A Docu-Drama? Recommend for those interested in Chinese arts/crafts/culture

“Hi Producer” is a very unique drama. It’s more of a documentary showcasing China’s rich culture and arts, than a regular drama. It tries to promote and educate via the production of a TV show and a very interesting female lead, Yu Zai Zao. Due to her disability, YZZ is unable to understand certain emotions. However, it doesn’t prevent her from coming up with creative ideas for this TV show. By working closely with the team and building a bond with everyone, she has slowly changed to be a different and better person.

If you are interested in learning about China’s thousands of years of culture, this is definitely a show for you. It showcases more than just arts and crafts. It also tries to spotlight the loneliness, challenges, and passing on the traditions to successors - willing, unwilling and overlooked successors. At times, the information comes to me like big ocean waves that it took me a while to digest what I just heard. There’s a LOT of history talk. I also really like the sentimental storytelling of the people behind such beautiful craft. The drama also pays respects to the real experts of each field by inviting them to share their real life experience during the epilogue of each episode.

Despite liking all the characters in the drama, the plot is somewhat thin. I feel that the drama is too long at 35 episodes, and with each introduction of a tradition (about 2 episodes per tradition), the stories become repetitive. I lost focus in the middle of the drama and thought about giving up. I wish it had cut down 5 or so episodes, and spent a little more time on the depth of each character of the TV show. The female lead is one of the most interesting characters. She’s adorable but also straightforward and rude. She’s fun but manipulative. When you start to pity her, she turns around and fools you with her intelligence. If you are looking for romance, then you will be disappointed. There are feelings, but no romantic stories between characters.

I would only recommend this drama if you are looking for a docu-drama and really are interested in learning about Chinese culture. If you are looking for a regular drama with an exciting or unique plot, or a romance story, then this might not be for you.


Other Random Observations:
1. I love the “I Won” doll and gift. Hilarious!
2. Something seems to be off with the styling of Zhang Bo (Professor Tao Tang). He’s only a few years older than Zheng Kai (CEO Gu) but looks so much older.
3. My first time watching Zhang Nan and she impressed me. Her portrayal of Yu Zai Zao is so funny and on point.
4. Not too many songs in the OST, but I enjoy the opening and ending theme songs. They fit the general feel of the drama.
5. It’s amazing how many actors/actresses the drama invites for special appearances.
6. I was mesmerized by all the dances in this drama. That actress is such an amazing dancer.


Completed: 10/21/2023 - Review #368

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Short and Simple Healing and Slice-of-Life Drama about Forgiveness

“Finland Papa” is a short (6 episodes/30 minutes long) healing, slice-of-life drama. Four individuals who have suffered through life’s challenges and loneliness found their way to work at this cafe owned by a mysterious Papa. They are instructed to become a fake (but found) family and learn to support each other in resolving their own inner struggles. I love them hula dancing together! There’s a central theme of forgiveness - to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.

Because the drama is so short, we only get to know the bullet-point version of each character’s background story and their own arc, with the exception of female lead Yoo Ri. She suffered the loss of her father and her grandmother, and had to learn to live alone. Not only that, there are many unresolved emotions towards her father and his death. She has to learn to forgive and let go, and it took her a while to get to that point. We all know it’s hard to sincerely apologize but it’s just as (if not, more difficult) to forgive someone and move on.

I was impressed with Kim Bo Ra’s acting as the female lead. I’ve always seen her as the annoying high schooler, or irritating supporting character that causes trouble. I almost didn’t watch “Finland Papa” because of her, but I wanted to see male lead, Kim Woo Seok (he’s adorable!). I’m glad Kim Bo Ra took this role and showed a more mature side of her. Her character has to go through the happy-go-lucky high school phase, and move into the lonely, healing phase.

If you are in the mood for a simple, healing drama, this is it. There’s really nothing exciting or surprising. The plot is quite predictable but this could be just what you need as well.


Completed: 5/16/2023 - Review #308

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Amazing, underrated but NOT a lighthearted drama - Funny, Sad, and Relatable

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75

Trigger Warning - this drama covers many issues and might be difficult to watch for those who are sensitive. I’ve listed the potential triggers at the end of this review.

“Salon De Nabi” aka “Fly High Butterfly '' is an underrated drama that was not released in Korea due to the bullying scandal of supporting actress, Shim Eun Woon (Jen). The drama was released in Taiwan instead and then on Amazon Prime in selected regions. It’s really unfortunate that “Salon de Nabi” did not get its deserved release and promotion because it’s a great drama. It tackles many important social issues through the lives of the 7 individuals working at the salon and their customers. Initially, I thought this would be a lighthearted watch, but I was wrong. I did laugh a lot, but I also shed many tears for the characters. I was shocked at how funny and depressing the first episode was.

I realized that I had to pay attention to this drama as not all the events and explanations are openly and graphically shown. There's quite a bit of subtlety to the storytelling, e.g. the uncle greeting the teenager and touching her arm, the character calling out their mother’s name outside the police station and then the camera panning to the cross hanging in the car, which then reminded me the scene where the character left a cake outside their family’s door. These scenes are shown to us, but not explicitly explained.

We get to know each of the 7 unique main characters in the salon, some with a bigger focus than others. The drama uses a lot of humor when introducing them but along with the laughter, there’s a lot of tears when we learn of the challenges each of them faces. I would not have liked this drama as much if there were only funny parts.

