─ a journey between light and dark.

While it took me a while to finally find time to properly focus and watch this drama, I'm so glad I didn't delay it for too long ─ as I truly enjoyed the journey this drama showed. In fact, I'm so glad not to let reviews of others affect my watching experience as there are many points I don't agree with what other viewers stated.

While it's true that there are ups and downs, the storyline is quite unique-ish, at least among the dramas released in the past few years. Just from the colours and cinematography, it promises something new and delivers it as well. I especially have to say the cinematography is one of the best I have seen so far.

I liked all the dynamics they showed ─ whether it was between the family members, friends, or lovers. They showed a variety of forms of love, which was beautiful. The characters' developments were interesting to watch as well. I think everyone got a good screen time and their importance was told when it was necessary. In fact, I loved how the story played with the perspectives ─ at some point, it made sure to show audience not to judge so easily.

The chemistry and acting were beautiful too ─ not only in romantic way but the chemistry between parent and child, siblings, student and tutor. It was so nice to see pieces of humanity they tried to hide due to their responsibilities.

The building of the last battle in the past four episodes was so captivating. It was like watching battle of minds ─ showing the shift in the journey between light and dark.

For the ending, while it might be said it's open ending due to many possibilities, I hope they can surprise us with a second season as I would definitely like to watch it.

ps. OST is really beautiful as well ─ both the songs and instrumentals.

link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxBkohitgnIvHMpq4W59UJ7n&si=VVDdaUBDBNeGE0oI

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─ do you still remember the oath you once swore ?

I started the second season of Lost You Forever with high expectations, having read the book and appreciated how closely the drama followed its storyline. It was a pleasant surprise, as not all adaptations stay true to their source material. However, I was somewhat disappointed that certain pivotal moments didn't receive the emphasis they deserved in the second season.

While I understand the need for adaptation and the constraints of regulations, there were significant deviations from the novel. Some scenes, like Xiao Yao's reunion with her parents, felt a bit rushed and lacked the depth I had hoped for ( I hoped we could get a glimpse of their story as well even if there is already a drama about them ). Yang Zi's performance was a saving grace in these instances.

In fact, the entire cast delivered outstanding performances, particularly in conveying the characters' emotional turmoil. I wish the drama had prioritized key plot points over filler episodes, especially given its shorter runtime compared to the first season.

Among the cast, Xiang Liu's character was a standout for me ─ Tan Jianci's acting was so memorable and impressive. Despite his flaws and little chance with Xiao Yao due to how he treated her ─ particularly at the early stage of their relationship, his unwavering loyalty to the army and the complexity of his bottled emotions were portrayed with depth, especially in his poignant final scenes and heartfelt letter to Xiao Yao. I feel like his letter to Xiao Yao wasn't just for her. In a way, he tried to be a person that he, himself needed when he still had a chance to make decisions. I'm glad they at least gave enough time for his last scenes and highlighted specific details.

Honourable mention to Zhang Wanyi as his acting was truly captivating, and I wished for more exploration of his character's moral ambiguity.

I also appreciated the portrayal of family dynamics between Xiao Yao, Cang Xuan, and their grandfather, as well as the touching bond with A Nian ( sisters' bond was so beautiful to watch ). The dinner gatherings and the grandfather's astute understanding of their relationships added richness to the narrative.

Overall, Lost You Forever was a visually stunning drama, though the lengthy wait between seasons visibly affected the audience. I think I'll revisit specific scenes that left a lasting impression.

Link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5h7gYmd9Du3X0IX2TgMeFuv&si=s-zn5oh458Az5RNa

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Long Live Life ─ with flaws, scars and healing

This was one of the dramas I actually didn't plan to watch until I saw the spoilers of the first episode on Twitter ─ and absolutely liked how the premise was about CODA. I also enjoy watching dramas of a child time travelling and meeting their teen parents so I didn't hesitate to give it a try and I am so glad that I did.

‍Starting from the name, throughout the episodes they made a reference to Frida Kahlo's Sandías / Viva la Vida (Long Live Life). In Mexican folk culture, watermelon is commonly found in representations of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration ─ so at first, I thought the story might mostly focus on angsty side of life. However, it was just another connection with how Eungyeol's life changed thanks to music shop owner and how his death affected more than one life. So, it wasn't about sadness or fear of death but mostly about natural path and development. Thus, Sparkling/ Twinkling Watermelon is such a nostalgic name for this drama because it can be interpreted as: Radiant life/youth, sparkling performance, or a sparkling period of time in youth before they became adults. And I really like it when the name actually summarises the storyline.

