Reviews

a drama that worth your time to re-watch

Just finished the drama 2 weeks ago and currently re-watching the drama second time and reading the novel at the same time. The song is great (Smiling and watching the wind rise, a constant thought, a thought and may time flow are the 4 songs I like that most)and the story is great (maybe the reason is that I personally like the Chuanyue genes) the casting was great particular like (Bambi Zhu and Chang DanDan). The drama is somewhat follow the novel but with few twitches on timeline and names. Of course there are some scenes that cannot be put in the drama particular at the beginning lol

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A Finely Tuned, Wonderfully Acted Drama

I rarely cry during dramas but this one brought me to tears a few times. It is not traumatic rather it treated its characters sympathetically and humanely without flinching from the difficulties they were experiencing. Full disclosure, I'd read the manga and was amazed by how closely this drama aligned to both the scenes in the manga and the characterizations. I loved that about it. Both lead actors were so authentic that I never doubted their intentions or jumped out of my suspension of disbelief. The side characters were overall positive and sympathetic and the filming was quite lovely especially the summer days on the roof when Kohei feeds Taichi.

I've seen a few reviews on here that were unhappy with the lack of romantic development but, as with the drama, I found Taichi's acceptance of his own feelings and of Kohei to be slow and sweet and realistic. I highly recommend this drama.

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So so boring

I believe the main issue with how bad it was is the story telling. Everything is a sequence of a sequence and it's not a causality, you're only told the cause when you're no longer interested in knowing. The situations aren't revealed, they seem to be tailor made to fit a very explicit and simple narrative.

I was expecting it to be at least average but it wasn't. It's boring, long, without a purpose and, as the episodes amount, it becomes unbearable.

I don't know how to put this, but at some point it seemed like ¡ncest. The leads look very physically alike, they could be siblings in real life. To add to that, they build a very strong and long friendship relationship without any signs of romance. They were raised like siblings, treat each other like strangers and then go back to behaving like siblings. It's like things just happen without a rhyme or a reason. Then they show you the reason but it feels like something they made up to account for what happened. It doesn't feel true.

The acting was too plastic, fake even. Over exaggerated fights and screams, they looked theatrical instead of believable. You can't portray truth if it isn't mildly believable.
The paramedic could be young at heart and like and maybe believe in superheroes without acting childish or speaking in a childish manner.
I don't blame the actors for any of this, actors do what directors and writers assign them to do.

There were some interesting themes but they weren't properly developed and I find that sad and a waste.

Something that has been bothering me is how Korean dramas portray the ownership of a restaurant as something the owner does themselves and by themselves. You can't physically be the cook, the dish washer, the waitress, etc of a restaurant. Restaurants are businesses, they need profit. You can't have two tables and say it's a restaurant, it won't have enough turnover to even break even. You can't have the same person who's cooking tending to the tables. Has anyone in the kdrama world ever worked in a restaurant or been in a restaurant and looked around? This is not the first kdrama that portrays restaurants in this manner. If, indeed, Koreans have to do all those things by themselves, then I guess that's a part of why they have a mental health crisis, because it's physically and mentally impossible to run a restaurant or even a café without staff.
Yes, this seems a very petty thing to have an issue with, but the little things are what makes a story believable or not. If it really works like that in South Korea, storytellers should be criticising how that's not sustainable or ideal, because it's not.

I'm leaving this review here because this platform seems to have a problem with real opinions that don't put their favourite media on the same pedestal they do.
We can only build better media by being honest in our opinions.

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Wow! Buckle up....You're in for a Ride

After 7 episodes:
The major theme--the children of terribly ambitious parents who grow up trying to please these selfish parents but realize how damaging it has been to their lives. In the end, the two main leads try to fix their wrongs into rights so they can be happy with each other. It's a wonderfully romantic story that is set in a thriller/mystery/political corruption drama that really keeps you glued to the story. I love that the main leads are able to express their love for each other in an adult manner. There is no stupid, juvenile embarrassment when expressing affection. It is real, and the actors do a superb job expressing the characters love for each other. I don't know what will happen next, and that is a BIG part of the appeal. The suspense is huge!

