Excellent Chemistry and Development of Main Romance

“Last Twilight” is an unexpected delight. The biggest selling point for me is the chemistry and the relationship between the two male leads. Jimmy stole my heart here.

I love Mhok, a total green flag. He was introduced as a ‘baddie’ but really isn’t one. He just had a tough life growing up and life threw him a bunch of lemons, but that didn’t stop him from being kind, hard-working, caring and considerate. He’s the perfect person to bring Day out of his isolation. He not only treats Day with kindness when he isn’t very nice. He is patient and slowly breaks down Day’s wall. He’s tough but supportive. He’s the perfect caretaker and friend. Day, on the other hand, is spoiled and quite immature in a way. He doesn’t really know what he wants in life when badminton is taken away from him.

Jimmy did a great job portraying Mhok. He was a little quiet and shy in the beginning but then the fun and flirty side came out. Sea portrays a blind person admirably but at times, his facial expressions appear a little bland. Comparatively, I enjoy Jimmy’s acting a lot more. Does anyone find Sea look like Zhang Ling He in certain angles? No, just me? LOL

I like the parallel life between Day and the character in the novel. It’s an interesting way to tell both stories and tie in the adventures of self-discovery and growth to the book. There are many other dramas about the visually impaired or someone living with a disability. But what differs and what I enjoy the most is the reminder that being a caretaker and a boyfriend are two very different roles. Many people do not agree with the decision in ep. 11. As much as Day’s mom hasn’t been the most supportive person in the world, her worry about Mhok’s role transition is valid. Could she have provided guidance earlier on? Totally. But then we wouldn’t have ep 11 and 12. Mhok and Day needed time to grow and mature. I don’t really think Mhok pitied Day, but he has his own baggage that was never resolved. He might not be as emotionally available as he thought especially to have a real relationship with someone that’s a little different.

I wonder if I would have liked the ending more if I had binged it straight from ep 1-12. Unfortunately, my timing was not right and I had a 5-day gap between ep 11 and 12. I think it might have affected my enjoyment of the last episode and all my criticisms are focused on ep 12. as it’s fresh in my memory. Yes, the chemistry is still there between Mhok and Day, and I enjoy all the flirting and teasing. But then, the lines become cringey, especially the last 15 minutes of the episode. Declaring your love for each other is fine, but doing so repeatedly in different ways becomes a little unbearable. Additionally, there’s quite a lot of time spent on the ending of Night and Phojai’s story. I like them and think they make a great couple. My problem is that the drama fails to show and develop their romance in the first 11 episodes.

Overall, this is a lovely drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s not my # 1Thai BL drama, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. I appreciate the non-dramatic acting, nice OST and cinematography and the lack of ridiculous plot twists and turns. And this is very personal, I am also glad that it doesn’t have the camera stay on the actor’s faces for a few seconds too long for dramatic effects.


Completed: 1/26/2024 - Review #399

Leia Mais

Friends-to-lovers: Simple, Repetitive, Nothing new.

The title, “I Cannot Reach You”is so accurate. Yamato spent the whole drama trying to reach Kakeru. If that’s the type of drama you enjoy - shy, awkward, unsure, simple teen romance - then this might be for you.

However, to me personally, it takes too long to reach Kakeru. Nothing much really happens and the drama can be summed up into a few points:
Yamato couldn’t control his feelings for Kakero anymore but doesn’t want to jeopardize the friendship (repeat this every episode).
Kakeru is confused about Yamato’s actions and his own feelings (repeat this for 70% of the drama).
Yamato and Kakeru are constantly being interrupted during pivotal moments (repeat this for 70% of the drama).

I also find the acting below average. There’s a way to act awkward, shy and cute. But I find Yamato too awkward (especially in the earlier episodes) and Kakeru acting way too cute. Maybe I am too old for this drama or I’ve seen too many already. This drama doesn’t bring anything new. However, this could be a gentle and easy watch for someone who just needs a breather. I might have liked this more if the acting is better and if there are more cute and fluffy moments.


Completed: 12/25/2023 - Review #387

Leia Mais

Toys with my Emotions - Makes me Smile one minute and Cries like a baby the next minute.

So much praise has already been showered on “Twinkling Watermelon”, so I came in with high expectations because everyone seems to love it and it has an impressive 9.2 rating right now. I am glad I wasn’t disappointed. I knew it’s about going back to the past but I wasn’t expecting to be smiling one minute and then crying like a baby the next. I thought the drama would be full of funny moments of a bunch of teenagers messing around and forming a band, and then cute and fluffy moments of teenage love. Little did I know that this drama is so much more.

I don’t think any Korean teen dramas have impressed me this much, that honor usually goes to C-dramas. So, I am really happy to have waited for the right time, the right mood to watch this. “Twinkling Watermelon” does an excellent job in combining different elements of family, friendship, first loves, healing, hardships, mystery, and finding yourselves. A drama can easily lose its identity when it tries to do too much, not this drama.

I enjoy many of the songs in this OST. I love the band's performances and wanted to see more. Everyone on stage, present and past, is charismatic and a joy to watch. Ha Yi Chan is full of sunshine and energy. He’s the perfect frontman. He exudes joy. Ha Eun Gyeol is the cool and good-looking guitarist with crazy charisma. The supporting bandmates also seemed to have a lot of fun performing.

My eyes can’t stop following Ryeoun. I didn’t find him this attractive when I watched him in “The Secret Romantic Guesthouse”. In fact, in my review I said he’s pretty but acting is not that great and lacked charisma. What a change in “Twinkling Watermelon”. I might have developed a little crush on him. His acting has improved so much. Choi Hyun Wook has a similar energy that I got from “Racket Boys”. He’s such a sweet and his character really grows on me throughout the drama. His friendship with Ha Eun Gyeol, and relationship with his grandmother are beautiful to watch. Actually, everyone’s acting is great in this drama - the young ones and the veterans. I love that sign language is used throughout the drama, and many different actors and actresses use it. I applaud them for learning a new language and I am sure it’s not easy.

