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Lost in Dramaland
Watashi ga Himo wo Kau Nante
4 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Not as bad as the rating but also Not a masterpiece. It's OK.
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75 ( a little bump to up the rating)The English title, “Hide from the Rain” sounds so much more romantic than the other title “I Keep a Gigolo”. Yet according to Google translate, the translation of the official Japanese title “Watashi ga Himo wo Kau Nante” is “I Can’t Believe I Paid for It’. Three different titles and meanings, yet they all describe what this drama is about.
As a romance-at-heart, of course I like “Hide from the Rain” more. It gives us the background story of our female lead, a smooth transition of Soichi (ML) into her heart & life, and strength to move past a traumatic event. Rainy days no longer sadden her, as her memories were replaced by more pleasant ones.
It is not wrong that the other title talks about a gigolo. After all, ML is one and you will find out about it in the first episode (so, technically not a spoiler). However, I might think of him more of a sugar baby instead of a gigolo.
Throughout the drama, Soichi (ML) gives off a very mysterious and weirdly uneasy vibe. He's definitely not a very likable ML.
As viewers, you knew from the beginning he’s not what he appears to be, yet you don’t find out his secrets until about ep 7. I wasn’t expecting the secret to be like that, as it sort of came out of nowhere. I won’t say the execution is done very well, but it’s definitely quite surprising.
The acting is decent all around. I’m glad Sumire (FL) is not the typical naive and super shy girl. Yuri is pretty and elegant, but her philosophy of lingerie went over my head (let’s just say I don’t think too deeply about the meaning but I’m sure others are touched by what she had to say). Morio is usual friendzoned best friend, no surprise there. I’m surprised to see Izuka Kenta in a supporting role as Ryo. But why does he look older and older each time I see him these days. None of the characters annoy me, yet I also don’t love any of them either (including the leads).
Even though this is not a masterpiece, it definitely doesn’t warrant a low rating of 6.7. Maybe the drama is not cute or fluffy enough? Or maybe it’s not mature and angsty enough? Or the leads are not likable enough? I am not sure but I would rate this 7.0-8.0 (finalizing at 8 to increase the rating a little). It’s short and easy enough to binge.
Other Random Observations:
1. Kotatsu is such a cute robot! I thought we would see more of its function but am disappointed.
2. FL's fashion changes for the better throughout the show. Though not my taste, but I enjoy seeing the different styles, cuts, designs and combination.
3. Triendl Reina is so pretty!
4. Three cameos/guest stars that don't really add anything to the drama.
Completed: 2/17/2024 - Review #404
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Let's talk about Sex with a lot of Sex, Heart and Chemistry.
Subjective Enjoyment Rating: 8.5This is one of the rare dramas that I think the English title better describes the drama than the original one, at least for the international audience. “Let’s Talk About Chu” focuses on the relationships and sexual experiences of each member of the Chu family. The Chinese title (愛愛內含光) is the name of the Vlog channel of Chu Ai, and focuses on sex education and her ideals on sexual relationships. The title originates from one of the verses of a poem 「曖曖內含光」meaning those with talents and positive traits shine from within (a very loose translation). How do we look past the appearance to find that special person who is right for us?
I had a very enjoyable time watching this short drama. A lot is being covered and was done at a very fast pace. I guess one of its shortcomings is the inability to really delve into the complicated relationships and spend time exploring the backstory of each character. This is also to be expected when we only have 8 short episodes.
At first, I thought this drama is similar to the K-drama “Hit The Spot” as it also has a podcast focused on sex. “Hit the Spot” actually focuses more on the podcast than this drama’s vlog. The vlog also comes at the end of the epilogue of each episode. I watched a few of them and got bored of it. The vlogs were not done in a humorous way and I found them dry and preachy.
Luckily, the actual drama is full of love, laughter and emotional moments. The acting is great and all the characters have excellent chemistry. Ok, maybe the actual acting of the sex act could be better, but that’s totally fine as they’re not porn stars. LOL. Yes, there are many sex scenes, though nothing with full-on nudity. These scenes help tell the story and I don’t find them arbitrary or unnecessary. I like that women in this show are not afraid to talk about what they want in their sex lives. They get frustrated and are not afraid to accept the fact that they’re not happy. The drama also touched on how a past trauma can affect your view of relationships and sex.
Though I am not fully invested in all the storylines, I like most of them.
* Chu Ai and Chou Ping Ke - I enjoyed their story in the beginning. I found Kai Ko (who played Ping Ke) super adorable and hot. How come I don’t remember him being so cute in “Till We Meet Again”? I must have got distracted by the pink hair. However, Chu Ai and Ping Ke’s romance lost steam towards the second half. I think Ping Ke is way too good for Chu Ai. He should have let her grovel a little more.
* Chu Yu Sen and Lee Yueh - They are my favorite! They are such an odd pair, yet they complement each other in a way. Their story is interesting and unexpected and also with a lot of heart. I love the last intimate scene. It’s making love instead of having sex.
* Chu Wei and Lin Shi Chieh - A very realistic story about married life when the initial sparks are gone. How do you keep the romance going and keep working at it?
* Mom and Dad - Not my favorite story not because they’re older, but because it’s boring.
I love that mom is watching BL on GagaooLala but Dad has no personality. I wasn't curious enough to find out if Dad has an affair or not.
Overall, this is a quick and easy watch. It doesn’t have too much time to tell a very deep story. But it touched on issues in various stages/types of relationships.
Completed: 2/4/2024 - Review #400
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It's all about Lies, Lies and More Lies!!!!
