Somewhat mysterious...

To be honest, I decided to watch it because Lee is in it and I've liked what I've seen him in so far. The story is intriguing, sweet, cheesy, funny and annoying - seriously, all of those. I had heard of all the male leads, but only seen a few of them in dramas - I didn't know what one of them (Off) looked like! Generally, the acting is good and characters believable.

What I liked: I was impressed with Nanon's acting - interesting part. Krist was really good and some of his facial expressions were hilarious/impressive. I'll look for more of his stuff. Mix - 3rd drama I've seen & this is my favourite character so far.

What I didn't like: some of the female characters were just annoying!

I'll watch to the end because I think the 'secret bar' idea has been cleverly done and now I want to know more about it. If you want to watch something that's not too complicated and can keep you intrigued, this might be one to watch.

Update: I felt that the ending was rushed , but there were explanations for some of the Jungle's behaviour. There was a (micro) scene (with Off) near the end, which felt like it wasn't in the script and made me laugh out loud.

Overall, I'd recommend watching it. It was fun.

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All love

This is all about love: a mother's love, knowing that love is love (gay, straight, trans), young love, self-love, first love, lost love....you name it....all love is here. It's also about my favourite thing: time travel.

This is about fear and rage. Fear of being left behind. Rage at how one group can make choices and they are praised, while another can make the same choice but are villified (and are made to endure the consequences). That was explored so well and clearly.

One night and one event can have a ripple effect, which touches so many lives. What would you do if you found yourself in a future you had never envisaged? Would you try to get back to your past? Why wouldn't you stay in the future in an unexpected and successful life?

This story was so good - the main character (Alex, played by New) is a gynaecologist, so there were discussions about taboos, pregnancy, female bodies, pleasure. I'm not sure what I expected, but I'm so glad I watched it.

I've seen New once before (in Cherry Magic) and I like his acting even more now. I liked how he portrayed a nervous 17 year old who felt left out (I think that's standard for many 17 year olds!) and then a nervous 27 (?) year old, who slowly became a confident professional. His acting when he found out the last reason he couldn't get back was top notch! In fact, that whole scene was painful and heartbreaking.

What I liked: all the actors were great and believable. Jean (played by Fah) - was a mature and sensible character with a secret. Fabulous. The soundtrack was great. The discussions were done in an adult way and it didn't feel like anything was done in a silly childish way. They explored the important need for consent. Discussions about difference.
What I didn't like: usual - anything that involves bullying (I know that (sadly) it's a part of many people's lives).

You must watch this: it's funny, thought provoking and intelligently covers many issues!

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Fast revenge

The beginning was satisfying. The end was very satisfying. The middle - not so much.

It was a great idea: an ex-assassin seeking revenge on behalf of a friend. It was too short to fully explore the story. It felt like the writer wanted to say something and decided to say it really quickly.

The main actor's portrayal of the character was great: the concentration and quiet confidence was there, but it's a shame that there wasn't more depth to the character and story. The villain was beautiful (such a strong stereotype that even if we didn't know it was him, we would guess it was him) and evil enough for you to wish that someone would put him in his place.

What I liked: the fight scenes were great
What I didn't like: some of the fight scenes were too graphic

It's watchable...ish....

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Mini Romance

This has a bit of everything: romance, comedy, mystery, traumatising history, evil stepbrothers - everything was thrown in. It's a very light romance with a large slice of mystery.

What I liked: easy to watch, a few twists, the CEO's assistant was fun, male lead was sweet
What I didn't like: they made the female lead into the bossy stereotypical female CEO (sigh...), second female was clueless and silly, second male was a stereotypical, slightly gruff but secretly kind character (because he fell for someone!).

I don't think I would watch it again, but it was OK as a light drama where I didnt have to think much.

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Oh my...

Well...this is the story of a dysfunctional friendship group with lots of toxicity and poor behaviour. I guess there must be some friendships that are this bad in real life, but my advice would be to run.

Straight off in the early episodes, there are a number of NC scenes. They are the kind that leave much to the imagination...but also don't....(the car scene!).... Neo (Boston) as a jealous, sex obsessed 'good friend' is not what I expected, but he's very good at it. Mark (Nick) as the lover who wants to be a permanent fixture in Neo's life is heartbreaking to watch. It's that feeling of desperation and longing that is almost too much to bear. There's a particular scene that really showed all the pain of wanting and finding out the truth and he was great.

What I like: Neo's acting - I've only seen him in roles where he plays the slightly silly friend, but his role as the jealous, selfish friend, is well acted. Mark's acting: I thought I didn't know who he was, but then realised he was in Moonlight Chicken. Such different roles and he's so good. I think I love him! ? Khaotung (Ray): complex character, well acted, great facial expressions (as usual)

What I don't like: there are parts of Neo's role that feel like he's a cartoonish villain. Force: I don't like the character and not impressed by his acting.