When it comes to acting, everyone did a great job at portraying their characters. As for characters, I must admit, for me, mostly Ha Yichan and Yoon Cheongah stood out ─ as teens and adults. Their characters were beautifully written and acted. They weren't perfect but they were perfect with their flaws, scars and their healing processes.

The drama also showed beautiful dynamics ─ whether it was friendship or parental relationships.

At the end, just like any other time travel drama, there were unanswered questions, discrepancy and some "what if" scenarios. But overall, it was an enjoyable watch.

link to edits: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI-LyvxxdMxDG3OaZjOkQIQUXWkuLTosF&si=HlG3s3wpE07lYOTL

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─ don't be scared ,  i'm here

I don't even remember how many times I had been recommended to watch this series and after finally watching it, I can understand why people like it that much. It's undoubtedly one of the best historical Chinese dramas I've seen, excelling in writing, production, character development, and acting. The soundtrack and cinematography are also stunning.

I enjoyed how the series is divided into parts focusing on specific groups of side characters, adding depth to the main characters and storyline. The gradual development allows the audience to grow with and understand each character, with a well-balanced mix of heavy and comedic moments.

All of the cast did exceptional job at delivering their characters and improved the quality of this drama. For leads, both Wu Lei and Zhao Lusi knew how to shine their characters ─ not only with their interactions as a couple but also as individuals; Ling Buyi and Cheng Shaoshang are characters that surely will be remembered for a long time. Especially EP48 and EP49 were such a cinema to watch and hold one of the most memorable scenes of the series. The symbolism, the tragic approach, pain, mourning and revenge was shown exceptionally.

Despite its length, it's quite binge-worthy as well. Grasped my attention from the very first episode ─ and had to say, the twist they bring to screen was mind-blowing. I love how everything is so connected and build the overall storyline step by step.

Definitely deserves all the recognition and definitely recommended!

Link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5iJMAN184YZOIZt0EHUAVco&si=RDMkt8afaZQyUk2x

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─ there are two things we need to remember

This drama was a breath of fresh air for me, with its period and location, the storytelling and the sincerity between the squad. While the cast always had a great potential, the narrative and characters were so well crafted that I found myself completely immersed in their crime-solving journey ─ plus, everything happened at such an engaging pace.

As a fan of crime dramas, I found the choice of timeline for this series to be quite unique. The 1950s was not the idyllic era that some might imagine ( we see the mix of traditional and modern approach not only in the way they think but also how they dress, how they present themselves ), and it was compelling to see it through the eyes of dedicated detectives battling not only criminals but also internal conflicts. The cases they tackle, while not so unfamiliar to us in today's world, are presented from a fresh perspective, highlighting historical events, avoiding unnecessary dragging and delivering their message with precision. I think one of the most memorable cases was in EP4 ─ it was heavy but delivered such important messages. Also EP8, gave us two different cases that really made us question "what exactly is the right way to look for justice?"

The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their interactions a joy to watch. While romance is not the main focus, they prioritize the importance of genuine bonds and mutual respect between the characters.

One particularly poignant aspect was the homage to the prequel, honoring the legacy of previous actors. Loved the small details they included to do that.

All in all, I enjoyed watching this drama and I think it deserves multiple seasons.

link to edit : https://youtu.be/_PdVYFzPXvY

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─ ‍artistic approach to the crime cases

I had watched many crime thriller dramas that focuses on talented detectives in the police station setting. Yet, Under the Skin is one of the unique ones that deliver a new approach to this genre. Before I started the drama, I had high expectations because I only saw positive reviews about it. After watching it, I definitely agree that it deserves all the compliments.

The story is actually quite captivating even from the premise. Overall, it is an interesting and binge worthy story ─ ‍ not with just cases as some of them might appear familiar but the way they deliver it from the eyes of a genius artist. It also has a smooth pace, doesn't drag the story unnecessarily. In fact, it is one of its charms that they know exactly where to conclude the cases and move to the next one.

Dynamics and acting are absolutely amazing ─ ‍you don't feel awkward or think any character doesn't belong there. They all have their roles and perfectly showcases it.

I also think the ending is satisfying and mysterious enough to set the vibe for the second season. This being said, I'm definitely looking forward to the next season and what they prepared with cases and characters.

link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5jgUu8espv5dPINyq2-V6RY&si=D4q8INvgXiU5lMQK

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Keep walking. I will be right behind you.

This was one of the movies I had been procrastinating due to the heavy theme ─ although I heard nothing but positive reviews about it. It truly deserves recognition and praise, and no wonder has been one of the most memorable c-movies for many.

