Reviews

As fans of the 1 series & Tan Jian Ci, of course I have to watch this…

Story about The Beijiang police squad, Du Cheng (DC) and his team and also portraitist Shen Yi (SY). Story about how the Beijiang police squad teamed up with SY to help with the case. In this season, SY uses his ability to dig deep into the human emotion and dark side.

That’s pretty much all I can tell about this season. Now what I like and don’t.

What I like:
+ We can see more interesting and better drawing from SY
+ The relationship between DC & SY you can’t really say only brotherhood. Haha… It has the BL vibe all over the place…
+ More interesting crime story. And how the way SY dig deep into human emotion and dark side.
+ The original cast went back to their place…. Oh I really appreciate they changed none of the squad cast from the 1st season.

Overall if you’re a fan of the first season this is something you’ll watch. But if not… Hm… I don’t really feel this is really interesting. Below I’ll write what I don’t like from this season. But that means SPOILER ALERT! So Read it at ur own risk.













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SPOILER ALERT!!!
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What I don’t like:
- The story was more interesting in the first season.
- The way SY digs into human’s heart is a little over the top. It feels like something only possible on paper rather than reality.
- They don’t continue the story with the perpetrator from the 1st season. I am really curious about that woman.
- They closed with another open ending. The one that makes me want to hang the director.

Overall this season is really like AvenueX said on YouTube. Feel like a step mother taking a kid and trying to work with it without knowing what the kid is best at or what make it special. Haha… Feel like all the interesting things that sucked me into this drama are all gone….

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A predictable plot with okay acting but one hell of the message in ep 18!

I will not give too much of what the story is about because it's nothing new. What I will praise this for (and that is the main reason for giving this 8/10) is the ep 18 handling of incredibly harsh event and its aftermath. Hats off to the screenwriter for creating this powerhouse of an episode. If you don't want to know - skip this, but if you want to check for yourself - just watch ep 18.
As a trauma therapist I can only say that any woman who has been sexually assaulted could benefit from watching it. True, not every woman would have killed her rapist (and I do not condone killing, honorary or for revenge), but I am stressing both the heroine's and her man's reactions to the event. And how they acted it out. Well, maybe if he was less pushing for the kissing at the end, I would have given it 8.5). This is why the weak plot and mediocre acting overall are forgiven. Unlike what we could see in Love and Bid Farewell (where I questioned the fact of having no redeeming value in showing the rape) this gives us something to ponder on.
I liked the colors, costumes and decorations, but like many viewers disliked the face make up of FL. I liked the cute interactions between them although I must say it was typical modern girl with pseudo-historical man and completely goofy dad. We got what the audience likes in these shorter dramas, incl. evil prince, although I believe that there was no resolution of the FL's transmigration in the first place.
And as always with c drama - alas, the title has nothing to do with the plot.
Would I watch it again? If not in the entirety, then just to share the wisdom in ep 18.

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"Alexa play the song, what is this feeling by ariana and cynthia"

what should I say to this? this left me stare at the wall like in forever. I really glad that I forced myself to watch this because last year I was hesitant and though got me interested I dont have spare time to watch. And now my vacation days are over and Im going back to reality as a student. How I wish there is also a Spirealm game here in this world.

back to the show, ---great plot (I predicted so many things here including the ending) ; perfect cast ; nice songs ;and the chemistry of all characters are great.

I think Im gonna be obsessed with it in weeks. Well it has been a very long time since I felt this with a chinese show. Can anyone recommend something like this, I will appreciate it so much. Really really love thisss.

Edit: After few hours of searching and wanted to try other show like this, Im still coming back to this gosh im in a blackhole!

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A Cute Little Drama

This drama is short (4 episodes) but filled with cute moments. From episode 1 you are rooting for the shy, awkward ML to get the girl. ML character has quirks but in a light, fun, enjoyable way. This is a cute fluff drama to watch in a short amount of time.

Easy summary:
Episode 1 is introducing the ML and FL. ML bonds with FL dad (who is a detective) and helps solve a hit-and-run case.
Episode 2 shows ML and FL having more interactions with each other. ML makes a friend with an unpleasant customer from the car repair center.
Episode 3 shows ML getting jealous BUT admitting feelings to FL.
Episode 4 shows ML and FL on a date and how he will go above and beyond to make her smile.

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Incomplete and unfinished.

Squid Game S2 introduces a lot of new characters and new plotlines, but it doesn't do enough to make these elements fully engaging. Many of the new players are undeveloped, and their motivations are not explored as deep as they could have been. The pacing begins to slow down in certain episodes and loses some tension that made the first season so good.
…While the season offers some surprises, most of the twists are way more predictable then S1, making the shock value not as strong as before.

This season is still pretty engaging but it doesn't live up to the expectations set by the first season (but most sequels don't). It maintains the suspense and high-stakes but struggles with pacing, character development, and predictability. The season is solid but it doesn't offer the same level of impact or originality that made the first season a cultural phenomenon.

