Started off sweet and fluffy, then a little more serious

8/25/2021

As part of the Sweet On series by Tencent, it's expected that this drama has a lot of fluffy and sweet moments, and will probably have a happy ending. The plot is interesting since it involves a child psychologist. However, everything is quite predictable, so if you want a comfort watch, this is it. The acting is generally good but the dubbing is pretty bad (for a 2021 modern drama). There are a few impractical things that happened, e.g. how did ML get a picture of him and FL's first kiss for his laptop wallpaper? Who is taking the picture? Why would a mom/FL let a kid play bubbles indoors when it could be slippery and dangerous?

I am a fan of Miles Wei after watching him in "Perfect and Casual" and his character here is quite similar to the other role. He's cuter in in P&C though. He's visually pleasing in his suits and casual clothing. It's my first time watching FL and she did a decent job. The star of the show, as many reviewers mentioned, is definitely the child actor, Lennon Sun. He is so adorable and you want to see him interacting with everyone on screen. The supporting cast did a good enough job, but I am not as interested in their storylines. I am happy that for a sweet drama that we don't have any too annoying and irritating characters.

The show did turn a little more serious towards the last part of the show, when we know more about the car accident. There aren't enough fluffy moments to lighten to the mood. Overall, it's a decent drama if you want something quite easy to watch, with good visuals, decent OST and a super adorable kid.

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8/6/2021

I watched the HK version when I was young but I don't remember much about it aside from the main actors/actresses. I have also never read the book. So, my review is just basically how I feel about this particular show, and not in comparison to anything.

Negatives first:

In the first episode, I already dislike the fight scenes. For a wuxia drama, why do they use slow-motion on fight scenes? I want fast-paced, live action to get into the mood. Fortunately, they ease up on the slow motion as the show goes on. I still find the fighting to be not satisfying enough. (If you know of a wuxia drama with amazing fast-paced fight scenes, please let me know).

I also dislike the dubbing for this drama. This is a 2019 drama and it's not that old, I am surprised to see how the dubbing still doesn't line up. Additionally, I really dislike the voice of the female actress who plays the villainous Er Mei older disciple. It's like nails on the chalkboard each time she opens her mouth. I applaud the actress acting for making me hate her.

I don't like the character of the ML. He is so wishy-washy with love and he would make a horrible boyfriend. You can still be good to the ladies but set some boundaries. This is no fault of the drama, just the novel. I also don't feel the chemistry between the leads. I am not sure if it's the acting of Zeng Shunxi as the ML or what. It's my first time watching him, and I am not super impressed. I also felt the acting of Zhu Xudan as Zhou Zhiruo to be weak as well. She has this one face throughout most of the drama.

I feel that the last 5 episodes seem to be rushing a bit. There are events that I want more explanation but they are all glossed over. I was expecting more about the general in the end and how things might blow over for him, but it never happened. It didn't quite build up enough tension for a great finish.

Positives:

The child actors playing both the young and teen Zhang Wuji are great, esp. the youngest one. He is adorable and believable. When he cries, my heart breaks. I also enjoy the acting of our main female lead, Chen Quqi who plays Zhao Min. I like her sassy, feisty character and also believe her when she's sad and heartbroken. The acting of the supporting cast is great as well, esp. the veteran actors. I enjoy seeing Lin Shen as Yang Xiao. I thought I would see more of him since he's listed a a main character, but a little disappointed that he was missing for most of the last 5 episodes. I enjoy his cool and smart character and the subtle changes of emotions through his eyes. He is also pleasing to the eyes (but I think he's more handsome in "Dating in the Kitchen".

The costumes are nice. I enjoy seeing the wardrobe change of the ML from when he's young to when he became a leader, and then a successful revolutionary towards the end of the drama. The female leads also have pretty nice costumes and hairstyle change (for Zhao Min).

I think the pacing of the show is pretty good. I didn't feel bored or that it dragged in the middle. It's a slower start to build the plot and the upbringing of ML, so if you just want to watch Zeng Shunxi, you might have to wait a little bit. But I think there are enough happening to keep me engaged for 50 episodes.

As much as I complained about the fight scenes, I like there isn't a lack of fight scenes. Fighting is spread out pretty evenly throughout the show and the choreography isn't bad.