While the theme is quite heavy, it also needs a careful and realistic approach, which I think they did right. There wasn't any glorification or gaslighting. It was raw and candid. The characters, of course, had flaws ─ even the main lead because she also, like others, chose silence before becoming a victim ─ but those flaws were understandable and for some, relatable.

One of the aspects I like is that they hinted that bullies became the people they are because of their parents, but they didn't use it as an excuse to demand redemption from the audience. Because at the end of the day, it was their own choice to become that person and not a better person.

The acting was really authentic, especially when they used silence and their eyes to deliver emotions. Cinematography and soundtrack, as well as symbolism they used, were phenomenal, added another layer of depth and a fresh point of view to the story. Love the dialogues as well. They are so beautiful and meaningful.

I'm glad I finally gathered my courage to watch this movie and also glad that they gave us a glimpse of hopeful ending.


cinematography edit : https://youtu.be/QhmYcdiQM2Q

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You must stay alive for as long as I live.

Song of the Bandits was binge-worthy drama that brought its raw and aesthetic touch to familiar themes, and I enjoyed watching all episodes. There wasn't any unnecessary or dragging part, each scene delivered something specific and special.

Characters and their dynamics were beautifully written and, of course, with such cast, never doubted the acting quality. Each of them had this embodied presence in the story with their own roles that completed the whole puzzle effortlessly. Their goals, desperation and ambitions were beautifully portrayed from the way they carry themselves to their way of talking, dressing, walking - the details were picturesque.

And while I also think it deserves season 2, I liked the charm of its uncompleted ending as well, which is suitable for the times the story highlights. After all, those were times, many couldn't see the end of their own stories. It felt like they gave us a glimpse of someone's memories who also had many questions that they could only guess the answer.

The cinematography and shoots had artistic movie vibes, and action scenes were one of the best - with Kim Namgil in the cast, it was expected.

I would say, it worth the wait, from story to characters and the message each of them delivered, it was a beautiful watch experience. Came for Kim Namgil and Yoo Jaemyung and stayed for all the cast, story and their acting.

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─ ‍the small city traps the small us. // i will never forget the way back to home.

Fangs of Fortune was one of the dramas I was most excited about this year, especially given the director's reputation for stunning cinematography, costumes, and a dark, atmospheric color palette. With a familiar cast, including several actors I’ve enjoyed watching in previous works by the director, I was optimistic — but also cautious. The director has a tendency to stretch out the story in certain parts and leave major twists for the end, sometimes making the final act feel rushed. While the writing and story delivery weren’t bad, the pacing and flow needed some adjustments. This was, for me, the main flaw that impacted the drama.

Some characters and key moments lacked the development needed to fully invest in their emotional growth. While there were several unexpected twists that kept us on our toes, the repetitiveness of certain plot devices ( such as revealing that characters already knew crucial information ) eventually undermined the suspense. At times, it became easy to predict that something was amiss, which reduced the tension.

Another aspect that I struggled with were the emotional scenes. While I have no issue with characters expressing emotion through tears, the excessive focus on making the crying scenes visually "beautiful" sometimes detracted from the raw emotion of the moment, preventing the audience from fully connecting.

That said, the ending was tragically beautiful. Though it was somewhat predictable, the execution still managed to leave a lasting impact.

Despite its flaws, the show had plenty of strengths. One of the highlights was how the main characters were given enough screen time to develop, allowing us to appreciate each of their roles in the story. The evolving family dynamics were particularly compelling, as it wasn’t just about characters trusting each other after one shared experience. Given their complex backgrounds, trust was built gradually, which added depth to their relationships. I also enjoyed the connection of side characters that built the story.

The show also managed to balance intense drama with moments of comedy, which provided some welcome relief. I appreciated how the story used symbolism, mythology, and even indirect biblical references to convey deeper meanings. The characters’ growth — both mental and physical — was portrayed beautifully, and it was refreshing to see a story that focused on the many forms of love, from friendship to family, rather than just romantic love.

Some of the lines were incredibly well-written and delivered, which I really appreciated. The acting, especially the chemistry between the characters, was another standout element.

The OST was one of the best of the year, with songs that perfectly reflected the story’s themes. It’s hard to choose a favorite, as each track was so thoughtfully integrated.

Overall, Fangs of Fortune was an enjoyable watch with a tale-like quality. Despite its flaws, it left an impression, and I can see myself returning to rewatch some of the scenes.

Link to edits : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxplWeBw3y5hL26ocu_hNx4eucxlss3Q9&si=dFBHTOLZZLIaZCwp

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