When it comes to romance, I want to put young Ha Yi Chan and Yoon Cheong Ah in a tiny little box and protect them from all harm. They are so sweet, so cute and so precious!!! I am especially touched by Cheong Ah’s story and love how their romance is developed. The present day parent-couple is just as precious. They live so passionately and so freely even with a disability. No wonder they raised such a Mr. Green Flag in Ha Eun Gyeol. I don’t feel as strongly for Eun Gyeol and Cho Se Kyeong’s romance but I like how they supported each other in the last few episodes.

If I have to pick on this drama, it’s that bullying is everywhere in all K-drama genres. I know it’s hard to avoid that when we have a central plot around people who are hearing impaired. But I still wish there are other ways to tell the story without such a focus on bullying. I also find Choi Se Kyong/On Eun Yu a little too loud and annoying. I didn’t really care for her character much when she came back from the US. I also would like a little more explanation on why the Master is who he is, and how this all happened.

I strongly recommend this drama if you are looking for something fun yet heartwarming and touching. This drama toys with my emotions! It also has great acting and music and a good-looking cast.


Completed: 12/25/2023 - Review #386

Leia Mais

Finally a drama and role for a more mature and experienced Xu Kai

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

“Wonderland of Love” features two intelligent leads who always try to outsmart each other. That should be a pretty attractive premise to attract a wide audience. However, it doesn’t seem to be as popular as “The Story of Kunning Palace” which was broadcasted at about the same time. I guess a vampire gege is more attractive than a war hero Mr. Green flag. LOL There are many things I liked about this drama, but I do agree with many reviewers that the last arc wasn’t quite as exciting.


What I Like:

1. Xu Kai - I’m so glad I finally get to see Xu Kai in another drama worthy of his popularity and star power. His last few projects have been duds. I have liked him best as the more animated lead in “Arsenal Military Academy” and also his more subtle emotional acting in “Ancient Love Poetry”. But here in “Wonderland of Love”, I see the best of both worlds. I am thankful that he’s not another emotionless cold-on-the-outside character, but one that is mature and gives him the ability to showcase his acting range. If you are a Xu Kai fan, this is a must-watch.

2. Li Ni (ML) - Li Ni is a historical Mr. Green flag. He’s loyal, respectful, communicative, honest, courageous, selfless, can fight, can scheme (but not wicked and cunning). He’s a good son, a good brother, a good comrade, a good lover. He’s almost Mr. Perfect. His one flaw (if you can call it a flaw), is that he’s so in love with A Ying (FL) that it might have clouded his judgment and conceding to A Ying. He just can’t say No. But, as a romance-lover, he’s the perfect boyfriend.

3. Cui Lin/A Ying (FL) - On paper as a female character in a historical war and political drama, it’s nice to see a smart female lead who can fight and can think. She is as smart as Li Ni, and sometimes actually outsmarts him. She is independent, stubborn, and loyal to the Cui Army. She also has strong beliefs in bringing peace to all.

4. Fight and Battle Choreography - First of all, I am going to criticize the occasional slow-motion fights, and spinning/twirling to create a romantic effect. Having said that, “Wonderland of Love” has some of the more impressive fight choreography for close-combat fight and war/battle scenes. The drama started off with the leads fighting each other. There are a few sword fighting scenes throughout the drama that are pretty good, especially when this is a historical, political drama, and not a wuxia/xianxia drama. As other reviewers mentioned, the battle in episode 30 was well shot and hardcore. It was a bloody battle and many died in different ways. When the Laolan song is played, it breaks my heart. There are only a few other dramas (e.g. The Rebel Princess and Love Like the Galaxy) that I can think of with similar impressive battle scenes.

5. OST - There are several songs in the soundtrack and they all sound lovely and complementary to the scenes.

6. Acting - Xu Kai and Jian Tian both acted well and did not disappoint. The veteran supporting cast definitely outshines the younger supporting cast. I don’t think the younger cast is horrible, but no one shines through either.

7. Ending - No rush ending, in a way. The last episode is dedicated to show how everyone’s doing.


What I have Mixed Feelings:

1. Lead Romance - As I mentioned, I like Xu Kai and Jiang Tian’s acting. But for whatever reason, I am not feeling their chemistry as a couple, especially during the cute and fluffy scenes. I can’t get it out of my head that Jiang Tian is 7 years older than Xu Kai. I don’t feel this way when Jiang Tian is paired up with Timmy Xu or Vin Zhan. It’s probably because Xu Kai has somewhat of a baby face. I don’t think this is supposed to be an older sis/younger bro romance either. A Ying is a strong female lead, but not necessarily an easy-to-like female lead in a romance. There are plenty of kisses in the drama, yet none of them seems passionate to me. I also think the directing of the kisses is a little off. But if you look at the romance objectively, it’s a good one. They are both smart, have the same goal in mind, courageous and for the most part when there are issues, they communicate with each other. They might not take the same road to achieve their goals and disagree on principle, but they understand each other’s circumstances. I love their love letter correspondence during war time. All the good elements of a great romance, but I am just not feeling it.

2. Secondary Romance - I don’t particularly like or dislike it. It’s like every other secondary romance in many dramas. They’re cute and all, but don’t add much to the drama itself. I much rather learn more of Consort Xiao and the General love story.

3. Liu Cheng Feng (2ML) - I don’t believe his love and obsession for FL justify his actions. The way he seeks revenge seems way over-the-top when it comes to a country’s safety. I pity him when he was weak and then I just didn't care for him much when he turned to the dark side.