After 4 episodes:
I just wanted to post quickly and say that THIS Kdrama is good!! It's got the best hook that grabs you and won't let go. Mystery romance with maybe a psychological thriller twist that makes you want to keep watching to see what happens next. Great acting by the cast. They are supremely evil, mysterious, timid, intense, comedic, and all sorts of divinely abnormal. The mothers are vicious. They all roll together to take you on the ride of your Kdrama life. We need to get a poll/wager going on who the real 406 is.

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Should Be BL, Not Bromance!!

There is longing but no proximity, shy glances and smiles that melt into friendly banter, flirtations turning into friendly leg pulling are both fun to watch and painful to endure, because the main leads look like they are in romantic love but both going “nah!”

With actions, strong and headstrong teen characters, drama and tumultuous feelings this show is a blurred line between romance and friendship.

“High School Frenemy”, a Thai remake of Korean drama School 2013, is what we will call a typical “Shounen” phenomenon. It’s a story about muscle power. Two rival groups of rowdy young men, competing and trying to be the top dogs.

That is the same with its original parent story in Korean. But the rest are very very Thai.

And by Thai, I mean the relationship of the main leads, Saint and Shin (Sky Wongravee and Nani Hirunkit).

Read the complete article here-

https://theblxpress.wordpress.com/2024/12/11/high-school-frenemy-series-review-ep-1-to-16/

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Goofy, charming ML the reason I enjoyed this series

I watched Strong Woman Bong-soon in December 2023 after completing Strong Girl Nam-Soon in November 2023. Yes, I was late to the party.

What I liked:
1) Ahn Min Hyuk characterisation - I found him goofy & very charming. He had golden retriever persona. I like that he's cool with being labelled gay - seems like he is not homophobic. I also like that he wasn't intimidated by a physically strong woman. Role was played brilliantly by Park Hyung Sik.
2) The romance - I like how their relationship developed. They were boss-employee first then lovers. The Min Min scenes were excellent. Made me miss moments when I was flirting & giddy with excitement.
3) In Gook Doo - I also like his character and Kim Ji Soo. Serious cop who is oblivious to his best friend's crush on him.
4) Comedy - Comic relief mostly provided by Secretary Goo and the random gangster led by Kim Kwong Bok. I enjoyed those scenes though I found some scenes quite random.

What I disliked:
1) Childlike FL - In general, I don't like cute, childlike female leads especially when they are already past mid-20s. I don't like how Bong Soon was written as she didn't use her strength well as a bodyguard.
2) Too many in one series - This series cover various genres (thriller, fantasy, romance, comedy). While I enjoy romantic thriller, I found the slapstick comedy didn't gel well with the pverall storytelling.

Favourite scene
The Min Min scenes because it made me giddy!

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Real love with a side of extra rice

How to review a three-minute short film? Keep it even shorter! Was The Vow a short film or a long commercial? Really does not matter. It was filmed with a gauzy romantic effect as a man remembered the first time he met “The One." The Vow related a story of true love and real devotion revolving around a Jollibee’s fast-food restaurant.

If you have three minutes to spare and want to hear a beautiful wedding vow with a meaningful twist, this film is worth it. I don’t know if Jollibee’s two-piece spicy chicken with extra rice and upgraded pineapple juice is any good or not but they certainly made a satisfying commercial. Everyone should be so lucky to have a person as devoted and selfless in their life as the narrator.

10 December 2024

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Coherent storytelling that is as good as a well-produced mini drama

This is my second vertical shot drama, after 'Captive Love from the Mob Boss'. I came across this series in the comment section and I was curious.

