Reviews

“I see you clearly”, and I saw it all very clearly.

“I see you clearly”, and as I sat down and started watching this show, I saw it all very clearly.

I saw the beauty of nature, the breathtaking environment, the cultural heritage of the herders, the kind and warm-hearted Kazakh people and the ever changing times.

It’s a simple plot, but it’s beautifully told, with sympathetic depictions of the common minority folk and richly nostalgic evocations of rural life.

What a wonderful slow, character-driven story with its dreamlike quality, yet so detailed and personal that it captures and connects stunningly with so many lives.

I still have the lingering feeling of being intimately acquainted with the people living in the isolated yet beautiful landscapes of Altay.

The music score was just perfect and poignant; on more than one occasion I found myself shedding tears for the beauty of it.

I highly recommend this, and I am extremely grateful to the person who suggested it to me, as it is deserving of recognition and praise.

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Out of Tune

It's probably one of the worst non-makjang daily family drama out there. Which is really tough to get this low for a family drama but somehow they did it. You may divide the drama into 3 sections 50 episodes each, the first 50 episodes was a regular family drama with somewhat smooth progression, the second 50 episodes the drama created an impossible predicament, the last 50 episodes everything got out of control in the worst possible way. Not much more to say about the first 1/3, however, the problem it created in the second 1/3 was a big stretch when it comes to creating tension and conflict, it spent the next 100 episodes, including the ending of the drama, without overcoming what it created, what kind of writing is this? The last 1/3, every relationship became extremely complicated and unreasonable. At that point, it was impossible to salvage the drama. Even the female lead became totally irrelevant in the last 1/3. It was blatantly obvious what was happening with the writer, she was extremely disorganized and incoherent after the initial batch of episodes.

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Money

The formula of daily makjang is well known and typical but this one follows after the cheap and factory produced ones. You can tell by just looking who are the cast members. No disrespect to the cast but this is what you might call a leftover cast. At the very least, they could've brought a male lead that's a little bit more flattering and more lead-fitting-persona. Being a lengthy 150 episodes, it wasn't surprising to stretch everything as thin as humanly possible. While it is also expected to have a negative IQ writing but it's really painful when clear real-world laws are blatantly twisted just to push whatever narrative they want. Anyway, there is a lot to be said but everything can be boiled down to this drama being shamefully bad because that's what Ajummas like to watch.

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Odd, very odd

This is one of those dramas that is a little bit hard oto ate the story is odd, really odd, the overall messge seems to be good something about world peace and stuff... the adirecting is a bit over the top and to quirkey fro my tasete leaving with just a little bit to much secound hand embarrassment and the need to fast forward...

That said there where a lot of fun K-drama jokes, a decent cast and pretty things to look at.

It is also a dram that may change the way you look at chicken (any type of chicken) for all eternity, or until you have seen enough other dramas to overwrite the damage this drama made.

As for if it will have you longing to eat chicken or never want to eat chicken again will be left unsaid by me.

So basically this is a true k-drama mix of everything odd, prepare yourselves for some quirk and over the top odd stuff and I am sure this can be an okay watch. While it idd have a but to much over the top for my taste I can apreciate the oddenss and individuality of this so if you are fine with that stuff and looking for something different this is actaully a pretty decent place to find it.

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Exceeded Expectations

This is one that does a good job with blending drama/horror, humor, and tear-jerking moments. I've been holding off on watching this for quite some time because this is a genre/plot that usually isn't done very well. But happily, it became one where I continued to look forward to every next episode until the last.

The main crew of the cast had fantastic chemistry with one another- one that makes you smile with them, cry with them, and root for them. The plot flow was done really well and there was enough "houses to sell" stories in addition to the main underlying story to keep it satisfying. (Sometimes feel tricked with other series where they start off with one or two individual stories and then just drag the rest of episodes into the main one.) It isn't the most complex plot you'll come across but it also isn't an overly simplified one. There are some plot holes but a perfect plot with heavy attention to detail isn't something that should be expected too much for a supernatural genre.

