#start up is the worst kdrama of 2020

[feuqueerfire]

January 2024 Movies/Shows Wrap-Up

A little monthly (spoilery!) wrap-up of all the shows, movies, and shorts I’ve watched or am watching in January 2024, general thoughts, and ranking of them all.

Recommendation of the month(s): Bottoms (2023), so fun

Ranking

Beyond Evil (rewatch)

Bottoms (2023) = Twinkling Watermelon (2023)

Death's Game S1 (2023)

Palm Springs (2020)

Love Class 2 (2023) = Death's Game Part 2 (2024)

Skimmed: Bon Appetit (2023)

Average Rating: 6.75/10 [really quite high! Didn't count my Beyond Evil rewatch and Bon Appetit doesn't have a rating]

MDL Updates - Added to Watchlist:

A section because I’m curious about how many shows I decide to add to my Watch List a month and also the ratio of watching them:adding them.

Rookie (2023) - a Phillipino lesbian movie, saw this tiktok and wanted to give it a try

Bon Appetit (2023) - Originally didn't have this on my list because it has a meh MDL rating but this tiktok of guy 1 liking girl liking guy 2 like guy 1 is fun

Kiseki: Dear to Me (2023) - I've seen it mentioned sooo many times that I thought I'd give it a try.

The Guest (2018) - I haven't yet liked a supernatural/fantastical kdrama but maybe this will be the one. Also apparently it's a good bromance that starts off antagonistic

Through the Darkness (2022) - Also a thriller investigation with strong bromance

My Perfect Stranger (2023) - Saw this Tiktok and ended up watching a few more and idk, it reminds me of 18 Again somehow with like younger version and family stuff

Twinkling Watermelon (2023) - same reason as above in terms of plot, it's also in the same tiktok, and it seemed to be very popular among the kdramas this year

Lucky My Love (2023) - wanna watch it cuz it's a GL but unfortunately people don't seem too keen on it :/ oh well, I'll keep it on hand for when I'm craving a GL

Death's Game (2023) - Hadn't heard much about it until I saw Pocha Playlist podcast covering it but I didn't listen to that episode. Then I find out that Lee Dohyun plays a (reincarnation) character in it and now I'm like hmm maybe + the rating and reception seems really good on MDL.

Last Twilight - hmmm people have very polarizing opinions on the last ep (both the disability aspect but also the general storytelling aspect), so I'm cautious but people reallllly love the first 9 episodes. Just adding it here in case I wanna see what the hype was about

The Worst of Evil (2023) - It's in a lot of people's 2023 favourites lists and it seems like a show I'd be into based on genre

The Dude in Me (2019) - a movie about an adult in the body of a teenager, found it from this tiktok with 18 Again and Twinkling Watermelon.

Our Beloved Summer (2021) - I had had this on my to-watch list for a while because I like a post-breakup story and people seem to love this show but had taken it off because I kept not watching it and heard some meh opinions but now it's back again because in Twinkling Watermelon tiktoks, this showed up a couple times in the tiktoks or comments bc people were mentioning Yi Chan and this guy as green flags and shows they loved etc

I Hear Your Voice (2013) - a 2013 drama lol but the Eun Gyeol/Se Kyeong tease in Watermelon Sugar made me remember that I kinda wanna watch noona romance sometimes, so this is for that time. + it's like mystery/suspence plot I think

Death's Game Part 2 (2024)

Youth of May (2021) - Obviously I've heard about this because I was looking for Lee Dohyun shows to watch after 18 Again but idk if I'm up for a tragedy :< but yknow he's in the military now, so maybe I'll watch one of his shows a year to tide me over. Thought of it again because I saw this tiktok when going through LDH tiktok tag

The Good Bad Mother (2023) - This was another case of "When will Lee Dohyun finally again star in a show I wanna watch?" But I saw like 2 mins of this edit on youtube of dude being 7 and ahh it's humorous (Ik it's supposed to be really heavy and traumatizing actually so I avoided it but idk if there's some levity as well and it's really beloved w the 8.9 rating and stuff maybe I'll give it a try to see Lee Dohyun - esp as he's in the military rn). After all, it's not like I knew 18 Again was show/concept I love like this

Lesson in Love (2022) - (240129) Sometimes you just want an uncomfortable and gross relationship... student/teacher noona (well jiejie?) romance and the comments talk about a plot twist (i saw the spoiler lol) anyway... might watch. Saw it first in this Certified Noonas Coming Up live. The student is an adult irl, so I'm gonna just pretend it's that in the show too. Also side note but he was also in Red Balloon and apparently his sister is a lesbian.

To Watch List At Start Of Month: 49

To Watch List At End Of Month: 62

Removed from To Watch List:

Removing these on June 30 because now that I’m getting into kpop as well, my interest in watching dramas isn’t as high and I know I’m probably not gonna get to these.

Nothing ig 

Completely Watched

Bottoms (2023)

Country: USA

Release Dates: Sept 1, 2023 

Watch Via: :>

Watch Dates: Jan 1, 2024

Rating: 7.5/10

Overall Impression: First movie of the year! Very, very funny and wacky, thoroughly enjoyed it. Hazel is sooo attractive lol, as is Isabel. Loved Josie being a sweetheart and reluctant to go along with antics except then going in wayyy too hard with the juvie stories lol. PJ was insufferable but like in a good way? like yesss, high school girl who says things before thinking and is an asshole! Also lesbian movies where they kill men is always fun, this time it being an actual funny comedic part. The whole movie was ridiculous and I'm glad.

tags: bottoms 2023

Palm Springs (2020)

Country: USA

Release Dates: July 10, 2020

Watch Via: :>

Watch Dates: Jan 7, 2024

Rating: 6.5/10 [Mar 11, 2024 Update: Decreased by 0.5 stars: 7 -> 6.5]

Overall Impression: In 2019, I binged Brooklyn 99 like 2-3 times and was obsessed with it and then watched some of Andy Samberg's other stuff and added this to the list of things to watch once it comes out a year later and does its festival tours or whatever... anyway it's now 2024 lol but it was fun! A good mix of the romance and interpersonal relationships with the sciency aspects. I was expecting it to focus more on the characters rather than the science or plot and that struck true, though there were definitely a few interesting bits to chew on in terms of worldbuilding. Funny and charming but not life-changing and predictable but not in a bad way.

Rewatch Beyond Evil: Jan 8 - 12, 2024

It's so fun to rewatch because I catch things that I hadn't before, not just about the case but about the different characters and their storylines. Also, all the stuff from 20 years ago that is repeating now which I'm catching onto earlier because I remember things that haven't been revealed in the show yet.

Han Joo Won continues to be way too naive and self-rightous, even if Lee Dongshik really was the killer. His methods are careless and reckless despite trying to seem rational.

Since I'm watching this after a year and it's a show with many storylines, I'm still extremely engaged lol watching this at 1x speed and watching it all when I expected that I'd be skimming through. I also forgot a lot of the smaller stuff and some of the kinda big middle stuff, so it's fun to rediscover them. Ep 7 ending & Ep 8 beginning are a fucking great combo fr even still.

Rating: still 8/10

Bon Appetit (2023)

Country: South Korea

Release Dates: Sep 27, 2023

Watch Via: :>

Watch Dates: Jan 13 - 14, 2024

Rating: -/10

Overall Impression: Started watching because the guy1 likes girl likes guy2 likes guy1 tiktok was funny but not high hopes for the actual show. Skimmed through this so hard, honestly shouldn't have even watched it because it didn't seem too good from my skimming. The main two characters were cute-ish in the first half of the show and the Yoon Seobin surprise cameo for 2 minutes was fun, but meh otherwise. Skimmed even the main couple scenes in the last 2 eps because random fighting and misunderstandings. Not rating it because I skimmed through like 60% of it lmfao

Twinkling Watermelon (2023)

Country: South Korea

Release Dates:  Sep 25, 2023 - Nov 14, 2023

Watch Via: Viki (paid, so :>)

Watch Dates: Jan 19 - 22, 2024

Rating: 7.5/10

Overall Impression: I'm fucking obsessed with this sort of concept: Parent and child being the same teenage age through some magical concept. It's got a good storyline, hilarious yet touching. I was afraid that they'd make Yi Chan's hearing come back but I'm glad it didn't; it's just something that has to happen to him for no reason the way these things just happen sometimes. The characters were well-crafted and the acting was great. Kinda slow paced, there were certain episodes where I was like nothing really happened, but I guess that's the point of the slice of life aspect in some cases; just watching the characters exist alone and together.I was into the ChCh romance from the get-go and thought they were sooo cute whereas EunEun were a more fun menace pair who I just liked to watch fighting before it gradually became a couple I shipped Very Much. Also, a shoutout to my Se Kyeong (OG, not Eun Yoo) and Chung Ah ship, I can't believe Se Kyeong's first love was her husband instead of Chung Ah. A well-crafted show, good acting, hit some feels and I expect some attachment to it (I'm rewatching and skimming certain parts as I write lol).

tags: twinkling watermelon

Also Appears In: Twinkling Watermelon Live Blogging

Love Class Season 2 (2023)

Country: South Korea

Release Dates:  Aug 11, 2023 - Sep 8, 2023

Watch Via: Viki (paid, so :>)

Watch Dates: Jan 26 - 27, 2024

Rating: 6/10

Overall Impression: I liked the main couple: a younger, insistent pursuer to an older, reluctant hyung who was also his tutor when the younger was in high school. I do wish the random stalker, weird hyung wasn't haunting them for so long though because the premise of this couple is so good. I came around to the second and third couple even though if the show was longer or deeper, I might not have. I was bored by the last 2 eps though, so ehhh

tags: love class 2

Also Appears In: Love Class 2 Live Blogging

Death's Game (2023)

Country: South Korea

Release Dates: Dec 15, 2023

Watch Via: paid, so :>

Watch Dates: Jan 29, 2024

Rating: 7/10

Overall Impression: Weird to rate just this half-show 4 episodes but really good and interesting, I'm enjoying it a lot. My favourite eps are eps 2 and 4, they balanced a good amount of heart with excitement (for ep 2) and plot progression/answers (ep 4 + ofc Lee Dohyun my initial reason for checking out the show). The 18 Again characters/actors are haunting me with this fr.

tags: death's game

Also Appears In: Death's Game Live Blogging

Death's Game Part 2 (2024)

Country: South Korea

Release Dates: Jan 5, 2024

Watch Via: paid, so :>

Watch Dates: Jan 30, 2024

Rating: 6/10

Overall Impression: Firstly, fuck the message of the show. In shows like this, where they treat suicide as a personal, moral failure of selfishness and weakness rather than due to systematic issues in society, mental health struggles, or treating the characters with kindness, it's of utmost importance to just roll your eyes and see the story/acting/etc. Eps 1 to half of 3 were interesting and exciting but in the way of "I'm watching a show with murder and gore and people trying to outsmart each other" rather than about this specific show. The ending is... okay, I guess, expected it. In Part 1, Death just left something to be desired for me and this kinda continued here. Don't think I'll think of this show much (except maybe Lee Dohyun?) and the 2nd part didn't have the excellent pacing of the first one. Not as good as part 1.

tags: death's game

Also Appears In: Death's Game Live Blogging

Post created this month: 2023 Series Overview + Stats

[eddydreaming]

Best Kdrama 2023

Hey there! It's that time of the year again when we have to choose our favorite things such as songs, moments... and kdramas. For me, there was one kdrama that stood out the most. I decided to watch it this month based on my friends' recommendations. I would have never watched it if they hadn't suggested it to me earlier.

That kdrama is Twinkling Watermelon. It was released on the 25th of September and finished airing on the 14th of November. It has 16 episodes and the topics are romance, youth, drama and fantasy.

“When your life can twinkle again on its own, I hope it twinkles as radiantly as possible.” – Ha Eun Gyeol

This is mydramalist's synopsis for it:

In 2023, Eun Gyeol is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) high-school student with hearing-impaired parents, but he has a passion for music. During the day, he is a studious model pupil… but at night, he rocks out as a guitarist in a band. But when he stumbles across a strange yet alluring music store, he goes hurtling back in time to 1995.

Here, he comes face to face with his father, Ha Yi Chan – as a high schooler! Yi Chan takes Eun Gyeol for a lunatic when the latter calls him “dad”. Worse still, it looks like Yi Chan has a crush on an icy cellist named Se Kyeong – not his future mother, Cheong Ah!

In a bid to put things “right,” Eun Gyeol joins a band fronted by his future father. But will this be enough to help Eun Gyeol bring his future parents together… and will he ever get back to the 2020s?

Before watching it

It's so funny when you don't want to watch something because you don't feel it's gonna be that good and then end up watching it to realize that is more than good: it was awesome.

That's what happened to me this time.