Watching this Taiwanese classic in 2024 is definitely interesting and my expectations are high (maybe too high). I can look past the fashion and ML’s ugly hairstyle, but “Autumn Concerto” has so many different tropes and illogical things. I also feel that I need to stop my critical thinking and enjoy the ride on a more emotional level. That way, the drama is more enjoyable.I love the mature Aidy An in “Legend of Dugu”. She’s the best part of that show. But a younger Aidy An is somewhat annoying in this drama. Her acting is not quite there yet and gave me this bland expression. But I think what’s worse is I don’t like her character, Mu Cheng. She is definitely pretty in this drama, but Mu Cheng keeps a secret for way too long. She should and could have spoken up many times in various situations, instead of acting like a victim. I also do not like her voice, which is supposed to be gentle and soothing. I just find it annoying, unfortunately.
Despite not liking Mu Cheng as a girlfriend, I like her as a mother. Her relationship with her son Xiao Le is the highlight of the show. This little kid is adorable but I don’t think there’s any other 5-year old who speaks like him out there. I am going to look past that and just enjoy how kind-hearted, sweet, adorable and smart he is. Xiao Le’s interaction with every single adult brings me so much joy. Yes, even the little kid bully.
Vanness Wu is another draw to watch this drama. But I find his acting very inconsistent. There are scenes I think he did fine and was natural, but not when it comes to more emotional (angry or sad) scenes. I really feel for his character. Poor Guang Xi suffered so much and is being lied to by everyone. I was rooting for him and actually wanted him to not end up with FL. I think he deserves better.
When it comes to acting, Chris Wu is the best out of the main characters, only second to ML’s mother. I cannot believe “Autumn’s Concerto” is his very first drama (He did have a few movies under his belt). But compared to Aidy An and Vanness Wu, he’s the less experienced one but I love his acting the most. If it’s in any other drama, his character would be the male lead. His confession to Mu cheng is so touching and sincere. I want to marry him! Chris Wu is the best part of the show and he doesn’t seem to have aged.
The pacing of the drama is a little uneven as well. I found the first arc when they were all in college went by pretty fast. A lot of things happened but each mini subplot or misunderstanding is resolved rather quickly. But once we switch to the present-day timeline, the pace slows down. They spend a lot of time in the village with those loud villagers. I am not surprised they are loud but at least they’re not too nosy. Towards the end of the drama, the pace picked back up a little with the court cases. But also felt that the editing and storytelling are choppy. I also think that the drama waited too long for the shit to hit the fan (the big secret to out).
For a melodrama with a focus on romance, it’s really hard for me to enjoy when 1) I don’t like the female lead, 2) I don’t think the leads should end up together, 3) I think the secondary leads should just go and date each other and forget about the leads who don’t deserve them. For a romance-lover like me, if I am not rooting for the leads to be together, there’s no way I would end up enjoying the drama. I also need to shut down my brain because there are too many ridiculous things that happened. I don’t want to list them all as they could be spoilers.
But luckily, we have an adorable kid, a handsome Chris Wu, nice secondary leads who are not evil and Vanness Wu showing off his abs. This is enough to keep this at an 8.0 for me. Even though I like the songs, they are WAY overplayed. I wonder if I would have loved “Autumn’s Concerto” more if I were watching this in 2008 and not in 2024.
Completed: 1/25/2024 - Review #398
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Interesting premise of matchmaking but lacking in Leads chemistry
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75The main reason that I wanted to watch “The Matchmakers” is because of Rowoon. The premise of the drama is also pretty interesting, especially when the story revolves mainly around the matchmaking of the three sisters and not a bunch of minor supporting characters in an episodic format.
Rowoon has such a pretty face that it is really hard for me not to like him in any role. “The Matchmakers” is trying to challenge me and test my patience. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked Rowoon so much. The introduction of the Prince Consort makes it really hard to like him. He’s such an irritating and know-it-all, I-am-better-than-all-of-you asshole. It took me a while to warm up to his character. On the other hand, FL aka the goddess of matchmaking, is a lot easier to like and to root for. She’s smart and kind. I love her deducing ability and perceptive eye in matchmaking. It was quite fun to watch. But, I need to put away my brain for a little and believe that her makeup can transform her into a totally different person, who even her own brother can’t recognize her.
When we put a book smart ML together with a street smart FL, we should see fireworks. Unfortunately, the chemistry is lacking. I’ve never questioned Rowoon’s ability to act totally in love. I think I am not getting that from the female lead. They are great partners, but not great lovers. Their romance is weak and disappointing, and I didn’t care for their forbidden love.. FL’s wishy-washy indecision also drags down the pacing of the show. The secret of FL’s identity drags on for too long. When they finally kissed, we got a dead fish kiss. What a waste of Rowoon’s lips and talents! The ending is somewhat predictable because that's probably the only way they could have given it a somewhat happy ending.
The drama also spends a lot of screen time on politics and family/female roles, instead of diving deeper into the three sisters’ romance. Their marriages are central to the plot and could have delivered even more comedy. I do find Sisters #2 and #3 romances quite cute and adorable. Sister #1 isn’t my cup of tea.
On a positive note, the overall acting is good. The King is fun and the 2 young child actors are adorable. The crown prince looks a little young and might be better to cast someone older. The veteran cast definitely outshines the younger cast. The production quality is decent and I like the use of natural lighting (candles and lamps). Seeing FL’s annex is like seeing an old Korean friend. You see that set in so many saeguks. Music is ok, and mainly musical scores rather than songs with lyrics overplayed.