There is a light layer of corny such as the FL always being dressed in black and the ML being dressed mostly in white, etc. But in this case, it works well as it's part of the charm. It is quite difficult to be able to smoothly incorporate a natural lighthearted feel for a plot with multiple darker undertones, so the higher score for the series is well deserved. The only distracting negative was the very obvious ad placement/marketing in certain scenes where it took it a bit too far with the selling of the drinks/snacks/skincare. Nevertheless, highly recommend for anyone who is looking for a balance of emotional triggers.

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Lost in the aromatic dream | A wake up call that what doesn't kill you make you stronger.

"Don't be afraid. I'm alright. I'll protect you." - Hua Qian

"Don't Worry. Don't be afraid. You have me by your side." - Hua Wen Ang

The above are two (2) of the most heartwarming yet heartbreaking moments and I can still remember how heavy these scenes are for me. The mere thought of my sibling/s catching a sword stab for me and my father taking the blame to cover my shits will be the trigger for me to lose my screws, go mad and never recover ever again; and to think that Hua Qian experienced it twice (2x) just made me realized how gravely injured, badly traumatized and maimed she was all those times yet still managed to pull herself together to redo her life to hopefully rectify for the past mistakes she's done during her 'first' attempt of it.

First and foremost, I wanna tell people to just watch it and don't even give a damn about all the negative reviews you may find on MDL. Don't be dissuade by those subjective opinions and never allow them as well to take this opportunity from you to watch such an excellent drama.

This story is like a manual handbook that will teach you how to lookback on your previous actions—what you've done wrong, what are the things you could've dealt with better and actions/mistakes you should never do again. It's a narrative that will make you remember that life is only good for a lifetime, that there's no 2nd life at all. So you must seize the moment, face all your fears, own up to your past mistakes, make ammends by correcting them and live your life better with satisfaction and contentment.

This drama gave me so much life lessons, inspirations and warmth that for some reason I feel like I can handle the situations ahead of me much better now. This show reminded me that "Kindness will never go unnotice and will certainly be rewarded in the most satisfying and unexpected way possible" and I know it may sound exaggerated however this story is truly one of those dramas that will make you look back at your life while thinking to youself...Have I been nice enough?, Have I been appreciative of what I currently have?, Have I ever hurt someone without any valid reason? and so on. This is also one of the major reason why I want people to watch this drama; because I also want them to take some moment to ponder on how are they living their lives so far... was it satisfying? is it worth it? and is it something that yoi can be proud of when you think about all of it decades from now? I hope people can find peace, realization and healing from this wonderful anecdote.

I originally want to talk about the 3 male leads—their difference, what I like about them and which approach I like better; but then, how can I do that when there's 2 different dimensions and one of them which happened to be the main focus of the entire story turned out to be a dream? I myself got flustered after finding out; because I tend to take notes of the scenes I find interesting and want to talk about so that I can use it as a go to guide to write my reviews but how can I use that now knowing that the 98% of the show is actually a dream? I know it sounds dramatic but it really is complicated...since the things I initally observed turned out to be a creation of Hua Qian's dream/imagination.

Anyways, I just want to say that out of all the 3 ML, I love Hua Rong Zhou the best! It would have been a thrilling moment to see him settle down and live happily ever after with Hua Qian but dang! the plot twist killed that idea for me. I'm sad but not even a bit disappointed about it because I understand that some people, specially those who are going through traumatic experiences may/tend to create an imaginary friend for them to feel secured, protected and loved. I understand that it's Hua Qian's defense mechanism working. Because she needs someone who will be there unconditionally for her. Someone who will always choose her whenever and whatever happens.