4. Final Arc (last 9 episodes) - I have to agree with others that the last arc of the drama isn’t written well. This part of the drama was draggy and anti-climatic after the big battle in episode 30. All that could be told in half the time. With the initial cold war between the leads, I find it somewhat annoying that our supposedly smart FL hasn’t thought of the consequence of the Cui army when she tried to push ML to be the crown prince. She should have calculated all of that politics, and not been surprised by the king’s decision to disband them. We wasted a couple episodes on this cold war. The villain tried to scheme and set up the general as a traitor. It was brought up without much info, and was resolved without much fanfare either. I thought it would be some elaborate plan but in the end it was just he said she said. The invasion was done half-heartedly. These foreigners were used by others for most of the drama. And when it came down to business, they were taken out easily and anti-climatically.

5. Production Quality - I don’t believe this is a big budget production. The green screen used during the leads’ horseback riding was hilariously fake. The wonderland scenery also seems fake to me. The set design, costumes and props seem OK. I am disappointed that almost everyone is dubbed. I find the dubbed voice for A Ying doesn’t quite match the face of Jiang Tian. And what is up with the pale faces of Xu Kai and Jiang Tian when they are soldiers, living under the sun and dust all the time. I think they could have darkened their skin tone a little. They definitely look too white, clean and pretty to be general/commander.

6. The King - He’s annoying as heck! I know he’s not the smartest cookie, but I can’t believe we need to tolerate his dumbness and ignorance for 40 episodes.


Overall, this is a decent drama to watch. I will recommend this if you are a fan of Xu Kai and Jiang Tan. I am rounding my rating up for Xu Kai, as I think this is his best role yet. I realize my criticisms are very personal and somewhat petty. LOL.


Other Random Observations:
1. The band of brothers are fun but way too loud.
2. I love the scene of the grass dragonflies when ML was sad.
3. I am glad Gu Wang Niang is not the typical evil 2FL. She technically didn’t do anything too evil, but this actress portrayed the character so well that I really dislike her! She gives off this cunning aura, without doing anything evil. Is it good acting?


Completed: 12/17/2023 - Review #383

Leia Mais

A very different but more enigmatic and charismatic Meguro Ren

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

“Trillion Game” shows us a different side of Meguro Ren. He’s no longer the gentle, quiet or shy character that we know in “Kieta Hatsukoi”, “Silent” or “As Long as We Both Shall Live”. In “Trillion Game” he’s the ruthless, calculating and scheming Haru. It does take me a little bit to get used to this new Meguro Ren. I’m glad he branches out to different roles, but personally, I am not a big fan of over-the-top anime/manga acting. So I much preferred his shy roles. Having said that, Meguro Ren is charismatic and really does shine in this drama. It’s hard not to focus on him when he’s on the screen.

His counterpart/business partner/friend is a total opposite of Haru. Gaku is a shy and introverted computer geek. As the genius hacker, he complements Haru very well. The duo tackles the internal and external crisis of building a business seamlessly. I have enjoyed watching their friendship and partnership grow, and especially the trust they have in each other. Although Haru is more enigmatic, we do see character development from Gaku and how he’s slowly changed.

Playing Princess Kiri is the beautiful Imada Mio. Kiri is sassy, cool and sassy. You won’t see a trace of her shy portrayal of Miyo in “As Long as We Both Shall Live”. When she’s alone, she dazzles. When she’s with Haru, the chemistry is there, even if there’s really no romance in this drama. It’s lovely to see both Menguro Ren and Imada Mio play such different roles together. I always look forward to the eye-catching and somewhat over-the-top outfits that Princess Kiri wears. Every time she shows up on screen, she has a different outfit. It’s like her own fashion show.

Rinrin the human AI is the moral compass of Trillion Game. She steers the ship through rough waters and keeps it on the right path. As the honest, ethical and passionate President, her character might be more one-dimensional than the other three.

This is not a serious business drama, nor a romantic comedy. Comparatively, it’s not as overdramatic as other anime/manga live adaptations I’ve seen. It’s fast-paced and with a decent supporting cast. The two veteran actors are great,and a good contrast to the younger cast. In order to build the Trillion Game, you will see Haru and Gaku overcome each challenge and build the company one piece at a time. These building blocks can seem repetitive at times, and also appear to be quite easy. You can also guess where Haru is going and that he's always 10 steps ahead of everyone. I would have liked to see more backstory of the supporting cast, but there isn’t enough time for that. I think I enjoy the second half of the drama more than the first, when the stakes are higher and Meguro Ren’s character is less over-the-top but has become seriously manipulating.

With 10 quick episodes, this is an easy and enjoyable binge. Would I have loved to see a little more romance developed between Haru and the Princess? Yes. But sometimes, the unspoken but obvious affection and interest could be just as sizzling.



Completed: 12/13/2023 - Review #382

Leia Mais

Watch this for Rowoon

Subjective Gut Rating - 7.75 rounding up to 8.0 for Rowoon

This is a show about Rowoon. I started watching “Destined with You” for him and I stayed for him. His visuals are without a doubt great. But his acting has also improved. It’s nice seeing him play a more mature and serious lawyer, instead of a young rom-com fluffy cute loverboy. Granted, he is very smitten with FL and is a loverboy for some episodes and some scenes, but for the most part, he plays a sensible and not over-the-top lawyer. He was absolutely hilarious when he’s under the spell.

The same cannot be said for the female lead, Lee Hong Jo, played by Jo Bo Ah. I liked her ok in the beginning though I did not like her being a doormat at work. But I can sympathize with the work culture and it’s not easy. However, I dislike her the most and the main critique of “Destine with You” is her constantly making dumb decisions, disregarding her safety, thus putting others and herself in danger. Once or twice, I can understand. But after you were being stalked, harassed multiple times and assaulted, you gotta act smarter. Just because your boyfriend bought you pepper spray, doesn’t mean you are invincible. How about using your brain and not opening the door to strangers after being stalked/harassed? Or call the cops for help and backup, before walking into danger thinking you are smarter than everyone? Additionally, why would you tell your boyfriend’s secret illness to others without his permission? He didn’t even tell his mom!! Lee Hong Jo also keeps on believing 2FL’s lies even when she knew what an evil mean girl 2FL was in high school.