Gi Bbeum, as the female lead, has the most screen time and the biggest character development. Her story was the first to be introduced in episode 1 and also sets the tone for the rest of the drama. It’s lovely to see how she’s changed from an introverted, quiet but hard working intern who battles social anxiety, to a more confident and outspoken designer/hairdresser-in-the-making. Despite her flaws, she’s not afraid to keep learning and asking questions. Her questions might be weird but she’s trying very hard to improve. Her romance with Moo Yeol is really cute. They’re destined to be together as Moo Yeol seems to be the only one that can understand her mumbling speech. The love confession does seem to have come out of nowhere despite the weak explanation that she might have liked him from day 1. I think Moo Yeol brings Gi Bbeum out of her shell and helps her become a better version of herself. He is quite attuned to her moods, and is not afraid to ask her questions. Gi Bbeum, though shy, is very honest with Moo Yeol.

None of these characters are perfect, and a couple might be very annoying. But these flawed characters feel relatable thus we care about them and root for them to overcome their challenges. I particularly like the odd pair of Jen & Kwang Soo. Jen is the best ‘wingwoman’ and she’s so badass. Kwang Soo is the weirdest and most self-absorbed jerk, yet he can be very perceptive and can shut you down with his no nonsense facts. I probably like Michelle and Soo Ri the least, and find them slightly annoying. Poor Teacher Woo is just there. He doesn’t get a lot of screen time or lines, but I think that’s because of who he is. This weird bunch of individuals don’t necessarily like each other and are not the found family in other dramas that give you the warm and fuzzy feeling. But when one of them is in need, they rally behind and have each other’s back. There are a few circumstances where I don’t agree with the initial reactions of the characters. But when I think clearly, their reactions and actions are very normal. These are flawed characters and it takes time for them to digest the information, but will also act appropriately at the end.

My main criticism is probably the number of issues they try to cover in this drama. Sometimes, I feel like the drama is trying to do too much, therefore, a few of the storylines are fully developed. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend this drama if you want a slice-of-life drama that covers some relatable issues in a very funny yet human way.


Other Random Observations:
1. Some bad wigs are used in this drama.
2. It’s funny how dissatisfied customers all run to the public restroom to check their hair.
3. I have enough fat girls being criticized plot, forever stay in the friend zone and have low self-esteem.
4. FL’s fake smiles are haunting me.
5. It’s so sad that a character refused to go to the hospital after being stabbed by a pair of scissors.
6. Jen & Kwang Soo’s romance could have developed more.
7. Great advice from Jen about FL’s first time having sex - looking back to see if it’s a fond memory.
8. Love the interesting way of telling the ‘origin’ story of the 7 individuals in episode 15.
9. Ep 15 is technically the season finale. Ep 16 is only a bonus episode.
10. I did not like Ep 16 - it’s all fun but I was bored because I am missing the human element of the drama. Comedy only is not enough for me.


Potential Triggers (spoilers): bullying, weight issues, fat shaming, transphobia, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempts, depression, terminal illness.


Completed: 3/19/2023

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A Familiar Yet Unfamiliar XianXia Drama

When comedy is injected into a xianxia drama appropriately and smartly, a very unique and fresh drama is born. “The Starry Love” seems familiar, yet unfamiliar at the same time. The general plot is nothing out of the ordinary. We’ve seen this before: brides switch, someone needs to be a hero to save the world, the Heavenly King as a hypocrite, and everyone from the Demon World is a bad guy.

But what sets this drama apart, and why so many viewers are watching “The Starry Love” is the humor in all this. The drama doesn’t hesitate to poke fun at some common tropes, and have the characters act silly here and there. Because of the overwhelming praise of the comedy, I was initially worried that it might be a little too over-the-top for my taste. Rest assured, it’s not. Funny moments hit you at the right place, at the right time, and unexpectedly. Then it switches gears to other more romantic or serious moments seamlessly. It’s a good mix to keep you hooked right from the first episode. Comedic moments did die down towards the last quarter of the drama when the more serious plot and angst took center stage, and it really wouldn’t be appropriate to be funny here.

I’ve been a fan of Landy Li since I first saw her in “My Huckleberry Friends” and she has improved so much. She along with her co-star and sister He Xuan Lin are the stars of the show. The two female characters, though seem different at first glance, are both smart, caring, loyal and stubborn. I am so glad we have an awesome sisterhood in a xianxia drama, and especially happy to NOT see another naive/innocent girl. The two male actors also did a fabulous job. Chen Xing Xu basically plays 5 different characters. This is my first Luke Chen drama, and though he’s the least experienced out of the main leads, he was able to keep up with the other three. The supporting cast was fine. Although the veterans stood out a little more than the younger cast, I wouldn’t say they’re extraordinary.

For 40 episodes, the pacing is pretty good. There’s enough going on to keep me interested. I like all the strong friendships, bromance and sismance. I don’t think I dislike any character in this drama, and that’s rare as I usually hate one or two annoying supporting characters in a xianxia drama. Even the minor female character who won’t stop annoying ML didn’t irritate me that much. As unique as the first ¾ of the drama is, the last ¼ seems quite predictable. Many are disappointed with the ending. I am not overly disappointed, I am just not surprised as I’ve seen enough dramas to know this could be how it ends. But I understand after witnessing the hardships our leads have gone through, the ending could be dissatisfactory. Because the drama was so unique for the most part, I wish there was a more creative ending.