It's like reading a book and you want to know what happens in the next chapter, so I'll be watching until the end.

Just watched episode 6 - Book's acting in this episode was top tier (no pun!). I haven't liked his acting before, but the last scene was brilliant. So wicked and so cool, but so full of raw emotion.

This is becoming crazy! It was heartbreaking to watch Mark's character as he sobbed, but what a good actor! There are so many self-serving characters that I can't look away....

I'm still watching this toxic mess and every week, Neo's acting and character get better.

Episode 9: what I liked: First (Sand) and Khaotung (Ray) have great lines and have such tender, sweet scenes. Loved it. Neo's acting (obviously!)
What I didn't like: not sure I like Papang's character (Daddy (ugh!) Dan) - a mix of needy and a little creepy

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Don't Turn!

I'm sure many of us can think of a time when we wanted to go back to something that happened in our life so we can change it - that could be making it better or not making it happen.

This show was so interesting. Would you let the worst parts of yourself come to the surface or would you take the chance that you missed and hope everything turns out as you imagined? Do you even know how much of yourself you are holding back?

Nanon, as usual, was great. His ability to act as different personalities within the same show always impresses me. Singto's character was so real: not wanting to let an opportunity pass him by.

The way that things didn't necessarily go in the direction as expected was also real. In our heads, we think we know how things will turn out, but we really don't. No one can predict the future. You might have an idea, but won't know for sure.

What l liked: it showed us, in a matter of fact way, that we don't always get what we want. The acting was so good. The motivation of each character was shown and the consequences of the actions were clearly shown.

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Saucy love

I've read that Korean dramas can be clean cut and conservative, while the movies can be a bit edgier. This was definitely edgy!

It was also so refreshing to watch as it dealt with BDSM in a very adult way. I didn't feel like it was approached in a sniggering or childish way. People like different things and the movie explored that.

It explored the consequences of someone trying to be authentic with others. Until we share ourselves with others, we will never know how accepting the other person will be or how supportive. There were some sad moments and some funny moments. There were also some interesting moments - going to the shop and looking at what's offered was eye opening as was what the FL did for the ML. Who knew that the quality of the rope matters?

What I liked: the personality of the ML was so well acted. He was vulnerable but determined in what he wanted.
What I didn't like: the ending was a bit abrupt and a little silly, but also predictable.

It's made me look at all my co-workers in a new way....

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Alternative Cinderella

I'm not sure if this is a satire, a commentary on society or a romance; maybe it's all of those things.

The 'elite' live privileged lives while everyone else doesn't. The elite include different types of people (usually men, but there are some are female) and the odds are definitely stacked in their favour....and many want to be part of that. Who wouldn't? One lucky person gets to play in the same playground as the elite but was actually chosen so that others would think it was a fair game. She gives it her all and is determined not to be pushed out.

As you get involved in the story, you will have an idea about how it will turn out, but that didn't stop me watching. Actually I really liked it because it's a rags to riches, Cinderella-type story. Throw in a bit of unrequited love and you are ready to go!

What I liked: the ending, even though some of it was likely to happen. Some of the silly behaviour by one of the men - surely there's only so many times, and appropriate places, you can take off your shirt...? The reason the female lead desperately wants to win - obvious but still heartwarming. Her determination to win made me want to cheer for her.
What I didn't like: sometimes irritated by the FL's silly faces.

Overall, it was fun and watchable.

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Unexpected bonds

Obviously, the title told us what the story was about. It just didn't tell us how.

It was gory, violent, ridiculous, predictable, sweet and upsetting. It was sometimes unbearably slow and then the action would come in a burst. The action was sometimes crazy.

What would you do if you were told the world would be destroyed in 13 days? Would you go to the shelter or wait for your loved ones to go with you? Would it be OK to finally be who you really are?

We saw people's true colours: the gang was horrible and predictable and killing was going to happen because it was their opportunity to exert the tiny bit of power they had. Some of the killing was so awful, that I had to watch through my fingers! The young woman (Fai) was vile , but nothing happens in a vacuum. It was just who she was and the situation allowed her to be herself. Her cooking skills were almost too much! Her brother, Long, was calmer but couldn't/wouldn't let go of his anger.

Finding love in the most unlikely setting was also predictable. Art and Golf's relationship started badly (usual trope!) and continued badly. Then it didn't....it became sweet and a fantasy romance where they were shy and loving.

There was fun too - Gus and Sis Mam having a conversation with only their eyes was hilarious. Gus appearing every time that Art and Golf tried to get close made me laugh out loud.