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7/18/2021

I was introduced to this drama by a MDL editorial article. I am glad more J-Dramas are recommended, otherwise, I wouldn't know where to find good ones. I am usually pretty picky about J-Dramas because most of them are either an adaptation from a manga or anime, and the acting and storyline are too over-the-top for my taste; or the FL is one of those naive, innocent, shy girls who has never touched a boy in her life. These are not my cup of tea.

Plot: I find the plot summary pretty interesting about a pseudo-romance for a manga. However, after watching the first two episodes, it became quite clear that this pseudo-romance is quite unethical and hurtful. I am glad that after the first initial episodes, the story gets better and it moves a little farther away from this hurtful premise. The plot is quite predictable throughout the show in regards to the development of the main romance, past romance, to the challenges faced by ML as a manga artist. I do enjoy the last episode quite a bit and it's a little less-predictable than I thought.

Characters: I am glad to watch a FL that is straight-forward, independent and not act like a little naive little girl. I've watched so many dramas that a 29-year-old woman acts like she's 16. It didn't happen here. She is quite likable and her acting is not anime-like over-the-top. ML's introverted, anti-social character could be difficult for some to get used to in the beginning. But he has great character development. I especially like his awkward, adorkable smile and grins. Even though he looks hawt int he last episode, his smile seems a little "slimy". I like ML's dorky look more. The child actor also did a great job. He's so cute and I love his shy smile as well. The supporting cast did a decent job and there isn't anyone too annoying.

Romance: The romance of the lead characters is nicely developed though can be predictable. I enjoy their contrasting personality and their funny banter. FL brings out the best of ML through their little fights. I still think the kissing should be a little better, esp. when it's their third kiss and it's not a surprising one. It's 2021 and I hope to see less fish-kissing in J-dramas, K-drams and C-dramas. It took a while for it to happen, but that awkward initial start of a relationship is super cute. I wish to see more of that but those moments were hard to come by. Since J-dramas are quite short, I am glad the secondary romance didn't take up too much of the time.

This is a simple, cute and light-hearted drama. This is the palate cleanser that I need after watching the more intense "Legend of FuYao" (which I recommend wholeheartedly!).

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SWEETNESS overload! When an Introverted Turtle met an extroverted Green (flag) Monster.

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25


What a lovely surprise that I enjoyed “Monster Next Door” so much. The premise is simple: an extrovert and an introvert live next door to each other, start out with some issues but then slowly fall in love and learn to grow together into their own comfortable selves. The biggest takeaway is that, Diew, the introvert is comfortable being alone and away from the crowds. We see him grow as a person and enlarges his social circle just a little bit yet without losing himself.

Let’s start with some areas of improvements:
1. Acting - The acting definitely could use some improvement. It’s not horrible but also not the best. But I do see the actors improving along the way and seem to be more comfortable with their characters.
2. Band Music - I was hoping to listen to better songs (with better vocals). But there’s basically one song. I was hoping to see the band play the full set or the full song, but I never got it.
3. 2nd romance - A little more time could have been spent on them. They are fun together but I needed to transition from friends to lovers.
4. 3rd romance - is that even a third romance? I also want to see more of them as they seem to be another interesting introvert/extrover pairing. I want to know more about their friendship/romance.
5. Diew’s outfits - I know he’s a student, but he could use a couple more sets of clothes instead of his uniform and PJs.
6. Mr. Shy - poor turtle needs a bigger tank.

Let’s talk about the GOOD!

SWEET, is the adjective I would describe this drama. There are many other Thai BLs in a school setting, and most of them though could be cute and fluffy, are usually too over-the-top and cringey to me (dialogs and how they act). But “Monster Next Door” did not give me this icky feeling. It’s just so sweet. This is largely due to the fact that we have the sweetest and greenest monster in our male lead, God.

God is a god-sent to the world of toxic red flags/GeGes/Oppas. He only lives in dramaland, because no one could be as nice as he is. He’s kind to everyone around him. But he also will step up and defend in the most logical, kind and reasonable way. He might not like you, but he will still keep his temper and communicate like an adult. He’s kind, considerate, patient and speaks honestly and kindly. He will think from your perspectives and give you great advice in life and in love. He’s so perfect that I wonder what he sees in Diew in the first place and is so smitten with him, when he barely knows him and has never seen Diew’s face. Dramaland pixie dust and Cupid’s arrow at work!