What I liked:
1) Sang Nan Feng characterisation - What a stark contrast between the Male Lead in 'You've Been Tricked' and the Male Lead in 'Captive Love from the Mob Boss'. Nan Feng is a green flag ML. He was kind, patient, respectful.
2) Shen Yue Xi characterisation - I like that she was humble about her family background. She also never played the victim card.
3) The romance - I like how the romance between Male Lead and Female Lead developed. It was slow burn and sweet.
4) Supporting characters - I like both ML and FL families, FL friends and villain's mother. Despite not much screentime, most of the family members were quite memorable. Good acting even from the villain.
5) Writing - Coherent story that I enjoyed. The quality is as good as a well produced mini drama.

What I disliked:
1) Subtitling - I watched this drama on Youtube and subtitle must be AI/machine translated.
2) Acting - I would rate this drama higher if Liu Lan Bo gave a better performance. Most of the times he seemed aloof and distant. Perhaps Nan Feng in public could show those traits but in private with his wife, I expected Liu Lan Bo to give more warmth to his role. I also wish there was more chemistry between Liu Lan Bo and Yao Yu Chen.

Favourite scene
When Sang Nan Feng returned home with sliced cake

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Slow but beautiful and I would rather say it's the king of slow burn....

Review: Something in the Rain

"Something in the Rain" (2018), also known as "Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food", is a romantic melodrama directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Kim Eun. It stars Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in in a tender story of love, societal judgment, and self-discovery. Praised for its realistic portrayal of relationships, the drama takes viewers on a nuanced journey through modern romance, breaking away from the clichés often found in similar narratives.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Yoon Jin-ah (Son Ye-jin), a successful yet unfulfilled woman in her mid-30s, who works as a supervisor in a coffee franchise company. She reconnects with Seo Joon-hee (Jung Hae-in), her best friend's younger brother, after he returns to Korea from working abroad. Their casual friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship, one that forces them to confront societal judgments, familial disapproval, and personal insecurities.

The drama explores a myriad of themes, including age-gap romance, gender inequality in the workplace, familial obligations, and the challenges of societal expectations, all woven into a deeply emotional narrative.


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Strengths

1. Authentic Romance and Chemistry

The heart of Something in the Rain lies in its portrayal of love. Yoon Jin-ah and Seo Joon-hee's relationship feels refreshingly authentic, marked by tender moments, playful banter, and emotional vulnerability. Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in deliver standout performances, capturing the nuances of falling in love—the hesitations, excitement, and fears. Their chemistry is palpable, elevating the narrative into a heartfelt experience.

2. Realistic and Relatable Themes

The drama excels in exploring issues beyond romance. Jin-ah’s workplace challenges, including sexual harassment and gender inequality, are portrayed with raw honesty. The cultural pressures on women to conform to traditional roles—such as marrying by a certain age—resonate strongly. Joon-hee's perspective on love, individuality, and defying norms adds depth to his character, making their struggles feel universal yet deeply personal.

3. Cinematography and Aesthetic Appeal

Director Ahn Pan-seok's attention to detail shines through in the drama's subdued yet visually stunning cinematography. The frequent use of natural lighting, muted color tones, and minimalist settings enhances the emotional undertones of the story. Quiet moments, such as the couple walking in the rain or sharing meals, feel poetic and intimate.

4. Exceptional Soundtrack

The OST plays a significant role in heightening the drama's emotional impact. Tracks like “Stand By Your Man” by Carla Bruni and “Save the Last Dance for Me” evoke nostalgia and complement the mood of the narrative. The music not only sets the tone but also becomes a character in itself, accentuating key moments of the couple’s journey.


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Weaknesses

1. Pacing Issues

The drama’s slow pacing, especially in the latter half, detracts from its otherwise compelling narrative. The repetition of conflicts—particularly the resistance from Jin-ah’s family and societal disapproval—feels dragged out and could have been resolved more succinctly. This stagnation somewhat diminishes the emotional engagement toward the end.

2. Underwhelming Secondary Plotlines

While the main love story is deeply engaging, some of the side plots—like Jin-ah’s struggles at work or her complex relationship with her mother—feel underdeveloped. These storylines initially promise significant commentary on societal issues but fail to deliver meaningful resolutions, leaving viewers wanting more depth.