I will only recommend this drama if you are a fan of the actors, or if you really like matchmaking. There are better rom-com saeguks out there. “The Matchmakers” should have been 12 episodes long instead of 16.
Completed: 1/7/2024 - Review #391
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A Gentler, Sweeter and More Romantic Remake
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25“Stay with Me” is like the gentler, sweeter and more romantic little brother of “Addicted”. “Addicted” is the more rebellious, sex-crazed older brother, but it also paved the way for many future Chinese BLs (or caused censorship to put the hammer down).
The leads in “Stay with Me” are quite likable compared to their counterparts in the other drama. Wu Bi is quite adorable when he’s so in love with Su Yu and gets all pettily jealous over little things. In “Addicted”, Gu Hai annoyed the heck out of me with how pushy he was. But that was a 2016 drama, and times have changed. Back to “Stay with Me”, the drama never had Wu Bi or Su Yu declare their love for each other, but you know for a fact that this is not a bromance, but a romantic story between them. There are so many moments, gestures, hugs and subtle lingering touches that they shared and I wonder how these scenes pass censorship. I am trying to recall if I’ve seen a Chinese BL with kisses on the cheeks recently.
The main focus of the drama is definitely on our leads, Wu Bi and Su Yu. Two lovely teenagers go from enemies to lovers, complete and fill each other’s hearts with love and care. Surrounding them are Su Yu’s very supportive father and stepmother, an adorable little stepsister, Duo Duo, who is wise beyond her years. We also have a few friends who don’t take up too much screen time. Technically, there isn’t really a character that I dislike, except for Wu Bi’s cousin’s ugly pig tail. That is definitely not fashionable at all. LOL.
The bond between this newly found family is the best part of the show. None of the parents are evil, they just show their love differently. However, the broken families have a big impact on the leads. They both just want to be loved. Simple as that. I love it when there are scenes of the new family together and the theme song, “The Meaning of Family” starts playing. The lyrics are perfect for these scenes, especially when Duo Duo starts singing if you need to look similar or have the same last names to be called family. The scene of this new family celebrating Wu Bi’s birthday is so heartwarming.
This drama is not without its faults. I think the acting of the leads could be better. I am also disappointed that they are both dubbed and not using their original voices. Heck, even Duo Duo uses her original voice and that adds 10000 points to her adorableness. There are a couple scenes with very fake green screens. There are only four songs in the OST and it lacks variety, though they are lovely. This is definitely not a big budget production, so maybe that’s why I am having all these minor disappointments.
Overall, I had a good time binge-watching this drama. The pacing is not bad but the ending might not be satisfactory to all. I knew what kind of ending it had before starting this. I am prepared, still not happy though ?
Completed: 11/3/2023 - Review #372
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Good Morning, Forbidden City
4 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
A Docu-Drama? Recommend for those interested in Chinese arts/crafts/culture
“Hi Producer” is a very unique drama. It’s more of a documentary showcasing China’s rich culture and arts, than a regular drama. It tries to promote and educate via the production of a TV show and a very interesting female lead, Yu Zai Zao. Due to her disability, YZZ is unable to understand certain emotions. However, it doesn’t prevent her from coming up with creative ideas for this TV show. By working closely with the team and building a bond with everyone, she has slowly changed to be a different and better person.If you are interested in learning about China’s thousands of years of culture, this is definitely a show for you. It showcases more than just arts and crafts. It also tries to spotlight the loneliness, challenges, and passing on the traditions to successors - willing, unwilling and overlooked successors. At times, the information comes to me like big ocean waves that it took me a while to digest what I just heard. There’s a LOT of history talk. I also really like the sentimental storytelling of the people behind such beautiful craft. The drama also pays respects to the real experts of each field by inviting them to share their real life experience during the epilogue of each episode.
Despite liking all the characters in the drama, the plot is somewhat thin. I feel that the drama is too long at 35 episodes, and with each introduction of a tradition (about 2 episodes per tradition), the stories become repetitive. I lost focus in the middle of the drama and thought about giving up. I wish it had cut down 5 or so episodes, and spent a little more time on the depth of each character of the TV show. The female lead is one of the most interesting characters. She’s adorable but also straightforward and rude. She’s fun but manipulative. When you start to pity her, she turns around and fools you with her intelligence. If you are looking for romance, then you will be disappointed. There are feelings, but no romantic stories between characters.
I would only recommend this drama if you are looking for a docu-drama and really are interested in learning about Chinese culture. If you are looking for a regular drama with an exciting or unique plot, or a romance story, then this might not be for you.
Other Random Observations:
1. I love the “I Won” doll and gift. Hilarious!
2. Something seems to be off with the styling of Zhang Bo (Professor Tao Tang). He’s only a few years older than Zheng Kai (CEO Gu) but looks so much older.
3. My first time watching Zhang Nan and she impressed me. Her portrayal of Yu Zai Zao is so funny and on point.
4. Not too many songs in the OST, but I enjoy the opening and ending theme songs. They fit the general feel of the drama.
5. It’s amazing how many actors/actresses the drama invites for special appearances.
6. I was mesmerized by all the dances in this drama. That actress is such an amazing dancer.
Completed: 10/21/2023 - Review #368
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The two adorable kids and this new family are worth your time.
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25I wasn’t expecting much when I started watching “Please Be My Family”, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. This drama does not have any top idols or popular actors, so not many watched it. The drama centers around a marriage of convenience between two single parents and their children. Together, they formed a loving and happy family, and of course, the parents slowly fall in love with each other. But a family secret looms over our male lead throughout the drama. You will have to wait till the last few episodes of the drama for that secret to come out of the bag.