Not sure if it’s a translation issue, but I find God’s request to date Diew comes out of nowhere when you barely know him. Maybe he just wants to be his friend and get to know him, but not actually date Diew just yet? The beginning of their friendship is SWEET. However, it also makes me sad that Diew requested 3 conditions because of a past romance. Issues or misunderstandings are resolved rather quickly because God and Diew actually do talk to each other openly (except that one time involving Diew’s ex which took a little longer). During their friendship/courtship phase, I was smiling ear-to-ear, but was also moved to tears. It’s not really that sad objectively, but for some reason it was hitting me at all the right buttons and at the right moment. Looking back, I am loving it as I like a drama that brings out these complicated emotions.

There are also lovely platonic friendships and friends who are not only fun to hang out with, but are there to support you. The extroverted foursome is hilarious and rambunctious, which is a great contrast to the mellower and more sophisticated introverted duo.

Thai dramas have the best grandparents. Grandpa here is so fun and kind and adorable! We all need a grandpa like him to dote on us, and be a mediator with our parents. Mom might be painted as a ‘bad’ mom during the earlier episodes, but you’ll realize she’s nowhere near ‘bad’.

Mom Talk/Perspectives:
Diew’s relationship with his mom might not be the ‘sweet’ part of the drama. But it resonated with me so much and was portrayed in such a relatable and realistic way. My son is also off to college as a Freshman this year, so I agree with all the doubts and anxiety Diew’s mom is feeling. Not returning phone calls or texts is not acceptable in a mother’s eye, when you are alone away from home. But, as an international foreign student myself, I also could see where Diew is coming from. You tend to report the good and minimize the bad. You tend to just ignore it because your mom is annoying (or in this case, Diew has his own beliefs of how mom acted a certain way). I can empathize with both perspectives, thus, I really like how their relationship is written. It might be a Debbie-downer for those who just want all fluff and sweetness, so I can see criticisms of how this part could be boring to some.


I recommend “Monster Next Door” if you are looking for something simple and sweet (but predictable). It is not the most amazing drama out there, but it suits my needs and speaks to me. I had an amazing time binge-watching all 12 episodes in one day. Therefore, I am rating this a somewhat high 8.25-8.5 rating.


Completed: 11/28/2024 - Review #522

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Laughable Heists full of plot holes. Great Leads chemistry is not enough to save the day.

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75
Objective: 8.0

The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. This is what happened to me with “Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart!”. I really like the general premise of the drama, with a focus on the social and economic inequality and struggles of people who live in Suphanimit. I thought this might be a somewhat serious drama that gives me a different Thai BL, amongst the sea of rom-coms and school dramas. I was expecting a drama similar to “Not Me” with excellent chemistry between the leads, Yin and War. Unfortunately, this is definitely not “Not Me” but I do like the chemistry between Yin and War. I just can’t believe it’s rated higher than “Not Me”.

However, just relying on chemistry alone is not enough to keep me interested. It was a slow start for me. I enjoy learning the background history of the two leads. Their relationship also develops slowly but evenly paced. I don’t need a lot of skinship (not that I don’t like it) but the emotions and chemistry are there. And that’s enough for me. War’s acting is amazing and I look forward to his future dramas. Yin is not quite there yet especially in earlier episodes, but I see improvement along the way.

I also just can’t get past the cheesy and uninteresting heists, and numerous plotholes. Joker is supposed to be Robin Hood. Stealing from the rich and sharing the wealth with the poor. He’s supposed to be a genius mastermind that’s hard to catch. But the few heists that he cooked up are laughable. They’re not well-thought out and basically just wing it and pray for luck to be on their side. The comedy isn’t working for me. Many commented on the tone change from serious life-threatening injuries and threats, to comedic moments of fighting like you are invincible and can pull a rabbit out of a hat anytime to solve the problem.

I thought the villain was a worthy, cold-hearted meanie, but he turned out to be an over-the-top clown. What’s with the Four Horsemen? What’s their background? Are they powerful only because they have money? There are plot holes and easy forgiveness/redemption everywhere. I question Jack’s intelligence in blindly believing in the boss for 5 years. Does he never question that the boss is a big bad wolf, just by what he’s been ordered to do to those in debt? Yet he continues to blindly believe the boss will help him out of the goodness of his heart? The fight scenes also aren’t very believable, the taekwondo fights are definitely better than the gangster fights.

It is partly my fault because I can’t turn off my brain and just enjoy the chemistry of Yin and War. I really enjoy their stories, their fight for independence, and their development, bond with their families and healing. I want to see them rise up to the top and live happily ever after. There’s so much good, but overshadowed by poor writing. Luckily, there’s always grandma and the little sassy girl to provide me with comfort.