I read the synopsis of the kdrama, but it didn't catch my attention. Therefore, I decided to start watching another show instead. However, I recently joined a Discord server where the majority of members were raving about this drama called Twinkling Watermelon. This piqued my interest and I decided to give it a try. I am grateful to the members for introducing me to this amazing show.

“If it is a new heart that you need, I will give you mine. If you need new eyes, I will give you both of my eyes.” – Ms. Go

No spoiler review

After a couple of episodes into the kdrama I knew this was gonna be a big thing for me. The first two episodes are a little bit introductory in my opinion, but they're completely necessary to understand our ML, Ha Eun Gyeol.

After watching the fourth episode, I couldn't help but continue until I finished the entire series.

The story is about how deaf people are usually discriminated against because of their condition, and also the disdain towards sign language, when it actually is like any other language.

Moreover, we have a beautiful friend group, and I love it when we have that because they make me so happy and it's so wonderful to see.

The drama conveys the importance of having loved ones by your side and the inspiring ability of one character to move forward even in the worst situations. This message really resonated with me.

Finally, the relationships between the characters, both romantic and platonic, are beautifully portrayed. My favorite relationship was between the father and son.

"If you put a coda at the end of a musical phrase, it means getting ready to wrap up the song with a beautiful end."

Music

The music plays a crucial role in this drama, and it's what makes it stand out. When you listen to a song and it transports you to the scenes or the characters of that drama, it's an amazing feeling. My favorite song from the show is definitely "Shining," and I strongly advise you to avoid listening to it until you watch the show. Otherwise, you won't feel the same way about it.

“Music isn’t something you listen to just by ear. Music is something you can feel with your eyes, mind, and heart.” – Ha Yi Chan

This is my opinion, which may differ from yours, but that's what makes it fun!

I want to know what your favorite kdrama from 2023 was if you don't mind sharing. Maybe I haven't watched it yet!

[shellyb04]

Once Again (2020)

Once Again (Kdrama)

Once Again follows the Song family and their 4 adult children. The eldest two have recently been divorced and moved home. The third child is married, but her marriage has hit a rough spot. The youngest is set to be married in just a few days. Meanwhile, the parents run a chicken shop on a market street that gets stirred up when a new woman opens a kimbap store.

9/10

The majority of this is really good. The family dynamic and inclusion of found family is simply wonderful. I really struggled with this show in the beginning. I felt like everyone was a jerk (except Da Hee who is an angel) and there is A LOT of screaming at each other throughout, but especially in the first few episodes. It probably took me the first 7-10 episodes to fall for this show. But once I had, it kept me. I laughed and cried along with the characters.

Fair warning, this show is 100 episodes. The episodes are about 35 minutes each, but even with the short length this is a longer show. It mostly moves along decently with only a couple of hiccups that feel unnecessary. Ultimately, this is an enjoyable show that will give you the feels and make you laugh, just bear with the beginning. People have to start in their worst place to make you feel it when they succeed. I've seen this compared with My Father is Strange and that is a fair comparison. Personally, I prefer My Father is strange, but this is a VERY close second.

[clairedaring]

I've started a Takahashi Fumiya and Shison Jun drama hunt cus of gifs I seen from fermat cuisine by you and the couple other people making gifs ehehehe. That show was sooo good and now I need to find more good movies/shows w them in it! Other than fermat I only ever saw the yu yu hakusho live action (which I loved even if they were forced to condense too much into 5 eps, the actors and fight choreo was niiiice) haha. Do you know other shows or films w either of them you rec??

Actually nonnie I'm only new to Jdramas so I haven't really been able to check out their ENTIRE filmography (T . T) But I'll list out the ones I've watched (quite a lot more fumiya than jun stuff unfortunately) and maybe you can try checking them out if you'd like.

Takahashi Fumiya films/series

our secret diary (2023) - film, super cute sweet basic high school romance. not groundbreaking or anything but like a delicious dish of dessert you know you're going to enjoy. i think it's a total must watch if you're looking for a lighthearted romcom.

kimi no hana ni naru (2022) - series, fumiya plays ML and leader of a flopping boygroup. i'm not a huge fan of noona romance (FL is ML's former high school teacher) but that wasn't really the problem for me here. i just had qualms with FL's acting and fumiya was hard carrying for the entire series tbh. the music is VERY good (really feel good generic bg music *\(^o^)/*. fumiya looks extremely good in this series tho (understandable since he's playing an idol) |(￣3￣)| available on netflix.

themis no kyoshitsu: legal seishun hakusho (2023) - series, it's a law school drama and fumiya plays supporting role as one of the students. maybe it's because i watched other law tbs dramas so this one was underwhelming for me but i watched it just for fumiya and thought it was alright.

waru: hataraku no ga kakko warui nante dare ga itta (2022) - series, fumiya plays a lovable intern who has a crush on quirky FL (plays by the fabulous imada mio whom i adore). i had the worst 2ml syndrome and although i'm kinda glad FL technically doesn't end up with anyone i was stilllll rooting for fumiya's character so much. fumiya has more screentime than i initially thought and i loveeeee his character in this one (an adorable cutie).

saiai (2021) - series, fumiya plays a supporting role in this thriller mystery drama. i really liked this one but it wasn't because of fumiya, his screentime was minimal but the suspense was good. he's got that soft babie fumiya look for this one. it felt like a makjang kdrama. i recommend if you're in the mood for something thrilling (i think it's available on netflix as my dearest?).

bokura ga koroshita, saiai no kimi (2021) - series, fumiya plays the lead role in this thriller romance. i don't like series that leave me with way too many questions at the end so it was frustrating but fumiya's acting was insane so it was worth it. but very bloody and mild gore so trigger warning for that.

muchuu-sa, kimi ni (2021) - series, i think this was my first ever fumiya series but at the time i watched it i just thought it's a cute bromance series. kinda a strange dorama but it's healing and soft in a way.

divoc-12 (2022) - film, it's an anthology film so like a collection of short films so it's just 10 min really. i just watched it because CURLY HAIR FUMIYA.

Shison Jun films/series

joshiteki seikatsu (2018) - series, wonderfully heartwarming short series where jun plays a fabulous transgirl. i love it so much you can see i have started giffing for this series even though the raw quality is god awful (T . T)

gokushufudo (2020) - series, i ADORE this series. the premise is so wacky like it's about an ex yakuza/mafia dude adjusting to his new life as a house husband. jun plays an underling of ex-yakuza who assists him with various tasks. it's so funny i almost died laughing watching this one ✌︎('ω')✌︎.

high & low the worst and the worst x (2019 and 2022) - films, jun plays the lead role in this action comedy. i had fun watching but i wasn't really invested in this story. but like the acting and the music is excellent. if you like yu yu hakusho, i think you'll enjoy these films. both are available on netflix last time i checked.

i know that this answer probably wasn't that helpful but i hope once you start going down that takahashi fumiya or shison jun rabbit role, you'll find some series that you'll enjoy ٩( ᐛ )و

[jiwoes]

Record of Youth because Start Up was so bad it made it look better

[demelzahcarne]

And then they drove off and were never to be seen again, haha if only. Okay I got it NDS is the next Elon Musk or even better, next...what a waste of the first minutes showing a self driving car. Why give time to your characters, oh wait tarzan is an important character deserving screentime.

If joohyuk ever slams NDS role I'd respect him so much more but koreans are too polite to even slam obvious bullshit.

He ask an app about his fortune, and of course he doing the opposite and it will prove him right and NDS and his non believing in anything but his super coding powers will save the world...is this a bad fairytale or a drama trying to be a tiny bit realistic?!

Where the fuck is Jipyeong?! There he is, looking so damn good again. I can't, and they be talking so normal, it's so good to see them at ease. Wait, are we hurting NDS poor soul because Jipyeong told dalmi what granny should cook, oh of course I forgot NDS needs all the love and attention even from Granny too cause he has nobody else except for his Mom/dad, his san boys, dalmi and etc pp so yeah we should be considering his poor soul cause crybaby is about to tear up again cause nobody fucking loves him.....

Another triangle I could do without...

God, I know I wont see it but I wish to see NDS fail again in 5 to 10yrs and lose it all, what a fucking prick. At least then he has a reason to cry again about his own dumbass' doin

Dal-Mi was dickmatized. OMFG...way to ruin a confident woman.

This is fucking real, he wants the money tree?! Just suddenly out of nowhere, he did not once care about it, not fucking once, the audacity and entitlement of this prick ass character. I want to punch his fucking eyeballs out. What is the writer even doing, the fucking writer is on some weird ass drug, and it's definitely not the good kind. Take the drugs away from her, I can even click play again cause shit will get worse from here on, I want to stab something or someone.

Oh these letters, without them he never would have gotten dalmi, but whatever who cares about details, right. He never wrote a single letter in those letters but sure keep them cause whatever, getting the girl ain't enough for you, you spoiled rich ass idiot.

The money tree was given to him(NDS) but he didn't care about it for one second but when Jipyeong is in the mix of keeping sth from dalmi, he wants it back or keep things..how old is he 30 or 5 ???? I honestly have no idea why he is suddenly so eager to have/own the money tree.

God, we get it dalmi will tell NDS in some big ass speech that he was and always will be her first love for reasons I really don't care about. Can't you just play this fucking scene and let his whiny ass be happy so he can gloat about beating Jipyeong.

The letters and the plant are his happiness? Well this just fucking broke my heart. Thanks for the tears I really didn't want to shed.

Lol, that's her reason?! that's what they were working towards in all those episodes, lbr the writers had no idea either why it's Do-San and took the easy way out. LMAO

I can't believe there will be 90more minutes of this tmrw, again why????!!!!!

No you are not a loser, stop it. You are too good for a dickmatized woman. God I am crying the tears Jipyeong can't cry right now.

This late ass thrown in won vs seo self driving car company bullshit storyline nobody gives a shit about cause it's obvious it won't hurt them precious souls in any way, lame. If Jipyeong saves them again I will cut someone for real.

Jipyeong please let them fucking fail. Please.

Don't run to them, run away my baby. Run run run.

SEONHO tomorrow we will be free, huzzah!

[absolutebl]

tagged by @pose4photoml thanks dalink! 

BL ~ Drama Asks

1.     If you had to watch one drama forever what would it be? 

Ooof. This is such a hard one. Any of my top 10/10 rated could go here: Seven Days, Color Rush, Light On Me, To My Star 1, We Best Love 1 & 2, Until We Meet Again Semantic Error.

Right now it’s probubly Light On Me. 

2.     If you could change the ending of a drama which one would it be?

HIStory 3: Make Our Days Count AKA the BL that shall not be named. 

3.     Name your favorite drama and tell who your favorite character was.

Seven Days, Yuzuru 

4.     Name a drama you dropped within the first few episodes ~ we all have at            least one!

Only one?

2022 7 Days 7 Boys Thai

2020 Amore Pinoy

2021 Call it What You Want Thai

2021 Country Boy Thai

2017 Customized Companion China

2022 Getaway Singapore

2020 Ghost Runner Thai

2017 Glass Heart China

2021 Hidden Love Thai

2022 In a Relationship (Thailands Gameboys) Thai

2020 In Between AKA Sa Pagitan ng Kamusta at Paalam Pinoy

2021 Jack & Jill Pinoy

2021 Love Poison 2 Thai

2021 My Boy Thai

2022 Next Door Crush Vietnam

2021 On His Turf AKA On My Turf Korea

2022 Rak Diao (BL sitcom) Thai

2022 Restart(ed) Thai

2021 Stuck on You Pinoy

2019 The Teacher Taiwan

5.     Name a popular drama you've never watched and why?

I Told Sunset About You is exactly as good as everyone says. It’s beautiful, well acted, well scripted, cinematographically stunning, and honest to the queer experience. Which is why I really struggled with it ad gave up about half way through.Too close to home. It was a memory-ache hurt watch. What’s the opposite of nostalgia? That’s what ITTSAY is.

6.     Name a drama you regret watching. 

2008 A Frozen Flower Korea

2016 A Round Trip to Love China

2016 Grey Rainbow: Views of Love Thai

2016 My Bromance the series Thai

2006 No Regrets Korea ( I HAVE REGRETS) 

7.     Name a drama you thought you’d never watch but did and did you end up            liking it? 

Well I watch everything BL so that first bit won’t apply. I’m a completest. So instead I’ll go with drama I thought I wouldn’t like but unexpectedly ended up liking: Oh! Boarding House. I’m nto wild about BL sitcom formats, and this one started out that way, about half way through it switch to a standard Kdrama style and then I liked it a lot more. 

8.     Name a pairing you want to see?

Crazy BL Actor Pairing I'd Love to See has a whole list but if you want me to pick just one? Sam Lin & Saint Suppapong. And yes, I am aware they do not speak the same language. Don’t bother me with trifles. This is my fantasy casting, you’re just reading about it. 

