Bartering as the new trend during hardships

We are presented with the apocalyptic event right away, not as a mid-climax like the usual apocalypse-themed movie, so the horrifying apocalypse events is not the focus. Instead, it highlights the post-apocalypse social conditions, where tenants and the non-tenants fight for one apartment as the sole livable space and the limited resources.

I feel it has a few plot holes, so much blood and misfortunes but not enough suspense within the social conflict. The sequence of events happening felt a bit flat, no such strong push and pull and interesting dynamic among the characters. I definitely had seen this being the butter of the story, as I’ve seen in other similar-themed movies. Then, it wrap up very quickly and just like that is ending. Probably, it would be better if we are presented the background of what has been happening in the past and also the characters relationships before and after the disaster.

The CGI is not the best, it's a bit funny: despite the strong winds are blowing, the characters' hair and clothing are not moving. Acting was very good, there is not really any romance here. Even though I appreciate the performance, the movie overall is not that groundbreaking.

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I like how authentic and vibrant Yumi's cells are, only the story is a bit lackluster

Yumi develops a crush one day, long after being dumped by her boyfriend. This awakens her love cell, which sends her to literally run after him. Our story continues as we see Yumi's cells embracing her new love with the ups and downs of her emotions.

I like the creativity of Yumi Cells for these personified cells with such diverse emotions and that they are given a real city. They even got a legal justice system and my favorite is the endorphins band stage! So epic! The fun color tone also adds to that youthful kind of bubblegum fun feeling.

At first, not all the cell moments land because they ruined the emotional momentum of the real-life scenes. But as the show went on the pacing and the balance between characters and the cells really smooths out. I’m having fun with Wung cells' teamwork and his algorithms towards unexpected situations, they were so random yet unique 🐻 #IYKYK

No doubt acting is excellent, but I’m not so happy about the romance arc: it’s too youthful; with strong egos, naive, miscommunications, which is not a bad thing IF they resolve it. The two supporting girls who were jealous of Yumi are very annoying like nasty mosquitoes… and their roles suit best as a spice to develop our lead's growth, but they weren't really use this potential.

The ending is proper but feels very incomplete. I don't think they're given enough closure, besides getting to know Yumi and the people around her, and their flaws.

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If you are looking for a heart-wrenching angsty long-drawn-out melodrama you will love this

The Red Sleeve has a promising premise. My favorite moment is Deok Im's childhood when she is so full of life! I also love the friendships between her and other palace maids last throughout the episodes. The casting is really fitting, I loved the couple's chemistry together, and I thought they were incredibly swoony. I loved that they're both adults and yet can be so innocent and giddy together, it makes me smile. The visuals are gorgeous, and the OST is so wonderful and gives me all the feels.

But around the midpoint way I kind of lost a little bit of interest because it started to veer into heavy melodrama territory, and that aspect lasted too long because they're constantly faced with inconvenient circumstances, misunderstandings, miscommunications, the male lead is sometimes really harsh and showing off his power. I know that is part of his character and part of his growth, but I found it annoying. And the slow pacing just stretched for the rest of the entire series and I just got so tired. The final episode is too jarring, there’s no build-up towards the ending. I couldn't fully enjoy it anymore. For me, It would have been perfect if this drama is 8 episodes.

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Though I did not like how the story leads to, it was overall lovely and funny!

Lovely Runner delivers a true rom-com moments and up-beat-ness which I enjoyed for the most part. The characters are likeable, very bubbly with laugh-out-loud jokes a lot of times, especially the ones involving the friends and families. It was interesting and great to see the story through different timelines without it being confusing – which is essential for a time travel drama. I loved that the couple is cute and trusting of each other. Their romantic scenes were wonderful and were shot beautifully.

Well, at some point I started losing interest. I was expecting they eventually would address Sun-Jae & Im Sol's insecurities that we saw in the beginning, but they focus on the murderer involvement. This part of the story was so uninteresting. Every time the episode is about to end, this mysterious guy appear and whatever he does gives no tension. The accident and incidents happening were repetitive so they did not make me care or anxious anymore. Overall, still a fun watch, though, it gave me motivation to look forward to Mondays!

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In his quest for promotion, dedicated police officer Joon Mo is tasked to infiltrate an illegal drug cartel led by Ki Chul. Little does he know, that his wife, Eui Jung, is investigating the same mission and she has known Ki Chul in the past. How will Moon Jo navigate this situation?

One of the most anticipated dramas this year, starring my first crush Ji Chang Wook. My first thought: the premise is one of my favourite setups! Hidden identity with action, so it's right down my alley!