The pretty CGI sceneries are hard to miss. It evokes a similar reaction from me when I was watching “Love Between Fairy and Devil” back then. There are many scenes that are gorgeous, but the more I see them, the more I think they look fake to me. However, I really enjoy the starry nights and the CGI use of magic and fight scenes. The fight scenes themself are just average to me. Despite the inconsistent CGI, I really like all the costumes, hairstyles, and makeup. The two female leads look beautiful in their colorful costumes. Luke Chen (Chao Feng) looks absolutely handsome and smoking hot in his black attire. I personally think Chen Xing Xu looks better in a modern drama such as “Fall in Love” but I appreciate the different looks he’s in as You Qin, La Mu, Mei You Qing and Wen Ren. I am not sure if this is a big budget production or not, but I find the post-production dubbing to be below-average to average at best. Most of the actors/actresses use their own voices and I appreciate it, but the syncing is off sometimes when the lips are not matching the lips. There’s no live recording at all. On the other hand, the OST is great, despite being too repetitive for most of the drama (maybe a few more songs can help). It might not beat the OST of "Ashes of Love" but each song complements the mood and scenes of the drama appropriately.

This is a really fun drama with good pacing. It’s light-hearted and very romance-focused. I don’t think there’s anything I REALLY dislike about this drama (just mixed feelings). That’s always a good thing in my book. For that, I am giving this a solid 8.5.


Completed: 3/12/2022

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Love the main romance but the rest of the storylines are underdeveloped.

Subjective Gut Rating - 8.25

I have no expectation coming into this and not really sure why I want to watch it. LOL. Perhaps because I’ve always had a pretty good experience with Taiwanese BLs and I am always on the lookout for BL dramas in non-school settings. This one fits the bill and I have a surprisingly enjoyable time watching.

Firstly, I enjoy following along the romantic journey of our two male leads. I was somewhat surprised at how flirty Jin Xun An is after the initial introduction of his character. But after knowing his first love story, I understand why he had to change his strategy. Bai Lang is a lovely and adorable character. Their romance is cute and sweet. I love every single moment that they had before they officially got together. I love how mature Jin Xun An is and really gives Bai Lang time to recognize his feelings. I am glad Jin Xun An made Bai Lang wait and work for his love. Both characters are complex with interesting stories. I just wish the drama would go more in detail about how Bai Lang overcomes his trauma, and not just saying how Jin Xun An would support him. I want to see more actions than words, not that the supportive words are not important. On the other hand, the drama didn’t really give us much information on Jin Xun An’s family. I see where he’s coming from and wanting to give Bai Lang a real family, but the situation at home came at a surprise without any forewarning.

RJ and Alex’s story is cute as well, but the drama doesn’t give them enough screen time to fully develop. I thought RJ’s family situation would have a bigger impact but then it sort of disappeared. Instead, the drama wastes time on BigA and Chi Ren Min. It’s a half-ass romance that is insignificant and doesn’t contribute anything to the general plot. Additionally, I also don’t like how they have to give Bai Qing a partner in the end as well (especially not that guy!). Not everyone needs to be paired up, and the drama should have spent the time to develop the other two romance storylines.

This is not a perfect drama but the romance moves me and I love every minute of it. Thus, I can overlook its flaws in other areas and give this an 8.25 rating.


Completed; 1/30/2023

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Perfect for Romance Lovers - Cute, Fluffy and Low-Stress

“Hi Venus” is the perfect low-stress romantic comedy. If you want to de-stress like me, I recommend this sweet and fluffy drama to satisfy your inner romance cravings There’s no angst, no evil ex-girlfriend, no overprotective or over-demanding parents, and no misunderstanding. It’s not perfect, but it’s the perfect remedy to lift up your spirits.

Plot - Even though the drama’s main setting is at a hospital, this is not a medical drama at all. You rarely see doctors in action and even though there are some hospital politics, they do not dampen your rom-com pleasure. This could be a good or a bad thing, as you might find the plot to be on the lighter side and lacks substance. Romance takes center stage and primarily about the romance between Ye Shi Lan, a pediatrician who was sent to a remote clinic, and Lu Zhao Xi, newly appointed HospitalPresident.

Main Romance - Romance between Lu Zhao Xi and Ye Shi Lan develops nicely and with good pacing. We start off with a typical misunderstanding, then they become good friends and eventually fall in love. There are plenty of cute and fluffy scenes, hugs and decent kisses. I love the “Does he/she like me” part of the plot before the leads get together. I also enjoy the honest conversation they have as friends, and continue on as lovers. Two individuals brought up very differently and have very different life experiences. They learn from each other, esp. FL who opens up her heart and becomes a happier person. As much as I enjoy their honest conversations about ideals, life and experiences, a small part of me thinks it might be a little too ‘preachy’. I also miss the spunkiness that FL displayed in earlier episodes. Nevertheless, this is a drama with enough scenes of the leads together and not just resorting to the last few minutes of the drama.

Secondary Romance - Another cute and adorable couple in their own way. They did not take up too much of the screen time, but enough for me to care about their love story. Not a whole lot of PDA for this couple, but I don’t think it’s needed.