9.     Name a pairing you didn’t think had chemistry?

Most recently the worst I can think up is Physical Therapy. Blerg. 

10.  Name a pairing you have seen in another drama that you like? 

Sugus & Tenon from Golden Blood (PitchBank). They’ve never co-branded as a pair though so I don’t think we will ever get more of them. 

SamYu of course. 

I mean, I could go on...

Play if you want! Tag me if you do, I always love seeing peoples answers to these kinds of things. 

[kdramacrybaby]

Top 10 Favorite Kdramas

As I have now watched my 50th kdrama, I thought it would be fun to go over them all and pick my current top 10 🥳. I had a really hard time placing them all, and my opinions might change again, but as of now my top 10 kdramas of all time are:

__________

1) Memories of the Alhambra (2018)

This drama is what really got me into watching kdramas back when it first came out, and I have still yet to find a drama that tops it. It may be nostalgia, but I just love this drama and the emotional rollercoaster it put me through. I have already watched through it twice, and will definitely watch it again someday.

2) The Uncanny Counter (2020)

This one blew me away right from the start, and it has absolutely everything I love in a good drama. If you like fantasy, found family, and an overall amazing story, this one is for you! If I'm going to rewatch another drama in the future, this will definitely be the first one.

3) Mad Dog (2017)

I came for Woo Do-hwan, but I stayed for literally every single character. Another found family story that just absolutely breaks your heart in the best way, along with some amazing crime-fighting shenanigans - what more could you want?

4) Vincenzo (2021)

This went from being a drama I didn't want to watch, to now being one of my all-time favorites. It is brutal in so many ways, but somehow also one of the funniest dramas I have ever watched. Fantastic drama!

5) Crash Landing On You (2019)

Somehow, I am a little surprised this didn't end up higher on the list because this drama just absolutely destroyed me in the best way. Truly one of the best romance stories I have ever watched across any media.

6) Hotel del Luna (2019)

When watching this drama, I obviously loved it, but I didn't think it would ever make my top 10. Since though, I have often found myself thinking about it, and have compared a lot of other dramas to it. Other than being a visually gorgeous masterpiece, it is one of the few dramas to just completely break me.

7) Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)

I watched this one alongside a friend of mine, and we had a blast trying to figure out what the hell was happening. Even through plot holes and time travel (which I usually hate in media), I just loved watching this. I've seen people love and hate this for different reasons, but I don't really care, I just had a good time watching.

8) Navillera (2021)

Another absolutely stunning drama that had me crying my eyes out. Such a tragic story told in a beautiful way, teaching us to live in the moment and never take anything for granted. Find what you love and don't mind what other people think.

9) Happiness (2021)

I just recently finished watching this drama, but there is no doubt in my mind that it belongs on this list. Despite being filled with my literal worst nightmare, and the cut-short ending, I still somehow loved being stressed throughout the whole show.

10) The Last Empress (2018)

Now I will always be the first to say that this drama is a hot mess, but it was one of the first dramas I ever watched (and the second to rewatch), and I loved every second. It is a masterpiece, and I will die on that hill.

Honorable mentions in no particular order:

Her Private Life (2019)

Descendants of the Sun (2016)

The Untamed (2019)

100 Days My Prince (2018)

Doom At Your Service (2021)

Sell Your Haunted House (2021)

Your Honor (2018)

Squid Game (2021)

[antitheticaldreamgirly]

KDRAMAs THAT MADE ME FEEL SOMETHING

(not in any particular order)

disclaimer: I just started watching kdramas seriously this 2020. This is highly personal.

These dramas are the best, for me at least, and the ones that made me feel the most. 👌🏻

* Crash Landing On You 🏔

- This has been my black whole for kdramas-I went in and I never came back. This drama made me fall in love with kdramas.

- It is funny, romantic and heartwarming at the same time. It showed that sometimes strangers can be more home than your family.

- I loved the second couple just as much as the main.

- This helped me a lot through this year, I went through a hardcore ‘separation anxiety’ when it ended.

Feels like: a sunny day under a tree surrounded by flowers in full bloom 🌸🌺

Romance: so strong that it can light up the whole of North Korea (not my words)

Strengths: actor’s chemistry

Rewatch? : ABSOLUTELY

* The Tale of the Nine Tailed 🦊

- I don’t watch horror films AT ALL but the fact that I enjoyed this and loved it says a lot about how good this is.

- The magical character made it feel like I was reading a fantasy novel

- Family

- I loved some characters more than others and I wished some endings didn’t end the way they did BUT I understood.

Feels like: a hot bowl of soup on a rainy day

Romance: electric

Strengths: the BROTHERHOOD

Rewatch? : yes

* Extraordinary You 🌺

- the cutest but also mind-blowingly good

- Almost all characters are amiable. They are young but incredibly capable.

- It is like watching anime human version

- Will make you miss your youth (given that I am the same age as the actors)

Feels like: having butterflies in the stomach

Romance: the best of young love

Strengths: unique plot

Rewatch? : definitely!

* The King: Eternal Monarch 👑

- I watched this while it was airing and I very much enjoyed all the theories here on tumblr just as much as the drama itself

- Doppelgänger to a whole other level

- Thought provoking

- Strong independent individuals

- I loved this drama deeply and who wouldn’t fall in love with the male lead who is smart, decisive and loyal.

- The love line was mature without any misunderstanding.

- It will make you cry

- The ending was not perfect but it tied up mostly everything in the end. I wanted to see more of this world.

Feels like: reading a love poem

Romance: literal star-crossed lovers

Strengths: cinematography

Rewatch? : YES

* Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo 🏋️‍♀️

- okay, right now you just want a break from kdrama mind games. You just want a cute rom-com. This is the drama for you!

- This is relatable in the sense that you are not even an athlete but you think you know what it feels like

- Tremendously raw at times

- Light but with weight

Feels like: falling in love

Romance: adorable 😍

Strengths: friends that are family

Rewatch? : the type that you can watch over and over again

* While You Were Sleeping 🌸

- dreamy and also “what a visual cast.”

- The first episode is an entire movie

- It is smart

- Will make you care for people you don’t even know

- One of my fave endings

Feels like: a beautiful daydream

Romance: love in it’s purest form

Strengths: OST

Rewatch? : done

* It’s Okay Not To Be Okay 👠

- As you may have guessed from the title, it’s about mental health

- humanly tender

- It shows how the toughest battles are in your head

- This will make you bawl your eyes out

- Not for the weak at heart

- Strong female lead

- Found family

- You will need a huggg after this

Feels like: sleeping in the softest silk

Romance: chemistry across all boards

Strengths: Fashion

Rewatch? : maybe? Just because it hurts (albeit the best way) and also because I already did

* Itaewon Class 🌙

- This is something you can recommend anybody

- About life-it’s best and worst moments

- makes you wanna get your life together

- Also, it makes you want to wrap these people in comfy blankets and give them hot milk

Feels like: WINNING

Romance: it will grow on you

Strengths: acting was superb and OST!

Rewatch? : DONE

* Goblin ⚔️

- How can we make a list of kdramas without this main meal? Everyone loved this and I must say, rightfully so.

- Dynamic duo bromance

- Second lead couple was everything

- Noteworthy

Feels like: experiencing the first snow fall

Romance: will also grow on you

Strengths: everything about this was iconic

Rewatch? : highly likely

These are highly mainstream dramas because I’m a basic b*tch but also since I’ve been reading everybody’s lists before watching (mostly). And if your fave is not in the list, it’s likely that I have not watched it so hit me up 👇🏻. I have TONS still to watch so don’t come at me.

All my Love. 💋

P.S. Yet to watch: Scarlet Heart, Hotel De Luna, Reply Series, etc. ✌🏻

[zhoufeis]

Mischa’s cdrama reviews and ratings 1.0

After my moderately succesful kdrama ratings 1.0 and my rather unsuccessful kdrama ratings 2.0, I decided to raise even less interest in my reviews for some Chinese dramas.

Like with the kdrama ratings, I’ll always do 10 at a time. These followings ratings should be of some of my first cdrama watches and include:

Dramas in ancient setting -- The Untamed (2019)・Legend of Fei (2020/21)・Word of Honor (2021)・The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020)・The Legends (2019)・General’s Lady (2020)

Dramas in modern setting -- Our Glamorous Time (2018)・Please Classmate (2021)・Please Feel at Ease, Mr. Ling! (2021)・Love O2O (2016)

[PS.: If the pics don’t show, refresh the page. Sometimes, they need refreshing to load.]

The ratings will go from WORST TO BEST.

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10) 一不小心捡到爱 Please feel at ease, Mr. Ling! (2021) -- Rating: 1.0 of 5.0 stars. As this was Zhao Lusi’s first drama on air after I watched The Romance of Tiger and Rose - and became a fan of her - I decided to give this one a chance. Now, let me first explain that modern Chinese dramas aren’t actually very much made for me in general. I come from LatAM telenovelas, and they have many terrible ones but also some very good ones I love beyond. However, Chinese dramas work with a lot of telenovela tropes and storywriting that I do NOT enjoy. I often open some modern Chinese dramas and I immediately see some clichés and tropes that I don’t get behind or that straight-up bore me. This show didn’t sound that good from the start, but when I started it, I tried to feel neutral about it as I just wanted to enjoy Zhao Lusi. It started out... alright-ish. Sorta funny. For like 4 episodes or so. However, everything that followed was utterly boring and unnecessary, and OH MY GOD, I hated the ML so much. Aside from the fact that he was possessive and overly unhealthily jealous, the show never pointed out how terrible his behaviour was. He seemed to get only worse each episode and she literally forgave him everything so quickly. The power imbalance in their relationship also was dealt with in bad ways and never addressed in the way that he actually started to understand that many of the things he was doing were downright manipulative and unhealthy. The messages the show sent therefore were very questionable. Directing wasn’t outstanding nor was the cinematography. I have nothing good to say about this drama to be honest. PLEASE skip it. Even if you enjoy Chinese modern dramas or telenovela storytelling, trust me, there’s still more intriguing ones out there - like the next one. Just as terrible but OMG, so terrible that it’s intriguing!

Positive: Zhao Lusi. The only reason why this show gets any kind of points. Negative: Everything aside from Zhao Lusi.

Favourite character(s):

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9) 你和我的倾城时光 Our Glamorous Time (2018) -- Rating: 2.3 of 5.0 stars. Look, I’m telling you, I watched a lot of telenovelas in my life. Few are good; some are incredibly bad BUT STILL terrifyingly intriguing. Because there’s so many betrayals and secrets and stuff to unfold and really terrible characters and cheesy heterosexuals that sometimes will make you feel the worst kind of second-hand embarrassment. Now, this one - this one is all of those things. I started it because I fell in love with Zhao Liying on Legend of Fei. This show here also made me fall in love with Jin Han. However, it so UTTERLY TERRIBLE. Military propaganda, too. The worst kind of it tbh. The stories are totally unbelievable, everything is melodramatic, the voice of Zhao Liying’s character on here is so fricking high you kinda wanna strangle yourself. AND YET, you just wanna continue watching. I am incapable of rating this properly. I can just assure you - this show is terrible but it’s terrible enough to almost be good.

Positive: Zhao Liying. Jin Han. Terribly intriguing. Negative: it’s really terrible, mostly because it’s just terrible but also because it’s military propaganda.

Favourite character(s):

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8) 微微一笑很倾城 Love O2O (2016) -- Rating: 2.7 of 5.0 stars. Love O2O I stumbled across somewhere randomly - or maybe I stumbled upon it because I was and am still waiting for Who Rules The World - an upcoming cdrama starring Zhao Lusi and Yang Yang. This one is the only gaming show I’ve watched so far, in which I actively enjoyed the gaming sequences. They put a lot of work and effort into it and I love it beyond compare. You Are My Glory or Falling Into Your Smile can’t compete in that area - Love O2O is THE gaming show with beautiful, stunning visuals. The FL and her group of friends can be summed up as cute and inoffensive - but quite shy and passive, which is the show’s biggest flaw: its treatment of female characters and specifically their female lead. We know Wei Wei is really intelligent and smart - so how does she end up being a mere secretary to the ML? And not being mad about it? The show, from the start, develops a pretty unhealthy power imbalance in their relationship - despite Wei Wei being a bit snarky, sassy and overly intelligent. She COULD be a strong FL who takes no shit - but she isn’t. And as a woman, watching this show feels with each episode more frustrating because Wei Wei is reduced to a simple pretty girl who happens to be the support system for the ML. Not to even mention the rather unhealthy stalking storyline that is going on to set up their relationship. Yang Yang appears to always sort of go for similar roles, I don’t mind watching him but he’s surely not the strongest actor out there. Unfortunately, you can notice that precisely when you look at his friends group, which includes Zheng Ye Cheng and Niu Jun Feng - two actors who are much more talented than Yang Yang is as they are capable of showing a wider range of emotions. Eventually, Yang Yang falls flat compared to his co-stars. And the roles he goes for are never truly remarkable, so he kind of sticks to a comfort zone of acting that I don’t mind but also don’t perceive as memorable. The show has some side characters’ storylines going on that I couldn’t care about less. The exception being the censored gay storyline. I honestly don’t recall how this show ended or if there were any particularly outstanding scenes or storylines. However, I will forever remember this drama for its beautiful, stunning gaming visuals.

