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Jojo
Guilty or Not Guilty !?
The main plot of this drama centres around Euthanasia. Euthanasia becomes the unsettling heart of a moral dilemma that challenges both of the characters Kan and Wasan's values. What begins as a search for answers soon turns into a personal battle as Wasan, a police officer is introduced to confront the reality of mercy killings and whether or not they can be justified. His growing closeness with Dr. Kan adds an intriguing layer of complexity, blurring the lines between love, duty and the harsh realities of death.For me, this drama wasn't about uncovering the truth or catching the killer but about exploring the human cost of decisions that challenge life itself!
Tor and JJ delivered flawless performances. Tor's portrayal as Dr. Kantaphat was PERFECT! He brought a compassionate yet a chilling presence, the enigmatic doctor whose motives and choices remain shrouded in the mystery. At the same time, JJ as Wasan was subtle yet powerful. The turmoil and inner conflicts of a man torn between his duty and his feelings for Kan were delivered beautifully by him.
Both of them navigated the complexity of their roles really well making the ethical questions feel personal and real. The acting in the last episode was FLAWLESS especially Tor's.
The chemistry between them was so palpable! The tension, those gazes, the unspoken desire!! Their love story was not the main focus, I like how it was kept minimal but enough! The pace does bother me a bit, but considering the 8 episode run time, it can be managed.
While the emotional depth and acting were undeniably strong, it isn't without flaws. There were moments where characters just decided to overlook logic and reasons. And also I felt lapses in the police investigations distracting me from an otherwise gripping narrative. While as a viewer I understand it is to push the plot forward, but those unnecessary blind spots in the investigation sort of bothered me.
Overall, the balance between love, guilt and moral dilemmas makes this a good watch from start to finish despite its minor flaws. Recommended if you liked medical thrillers ( I would categorise it as thriller xD) and a bit of moral complexity, this is worth checking out.
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When it rains, it pours , washing away doubts but leaving behind a storm of desire!
At the heart of this drama is an exploration of longing, love and the complex emotions that arise when loyalty is questioned. The story is an emotional journey of Hagiwara and Nakarai who navigate their changing feelings towards each other while each being in a complicated relationship where neglect and denial have the front seat. In 7 episodes it somehow manages to explore the grey areas where desires conflict with rationality and norms and also focuses on the delicate balance between self-preservation and vulnerability in the right place, to the right people.The drama in its portrayal of cheating doesn't simply just present it as a plot twist or spicy storytelling tool, but it digs into deeper emotional undercurrents that pushed the characters to take those drastic actions.
Here, it was an expression of emotional turbulence and crisis that stemmed from being disregarded for too long. It felt like a cry for recognition, for understanding.
There is something beautifully tragic in how one person seeks solace in the arms of another, not out of malice, but out of a desperate need to be seen, to feel valued in a world that seems to disregard their worth.
Character Description :
Nakarai Sei was a walking emotional paradox. His character was a mix of emotional detachment and the tragic yearning for something more, something he can't quite grasp but desperately craves. He feels all this stuff brewing inside but he’s also scared of it, building walls to protect himself from emotions he can’t fully understand or accept. He hides behind logic and rationalization, using it like armor to push away the chaos within but it is obvious that the storm inside was only getting bigger. His ability to express conflict without words makes his character all the more compelling.
Hagiwara Kazuaki had a certain duality to him, assertive yet gentle, a man caught between his deepening feelings for Nakarai and the hesitation driven by his own fears. His care goes beyond mere tenderness, it was a constant awareness of how delicate their bond is, as though even the slightest hint of force could break it.
There’s a quiet vulnerability in him, an openness that stands in stark contrast to Nakarai’s guarded demeanor, offering a softness that Nakarai sometimes didn't know how to embrace.
The chemistry between them was both subtle and had a palpable intensity crackling beneath the surface. They had this unspoken tension between them that grew with every glance that lingered a little too long. Hagiwara’s tenderness met Nakarai’s emotional walls, creating this push and pull that felt almost magnetic, yet painfully distant. Their connection is raw, real and messy in the best way, as they tiptoe around what they both want but can’t fully reach.