Pacing is great, we get things going right away, but I am not hooked from the premise, and the story is nothing new. What's groundbreaking is the performances. The fight scenes are very gory, looks extremely dark and they’re done so well. More than the plot, I'm captivated by Ji Chang Wook, his performance is at its' finest, this man can be anyone! Directing-wise, I don’t like the parallel double-date set up and the strange flashbacks, but the acting by our leads is truly amazing! It shakes the JCW fandom worldwide, that you’re probably already spoiled by the scene by now.

The Worst of Evil could have been better presenting their leads. While watching it, I had discussions with a lovely friend and I totally agree with her insight, so I quote them: “There are great potentials that are set up but never utilized: either it’s Ki Chul’s gangster set up, or a believable marriage between Joon Mo and Eui Jung, or Joon Mo’s instability for the lack of a father figure. It would be interesting if Ki Chul has a stronger influence to Joon Mo and Joon Mo drawn to him as a father figure, more than money and power that he’s lacking in his low-rank police status, sucking him deeper into evil… It could have been a more heart-wrenching scenario for this noir.”

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it's very engaging but overall not so great

Due to personal crisis, Joon Sung and Jae Hyo made a deal to kidnap their friend Min Woo, asking for ransom from his wealthy family. Right away I was excited for a suspenseful thriller experience. On the production side, it is almost perfectly executed! From camerawork, music, and the acting. I was impressed with the powerful acting of our leads and the mother! The use of classical music in few critical situations are strangely fun, it's the best treat for my sensory. The opening credit is very creative, it tickles my imagination and I never skip it.

It is dark and serious tone throughout and the first half kept me on the edge of my seat. I feel bad for Min Woo and what he's going through during the kidnapping is slightly psychologically unsettling, knowing your trusted friends suddenly tied you and pinned you down in their closet. While episode 1-5 provide great momentum, the storyline fell flat afterwards. It's getting weirder and weirder the more the trio try to execute "The Perfect Deal". I found them making illogical decisions for the sake of keeping the plot going. I don't get why don't just help one another if they're friends? The resolution was also unrealistic and left me unfulfilled. Overall, not so great but I enjoyed. For any thriller fan, it is still an engaging watch due to its' short and fast pacing, there's no boring or drag part.

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A fun take into the behind-the-scene-of a BL drama making while being BLs

A passionate rookie actor Shirasaki Yuki (Niihara Taisuke), lands a role to be the co-star of a famous actor he knew back in university days, Hayama Asami (Komagine Kiita). As the filming process starts, Shirasaki starts wrestling with his feelings of his character and in real life, as he confronts how he feels about himself while exploring how he really feel about Asami.

This is a delight, wonderful, and fun take into the behind-the-scene of a BL drama while also being a BL. It explores the opposing personal insecurities of Yuki & Asami who are in different stages of success, Yuki feels a burden to find authenticity in his role while Asami has the burden of being successful, Amidst unrequited love and burgeoning feelings, they unite beautifully well on screen. Lovely flirting moments and the instant chemistry really draw me in, and those are my two essentials when it comes to enjoying a romance.

There’s a moment of frustration, but it was endearing to realize the reason behind this twist is due to their own fear of failure, not only in love, but also in career. Both of them want to succeed as actors but afraid that they're not good enough to succeed in. I think this conflict was handled well compared to other dramas. The final episode was perfect and sexy, it had me blushing a lot, leaving me feeling so happy! Would recommend to anyone for the unique storyline, you get intimacy, shirtless caresses, yearning... all those goodies!

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well, it's fun but also meh

Ban Hani (Choi Kang Hee) , a single 37-year-old lives her timid life day by day, until one day, she met her spunky 17-year-old self. This 17-year-old Hani is nothing like her now, she’s obnoxious and optimistic, while her current self is passive and worn-down with life. How come they're so different despite being the same person? Is there a guilt that Hani carries in her adult life?

It's always interesting to see opposite personalities interacting on-screen. I like the idea of the major contrast between Hani's past self and current self and they were a great match on-screen. I enjoyed the hijinks, comedy and the high energy cast performance a lot in the beginning, but started losing excitement when it starts fleshing out on the trauma. Somehow it didn't feel as emotional and deep, which maybe due to it stays trying to be silly and over the top. I've seen few dramas that handle this emotional / funny tone very well, but here it didn't feel fit together in my opinion. The male lead storyline was a mess although Kim Young Kwang acted very well. I think the banter between him and his dad was better than the romance. I don't think they need the romance in this story, it has enough plotline to focus on. Overall, it was just ok, I had fun at first, but got bored as it ends.

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This show is operating at a 110% FUN!