I actually quite like the setup with destiny and spells and all the flashbacks. But I don’t think the storytelling was smooth enough to keep me engaged. It would be nice to tie the stalker plot with what happened 300 years ago. It’s not convincing enough that all the stalker did was because of possible mental illness, when he was trying to place a curse on someone.

The romance is pretty good but frustrating at times. Jang Shin Yu (ML) is definitely two-timing for a while and the lack of communication frustrates me. Rowwon and Jo Bo Ah have decent chemistry in some of the cute scenes. The kisses are good but I would have liked to see a few more passionate ones. But because I disliked how the dumb the female lead is, it affects my liking of the romance as well.

Moreover, I find all the coworkers annoying. Those men-obsessed girls are especially worse and super loud. The older couple is a little cringe. Second male lead is fine. He’s now showing a lot of personality and when standing next to a fine specimen like Rowoon, Ha Joon pales in comparison.

Overall, I would recommend this drama if you are a fan of Rowoon or the fantasy element. The female characters in this show annoy me. But the male characters aren’t bad (except for the FL’s boss). I am giving this a round-up 8.0 all because of Rowoon and his very kissable, puckered up lips.



Completed: 11/24/2023 - Review #380

Leia Mais

It's more than banchan

A short 2-episode food show about banchans and more. I've always loved Korean food and after watching so many K-dramas, my love for it deepens and my tongue has grown stronger by eating all the spicy pork bulgogi from my favorite Korean restaurant.

This short series provides us with a glimpse into the world of banchan (small side dishes served along with rice). I'm sure if you've been to a Korean restaurant, you will see these tiny dishes spread out on the table. This show introduced me to many different types of banchan and more. It also talks of the history of banchan, different cooking methods and using seasonal ingredients to make the best Korean dishes. Make sure you don't have an empty stomach when watching, as your tummy will growl and you will crave for some Korean food.

However, from a food tv show perspective, I have seen better storytelling and editing. The hosts are OK but they lack personality to hook you in. None of the 3 hosts (manhwa artist, actor, singer) is a food expert and that's OK. But their commentary and compliments are all the same and repetitive. When telling the history of the food, it sounds like they are reading from a script and have their lines memorized.

Nonetheless, I came for the food and to learn about the food. In that, I am satisfied.

A personal story - The first time I had bibimbap was many years ago when I was young and on a Korean Air plane. I had no idea what dish it was and how to eat it. So, I copied the passenger next to me, and bibimbap remains one of my favorite Korean dishes (especially if it's the stone pot version with the burnt rice at the bottom. YUM!)


Completed: 11/19/2023 - Review # 377

Leia Mais

For Romance Lovers - Romantic, Sensual, Emotional

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75

I’ve always enjoyed watching Thai period dramas to learn more about Thai culture. Even though time-traveling is not my jam, the trailer of “I Feel You Linger in The Air” piqued my interest. I am so happy that I waited for it to finish airing and binge all 12 episodes at once. It’s a wonderful and romantic drama that focuses on the love story of the main leads. As a romance lover, this is definitely my cup of tea and I get the satisfaction I couldn’t quite get from “To Sir, With Love”. But if you are picky about the time-traveling, you might not be satisfied.

What I Like:

1. Main Romance - First and foremost, I love the development of romance. Even though it feels slow, it's actually not. It takes them about half a drama to confess their feelings, so in a way, that’s a pretty decent pace. Yai is so smitten and in love from the second he laid eyes on Jom. The love is there right from the start and continues to build throughout. Jom’s love is undeniable and he’s so in tune with Jom’s feelings and thoughts. Drunk confession through poetry? Sign me up for more! As mentioned, their love story is central to the plot and you follow their journey every step of the way. Their romance is beautiful, ROMANTIC, sensual and passionate.

2. Chemistry - Amazing and off the charts. Who knew olive oil can be so sexy? There are many Thai BL dramas that are way more sexual and with more explicit sex scenes. But in “I Feel You Linger in The Air”, I think their touching, caressing, hugging and kissing are WAY sexier and more romantic than any explicit sex scenes. **Check out ep 7** 😉 I can feel their emotions throughout these scenes. There’s one scene that’s a little more sexual, but the emotions behind it are telling us a very different story - elation, sadness, longing, desperation.

3. Acting - There is no typical Thai overacting, or having the camera stay at someone’s face for 5 seconds too long. The acting is as natural as I could have hoped for in a Thai drama. Nonkul (as Jom) and Bright (as Yai) did an admirable job. Even though I don’t think they are excellent, I believe in them and their acting (still some room for improvement). The supporting cast also deliver good performances.

4. Music - For such a gentle and romantic drama, I am glad the drama is not overloaded with songs played over and over again. For most of the drama, we hear gentle background music that mostly complemented the scenes. It was quite interesting that Swan Lake was played during two scenes when Jom and Yai are evading/dancing around each other about what just happened. The few songs that the drama has are lovely and played mainly towards the end of the drama more often. The lyrics also complement the scenes very well.

5. English - English that sounds English and doesn’t hurt my ears! Sweet James is played by Kimmy G (Thai-British) and Robert is played by Attila G (Thai-Swiss). I am so glad they are casted in these roles. Not only are they good to look at, they are lovely to hear from, esp. James.

6. Production Quality - Cinematography is beautiful. Jom’s house looks classic from the outside and the rooms look simple but gentle. The costumes are not elaborate but they seem to match the 1920’s style. The male cast looks handsome in their suits and the women look beautiful in their dresses.

What I have Mixed Feelings or Don’t Like:

1. Time-Traveling/Ending - I don’t necessarily feel that the ending is rushed, but it was not satisfying. The drama did not really explain the last few scenes in the finale. What if there’s no season 2, then it leaves a big question mark about how this ending makes sense. A special episode is fan service and doesn’t really match the tone with this beautiful melancholic drama. Having said that, I like how unique the drama ties the visions to _______ (it would be a spoiler if I write that out).