Positive: mostly a strong cast, very stunning visuals. Negative: very slow-paced, questionable writing and development of female characters, really nothing memorable aside from the visuals.

Favourite character(s):

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7) 陈情令 The Untamed (2019) -- Rating: 4.1 of 5.0 stars. The Untamed was my first cdrama and therefore carries a special place in my heart - the fact that it only ends up being 7th on this list is devastating tbh. But as much as I loved it, I also had some huge issues with it. As you may be able to tell from the reviews you read so far, I get very upset when I feel like female characters are treated wrongly. Well. In The Untamed, that’s not even debatable. Women are reduced to mother and sister figures; if they don’t fit into these categories, they’re written off or made to be fit (alas Mianmian who suffered both of these fates). All female characters are either written as pure evil or as damsels in distresses. And even when they’re not - Mianmian or Wen Qing - they’re written off or killed off. There is not a SINGLE woman on this show with whose end I ended up satisfied with. And don’t get me started that the final resolution is all about men. Men, men, men, more men, men, men, men. Like. This show REALLY hates women and that’s a fact. So if you can’t bear that, don’t watch it. It is really frustrating. However, there’s also good parts. I do adore, for most part, the show’s pacing and it’s fascinating fantasy setting. It actually feels like a whole new world, something so many fantasy shows and movies fail at achieving. But this feels like an actual world - like the magic world on Harry Potter feels real or the world of Tolkien. You are sucked into it, you are curious about the things you can encounter in such a world - it is very beautiful. There’s so many secrets and unknown things and if you know nothing, like I didn’t know anything, when you start watching, you’ll spend the first two episodes not understanding a SINGLE THING. Nothing makes sense even though there’s so many hidden things you will later understand - and if you ever get around to rewatch it, it is fascinating to put all the puzzle pieces together and understand the show. There is a character you’ll be intrigued by, there’s characters you will hate, you will move through this world as Wei Ying does mostly and you’ll be intrigued by the things and characters and dynamics you encounter. In that aspect, the show is wonderful. It makes you curious about the world and its inhabitants, and you just wanna discover all of it. Too bad, however, that the CGI is often terrible and the parts, in which you are supposed to encounter fascinating creatures or sceneries, maybe you’ll do a big yare yare when you see how fake some things look. As for worldbuilding, I think this show outlasts every other cdrama I watched. So this is an utter must-watch for every fantasy/xianxia fan! And, obviously, I am a fan of Wangxian! I have to mention them. They’re subtly yet nicely put into the show and you’ll always be on your edge to see new scenes of them. Personally, I enjoyed the later episodes, so present time, more than past time but I couldn’t stop missing my now dead girls. Yi City storyline is my fave, presumably, mostly because there’s Wangxian and the Juniors (my Sizhui and my baby brat) and that’s always a delight, even when they’re in a life-threatening situation. I loved some of the plot twists the show provided, but my really most beloved one is when you realize who pulled all the strings; who’s behind all of it; who played each and every character in this story. Amazing. What I would probably, lastly, criticize is how damn long the end is. Like separation, reunion, separation, reunion, separation, ... It feels too long and dragged out, as if the writers didn’t really know how to put an end to this story. It’s a nice ending, it just feels way too long. All in all, definitely worth a watch if you love worldbuilding and fantasy. Skip it if you can’t handle terrible treatment of female characters.

Positive: the pacing, the worldbuilding, its original characters and dynamics, the Juniors... and Nie Huaisang - those of you who watched will know why... Love Wang Yibo, too, okay. He’s a great actor and should be mentioned. Negative: the treatment of each and every woman, the CGI sometimes, the veeeeery long end, the fandom can be pretty terrible btw, idk, they also hate women and love Jiang Cheng and like... no.

Favourite character(s):

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6) 山河令 Word of Honor (2021) -- Rating: 4.2 of 5.0 stars. Following the BL hype in ancient dramas, it was obvious I couldn’t miss this one. I live-watched it, for the most part. That was my downfall. Spoilers about a certain death ahead, I’m sorry but I just have to address it. If you don’t wanna know any spoilers as you don’t know whose death I’m referring to, skip this. But I guess, it’s impossible to not know about this death if you have seen this show somewhere on Tumblr. Anyway... Gu Xiang. My love. My soul. My pretty little murder kitty. HOW COULD SHE DIE???????????????????? THE DEVASTATION WHEN WATCHING HER DEATH?????? I DO NOT.... PROCESS. And yes, I don’t care. I definitely robbed this show -0,7 points just for her death. All other critical things are -0,1. But her death alone makes this entire show so much worse. And like... not just because I loved her. But because her death is literally pointless. Yes, I know, her husband dies, too. I loved him, mourned him too, but SHE. What was the point in killing her off this late? The two important ladies who died on The Untamed... I hated it but, at least, there was a point to it. Wei Ying wouldn’t have jumped off that cliff if these girls hadn’t died. I hate when women’s deaths are used for story development and/or male pain but AT LEAST, their deaths had some sort of purpose for the development of the show. Gu Xiang’s deaths had NOT. She was the sister/daughter to Wen Kexing. Wen Kexing who just decided to go for a better, a happier path in his life than he did so far, and you rob him off the one person who kept him sort of sane for all these years. She was his anchor to humanity, IT MADE NO SENSE STORYWISE TO KILL HER OFF. IT WAS POINTLESS TO KILL HER OFF THIS LATE. Honestly, all I wanted then was for him to return to his old ways and kill everyone responsible for her death mercilessly. I hate whoever decided her death had any sort of point. Her death was just for shock value; and so was Cao Wei Ning’s death. These two still half-teenagers didn’t deserve death and were supposed to live a happy life - and that’s why they were killed off because it’s utterly cruel and pointless. I will never forget that scene, in which Cao Wei Ning told her he had a dream he died and waited for her by the bridge. And unlike his expectation, she came there too soon after him. HOW. FRICKING. CRUEL. Yes, leave me alone, I hate everyone who made me go through these emotions. Now... let me point out some other parts of the show that were more lovely. Wenzhou. Wenzhou is utterly wonderful. They’re much more obvious and domestic than Wangxian and it’s such a delight to watch these two pretty problematic people bickering and falling in love. Furthermore, that found family trope the show knows how to use. I utterly adore that bond between Wen Kexing and Gu Xiang; how wonderful when you find some sort of sister/daughter who becomes your anchor to humanity, your most annoying company that you would protect and die for. Personally, I’m also much more of a fan of shorter rather than longer shows. 40+ episodes per show are always too long, even on The Untamed or Fei, there’s so many episodes, in which it feels like nothing happens. Word of Honor only has 36 episodes and, therefore, there’s barely any filler storylines. It just works better. The worldbuilding is not as good as on The Untamed, but I’d say Word of Honor makes up for it by featuring more comedic parts and more likable characters as well as many more interesting female characters. They’re not all reduced to being lovers, mothers or sisters or daughters, they’re a lot more than that and they’re just as morally questionable as our leading males. And there’s Ye Baiyi. The Untamed doesn’t have a Ye Baiyi. And every show who doesn’t have a Ye Baiyi is automatically lacking something. He is INCREDIBLE. His banter with Wen Kexing is EVERYTHING. He’s some lost immortal behaving like a 13yo brat, wearing white, being judgmental af and missing his old friends whom have all already died. Honestly, he’s the best. Aside from that, Word of Honor is also just so nice because you can tell that the people who made this show put so much love and work and effort into it. It’s low-budget but there’s so many nice things - poetry and an unfolding found family dynamic and domesticity and romanticism, beautiful scenery and nice cinematography. It’s clearly made with so much love and that’s how it wins easily over high-budget productions - even though, the CGI really sucks.

Positive: the acting is top notch, likeable characters, gu xiang, ye baiyi, wen kexing, how beautifully everything is made and put together. Negative: a certain death, a certain other death and like... the CGI, but that’s due to being a low-budget drama.

Favourite character(s):

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5) 将军家的小娘子 General’s Lady (2020) -- Rating: 4.2 of 5.0 stars. Let me start by saying - yes, this is a drama in an ancient setting, but it’s utterly romance. There is not a real plot going on aside from romance and if you’re not into seeing a show that is 99% heterosexual romance, I can already tell you - skip it! It’s not a fantasy show, it doesn’t care about worldbuilding. It’s a show for hopeless romantics. And at that, it is beyond amazing. It simply starts with the fact that it has two very pretty people as leads. But like... not just pretty. But like, beyond pretty. Tang Min and Caesar Wu are just WOW, and together, they just look incredible, that’s a fact. Now, is that enough for me to like a show? No. When I want pretty things, I don’t just want pretty people, then I also want aesthetics. A show that is purely about romance MUST have beautiful, beautiful cinematography. You know, those kind of scenes you watch and you immediately think - wow, I want gifs of that and that and that. And that’s what the show is so fricking good at. Basically, every scene you watch, you want to gif. Every scene is so exceptionally pretty, but natural. Like you can clearly tell that this is no CGI, but that those settings are real settings. There’s nature, so much nature, so many pretty colors, and it’s all so natural and beautifully put together that you can’t do anything but fall in love with this show. The plot is simple and inoffensive; this show is rather an exploration of how people grow to love and care about each other and how they must work together to make a relationship last. It’s about something as simple as a couple growing to understand each other’s needs and wants in a very domestic setting. It explores the character of a lively, curious woman who loves her husband but who also wants more out of life - and starts her own business, with her husband supporting her. It also explores the character of a charming, yet pretty deadly man whose heart is melted by a woman and who proves over and over again that he’d do anything for her and support her in any of her dreams, even if they go against traditional rules. Yes, I will always love male characters who are cold and dead inside until they meet the love of their life and then melt. Don’t come at me, I’m a romantic. The side characters are lovely and funny, there is no division of ��good” and “evil”, but rather, this show is an exploration of romanticism, of nature, of feelings, of relationships, of friendships. The transition to real, modern life in the end is beautifully done and leaves speculation open for the audience. If you are searching for a very pretty show that is beautiful and inoffensive with lively characters and an amazing chemistry between the leads, this is your drama!

Positive: chemistry between caesar wu & tang min, the cinematography, the beautiful development of a healthy couple working on their relationship, the directing is just really awesome. Negative: the show is as inoffensive as it can possibly get. make of that what you want.

Favourite character(s):

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4) 有翡 Legend of Fei (2020/21) -- Rating: 4.3 of 5.0 stars. For me, this kind of story is similar to Word of Honor and The Untamed. Mostly wuxia with some xianxia added, I assume. They all go into the same category; there’s similar elements - but also, I watched them all around the same time, which was around January to May 2021. The reason why Fei ends up higher than the other two is quite obvious if you have read my reviews - it’s the treatment of women. While The Untamed hates women, Word of Honor is more or less neutral about them. But You Fei... LOVES women. And that is just so fricking obvious. There’s many and they’re all allowed to be their own people. If it’s Fei’s mom, if it’s A’yan or Chuchu, if it’s Fei’s aunt or any of the female villains, or just Fei herself. They’re all much more than love interests or daughters or mothers or sisters. They can be violent, snarky, sassy, dumb, intelligent, self-absorbed, selfless, arrogant, kind. Like best example: A’yan is kidnapped by a himbo who wants to fight Fei. What does A’yan do? First, she cries. Then she realizes, she’s getting a lot of food and is treated like a queen, so she complains to everyone about how unfairly she is treated - and when Fei wants to rescue her? She refuses and says she’s staying. Then she manipulates the himbo into getting her good enough in the middle of the night. Following episodes, she’s talking to snakes and telling people to leave her alone... while also trying to hug Fei sometimes who REALLY hates hugs. She is such a WONDERFUL delight. Such a mess. And the show just rolls with that. All the dynamics and relationships between the found family (that is constantly separated) is fun and lovely to watch. For most part, this show just is a joy to watch. And I can’t even stress enough how much I love and adore Fei. Badass sword-fighting girl who is a bit arrogant and a bit annoyed, and like... very in love with this intelligent boy who drank some respect women juice because - OH MY GOD, he’s my absolute favorite male character. This show is 80% about women being awesome and 20% Xie Yun being a whipped husband. As for the parts I’d criticize about this show is, well, a) it’s too long as every 40+ episodes drama is too long, and b) some storylines are so really, really boring. And by some, I actually am to 95% referring to whatever is going on with Yin Pei. Some other things could have also been cut shorter (duh, that’s why less episodes would have been more sufficient), but the story surrounding Yin Pei is just... boring. I still don’t see the relevance of most of his scenes. Other than that, I’d claim the CGI to be better than on The Untamed and Word of Honor, but the worldbuilding isn’t as good as The Untamed. You get into it, but you’re not as curious as you are about the world of The Untamed. In general, however, I just was delighted by this drama due to its wonderful female characters, some utterly shattering scenes (that scene in the forest with Yunfei in episode 31...........), and the beautiful dynamics about the 6 young adults we mostly follow around. There’s also some nice scenery and some very emancipating dialogues. Not to mention, the cast is A+. All of them, even though, ofc, Zhao Liying and Wang Yibo are a super combination! All in all? A must-watch for everyone who loves fantasy and women.