What I love most, and probably other watchers as well, are the two adorable kids. Chen Chen (ML’s son) and Xuan Xuan (FL’s daughter) are just too adorable. The acting is great and their spoken lines are even better. There is no way you don’t come to love them. They have the most scenes in the first half of the drama, and I miss their presence in the second half. Each kid is adorable in their own way and together, they are a dynamic duo. They are not overly mature like the adorable child in “The Love You Give Me” but act more like 5-year olds.
Their parents are pretty likable characters as well. Song Hao Yu (ML) might appear cold and calculating. But that’s because he was hurt in the past and of course, is waiting for the appearance of Qi Si Le (FL) to bring him out of his funk. I have to say, Qi Si Le is a great character. She’s not perfect, but it’s hard not to root for this single mother. She’s independent, mature, will defend herself and speak up and is not afraid to openly communicate when something is bothering her. She is a great role model for her daughter. Together, Hao Yu and Si Le, are great parents to the kids. They also have great chemistry together and actually try to talk it out when there is a misunderstanding. I was glad to finally see them have some cute and fluffy scenes as a couple (kisses are OK, not great).
The supporting cast is lovely as well. The secondary leads are also very likable and have good chemistry together. Their romance doesn’t take up too much screen time but enough to tell their own story. But there are two other funny and interesting characters - Grandpa Song and President Tong Luo Qi. Grandpa is the best wingman and Luo Qi is the best frenemy out there. They are quite the scene stealers. The unlikely trio of girlfriends - Si Le, Li Xin and Luo Qi - are really fun to watch.
The general plot of the drama is not too unique or unpredictable. You can guess the family secret early on, but do need to wait for all the details to be exposed in the last couple episodes. One can also guess Su Le’s reaction once she found out the secret. If I have to say something is unpredictable, it is the way Si Le reacted to Hao Yu’s past romance and ex-girlfriend. I was so thankful to see a female lead who is mature enough to not get sucked into the ex’s drama and the bullshit spewed out from her mouth. She’s able to trust her man, see through the schemes and respond like a normal person.
My biggest criticism would be the villain’s story. I knew the evil scheme had to do with the family secret. But all that happened in the last few episodes were too dramatic and not quite logical for my taste. Oh another minor criticism would be the professional success that Su Le has after being in advertising for so many years.
Overall, I had a great time binge watching this drama. The kids and the female lead are worth my time, and the romance is satisfying. The acting isn’t bad and nothing too cringey or irritating.
Completed: 10/15/2023 - Review #367
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When you are away from home, your Sisters are all that you have.
Subjective Gut Rating - 8.25Stumbled upon “Sisterhood”, probably saw someone posted on the Feeds. It’s not an idol drama and the plot is probably not too enticing to many watchers. But I wanted to watch something different, and was glad to give this a shot.
This is an underrated drama about the “Sisterhood” of the Red Scarves ladies, who moved from Sam Sui (China) to Singapore for work. Not many dramas focus on the stories of women moving away from home. The drama focuses on the life and challenges of these Red Scarves ladies, and their career first in the construction industry and then branching out to others.
We follow Ou Yang Tian Qing (FL) through her career as someone fresh-off-the-boat to becoming the team leader of the Red Scarves ladies. Tian Qin is easy to root for but can also seem a little too ‘can do no wrong’. I enjoy her journey of growth and how she works closely with those she met in Singapore, especially her benefactress, Nan Lan. However, at times her words of wisdom and encouragement can seem a little preachy to me.
Romance is a side plot but enough to keep the romance lover in me satisfied but not wow me. I did not fall in love with male lead, Kuang Hai Sheng, immediately as he seems a little stalkerish in the beginning episodes. But he grows on me and I’ve grown to really like his character. He’s caring, sweet and supportive of Tian Qing’s career. Verbally, he might tease Tian Qing a lot, but deep down he was never pushy with his feelings. I wish the secondary romance didn’t happen but it’s also to-be-expected. 2ML fell in love again rather quickly.
The pacing of this drama is good. There are enough mini-climaxes throughout the drama to keep me interested in all 40 episodes. At times, I am a little confused about how much time has passed. A lot could have happened on screen and then I realized only a day or two went by.
Acting is good all around, including the supporting cast. Veteran actresses Yue Li Na (Nan Lan/benefactress), Xu Fan Xi (2nd Madam Lu), Xie Cheng Ying (Miss Qi) and Zhang Xi Wen (Sister Ling) are all amazing and shine brighter than the younger ones. There are also enough irritating characters in this drama that I want to strangle. I had to fast-forward some of their scenes. I think the one I dislike the most is the 2FL, He Xiao Chan (FL’s best friend). I dislike FL’s mother as well. I actually don’t dislike the villain as much as those two.
What I hate the most is the HORRIBLE English spoken by so-called foreigners and native English speakers, except for Police Chief Hunter. There are quite a few English dialogues and each time I hear the English spoken, my ears bleed.
Overall, I had a good time watching this drama. It’s something different for me personally. I would recommend this if you enjoy stories of women empowerment and sisterhood.