2. Villain’s downfall - Many viewers like me are waiting for the downfall of the villain. I don’t think he’s THAT bad compared to other villains I’ve seen, but the exposure of their crimes is really anti-climatic. Even if that place and time are best for such an exposure, the way it was done doesn’t make sense to me. It seems too easy without much resistance. I was hoping for more.

3. Side Stories - Maybe due to the focus of the leads, the other two couples didn’t really have a lot of screen time. I think their stories could be interesting as they are vastly different from the main couple, but not enough time is dedicated to them for viewers to know their backstories to make me root for them even more.


Overall, I strongly recommend this drama for romance lovers who like a slower-paced, passionate and a more melancholic love story (with some cute scenes). You will go through so many different emotions with the leads and will love it.



Other Random Observations:
1. Did you notice Jom likes to blink very slowly, or close his eyes a few seconds too long right before he’s expected to say or react? For some reason, it bothered me. LOL (I know I am insane).
2. I will forever remember this couple when I see olive oil. LOL
3. James and Ming are both so sweet, kind and nice. Great friends to have!
4. Jom and Yai are the most careless forbidden lovers out there. I worry they will get caught every time they are so open with their affections.



Completed: 11/5/2023 - Review #373

Leia Mais

A drama dedicated to Firefighters! Salute to their sacrifice!

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

2023 is the year of firefighters. “Bright Eyes in the Dark” is the third drama about firefighters and is the one I like the best. This is a story about firefighters, a whole drama dedicated to their experiences, challenges, livelihood and brotherhood. And because of this, it sets itself apart from the usual romance + firefighter stories.

If you want:

50% Cute and Fluffy Romance + 50% Firefighting/Rescue → A Date with the Future
50% Melo-Romance with angst + 50% Firefighting/Rescue → Fireworks of my Heart
80% Firefight/Romance + 20% Romance → Bright Eyes in the Dark


What I Like:

1. Brotherhood/Camaraderie - Aside from focusing on the main leads, the supporting cast is able to shine and tell their own stories. These are stories that make me laugh and make me cry. I don’t know how accurate these stories are in depicting the lives of real firefighters, nor do I know if this is only relevant to Chinese firefighters, but I eat them all up! As always, you can’t always like a character too much in such genres, as you never know if they are going to get hurt seriously or die during their missions. This band of brothers are a fun bunch and they are more mature than the other supporting cast in similar dramas. A mix of veteran and up and coming actors, they have great chemistry together.

2. Missions/Cases/Firefighting - The drama started out with a string of cases and might have bored some people who are looking for romance. There are many more big cases in this drama and for the most part, the fires and explosions all look very real. Money is invested to make this all as realistic as possible. Compared to the other two firefighter dramas, this one showcases bigger disasters and fewer everyday life mundane calls (still have some).

3. Acting - Excellent acting all around. I might get annoyed with a few characters, but that is probably due to their good acting. This is my first Johnny Huang’s drama and he meets my expectations. His tall and muscular frame suits his captain role. He looks like a firefighter. Zhang Jing Yi continues to improve after seeing her in “Fall in Love” and “Lighter and Princess”. Her character is definitely more mature and independent, and she portrays it well. But my favorite acting goes to the rest of the veteran firefighters. When one of them cries by the stairs at the hospital due to the overwhelming monetary burden, my heart breaks for him. Those emotions feel so real and raw. When one of them wanted to commit suicide, I wanted to give him a hug and tell him everything is going to be alright.

4. Main Romance - The chemistry between Johnny Huang and Zhang Jing Yi is pretty good. They have good kisses (thank god!) and the girl is not afraid to initiate. They have great conversations, are honest with each other and will talk it out before making any decisions. The romance lover in me wanted more screen time and lovey-dovey moments. A minor critique, I do think Zhang Jing Yi looks a little younger (appearance wise) to be paired with Johnny.

5. Wang Zi Qi - I love that WZQ took on a more serious role after seeing him as a rom-com CEO or someone a little more bland. In this drama, he shows a very different side of him and looks older (more natural) without a full face of thick makeup. I like his more mature and rugged look. He exudes quiet and stern charisma, but also shows his softer side later on. I wish he had more scenes with Johnny. His voice is finally not dubbed, though he needs a little more practice.


What I have Mixed Feelings or Don’t Like:

1. Preachy/Propaganda? - This drama talks a lot about firefighters dedicating their lives for their country by compromising their personal and family lives. Is this Chinese propaganda? Maybe. But I am sure each country feels very strongly about their life-saving heroes. The fire safety clip at the end of each episode is a useful and good public service announcement. However, as a binge-watcher, I got bored after a few and then just skipped through them.

2. OST - The same two songs keep on playing over and over again. They are nice, but just way overplayed. Comparatively, I like the OST of “Fireworks of my Heart” a lot more.

3. A few questionable situations - The TV show premise is not very plausible. It takes going to a special school and training before you can go into the fire (like the two newbie firefighters). They make it too easy for the actors, especially the newcomer, to join in on everything. The drama mentioned many times that it’s difficult for firefighters to take time-off, is that really so hard in real life? If it’s that hard, how did they let them all take a day off together to go picnic/camping? I might be totally wrong and it’s possibly fine, but in the very last few episodes, I question the decision to let civilian volunteers to help out. If you are not trained, no matter how short-staff you are, you might not want them into a burning forest.

4. Ending (spoilers) I understand why the leads need to move away to let the rumors die down. What I don’t understand is why they stop communicating with each other as if they have broken up. Did I miss a part of their conversation? Why can’t you stay away from each other physically, while being emotionally together and continue to support each other? If they have stayed a loving couple, I would be more ok with the somewhat vague ending. Even if the male lead really dies in the mission, I am ok with it because I have seen their romance blossomed and I felt rewarded. But acting like they broke and adding on that ending makes this very unsatisfying.


