Worth the wait

BOT had a great review from AvenueX but at the time there were no English subs so I put in my plan to watch.
***So very glad I had rechecked.***
This show is first and foremost funny, quirky and has a type of teenagers take on humour.
Sometimes the sets are excellent and other times they remind me of earlier Dr Who shows.
Consistently surprising episodes that kept me interested whilst the individual characters gradually get fleshed out to reveal their 'monster' forms and personalities.
There is a slow burn love interest by the two, excellent, leads that is also given a complication worthy of this off beat drama. They carry the show and the supporting cast give more depth to the narrative. What is surprising is the directors and screenwriters are not very experienced yet manage to put in many layers and the dialogue pacing is good.

I feel this is a hidden gem that gets better as you persevere with each episode. I really got to like and care about the characters which, for me, shows off the skill of the actors.

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Lovable OTT comedy

This is a comedy where the actors play exaggerated characters, dress in colourful costumes and lay on the cuteness.
Our male lead comes across as sweet, effeminate and earnest with a tricky nature. The FL has taken up the running of the family business and is very comfortable in being a decision maker and has a masculine authority that is appealing to our two MLs.
I loved having this drama as a counter play to watching other more earnest dramas. It is light, fluffy and funny.
At first I was at a loss to understand how our FL would fall for this dainty ML but there is a slow build up and the 2nd ML just is over the top full of himself and ends up trying to bully his way into the marriage.
Suspend belief take it as light entertainment and have a giggle.

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Refreshingly adult comedy with sex

Take two beautiful female leads combine them in a sex toy business and get set for a hilarious movie. I loved their friendship and how they both powered off each other to turn the ailing business into a thriving. award winning success.
Cho Yeo Jung captures the business entrepreneur persona and is fearless in her exploration of her new found erogenous zones.
Clara Lee oozes sexual confidence in a wholesome way and is the expert in sexual toys.
The explicit antics are hilarious with some very laugh out loud moments. It is raunchy yet the director manages to inject an innocence into the scenes. I loved seeing Ra Mi Ran as the housekeeper and Bo Hee's mother (Kim Bo Yun) is terrific for normalising what most daughters can't handle - their parents sexual activities.
All the women are the star players including the world weary young daughter and the men have various levels of supporting roles. Go Kyung Pyo as the laughing policeman attempting to be a robot is excellent.
I think the atmosphere on set must have been a hoot and how they kept straight faces during the shooting the scenes is another story - a blooper reel would be a treat.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Opposites attract

First and foremost this drama is about relationships the CTF setting is just context so if you thought this was a gaming drama you will be disappointed.
There is enough contrast in the two main leads to add the uncertainty of how will they ever get together and if they do how will the maintain a relationship - but they do and the story is well told.
Tong Nian played by Yang Zi is bubbly, generous, smart and well loved by her family, friends and most who meet her.
Hang Shan Yan played by Li Xian is aloof, controlling, outcome driven and we learn later very lonely.
Both characters have a terrific ensemble of family and friends surrounding them and we are given enough exposure to make those characters add substance to the story.

I think this strange pairing works because the people surrounding Shan Yan want him to be with someone and have more than just the team and the goal of China winning the championship in his life.
Yang Zi has enough bravado/chutzpah to keep turning up in an effort to win him.
Despite there being 41 episodes time flew by for me. I never needed to skip or even feel bored the pace was good and even.
Music is also very apt.

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Be the best version of yourself that you can

Just completed this drama last night and loved it.
The description 'charming' came to mind.

This BL manages to gender neutralise and focus on the sweet angst of a couple starting to love. What I mean by gender neutralise is there are no specific BL tropes the story could be about 2 boys, 2 girls or 1 of each it works because it is about the couple. The whole story focuses on their gradual coming together.
There is enough depth of character building, despite the shortness of the drama a lot is contained as the back story is revealed. Honestly the 11 episodes flew by and I watched from start to finish engaged all the way.
The actors are very natural in their responses and the 'human-ness' of their love is beautiful to watch at the end I sat for a while just recalling scenes. Kang Eun Bin and Jo Hyuk Joon did an incredible job depicting the leads in a realistic and restrained way that emphasised the naturalness of their portrayal. the OST and cinematography were lovely and added to the experience, especially the use of tinted lighting (blue for blueming).
XXX

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A wild supernatural ride of a drama