If you are looking for a high quality, serious drama about social change like “Not Me”, then this is not for you. But if you are fans of the leads, and don’t like a sillier plot and enjoy the ride, this is OK. I debated whether to rate this by rounding up to 8.0 or rounding down to 7.5. Ultimately, I was bored at the end and was finishing the last couple episodes, just to finish the drama. Therefore, it’s a 7.75 rounding down to 7.5 for me.


Completed: 11/26/2024 - Review #520

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Decent short Vertical drama with Good Romance and Chemistry

Saw a fellow MDL friend recommended “Evening Star for You” as a pretty good vertical drama. I was in need of a quick romance fix. Here we are, 100 episodes later (which is only about 3.5 hours long), I got my fix.

It’s true that it’s pretty good for a low budget production. I watched the compiled version on YouTube with muted music and sound. It was a little annoying, but it’s to be expected. The romance is developed nicely and quite sweet. The acting of the leads is solid and they have good chemistry together. I am a fan of contract marriage, and their relationship is healthy with good communication. Even if there’s some misunderstanding, the issue is resolved quickly and just helps to build a more solid foundation of their love. If you need a quick romance fix, this is a good one.

But of course, there are still some plot holes here and there. We have a couple irritating ‘villains’ but no one so despicable that ruined my viewing pleasure. You’ll see characters recycling their outfits and some are super cliche and laughable. But it’s all in good fun and I guess part of vertical dramas’ charms?


Completed: 11/23/2024 - Review #519

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A VIOLENT tale of Prostitution in Thailand with excellent acting.

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

“Bangkok Blossom” tells the tale and struggles of the lowliest of the lows, prostitutes/whores in Thailand back in 1892. Prostitutes were treated as non-humans back then, and worse than those who were merely slaves. This drama does not shy away from showing us the harsh reality of these women. Beware! This is a difficult drama to watch with many red flags triggers.

The first couple episodes were heartbreaking. These prostitutes were abused physically and mentally, violated, raped, tortured by men who came to brothels to seek pleasure. These customers weren’t just normal folks, they were sickos! Virginity was auctioned off to the highest bidder no matter how crazy these customers are.

I was captivated and heartbroken at the same time. Luckily, the drama presented our 3 female leads as strong women, who never gave up their dreams and were always trying to find ways to fight back. Engfa, Goy and Charlette are not only beautiful but their acting performance was excellent. They have different personalities and dreams, but the sisterhood is strong. If I have to pick, I would say Engfa is the most beautiful of the three, and the weakest in her acting (but she’s still good). Charlette might have a slight edge as the young Thianyot.

These women are sexy as hell, and you can see from their singing and dance performances. The performances were elaborate and loads of fun. They provide an oasis of relief and entertainment in an otherwise intense and emotional drama. Their costumes are a sight to behold. They are quite…. Interesting with a very Thai flair. I *think* the actresses sang the songs because they don’t sound very professional, and that’s OK. The music, and songs are excellent in complementing the performances and the scenes.

If you are looking for romance, then look elsewhere. Even though two of the leads have love interests, romance is so not central, and really a tiny, side plot that’s not worth mentioning. These love interests' role is to support the women in their fight for a better life and justice. They are really not that important in the grand scheme of things.

As much as I was intrigued with “Bangkok Blossom” in the first half, I slowly lost my interest in the second half. It’s probably just a “me” problem. But I feel that the plot becomes somewhat repetitive and predictable. Even though there’s a lot of screaming, fighting, abusing going on, the plot isn’t really moving. Some of the latter ‘twists’ are predictable and it takes forever for the revenge, investigation and change to happen. There aren’t enough side stories of substance to add to the main plot. Thus the last couple episodes feel like its dragging its feet to the finish line.

Nevertheless, I would still recommend "Bangkok Blossom" if this subject matter interests you. It has excellent acting, great musical performances and a solid OST. The subject matter is serious but is worth getting attention. The production quality is high, but be mindful of the triggers. There’s no nudity given this drama is about brothels and prostitutes thanks to the creative filming, but there’s no shortage of violence.



Completed: 10/27/2024 - Review #505

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3 second-chance romances recommended only to those who like this trope

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

After finishing this drama, I wasn’t quite sure if I liked it or not. In the end, it’s a decent, modern drama about second-chance romances. I was also unsure of Xu Ruo Han’s acting. Coupled with how she spoke her lines, I find her acting inconsistent. It’s my first time seeing Li Yun Rui as the main male lead, and I think he did pretty well and fit in the modern rom-com category.