Overall, I had a good time watching this due to the emotional stories of the firefighters and the great all-around acting. It’s not a perfect drama, but it’s special in its own ways. The pacing is decent for a 40-episode drama. But this is definitely not for everyone. I can see many drop this after the initial episodes especially if you are looking for romance.


Other Random Observations:
1. How many times is the FL going to be stuck in a dangerous fire situation and need to be saved by ML?
2. I want to slap those two newbies for their immature behaviors and get into trouble over and over again. When are you going to learn and listen to your supervisor?!?
3. I am quite impressed with Zhang Jing Yi’s dancing. I know some complicated moves and wide-angle shots are not her dancing, but those that are done by her look pretty good.
4. The fake tan on ML is just too obvious.
5. Surprisingly, there aren’t too many topless 6-pack scenes. Just a few in the early episodes I want more! LOL
6. I know Wu Gang is an excellent veteran actor but his botoxed face is too distracting!!!!


Completed: 10/30/2023 - Review #371

Leia Mais

Love at First Fart - I can't believe I am rating a Slapstick Comedy a 9.0

Never in a million years would I have thought that I would one day rate a slapstick comedy a 9.0 rating. I am someone who doesn’t like over-the-top comedies and usually avoid slapsticks. This drama is still not for everyone, however, the stars are aligned for me to enjoy it.

The Aligned Stars ★★★
1. I am in NEED and in the MOOD for a comedy. Just something fun and light-hearted.
2. I set my expectations. I know coming into this that this is slapstick with ridiculous bathroom and second-hand embarrassment humor. I wasn’t prepared when I watched “Euchalala Waikiki” and ended up dropping it.
3. Surprisingly, there’s a stronger focus on romance than I anticipated. I thought this was the slapstick version of “Good Manager” with zero to slight romance. I was pleasantly surprised.

Given these three factors, I had an AMAZING time binge-watching “Gaus Electronics”. I bet all the actors must have such a great time shooting this drama. I wonder how they could keep a straight face and not laugh every single minute of shooting this.

I do want to acknowledge the fact that a lot of the fun was built upon our male lead’s incompetence, clumsiness and misery. If you don’t like bullying in any form (funny or serious), stay away from this drama. These factors might turn a lot of people off. But I switched my brain off and went for the ride.

This is just a very funny drama. The comedy starts from the first episode all the way to the last. The pacing is great and there are so many things going on to keep me engaged throughout. We have enemies-to-lovers romance, unrequited love, rich chaebol trying not to mooch off of his family’s fortune, company politics/stress, and different kinds of relationships. I was pleasantly surprised how moved I was in the last couple episodes regarding the main romance. Acting is flawless and everyone is so well-casted. I really don’t have any major criticism of this drama.

If you are like me and in the same circumstances with the stars aligned, I strongly recommend this drama to you. But if you don’t like over-the-top acting, second-hand embarrassment, and making fun of workplace bullying, then it’s best to stay far, far away.


Other Random Observations:
1. How many managers do you really need for a small marketing team?
2. The references of other K-dramas was fun. It was also fun guessing the famous lines.
3. Yes, that gelled up hair still bothers me to the end.

Completed: 10/8/2023 - Review #365

Leia Mais

Adorable Kid and Family but not perfect

“The Love You Give Me” is an easy-to-watch light drama about family, second-chance romance (and other romances) with a small business plot. Wang Yu Wen and Wang Zi Qi teamed up together again after the success of “Once We Get Married” in 2021. It’s evident that they have a great working relationship and feel very at ease with each other. Their chemistry is good.

What I Like:

Quan Quan - Adorable child actor, Cui Yin Xin, is the star of the show. Playing the role of Quan Quan (QQ), he is integral in reuniting his parents together. He is sooooo cute and smart. You never get bored of his scenes and at times, he acts more mature than his parents. I believe this little guy dubbed his own lines post-production (unless DramaWiki is wrong). I can’t believe he is one of the very few actors who uses his own voice, not even his parents did that! Quan Quan's adorableness rivals that of Xiao Bao in “Unforgettable Love”.

The Family - All the scenes of the family together are gold. QQ is such a sweet and caring boy and I love the interaction he has both individually with each of his parents, and also together as a family. I think the scene of QQ with Xin Qi (ML) together with their hair tied with little rubber bands is the cutest scene ever! What a lovely way to bond and introduce us to many more cute scenes of this father/son duo.

Main Chemistry - I enjoy the bickering of Min Hui (FL) and Xin Qi (ML) quite a bit in the first half of the drama. The chemistry between them is great. There’s quite a bit of natural skinship towards the end of the drama. Many kisses, hugs and hand/arm holding. The kisses are OK and for some reason, I thought they would be better. The drama actually gives us a lot of kisses in the last few episodes, and makes me feel like they are fanservice. I also enjoy the storytelling of their romance 5 years ago, via epilogues at the end of each episode. It’s a good way to use flashbacks yet not disrupting the flow of the present-day timeline.

Main leads acting - I enjoy Wang Yu Wen and Wang Zi Qi’s performance. I think working together for the second time and being familiar with each other helps. Though their characters are the usual rom-com role, they performed to my expectations. I am actually surprised they did a pretty good job with the emotional scenes, especially for Wang Zi Qi in the last episode.



What I have Mixed Feelings and Don’t Like:

2nd Romance - I initially found the Cao Mu/Chen Jia Jun romance kinda cute. I appreciate that the drama does not go into the whole older woman/younger man discussion and criticisms. However, there’s not a whole lot of substance to their story. In the beginning, it was adorable how they both tried to find ways to see each other more. Both were shy but wanted more. But once they got together, Chen Jia Jun became an accessory. He doesn’t do anything aside from following Cao Mu around. I got bored watching them. Moreover, how come Cao Mu changes her thoughts of wedding all of a sudden in the last episode?