Positive: treatment of female characters, A’FEI!!, A’YAN!!!, CHUCHU!!!, YUN!!!!, YUNFEI!!!!, A+ casting, Wang YIbo and Zhao Liying (as they are just two of my fave actors out there), the found family dynamics, really... this is such a feel-good wuxia show! Negative: it’s too long and drags out some uninteresting storylines no one wants to see.

Favourite character(s):

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3) 拜托了班长 Please Classmate (2021) -- Rating: 4.4 of 5.0 stars. Okay, so you may have noticed - me and modern cdramas are still not really friends. I have a lot of critical points about modern cdramas for many reasons. Please Classmate is the one exception (there’s another but that one is modern fantasy and you will read about that in my upcoming reviews - won’t spoil that now). However - this one is just really, really nice. I think, it’s the fact that it has some sort melancholy, it feels like a 90s show somehow and its teenage characters are indeed teenagers - dumb and dumber and the dumbest and very dumb and stupid and pure, very, very, very pure and delightful and a bit crazy. So, you see, it just WORKS. There’s friendships, beautiful, pure friendships, and a lot of loyalty, of craziness, of first love, of annoying parents, of dreams and inspirations, of fears and worries. This show is focusing on how important it is to have some people who support you, who are close to you and are capable of helping you when you need it. It has messages on teenagers being allowed to be teenagers, it has an intelligent, lovely FL who has her dreams and needs and is a bit competitive, but who’s also a good friend and loves her fam a lot. There’s no large sob story, there’s no overdramatic almost death scene, there’s no melodrama romance - this is just a beautiful insight into the lives of teenagers who are dumb and cute and pure and try to find their place in life. Combined with a melancholic vibe and nice directing. And all together makes it a very beautiful, wonderful show.

Positive: the melancholic vibe; the purity and stupidity you can find in youth. Negative: I’m trying to think why I can’t give this 5 of 5 stars and I think the reason is that I guess here and there some more memorable cinematography wouldn’t have hurt. It isn’t bad. It’s just not memorable; the ending plot of her worrying about her health is such an AH RE (excuse the argentine).

Favourite character(s):

_

2) 招摇 Zhaoyao or The Legends (2019) -- Rating: 4.6 of 5.0 stars. This show has one problem. And it’s a tragedy that this had to become a problem because everything about this show was supposed to be perfect. Until it was decided that the show should have many more episodes than originally intended. And that is a huge problem. Let me start - this is xianxia at its finest, with a little bit wuxia added on top. But mostly, it’s xianxia. It’s about a woman, born with demon essence, who takes revenge on all those who pretend to be good and call themselves heroes. She saves and takes in lost souls who have been treated terribly by a system that throws out anyone who is too weak. She builds a clan and becomes one of the most feared people to exist on earth. An accident happens and she “dies” - apparently, by the hands of a guy she once saved. A demon. 5 years later, she is awakened and swears to take revenge on him. Now, you may see it coming - that guy is a demon, but not personality-wise. He’s a puppy - and blames himself for the accident that made the love of his life die. Funnily, as she awakes, she has changed her appearance, allowing her to enter her old clan and get close to the demon guy she wants to kill. Problem is, she has lost some of her fighting capabilities and needs to regain them to beat him. So she goes to take the demon guy as her master - to kill him, eventually. So far, so good. At some point, he catches up and realizes who she is. Does he try to stop her from killing him? No, he accepts. He doesn’t care about his own life and only wants her to be well and alive. And that is how the story continues. Now, obviously, everyone sees it coming, she falls for him. And obviously, she stops wanting to kill him at some point. The original intention was that this would happen at around 2/3 of the show. The rest 1/3 would be spent on beating the so-called “heroes” who are all terrible people, actually. Aside from this main story, there’s a nice f/f friendship involving the main girl and the girl she borrowed the face from. Wonderfully executed, very nicely written. Now here comes the problem - suddenly, the supposedly 36-episodes show was extended to a 50+ episodes show. And the whole story that was so exceptionally well executed had to be extended. The episodes starting like 30-50 have SO MANY SIDE CHARACTERS AND SIDE SHIPS that are really, really, really not important to the main story. They weren’t deemed important before the 30s episodes. They were there and were included in the story when it was required of them to interact with the main characters. However, later on, they take on MUCH more prominent roles to drag the show. It’s RIDICULOUS how obvious it is that their stories weren’t originally intended to be explored. Instead, we have to explore 1,2,3,4,5,... side characters’ stories that you really have no interest in watching, even though you did like the characters as extras, but you’re really not that into them to see their whole sob story. We also LITERALLY repeat the killing off the “heroes” because the really bad guy that you wanna see dead has magically awoken again. You see? It’s repetitive and it’s so utterly obvious that this was only due to the extension of episodes that the writers never wanted. Everything about this show was supposed to be 100% perfect. I literally see no flaw in the main story. Directing, cinematography, pacing, story development, character development, relationship development, character writing, CGI, THE CASTING (I mean, it’s Bai Lu and Xu Kai, that’s top class of acting) - everything is utterly perfect. And they only f*ck it over because they gave the show more episodes. It’s frustrating. The show is still worth watching - trust me! You can totally skip over the side storylines, they don’t matter. What matters are Zhaoyao, Chenlan, Zhiyan and Jiang Wu. Zhaoyao and Chenlan’s ending I won’t spoil for you. As for Zhiyan, her ending is perfect! The shy, passive, little girl turns into a lioness leader. Love her SO much. And Jiang Wu eventually realizes there’s no place for him in this world - and acts accordingly. This show has gotten me more than I could have EVER assumed and I’m so mad that this show only cannot receive 5 stars from me because someone decided to add 20 episodes that really weren’t necessary.

Positive: Everything. Characters. Dynamics. Story. Directing. Cinematography. Development. EVERYTHING. Negative: THE EPISODE EXTENSION TO 50+ EPISODES.

Favourite character(s):

_

1) 传闻中的陈芊芊 The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020) -- Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 stars. This show has the key to every high-rated cdrama: 24 episodes. That is one of the most important rules cdramas should generally understand: 24 episodes will always be automatically better. That’s how kdramas are always automatically better if they have 12 instead of 16 - or let alone 20 - episodes. Tiger and Rose is a fast-paced drama that just really knows how to execute its perfect story. The directing is always on point, there’s not a single dialogue that feels irrelevant or out of place, everything is perfectly executed. The chemistry between Ding Yuxi and Zhao Lusi is beyond - and you just love watching them manipulate and loving each other. The show works with the fact that the original story - written by the FL - is a mess of clichés found in cdramas - for those of you who have watched Goodbye My Princess, I’m certainy you know what I’m talking about. TROTAR takes those clichés and makes fun of them, exploring them ad absurdum. It is beyond perfection. There is nothing I could nor would change about this drama. There’s plot twists, there’s comedy, there’s feminism, there’s the deconstruction of feminism  - in a very intelligent, amazing way, pointing out what feminism is about: equality, there’s tragedy, there’s drama, the drama is making fun of itself, the acting is A+, the characters are all memorable. There is NOTHING to criticize about this show.

Positive: Everything. Negative: -

Favourite character(s):

[starfire-s]

here’s a list of the best, mediocre and worst kdramas i watched in 2020

no one asked for this but it’s happening because i have thoughts (also all opinions are my own if you disagree then get well soon i guess... no i’m kidding make your own posts about it don’t hate me please) ahsjsj anyways click to read a lengthy post and if you actually read the whole thing then thank you i hope you enjoy this wild ride! 

THE BEST KDRAMAS -

mystic pop up bar - this show had everything i ask from a kdrama literally i can name it all found family (to real family), well thought out characters, a mystery plot, special effects, soft romances that were well written, a happy ending! no show in 2020 even comes close to how good this one was! the writers literally guided you throughout the whole thing so you could come up with theories and didn’t do a ‘aha! gotcha’ thing where they want to prove the audience wrong but they wanted us to be right and satisfied! the worst part about the drama is that it’s still so underrated and people just brush it off as some random fantasy show but it’s so much more than that! 1000/10

flower of evil - who doesn’t want to see lee joon gi being the son of a serial killer, living with the name of a man who is in a coma, and hiding his real identity from his wife who is a detective? this show constantly had me at the edge of my seat on a weekly basis so the emotions i went through while watching this are unparalleled! the writers also did such a good job on writing a coherent story that made sense and tied up all the plot points in the end. just a really satisfying show to watch! 10/10

where your eyes linger - i literally bought a $8 viki pass to watch this show so it should tell you everything you need to know about how i feel ahsjsj the episodes were 10 minutes long but we got a good story with well written characters who got character development in a total of 80 minutes it’s insane! honestly it’s still hard to believe this show had rookie actors because they were just so emotive that you could feel all the happiness, sadness, yearning and pining! probably one of my fave kdramas this year because of the acting that i always constantly rewatch! would recommend 10/10

crash landing on you - okay so this drama was actually released on my birthday last year and it was a time in my life when i was going through a lot so maybe it’s the comfort this show provided me through that time this is why i have such a soft spot for it? like the romance was good, it was funny, there was found family, the nk soldiers were all softies, there were strong female leads, soft male leads!!! ahh!! no other show on this list made me think about the unification of south korea and north korea irl because i wanted se ri and jeong hyeok to be together 4ever! but the only issue i had with this show was the ending they gave seung jun if they didn’t do that i’d give this show a 10/10 but just for that they get a 9/10

psycho but it’s okay - this was one of those shows where you’re literally like ‘wow everyone here needs therapy’ but this show was amazing i loved the story telling and how each episode related to children’s book/fairytales! the writers also did a good job with how carefully they talked about mental health in depth without villainising their characters but actually tried to make the audience understand why they were this way which included all the side characters too who had a well thought out story in each episode! also the dynamic between moon young, kang tae and sang tae was everything to me the actors all did an amazing job portraying their characters, it truly was a healing drama. the only thing i didn’t like about this show was the whole plastic surgery plot with the mother like that was very far fetched but it provided drama so i’ll let it slide because the rest was amazing. this show is a solid 8.5/10

18 again - another underrated gem! who would’ve thought a remake of that zac efron movie could be this good!! lee do hyun stole this show for sure the way he portrayed his character and gave heart eyes to his kids (when he’s only 25 irl was the best thing i saw this year ahsjs) i loved the family dynamics in this show, i loved how it talked about what it’s like to be young parents and how society still think it’s taboo to be divorced! it’s a show that makes you laugh and cry at the same time and that’s why everyone should watch it! however, the biggest clown thing this show did to me though was that i got sls for the first time while watching a kdrama... hwang in yeop if u’re reading this i love u and u deserved better 🤡 that aside this show was a 8/10

itaewon class - i actually didn’t watch this drama as it was airing because i thought i wouldn’t enjoy the plot but when i watched it i binged the whole thing in 2 days and my biggest regret is i didn’t watch it sooner! everyone knows i have a soft spot for park seo joon since he’s my favourite actor i’ve literally watched all his dramas like he could star in the trashiest drama out there and i’d still watch it and be like wow (looking at she was pretty 👀) this show aside from the acting had one of the best revenge plots in a kdrama! just watching a character realistically hustle his way to reach the top while fighting the corrupt man whose son killed his father was so so satisfying to watch! however, the love triangle in this show was questionable idk what they were trying to do with that but it personally annoyed me! but still i’ll give this show a 7.5/10 because i enjoyed it a lot!