Other Characters/Relationships - it’s quite rare to find almost everyone likable. There are a few ‘villains’ but they are not overbearing. It’s also rare to find a C-drama without mean and demanding parents. I love the relationship between ML and his mother. They are like best friends. I also like the boss/subordinate relationship between ML and his Secretary Lin. The deadpan comments and love advice Secretary Lin gave to ML are funny and they have an interesting dynamic. FL and her best friend Yao Jia Jia also have a great sismance going on. I was expecting a little more from FL’s ex-boyfriend and that he might play a bigger role, but that’s not the case.

OST - There are 3 main songs in this drama and they are decent. I do think they are overplayed a bit. There are some funny sound effects to complement many comedic moments. However, I also feel that these sound effects can seem somewhat manipulative in forcing me to feel a certain way.

Overall, if you are looking for a cute, fluffy and low-stress romantic comedy, I strongly recommend this drama. We have a good main romance with honest and open communication. There is no annoying character. But if you are looking for something with a more interesting plot that’s not as romance-focused, you might be disappointed. I needed a drama like this, and had a very enjoyable time binge-watching. 24 episodes is a perfect length for a drama like this.


Completed: 1/10/2023

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The Hopes and Dreams of those who Dedicate their Lives to their Sports.

Directed by famed Hong Kong Director Peter Chan and led by experienced powerhouses Gong Li (Coach Lang Ping), Huang Bo (Coach Cheng Zhong He) and Wu Gang (Coach Yuan Wei Min), “Leap” details the rise and fall and the rise again of China’s Women Volleyball team. This movie is well-produced and beautifully performed by not just these actors, but a younger supporting cast and a few of the professional athletes and Olympians themselves.

Growing up, I was a fan of the 1980s China Women’s Volleyball team and watched many of these matches on TV with my family. I don’t watch them anymore but “Leap” brought back many memories and might have re-ignited my passion again. The high rating of this movie is very subjective but I also believe it's an amazing movie as well.

Even though the movie is about China’s Women Volleyball team and star player and coach, Lang Ping, one could argue this could be a story about any country, any sport and any athlete. The hard work, sacrifice and dedication portrayed here can be reflected in any professional athlete’s journey. What's different was China’s closed door policy for so many years. When they reopened, they had a lot of catch up to do. The rise of the volleyball team gave China hope that they could be as good as the rest of the world. There’s a quote towards the end of the drama by Coach Lang Ping about why China places so much importance on winning these matches. Look out for that quote.

The movie clocked in at about 2 hours and 15 minutes, but the pace is good and with no drag. “Leap” is full of emotions, excitement, plus quiet and deep conversations between two old friends, Lang Ping and Cheng Zhong He, supporting and encouraging each other. The use of music is excellent in conveying different emotions of the scenes. There is the usual cheering and exciting music at sporting events, but I was especially impressed when they used a violin score for one of the championship matches. The silence at the end of the biggest match let viewers soak in what just happened on their own, while watching quiet scenes of people cheering and celebrating. The ending theme, "River of Life" (生命之河), sung by Faye Wong and Na Ying is beautiful.

As I haven’t been following the sport in years, I did not know the outcome of the 2016 Rio Olympics. All the matches were exciting and it was great to see athletes participate in the movie and act as themselves. Their involvement contributes to the authenticity of the movie, and it must be a well-written movie for athletes to be willing to join in on the fun. According to Wikipedia, 10 out of 12 athletes from the China 2016 Rio Olympics squad appeared as themselves. The cast also includes players and coaches from Japan, USA, Thailand, Brazil, etc.

My favorite scene is the last scene. I don’t want to spoil the fun, but it involves a phone call made by Lang Ping to Cheng Zhong He. It’s the perfect ending and a perfect description of their friendship, hopes and dreams.


Completed: 12/10/2022

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Amazing acting, Sizzling chemistry, Raw and Real struggles of ordinary folks

Completed - 8/14/2022

“Lost” is an underrated mature melodrama that could hit all the right notes for an older/mature audience who have already encountered life’s challenges. That is not to say that the younger audience will not enjoy this. I mainly want to watch this for a more mature romance and to see Ryu Joon Yeol again after "Reply 1988" (I was rooting for him!!!)

A few quick notes about this drama:
1. This is not a fluffy and sweet romance - not a whole lot of PDA either.
2. A slice-of-life melodrama about life’s challenges and setbacks.
3. Triggers: best check the tags (I don’t want to list them because it might be spoilery for some).
4. Slow burn (sizzling) romance but technically not the main focus of the drama
5. Could be depressing with few comedic moments
6. Has meaningful, quiet dialogs

Plot - The story of our two main leads who realize they have achieved nothing in life or worry they will not achieve anything and continue to stay in a rut. It tells of the life of the common folks - no fancy clothes, no fancy make-up, no fancy jobs or fancy cars. I really like that the focus is on those who work ordinary jobs. Each of the characters could be your next door neighbor. This makes their stories and struggles more realistic in a way. The drama also explores the different types of relationships - spouses, friends, neighbors, son/mother, daughter/father, in-laws, former lovers/spouses, neighbors and colleagues. “Lost” has the most beautiful story of Lee Boo Jung (FL) and her father. Her father is so lovely and understanding. A man of few words but witty and believes in her daughter. On the other end of the spectrum, the son/mother relationship is very different and provides quite a big contrast to the daughter/father relationship. Gosh.. I couldn’t stand the mom even though I know where she’s coming from. I am just glad she sort of redeems herself in the end.