3nd Romance - This one is even more head-scratching. I can’t see how Zhou Ru Ji, a highly respected cardiac surgeon would fall for a spoiled princess. How can his taste change so much from liking a mature, independent single mother for 4 years, to a clingy and stalkerish little girl? Zhou Ru Ji and Yao Zi Zhu’s scenes are cringey and definitely not cute and fluffy. I would have a little more respect for Zhou Ru Ji if she was portrayed as a serious ballerina and the drama develops her character more than a lovesick, stalkerish puppy.

Plot/Pacing - The pacing of the first half is really good. In a blink of an eye, I was halfway done. But then, it slows down with unnecessary side plots of the rehashing of the accident 4 years ago and the leads’ misunderstanding. The drama spent too much time in Xin Qi pursuing Min Hui again and trying to prove his love for her in a childish way. And then, the transition of Min Hui accepting Xin Qi again is abrupt after she puts up a big fight. Furthermore, the last few episodes are business heavy and I miss the scenes of the adorable QQ. I also miss the CEO character of Xin Qi in the second half. He showed up in the end, but for most of the second half, I don’t see the cool, somewhat mean and powerful CEO. As much as I enjoy his sweet scenes with his son, I hate to see a cool guy turn into a fluffy mess after he’s in love.

Dubbing - I am quite disappointed that for a 2023 modern C-drama, most of the actors are dubbed. *sigh*


Overall, I had a good time watching “The Love You Give Me”. I was craving for a romantic comedy and this satisfies my need + Quan Quan is too cute. Thus, I am giving this an 8.0 rating.



Completed: 10/2/2023 - Review #361

Leia Mais

When you are away from home, your Sisters are all that you have.

Subjective Gut Rating - 8.25

Stumbled 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

Leia Mais

Mature and Realistic portrayal of Second-Chance Romance

I took a lot of notes for my review while watching “Where The Lost Ones Go”. That could only mean either I really like the drama or really hate it, and this is going to be a long review. Luckily, I quite enjoy this drama, despite watching this in 2023, six years after the drama was aired. The drama does not feel dated at all.

Do not mistake this for a romantic comedy or slice-of-life drama about cute and fluffy college life. Yes, the college life scenes are full of rainbows and sunshine, and lots of cute scenes. But the real deal is the mature and realistic portrayal of the main romance after the leads reunited many years later. “Where The Lost Ones Go” somehow reminds me of a more mature and melo version of “Lighter and Princess” without the ‘toxic’ relationship.


What I Like:

1. Fan Shi Qi (as Xiang Ze Yi) - I have a big crush on him. He is not the traditional idol-handsome type. But his portrayal of Xiang Ze Yi impresses me so much. He is adorable as the fun-loving, extroverted, charming daredevil in college. He was charismatic and all eyes were on him. Years later, Fan Shi Qi is able to portray a very different XZY. He lives in darkness, wallows in self-pity a little, heartbroken and lost all his former charm and confidence. I would never have guessed he has such range as an actor. I also found out he started his career as a singer and winning singing competitions. His voice is lovely and he sings a few songs from the OST.

2. Main Character - Xiang Ze Yi is the perfect boyfriend in college. He’s smart, caring, fun, sweet and considerate. Ye Zi, on the other hand, is a very strong and independent female lead. She doesn’t shy away from challenges and confronts them head on. She is not afraid to speak up. They are fun to watch.

3. Main Leads Chemistry/Romance - During the college portion of the drama, you can see the obvious chemistry between the leads. I was smiling ear-to-ear during their lovey-dovey scenes. Xiang Ze Yi and Ye Zi are so cute together, from every day banter to the romantic gestures. When they are older, I appreciate that the drama doesn’t automatically have the leads get back together and live happily ever after. They have matured and become more cautious about their feelings and actions. We know in real life, things don’t always happen like in fairy tales. ML has changed after what he went through. He’s not the same person that FL fell in love with back in college. The drama doesn’t assume FL will throw herself at him after waiting for so many years. It takes time for them to fall in love with who they are in the present and not trying to become who they were.

4. No Dubbing - I am quite surprised that a 2017 drama wasn’t dubbed! The actors all used their own voices and there’s even live recording. There are some emotional scenes where you could tell the actors were letting all their emotions fly high, and the live recording really adds to my viewing pleasure. There’s a scene in the last few episodes when ML was having a breakdown and Fan Shi Qi obviously slipped on a piece of paper and fell on his butt. He continued acting as if nothing happened.

5. Color/Tone - I don’t usually pay attention to the color/tone of the drama. But I recognized it here and couldn’t keep thinking about it. During the college scenes, the lighting and coloring are obviously bright and sunny. It exudes youthfulness and happiness. Once the scenes switch to the present timeline, the colors are obviously a little more muted. Scenes of ML in his apartment are always very dark and give off a sadder vibe. He doesn’t turn on lights and always wears dark clothes. Not just ML’s scenes, but others as well. They are just not as bright and colorful as the college scenes. I quite like this contrast.

6. OST - This drama features a pretty big catalog of songs. They are all lovely and as I said, I fell in love with Fan Shi Qi’s voice. His song “Leaves”, which is also the name of FL, is played often. When he sang it the first time without music (though not live) it was lovely and romantic. Subsequent times always convey a very sad undertone. Unfortunately, I could not find the songs or OST on Spotify. I guess it’s because this is an older and not very popular drama.

7. Fashion - Great fashion for all characters. FL has the nicest wardrobe and has the LARGEST AND BEST COLLECTION OF EARRINGS!! I’ve never seen a female lead change her earrings in every single scene/episode. Song Yan Fei looks beautiful in all her outfits in the present day timeline. Fan Shi Qi looks great in casual wear and in his sports jacket. He got the build to wear any clothes. Xiao Shun Yao might have had the worst hairstyle during his college days, but when he’s in a suit and has his bangs all gelled up, he looks dashing as the second male lead.