Prem is losing confidence in his skills as a chef when he meets Ten, a medical student with stress issues. Finding out about Prem’s delicious dishes, Ten begs Prem to teach him cooking, and Prem agrees only because he needs money. However, as the lessons go on, it isn't just the food that's hot, but also their faces as they slowly fall for each other.

Yes, this show can be very jarring because of how 'extra' it is. Well, for me, I love how 'extra' it is, albeit a bit ridiculous. The music's really high energy, and then the acting's over-the-top, some dialogues are borderline cheesy, and the camera angle is also quite cartoonish, but because everything is on that level, somehow it all works together, and just super fun to me.

Now, for the story, there's no angst at all, it's a straight up comedy from the start and consistently to be so all the way through. Easy to binge, sweet and light hearted with no dramatic twists. The foods look good too and I enjoyed the cooking show vibe, When the romance starts, there is a bit of a 'gay panic' trope, which I'm so over with.. but thankfully it didn't drag for too long. I enjoy the leads' acting and the script. Both couples bounce off of each other really well. I laugh at them because of how whiny, clingy and horny they can be, but always in a fun way. They know how to pique my interest. Lastly, kudos to the market lady and the cooking show presenter, they’re such scene stealers! ^v^

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It was a very good and consistently an engaging watch! ...until the end.

From the first episode, I enjoyed the story. The actions and sets are giving a Mission Impossible feel to it. The leads are doing such a great job, they're quickly established the characters and I got invested really fast. The acting is all just superb; Suzy did her best for her character, Go Hae Ri. Also, Moon Jung Hee was brilliant and intimidating, I love a good villainess. Of course, Lee Seung Gi was AMAZING as an Cha Dal Geun, he is an action hero! I was awed watching him running, jumping, chasing cars and did all those stunts. However, there was so much shaky-camera and it's so unfortunate because the camera was capturing really well-choreographed action sequence.

The twist and turns got a little bit too convoluted for me who is not a die hard fan of investigation and crime genres, but I never get bored as the plot is moving and stays high-stake all the way through the end. and yes, as most watchers have mentioned too, I don't like how it ended. Had that scene excluded, the drama would not leave such a frustrating after taste. Especially watching it after years it has aired and knowing there might never be a continuation to the story. That said, I don't regret watching it, one of the best in action genre.

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Emotional rollercoaster with phenomenal characters and brilliant storytelling

Yeon Shi Un is a smart student but he's physically frail, making him an easy target for the bullies who are jealous of his top grades. Based on a webtoon with the same title, it deals with an unlikely bonding heroes who stand up for themselves in their unique ways. The underdog become the alpha dog in this Pavlovian classic battle, fueled by rocking OST, amazing camera angles, unique film-editing and well-paced pen clicks!

It is short yet it covers a lot of deep values of youth fragility and found friendships. WHC1 seems to be grieving and questioning the youth fragility, showing how teenage life is like walking on thin ice, how the past leaves a trauma long after the incident. Trigger warning! There is much violence as it is a bullying story, all the blood, pain, violence, but... it is also very fun!

Sure, bullying drama is not new, but the storytelling is very unique. From the intro we see this cool blue-tone, it's quite mellow, I absolutely adore it, and adore seeing the intro even more as I get into the final. It doesn't look gory. It feels angsty. Loved the fighting scenes, the choreography for the fighting scenes are like dance, like I'm watching a musical.

the story wouldn't have the impact it has, if the characters didn't feel as real as they do. The journeys that they go on individually and then all together are just heartbreaking. I felt so much emotion watching them. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, I have such a strong connection with the characters and I thought that's so rare nowadays... to feel so connected with characters. They're really easy to relate to and I think that's because they're teenagers and I was a teenager and I relate to a lot of the stuff they went through, not the like taking down a gambling gang, but the friendship troubles and the exams and part-time jobs, stuff like that... It had everything I might want from a show like this trio: cute fighter, psycho brain, cinnamon roll who just wants to help.

Absolutely award-winning levels of acting. Their facial expressions speak more than speeches and actions, the quiet gazes worth more than words. Even though they are all amazing, I'm not taking anything away from any of them… but Park Jihoon who played Shi Un really stood out for me and I watched this show months ago and the climax scene with Shin Un the last episode... that still sticks with me. That scene is so powerful and it is literally because of his acting.

The plot is tight without fillers, it has no romance, but there are tons of conflict and I love conflict. I really like the dialogue and I also the visual storytelling is just skillful. Well-written scripts are more than anything I really look up to the show and the writers who worked on it because it really is just phenomenal. It's literally flawless I don't have anything bad to say about it. Hands down the most heartbreaking drama I've ever seen and I genuinely mean that!