do you like brahms? - kim min jae and park eun bin.. that’s all you need to know about why this is a good kdrama! i’m usually not a big fan of melodramas and everyone knows i prefer rom coms but this show was just so perfectly melo that i loved all the angst and pain we got!! also just watching two introverted people awkwardly fall in love was amazing! the characters story arcs were also handled pretty well with song ah finally learning to speak up for herself and joon young learning to express how he truly feels! but... the love square? was probably the most annoying thing the rest in my opinion was nicely done! i know people had mixed feelings about the ending but i loved that after all the pain joon young and song ah went through they got a happy ending together! 7/10

find me in your memory - okay this show started off very slow and it was confusing at the start but as it progressed everything in the plot started to fall into place! i mean this show really took opposites attract to a new level where the male lead could remember every single detail from his life but the female lead had to forget some of her traumatic memories to help her cope with her life! they were also tied together through a mutual character who was a big part of their lives in a different way! just an interesting melodrama with interesting characters i liked it! and moon ga young... i love you queen!!! 7/10

THE MEDIOCRE KDRAMAS -

more than friends - was the storytelling in this show groundbreaking? no. was the acting decent? yes. also probably the main reason i stuck with this show until the end! i think we can all agree lee soo had the best character development on this show he started off as a bad boy who wore one ear stud to actually becoming a well liked character... who else did it like him? no one. also the chemistry between the mains was 🔥 but the second male lead was so annoying is there a opposite word for second lead syndrome because i had that for sure! i think the best part about this show was the people i watched it with on here... shoutout to the five of us ahsjsj also this show introduced me to a talented actor/singer like ong seong wu (y’all know my kpop knowledge is nonexistent so no i didn’t know he was in a band called wanna one) all in all a predictable show but i had fun watching it so 6.5/10

tale of the nine tailed - i didn’t actually watch this show i watched it through gifs and instagram posts ahsjsjs so am i qualified to talk about my opinion definitely no... will I talk about it anyways yes lmao. lee rang deserved better that’s all goodbye and take care. 5.5/10

start up - probably one of the most awaited opinions. y’all thought this would be in the worst kdramas section but i decided to give this show some rights. the show started off strong, lost it’s way after episode 6 and then the last episode gave me what i wanted so i have mixed feelings. the writing was not the best i think we can all agree, love triangle as a plot device? wow so groundbreaking 🤡 the characters on the other hand... i loved every single one of them i mean ship wars? i don’t know her. the show had a lot of potential that was wasted but we also got some cute moments between the characters so there was really no winning or losing with this show? but in all honesty you can’t put a talented cast together like this and then just decide to give the audience a mediocre plot but the writers did exactly that! i think i can redirect y’all to my ‘crimes this show committed’ post for a in-depth analysis. lastly nam do san was a GOOD and REFRESHING male lead and ji pyeong was also a GOOD and FUN second male lead!!! this show gave me the ugliest ship war ever that i was transported back to my high school tvd days so thank you for that!! but the cast was loveable and all had a lot of chemistry together so here’s a 5/10 maybe that's too generous but... i think the reason why i didn't enjoy watching this show as much was definitely because of the tag on here lmao

THE WORST KDRAMAS -

the king eternal monarch - i miss clowning this show so much. the amount of braincells i lost while trying to understand this plot... i should be compensated by the writers. however, woo do hwan was a treat to look at on a weekly basis... however the writers kept decreasing his screen time even though he had a dual role... make it make sense? and i cannot comment on the plot of this show because i still don’t understand anything? also in my opinion tae eul and lee gon were the most bland couple of 2020, there was no chemistry between them and there was just a random kiss in episode 5 and they randomly said i love you... where was the development? also lee gon was soooo boring and such a one dimensional male lead! literally all the side characters were so much more interesting and the cast was good... but this plot. 2/10

do do sol sol la la sol - i wanna fight the writer who decided that the plot twist on the show would be that jun is a minor? i had no expectations from this show but it looked cute and nonsensical but that plot twist made me run the other way so fast that i never looked back! just because jun is a boy they really thought this would be excused like lmao we all have critical thinking skills???? the clown behaviour. a solid 1/10

record of youth - i hate this show so much. imagine not utilising park so dam who just starred in the biggest oscar winning movie to her full potential. imagine just making her a love interest to park bo gum’s character in the year 2020. i watched it up until episode 6 and i kept waiting for her character to get development... but it never happened so i dropped this show. also this show featured the MOST useless love triangle i have ever seen in my life like what was the point? also park bo gum’s characters family was straight up annoying (minus the grandpa) but they got so much screen time like that should’ve been given to park so dam... also villainising a gay side character for no reason at all in the year 2020? this show was a waste of my time i want the 6 hours i spent watching this back. -100/10 

backstreet rookie - i watched one episode of this and literally wanted to rip my eyeballs out of my head. idk what ji chang wook was thinking when he signed this drama i think he lost his ability to read because that's the only reasonable explanation for why he chose to star in such a dumpster fire show! this show had a racist character... had a high schooler kiss an adult... sexist jokes... just the worst things you can think of in a drama... this show had it. i still can’t believe so many people watched this show to the point where it had better ratings than pbio... really made me question everyone’s taste? but sorry can’t relate my taste is excellent so here’s the rating this show actually deserves -1000/10

if you made it this far... thank you for reading. let’s continue to love some kdramas together and get clowned by others in 2021! looking forward to it 😅

[dangermousie]

2020 End of Year Post - cdrama edition

This is only going to cover cdramas that aired in 2020; if I had to make a post about all the cdramas I watched this year, I would still be doing it in three months...

Overall it’s been a fairly decent cdrama year (certainly better than the very lacklustre kdrama year.) It’s no miracle that 2019 was (so many excellent dramas!) but overall pretty solid.

DRAMAS WATCHED

(In order of liking from least to most as opposed to pure quality; I am including if I’ve seen enough to make up my mind; yes I realize that’s inaccurate, but that’s my list)

44 The Legend of Jing Yan - the worst cdrama I have seen this year, and possibly the worst drama of 2020, period. The hero and heroine were both uncharismatic, incapable of acting and saddled with such shrilly moronic characters, the only suspense was how they haven’t both perished long since from forgetting to breathe. Nor was anyone in the rest of the cast much better; the screenplay was written by a lower mammal and the cinematography was the best a third-rate wedding cinematographer could offer. Stay the HELL away from this one.

43 Unicorn Girl - the only unicorn about this bland yet irritating piece of pap was the fact that I was supposed to believe the leads are hockey players.

42 Autumn Cicada - I like spy stories, Allen Ren, and Republican Era settings. I can tune out Communist propaganda with the best of them. Yet, the propaganda ate the story to such a degree that there was nothing left; pre magic change Pinocchio was less wooden then this narrative.

41 You Complete Me - no you do not.

40 Skate into Love - the only positive thing I can say about this is that at least it’s better than Unicorn Girl, if for no other reason that only one of them is supposed to be a hockey player.

39 Irreplaceable Love - how do you make a story about fake siblings with a mad mother falling for each other boring? I don’t know, ask the makers of this.

38 Eternal Love Rain - I hate to rain on their parade, but these two actors cannot act, have about as much chemistry as a piece of bread, and are trapped in a story perfect for entertaining the mental abilities of the leads of Jin Yan.

37 For Married Doctoress - ummmm, you could do worse I guess. It only made me break out in mild hives. The sadistic ending did make me laugh though.

36 Dance of the Sky Empire - why you get Xu Kai and waste him in this insipid mess of a story is beyond me.

35 Love Designer - it’s inoffensive except to my sense of entertainment. There is nothing wrong with it but oh God is it bland.

34 Love a Lifetime - It felt like a lifetime watching this, but I didn’t love it. The story is incoherent, the actors have no chemistry and it’s all an epic waste of time.

33 Love is Sweet - so sweet it gave me diabetes. I like Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu, but there is literally no plot. I don’t need to sink into a plotless morass to watch pretty people engage in PG-rated make-outs. I am an adult with access to stronger stuff if I am thus inclined, though to be fair they could get x-rated and I still wouldn’t be able to sit through so many episodes of plotlessness for that.

32 Fake Princess - I love Zhao Yi Qin, but the guy needs to pick better projects. The female lead in this one has the voice and personality that can strip paint but the story is also doing nobody any favors.

31 The Changan Youth - I lost my brain checking this out. I had to go and read a dense treatise on medieval coinage or Mayan farming to try to recover it.

30 My Dear Destiny - kinda cheesy fun. It honestly shouldn’t be as low except it really feels like community theater.

29 Handsome Siblings - why is the Nic Tse version so good and this one so bad? True mystery for the ages. Chen Zhe Yuan is the sole reason this isn’t lower, because that kid tries SO HARD to make this drama bearable and almost succeeds. I can’t wait to see him in Sha Po Lang which actually will give him something to do.

28 In a Class of Her Own - see my comment on The Changan Youth. But at least Song Weilong is gorgeous to look at.

27 General’s Lady - inoffensive, pretty and so utterly pointless.

26 The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion - those two leading actors are a no go to me but at least they considerately acted with each other instead of ruining two dramas for me. It’s very pretty though.

25 Jiu Liu Overlord - it’s a mess and I bailed, but I placed it this high merely due to the fact that Lai Yi finally gets a leading role and he’s sexy as fuck and I am shallow. Whoever styled Bai Lu should never work again except at a circus, however.

24 Cross Fire - not my genre and Luhan will always look too much like my cousin for comfort, but it’s a surprisingly gripping and dark drama. I liked it!

23 God of Lost Fantasy - if you want to watch a mediocre wuxia/xianxia, this is not a bad choice. Probably better than Legend of Fei actually, because at least it doesn’t have an A-list cast to waste and gives us Sheng Yilun himbo and shirtless.

22 Renascence - the insane cuts (it went from 70 eps to 36!!!) made a fairly cheesy story into a total mess. But I had a good time until I finally bailed mainly because of the male lead (Chen Zhe Yuan yet again carrying a not-good 2020 drama on his shoulders; the guy should be nicknamed Atlas) and the insane but in a fun way story. The female lead (both the character and the actress) were not up to par but oh well.

21 Legend of Fei - only this high because objectively there is nothing I disliked it. But there is nothing I liked either. The most uninspired drama on the list. If you could eat cardboard, this is what it would taste like.

20 Ever Night 2 - compared to EN1, it’s a waste of film. On its own merits, it’s not very good (the cast replacements are uniformly inferior and Dylan Wang is so wrong for Ning Que I cannot even put it into words; the script is useless.) But it had some parts I loved so very VERY much (all the shippy stuff was perfection) so I don’t feel too bitter.

19 Castle in the Sky 2 - a lovely if not too complex fairy tale. It is inferior to its prequel because it doesn’t have Zhang Ruo Yun who elevated it, but it’s still a solid bit of fun.

18 The Great Ruler - it’s very high fantasy, very pretty, and surprisingly involving.

17 (tie) Legend of Two Sisters in the Chaos - the secondary couple steals the show but the rest is not too bad if not too involving.

17 Legend of Awakening - a solid bit of fun with a seriously BDSM streak (theme this year apparently - but come on, the lead’s powers only activate when he’s in extreme pain!) It’s a bit generic and the costuming is done by a blind person, not to mention the OTP is a NOTP, but the rest of relationships (romantic and platonic) are wonderful (I live for the found siblings story in this one) and I like most of the characters.

16 Consummation - a rare modern cdrama I liked; a sweet coming of age story (and love story) even if wrapped in a pretty weird virtual reality concept.

15 Oops the King is in Love - this is how you do a low budget, sweet, silly piece of fluff. Our heroine pretends to be a eunuch and crosses paths with a powerless young king and they are adorable, even more so than the drama.

14 Song of Glory - pretty solid, though draggy and I didn’t love the toothpaste filter. But A+ cast, excellent leading couple chemistry, Li Qin being a BAMF and a leading man (Qin Hao) who is actually an adult.

13 And the Winner is love - objectively kind of a mess (and the heroine has the brainpower of a gnat), but the OTP chemistry is excellent and Luo Yunxi fighting and flirting with a fan as finally a leading man is worth the price of admission.

12 Miss S - snazzy and snappy and stylish and whatever else starts with S.

11 Eternal Love of Dream - I don’t know if it would work for you as well if you weren’t a hardcore shipper for this OTP in Three Lives but I was and this was such a darling, wonderful, shippy delight; plus I love this type of high fantasy.

10 (tie) Maiden Holmes - solid and sweet and a wonderful OTP. Proves that functional doesn’t have to mean boring. If you watch one cross-dressing drama this year make it this one.

10 Qin Dynasty Epic - srs bsns history epic. I am not far into it but it’s so good and smart and visually stunning (if you love battles, this one is for you.)

9 Love Lasts Two Minds - I adored this so much more than I should objectively have, but it’s so beautiful (and no I am not just referring to Alan Yu’s face) and the OTP has wonderful chemistry and the story is solid, and the whole trope of her memory being wiped but falling for him all over again while he’s constantly and utterly devoted is a fave; plus he’s in pain and semi-dyng for most of it so sluuuurp (happy ending, don’t worry)

8 To Love - yes, a modern drama is this high! But it involves intensity, tragedy, genuine adults and sexiness that is Lin Gengxin. And there is an actual plot and darkness OMG!

