act like jerks to a boy that lost his father and feels so guilty and ashamed at an accident. Which I repeat IS SOMETHING THAT WAS OUT OF HIS CONTROL!

It isn't consistent at all. Binbin is saying 'I'm not gonna contact you again' just to contact them a second later. I can't take his anger seriously when he is acting like nothing happened a second after.
Lots of emotional moments were rushed that I couldn't feel anything for the characters cuz Idk them well enough.

Also some basic things like the police not waiting outside the location of the killer. Like wtf? He escaped through the window or back doors before. Three times he got away cause no one was waiting outside the building. WAIT OUTSIDE! WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?

I can keep going forever about the ridiculous knocking Binbin out when he is angry (in a scene that wasn't bad and Ding showed the frustration of his character so well) just so Bao can make up with him. And on and on. It's just a mess.

Acting and Casting: I can never be convinced that Xing and his wife are husband and wife. Terrible chemistry. She's too pretty and young compare to him. They're supposed to be around the same age. They knew e/o when they were young. The actors have 14y difference. It just doesn't work.

Ning Li did not convince me that Xing is actually a good guy. He hates Binbin and it's obvious. That's the end of it. There's no tough love. There's only hatred in his heart, voice and eyes.

Bao's dialect is so forced.

Only good things from the main cast are Ding Yu Xi, Fei Li Qi, Xu Hong Hao.

Fight Choreography and Directing: The camera work is good but besides of that it's bad. Just bad. Some moments are better but the knocking out scene and even a simple moment of Bao being angry and making Binbin sit back down when both are emotional and Binbin is breaking down. It feels so forced.

I can go on and on and I didn't even finish this show.

In short, it's bad. I wouldn't recommend, unless you want to scream at your screen with frustration. I'm so disappointed cause I was excited to see Ding in a police drama but this is a mess.

Read More

"He lies"

When watching Thai short films/commercials made by life insurance companies you can usually be assured of having your heartstrings tugged. A Dad’s Story was no exception. These companies know exactly how to hone in on your tear ducts.

A young daughter and her father are walking as he reads a report she wrote for school. She describes how handsome, kind, generous, and sweet her dad is. He is Superman to her. And then like a punch to the gut he reads the next words, “…but he lies.” In the next minute she narrates how little eyes see everything. Love, sorrow, sacrifice, all rain down in her words.

MetLife didn’t give any answers to life’s hardships and unfairness, simply encouraged people to not give up because children’s futures are worth it. The three minutes of this commercial are also worth watching.

11 December 2024

Read More

Seated until the end

addicted to jack and joker❤️why it must be YinWar again?
It's thriller drama with romance with unpredictable and unexpected twist with unique plot. jack was innocent and poor and have debt from boss and joker was a thief who steal from corrupt people, at bar they met and share their stories but bcoz of joke mistake jack life turn over and he hated joker for made his life hell ,after few years joker try to apologise to jack but now he is cruel,their every interaction was so good It's a story,I swear I didn't get bored for even a sec ,it's a rollercoaster of emotions thrilled+ sad +funny+romance+happy 😊 and I watched it completely in two days and think that jack and joker both are right from their POV
CHARACTER
JACK - he was a cute 😍 boy but then he was a hot 🔥 mafia ,Yin really improved alot in acting and looks,he care for his grandma,he is selfless and think about others to help but please help yourself first
JOKER - I was shocked 😲by war's acting,his various versions is so well ,I like him in every outfit and I couldn't recognise him when he was in getup of girl (I mean what's wrong with my eyes)I really can't handle war cuteness 😍his eyes melt my heart ❤️ He love jack from his staring I could say,his eyes express everything, he is really a VERSATILE ACTOR
Tattoo - he was a in debt under boss and wanted to live free so help joker to steal from boss,he is selfish and betrayed them many times bcoz he didn't want that life anymore but he is good in technical stuff and intelligent,he has a good side too
Hoy - he is so cute ,innocent and dumb person,But Sometimes he is more intelligent than others and talk meaningful
Hope - he is a bad guy look who work for boss and beat up people who didn't pay debt ,at first I thought he was cruel but he was loyal towards his work and he have to do things for his lover save too
Arun - he is boss son ,has ego and bad behaviour towards others but when his father leave him, tattoo helped him and share the room,after every episode I started to like him bcoz he was also kind hearted and helpful
Grandma- she was old but stronger than joker 😂she was like a "action woman " when she fight with boss people she was so cool
ACTING - all cast and actors did a brilliant job to portray the emotions ,action,drama,all things looked so natural
YINWAR CHEMISTRY - I was going crazy when see them just kissing 😍 my heartbeat was so fast and theirs chemistry was insane I like each and every scens especially when Jack teach joker english " CONFESS, PROMISE, LOVE" it looked like a confession and joker said"huh?" I was blushing seeing them even they were just standing close only
I like that gang of tattoo+Arun+Hoy+hope of plan ABCD, they looked cute in plan A 😂 but failed all plan to stop boss
I love intro music 🎵🎶 too and other OST too ,I like everything about this series it's new and fresh and nice acting with good cinematography
I want to thank whole jack and joker team to made such a unique BL and please made more of YinWar projets bcoz I Miss them already 🥺❤️

Read More

One of the best series from 2024 <3

The chemistry between the main characters was great, especially at the beginning. It seemed like a kind of enemies to lovers, which I loved!
However, after they got together, they had fewer romantic moments.. But the 4 friends remained united in any obstacle they had to face, and Miaomiao, although she was not part of that fantasy world, gave everything to change the story and help the others. I really liked this aspect too.
Although the romance was not really present in the relationship between the two, it was very beautiful how he declared his love for her at the end. I was still sad because I didn't want the story to end like that.. but I feel fulfilled by the fact that the love between them remained.