The cast of this drama are varied and interesting. The fantasy is that the majority of main leads are either from heaven (deities) or demons. mix in some humans and ghosts and then the plot takes off at a gallop.
There are other sub plots, a snappy bromance, a slow burn romance, a fairy sharing her brothers body in a male female swap, an idol who is actually a demon pig who falls for a zombie and let's not forget the black dragon that could disrupt the world unless the FL sacrifices herself.
It is a fun mish mash of ideas held together by the cunning and charming monkey Son Oh Gong played marvellously br Lee Seung Gi. His romantic feelings for Jin Seon Mi / Sam Jang are triggered by a magic bracelet that binds his heart and weakens him. There are many manipulations that often backfire and evil doers flourish but not too scarily.
I didn't warm too quickly to the FL until the zombie is taken over by an evil spirit who then manages to swap souls with the FL. The transition from a fairly staid person working as a real estate agent into a femme fatal was an eye opener. She transformed her body language and voice and was very believably a dangerous evil woman.

20 episodes packed with plots, back story, great visuals and sometimes weird CGI meant I was never bored and the OST is lovely too.

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So satisfying you can practically smell the flavours

A slice of life drama that has close up attention to food preparation may seem uninteresting yet the production, (high quality camera work and lighting), the acting, (natural and expressive) and the light tension makes for a really enjoyable viewing.

The FL, Tang Min's character, Xiao Mai is a young girl with an unshakable confidence in her cooking talent. She is unafraid to go up against others who would try to harm her or challenge her skills.

Her 'can do' attitude and kindness attracts the attention of the ML. Yang Kai Cheng portrays Yi Huai as a steadfast, manly character of few words. He is a walking green flag and protects and rescues our FL even learning to appreciate his mother more due to her coaxing.

The support characters are also entertaining - the prickly mother (in-law), her bossy sister and husband add flavour to the story.

The food is a main character of the drama and it is often showcased at the different banquets and competitions. From the humble fresh noodle to the elaborately designed competition finale all is a feast for the eyes.

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If you are patient this slow burn romance will surprise.

A handsome university student, out hiking, meets a distressed adolescent. From this encounter the story unfolds.

The adolescent, Nakano Taishin, is awkward, shy and introverted yet he overcomes many of those traits as he persistently tries to get Shiga Takara's friendship.

Shades of 'My Beautiful Man Eternal' in their relationship dynamics as Taishin adores and looks up to Takara unconditionally and Takara portrays his frustration at not being perceived as a flawed individual capable of casual cruelty, like his mother.

Both characters show development as they influence each other and begin to acknowledge the depth of their relationship.
Disappointing ending we are left with a lot of questions and loose ends.

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It is an easy watch with sweet moments.

A simple and stressless BL with out too much angst.
Tome is an ex model and he appears to be good at what ever he does. His stand offish personality does not endear him to others and often leads to jealous repercussions. We later find out how his upbringing has enabled him to look after himself from an early age.
Natsume is a lovely flawed character. He tries very hard in his work and at trying to get others to like him. His low self esteem seems to be triggered by his wish to be super successful and the reality that he is very good at what he tackles but not outstanding.
These two are working together and Natsume admires Tome and is very encouraging of his talents. Tome starts to notice Natsume and a romantic link is sparked. He is very direct and steadfast in his pursuit of Natsume. Natsume is the focus as he deals with his insecurities, jealousy and possessiveness. All the other characters are there as background noise or mild diversions.

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All in all a wonderful insight into sibling dynamics and dating decisions.

Terrific concept executed really well.
Pairing up your sibling on a dating show was a bold move and it paid off. This aspect of the show was very heartwarming as we see the interactions, some sweet and caring others snippy and defensive, evolve as the show progressed and the sibling dynamics became very supportive of each other.

The panel were at times hilarious. They resonated with the unfolding drama and their reactions disclosed how their own dating past had unfolded. It was fun to guess along with them about which siblings were related and who fancied who.
The participants are to be commended. Spending two weeks living together in Korea and a week in Singapore with 4 potential dating partners may seem like a terrific opportunity but it has its drawbacks. These individuals are constantly miked and on camera so they know every nuance is being viewed and critiqued by the audience. There were times when the interactions were completely off the cuff and natural and some netizens moralised and pointed fingers. Personally I think the 'flaws' were the honest charm of the show. Loyalties switched and surprising pairings occurred keeping us the audience keen to know what happens next.

The format was also clever as new rules were introduced giving everyone a chance to interact closely with the other potential partners. The singing duet talent show was fabulously entertaining. The flash back videos of each family brought tears and deeper understanding of the sometimes difficult challenges the participants had faced.