The side characters Kaori & Fujisawa just didn’t click for me. There wasn’t enough time spent on them to really understand who they were or why they did what they did. It felt like they were just there to move the plot along, not adding any real depth to the character. I didn’t feel any emotional connection to them, like I didn’t like or dislike them, they were just there. They came off more like a plot device than an actual character and honestly, this lack of emotional investment left me pretty indifferent overall. They did give reasons but it was a little too late for me.
The pace was a bit too fast for my liking but I have watched now too many J-dramas to know this is how it is considering the run time.
Also, the last episode felt bit underwhelming but the drama was too entertaining for me to rate it lower!
The performances of both leads brought an emotional battle to life. I can nitpick but overall they served! Cinematography was beautiful and felt very gentle and poetic! It has that perfect J-drama vibe to it , rain serving as main progatanist !
Overall, I would definitely recommend this drama for its emotional depth and its exploration of complex emotions. While this definitely has flaws, the overall story is very gripping, engaging and thought-provoking, with an intensity that lingers long after every episodes end. If nuanced character and emotional turmoil are what you are looking for, this drama is worth your time.
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SunsetxVibes: Uncut Version
22 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Disappointing Sunset with No Vibes!
There was absolutely nothing in the show that worked for me except Sam and Yoh the side couple who appeared for only 2-3 minutes in each 1+ hour episode.The trailer promised a fantasy element, but except for a few brief moments, I did not get that. What was presented was so anti-climatic that I would have preferred if they had stuck with Office Romance as the genre.
I had hoped Lin and Sun's chemistry would be the saving grace of this series, but unfortunately, I cringed at almost all their scenes together. Mos and Bank have more believable offscreen chemistry in their YouTube videos than in this whole series. That much-hyped and anticipated painting scene was meant to be iconic but it was a disaster. I am all here for artistic expression but this didn't feel like it was necessary at all.
Also, that necklace (you know what I am talking about) was UGLY.
Sam and Yoh were the only reason I kept watching this but they were also far from perfect. The screentime was very less to make their love story believable. I am still wondering how Yoh fell for Sam. But again , this was the only silver lining.
The other couples except Sam and Yoh looked forced and literally contributed nothing of value to the plot.
The dialogues were so poorly written that they felt like Chatgpt wrote them. A special mention to 'Khun Dad' !! Because NO.
Overall, I would NOT recommend this and hope the actors choose a better script next time.
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Familiar Faces , Fading Plot But still seated for Haiba Jin's extra charm!
The consistency from season 1 to season 2 was there ! Haiba Jin was still unhinged and charming and Mikoto retained her endearing awkwardness!The romance was again handled delicately but took bolder steps this season while still maintaining "that" boundary. I did enjoy their interactions and the ensuing frustration.
One of my favourite moments were when Mikoto put Haiba Jin in his place whenever he had saucy ideas. *grins*
But that's it! Lesson 2 felt stagnant. Nothing much was explored!
The characters were still the same as last season! While the story did progress it felt like it was treading familiar ground!!
I do see Haiba Jin being vulnerable in front of Mikoto but it was very briefly touched upon. Maybe I expected a deeper exploration.
Also the side characters storylines were completely undeveloped ! Mikoto's brother's story arc felt completely incomplete and rushed. Honestly I couldn't make myself care for any them.
For me , season 2 felt like a fan service , a follow up to high standards that was set by 1st season!
That said, I loved the acting of both the leads and was totally digging their undeniable chemistry!
The intro song was very catchy!! Also I felt the quality of shots was improved!
Overall , the season 2 is still enjoyable and binge-worthy but when you put it beside season 1 , it sort of loses its shine!
Would still recommend it 100%!
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Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
A Visual Feast of Stunning CGI and Unforgettable Friendship
This was a visual feast! The drama balanced political elements with a touch of light-heartedness that managed to maintain my interest. As someone who isn't usually into costume dramas, it was a perfect pick.Baili Dong Jun's character was well-written; a responsible spoiled brat with an unhealthy amount of love for liquor and a soft heart for the people he cares about. I particularly enjoyed his interactions with his father. His friendship with Ye Dhing Zhi and their story were the highlight of the drama for me.