Second-chance romance is the main reason why I decided to watch “Go Back Lover”. The drama did a good job in showcasing three different second-chance romance couples using a reality tv format. All 6 leads are flawed in their own way, and have to overcome certain challenges. In the end, I like who they have become.

Our main couple, Sheng Xing Ruo (FL) and Lu Xing Yan (ML), have the most complicated relationship. I enjoy following their relationship from high school to reuniting after a 5-year separation. There are frustrating moments when I feel that Sheng Xing Ruo is giving off mixed signals, or Lu Xing Yan is too smitten and acts like a lovesick puppy (OK, I do like his loving and longing looks). I think the chemistry is decent and I’m glad to see quite a bit of skinship and kisses.

The second couple is the bickering ex-es who started off the show with a dramatic divorce ceremony. Their chaotic energy could be too much to handle, but they also lighten up the show with their hilarious and silly moments. Because of how over-the-top they are, I think their screen time is just enough.

The third couple has the least screen time but they are also the sweetest and most adorable. But you have to endure how shy they are with each other in the beginning, in order to enjoy the end result. Xia Hao Ran (as He Si Yue) has the cutest puppy look with a little pout, but at times he looks a little emotionless. I’m most pleased to see Chen Zhu grow to become a more confident woman.

Despite enjoying these couples and the reality tv show format, there are moments when the pacing slows even for a 24-episode drama. The taping of the show is interesting, but the content is not. They have the most boring dates! How can they mix and match the couples with unexpected guests, yet there’s no excitement? They need better producers for the TV show to drum up some fun twists and turns.

There are a few annoying characters to stir up trouble. For the most part, they aren’t too bad. The ‘villain’ in the end seems a little over-the-top. This drama also is less fluffy/rom-com than I initially thought. “Go Back Lover” actually covers a few serious topics not listed in the tags. Without diving deep into who suffers what, the drama talks about domestic violence, suicide, childhood trauma, parent disapproval, and mental health. None of these topics are discussed in detail but if you are sensitive you should be aware of them.

Overall, this is a decent, somewhat short modern drama. Nothing jumps out to say this is the best, or the worst. It’s very average and I will only recommend “Go Back Lover” to those who love second-chance romances.


Completed: 10/25/2024 - Review #503

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Lighthearted coming-of-age drama with a different take of the hearing impaired.

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

“I Hear the Sunspot” is a lovely and sweet coming-of-age drama. Despite having a male lead with a hearing impairment, this drama focuses more than just his disability. It’s without a doubt that the challenges of having a disability will be part of the plot. But compared to other dramas of a similar topic, this drama has a more down-to-earth and lighthearted approach. It also distinguishes itself from other dramas as Kohei (ML) is not deaf-mute, but can still hear. It’s both a blessing and a curse when you can still hear, and when expectations of you could be somewhat unreasonable.

Additionally, this drama is also about knowing and discovering yourself. The lovely friendship and subtle romance between Kohei and Taichi is sweet. They are both very likable characters, and their interactions feel personable. The little things they do for each other and the quiet understanding of each other are the highlights of this drama. Seeing how Kohei integrates into Taichi’s friends circle so seamlessly, is also lovely to see (that zombie movie is hilarious).

And because the drama is so soothing and slice-of-life that it’s lacking an emotional impact on me. I don’t come out feeling the same angst as when I was watching “Silent” or the more fun and touching moments in “Shizuka-chan to Papa”. The conflicts in this drama could have been easily resolved if Kohei and Taichi would just talk to each other. They had no problems doing that in the first half of the drama, but seemed to forget how to communicate in the second half. Kohei could have been Taichi’s biggest supporter if given the chance, just like how Taichi has been there for Kohei. They just need to talk!

Nevertheless, “I Hear the Sunspot” is a lovely drama. It’s an easy watch with a handsome male lead that flashes a very attractive smile every so often (I’m talking about Nakazawa Motoki/Kohei). I do find Taichi a little loud and over-the-top for my taste.


Completed: 10/7/2024 - Review #496

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A drama trying to do too much and wasted the amazing acting of the leads

I was attracted to “My Husband in Law” due to the plot of fake/contract marriage. I am a sucker for it and thought it would be a fun rom-com with a pair of good-looking leads with great chemistry. Well, I was partially right.