Random Note: does anyone else see Yon Woo's likeness to a younger version of the American actor Ben Afleck? I was reminded of the character he played in Gone Girl who keeps smiling at all the inappropriate moments and is wrongly accused by the judgemental public.

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Very addictive

I got to watch the reformatted 38 longer eps vers.
I loved the dynamics of the 2ML they obviously developed a deep bond and affection for each other to the extent they would die for them. Their lives are put in danger enough times that it is clear to see how they look after each other. Both leads are above average intelligence and looks so they carry the drama easily.
Huang Jun Jie plays Ling Jiu Shi had an Alpha male persona but was somewhat restrained in body language.
Zhi Guang plays Ruan Lan Zhu in his first major role and at 24 yrs old I feel this will open a lot more doors (pun) to his career.

The side characters are also interesting although their screen time is shorter. The Spirealm game has tasks behind the 12 doors; to locate the door ghost, find the exit key and uncover clues on how to not get killed are what kept me hooked.

I liked the colour palette used and often moody lighting added to the sense of danger. The opening track, Cánh Cửa - Hạ Chi Quang (The Door) and deep singing voice is very hypnotic. Huang Junjie also sings the ending theme OST. The other tracks are magic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qPMm_cCrDo

This is based on a novel and apparently suffered a little from the adaption but not having read the story I thoroughly enjoyed this version and was never bored.

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This over the top action, black comedy spoof was my cup of tea.

I loved how Vincenzo Cassano coolly handles all that is thrown at him whilst sporting bespoke Italian suits. From airport muggers, cooing pigeons, betraying partners, corrupt officials ....... the list goes on.

He seems an unlikely thug with his neat appearance yet he handles the fight scenes with aplomb. Using his Mafia savvy he outsmarts and out fights his way whilst plotting how to remove tons of gold from under a building.
His running mate is thrust into her role and it is a radical about face for her after her father is is murdered. The role is tough and she pulls off the about face realistically. Together they make a formidable team.

There are numerous excellent actors in the ensemble and scary violence is juxtaposed with slapstick humour, this may not appeal to all, I liked it. I was pulled along by the rocking pace and unexpected cliff hangars that were resolved with quirky twists.

Expect lots of laughs, murders, violence and law breaking it is a hell of a ride.

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I was pulled into the drama of the show and was touched by the participants willingness to allow us, the audience, to witness their emotional journeys.The 4 hosts of this show were terrific in their heartfelt reactions often mirroring my own responses.

The 10 participants had their own unique personalities and watching them adapt, struggle, confront and accept their emotional responses to their past relationships and the potentially new relationships was mesmerising.

Season 2 outshone season 1. Some of the tasks were the same, however, the addition interviews gave more depth to the individuals POV. The ex's room was a roller-coaster of heavy feels and it was as interesting to note those who were willing to face this and those who avoided it. The locations were excellent and Jeju island looked amazing.
The support and friendship offered by all the participants demonstrated their maturity. The banter and careful one on ones helped when the emotional struggles threatened to derail them.
As an audience member I got to review my own actions in past relationships so some therapeutic insights were a bonus to me.
A superbly produced show with attractive participants and hosts all willing to open their hearts to us the audience.

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Romance got lost

I liked the drama, however, towards the midpoint it veered off course.
The acting is not terrific and the main couple are possibly not the best pairing.
The ML is a traumatised king who is being kept emotionally unbalanced due to a series of grisly murders reinforcing his wife's supposed suicide.
Enter the FL who is hiding from her evil, murdering step mother and has become a con artist involved in the marriage compatibility business. She is a fast talker and not averse to pretending she has Shamanistic skills to save her own neck.
The comedic aspect is in play here as this clueless heroine behaves as though she was never been privy to a wealthy family background, although, as we find out later she has only been on the run for 7 years.
I actually like the 2ML best. He comes across as strong, caring and respectful. At all times he is protecting the king and the FL.
The introduced baddies and their nefarious plots to keep the kingdom's marriage ban in place so they can traffic kidnapped women is jarring.
The evil mother is a suitably Korean Melodrama character whose power and influence gets ever increasingly bigger without ever being suspected.
Luckily the script writers finally wrapped up the crisis, gave the bad guys a suitable end and marry off the two leads. What follows is more cute fun and fairy tale ending to wash away any bad taste left over from those middle episodes.

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