7 Legend of Xiao Chuo - so beautiful, so fun, so full of gorgeousness of Shawn Dou. Plus, Liao is a rare setting for a cdrama and there are a lot of characters and stories I liked a LOT. Less ship content than I wanted but more than I expected.

6 The Romance of Tiger and Rose - so so delightful. I was literally laughing out loud. I have no idea if it will work as well if one isn’t a seasoned watcher of period cdrama/reader of web novels, with bonus for watching/reading Goodbye My Princess, but it was a complete delight for me (and yes, I shipped for real, as well. Best of both worlds.)

5 Twisted Fate of Love - Jin Han gets a leading period drama role! And he’s enjoying it to the hilt, excellent as a smart, twisty bastard who is also charming and so madly in love with heroine. Sun Yi is beautiful and tough and her chemistry with JH is on fire, the story never drags, and it’s so twisty and fun and just awesome.

4 Love In Between - the most underrated drama on this list. It has no big names or big budget, but it’s wuxia that’s clever, driven, tragic, hopeful and so beautifully shot. Three separate (amazing) OTPs, a leading man who is so not typical (a doctor who cannot fight and who never acquires this ability) and who is intense and smart and damaged, a heroine who puts her quest ahead of her emotions, an unhealthy degree of involvement by yours truly. This is a drama Fei should have been.

3 Love and Redemption - such a lovely, addictive, utterly romantic fairy tale. I was obsessed with it for a reason. All the tropes you love and some you didn’t know you did, a star-crossed OTP to the nth power (and a secondary OTP I hardcore love), a twisty yet coherent plot, some insane chemistry and so much whump and hurt/comfort they must have bought blood packets in bulk.

2 Go Ahead - yes, I can’t believe it either. A contemporary slice of life cdrama made it this high on my list. But the way it feels so real, the found family perfection, the characters I love and loathe, the perfect cherry of a wonderful OTP that hits my narrative kinks on top, and just a perfect storm of loveliness all around with this one.

1 The Wolf - is that any surprise to anyone who’s checked out this tumblr for the last couple of months? Tragic, intense and gorgeous; so romantic and angsty and passionate it made me lose my mind (though some of it was gone the moment the camera panned to Darren Wang) - all my favorite tropes and then some; this is a drama that may not be perfect but it is 100% and then beyond perfect for ME.

FAVORITE DRAMA

The Wolf - I have seen objectively better cdramas; even this year. But it has been literal years since I have been this hardcore obsessed, this utterly pleased, this emotionally catered to and devastated at once. A beautiful dark fairy tale that manages to own me despite the storytelling gaps due to censorship, it took me for one of the biggest emotional roller coaster rides of my drama watching career. Visually gorgeous, poetic, intense, and so romantic it took my breath away, this is not just my favorite cdrama of 2020, it’s my favorite drama this year period, and the one cdrama this year to make it into my permanent Top 10 cdramas list.

WORST DRAMA

Legend of Jin Yan - see my write up for it for why as I refuse to waste more time on this stupid mess.

FAVORITE MALE CHARACTER

Wolfie, The Wolf - he is such a haunted, tormented, complex, dark mess; loving and violent, severely damaged and with a hidden yearning softness, longing and aloof. And the amount of charisma and sheer masculine sex appeal Darren Wang brings to the role is insane and not something I see much of in a cdrama. Plus, that character arc with its rapid fall and slow painful redemption is A++++

Runner Up:  Sifeng, Love and Redemption - has a male lead ever loved more utterly and selflessly, suffered more thoroughly and beautifully, and managed to have such chemistry with both his leading lady and his leading man (that his leading lady temporarily turned into) at once? The answer is no.

Almost made the cut - Feng Xi, Twisted Fate of Love, Han Shuo, The Romance of Tiger and Rose, Qing Ci, Love in Between.

FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER

Xiao Qian, The Romance of Tiger and Rose - so funny, so much the reason this drama was such a delight. I adore her beyond words.

NEEDS TO BE MURDERED

Murder Daddy, The Wolf - I am sad the censors robbed us of seeing him die on screen. He was fully human but nonetheless managed to be the worst monster in a drama full of literal ones.

Ling Xiao’s Mom, Go Ahead - I hate her so much I don’t want to look up her name. She abused the kid, the disappeared and came back to abuse him some more. I mean she literally gave her child mental health issues. She is the WORST.

FAVORITE SHIP

Xing’er x Wolfie, The Wolf - are you kidding me? Who else could it ever be for me? They destroyed each other and saved each other, sworn enemies and childhood lovers, soulmates and epic messes, they couldn’t live with or without each other. The longing, the passion, the intensity, the angst, the epicness. LIKE THERE ARE NO WORDS!!!!

FAVORITE SECONDARY OTP

Si Yuan, Shen Manqing, Love in Between - I loved them as much and often more than the main OTP. So much angst and passion and a happy ending! She is a seeming sect darling (except the sect is horrible and also sexist so her only worth is as a marriage candidate) and he’s an information broker who is actually one of the members of a destroyed sect that’s blamed for the massacre of her family. That chemistry and yearning is insane. The scene where she touches his face when he’s unconscious was in serious running for my favorite scene of 2020.

NOTP

Legend of Awakening - I have never seen a couple that didn’t just have no chemistry but exhibited actual revulsion towards each other before watching Chen Feiyu and Cheng Xiao try to act as lovers in this one. It was almost entertaining to be honest.

FAVORITE SCENE

It’s a tie and both are from The Wolf. One is a sequence where Wolfie marches to the walls alone, seeking death at Xing’er’s hands and the whole sequence with the battle and rescue follows. The other is the intercut between Xing’er going to her wedding and Wolfie going to his execution, and the auto-da-fe being intercut with her wedding.

BIGGEST CRUSH

Wolfie, The Wolf - Ummm have you seen this tumblr lately, it’s basically a drool shrine to the man.

BEST SCENE STEALER CHARACTER

Yelü Yansage, The Legend of Xiao Chuo - I have loved this actor since The Myth and he continued to competently steal every scene he was in.

NEEDS A SEQUEL

To Love - come out of the coma, dammit!!!!!!!

NEEDS A DIRECTOR’S CUT

The Wolf - duh. It started out as 59 eps and got cut to 49. I reaiize some stuff is never gonna get put in due to censorship, but some of the stuff that got cut got for time reasons because they were deluded and hoping to get a TV broadcast so ep count had to be under 50. I mean I doubt the censors would care if they kept scenes of Wolfie building her a swing or whatever. I really really want a director’s cut the way Goodbye My Princess did even if like with GMP it’s only three extra eps. Hell, I will take extra three minutes, as long as those three minutes are Darren Wang shirtless or with a sword. Ahem.

NEEDS SCISSORS TAKEN TO IT

The Song of Glory - it’s a fairly solid drama but honestly it didn’t need to be as long as it was and kind of got draggy and I got lost interest. (I could have gotten snarky and said all the dramas I didn’t like needed scissors taken to them in their entirety but decided to play nice.)

TOO MANY SCISSORS TAKEN TO IT

There are a number of dramas I could complain about with regard to this (hi there, darling The Wolf!) but this award goes to Renascence - poor Renascence was never going to be a masterpiece, but it had the potential to be a bit of good cheesy fun until it had its run time cut by more than half and became an incoherent piece of insanity.

TROPE THAT NEEDS TO DIE

Dumb shrill innocent heroine who can’t tie her shoes - see basically all the cdramas I didn’t like this year.

FAVORITE TROPE WE’VE SEEN A LOT OF

Male lead torture - I mean it’s always open season on that in cdramas, but between Love and Redemption, The Wolf, Love Lasts Two Minds, Love in Between and so on, it was a banner year!

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Legend of Fei - what a waste of that cast; what a waste of our finite time on this Earth. What a waste of my intelligence to hope for something better and stick with it for a dozen eps. I have had stale wonderbread that had more personality than this drama.There is absolutely nothing that stands out about this drama in any way,  from half-dimensional characters, to actors who are sleepwalking, to a plot that moves at the speed of an arthritic snail, to uninspired cinematography and direction, to lack of any chemistry between anyone in the cast. If paint-by-numbers was done by a group of particularly linear robots, it might come across the same way as this drama.

BIGGEST GOOD SURPRISE

The Wolf - honestly, I did not expect it to come out AT ALL EVER let alone to become my favorite drama of 2020. I was not familiar with the leading man (hahah), I liked Li Qin but wasn’t yet obsessed with her, and Xiao Zhan was excellent in The Untamed but I was hardly going to follow him from drama to drama (and I don’t do SLS any way.) And the trailer was enjoyable but unlike seemingly everyone, I didn’t think it was going to be some epic masterpiece. And then it came out and while it wasn’t objectively an epic masterpiece, it pulled out all the favorite tropes, shippy and narrative kinks from the deepest darkest recesses of my id. And I fell harder than I have in years. 

2020 DRAMAS I HAVEN’T SEEN THAT I MOST WANT TO WATCH

None. Covid Year gave me PLENTY of time

BEST NON-2020 DRAMA I’VE WATCHED IN 2020

Novoland Eagle Flag and Joy of Life - they are in my Top 10 dramas from anywhere now. They are quite different except being smart and giving me protagonists to obsess over.

ETA: Also The Untamed because @idlewilds3 pointed out I actually watched it in 2020 even though I didn’t think so because this hellyear has lasted about three decades.

MOST ANTICIPATED IN 2021

I am gonna limit it to dozen and leaving out ones that aren’t necesarily supposed to air next year (Joy of Life 2, Love in Flames of War, Novoland Princess from Plateau.)

Monarch Industry, Novoland Pearl Eclipse, Silk Washing Stream, Dream of Changan, Sword Snow Stride, Wu Xing Shi Jia, Ancient Love Poetry, Immortality, The Long Ballad, Mirror Twin Cities, The Imperial Age, Fall In Love

[theadusa]

All the dramas I’ve watched in 2020

These are all the dramas that I watched in 2020, with some review there should be NO Spoilers. I think I watched a lot more than usual probably because what else am I supposed to do between school and quarantine. So this is gonna be a long one...

Crash Landing on You (Lee Jung-hyo, 2019-2020)

Main Leads: Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin

Episodes: 16, 70 to 110 Minutes 

Thoughts: I enjoyed this drama, and it was a good one to start 2020 with. I thought it was a perfect blend of romance, comedy, heartfelt, found family, action, and some tragedy. I would highly recommend it, especially for those who are new to Kdramas. Also fun fact this is my first Hyun Bin drama. Rating: Fun and adorable

Tale of Nokdu (Kim Dong-hwi, 2019)

Main Leads: Jang Dong Yoon and Kim So Hyun

Episodes: 32, 35 minutes

Thoughts: I actually started watching this when it was airing but I stopped around episode 13 because of my busy schedule and finished it in the new year. I adore the main couple, the romance, comedy, the found family, and the women center story. I thought it shined the brightest when it was focused on the group and its funny and warm moments but once it got too political it kinda fell flat. I loved the ending, however. Also, I really like Jang Dong Young as an actor, I saw him in Solomon’s Perjury (2016) and Mr. Sunshine (2018) and I loved how he played Nok Du too. Rating: I love a women’s only widow village

I’ll Find You When The Weather is Nice (Han Ji-seung, 2020)

Main Leads: Seo Kang Joon and Park Min Young

Episodes: 16, 60 minutes 

Thoughts: I really liked this drama, probably one of my favorites this year. As you will notice I enjoy quieter and more slow-burn stories. Also, I am a fan of Park Min Young she tends to pick more interesting and strong-willed female roles, so it is really enjoyable to watch.  Rating: makes me want to own a book store.

King: The Eternal Monarch (Kim Eun-sook, 2020)

Main Leads: Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun

Episodes: 16, 70 Minutes

Thoughts: Confession; I am actually not the biggest fan of Lee Min Ho, nothing against him I just hate rich bratty characters and he tends to play them. However, I surprisingly really liked his character, he wasn’t a rich brat he actually was likable. I also really like Kim Go Eun, she is actually one of the main reasons why I watched and also with all the hype around it. Woo Do Hwan, who I have always liked, stole the whole show, however. I didn’t hate it like a lot of people, I really liked the characters, I liked the romance and the action. Also, Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun’s hugs were absolutely fabulous. It wasn’t my favorite and there were too many product placements, but I don’t think it was the worst drama this year. Rating: Lukewarm 

A Piece of your mind (Lee Sang-yeob, 2020)

Main Leads: Jung Hae In and Chae Soo Bin

Episodes: 12, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I actually really liked this drama despite the low views, again I’m big on slow burn stories and character focus. I believe the episodes were cut from 16 to 12 I don’t know exactly why maybe because of the Pandemic or due to viewership or a mixture of both. Despite its being cut short I really liked the ending, and I thought the two leads were sweet. Rating: Wish we had more time to develop the characters.