What I liked: some of the characters were brilliant and hadso much wisdom. Sis Mam went from seeming to be a laughable and crazy older woman to be being a wise and thoughtful friend. Her understanding of friendship was beautiful: sharing, reminding them to look out for each other, understanding that promises can mean something, understanding that life is short.

Gus was such a wise and protective brother. His deep beliefs spread through whatever he did: protecting his family (in the broadest sense) and that included his country.

Overall, the acting was superb: vile characters were really vile. The nervousness of new, surprising love was shown. The need to share and bond was there too. So good.

What I didn't like: for the love of God, someone needed to stop Art from crying.

I don't think it's one of the well known BL dramas, but it should be!

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Ridiculous fun

What have I just watched? Madness. It was a crazy ride. Sort of James Bond-ish. Sort of superhero-ish, but without super powers - a bit like Batman not having powers like the other superheroes. It was funny and sombre and outrageously ridiculous. Loved it!

There was a scene that surprised me and I don't think I can erase it from my memory. Let's just say he's a playboy and not shy!

If they made a sequel, I'd gladly watch it.

What I liked: the silliness of it all. The feisty Kaori.

What I didn't like: sometimes the silliness was over the top, but not so much that I wanted to stop watching it. The feisty Kaori (sometimes).

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First love

The cinematography is so beautiful. I could almost feel the freedom in the surfing scenes. The acting is on point. The portrayal of a going somewhere new and wanting to fit in, but not knowing how to, is well done. All the cringey awkwardness is there and so well done.

What I liked: it was 10 episodes of beautiful acting showing all the angst and fear of not knowing or completely understanding your first real love. Really beautiful. Many of the characters had to deal with loss and the fear of loss and it wasn't done in a dramatic way.

What I didn't like: the constant indecision - I know that's how it can be sometimes when you find love! There was a weird scene in episode 9, but maybe I missed something before that scene.

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Cuteness Overload

It's every fan's dream: you meet your idol and he falls in love with you. What's not to like?

I like all 3 couples for different reasons. FL is so cute, earnest and strong (in some ways) and unexpectedly (for her) wins over the stony faced ML idol. FL's best friend is sassy, speaks her mind and is confident. The guy pursuing her is so keen and keeps persevering (he's also silly). ML's manager is trying so hard to pretend he's not interested in anyone, but he so is and his fake indifference is fun to watch.

The intrigue of the background stories kept me going back. It's a love story with lots of twists. It showed (what I can imagine are similar to) some behind the scenes life of a star.

What I liked: the most serious part of this drama is how they kept mentioning the progress of ALS and how the diagnosis will affect the person. The protectiveness and craziness of the FL's father - he was hilarious. The cuteness and sometimes naïveté of the FL. The sassy best friend. The over the top attempts to win back the ML. All I can say is: let him go! You are looking ridiculous.

What I didn't like: it was so long! I know Chinese dramas can be really long, but I nearly gave up at episode 11!

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Eternal Love

What started as a bleak and sad movie became something I wasn't expecting. Some of the attempts he made were shown and it was so sad to watch. I'm not gonna lie: I cried at the end...even though it's actually a comedy!

As the film progressed, the male lead blossomed. He tried things he would never have tried (you will have to watch it to see why) and slowly became someone he wasn't expecting or thought he could become. I can't emphasise how sweet it was and how much I wanted it to work out well.

Overall, I saw it as a confirmation that (a) we don't know or understand everything that is working in our lives and (b) life changes can hang on one thing that you have done.

What I liked: the acting and transformation of the male lead was just brilliant. He went from a nerdy, desperately sad guy to a more confident, interesting guy.
It was really funny - the other characters in the lead's life were sometimes hilarious.
The pacing of the movie was right.

What I didn't like: the male lead sometimes made me cringe with his lethargy and negativity.....but it's understandable given the beginning of the movie.

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Unexpected heroes

I had never heard of this before watching, but I thought it was short enough to hold my interest. I'm surprised, but I really loved it. Yes, it was full of clichés and was silly in places, but it was more than that.

What I liked (and what I saw in this) and, yes, some are clichés and some are just truths:

Find purpose in life - it doesn't have to be amazing (or supernatural!), but a reason to keep going can change you
Take a chance when you can - again, doesn't have to be amazing, but give it a go.
You can surprise yourself
Persistence and belief can sometimes be the key to what you want
People can act the way they do because they don't see a way out
People won't ask for help when they really should because they don't know if others are willing to help
Your needs can often align with those of others, but you won't know that unless you make connections

What I didn't like:
A wise old lady and her lost love - I know: what a cliché
Some of the action scenes were too long

Overall there was a lot I loved about this. I'm glad I found it.

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