Ye Dhing Zhi's character evoked mixed feelings - it made me both sad and mad. Sad because he didn't deserve such harshness, and frustrated and mad due to the choices he made that led him to his predicament. The journey from Ye Yun to Ye Dhing Zhi was tough!
But promises were kept, and we saw our liquor and sword deity and I devoured every scene of them!
I knew how it was supposed to end, but it was still devastating for me. But actions have consequences and some of those consequences are sad! Can't shake off that bitter-sweet feeling! *sigh*
The character who I couldn't sympathize with until the end was WenJun. Her choices and motivation behind them are still unclear to me, and seemed pretty selfish and stupid at some point. (A bit harsh but I am still frustrated!) She didn't deserve Dhing Zhi.
Also, I enjoyed the master-disciple interactions. The dynamics were fun to watch !
All the fight scenes were visually stunning, some of the best CGI I have seen in Asian dramas! It was such a stand-out aspect. Also, all the cast adds up to the rich visual experience. All of them are very attractive. The title does suit the drama perfectly because everyone is truly dashing! *grins*
Though I haven't watched TBOY and thus I can't compare the two, I still enjoyed this.
Overall, this was a visual treat with an amazing cast, impressive CGI and a plot that remained engaging throughout the 40 episodes.
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Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Sea of Wasted Potential with Weak Story and Fragmented Chemistry!
I had expectations from this drama but was ultimately disappointed! We had 10 episodes and such a weak narrative throughout!When they were on the beach , it at least provided the visual appeal and was at least enough to keep me engaged in the story but as soon the story shifted to the city , it went downhill !
It felt one dimensional and boring!
Nothing substantial happened and the things that did happen didn't contribute to a positive development nor seemed necessary.
Coming to acting, Fort as Mut carried the whole show single handedly. His acting has improved and felt natural but in the case of Peat , the whole cold ML role was very unconvincing often coming off as overreaction.
Yes , the chemistry between them was there and was good but was very fragmented and inconsistent.
The tantrum that Rak threw in the last episode shows he literally had no to zero character development. And his sudden epiphany in the last 10 minutes felt rushed and unnatural. It might be impressive if the realisation came a few episodes earlier to make it more sincere.
And the other GL couple, they felt too forced. Vivi's treatment of Khaimuk didn't look like playful teasing to me. Treating the one you like as a slave and troubling them is not funny in my books! We are not in kindergarten where we tease the one we love to get their attention!
Even the friendship between all the characters felt utterly superficial, and I felt no emotional connection whatsoever!
Overall , I see only a sea of wasted potential with a weak story , underdeveloped characters with fragmented chemistry!
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Kimi e to Tsudzuku Michi
17 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
L'air du temps - The Flow of Time
The movie is Japan-Taiwan co-production that takes us on a journey of Jimmy who after experiencing failures in his adult life embarks on a soul-searching quest to rediscover and meet the love of his youth.While the story itself may not be groundbreaking and unique, the narration is compelling and engaging. From the afterglow of that first love to the monotony of being a 36 year old guy, the movie effectively captures it all.
The movie explores the theme of self discovery and the importance of taking a break. Sometimes taking a break can provide clarity and a fresh perspective on life. Also sometimes detours can lead us to where we need to be!
The color contrast made it easier to differentiate between present and past scenes. The flashback scenes color tones have certain warmth to it reflecting happy memories while the present scenes were more sombre and grey to fit the melancholy vibe.
The cast delivers believable performances. Greg Hsu as Jimmy, a lost soul who evokes sympathy at times and then his energy in the flashbacks to his youth is convincing. Kiyohara Kaya as Ami does a decent job, though she could have been a bit more expressive. Michieda Shunsuke, as Koji, captures the chaotic spirit of an 18-year-old that is both charming and inspiring in his own way!
The cinematography is stunning. Some locations are so beautifully shot that they make me want to take a trip to Japan soon.
While the ending is somewhat predictable, it still has enough engaging elements to keep you sailing through.
Overall, this was a visual treat with few valuable life lessons on the way along .
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The ship didn't just sink, it imploded under the weight of its own melodrama and bad writing!