Pacing - As a slice-of-life melodrama, the pacing is expectedly slower. The first episode did not immediately hook me in. The setup takes its time and viewers should be patient, give it a couple episodes to let the stories slowly unfold. By episode 5, I was fully invested in everyone’s story. Aside from the initial episodes, I found the drama to be well-paced even for someone like me who usually likes fast-paced drama and can be picky with slice-of-life’s pacing. However, there are a few times I was confused about the timeline of the drama. Sometimes, it takes a few episodes to cover what happened in one single day. Other times, a few months have passed.

Romance - Chemistry is off the charts! I am typically not a fan of noona romance, and I didn’t find the age gap to be very noticeable. Our male lead, Lee Kang Jae (played by the sexy Ry Joon Yeol) is an old soul and very mature for a 27-year old. When playing against our 40-year old female lead, Lee Boo Jung (played by the amazing Jeon Do Yeon), they have great slow burn chemistry. They actually don’t have that many scenes together, but when they are both on the screen, you can feel the intense tension especially when they are just looking at each other. They share deep and honest conversations and seem to have found someone who truly understands them. There isn’t a lot of skinship in this drama. But to me, the sexiest scene is when they were lying in the tent, and ML slowly pulled FL closer. You can feel the sexual, sensual and romantic tension. *sizzling* On the other hand, the rekindled first love between Jin Jung Soo (FL’s husband) and Lee Kyung Eun (former lover) gives off a very different vibe. Their chemistry might not be as strong, but the relationship is just as complicated. Their personalities are so different that they play off each other well, and you see a side of Jin Jung Soo that you don’t see when he’s with his wife. There are two more side couples but their stories are not as compelling. They do offer a different taste and stage of a relationship. All four couples are very different and if you are a romance lover, it provides you with some variety.

Acting - No complaint here. Top notch acting all around. There are a lot of subtle facial expressions or acting through the eyes. The quiet moments and dialogs are not drowned by music. Viewers need to pay attention to each subtle facial movement or gaze, as it can convey a lot without words.

Ending - I am satisfied with the ending and really glad to see an open and honest conversation between the husband (Jin Jung Soo) and wife (Lee Boo Jung). I have a hard time picturing them falling in love and getting married in the first place. Throughout the drama, they acted like roommates that don’t see each other often, instead of a married couple. The last conversation is what they really need. On the other hand, I wish Lee Boo Jung had a similar conversation with Lee Kang Jae. I felt that Kang Jae got the short end of the stick. They are ‘friends’ now and not talking to him seems wrong, especially when Lee Boo Jung has always been very honest with him. There is a difference between loving someone, and being in love with someone.

A minor criticism that I can’t fit in any category. There are many monologues in this drama. I enjoy them for the most part since we get different points of view. However, as a subtitle reader, it’s very difficult to read the monologue subtitle + the dialog subtitle + subtitles of certain text on, all at the same time. Maybe it’s just me *shrug* Of course, the drama is produced for Koreans, and they would have no trouble listening to the monologues while reading the text.

Other random observations:
1. I worry about FL’s father throughout the whole drama.
2. Lee Kang Jae plays with his long hair way too much (LOL). I actually find him sexier in his shorter retro hairstyle.
3. No one ever picks up their cell phone in this drama.
4. The last scene is open for interpretation and I would like to think that they live happily ever after because fate brought them together again.
5. As much as I like the song "Hallelujah", I don't want to listen to it again. It's a little overplayed.
6. Who is Ryoo Ji Hoon (who played Seo Jong Hoon)? I think he's the sexiest guy in this drama. LOL

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Butterfly Effects keep things interesting and not reptitive

Completed - 8/6/2022

After this year’s very popular hit C-drama “Reset” with a similar topic of time loop, I wasn’t sure if “Triage” could top it. I am usually not a big fan of the time loop theme, but due to the overwhelming praises for both dramas, I decided to watch them, and I am glad I did. Both dramas live up to the expectations. I am actually surprised I liked “Triage” quite a lot.

Not sure if there’s a production relation between “Triage” and “Manner of Death” but I was really hoping this would be a much better drama. I was quite disappointed with “Manner of Death”. Luckily, the overall plot and execution in “Triage” are a lot better and do not leave too many plot holes even though it could be quite difficult for a time loop theme. However, I have to say that the chemistry of the leads pales in comparison to Max and Tul.

I was not sure what Tin saw in Tol during the first few loops to fall in love with him. I didn’t think Tol was that likable and with Tin focusing on saving him, the chemistry wasn’t quite there for me. Once Tin got to know Tol after a few more loops, then I can see a little more chemistry (still not enough). However, I think the acting of Tin and Tol are just OK, and not amazing. Maybe that’s why I am not feeling the chemistry, especially when I might have subconsciously compared them to the leads in “Manner of Death”.

Regarding the plot,I was not totally invested in the story until about episode 3. The first two episodes have rapid fire time loops to showcase Tin’s frustrations in the process. But then the story slowly unfolds, like peeling an onion. I then realized the whole plot is more than just saving Tol. Side characters are slowly and smartly introduced. The time loops are so well executed that I don’t find them repetitive at all. With each time loop and butterfly effect, the story changes. We can then see how each side story is tied together to create the big central plot. I am still not quite sure why this all started. Was it because of the prayer Tin made when he was young? Is that why he was selected and given the chance to redo everything? I guess that’s for the viewer to interpret themselves.