Regarding Zhong Xi Wu, I was conflicted of him at first specially on how he acted on Hua Qian's dream. However, when his true intention and feeling were revealed at the final episode, I was like, "Damn! I was wrong all this time. This man is even more devoted and crazy in love more than I thought he originally was." This guy is the sole reason why Hua Qian is even still alive and able to "re-live" her life through her dream. He basically gave her another chance to life, a new direction and a redemption path to take. It was all thanks to him that she was able to deal with her obsession, devious desires, regrets, and her overall inner demons. He made her feel better and in good health (physically) as much as he can and thanks to all that, she stayed breathing and eventually woke up; and although the 1st 'wake up' attempt was a failure because she's still unable to process the reality and fiction (dream), the 2nd attempt finally turned out to be a successful one. As it served as a conclusion and agreement to herself that she can no longer live in that way—under the spell of her illusions and imaginations; and that sooner or later she'll have to face everything because after all she still has a whole world infront of her to face and conquer. Which is the reality she's been escaping all this time, as she was unconcious, greatlt harmed and traumatized of what had happened.

More so, I wanna say that this story is all about facing her own fears and mistakes. Owning up, dealing with them and correcting all of them (as much as she can). Not because she needs and is obliged to, but because she has to, as a healing and coping process of all the bruises, pain and sufferings she had inflicted to innocent people as well as to herself. It's a redemption for all the mistakes of her childish and immature self and also a stand that she's ready to move forward, ahead and infront of the excruciating experiences she went through. Which is an indication of growth and maturity.

In terms of overall costume, production set up and editing, I wanna say that it's either this drama received a good amount of budget/funding or the people workong behind the scenes are just truly talented, flexible and resourceful to make it seem like it. Costumes are beautifully chosen and well coordinated and although the households look relatively small and cramped, I was still able to see how nice huge and grand it actually looks like inside. So I really want to commend the productiom staffs for their hardwork and dedication to make this production look pleasing and convincing.

Lastly, I'm still in awe on how flawlessly they pulled the story to become just an imagination/dream when all this times I was convinced it's a time travel plot. I felt stupid for believing what they made me believe it was and up until this moment the distaste still lingers in my mouth. It's like I was played by both the director and writer; and up until this moment I still feel bad because my ship (Hua Qian X Hua Rong Zhou) can never happen.

P.S. Hua Rongzhou picking up slacks the very moment Hua Qian got divorced still amazes and fascinates me. This is probably my top most favorite part of the story + him fighting Zhong Xi Wu's guards perpetually for 26 months to obtain the information regarding Hua Qian's whereabouts. His growth from being a weak boy into a vigorous man deserves so much praise and admiration.

Story - 10, I love everything about this drama. The story itself was nicely written and although the dialogues aren't as complex, poetic and deep in comparison to the typical historical costume dramas, it was able to keep its own uniqueness and identity for being simple yet clear.

Acting/Cast - 10, I want to praise Zhou Ye for her outstanding execution of Hua Qian. She went all out and I can now consider her as one of the actress who can really act whatever role you give to her. Aside from that I'm also satisfied with the whole cast and I just want to mention how I admired Zhang Zheng Yang's acting here. He's unreadable to me and I love that he made me feel that way.

Music - 10, I love the full list of songs used. I feel like they fits the dramas mood/vibe so much and it is simply calming. Listening to the songs put me at ease. Kudos to Music Team.

Rewatch Value - 10, No words can make me turn my back on this masterpiece. Although the plot twist shocked and disarranged me quite a lot I still love this drama so so much!

Overall - 10, Isn't obvious? lol This show is one of those 1 in a million dramas that actually puts value on the story composition itself rather than having it just beautiful and attractive. It is well crafted and delivers a logical and meaningful message that's crucial and timeless for everyone regardless of age and status.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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Worst Vampire stuff ever.