The central plot of the drama revolves around trauma and its handling, set against the backdrop of a war zone in Eastern countries. However, it failed to evoke any emotions in me and just felt bland and boring.The only saving grace, which is why it even gets a 6, is thanks to Benjamin and Saxin, who helped me sail through all 38 episodes of this aesthetically pleasing mess!
For a drama where trauma is the main plot, there was no real sense of warmth, depth or emotional resonance.
At first, it gave off the impression of aiming for something deep and thoughtful, but it quickly lost its way. The plot meandered aimlessly, leaving what should have been powerful moments feeling strangely flat and forgettable.
FL Song Ran was supposed to be a reporter, but she spent more time doing everything except her actual job. It was hard to believe how she was just wandering around and taking pictures in a war zone army base, it just felt completely out of place. Most of the time, all I saw was her trailing behind the male lead.
ML Li Zan's character left me with mixed feelings. I appreciated how the show portrayed his trauma and the denial he was stuck in, it felt raw, real and authentic. However, as time went on, it seemed like his reluctance to open up was more about convenience than anything else. The constant addition of trauma without any real growth or resolution made it feel like there was no light at the end of his tunnel.
I am a fan of both the actors, but I just couldn’t feel any chemistry between them. Maybe it was because their romance developed in so many illogical situations like having a heart to heart conversations on the bomb site before even getting medical aid , that it felt hard to buy into.
Most of the drama was set in a war zone, but the seriousness , urgency and consequences of it were largely missing throughout especially in the first half. The logic was often flawed and there were many instances that could have been fixed if they paid a little attention to detail. For example, why were people moving so freely in the war zone? Why were people just lying down and hugging when there had been a bomb blast only minutes before and why couldn't they do that in hospital to make more sense ?
When it comes to handling PTSD, don’t get me wrong - they did attempt to show the real vulnerabilities, denial and the struggles people face after being in such a traumatic environment. However, the portrayal became a repetitive cycle, with no significant character growth. It doesn’t make sense to me that after 8 episodes of dealing with the issue, there was still no real development.
You would expect them to be open and communicate with each other, especially after everything they’ve been through together. But no, we are still stuck in that non-communicative phase, where life-threatening and life-changing decisions are made without even informing the other person.
In real life, while PTSD can have long-lasting effects, people do tend to make progress over time, whether in small steps or through moments of realization. The drama's absolute refusal to allow characters to experience this type of growth feels unrealistic, as it disregards the possibility of healing and moving forward.
At one point, the hero complex from both of them actually diminished the impact of those serious scenes!
Acting wise both the leads did a good job with what was given to them. Chen Zhe Yuan can act and time and again, he shows that! Liang Jie did a great job too but CZY stole the stage when vulnerable scenes were on the screen!
The emotional scenes were executed well ( the man cries so pretty) but the problem wasn't the acting but the writing!
Now coming to the good part, Benjamin and Saxin ! This was a perfect enemies to lovers trope! The constant bickering , the eye contacts , the jealousy, the unwavering trust and support for each other was just the chef's kiss.If the drama had focused more on them or given them even half the screen time, I would have rated it much higher.
Censorship wants you to think it is brotherhood, but they ain't fooling us. Initially I thought it was me who was on team delusion, but they kept hinting us that we weren't wrong. They know what they are doing ! They know we know what they are doing ! Everything is out there yet still between the lines. We need a masterclass so that we can have those shelved dramas out !
I want to keep this review spoiler free but let's just say the ending was just bizzare and lazy writing. It was as if they ran out of ideas to how to make this mess right which they made, grabbed the nearest piece of paper, scribbled something random, and called it a day.
Overall, this drama was incredibly disappointing and fell flat despite its ambitious premise. It seemed to aim for something grand, but ultimately, it failed to deliver. The plot lacked depth and the pacing dragged, making it hard to stay engaged. It was a slow burn with little payoff, leaving much to be desired and leaving me feeling bored.
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Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru
16 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Legally Yours!
