Clever use of time travel

This is a beautiful and sad love story.
The ML puts his love ahead of his own future.
Through a magical watch he is given the chance to change the future to help the FL fulfill her destiny.
In the times they are together as a couple their love shines out.

The time travel has unexpected consequences and he continues to love and support her from a distance. His rapid ageing is done really well.

I kept wanting a fairy tale ending and we are offered this but it is not the truth. At the end there is a sad redemption and throughout the story we are given glimpses via the diary he keeps.

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I want a follow up to these people and their lives I am very invested in their characters.

This is a very stylish drama the cinematography is quite adventurous and the warm pallet is pleasing. Throughout the drama the music is prominent. Beautiful words and tunes are very evocative and set the mood especially as the sadder details are revealed. Often the actors are shot in close-up with just the music as their internal reaction to the earlier scene is processed.
The two main actors are mesmerising. The young female He Ran, played by Xu Ruo Han, whilst having her hair washed meets the ML Xiao Han, played by Jerry Yan, and is immediately attracted to him and his deep sexy voice. Thus begins her persistent pursuit of him.
There is more social taboo in their culture around great age differences so even though they become lovers the relationship has many secrets.
I fell for the charismatic Xiao Han, his calmness, deep voice and hidden talents married up with a rocking physique.
The female leads character at times was annoying, however, her actions were in keeping with a young adult that has been secluded away and cossetted and controlled by her fearful mother.
Her mother is a strong, yet damaged character and the offer of a relationship with her much younger coworker is charged with expectation.
The pairings work because of the directing, writing and all the many talented people who finalised and edited the story.
Spoiler: watch the credits for the conclusion.
I want a follow up to these people and their lives I am very invested in their characters.

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Entertaining reminder of young love in it's first passion.

For males or females who can recall either being the object of the desire or being the desirer in a relationship.

The couple in this J romance have a lot to overcome before they open up to each other.
The female is an introverted bookworm who would rather lose herself in the printed page than anything else and this means relationships as well. The ML, in a tired and sensitive time at school, steals a kiss. This tiny action has a lasting impression on him and so 10 years later, when he returns to Japan, he contrives a chance meeting and pursues her. The timing of this encounter is perfect because the Fl need somewhere to live that will contain her many books.

Once they are living together he tentatively but relentlessly puts into action all the supportive, sweet romantic gestures he can without scaring her away, The Fl comes to like and expect these offerings and so their intimacy progresses,

What I liked was the ML straightforwardness. He also knows how to play the push pull game to get the Fl to initiate more. The Fl keeps believing her past trope of only needing books until she starts to realise she also needs him.

What stood out for me was the consistency of the ML's pursuit. At first I thought it was too one sided but as their relationship develops the Fl surprises herself with her awakened lust and jealousy.

There is a lot of fantasy and skinship all done in a soft dreamy way. Gentle but still far and away better than the K drama and C drama efforts that pass for romance.
Entertaining reminder of young love in it's first passion.

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Love eased their pain

What made this drama stellar are the actors. Good looks aside they portray their characters in a way that made me care for them. I love that the two main leads have their own successful businesses. They are liked and respected at work and this makes the power dynamic in their relationship more equatable than is often portrayed in couples (of any sexual persuasion).

There is plenty of romantic gestures, hugs, kisses, love gifts exchanged, meals prepared with cute notes and lovely banter between the MLs both before and after their love confessions.

Bl tropes are in evidence, however, a different slant is employed. For instance when Lang realises he was fearful and jealous of the ex two memorable scenes - the hug (haha) and Xun An putting in boundaries when he said “I like you, but it doesn’t mean that you can do anything you want to me,” stand out. Their long walk is also a master class in cinematography as the camera follows them.

There are lots of (too many) side couples all vying for screen time so I can only hope there is a 2nd season.

People are fragile egos so both come with their own baggage and these issues are slowly revealed.

Lang displays typical PTSD behaviours when triggers are set off. His toothache and a storm are the perfect environment for him to regress to the point of an early trauma. Xun An handles the situation and is kind and caring allaying Lang's fears temporarily. Xun An recognises that this has event had long-term effects on Lang and, whilst offering his support and protection. acknowledges it is upto Lang to get professional assistance.

Xun An is a fairly introverted character and has created a lot of life rules that moderate his more natural behaviours. this trait is more in evidence as the pair become closer and Xun An begins to relax and change. His own severe upbringing and parental expectations are also revealed. Unfortunately the scenes in episode 11 are jarring and brutal and over emphasise his earlier home environment.

- I will skip this when I rewatch and I believe this has good rewatch value.

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I found this drama fascinating.

Push through the odd beginning and make allowances for some of the script meanderings and you will be rewarded.
The cinematography is first rate.
There is a twist in regarding the 2ML that is handled well with sensitivity and understated use of flash backs and vague language.

(I have not seen this topic depicted in dramas previously and it prompted me to do a little research).

The friendship of the three main characters from childhood to the present day is emphasised and their different personalities are well defined by the actors.
I love that the FL has to self reflect on her motives and her reluctant acceptance of the role she can play in this trio of friends.