As someone who is obsessed with vampires and watched and read and played all of the vampire stuff in the history of humankind, I can tell you this is the worst on my list. I don't even know where do I begin, because absolutely everything is bad. The only thing I liked and relate to is the character saying "Acting so sucks like this" in English subs. One scene and next episode preview didn't have subs at all. You might say "Learn Thai, they aren't making series for you" and yet they did write names of "Blood Tank" and "Thaiwailaight city" in English for some reason. Sleeping in the coffin for 100 years is so "Heartbeat" (bad, but visually beautiful Korean dorama), and the cocktail making scene is so clearly "KinnPorsche" - even the outfit and the hand kiss match. If this was supposed to be a parody, viewers should have been warned. Also not funny. Rating this 1 out of 10 solely for Lee Long Shi, I just like him for no reason.

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First Impression: OMG Vampire

Overall: I was pleasantly surprised by the campy first episode. 8 episodes about 50 minutes each. Airing on WeTV https://wetv.vip/en/play/m9ytee03pftoltl-OMG%20Vampire%20(Uncut%20Ver.) Very Great also made Physical Therapy and Crazy Handsome Rich

Content Warnings: death, blood, manipulation

What I Liked
- the over the top campy humor did make me chuckle a few times (Thaiwilight City)
- beginning scene got my attention
- good kissing
- lack of voice dubbing

Room For Improvement
- that was the most world building exposition dumps I think I've seen in my life but they did make the world building clear at least
- convenient world building, the problem is population increase but then same sex relationships are worse somehow???
- why wouldn't he just sleep for 200 years? I guess he was nervous about something happening in 6 years but given his age seemed unlikely
- super improbable that would happen to the 4 of them at the exact same time
- Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy music

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How slow do you like your slow burn?

Think the slowest burn possible. (Well, maybe Aziraphale and Crowley are slower.) But the thing about a slow burn is there must be a continuous supply of heat, and I do think these actor brought a great deal of warmth to this couple.

The settings and people are beautiful, and the simmering pain of being unable to ask for what you want is REAL. You can tell this is a cousin to KinnPorsche but with less crime and more coffee.

I'd have loved better pacing, some dramas could have moved quicker, and others slower. But for me, the payoffs were worth it.

There were some characters that were 2 dimensional and used poorly, but unlike so many BLs this had real space for some supporting cast. Grandma and her crew were perfection. And Where are all the awards for the kids playing the 11 year old Phu and Nan?

I can see there was an intention of a second season and I hope they come back to that idea.

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Desperate Simps with No Self Respect in Love

First and foremost this drama didn't need to have 40 eps but could have easily be done around 24 eps. The story isn't something out of the box or new but a mix of many cliche tropes put together in one. The drama has a good star cast which did good with their roles.

Good:
1) The one and probably the only strong point in this drama is the brotherhood between the male leads. They all have way more chemistry together than with the female leads. Their banters and teasing with each other is quite fun to watch.

2) The acting is decent by every cast member.

Bad:
1) As I said in the headline the drama should be titled desperate simps in love. By the end of the drama you would be pretty much thinking what do these guys even see in these girls to have no self respect and keep wiggling their tails around them ....hell I wished all of them ended up single by the end and go on a trip together away from the girls.

2) Each and every female lead is full of flaws which they don't even deal with till the end, some are insecure while some are childish, some are too controlling while some treat their boyfriend like doormat.

3) After every few eps you will see one of the female leads give up on their partner for childish reasons and dumb misunderstandings and the male being desperate to get back with them. The communication between them sucks and doesn't improve till the end.

4) The story becomes draggy which could have been avoided had they reduced the number of episodes.

The only reason I gave the drama a 6/10 is due to the good brotherhood they have shown in it cuz there isn't much else to see in this one. Only watch it if you are a fan of the cast otherwise it can be ignored

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Beautiful drama about friendship and youth.

First of all, the plot can be simple if you think about it in terms of 7 different individuals being friends.