I think the people working on Squid Game realized how well the first season went so they're trying to drag on the plot for as long as possible. If you asked me, I wouldn't recommend this season to anyone, unless you're looking for a sequel of a sequel (season 3).

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Upbeat and positive female lead tacking workplace challenges for women employees.

Not knowing what to expect, I started “Waru: Hataraku no ga Kakko Warui Nante Dare ga Itta?” blindly. That’s a mouthful for a drama title and let’s just use the English title, “Bad Woman, Akujo” for this review. 🙂

Not going to lie, I was a little taken back initially by the overly optimistic and bubbly female lead, Tanaka Maririn, played by the beautiful and talented Imada Mio. I am usually not a big fan of this type of female character, but I have to say, Imada Mio charms me and portrays Maririn is the most adorable way that I can’t help but root for her.

“Bad Woman, Akujo” has a pretty simple plot of women empowerment and advancement in the workplace. Through the career advancement of our heroine, she was mentored by Minegishi Yuki, to advance through her career in the old-fashioned company, trying to break the glass ceiling. Supporting Minegishi with her plan, Maririn grows and meets lovely colleagues along the way. The mentor/mentee relationship is lovely to witness with a few hilarious scenes.

Romance is a side plot. Maririn is liked by two awesome and handsome male characters, yet she goes after the supposedly ‘perfect’ Mr. T. O. (Boooo!). Don’t expect much of the usual rom-com fluffiness as this is a backdrop to a more powerful and important plot.

Each episode tackles a different issue that women employees might encounter at work. Due to the drama format, it does seem like everything is resolved rather easily within an episode. I am glad that enough time is dedicated to JK5 and the hardship to execute a system and change habits in the last few episodes, and also not to ignore issues that other employees also faced. But if you want a deep dive into each issue, this is not the drama for it.

I have a very enjoyable time watching "Bad Woman, Akujo" with a lovely and adorable female lead who won’t back down in the face of challenges. A few good-looking guys don’t hurt either. But if you don’t like Maririn’s personality, this will be a difficult drama for you to enjoy. Despite not having big complaints, this drama also doesn't give me that emotional punch that I feel with dramas I usually rate 9+. My gut tells me this is an 8.5 drama.



Completed: 1/19/2025 - Review #535

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Kill me now - It is so boring, draggy, and stupid script even with good actress.

Moonlight Mystique is a Xian Xia costume drama about good and evil again (immortal vs demon.) It is nothing new; every Xian Xia drama has the same or similar story. It was freaking boring to watch.

I like Bai Lu, but ever since "Love is Sweet," I have not been able to finish any of her dramas, especially the Xian Xie ones, which she has been in a lot lately. It is not my favorite genre, but I watch it because of my favorite actors and actresses, and I get disappointed every single time with this genre.

I am in episode 8 right now, and I can't get it, let alone continue to watch the entire 40 episodes. I am dropping it.

Synopsis: Bai Shuo, the youngest daughter of the General's Mansion, vowed to cultivate immortality to repay a favor. While on her journey to seek immortality, she unexpectedly saved the powerful demon god, Fan Yue. Initially strangers, they gradually went from mutual manipulation to mutual affection, and eventually, both fell in love. Despite facing many obstacles, their love was strong enough to overcome any limitations, allowing them to embrace each other truly.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 6.5
2. Script: 4
3. Music/OST: 5
4. Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 5
6. Onscreen Chemistry: 4.5
7. Rewatchable: 4

Overall Rating: 5.0

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IMO, S2 should not been made. Lack of originality, boring, and dragging.

Under the Skin S2 is a crime drama that starts with Tian Jian Ci and Jin Shi Jia. It picks up where S1 left off, as the team investigates and solves several crimes with new characters and cases.

Season 2 should not have been made because the storyline was bad and draggy. There were too many cases to solve, so it had 28 episodes instead of the shorter episodes in S1.

The dynamic of the BL CP was not as connected and well respected as in S1. They introduced the third ML into S2 to create a conflict between the two MLs, which made the dynamic and communication even more awkward, and the ending cliffhanger was not good.

It was boring and dragging, and I had to watch it at 2.0 speed to bypass some of the dragging episodes. I did not like S2 at all. Any sequel is never as good as the original.

Synopsis: The second season will continue the core of the story of the first season of "Painting Color and Seeing People's Hearts" and understand the complexity of human nature through the outline of the portrait. The Beijiang squad, composed of simulation portraitist Shen Yi, criminal police captain Du Cheng and others, will continue to solve the human puzzle in the second season and chase the real culprit of the case.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 6
2. Script: 5
3. Music/OST: 5
4. Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 5
6. Onscreen Chemistry: 5
7. Rewatchable: 4

Overall Rating: 5.5

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MY COMFORT DRAMA

Wifty is literly my all time favorite drama, whenever you need to feel loved just watch this and you are literly gonna be wraped around with cuteness and love . To be honest its so cute where the main leads are so cute together, to also add they really did not forget about the second main actress and actors as they also have their own romance and story line. High school dramas has never felt this good to watch and to wish that you had their friend group is so unreal. About their friend group it is like a dreamy group as they spent their youth together until all of them has found a good university and graduated, they always sticked together and help each other up. REALLY RECOMEND