Completed: 7/11/2023 - Review #333
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Short and Simple Healing and Slice-of-Life Drama about Forgiveness
“Finland Papa” is a short (6 episodes/30 minutes long) healing, slice-of-life drama. Four individuals who have suffered through life’s challenges and loneliness found their way to work at this cafe owned by a mysterious Papa. They are instructed to become a fake (but found) family and learn to support each other in resolving their own inner struggles. I love them hula dancing together! There’s a central theme of forgiveness - to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.Because the drama is so short, we only get to know the bullet-point version of each character’s background story and their own arc, with the exception of female lead Yoo Ri. She suffered the loss of her father and her grandmother, and had to learn to live alone. Not only that, there are many unresolved emotions towards her father and his death. She has to learn to forgive and let go, and it took her a while to get to that point. We all know it’s hard to sincerely apologize but it’s just as (if not, more difficult) to forgive someone and move on.
I was impressed with Kim Bo Ra’s acting as the female lead. I’ve always seen her as the annoying high schooler, or irritating supporting character that causes trouble. I almost didn’t watch “Finland Papa” because of her, but I wanted to see male lead, Kim Woo Seok (he’s adorable!). I’m glad Kim Bo Ra took this role and showed a more mature side of her. Her character has to go through the happy-go-lucky high school phase, and move into the lonely, healing phase.
If you are in the mood for a simple, healing drama, this is it. There’s really nothing exciting or surprising. The plot is quite predictable but this could be just what you need as well.
Completed: 5/16/2023 - Review #308
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Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Amazing, underrated but NOT a lighthearted drama - Funny, Sad, and Relatable
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75Trigger Warning - this drama covers many issues and might be difficult to watch for those who are sensitive. I’ve listed the potential triggers at the end of this review.
“Salon De Nabi” aka “Fly High Butterfly '' is an underrated drama that was not released in Korea due to the bullying scandal of supporting actress, Shim Eun Woon (Jen). The drama was released in Taiwan instead and then on Amazon Prime in selected regions. It’s really unfortunate that “Salon de Nabi” did not get its deserved release and promotion because it’s a great drama. It tackles many important social issues through the lives of the 7 individuals working at the salon and their customers. Initially, I thought this would be a lighthearted watch, but I was wrong. I did laugh a lot, but I also shed many tears for the characters. I was shocked at how funny and depressing the first episode was.
I realized that I had to pay attention to this drama as not all the events and explanations are openly and graphically shown. There's quite a bit of subtlety to the storytelling, e.g. the uncle greeting the teenager and touching her arm, the character calling out their mother’s name outside the police station and then the camera panning to the cross hanging in the car, which then reminded me the scene where the character left a cake outside their family’s door. These scenes are shown to us, but not explicitly explained.
We get to know each of the 7 unique main characters in the salon, some with a bigger focus than others. The drama uses a lot of humor when introducing them but along with the laughter, there’s a lot of tears when we learn of the challenges each of them faces. I would not have liked this drama as much if there were only funny parts.
Gi Bbeum, as the female lead, has the most screen time and the biggest character development. Her story was the first to be introduced in episode 1 and also sets the tone for the rest of the drama. It’s lovely to see how she’s changed from an introverted, quiet but hard working intern who battles social anxiety, to a more confident and outspoken designer/hairdresser-in-the-making. Despite her flaws, she’s not afraid to keep learning and asking questions. Her questions might be weird but she’s trying very hard to improve. Her romance with Moo Yeol is really cute. They’re destined to be together as Moo Yeol seems to be the only one that can understand her mumbling speech. The love confession does seem to have come out of nowhere despite the weak explanation that she might have liked him from day 1. I think Moo Yeol brings Gi Bbeum out of her shell and helps her become a better version of herself. He is quite attuned to her moods, and is not afraid to ask her questions. Gi Bbeum, though shy, is very honest with Moo Yeol.
None of these characters are perfect, and a couple might be very annoying. But these flawed characters feel relatable thus we care about them and root for them to overcome their challenges. I particularly like the odd pair of Jen & Kwang Soo. Jen is the best ‘wingwoman’ and she’s so badass. Kwang Soo is the weirdest and most self-absorbed jerk, yet he can be very perceptive and can shut you down with his no nonsense facts. I probably like Michelle and Soo Ri the least, and find them slightly annoying. Poor Teacher Woo is just there. He doesn’t get a lot of screen time or lines, but I think that’s because of who he is. This weird bunch of individuals don’t necessarily like each other and are not the found family in other dramas that give you the warm and fuzzy feeling. But when one of them is in need, they rally behind and have each other’s back. There are a few circumstances where I don’t agree with the initial reactions of the characters. But when I think clearly, their reactions and actions are very normal. These are flawed characters and it takes time for them to digest the information, but will also act appropriately at the end.
My main criticism is probably the number of issues they try to cover in this drama. Sometimes, I feel like the drama is trying to do too much, therefore, a few of the storylines are fully developed. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend this drama if you want a slice-of-life drama that covers some relatable issues in a very funny yet human way.
Other Random Observations:
1. Some bad wigs are used in this drama.
2. It’s funny how dissatisfied customers all run to the public restroom to check their hair.
3. I have enough fat girls being criticized plot, forever stay in the friend zone and have low self-esteem.
4. FL’s fake smiles are haunting me.
5. It’s so sad that a character refused to go to the hospital after being stabbed by a pair of scissors.
6. Jen & Kwang Soo’s romance could have developed more.
7. Great advice from Jen about FL’s first time having sex - looking back to see if it’s a fond memory.
8. Love the interesting way of telling the ‘origin’ story of the 7 individuals in episode 15.
9. Ep 15 is technically the season finale. Ep 16 is only a bonus episode.
10. I did not like Ep 16 - it’s all fun but I was bored because I am missing the human element of the drama. Comedy only is not enough for me.
Potential Triggers (spoilers): bullying, weight issues, fat shaming, transphobia, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempts, depression, terminal illness.