What I Like:

Mark + Mew
The best part about this drama is our lead actors, Mark and New. They have amazing chemistry and the acting is great. Actually, the acting is pretty good all-around for a lakorn. But Mark and Mew especially, are the reason I did not drop this drama. They were not given likable characters to play, yet their charisma shines through and makes this drama tolerable. Mark is so handsome, so adorable in a non-cold way even when he was acting like an ass. Mew is so lovable even though her character is over-the-top and self-sacrificing in the name of love. I wish there are more cute and fluffy scenes of them together, and the kisses are better.

Muey/Female Lead’s development
I’m glad to see how Muey has grown from a lovesick fan girl, to a woman who is clear-headed enough to recognize the true love is. Not gonna lie, it was hard to like the lakorn-version of how Muey is written with over-the-topness, obsessiveness and love blindness towards Thian. But in the end, I cheer for her for finally standing up to Thian, and her honest conversation to enlighten Thian of what true love is.



What I Don’t Like:

Plot
“My Husband in Law” started off really fun in the first 3-4 episodes. It was just the rom-com I needed and expected. But once the hacking plot starts, the drama goes downhill. Instead of a rom-com, it becomes a business drama + gang/revenge/crime drama + melodrama. It somehow cannot just pick one or two and stick with it. This drama has an identity crisis.

Pacing
The pacing is also off. This drama really doesn’t need 15 very long episodes (1 hr 40 mins each is too long). It should end at ep 13ish, and have them live happily ever after. We really don’t need the introduction of another crisis in the second to the second to last episode. Despite having so many craziness happens in the drama, I still feel it drags and is repetitive with flashbacks.

Thian/Male Lead
As much as I adore Mark, his character is very unlikable and hard to root for. Yes, deep down Thian might not be a bad person and really does care and like FL. But man, he has trouble using the appropriate method to express this care and concern. He’s done so many mean things and is such a bully at home and at work. Of course there’s character development in the end, but it happens very slowly and you have to be very patient to see him finally change and recognize his shortcomings.

Supporting Romance
Why introduce them when you don’t properly execute the storylines? There’s so much time!! Is it really necessary to show the new (ridiculous) occupation of Ms. Accountant? Is it really necessary to show us the real Chet in the end? I’d rather see more of their romantic journey, or not show anything at all. Yada and Pondech seem so much more interesting and I want to know more about their background and how their relationship started, instead of the repeatedly hard to watch scenes of violence.


Unfortunately, this is not the drama for me. If you are a regular lakorn watcher, you will probably like this more than me. I wish the plot was simpler and written better, and the pacing was quicker with fewer episodes. At least I was introduced to the fabulous Mark, and I hope to watch him in another drama with a better story.

Completed: 10/6/2024 - Review #495

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Special bond between Mother & Son - Fun yet Heartbreaking

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25


I really shouldn't have picked this drama to watch now, as I am trying to adapt to the reality that my son is leaving the nest and going off to college. “I Belonged to Your World” is not making it easy for me when the central storyline is about a devastated adult son who travels back to the past to prevent his mother from marrying his dad. Instead, he wants his mother to marry another classmate who he thinks is the ‘destined’ one and can change his mother’s life for the better.

It’s not really hard to follow the logic of this time-travel drama and imagine how this story is going to unfold and end. The best part and the saddest part of this drama is the fun, touching and crazy mother/son bond. Liu Yi Tong, who plays the future son, Qi Shuo, is excellent in this drama. I’ve never seen him in anything, but he plays the role of cupid and a loving son convincingly. He’s the brightest star and the glue of this show. Qi Yan Di (as Qi Yue) and Jerron Wu (as Lu Xiao) aren’t bad either.

When the mother/son bond is so well-written, the romance pales in comparison. I was initially expecting a cute and fluffy romance, but I don’t think I got a great one. It was fun to see how Qi Yue bulldozed into Lu Xiao’s life with the help of Qi Shuo. However, in a way, it was also very pushy and stalkerish. The chemistry between Qi Yue and Lu Xiao isn’t bad, but also not super convincing. There are times when I thought to myself that Qi Yue doesn’t really like Lu Xiao all that much. She’s more in love with her son, and wants a son more than a boyfriend/husband. I do enjoy watching Lu Xiao slowly falling in love and also feel bad for him in the last couple episodes when he doesn’t seem important at all even at his own wedding.