This was a delightful cocktail of drama and comedy wrapped in a refreshing narrative that defies the usual tropes (not a university BL). It is fun and uplifting, offering a refreshing escape with a balance of lighthearted moments and meaningful connections.Ryoma was an interesting character. He is a passionate lawyer with a very peculiar relationship with his succulents. He has that classic tsundere energy but deep down is such a softie. On the other hand, Haruto is charming yet mysterious, hiding his secrets until the last few episodes. Even though it was pretty obvious that Haruto had ulterior motives when he first contacted Ryoma, I couldn’t help but side with him. The suspense added intrigue, but I do feel like they revealed his secrets a bit too late, and what followed after , felt rushed.
The chemistry between the leads Ryoma and Haruto was so palpable and cute!
Their relationship was beautiful. The way Ryoma risked everything for Haruto and trusted him despite all odds against them was touching. It shows how pure and strong their love is. And Haruto, who initially approached Ryoma for his own reasons, ends up staying and going to great lengths for him. They both needed the calm warmth and unconditional emotional support the other provided. There were moments that gave me second-hand embarrassment, but it was filled with that perfect mix of laughs and swoon-worthy moments.
While their romance had its ups and downs, I do think the pacing of their relationship was a bit fast. But considering the 19-minute episode length, it’s understandable.
Overall, this was a pleasant surprise. Though it has its flaws mainly with pacing and some ambiguous character intentions, it still managed to keep me hooked with its great chemistry and decent comedic moments.
If you're looking for something light and fun, I’d definitely recommend it! It’s the kind of show that’s better binged rather than watching one 20-minute episode a week.
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Uncovering the Curse of Taekwondo
15 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
The curse was gone, but messily and realistically. Though the journey was far from perfect!
The storytelling is in a very classic Hwang Daseul style—delicate and nuanced.The drama dives deep into the complexity of trauma, self-discovery, guilt and love through the journey of DoHoe and Ju Yeong.
DoHoe's journey is filled with pain and inner conflicts, much of it rooted in the toxic environment created by his abusive father who runs a Taekwondo gym. Several moments conveyed the inner struggles of characters with small but very significant details.
Because of his toxic upbringing,he is someone who struggles to confront his past and doesn't allow or think worthy of himself to heal. His inability to face his wounds is both heartbreaking and frustrating at the same time. As a result, his relationship with Ju Yeong is complicated by unexpressed emotions, the trauma that was never addressed and the weight of the past that neither of them can escape even after 12 years.
Ju Yeong was the emotional anchor that kept Dohoe from drowning by constantly reaching out and putting in more effort despite the hurt and confusion Dohoe threw at him. There were few brief moments of comfort amidst that frustrating yet realistic push-and-pull dynamics between them. JuYeong often compromised trying really hard to bridge the emotional gap that DoHoe can't seem to cross. The imbalance does seem unfair but at the same time, their love story is portrayed as both beautiful and painful showcasing how even when people are deeply flawed and overwhelming, sometimes the connection between them can be profound and will last.
The chemistry between the actors was undeniable and their emotional journey felt raw and authentic. It mirrors the complexity of moving past trauma and being in a relationship when both of them are carrying their own and shared emotional baggage.
While the narrative is filled with emotional highs and lows, the pacing felt rushed throughout. The rapid shifts in the character arc without addressing their actual issues in detail left me craving for more. I wanted to understand them better. It felt like there was so much more beneath the surface, a whole world which just didn’t have enough time to really explore.
While the supporting cast like Hyean Ho added a new layer to the story, I am still a bit unclear on the mysterious circumstances surrounding his and Dohoe's past. They introduced him for bigger purposes, but his character felt very undeveloped.
And my biggest gripe was the editing. It seemed choppy and confusing. There were many scenes that missed the mark and their meaning relevant to the story because of this.
Overall, while the drama isn't without flaws, it keeps you hooked with its nuanced portrayal of love and healing. It's a powerful attempt at exploration of how our pasts shape us and impact our future decisions.
Sometimes addressing those past ghosts is the first step towards healing. Definitely recommend.
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Qian-tastically unpredictable !! Where modern wit meets ancient chaos!