One big initial concern of mine before I start watching this drama is whether medical procedures would be believable. Medical dramas are a hit-or-miss, mostly a miss. I am not a medical professional, so I can’t say everything they did in the drama is correctly done. But to my untrained eyes, it’s at least passable and not too fake. Unfortunately, I couldn’t say the same thing for the medical procedures and autopsies done in “Manner of Death”.

If you are looking for a more mature Thai BL drama that’s not in a school setting, I definitely recommend this. If you enjoy medical dramas and time loops, this is the drama for you. “Triage” might not top “Not Me” as my most favorite Thai BL drama to date, but I still had a very enjoyable time watching it.

p.s Wait.. I just realized I didn't notice/remember any product placement!! That's a first in a Thai drama for me!!!

Other Random Observations:
1. It’s nice to see a surprise guest appearance
2. All the women in this drama are pretty!!
3. Unfortunately, I only found Dr. Sing to be the only good-looking man in this drama.
4.Acting is decent overall
5. The professor really could get away with a lot of things in the hospital, even though they are security cameras everywhere.
6. Music is not memorable to me.

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Mixing genres = Identity crisis

Completed - 8/3/2022

I did not watch the webtoon, so I am unsure how true this drama is to its original content. However, reading the genres and tags, "Kiss Sixth Sense" is not what I was expecting. I thought this is a true romantic comedy with mature adults, maybe a little more mature version of "A Business Proposal" with a fantasy twist. What I ended up watching is comedy + romance + fantasy + suspense + crime. This results in the drama having an identity crisis and not doing any of the genre well.

This is really disappointing as I was looking forward to something light and fun, but with adults who look their age in the business world. The comedy in the initial episodes were a little over-the-top for my taste, but that's OK as I thought this is a comedy. The fantasy element is interesting and I am always a fan of fantasy romance drama. However, when they added the very-Korean childhood connection and trauma, and the half-baked suspense into a 12-episode drama, everything feels underdeveloped, rushed and disjointed.

I actually quite like the romantic chemistry between the leads. I am all for bickering couples who are secretly in love with each other. However, I still don't see when Fl starts to fall in love with ML, as she only wants to find out what the future holds. That's been such a big build up for many episodes about this future event FL sees with ML, but because those future scenes occur so often throughout 2/3 of the drama, it was quite anti-climatic when that significant event really happens. There's nothing the audience doesn't already know.

Acting is decent, though some scenes are quite cringey when the leads finally get together. ML seems to have changed to another person once he's in love. Where's that cool, calm and collected leader? Now we have a lovesick puppy vying for kisses whenever he can. There are scenes when he's kissed or kisses FL and he doesn't seem to be in pain. Whereas, other scenes he is pain even when FL is right beside him. Is that a plot hole that I detected? Or I am not understanding his condition?

The secondary romance between the cousin and the doctor is underwhelming. You can skip the whole thing and not miss a beat. Yes, the last 15 minutes are weird and unnecessarily long. I think I know where the scriptwriters are coming from, showing us a different kind of relationship. But, maybe they can reduce those scenes to 5 minutes instead.

Overall, it's an easy binge and if you have nothing to watch, this hodgepodge drama is OK. At least there are plenty of kisses (but not as many steamy kisses as I anticipated given the premise of the significant event).

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Hilarious, Emotional and Meaningful

Completed - 6/23/2022

This very short drama special started out with funny scenes of innocent high school girls discussing 'important' topics such as, what is sex? where do babies come from? is condom a candy? how does 'it' go up? But what transpires the whole premise is the discovery of the first volume of a banned erotic novel. Of course, what high school girls wouldn't be excited about that? Even their mean and strict high school teacher is obsessed.

The story also took place between 1986-87 when anti-communism sentiments were high and the government was controlling. We witness students being mistreated by teachers, and subordinates being mistreated by supervisors. The tone of the second half of this drama special changes quite quickly from funny to emotional.

Through it all, our heroine Soon Deok, played by the amazing Jung So Min, is central to all that is happening. She stands out among others due to her independent, forward thinking personality, and inspired those around her, esp. her teacher Tae Nam. It's quite difficult to like Tae Nam in the beginning. Who knew erotic novels could change a mean and selfish teacher to care and risk so much for his students?

I am glad to discover this drama special through an MDL article. I recommend this unique special to those who want something different - funny yet meaningful and emotional.

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Lots of cute animation screen time - you either love it or hate it.

Completed - 6/15/2022 - 8.25

I hesitated to watch "Yumi's Cells" when this drama first aired in 2021, as I wasn't sure if I would like all the animation. After finished watching the drama, I can say that I found them cute, but they took up a lot of screen time. I do understand that this drama is called "Yumi's Cells" and not "Yumi", but still.....

I find the animation cute and I love all the cells. I like their different personalities and they bring a lot of laughter to this drama, e.g. Naughty cell, Housekeeping cell and Hunger cell. However, it took me a while to get used to the back-and-forth transitions and the large amount of screen time. The frequent transitions to the animation disrupts the flow of the story and slows down the pacing, especially in the last few episodes. I got a little bored when the plot is not moving along and we got stuck in the same situation.

The acting is great. It's a fun character for Kim Go Eun to play and she was able to display a variety of emotions as Yumi. Ahn Bo Hyun finally gets a main role where he gets the girl. I also like his portrayal of Gu Woong. The rest of the cast is fine. Park Jin Young has a small role in season 1 and I don't think I see him enough to say that he's done a great job. He's pretty to look at but Ahn Bo Hyun has a hot body! (LOL) Ruby is a controversial character for me. I find her SUPER annoying 90% of the time but when she was teaching Yumi how to do 'aegyo', that was hilarious. I wish to see her more in season 2 but in a less annoying fashion.