But if I look past the romance and focus more on the main plot and the reason for the time-traveling, I really enjoy the scenes of Qi Yue, Qi Shuo and Lu Xiao. They really do have great chemistry together as a trio and as a family. The last few episodes brought tears to my eyes.

The rest of the supporting cast is fine. I don’t find anyone too annoying but the roommates don’t really play any important roles. This is a lower budget drama with some editing issues and plot holes. I would have liked to see more scenes of the future, not only of the mother/son duo, but also of Lu Xiao.

All in all, I had a good time watching it. First and foremost, this is a drama about the strong bond between a mother and a son. Their fun banter, care and love for each other makes “I Belonged To Your World” worth watching. If you are looking for romance only, I will not recommend this. This is indeed a heartbreaking yet happy drama.


Completed: 8/25/2024 - Review #476

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Slow-paced Melodrama with Excellent acting but a lot of Crying

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

I really like the general plot of “Happy Birthday”. I was looking for a romantic drama but it ended up giving me more. There are themes of family relationships, regrets, redemption, making up, friendship and special bonds. If you are looking for just a cute and fluffy romance, this is not it since it’s a melodrama. But seeing the story unfolds and all the secrets slowly come out is great.

What I Like:

1. Good acting
I am pleasantly surprised that the acting is pretty good. I was expecting Thai over-the-top acting but I was given controlled emotions and very heart wrenching performances. This is my first drama of Push and I am an instant fan. Not only is he handsome but his emotional scenes are well-done. Mild did an excellent job as the female lead and is able to show a 17-year old innocence and confused emotions, but mature enough to be the big sister and a 30+-year old ghost. Looking at Pluem's filmography, it’s no wonder he did such a good job at a young age. He’s been in the entertainment industry for quite a while. The three of them really make this drama enjoyable. Adding to that is a cast of veterans.

2. Good Casting of Teenagers
Not only is their acting on par with their older selves, the younger actors deliver memorable performances. They also look like the adult versions. I can see the resemblance of Plustor to Push (both as Tee), and Chimon to Na (both as Phana).

3. Siblings bond
I enjoy witnessing the sibling relationship between Thannam and Tonmai slowly develop. They are both very likable characters and do look like siblings. They are fun together, yet also have many heartfelt conversations.

4. Romance
The main romance is definitely not what I anticipated. I thought I was getting a Romeo & Juliet-type story but it ended up being full of twists and turns. Finding out Tee and Thannam's history of when they were kids is one of the better parts of the drama.

5. Other special relationships
Tonmai + Tee and Thannam + Uncle Tai are two special relationships that might not have taken center stage, but are lovely and heartwarming. The mother/daughter duo of Chompoo and Noiha is also fun to watch (though they are super loud).


What I Don’t Like or have Mixed Feelings

1. Slow Pace
Unfortunately, despite all the above-mentioned things that I like, the pace of this drama is slllooooooww. I know this is a melodrama but the characters speak really slowly, especially during crying or emotional scenes. I have to speed it up to 1.25x and then conversations would sound normal. I have to speed up 1.5x during the crying scenes, especially with Thannam, otherwise it would be intolerable. She speaks so slowly with long pauses in between phrases and sentences. This drama could have been 10 episodes long instead of 13, if everyone would just speak faster with fewer pauses. It’s really too bad because it greatly decreases my viewing pleasure and I can’t rate this drama 8.5 or higher.

2. Crying
There’s so much crying in this drama. Although I think the acting is great, it's just too much. You can bet someone is teary-eyed or cries in every episode.

3. Minor plot holes
This being a fantasy drama, I am not surprised there are plot holes. I still don’t know if Thannam can move freely or if she really needs Tonmai to open doors for her. She’s a ghost! She should be able to go wherever she wants, even if she can't leave this world. On a different note, I am not sure if a mother will really slap her son 10 consecutive times. That’s a bit over-the-top. So, why did Thannam choose to commit suicide on Tonmai’s birthday? I get why she wanted to give up and die, but on the day her beloved baby brother is born? Why?


I would recommend this drama if you are interested in a slow-paced melodrama. It has an interesting plot and excellent acting. I was binge-watching this and I don’t recommend doing that. A few episodes a day might be more enjoyable and you might not find the pace as slow. I’m glad I watched it and discovered Push and Plustor.