What I have Mixed Feelings or Don’t Like:

1. Romance of Supporting Cast - I wasn’t too invested in the other women’s romance storylines. For a 24-episode drama with 4 female characters, there isn’t enough time to give each of the women their deserved time to give us a well-written story. I don’t know if we really need to pair them all up with a guy. The stories are not bad, just not great either.

2. Timeline Changes - The college and present day timeline switches back and forth quite often in the first 10 or so episodes. Sometimes, it’s quite abrupt and it took me a second to re-adjust. Oftentimes, the drama might give you a black screen to indicate the change, but not all the time. They also don’t tell you which year the timeline is switching to.

3. Loud BGM - As much as I love all the songs in this drama, the music is played way too loud. Oftentimes, the songs are played when the actors are speaking or during a monologue and then the music will cut off all of a sudden. I wish they could tone down the volume a little.

4. Medical side plot- I understand the Alzheimher’s plot is needed to help FL re-evaluate what she wants. But the brain tumor is so unnecessary. It’s taking away precious time from the main couple. They already have fewer scenes together in the last few episodes and I wish the drama would have spent the time on them instead.


I am glad I stumbled upon this drama and recommend it to those who are looking for a more mature and realistic take of second-chance romance. But if you are only wanting something light and fluffy, this is not the drama for you. I am glad I re-discovered Fan Shi Qi after seeing him in “Qing Qing Zi Jin”.


Other Random Observations:
1. College means dorky bangs for all guys. Grown-ups all have their bangs gelled up.
2. It’s still a 2017 drama, so there are a few slow-mo romantic scenes with bright backlight. But only for a few episodes.
3. All the men in this drama are capable of making unique romantic speeches, even the ones that claim they are not romantic. I really enjoy all of them.
4. Poor 2ML - I feel for him. Such a great guy and has done so much for FL, but it’s not meant to be.
5. No evil parents. Hooray! We even have a lovely heart-to-heart talk between ML and FL’s father.
6. I will never understand how a 2ML in a C-drama always proposes to the FL when they have never dated and the FL never expresses interest in him.


Completed: 7/5/2023 - Review #327

Leia Mais

Many likeable elements, but a very slow-paced drama for me.

I might be in the minority that I am not in love with this drama. I like it fine, but not as much as others.

I like many of the elements that others do - the cute kid, the close bond between Minioru and little Tane, the three-way bond between Yutaka, Minoru and Tane, and of course the sweet romance. The three of them are adorable together and their scenes bring me joy and put a smile on my face.

However, I think this might be more successful if it’s a movie and not a drama. Even though the episodes are really short (about 20 mins each), I feel the pacing is too slow. Not much really happens in the drama, and issues are not really explored in depth. The episodes are already short and the drama still spends a minute or two on flashbacks/recaps.

The exploration of loneliness, loss, responsibility, family and being together and enjoying food - are all great messages. I just wish they were executed better. If you enjoy many extended quiet moments, at a slower-paced drama, this will be very enjoyable.


Completed: 6/8/2023 - Review #316

Leia Mais

Fun Father-Daughter Duo - heartwarming, touching and with an adorkable sweet romance

One should really never underestimate the power of Jdoramas and how they can move you and make you ugly cry. Who knew I would cry almost every episode watching this dynamic father-daughter duo? I am not even a super fan of slice-of-life dramas!

There are many other dramas out there that showcase the challenges of those living with a disability. “Shizuka-chan to Papa” is no different and we saw the challenges Papa faces and how he overcomes them. But what makes this drama special is the tight bond between Papa and Shinzuka (FL). They live a happy, fun and boisterous life. Their laughter and silliness are infectious and bring so much joy to everyone in the small town. They are loved and accepted. Despite some challenges, the town is a pretty safe bubble for them both. Upon reading the synopsis of this drama, I would never imagine loving their relationship so much.

This drama also brings to attention the unique challenges that a child of deaf adults (CODA) faces. The portrayal of the discrimination and gossip that Shinzuka faces is quite eye-opening. Shinzuka chooses to take care of her papa because that’s when she feels most useful. She’s not ‘sacrificing’ herself, but in a way, chooses a safer and more protected way to live. I really like this unique part of Shinzuka’s journey of self-discovery and self-love.

Of course, I can’t write a review without describing the sweet, adorable and awkward romance between Shinzuka and Keiichi. Two individuals who are criticized for not being able to “read the air” meet and fall in love. I love how honest and straightforward they are with each other. Not only are they each other’s biggest supporter, but also a great teacher as well. Through their meaningful conversations, they learn more about themselves and each is patient to teach the other to view life from a different perspective. Ok, the romance-lover in me might have wanted just a few more sweet and romantic moments.

There are many heartwarming and funny scenes, e.g. 1) a very enthusiastic and adorable young Shinzuka singing animatedly during the choir performance to show her love for Papa, 2) teaching Papa how to ride a bike, 3) A flirty Papa crushing on the nice and gentle teacher, 4) Keiichi unique way of going down the slide. 5) Keiichi dirtying his shirt intentionally, and 6) last example, the special bicycle Papa receives as a result of Shinzuka’s conversation with Keiichi (food for thought below)

Food for Thought:
Keiichi is right. We often say that we have to go over a wall (aka conquer obstacles). But realistically, who really climbs over a wall aside from thieves and ninjas. When our road is blocked by a wall, don’t we all step back and find another way AROUND the wall and not over it? A wall is for protection, protecting things and people you love. Therefore, it should not be easy for you to go over.

I strongly recommend this short slice-of-life drama. It’s sweet, cute, heartwarming and very touching. I am so glad I look past the cover poster and give this drama a shot.


Completed: 5/30/2023 - Review #313

Leia Mais