It was beautiful watching them become friends and how the friendships evolved with time. All of their stories are engaging in their own ways, and when the story cannot advance more they just let it go, like it happened with Jeha's and Hwan's backstories.

Acting is extremely on point, I am amazed by how well the 7 boys actors played their roles. Specially Jung Woojin, the boy is extremely unlucky with his acting projects, first of all this one is released in an obscure website that probably has many people not watching, and second, his Aquaman drama is in the limbo due to financial issues. I hope the future is bright for Woojin, the guy made me cry with his backstory.

What I really made me go sad it's the fact that due to the mess this drama has become with the constant reshoots, I heavily doubt we will see season 2, and I think it was calling for a season 2 badly. I know the whole time travelling plot is really complicated in the original story, but I feel we got so many loose ends towards the end, to be completely satisfied. And while I get Hwan manages to time-travel and go back to when they were all friends, and still keeps his memories, I don't know I feel it would have been interesting to watch him try to save his friends. I still don't get why he decided to kill Ceein's mom all the same.

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A twisty-turny drama about corruption and those that pretend not to be corrupt

Wow, just when you think you know what's going on, they throw in another curve ball. This, for me, required a lot of attention, because there were a LOT of moving parts, and the "good guy/bad guy" dynamic changed quite often. I thought the script was excellent, the actors were great, and I'm SO glad I watched it. Below are random musings...

1) Woo Do Hwan as Kim Min Joon. There are moments you think you might want to hate him and his selfishness, but you just can't. I think Do Hwan is the centerpiece of any show that he is in. There is something so charismatic about him that just commands your attention. His vulnerability, his bravado, his humor, his looks. This man is the whole package. You might forget to breathe when you see him smile, but when he cries, you would like to hold him.
2) Yoo Ji Tae as Kang Woo. He was great in this as the leader of the Mad Dog team, how he wanted to be a lone wolf, but the others wanted to help him and keep him safe.
3) Jo Jae Yoo as Soon Jung - I just have to say I loved seeing him as a good guy. I'm used to him as the baddie.
4) Ryu Hwa Young as Ha Ri - I really like this actress. She reminds me of Park Shin Hye, but personally I think Hwa Young is a better actress and actually has facial expressions.
5) Park In Hwan as the professor. I love this gentleman, he's just so sweet looking. If you haven't seen Navillera, watch it. He was amazing!
6) Jung Hyuk Jin as Moo Shin - he was amusing, and I'm glad he was on the side of good throughout.
7) Choi Won Young as Hyun Gi. He played a good bad guy, script wise, but I kept wishing they hadn't made him so obviously bad. Between his unfortunate haircut and his bad styling, from the moment I saw him I knew he'd be the big bad. Those stupid shirts with half of the tie going up through the collar, I kept thinking he needed to fix his collar! Not a good look. I would have much preferred that they had written him as someone that it was a surprise to find out he was bad.
8) BTS on Min Joon's ear buds when he was jogging. BTS is always a good thing!
9) The "romance" between Moon Jin and Ha Ri - I thought this was really well-written. Very understated, flying under the romance radar. The team knew that they liked each other, but the two of them had no clue. And when he sat across from her at the table and said, "I just want to sit here for a minute and look at you" - be still my heart! And she was looking everywhere but at him.
10) Soon Jung's crush/relationship with the nurse. I loved watching that relationship develop, and I loved that she was part of the team at the end.
11) The developing relationship between the members of Mad Dog and Min Joon. Here was an already tight team that suddenly had to deal with Min Joon's questionable motives. I loved the trust and caring between the team members and enjoyed watching them slowly drawing Min Joon into their circle. And when Min Joon finally called Kang Woo Hyung, all was right with the world.
12) This drama had a good mix of tension and humor.
13) My only complaint was the overabundance of corruption. A couple of people, maybe, but the corruption was rampant in this one.

I can highly recommend this one.

I normally don't care for second seasons of shows, but I'd love to see more of the Mad Dog team.

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