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WE ALL LIE swell in each cliffhanger is dope! dislike most characters, love their fantastic acting!

The drama showcased societal issues and the pressure on schooling, focusing on families living in a luxurious residential area SKY Castle. Students were expected to spend over 16 hours a day studying to get admitted into one of the 3 big Korean uni: Seoul, Korea, and Yonsei, hence the title SKY Castle. A new simple family moved into this area, it becomes a major upset to their neighbors. Thus, the motivated parents compete another in their best way as possible...

I've rarely watch shows about rich people, but I applaud the crew for the craftsmanship of SKY Castle. The masterful use of sets levels up the whole experience of watching it. The sets look rich, with luxurious costumes. The camera work is amazing: there are lots of reflections and unique angles that make the vibes much more dramatic (and comedic for the twin fam). The family photos you can see on the next photos are very meaningful to represent each family. However, the only fitting OST is We All Lie, there rest are not memorable.

The story itself is not very exciting to me overall and I hate most characters, but their acting is fantastic! The only family I'm rooting for is the family with the twins. LOVE the twins; Seo Joon and Ki Joon, whoe are always there for each other. Their dad was so messed up in the worst and funny way possible. Frankly, I don't like the new family mother, she keeps meddling with other families' business. But I like the ambiguity of the coach. Overall, I enjoyed the dramatic family melodrama, but not so much when it reach the latter crime incident (no spoil!)

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I think this is a show that works if it's your style of show.

As for me, I was a bit skeptical seeing the overacting and temperamental adult Young Phil and Sam Dal when they're introduced. There were too many drunk crying scenes, too. However, when they showed how Sam Dal and Young Phil deal their inner conflicts as the story goes, I feel more sympathy. Especially, Shin Hae Sun's painful acts broke my heart. With Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hae Sun’s ability to create chemistry, I wish the romance is more captivating. Camping trip is fine – but I'm dying for some spiciness, just my preference.

Except for the useless love triangle, I enjoyed the romance and family conflicts, but Young Phil and Sam Dal’s work life were neglected and was only useful as a plot device in the beginning. The resolution is fine, but like Sam Dal's as a photographer could’ve been utilized more. I have to admit that I was more tuned into the side characters stories more than our leads’. I love the neighborhood camaraderie of the Jeju villagers. They delivered all the emotions very naturally, be it humor, grief, or love. Each one of them has a heartwarming story, I love Sam Dal's mom the most.

-Jan 2024, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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The good part is only the finale

Unable to move on from her boyfriend's sudden death, a young girl is transported back in time to meet her lover once again. But what if the man she met is not the boyfriend she knows?

I was intrigued from the interesting trailer as it shows such sweet scenes but somewhat a creepy secret, but the actual drama itself is a bit lackluster. The first six episodes is a cozy feel good youth story with your typical rom-com vibes. The story feel so flat that I didn't feel any conflict until episode 7. In my opinion this would be much better if made into a movie.

The actors did okay but I was never invested in any of the character's journey or interplay so that's my problem to make me care because at no point did i ever end up to caring about anyone.

Rather than the cinematography, I'm just simply not impressed. I ended up binging it because it's quite short. So feel free to just watch it if you want an easy-to-watch youth drama with some spice thrown in in the finale.

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Beautiful drama albeit not perfect

What I really enjoyed are the fighting scene, the war and the epic visuals. Great pacing, and good casting all around! Lee Joon Gi's screen presence and his role as Eun Som especially live up beyond my expectation. They couldn't have picked a more perfect recast than Lee Joon Gi! He does all his own stunts, is a master in actions so I knew he would be spectacular in this. The only recast that devastated me is Tanya, I found no passion in her line deliveries.

I miss the very pretty Tanya and Saya… they are not the same here. In defense of the time jump: their portrayals did change as how their characters come across here. they grow up and their political positions and motivation also evolve, so I eventually accept that. I feel bad a bit towards Saya as he seems to be the most inferior among Tanya, Eunsom, or Tagon. Tanya pity him too for his role in prophecy, Eun Som is now a war leader beloved by people, Tagon sees Eun Som as a threat but not towards Saya, I wish he is given a bigger role... I mean, he's children of prophecy too.

I admit that it is hard to appreciate significance of the mythology aspect, if you haven’t watched season 1. I went back to rewatch season 1 before got on board with season 2. Personally, I think the previous season's costumes and music are superior. I don’t think her romance trope necessary, it feels more like a reward than earned. The ending is well-wrapped up and I am satisfied if the drama ends here. I watched it with a patriotic passion I felt watching Mr. Sunshine!

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