Completed: 3/19/2023
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Love When the Stars Fall
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A Familiar Yet Unfamiliar XianXia Drama
When comedy is injected into a xianxia drama appropriately and smartly, a very unique and fresh drama is born. “The Starry Love” seems familiar, yet unfamiliar at the same time. The general plot is nothing out of the ordinary. We’ve seen this before: brides switch, someone needs to be a hero to save the world, the Heavenly King as a hypocrite, and everyone from the Demon World is a bad guy.But what sets this drama apart, and why so many viewers are watching “The Starry Love” is the humor in all this. The drama doesn’t hesitate to poke fun at some common tropes, and have the characters act silly here and there. Because of the overwhelming praise of the comedy, I was initially worried that it might be a little too over-the-top for my taste. Rest assured, it’s not. Funny moments hit you at the right place, at the right time, and unexpectedly. Then it switches gears to other more romantic or serious moments seamlessly. It’s a good mix to keep you hooked right from the first episode. Comedic moments did die down towards the last quarter of the drama when the more serious plot and angst took center stage, and it really wouldn’t be appropriate to be funny here.
I’ve been a fan of Landy Li since I first saw her in “My Huckleberry Friends” and she has improved so much. She along with her co-star and sister He Xuan Lin are the stars of the show. The two female characters, though seem different at first glance, are both smart, caring, loyal and stubborn. I am so glad we have an awesome sisterhood in a xianxia drama, and especially happy to NOT see another naive/innocent girl. The two male actors also did a fabulous job. Chen Xing Xu basically plays 5 different characters. This is my first Luke Chen drama, and though he’s the least experienced out of the main leads, he was able to keep up with the other three. The supporting cast was fine. Although the veterans stood out a little more than the younger cast, I wouldn’t say they’re extraordinary.
For 40 episodes, the pacing is pretty good. There’s enough going on to keep me interested. I like all the strong friendships, bromance and sismance. I don’t think I dislike any character in this drama, and that’s rare as I usually hate one or two annoying supporting characters in a xianxia drama. Even the minor female character who won’t stop annoying ML didn’t irritate me that much. As unique as the first ¾ of the drama is, the last ¼ seems quite predictable. Many are disappointed with the ending. I am not overly disappointed, I am just not surprised as I’ve seen enough dramas to know this could be how it ends. But I understand after witnessing the hardships our leads have gone through, the ending could be dissatisfactory. Because the drama was so unique for the most part, I wish there was a more creative ending.
The pretty CGI sceneries are hard to miss. It evokes a similar reaction from me when I was watching “Love Between Fairy and Devil” back then. There are many scenes that are gorgeous, but the more I see them, the more I think they look fake to me. However, I really enjoy the starry nights and the CGI use of magic and fight scenes. The fight scenes themself are just average to me. Despite the inconsistent CGI, I really like all the costumes, hairstyles, and makeup. The two female leads look beautiful in their colorful costumes. Luke Chen (Chao Feng) looks absolutely handsome and smoking hot in his black attire. I personally think Chen Xing Xu looks better in a modern drama such as “Fall in Love” but I appreciate the different looks he’s in as You Qin, La Mu, Mei You Qing and Wen Ren. I am not sure if this is a big budget production or not, but I find the post-production dubbing to be below-average to average at best. Most of the actors/actresses use their own voices and I appreciate it, but the syncing is off sometimes when the lips are not matching the lips. There’s no live recording at all. On the other hand, the OST is great, despite being too repetitive for most of the drama (maybe a few more songs can help). It might not beat the OST of "Ashes of Love" but each song complements the mood and scenes of the drama appropriately.
This is a really fun drama with good pacing. It’s light-hearted and very romance-focused. I don’t think there’s anything I REALLY dislike about this drama (just mixed feelings). That’s always a good thing in my book. For that, I am giving this a solid 8.5.
Completed: 3/12/2022
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Love the main romance but the rest of the storylines are underdeveloped.
Subjective Gut Rating - 8.25I have no expectation coming into this and not really sure why I want to watch it. LOL. Perhaps because I’ve always had a pretty good experience with Taiwanese BLs and I am always on the lookout for BL dramas in non-school settings. This one fits the bill and I have a surprisingly enjoyable time watching.
Firstly, I enjoy following along the romantic journey of our two male leads. I was somewhat surprised at how flirty Jin Xun An is after the initial introduction of his character. But after knowing his first love story, I understand why he had to change his strategy. Bai Lang is a lovely and adorable character. Their romance is cute and sweet. I love every single moment that they had before they officially got together. I love how mature Jin Xun An is and really gives Bai Lang time to recognize his feelings. I am glad Jin Xun An made Bai Lang wait and work for his love. Both characters are complex with interesting stories. I just wish the drama would go more in detail about how Bai Lang overcomes his trauma, and not just saying how Jin Xun An would support him. I want to see more actions than words, not that the supportive words are not important. On the other hand, the drama didn’t really give us much information on Jin Xun An’s family. I see where he’s coming from and wanting to give Bai Lang a real family, but the situation at home came at a surprise without any forewarning.
RJ and Alex’s story is cute as well, but the drama doesn’t give them enough screen time to fully develop. I thought RJ’s family situation would have a bigger impact but then it sort of disappeared. Instead, the drama wastes time on BigA and Chi Ren Min. It’s a half-ass romance that is insignificant and doesn’t contribute anything to the general plot. Additionally, I also don’t like how they have to give Bai Qing a partner in the end as well (especially not that guy!). Not everyone needs to be paired up, and the drama should have spent the time to develop the other two romance storylines.