This drama takes you on a ride with Xu Qian who is unexpectedly thrown from his modern life into the Defang Dynasty. What really makes this stand out is the focus on the characters. Qian's journey is the heart of the show and his interactions with those in meets in this new mysterious world are what drive the plot forward.Since this is a character-centric drama, my review will also focus on people who stood with Qian in his journey. Whether it was through subtle bonds, conflicts or silly realizations, somehow everyone has a significant role to play. I have kept it as general as possible avoiding spoilers or any major events that might take away the firsthand joy.
✨ Character Sketch of Xu Qian:
Xu Qian, the sharp-witted and resourceful modern-day office worker, was unexpectedly transported to this fantastical place, the Dafeng dynasty. Despite his initial shock, he adapts to his new reality quickly and soon joins the guardians.
Qian is exceptionally intelligent and worked through with his modern mindset. He is not just book smart but a person who quickly thinks on his feet, applying science, logic and modern problem-solving techniques even in the most bizarre cases.
Though intelligence is his greatest asset, it is paired with quick wit and certain cunning making him unpredictable and endearing at the same time. He definitely had the knack of getting out of tight situations with a well-timed quip and a sly smile.
Xu Qian's comedic timing was impeccable. It does feel like it was a coping mechanism for him to adjust to this new world than just a simple defense mechanism.
Despite his occasional trickery and playful demeanor, he is deeply committed to justice. His sense of morality drives him to fight for common people. While his methods may seem unconventional, sometimes bending the rules too but his heart is always in the right place.
✨ Xu Qian's relationships with people around him:
▶️ The Xu Family: This family is the embodiment of chaotic love. With the loud, unpredictable dynamics, each member brings their own brand of energy that somehow always ends in laughter. They argue over the pettiest things but are always standing up for each other when it matters. The humor is deeply rooted in their interactions whether it's a miscommunication or over-the-top emotional meltdowns. Their ability to somehow find humor in near-death situations too gave that extra edge to the drama.
▶️ The Guardians (Gold, Silver & Bronze Gongs): Another entertaining dynamic that I enjoyed overall was Qian's friendship with everyone. He was Defang's favourite! The equation with each of them was different but all of them stood up in unison with him in times of need. They did not fight just for power but for one another.
His friendship with all the gongs transcends mere loyalty. It's built on mutual respect no matter what the rank is, shared battles and moments of stupidity together. The guardians’ unwavering belief in Xu Qian is a major part of the reason for his success.
▶️ Lord Wei: Their interactions initially were strictly professional but soon carried an undercurrent of mutual care, understanding and pride. Lord Wei watches over Qian with a deep sense of protective affection feeling a fatherly pride in his accomplishments. Their bond slowly wasn't defined by roles or traditional hierarchies but by an unshakeable familial connection.
▶️ Princess LinAn: Their relationship might have not been the central focus of the drama but as a subplot, it felt very organic without overshadowing the main plot. At first, the princess comes across as silly, naive and somewhat unreasonable but as the story progresses, she has a really good character development. The kisses are done very tastefully and made me feel a thing or two!
There are other characters too who have a significant impact on Xu Qian's journey and the whole drama but I believe mentioning them would be considered spoilers. I would prefer to experience them firsthand when watching the show.
✨ Acting: The acting across the board was truly impressive with everyone almost delivering exactly what was given and required of them.
Dylan as Xu Qian stood out for me. In my humble opinion, this is his best acting performance yet. (Yes, LBFAD was great and I considered that as his best performance before GODF). He really played to his strengths from dubbing in his own voice for his character to effortlessly mocking his own accent with that quick-witted comedic timing.
✨ Cinematography / Costumes / CGI: The cinematography was pretty especially the wide shots of natural landscapes.
The costumes and sets looked pretty detailed whether it was a grand palace or a simpler setting. The wide shots of natural landscapes were beautiful though.
My only gripe was the jaw protector on Qian! We DID NOT need to hide his jawline! (This sounds like my personal problem xD)
CGI was not the best I have seen but all of it definitely did a great job of enhancing the storyline without stealing the spotlight from the plot.
✨ Ending (No spoilers): The ending didn't feel open-ended to me. It tied up all the loose ends very satisfyingly but also left just enough room hinting towards season 2. I hope we get some sort of confirmation soon.