The budding love relationship of the two MLs is gently depicted in their actions rather than words. It lacks any sizzle but has a solid yearning feel.

The ML is slow to comprehend his feelings of love yet when he does he unambiguously takes action and the scene of coming out to his mother shows his deep caring and love for their relationship. He comes across as brave and protective and very straightforward.
The 2ML has returned, ostensibly, to renew his friendship with the trio but quickly realises his ulterior motive is to remain close to his first love. His past experiences have made him secretive and afraid of others reactions so he guards his identity from the ML.

A truly lovely BL with many layers and some fun scenes where Ching Lung fantasizes the two ML leads in two well known K-drama scenarios.

This is a short drama and has short episodes so I recommend binging.

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Brings a smile

I decided to watch this straight after enjoying Choco Milk Shake.

This was delightful and, I suspect, what I liked the most was seeing James, Prapatthorn Chakkhuchan, as Meow. The lighting, makeup, wardrobe all added to this total package of cuteness. I kept commenting to myself on how lovely he looked. If he wore a halo instead of those adorable twitchy cat ears I would have believed it.
To me he stole the scenes at every appearance.

The whole story is very innocent and nothing inappropriate occurs, although there are participants that wanted more they were respectful. Meow is so youthful in his actions (it is hinted that he may be 13 or 14 but acts very much younger) I had to look up his real age (23) his actions are sometimes closer to a six year old.
Gap in real life is 27 and we are not told his characters age, however, he does play the role of older brother (with a crush).

So although there is cuteness overload I feel that all the actors did a good job and possibly the director was at fault and needed more input from the real world for Meows character.
I smiled a lot.

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Quirky and layered

This seemingly simple drama has some subtle layers that kept me interested.

Topics that are touched on - lightly because this is a comedy romance drama in that order;
how someone can create a lie and use their position and influence to cause harm,
betrayal by a friend can have serious long term effects,
not facing your fears can be debilitating,
fans can cause damage in social media.

Even though our FL has chosen to live in seclusion her thoughts are beautifully written and conveyed as inner dialogue.
The ML is almost the polar opposite to her and like a burst of summer sunshine he invades her life and heart.
There are some wonderfully lol moments and cuteness abounds.
Supporting cast are terrific too and the character development of both leads is believable. He used his smile and optimism to mask hurt and learns to be more realistic and she learns to stop hiding and confront or challenge what hurts her.

I liked Enrique's character so much I am checking out his other dramas.

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Very entertaining fun spy/agent spoof.

The comedy of a, seemingly, middle age, average, housewife who turns out to have kick-ass martial arts skills is part of the fun. Her mild-mannered husband contributes his computer skills and voila a potentially dangerous plane hijack has suitable chaos.

Lots of fast and furious fighting utilising whatever comes to hand in the confines of an airliner. Baddies and plot twists, cameo big name stars and a cute, feisty daughter contribute to the plot.

The pacing is good and I did not ever get the sense this is to be taken seriously but it was kept within the realms of, possibly, believable. Very likeable actors doing a great job and the FL carried the scenes.
Family fun for all ages with lots of laughs.

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Deeper than first thoughts

A teenage boy has developed strong feelings of love for his home room teacher and on graduation day kisses him then shocked at his actions runs away. We learn he has no siblings and his parents aren't mentioned he appears to have had no one to help him understand and process his love for this older man. Taboos of being gay, person in authority and age gap has seared this information in his mind such that we meet him 10 years on and as the story unfolds we realise Minato Akira is still stuck in this young mindset.

Katsuki Shintaro is a teenage boy who has strong feelings of love for this laundromat manager and we meet him as a 17 going on 18 year old who has decided he needs to declare his feelings. Katsuki Shintaro is a mature person who has been the adult for his younger siblings and he has a very straightforward clear way of thinking and acting.

The shows dynamics revolve around these differences.
Minato Akira cannot accept his feelings for the young man and tries to keep their relationship at a platonic level. Katsuki Shintaro is resolved to wear him down with many acts of kindness and caring. He is quite self sacrificing and ultimately it is a smart move to encourage Minato Akira to confess his unresolved feelings for his old teacher.

Both actors are attractive and have lovely chemistry. Minato Akira is suitably naïve and easily shocked, whilst Katsuki Shintaro seems wiser than his years with an 18 year olds clear eyed determination.
Lovely and touching to watch as this healing relationship helps Minato Akira finally accept.
I feel this has definitely rewatch value.

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Weirdly wonderful

A lesson in good directing (Kim Hee Won) of how to take a somewhat obnoxious, yet romantic wealthy male lead and pair him with a mousy, people pleasing doormat style female and have you believe they are fated to be together.

Jang Na Ra and Jang Hyuk turned a fairly standard plot into a very watchable drama, Their ability to act transforms what could have been 'cardboard cut-out characters' into real people that I could relate to, Each actor has added their own nuances to their roles that in another's hands could just be annoying and turned it into endearing The development of each role during this drama allows their weaknesses to become their strengths.