This is not a perfect drama but the romance moves me and I love every minute of it. Thus, I can overlook its flaws in other areas and give this an 8.25 rating.
Completed; 1/30/2023
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Perfect for Romance Lovers - Cute, Fluffy and Low-Stress
“Hi Venus” is the perfect low-stress romantic comedy. If you want to de-stress like me, I recommend this sweet and fluffy drama to satisfy your inner romance cravings There’s no angst, no evil ex-girlfriend, no overprotective or over-demanding parents, and no misunderstanding. It’s not perfect, but it’s the perfect remedy to lift up your spirits.Plot - Even though the drama’s main setting is at a hospital, this is not a medical drama at all. You rarely see doctors in action and even though there are some hospital politics, they do not dampen your rom-com pleasure. This could be a good or a bad thing, as you might find the plot to be on the lighter side and lacks substance. Romance takes center stage and primarily about the romance between Ye Shi Lan, a pediatrician who was sent to a remote clinic, and Lu Zhao Xi, newly appointed HospitalPresident.
Main Romance - Romance between Lu Zhao Xi and Ye Shi Lan develops nicely and with good pacing. We start off with a typical misunderstanding, then they become good friends and eventually fall in love. There are plenty of cute and fluffy scenes, hugs and decent kisses. I love the “Does he/she like me” part of the plot before the leads get together. I also enjoy the honest conversation they have as friends, and continue on as lovers. Two individuals brought up very differently and have very different life experiences. They learn from each other, esp. FL who opens up her heart and becomes a happier person. As much as I enjoy their honest conversations about ideals, life and experiences, a small part of me thinks it might be a little too ‘preachy’. I also miss the spunkiness that FL displayed in earlier episodes. Nevertheless, this is a drama with enough scenes of the leads together and not just resorting to the last few minutes of the drama.
Secondary Romance - Another cute and adorable couple in their own way. They did not take up too much of the screen time, but enough for me to care about their love story. Not a whole lot of PDA for this couple, but I don’t think it’s needed.
Other Characters/Relationships - it’s quite rare to find almost everyone likable. There are a few ‘villains’ but they are not overbearing. It’s also rare to find a C-drama without mean and demanding parents. I love the relationship between ML and his mother. They are like best friends. I also like the boss/subordinate relationship between ML and his Secretary Lin. The deadpan comments and love advice Secretary Lin gave to ML are funny and they have an interesting dynamic. FL and her best friend Yao Jia Jia also have a great sismance going on. I was expecting a little more from FL’s ex-boyfriend and that he might play a bigger role, but that’s not the case.
OST - There are 3 main songs in this drama and they are decent. I do think they are overplayed a bit. There are some funny sound effects to complement many comedic moments. However, I also feel that these sound effects can seem somewhat manipulative in forcing me to feel a certain way.
Overall, if you are looking for a cute, fluffy and low-stress romantic comedy, I strongly recommend this drama. We have a good main romance with honest and open communication. There is no annoying character. But if you are looking for something with a more interesting plot that’s not as romance-focused, you might be disappointed. I needed a drama like this, and had a very enjoyable time binge-watching. 24 episodes is a perfect length for a drama like this.
Completed: 1/10/2023
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The Hopes and Dreams of those who Dedicate their Lives to their Sports.
Directed by famed Hong Kong Director Peter Chan and led by experienced powerhouses Gong Li (Coach Lang Ping), Huang Bo (Coach Cheng Zhong He) and Wu Gang (Coach Yuan Wei Min), “Leap” details the rise and fall and the rise again of China’s Women Volleyball team. This movie is well-produced and beautifully performed by not just these actors, but a younger supporting cast and a few of the professional athletes and Olympians themselves.Growing up, I was a fan of the 1980s China Women’s Volleyball team and watched many of these matches on TV with my family. I don’t watch them anymore but “Leap” brought back many memories and might have re-ignited my passion again. The high rating of this movie is very subjective but I also believe it's an amazing movie as well.
Even though the movie is about China’s Women Volleyball team and star player and coach, Lang Ping, one could argue this could be a story about any country, any sport and any athlete. The hard work, sacrifice and dedication portrayed here can be reflected in any professional athlete’s journey. What's different was China’s closed door policy for so many years. When they reopened, they had a lot of catch up to do. The rise of the volleyball team gave China hope that they could be as good as the rest of the world. There’s a quote towards the end of the drama by Coach Lang Ping about why China places so much importance on winning these matches. Look out for that quote.
The movie clocked in at about 2 hours and 15 minutes, but the pace is good and with no drag. “Leap” is full of emotions, excitement, plus quiet and deep conversations between two old friends, Lang Ping and Cheng Zhong He, supporting and encouraging each other. The use of music is excellent in conveying different emotions of the scenes. There is the usual cheering and exciting music at sporting events, but I was especially impressed when they used a violin score for one of the championship matches. The silence at the end of the biggest match let viewers soak in what just happened on their own, while watching quiet scenes of people cheering and celebrating. The ending theme, "River of Life" (生命之河), sung by Faye Wong and Na Ying is beautiful.
As I haven’t been following the sport in years, I did not know the outcome of the 2016 Rio Olympics. All the matches were exciting and it was great to see athletes participate in the movie and act as themselves. Their involvement contributes to the authenticity of the movie, and it must be a well-written movie for athletes to be willing to join in on the fun. According to Wikipedia, 10 out of 12 athletes from the China 2016 Rio Olympics squad appeared as themselves. The cast also includes players and coaches from Japan, USA, Thailand, Brazil, etc.