The romance between Yumi and Woong was really cute in the beginning. Their personalities match and they do silly and adorkable things. Woong cares about Yumi and shows his affections through actions instead of empty words. The birthday episode really did show his affections, thus, prompted Yumi to ask that question. However, pride and the lack of communication get in the way. The damage is already done when Woong priorities changed. As much as I like Woong in the beginning episodes, I am very annoyed with his repeated lack of communication. You can still communicate with someone you care about without hurting your pride.

Since season 2 is currently airing, most people already know by now who Yumi ends up or not end up with. I would be very disappointed if I didn't know season 2 is coming, because season 1 did not end with Yumi feeling empowered and strong. I wish for her to realize that she could be happy without being in a relationship. She does not need to work like a dog to fill her life, like after her previous breakup. As the manager of the bulletin board said, there is no male lead and we don't need one.

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Good start but then it went downhill

Completed - 4/8/2022

The first 1/3 of the drama feels like Ancient Detective + Love and Redemption. It was fun to see our leads bickering with each other while solving crimes. However, I wouldn't say the crimes are super interesting or well-thought out. But at least the leads were fun to watch and I enjoy their characters. The drama went downhill and the lead romance becomes too cringey. Our female lead deity tries to woo our cool-headed male lead with methods that are way too cringey for my taste. Our supposedly smart ML is too hard-headed to get what FL is trying to do. Once the leads got together, the drama force-feeds us with a large dose of sugary fluffiness in one big episode. I should have known that whenever a drama does that, it means the cute romance won't last long and viewers will have to wait for a long time to see them together again.

The second half of the drama becomes a totally different drama. It feels like Ashes of Love but worse and many plot holes. Love, hate and obsession become the central story line in the middle episodes. If I am not an experienced wuxia/xianxia watcher, I might enjoy typical cliches and tropes more. But unfortunately, I watch and shake my head in boredom and frustration. I really start to lose interest in the abyss arc. I feel that should be the start of season 2.

I would recommend this drama to beginner watchers of xian xia dramas, who understand a little bit about the 3 realms but not too familiar with the tropes to be bored.

Let's see if I can summarize the tropes in bullet points:
- Love Square and persistent unrequited love
- 2ML turned evil because FL does not reciprocate his feelings, even though he has sacrificed so much for her.
- 2ML continues to blame ML because he has loved FL longer, and has been there for her. You are a newcomer who doesn't deserve her. ML gotta wait in line!
- Secondary leads who won't take "no" for an answer no matter how many times they are rejected.
- Double dose of noble idiocy = I will leave you for your sake because I love you and this is what's best for you. Who cares what you really want.
- Multiple characters believing their way is the correct way and you must do what I say. I am doing this for your own good ,even though I don't care how you feel/think

Aside from all that, the writing is quite messy and there are many plot holes.
- FL is supposed to be smart but yet she can't figure out there are demons around her. I thought she can smell demons but fails to do that many times.
- If FL can't fall in love, why break up the couple when she has ALREADY fallen in love? Isn't it too late already and worse if she's heartbroken?
- Why are the demons fighting with weapons against humans? Don't they know magic and can kill with a snap of their fingers? There's no way humans could win!
- I know our ML is smart, but is he really so smart that he knows how to re-create war weapons all by himself? He's not even a soldier but a crime investigator.

Let's end this review on a more positive note. Here's what I do enjoy:
- I like Zhang Yi Shang's acting as our female lead. I might find her character in the beginning a little too much, but she grows on me. Zhang Yi Shang is able to portray the different personalities of Duan Mu Cui well. She gives off a very different vibe when she's the General Duan Mu, compared to the happy and innocent Duan Mu Cui and depressed Duan Mu Cui. She looks absolutely stunning as well.
- Darren Chen is very pretty/handsome to look at. I like him in the first 1/3 of the drama, but not as much when he's in love and in sacrifice mode.
- Both 2ML and 2FL look great in black and evil attire. 2ML looks especially handsome, and his acting improves as his character goes darker. He's pretty meh when he's the 'good' guy in white.
- I like the BGM and the songs are not overplayed. Actually, the songs are rarely played and because of that, they are much more noticeable. Nice songs.
- Although the CGI and fight scenes aren't great, I do like the costumes, hairstyles, set designs and props of this drama. It's obviously not a high budget production but still I don't find anything too "cheap".

At this moment, I am not sure if I want to watch Season 2 or not. I don't feel a sense of urgency to know how it ends. But I might just because I like to complete my dramas. That's why I didn't drop this in the middle but somewhat force myself to continue.

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Great Chemistry, Slow middle, Strong Finish

Completed - 3/28/2022 - 8.25 rating

This is a good lighthearted romantic comedy without too much misunderstanding and angst. The story focuses on the development of an app called Love Note. And through this app, viewers also receive many love advice at the end of each episode. They are quite interesting. "Why Women Love" is a true romantic comedy. Love is in the air throughout the drama. It's great if you like want romance to be the central storyline.