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not a BL

first WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT ENDING?! I knew there were only 8 episodes and still I kept hitting next because SURELY THAT IS NOT THE END.

and yet- it fits. an ending as gray and ambiguous as the heart of the story. (but that didn’t stop me from knocking my rating down half a point from a solid 8 to 7.5 because I’m petty and HOW IS THAT THE END?!)

this is not a BL. if you are here expecting smoches and high jinx or angst and fists fights, please move on.

this is a complex story that should make you question how you feel about end of life care. The story does a good job of showing both sides of the argument it presents, without ever leaning too heavily in favor of one or the other. I found myself agreeing with almost everyone at one time or another.

recommended for: people who love suspense and plot twists you can see a mile away, people who like melodramas that make you question ethics and humanity.
(NOT recommended for people who need closure because COME ON with that ending!!)

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Awesome drama until the ending where it was stupid and unnecessary.

When the Phone Rings is a melodrama about the relationship between the president's spokesman and his muted wife starting Yoo Yeon Seok and
Chae Soo Bin.

The first time I watched Yoo Yeon Seok, I was impressed. He is a good actor, much better than Chae Soo Bin. The story and pace of the drama are good until the last episode when the ending is so stupid. Why did they add the war zone scene in the previous episode? It was foolish and unnecessary, ruining the drama for me. I would have given it an 8.0 rating, but I am downgrading it to 7.5 because of the last episode.

Synopsis: Baek Sa Eon, the youngest presidential spokesman in Korea, comes from a prestigious political family. His background includes roles as a war correspondent, hostage negotiator, and news anchor. Three years ago, he married Hong Hui Ju, a mute sign language interpreter and the adopted second daughter of a newspaper proprietor. Their marriage, based on convenience, has been distant and cold. However, their lives and relationship are changed when Hui Ju is kidnapped.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8
2. Script: 7.5
3. Music/OST: 7
4. Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 7
6. Onscreen Chemistry: 8
7. Rewatchable: 7.5

Overall Rating: 7.5

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Not the kind of story I was expecting from a kdrama

I haven’t seen a kdrama this raw in a while. Some scenes are very disturbing so don’t watch this if you’re expecting a True Beauty vibe just because it’s about an ugly girl who wants to be pretty- FAR FROM IT.

The turn of events from a psychological thriller to a literal thriller did seem a little sudden to me, but since this drama is the story of one specific character and her specific story, I suppose it makes sense. Regardless, there were some parts that didn’t fit into the storyline and made me think ‘why did she do that??’, ‘why wouldn’t she do this?’, etc.

Kim Kyung-Ja was a horrible character- perfectly written. I hated her character so much because she portrays the perfect ‘boy mum’ that irks you to the core!

The drama is good for a one-time watch and has a captivating storyline to keep you hooked but beware: there are uncomfortable scenes and touchy topics. Very heartbreaking.

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Endearing silly little show

Is this a masterpiece? Certainly not, and I don't think it set out to be either. It's just a silly little romcom that doesn't take itself too seriously. The characters are all lovely and bright. It's a sweet little thing that I have a special place in my heart for.

This is objectively a mid show that did admittedly falter/worsen as the series progressed BUT lemme promote it to you. If you want something you can laugh at out of sheer ridiculousness, this is for you. It's so dumb it's actually a treasure. Example:
- It's literally about a vampire and an alien obsessed human running a pork blood soup cart + the two workers they roped in (and one of them is equally as weird).
- Yoh's cute little bead charms and accessories. That give "queer art student" vibes
- Yoh being and absolute clueless dork
- Pun and his giant collection of differently colored umbrellas
- Pun being head over heels for Yoh and willingly doing embarrassing things just to appease the cute small human
- Pun sleeping in a very comfy looking coffin in his room

It's just so silly and you can just watch and enjoy. The romance is slow burn and like... ok you're just waiting for Yoh to realize shit or for Pun to DO something. But please just watch it. Go in with no expectations. Have a fun. Sometimes you don't need a masterpiece. Sometimes you just need four weirdos running a pork blood soup cart and making songs about it to promote.

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I did not like the gory. It shows the ugly side of human beings in distress situations.

Squid Game S2 is a continuation of S1 about rich people exploiting the poor by luring them with money and having them kill each other for their enjoyment. I watched the first season and didn't quite like it because of the gory scenes and the moral values it portrays.

The same goes for S2. Although the acting was good, I am glad there were only seven episodes this season. It does review the ugly side of human beings when we are in distress situations.

Synopsis: Seong Gi Hun, a.k.a Player 456, has reentered the Squid Game after winning after the previous game. Now armed with the knowledge of the game, he seeks to save other players' lives and end the game. But those good intentions may fall flat in the face of millions of won.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8
2. Script: 7
3. Music/OST: 7
4. Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 6
6. Rewatchable: 6

Overall Rating: 7

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