Read More

Never Take Life for Granted!

I had to watch this Chinese drama Kill Me Love Me three times in a row—something I’ve never done before. That’s how much I loved it! I didn’t want to miss a single moment of this incredible show. While I usually enjoy the fantasy elements in dramas (which are some of my favorite aspects), this time, the compelling story and stellar performances kept me completely hooked.

Lei Xue Yi, whom I admired in earlier works like Love and Redemption and Ancient Love Poetry, truly shone in this drama. His portrayal was so captivating that it felt like I was living and breathing the story alongside him. Watching Kill Me Love Me has inspired me to go back and explore more of his previous works—how did I miss them before? He’s such an excellent actor, and his performance here was no exception.

Actress Wu Jin Yan was equally outstanding in her lead role. I admired the strength and fierceness she brought to her character, proving once again that women can take on powerful roles and do so with grace and authenticity. Her dedication and ability to make her performance so believable were truly inspiring. Having seen a few of her previous works, I’m now eager to watch more. She continues to impress me with her talent and screen presence.

The production was equally commendable. The set design was stunning, the martial arts choreography was breathtaking, and the costumes and animation were flawless. One detail that stood out was how the actors altered their voices to sound sinister. By lowering their octaves, they added an eerie and evil dimension to their characters that was incredibly effective.

Kudos to the writers for crafting such a compelling story and to the casting team for assembling such a talented ensemble. The supporting cast also deserves praise for bringing depth and realism to the drama's world.

Kill Me Love Me left me thoroughly satisfied. It’s a masterpiece that showcases the brilliance of everyone involved. If you haven’t watched it yet, you’re in for a treat!

Read More

Mr. Pei Loves Her so Much (2024) is a nice romance drama with He Cong Rui as Pei Yi and Xu Meng Yuan as Lin Jia Jia as the leading couple. The drama is lighthearted and heartwarming with a strong leading lady and a male lead that can’t be manipulated. The children are a super cute elements in getting the lead couple together and they were ahead of the adults with their intelligence and antics. The leading couple has a great playful chemistry and understanding of each other but their romance lacks on the intimacy department. Still, the drama is entertaining. Enjoy it! (The drama can be found on YouTube under the caption: After one-night stand, the girl got pregnant with twins. Five years later, the CEO finally found her)

Read More

Picked up this drama as the plot line seemed quite engaging. Although I have never the highly rated and nostalgic original, I knew that this would be a great watch. The story is pretty self-explanatory and throughout the series we are introduced to both some very unlikeable and likeable characters, various issues surrounding family, health, social status, pride etc. Seems like a typical good ol' Korean drama. I really loved the cast at the beginning as well, but towards episode 8-9 I really dropped the engagement and wasn't looking forward to Wednesdays as much as I used to at the beginning when this first aired. Both couples just did not have any chemistry at all, so it was slightly hard of a watch. Safe to say it has been done and dusted, after this maybe it is actually worth watching the original and comparing the two, although I would assume my opinion would remain the same as most fans of this drama.

Read More

I'm Torn

Hmm I'm rather torn. The acting is good. The story was nice. But I just felt the overall theme was rather vanilla. There were a few times I wanted to see the ML grow a little with emotional awareness. Always hinting at being jealous, and most of the time very unreasonably. Then He had a double standard in keeping emotional information from the FL but expecting to have her be totally open with him.

To move away and yet never call her, what he promised to meet her then found out he was moving so he just left? He couldn't say "I just found out my family is moving tonight, I can't make it?" NO he had to make it seem like she was the cause of him leaving because he needed to get away from her.

Then a few years later he found her online, worked to get to know her as a gamer but didn't disclose who he was, yet HE knew who she was, then because of "personal issues" he dumps her painfully yet all he needed to do was tell her what was going on. Then years later he tells her she broke it off when he clearly texted to leave, without even meeting. Ok OK. I could go on and on.

There were other scenarios that the authors of this story placed him in to make him seem like he was this self sacrificing victim that had to do everything himself and "oh hey look how he keeps it all to himself so as not to burden anyone" UGG

Its not the Acting, not the overall story- its was the one character flaw in the ML. Literally made me want to get him therapy.

Read More

A truly a gem among dramas.

Brewing Love is an absolute treasure in the realm of dramas. Right from the opening episode, it effortlessly tugs at your heartstrings with its heartfelt storytelling and delightful characters, each brimming with personality and depth. The charm of this drama is simply unparalleled, making it stand out in a crowded field. The narrative unfolds in a way that is both engaging and heartwarming, peppered with beautifully crafted moments that resonate deeply. Whether it’s the tender interactions between characters or the compelling plot twists, every scene keeps you eagerly anticipating what comes next. I wholeheartedly believe this drama deserves every bit of recognition and appreciation it can garner.

Read More

I love it, the whole planet loved it, the universe love it.

I can’t think of the last time I saw a C-drama with such a strong story. Like yes, characters, OST and vfx can be found everywhere, but story? That is very hard to find. I promise you I was never bored once, though I skipped most parts with Jiang Cheng (I could not handle that egoistic mess, my PTSD was triggered, spare me some slack).
To all watching this is not a bromance, this is a censored BL. And guess what even though this has a infuriating open ending, and nothing more than a few hints of romance, the leads have more chemistry in one glance than many dramas in whole episode. And just so I can add Lan Zhan is so cute. Like such a kind an innocent soul. The time he gave Wei Ying chickens or the time he gave him the lotus seeds, I had to stop and go outside because I had a cuteness overload.

Definitely gonna read the novel. Definitely gonna watch the special. And you should too. No regrets!

Read More