Completed: 8/23/2024 - Review #475

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For those younger, young-at-heart or want cute fluffiness while relaxing your brain

Subjective Gut Rating: 6.75

This is a simple, cute, and fluffy drama that doesn’t require a lot of brain power. The drama is really short with only 6 episodes and each is less than 25 minutes long. And because of that, not a lot of time is devoted to each subplot. The romance happens fast and furious (in a cute way). The challenges the leads face as a couple and in business are simple and easily involved. The last arc with the brother probably took the most screen time. Even in typical Japanese speedy fashion in storytelling, I still feel everything is rushed.

The romance is cute and with no angst or misunderstanding at all. MLis a combination of a green flag and a red flag. He’s adored by all due to his handsome looks and mild-mannered and polite personality. He’s not afraid to show his affection to FL. However, he’s also possessive, overprotective and gets jealous easily. In the world of drama/manga/anime for the younger audience, these red flags are probably all considered romantic green flags. I am just a tad old to be totally absorbed into this romantic fluffiness. FL is sweet and shy but not much of a pushover (thank goodness). The acting of both leads is pretty good. I enjoy the more natural acting instead of the overly dramatic anime-like acting.

I probably would enjoy this more if I were a teenage girl. You will probably enjoy it if you are younger than me, or young-at-heart. I chose this drama to relax my brain and have some mindless fun….and I achieved this goal. But objectively, this drama is very average.


Completed: 7/17/2024 - Review #462

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Not the story I was expecting - uninteresting, unrealistic, illogical

I thought I would be watching a drama about a bunch of young cadets learning and being groomed to become future policemen/women at a police university. But it turned out to be different than what I had expected. The majority of the drama is about a crime investigation into illegal gambling sites and most of this happened at the National Police University, thus the title of the drama.

Usually, it’s not a big deal if the plot was different than expected. But there are all kinds of wrong in the logic of this plot. The drama never explained how Kang Sun Ho became such a skilled hacker, especially when he doesn’t come from a well-off family. Where and how did he learn these skills? Yoo Dong Man as the investigator using unconventional approaches and ways to catch criminals doesn’t make a lot of sense either. I cannot imagine him still having a job by being such an irresponsible and reckless cop. I would have fired him a long time ago. Involving a group of freshmen to help with the investigation and exposing them to danger? Yeah right. They’re so green and can barely throw someone over their shoulder during judo practice (yet they all have black belts!). How could the two other professors join in an unofficial investigation and be as reckless as Yoo Dong Man? Everyone should be fired.

There’s a lot of talk and not a lot of action. I was enjoying this drama in the beginning when the students were still being students and not wannabe investigators. But once the focus is on the illegal gambling sites, the drama runs in circles and becomes repetitive. The last 5-6 episodes are incredibly slow and draggy, and full of fillers of nothingness. I was falling asleep and want to drop this drama so bad (but can't because of a watch challenge).

Romance and love triangles are boring. Kang Sun Ho and Oh Kang Hee were somewhat cute in the beginning but once they get together, the sparks are gone.

Overall, the acting is average. The veterans are definitely better than the younger cast. No one is horrible or exceptional. I do like a couple upbeat songs. Krystal Jung seems to be the sole responsible actor for all product placements - Samsung phones, Subway, Food ordering app, makeup/concealer, etc.

The one thing I like about the drama is the character development of Kang Sun Ho. It was heartwarming to see how his relationship with his adoptive father has changed. I like how he comes out of his shell, and throughout the drama has grown, learned his mistakes, not running away and become a confident person. He’s not the lost puppy who worries about his adoptive father disappearing, or always on egg shells when fighting with his brother/best friend.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this drama. It’s not a good drama about cadets and nor a good crime drama. Unless you are a fan of the actors, I would stay away. Jung Jin Young (though skinny) looks really good in uniform. If you are his fan, you can watch the drama for him.


Completed: 7/2/2024 - Review #455

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Not enough singing and dancing

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

You would think if this is called a concert, there will be a lot of singing and dancing. Unfortunately, I found that almost 50% of the show is just two annoying hosts interviewing the cast and playing games. I understand fans want to know what happened behind-the-scenes, watch some fun bloopers and hear the cast members talk. I get that and I like them too, to a certain extent. I don't care for their fake awards given out to the cast members. Or the hosts trying to stir up rumors between two cast members.

What I want is hear most of the songs being sung live during the concert. "Dream High" has such a great OST and a diverse set of songs. Maybe it's hard for the cast members to remember all the lyrics AND the choreographed dance moves? Luckily, at least I see an amazing dance performed by OK Taec Yeon, Jang Woo Young and Park Jin Young.

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