3. Cultural and Generational Gaps

For international viewers unfamiliar with Korean societal norms, certain conflicts may seem exaggerated, such as the emphasis on age differences and familial approval. While these elements are crucial in Korean culture, they may not resonate as strongly with global audiences.


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Themes and Symbolism

1. Rain as a Metaphor

Rain appears frequently throughout the drama, symbolizing both cleansing and renewal. It often coincides with moments of emotional revelation or growth, serving as a subtle metaphor for the couple's journey through challenges and eventual healing.

2. Societal Expectations vs. Personal Happiness

The central conflict revolves around the characters’ struggle to prioritize their love over societal norms. Jin-ah, in particular, faces immense pressure from her family to marry someone of a similar age and social standing. This theme resonates deeply in cultures where societal expectations weigh heavily on personal choices.

3. Feminism and Workplace Dynamics

Through Jin-ah’s workplace experiences, the drama critiques the prevalence of harassment and sexism in corporate environments. Her journey toward standing up for herself is both empowering and heartbreaking, highlighting the importance of systemic change.


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Performances

Son Ye-jin as Yoon Jin-ah: Son Ye-jin delivers a masterclass in subtlety, portraying Jin-ah with grace and vulnerability. Her internal conflicts—balancing her love for Joon-hee with her fear of societal judgment—are palpable and relatable.

Jung Hae-in as Seo Joon-hee: Jung Hae-in’s portrayal of Joon-hee is equally compelling. He brings warmth, charm, and quiet strength to his character, making him an ideal counterpart to Jin-ah’s emotional turmoil. His ability to convey profound emotions with minimal dialogue is particularly noteworthy.



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Final Thoughts

"Something in the Rain" is more than just a romance drama; it is a poignant exploration of love in the face of societal constraints. It succeeds in capturing the beauty and challenges of relationships with sincerity, bolstered by outstanding performances and thoughtful direction. While its pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots may detract slightly from the experience, the drama’s emotional resonance and relatable themes make it a standout entry in the genre.

Rating: 9.5/10

Fans of slow-burn romances and introspective storytelling will find Something in the Rain a deeply moving and worthwhile watch.

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A decent show worth watching.

I didn't read the reviews before watching this drama, and I'm glad I didn't because I liked it! Yes, it takes a minute to pick up. It is slow for the first few episodes, but it gets pretty good once you get past that. There are some serious topics in the storylines, and they try to share a good message, which I think they did a good job of, so that was nice. I saw a lot of complaints about the acting, it's certainly not great, but it's not as horrible as everyone is making it out to seem; I think the actors did fine. I really liked both leads; I thought they did well in their roles. Their chemistry wasn't anything crazy, but they were still cute and had me rooting for them the whole time. I'll probably watch more stuff with them. I liked the turn the show took in the later episodes, made it more interesting.

Overall, it was a pretty decent show and I liked it. Definitely not as bad as the reviews make it out to be, I'd even say it was a good show.

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One of the weakest asadoras in the past decade

Mai Agare! was the winter asadora which started in the fourth quarter of 2022, and is the fictional account (as opposed to a fictionalized biography) of Mai who aspires to soar into the sky. She makes a lot of progress towards doing so in the first half of the series in which she grows up and heads to college where she becomes the pilot for a club which works on building human-powered aircraft, and then shifts to flight school where she successfully graduates and is all set to become a commercial pilot in Japan.

And so, naturally, at that point the script turns abruptly from the exciting world of piloting to ... the manufacturing of screws and the plight of small production factories in Osaka.

Look. I'll spare you all the details, but I'm entirely the target audience for the second half. My Dad engineered parts for the B1 bomber in the 70s and the Boeing 767 and 777 jets in the 90s. He had his name on several process patents for the use of titanium. I have written tons of poetry. All of those things touch directly on plot points in this series. I should be the one person who should be eating up everything being served by this series in the second half, but let me tell you: the storylines in the second half are ... just ... so ... boring.