This drama has been my happy place for the past few weeks. I have laughed, cried, gotten frustrated and been completely hooked by twists and mystery, all while never losing my interest. It's one of those shows that has a perfect balance of drama and humor, where the comedy feels natural and not forced and a storyline where romance isn't the main focus. I would definitely recommend this.
Thank you for reading my review! <3
*Patiently wait for Season 2*
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When love speaks louder!
While the premise might seem like your typical "silly wealthy man and his caretaker falling in love", the drama delves much deeper into their emotional journey.Shao Peng is a positive and resilient character who is deaf and mute. He is aware of his disability but doesn’t let it define him, though he’s sometimes insecure about how others see him. His journey shows his strength and vulnerability and the actor played him perfectly. Also, although I have very little knowledge of sign language, the portrayal felt very real and authentic to me .
Zi Xiang is multi-layered. Initially, he came across as someone who enjoyed a privileged life while evading his responsibilities. But as we move forward , his carefree demeanour was just a show to hide his dissatisfaction with the life he is forced into. He slowly grows from self-centred to someone capable of empathy and love.
The chemistry between them was the highlight of the series for me. What started as a reluctant partnership slowly transformed into a tender, evolving love story. Zi Xiang's feelings for Shoa Peng grow not only because he takes care of him but also because of the perseverance and strength he shows despite his own doubts. Their journey of getting to know each other, understanding one another, and being together was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. They acted as catalysts for each other's growth, helping each other look beyond their struggles.
The second couple's story was interesting but they didn't have enough screen time for their story to be properly developed or for me to really connect with them. Their chemistry was evident and they were sweet and cute together, but more time was needed to make their relationship feel believable.
The pacing felt uneven at times. The tone of the first few episodes was borderline silly and goofy compared to the second half of the series. Plot devices like assassins ,kidnapping and the portrayal of trashy, unsupportive parents felt more like a gimmick where they didn't contribute anything to the plot or was introduced in the final episodes and wasn't executed well.
The drama also tries to address prejudice against disabled people, particularly in a professional environment. It manages to show that not everyone is openly rude or dismissive but there is a subtle bias even when they are not overtly hostile. But it felt like this issue was only touched on superficially serving as a plot device for the love story. I'm not complaining but I would have liked to see more focus on Shao Peng's character and how he personally deals with it.
Overall, while the pacing can be uneven and some plot points feel forced and underdeveloped, the chemistry between the leads and their character development make it a solid, enjoyable one-time watch. Probably more enjoyable if binged.
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Lu Guo Wo Nian Shao Shi Guang De Lan Se
10 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Tender beginnings, hasty goodbyes!
This Chinese BL drama had a bit of a rocky start to the screen, getting cancelled before it was eventually picked up and aired. Felt like a win! Despite its troubled start, it still managed to pull me in with its raw performances.The chemistry between the main leads Qi Lu and Qin Xiao, was evident from the very first episode. Their struggles and sacrifices for each other were portrayed with great sensitivity considering how the drama handled the difficult themes with grace. There’s a subtle yet profound tenderness in their shared moments.
They did a good job of giving both Qi Lu and Qin Xiao well-developed backstories especially Qi Lu’s traumatic experiences with his abusive father and Qin Xiao’s longing for a family. These aspects were explored thoughtfully, allowing us to really grasp the emotional weight and baggage each character carried around.
In the initial episodes, the moments were nuanced and carefully built giving the story that depth and authenticity but as the drama progressed, the pacing seemed to speed up. This abrupt shift made the character arcs feel incomplete. The slower, more thoughtful exploration of their struggles in the beginning was what made their stories so compelling, but in the end, to me it felt like they didn’t get the conclusion they deserved.
The secondary couple Tan Yin and Liu Ming Yang, add a sort of a unique dynamic to the story. Their relationship develops in a subtle but meaningful way with Tan Yin’s persistence to pursue Liu Ming Yang.
Their interactions felt natural, and them navigating the struggles together was sweet. However, I do feel like their storyline could have been given more depth. The resolution of their arc felt a bit rushed, and it would have been nice to see it explored a little more. At times, their conflicts felt a bit forced, complicating things unnecessarily.