I laughed and cried and binge-watched my way through this drama and was cheering for them to be able to be a couple. The only let down was the wrap up at the end it felt forced and less authentic.
Well worth the investment of time,

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Fragility and beauty

This is a gentle and poignant reminder to savour life and our own frailties.
The story plotline is sad and I shed a tear at the end, however, I recommend this drama for the beautiful production and telling of this sad story. I did not feel that there was any exploitation between the couple as his desire to be useful morphs into caring then love for this intelligent and beautiful older woman. The cinematography and dialogue alone make this very watchable. If you love books and writing then you will appreciate how the unfolding novel is like a metaphor for the inevitable sad ending of their relationship.

Showing Matsumura Ryouko's ex husbands stern and practical nature is a good counterpoint to her young lover So Chan Hae's more nurturing personna. At 50 she is attractive, intelligent and a respected teacher facing a known disease that will rob her of her humanity.

The creation of the random library is an act of love and displays how in tune So Chan Hae is with her. The fact that this library survives in its original form leaving a legacy of their love is one of the plot twists that I loved.

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stayed in my mind

I really liked this very formulaic drama - Thai college students go through love angst due to inability to express honestly.
Dunk Natachai Boonprasert/Dao Nuea is in his first starring role and does an excellent job of being appealingly cute and naive.
Joong Archen Aydin/Khab Khluen has a more nuanced role. He has been apparently dating Gai since high school and this effectively means no one else has pursued him except for Nuea's ongoing unrequited feelings. As the plot unfolds we get to realise he has zero experience of love and his 'girlfriend' relationship was really as a close family friend.

When our two main leads meet up again Nuea is embarrassed by his past confession so cuts off any attempt by Khluen to start anything. He remains in the 'safer' unrequited mode pining for his love and any attempts by Khluen are seen as not genuine.
We all realise that had Khluen cleared up the non girlfriend issue there would have been more chance to show us how sweet they are together, unfortunately the writers persisted with the misunderstandings for way too long thus dragging down the momentum.

Lots of negative comments about the non C kiss when Khluen is drunk but I think it is in character with this shy person who is hopeless at words and just has everything going on internally. He admits he is dumb at love and this is true in both senses of not knowing and unable to speak.

His mother plays a lovely role and we can tell that she has twigged his feelings for Nuea and tries to encourage him to not keep everything inside himself. He also has supportive friends as does Nuea. Nuea's brother, Mek Jirakit Thawornwong/Khua Fah is the more obviously experienced actor and has a strong screen presence.

Overall I enjoyed this drama and am looking forward to the sequel with Fah as the ML.

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Friendship and going against the odds.

You know you have a vested interest in a drama when a couple sit down to eat a bowl of noodles and I find myself crying.

This is a drama I will rewatch in the future because there is a lot of depth to the characters. It has a storyline that depicts the passion of youthful dreams, the friendships that help move and motivate them towards their goals, pathos and humour.
The gaming element is handled well such that people like myself can become fully immersed in the competition outcomes.
The two main leads meet through a cosmic glitch and their interconnectedness is the main thread of the plot.
A well written script that has a lot of depth.
This has so much going for it that I hope many more people take the opportunity to watch it.

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Loved every minute of this racy movie.

Okay fair warning there is sex, vulgar language, hot kisses and nudity.

From the opening scene we are primed to be ready for the R rated content. It is a fun, sexy, romp of a movie and the FL Yoon Jung (Kim Ah Joong) totally owns this role. The comedic timing is terrific and her portrayal as a modern, sexually expressive woman is refreshing. The ML Hyun Seung (Ji Sung) is not afraid to own his emotions and vulnerability. He later displays impulsive bravado with equal verve.
For me the movie touched on; what women do to spice up a relationship, how women react when a relationship sours and the role of relationship in women's lives - and it is fun.

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Online harassment is pervasive

I like the fact that the women in this story are smart (mostly) and supportive of each other.
The drama deals with quite serious relationship issues of sexism at work, misuse of technology to spy on relationships, stalking ex boyfriend, females emotional support for their close girlfriends and bullying public opinion based on social media - all in 10 episodes so sometimes it is not polished but handles the topics well.

Seo Ji-seong (Song Ha-yoon) is a clever AI programmer and she is curious about a glitch in her Fridge AI that has access to a great deal of personal data. This data reveals her fiance is basically a sleaze who has posted 'non consensual' photos to his sexist buddies and made inappropriate comments in their group chat. I love that Ji-seong ditches him and does not back down in her condemnation of his behaviour. Her mum is very supportive of her, there is a terrific scene where the would be mother in law is given a thorough telling off by Ji-seong's mum.
Jung Gook Hee (played by Lee Jun Young, (loved him in Love and Leashes) is younger than Ji-seong appealingly straightforward and avoids technology. They cross paths frequently and a romance blossoms. Gook Hee has chosen to become a firefighter due to misplaced guilt over an incident when he was young. This guilt has emotionally scarred him and creates the back story.

The two girlfriends of Ji-seong are quite different personalities and are having difficulties in their own relationships yet always find time to offer their friendship.
The only jarring note for me was when Ji-seong was crying and hitting the fridge in a very childish and emotional outburst. I felt it was overacted. The rest of the time I enjoyed the ensemble and the plot.

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