My favorite scene is the last scene. I don’t want to spoil the fun, but it involves a phone call made by Lang Ping to Cheng Zhong He. It’s the perfect ending and a perfect description of their friendship, hopes and dreams.
Completed: 12/10/2022
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Amazing acting, Sizzling chemistry, Raw and Real struggles of ordinary folks
Completed - 8/14/2022“Lost” is an underrated mature melodrama that could hit all the right notes for an older/mature audience who have already encountered life’s challenges. That is not to say that the younger audience will not enjoy this. I mainly want to watch this for a more mature romance and to see Ryu Joon Yeol again after "Reply 1988" (I was rooting for him!!!)
A few quick notes about this drama:
1. This is not a fluffy and sweet romance - not a whole lot of PDA either.
2. A slice-of-life melodrama about life’s challenges and setbacks.
3. Triggers: best check the tags (I don’t want to list them because it might be spoilery for some).
4. Slow burn (sizzling) romance but technically not the main focus of the drama
5. Could be depressing with few comedic moments
6. Has meaningful, quiet dialogs
Plot - The story of our two main leads who realize they have achieved nothing in life or worry they will not achieve anything and continue to stay in a rut. It tells of the life of the common folks - no fancy clothes, no fancy make-up, no fancy jobs or fancy cars. I really like that the focus is on those who work ordinary jobs. Each of the characters could be your next door neighbor. This makes their stories and struggles more realistic in a way. The drama also explores the different types of relationships - spouses, friends, neighbors, son/mother, daughter/father, in-laws, former lovers/spouses, neighbors and colleagues. “Lost” has the most beautiful story of Lee Boo Jung (FL) and her father. Her father is so lovely and understanding. A man of few words but witty and believes in her daughter. On the other end of the spectrum, the son/mother relationship is very different and provides quite a big contrast to the daughter/father relationship. Gosh.. I couldn’t stand the mom even though I know where she’s coming from. I am just glad she sort of redeems herself in the end.
Pacing - As a slice-of-life melodrama, the pacing is expectedly slower. The first episode did not immediately hook me in. The setup takes its time and viewers should be patient, give it a couple episodes to let the stories slowly unfold. By episode 5, I was fully invested in everyone’s story. Aside from the initial episodes, I found the drama to be well-paced even for someone like me who usually likes fast-paced drama and can be picky with slice-of-life’s pacing. However, there are a few times I was confused about the timeline of the drama. Sometimes, it takes a few episodes to cover what happened in one single day. Other times, a few months have passed.
Romance - Chemistry is off the charts! I am typically not a fan of noona romance, and I didn’t find the age gap to be very noticeable. Our male lead, Lee Kang Jae (played by the sexy Ry Joon Yeol) is an old soul and very mature for a 27-year old. When playing against our 40-year old female lead, Lee Boo Jung (played by the amazing Jeon Do Yeon), they have great slow burn chemistry. They actually don’t have that many scenes together, but when they are both on the screen, you can feel the intense tension especially when they are just looking at each other. They share deep and honest conversations and seem to have found someone who truly understands them. There isn’t a lot of skinship in this drama. But to me, the sexiest scene is when they were lying in the tent, and ML slowly pulled FL closer. You can feel the sexual, sensual and romantic tension. *sizzling* On the other hand, the rekindled first love between Jin Jung Soo (FL’s husband) and Lee Kyung Eun (former lover) gives off a very different vibe. Their chemistry might not be as strong, but the relationship is just as complicated. Their personalities are so different that they play off each other well, and you see a side of Jin Jung Soo that you don’t see when he’s with his wife. There are two more side couples but their stories are not as compelling. They do offer a different taste and stage of a relationship. All four couples are very different and if you are a romance lover, it provides you with some variety.
Acting - No complaint here. Top notch acting all around. There are a lot of subtle facial expressions or acting through the eyes. The quiet moments and dialogs are not drowned by music. Viewers need to pay attention to each subtle facial movement or gaze, as it can convey a lot without words.
Ending - I am satisfied with the ending and really glad to see an open and honest conversation between the husband (Jin Jung Soo) and wife (Lee Boo Jung). I have a hard time picturing them falling in love and getting married in the first place. Throughout the drama, they acted like roommates that don’t see each other often, instead of a married couple. The last conversation is what they really need. On the other hand, I wish Lee Boo Jung had a similar conversation with Lee Kang Jae. I felt that Kang Jae got the short end of the stick. They are ‘friends’ now and not talking to him seems wrong, especially when Lee Boo Jung has always been very honest with him. There is a difference between loving someone, and being in love with someone.
A minor criticism that I can’t fit in any category. There are many monologues in this drama. I enjoy them for the most part since we get different points of view. However, as a subtitle reader, it’s very difficult to read the monologue subtitle + the dialog subtitle + subtitles of certain text on, all at the same time. Maybe it’s just me *shrug* Of course, the drama is produced for Koreans, and they would have no trouble listening to the monologues while reading the text.
Other random observations:
1. I worry about FL’s father throughout the whole drama.
2. Lee Kang Jae plays with his long hair way too much (LOL). I actually find him sexier in his shorter retro hairstyle.
3. No one ever picks up their cell phone in this drama.
4. The last scene is open for interpretation and I would like to think that they live happily ever after because fate brought them together again.
5. As much as I like the song "Hallelujah", I don't want to listen to it again. It's a little overplayed.
6. Who is Ryoo Ji Hoon (who played Seo Jong Hoon)? I think he's the sexiest guy in this drama. LOL
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