However, it wasn’t without its flaws. The editing felt pretty choppy at times, overall making things feel a bit disconnected. You could also tell the show had a low budget with some of the production values being a bit obvious. But the biggest issue though was how rushed the last few episodes felt. Conflicts popped up out of nowhere and were resolved off-screen which left the ending feeling a little weak. Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate the ending, but given how strong the drama started it definitely felt like it was wrapped up too quickly. It was as if the show tried to tie things up too neatly without fully exploring the emotional implications of everything they'd been through. The way the conflicts were resolved could have been handled much better.
Overall, I will still recommend giving this a watch especially since there aren’t that many Chinese BLs out there. Yes, it has its flaws but the fact that they took a brave shot at something with the censorship around deserves props. If you're into love stories and don’t mind a bit of indie, low-budget vibe then definitely check it out!
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Slow burn gone cold !
The drama centres on Tang Yang and Jiang Shi Yan, childhood friends whose relationship evolves as they navigate their careers along with their personal lives. The premise is engaging with the classic friends-to-lovers trope. However, throughout it struggled with the pacing dragging the romance over almost 23 of the 30 episodes.The friendship between the main leads was the stand-out element. The genuine support, fun banters filled with warmth and subtle tension made their transition feel a bit natural. The second couple while completely underutilized brought some comic relief here and there.
But unfortunately, the pacing didn't sit right with me. The romantic progression felt half-hearted. Yes, I love and appreciate a slow burn but it felt like we were stuck in a loop. The leads avoided any conversations leading to something and the receptive dialogues led to the same conclusions, with them just playing around instead of addressing their feelings. The series does picks up its pace but I felt it was already too late. Their friendship era with flashbacks was great but their romance felt like it was buffering and for a long time.
The third couple felt completely unnecessary and like filler. The over-the-top antics started felt like a distraction. The second couple had great chemistry and an interesting start but it was very fragmented and underdeveloped. I'm still confused about how things progressed and how they ended up together. I have questions and no answers.
Also, serious subplots like harassment or toxic workplace dynamics were rushed and felt unresolved. They had 30 episodes and how some plotlines are still underdeveloped is a bit shocking and frustrating to me.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this. It could have been good with tight writing and better character development, especially with the supporting leads. I would recommend it if you are a fan of the leads otherwise, you aren't missing out if skip this.
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"Happy of the End" : Toxic Bonds and Healing Journeys!
The heart of 'Happy of the End' is the turbulent life of the characters with a raw and poignant exploration of love, trauma and healing. It captures both the passionate life and shadowy corners where pain and beauty coexist.The series beautifully explores past trauma with their present struggles.
Chihiro is a man grappling with the aftermath of rejection both from his family because of his sexuality and haunted by the break up of his ex-boyfriend. His encounter with Keito, a charming yet very troubled figure marks the beginning of a relationship based on shared sufferings.
Chihiro is lonely and longing for home while Keito's backstory is a harrowing tale of abandonment and survival.
Somehow both of them became each other's refuge and mirror despite the chaos and trauma they were subjected to. Both the characters's journeys were heartbreaking but seeing them receive affection from each other was heartwarming.
The flashback scenes were powerful adding the layer as to why the characters are as they are. I liked the seamless transition plus the clear contrast between present and past. You can feel and know that both the lead characters need serious therapy but you still keep watching it for the rawness and athenticity.
Kaji was another character that I liked. Throughout he was such a good friend to first Kieto and then to Chihiro. The unconditional friendship and found family. <3
The series deals with serious themes like homophobia, child abuse, prostitution and animal abuse (Please read trigger warnings before starting this) faced by those living on the margins of society, it also speaks loudly about acceptance and capacity of love to heal even from the deepest wounds. This was dark and toxic but at the same time hopeful and happy. I know it doesn't make sense but at the end of it, it was actually 'happy of the end'.
However, it does feel rushed at times but that is due to the short run time. Maybe 2 more episodes would have justified the ending better and might have done better justice to this Art.
Overall, recommended if you're okay with dark themes, but please consider the trigger warnings. Again, be sure to read the TW before starting. It’s not all shining stars, but you can see the light throughout!
8.8/10
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