What I Enjoy:
1. Leads Chemistry/Romance - Despite the real life & drama age gap, our two main leads have really great chemistry from start to finish. I really enjoy seeing how their relationship evolves from bickering boss/subordinate -> great work partners -> falling in love -> being together as a couple officially. Even though ML is supposed to be 8 years younger, the age difference isn't too apparent visually. I have previously seen Gina Jin (FL) in "Crossroad Bistro" and didn't like her character at all. I am so glad to watch her again in this drama, as I like her character so much more. This is my first drama of Wang Zi Yi (ML) and he did fine. I am also glad that we have some pretty good kisses between the leads. Luckily, we don't have a shy 30-year old woman who seems like she's being forced to kiss. Although the leads get together towards to the latter part of the drama, there is enough skinship to satisfy romance junkies. Additionally, it's nice to see a couple that actually tries to communicate and be honest with each other. If there's a problem, they talk it out. So silly misunderstanding that drags on and issues are resolved quickly and maturely.

2. Love Note Advice - At the end of each episodes, different characters from the drama will give us love advice. I may not believe in them all, but they are quite interesting. I wonder if there's really an app out there who is just like Love Note. Moreover, the little lectures that Qian Jing Jing aka Love Guru gave are pretty interesting as well. I may not agree to all that she's preaching but they are interesting nonetheless.

3. The Odd Pair - Li Yan Ran and Xu Ning Yuan make for an interesting couple. When the two formed an alliance and have meetings to discuss their plan of attack, they have so much chemistry. These two are so different, yet when put together, they also seem to complement each other so well. I am not sure how I feel about the subtle love connection. I am more inclined to want them to stay as platonic buddies, but I can't deny they are fun together.

4. Strong Finish - I quite enjoy the last 10 episodes of the drama when we are not just focusing on love, but also crisis at work. The pace of the drama picks up and we see how the leads relationship matures. Instead of only seeing cute & fluffy scenes, we get to see how they support each other's dreams and careers. Without going into spoilers, I applaud FL's decision in the last two episodes. Sometimes, the time is just not right and I am glad she is mature enough to speak up and be honest about how she truly feels.

5. Fashion - I really enjoy all the different outfits that our leads wear. FL has some gorgeous dresses and also some really cool pantsuits. Of course, ML looks suits but also in his leather jacket and racing outfit. Both of our leads look absolutely fabulous in everything they wear.


What I don't quite enjoy or am lukewarm about:
1. Li Yu Ran (first half) - I cannot stand another female character who is clingy, won't take 'no' for an answer and keeps on pestering her love interest. She is super annoying when first introduced. I can't stand her loud, selfish, stalkerish behavior. I really wish scriptwriters can write better love triangles/squares. Thank goodness she becomes more tolerable and even fun towards the second half of the drama.

2. FL's indecisiveness - The courtship and the back-and-forth between Gu Jia Xin and Xu Ning Yuan took up too many episodes. The middle part of the drama focuses solely on the love square. Nothing else is going on plot-wise, thus, the drama seems to be going nowhere. I wouldn't mind this love square if simultaneously something interesting is also happening.

3. Minor romance storylines - Aside from our main leads, I feel very lukewarm about the romance between Zheng DuXi and Qi Heng. They are cute and sweet, but don't really add much to the drama. You can take them totally out of the drama and it wouldn't affect much. Same goes to the romance between Qin Jing Jing and her husband. Their relationship serves as a plot device. But at least what happened between them is a lot more interesting than what Zhang DuXi/Qi Heng have to offer.

Other Observations:
1. My regular complaint on ML being too white. He looks so much more handsome when his face is not plastered makeup or they didn't use a white filter.
2. Many shirtless shots of ML - total fan service
3. Actors are not dubbed and there seems to be some live recording. Only Qin Jing Jing's voice seems to be weird at times, esp. in the earlier episodes.
4. Both ML and Qi Heng have this weird top/jacket with an attached cape.
5. FL should wear heels less often. She twists her ankle all the time.

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Who is the Murderer? Let's get to know the Deceased first.

Completed - 3/24/2022

If you haven't watched season 1, please know that my review WILL disclose who was murdered (which you find out in the last few minutes of Ep 8). I also strongly recommend you watching season 1 before season 2.
Here's my review of season 1 if you are interested: https://mydramalist.com/profile/voicelesslove/review/199589

Now that we know who was murdered, season 2 focuses on finding out who the killer is. The drama casts a very wide net and basically suspects anyone and everyone that has to do with Madame Sue. For the majority of season 2, I find the pacing to be somewhat slow. There are still stories told using many flashbacks. We find out more about the background stories of the characters and what happened the day of the murder.

But the focus is discovering who Madame Sue really is. She is not as nice and gentle as she seems. There's a much darker and manipulative side of her that not many people know. Was she already like that when she was a teenager? Was her experiences at home and low self-esteem the reason for her extreme actions? Each episode, we get to know her little by little and the lies that she told to her closest ones.

It's not until the last few episodes of season 2 do we find out exactly what happened. Madame Sue, the manipulative and revengeful one, has set up traps for those who hurt her long before her murder. I believe after her attempted suicide, she is ready to set the wheels in action .

Part 2 does not tell us who the murderer is, but ends on a cliffhanger. We do see a set of eyes from the rearview mirror. We will need to finish Part 3 in order to know what really happens on the day of murder.

p.s.
-Chris Wu is amazing as Baby - can't recognize him at all!
-The many guest roles continue in season 2. It's nice to see more of Wallace Huo (he's so darn sexy) and Vivian Hsu (who I haven't seen in a long time).

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