The scripts also suffers from tepid or nonexistent resolutions to many of the running story arcs. Are the Goto islanders able to recruit young people to establish lives in the islands and revitalize the community? Does Mai's brother face any real long-term consequences for his illegal investment activities? Can Takashi overcome his writer's block? Can local Osaka machine shops and factories band together to bring in more business opportunities? The answers will not surprise you, and are presented in ways that might well be a cure for your insomnia.

As other reviewers have noted, there also seemed to be real issues in the production budgeting for this series with no expenses being spared for the first half including at least one aircraft apparently specifically built for the production and lots of shots on location at a fight school and also at the reasonably distant Goto islands. After that the story is stuck in a handful of sets including the Iwakura family house which miraculously expands as needed over time. They splurged a bit more for the final two weeks where they still mostly skip over what would probably be a much more interesting plot than the rest of the second half with a couple of multiyear time jumps.

On the other hand, the cast consists of good, solid acting professionals doing what they can with the material. I have enjoyed Fukuhara Haruka in several other things, and would even recommend her turn in her two seasons of the live action Yuru Camp even though those series have even less plot than this one. Here she plays Mai as persistent and cheerful, and she handles the narrow range of emotions required for the role perfectly well. She has little to no chemistry with either of her love interests, but, to be fair, all sexual chemistry is apparently against the asadora style guide in general.

If you enjoy the asadora format, this series is one. If you've never tried an asadora, there are many I would recommend before watching this one with Amachan still being the best pure fiction series and the recent Tora ni Tsubasa being the best fictionalized biography in my experience and opinion.

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HOW CAN I BE HOMOPHOBIC, THIS SHOW IS GAY

I read so many reviews that said what I wanted to say but couldn't find the right words...but let me just say this... HIGH SCHOOL FRENEMY... Is a Chinese BL (IYKYK)...

Shin and Saint ain't fooling no1... Like I saw bromance and was like, "ok".. Because I expected a dark show.. Fighting, joining forces for world peace and all tht... BUT.. What I didn't expect is for GMMTV to slap on Bromance on a WHOLE ASS BL... THIS SHOW HAS MORE COLORS THAN A RAINBOW.. IT'S GAYER THAN AN ACTUAL BL... I SPENT MOST OF THE SHOW SCREMAING, "KISS!!" OR "Y'ALL ARE SO MARRIED".. In the scene where they are hiding from the mom I was like, "If this is how you act coming out as" besties" how will u act when its time to come as a couple and announce your marriage to her... HOW WILL SHE REACT?? LOL.. These boys proved that NC scenes does not make a BL.. Wht makes a BL is the chemistry, the subtle and obvious secret glances... and staring contests... The words they say, like they said "I love You" more than a normal couple... Well Saint did... The tension is on a different level... GMMTV tried to make a bromance but they couldn't... They tried, but all they did was not add NC scenes.. Lol...

Other than the married couple... I really enjoyed this show it was sooooo good... I loved how they added the pain students go through, how some people are not meant to be parents and how important teachers are not only for classes but for guidance... Not every1 has parents tht listen them r understand them and when we come to school it's like an escape... Teachers are like parents too... School can be one child's hell and another child's heaven...

The actors are AWESOME... I felt every pain and wanted to wipe every tear... They presented this sooooo well... Mark representation of autism was fantastic... It was like tht was him.. It didn't seem mocking... At 1st I just thought he was shy and awkward but I found out from reviews it was autism and it made sense... The actors were so gud... That I actually hate Jeng... I hate him.. Lol.. AJ and JJ back with their chaotic selves.. Love them...

Chadjen is a wonderful character... I love how he calls every1 when there is an issue... I love how pure he is... He was like, "my house is the normal size like every1's.."y don't u have a pool "... He wasn't bragging... He genuinely thought wht he had was the norm for every1... Hes my fave character...

I look 4ward to another show from Shin and Saint... Not with a "bromance" tag though... BL... :)))))) 1000000%

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