Its Okay not to be Okay (Park Shin Woo, 2020) 

Main Leads: Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Yea Ji and Oh Jung Se 

Episodes: 16, 70 to 85 minutes

Thoughts: Out of all the dramas I talked the most about this one. I have always been a fan of Seo Yea Ji since Save Me (2017) and Lawless Lawyer (2018) and I am happy to see her getting more recognition because of this role. The entire cast was amazing and I think I cried every episode. Such a good and heart-wrenching drama which is why I chose to watch it before work every time. Rating: I would let Seo Yea Ji stab me with a knife anytime.

Mystic Pop up bar (Jeon Chang-geun, 2020) 

Main Leads: Hwang Jung Eum and Yook Sung Jae and Choi Won Young

Episodes: 12, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I actually watched this while I was watching Its Okay Not to Be Okay and it was a nice balance to it because this was more of a found family story with less heartbreaking moments. Though it did have its share of heartbreak. I really liked all the characters and their relationship. Also, I am a sucker for bureaucratic fantasy/ magic, and kdramas are so good at it. Rating: I wish it was 16 episodes. 

When the Camila Bloom (Cha Yeong Hoon, 2019) 

Main Leads: Gong Hyo Jin and Kang Ha Neul

Episodes: 20, 63 to 75 minutes

Thoughts: I liked the story overall, the romance was cute and the mystery was interesting but I thought the family expectations was the best part of the story. This was not my favorite drama, but it was enjoyable and heartfelt. I watched it right after It's Okay Not to Be Okay and while I was watching Flower of Evil (2020) which probably is why I was so underwhelmed by it. Rating: Sweet romance and adorable found family.

Flower of Evil (Kim Cheol Kyu, 2020) 

Main Leads: Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won

Episode:16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: This was my favorite drama of this year. I went into this drama not thinking much of it, and I mainly watched it as a post drama blues drama. It was an action and thriller which I mainly don’t get attached to plus I am a huge fan of Lee Joon Gi. I should have known better, I cared so much about all the characters, the acting phenomenal, also every time they showed their hands I cried. This drama left me shriveled and empty inside. Rating: Lee Joon Gi will literally kill me one day. 

Put Your Head On My Shoulders (Zhu Dongning, 2019) 

Main Leads: Xing Fei and Lin Yi 

Episodes: 24, 40 to 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is the first Chinese drama on this list. I thought it was cute, I liked the couple and thought it was alright. I started to dislike the male lead later in the series but it was overall fine. It was basic and sweet with very little drama. Rating: It did its job.

The School Nurse Files ( Lee Kyoung Mi, 2020)

Main Leads: Jung Yu Mi and Nam Joo Hyuk

Episodes: 6,  45 to 57 minutes

Thoughts: This is probably my second favorite drama. I couldn’t tell what happened in the drama but I loved it. I thought it was weird and fascinating, and just so magical. I loved the children and just how the whole school was just off its rocker. I also think that Nam Joo Hyuk does really well in serious roles, and I thought he did a really good job here. Rating: 1 jelly heart.  

Mr. Heart (Park Sun Jae, 2020) 

Main Leads: Cheon Seung Ho and Lee Se Jin

Episodes: 8, 11 Minutes

Thoughts: This was 8 episodes of start fluff and I adored it. Apparently, it is apart of a BL series by Park Sun Jae and there is a movie version that I haven’t watched. If you want to destress and watch just fluff this is the show for you. Rating: If it is any sweeter I would be going to the dentist. 

You are My Destiny ( Ding Ying Zhou, 2020) 

Main Leads: Xing Zhao Lin  and Liang Jie

Episodes: 36, 45 minutes

Thoughts: I hated this drama, I thought it was the worst thing ever. I don’t know why I even watched all 36 episodes. Apparently, it is a remake of a popular 2008 Twaniese drama Fated to Love You and there is a Korean remake of it as well. I have watched neither of them, so I was brand new to this story. I hated, despised the male lead. He was whiny, entitled, and an asshole. The only good part of the drama was the male and female lead actually had a lot of chemistry, unfortunately, they are playing awful characters. Rating: This was made in 2020???

First Romance (Ding Pei, 2020) 

Main Leads: Wan Peng and Riley Wang

Episodes: 24, 45 Minutes

Thoughts: This is another Chinese drama. Similar to Mr. Heart (2020) this show was super fluffy. I really liked the main couple they seem to respect each other and they both had adorable crushes on each other. I loved the whole dumb jock and dumb artist dynamic it was so funny. Rating: Cute!!! 

Lost Romance ( Eri Hao, 2020) 

Main Leads: Marcus Chang and Vivian Sung

Episodes: 20, 70 minutes 

Thoughts: This is the only Twainese drama on this list. I think I liked this drama, I actually only remember very little of this drama. I like the CEO in the real world more than the book world, and I also really liked the female lead except she lowkey stalked the CEO like that was not okay. Rating: I think I liked it???

When We Were Young ( Deng Ke, Liu Guo Hui, 2018)

Main Leads: Neo Hou and Wan Peng and Gala Zhang and Pan Mei and Ye Marcus Li

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: I really liked this film, I loved all the characters and thought it was all very heartfelt. I cried like a baby, and Hua Biao was such a touching and relatable character. And the whole grandma story hit so close to home. Rating: Made me cry like a baby.

Moment of 18 ( Sim Na Yeon, 2019)

Main Leads: Ong Seong Wu and Kim Hyang Gi

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I really liked this drama, and I thought the romance was so cute. I also really liked the relationship between the moms and was sad that the rich mom was a bitch and ruined the friendship. I also wasn’t a big fan of the ending, but I loved the rest of it. Rating: The main lead is part of a boy group because he had a random singing moment. 

Perfect and Casual ( Li Shuang, 2020) 

Main Leads: Miles Wei and Xu Ruo Han

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is another Chinese drama on this list. I’m pretty sure it's considered an Idol drama so that sets your expectations. I really liked this drama a lot, I am a big fan of contract marriages and I thought the leads were so cute together. Also, this is the first contract marriage drama where the leads don’t break up which I like. A lot of the drama came from outside of the relationship. Rating: You can’t analyze love.

Le Coup De Foudre ( Wang Zhi, 2019) 

Main Leads: Janice Wu and Zhang Yujian

Episodes: 35, 45 minutes

Thoughts: My favorite Chinese drama on this list. I loved this drama, I thought it was sweet and simple and the main couple was so realistic. Unpopular opinion I disliked the second couple and the best friend I thought she was annoying and brattish. However, I adore the main couple and their relationship. Rating: Realistic sweet romance. 

More Than Friends ( Choi Sung Bum, 2020)

Main Leads: Ong Seong Wu and Shin Ye Eun

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes

Thoughts: I enjoyed the overall story and characters. I loved the group and their relationships. Also, Young-Hee made me cry, and her relationship with Hyun Jae was so sweet. The main leads were also sweet, and I related a lot to Lee So. I just didn’t like the back and forth. Rating: How many times can we break up in a drama. 

Be With You ( Zhou Miao, 2020) 

Main Leads: Ji Xiao Bing and Zhang Ya-Qin

Episodes: 24, 45 minutes

Thoughts: This is the last Chinese drama I watched this year. It was alright, the romance was sweet, I really like the female lead, and the male lead was nice to look at. It was okay. Also, the second couple was so ??? She was his boss, enemy, and older than him, what?? Rating: Sometimes you need to fall in love to be creative. 

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo ( Kim Kyu Tae, 2016) 

Main Leads: Lee Joon Gi and Lee Ji Eun (IU) 

Episodes: 20, 60 minutes

Thoughts: I know I am really late watching this, but I finally did. I went in knowing this would hurt me and Lee Joon Gi already scared me this year ( damn this man) so I was fully prepared. I really wasn’t,  it so much. (SPOIlERS) When Wang Eun and Park Soon Deok died I sob like a baby (SPOILER ENDING). It took me a long time to finish this show because its heart so much, like it physically hurt me. The show was really good, and heartbreaking, and the ending stabs me in the heart 20 times. Rating: Lee Joon Gi is trying to kill me with tears. 

Persona ( Lee Kyoung Mi, Yim Pil Sung, Jeon Go Woon, and Kim Jong Kwan, 2019) 

Main Leads: Lee Ji Eun (IU) 

Episodes: 4, 19 to 27

Thoughts: This is a collection of mini-films by directors. 4 separate stories are starring Lee Ji Eun. I thought all of them good, especially “ Kiss Burn” and “Walking at Night.” There isn’t much else to this, more than it is an artistic display of filmmaking. Rating: Hipster Kdrama

Come and Hug Me ( Choi Joon-bae, 2018) 

Main Leads: Jang Ki-Yong and Jin Ki-Joo

Episodes: 32, 35 minutes

Thoughts: I actually just finished this show today. I really liked it, I thought it was both sweet and heartwarming/wrenching. I hated that one journalist and the public like why are they blaming a victim. I didn’t watch it with my full mind because I’ve been distracted lately, but I did enjoy it. Rating: another cute but sad couple. 

Movies I watched this year: 

Spell Bound ( Hwang In Ho, 2011)

Main Cast: Son Ye Jin and Lee Min Ki

Running Time: 114 Minutes

Thoughts: I watched this at like 12 am after a bad day and it was cute. I love RomCom fantasy, which I think Korean media does really well. I don’t know what else to say except it is a really cute romance. Rating: Is it the ghost or the butterflies

The Host ( Bong Joon Ho, 2006)

Main Cast: Song Kang Ho and Byun Hee Bong and Park Hae Il and Bae Doona and Go, Ah Sung

Running Time: 119

Thoughts: This film I had to actually watch for class. It was a really good film which is expected from Bong Joon Ho. I love monster films and I thought this was a good rendition of this film. Also, The monster was so cool especially from 2006. I thought it was heartbreaking, stirring, and so beautifully shot. Rating: Oscar-worthy Direction 

Little Forest ( Yim Soon-rye, 2018) 

Main Cast: Kim Tae Ri  and Ryu Jun Yeol and Moon So Ri and Jin Ki Joo

Running Time: 103 minutes

Thoughts: I really, really liked this film. It reminded me so much of I’ll Find You When The Weather is Nice (2020) that I thought that it was based on this film but it isn’t. I have watched this film 3 times since October and every time I watch it have made bread. I really just love everything about this film, how quiet it is, the cinematography, the acting, just everything. Rating: Three loaves of bread. 

Always ( Song Il Gon, 2011)

Main Cast: So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo

Running Time: 106 Minutes

Thoughts: I thought it was okay, I watched it while I was knitting so I was distracted a bit. But I thought the couple was sweet, and the characters were interesting. Rating: It's Okay.

       Currently watching 

True Beauty ( Kim Sang-hyeop, 2020-) 

Main Cast: Moon Ga Young and Cha Eun Woo and Hwang In Yeop

Episodes: 16, 70 minutes 

Thoughts: This is currently an ongoing series that is actually really popular. Apparently, it is based on a webtoon, which I haven’t read. I like it so far, I always liked Moon Ga Young and I think she is a great actress. She plays Im Ju Kyung in a likable and insecure way, instead of someone annoying which could easily happen. I will be continuing watching. Rating so far: Okey dokey yo.

Live On ( Kim Sang-woo, 2020-) 

Main Cast: Jung Da Bin and Hwang Min Hyun

Episodes: 8?, 60 Minutes

Thoughts: I really Like this show. The main couple is sweet and supportive. I really like the female lead, I like that she is cold and kinda quiet, but with a sweet spot if you are not a dick. I really like the main relationship conflict comes from friendship instead of romance, I think it makes the show more interesting. Rating: I want to Join a Broadcast group.  

On My List: 

I actually don’t have anything else on my list so if anyone has recommendations please tell me. I am thinking about watching Mr. Queen ( 2020) because I really like Shin Hye Sun. I also want to watch Sweet Home (2020) the Netflix series. But please recommend me some dramas!!!

This is such a long list, and I had fun doing it and going back over all the dramas. I hope everyone has a good New year and that we will have many more good dramas in 2021!

[drivingsideways]

k-drama rec list

Prior to 2020 I’d maybe watched 2 k-dramas in my entire life, but this year I got sucked in, thanks to some great recs, and y’know, *gestures * everything.  

I think I’d held off watching kdramas because my impression of them was limited to romances that I didn’t enjoy at all. But this was the year I discovered the equivalent of “gen fic” kdrama- dramas that had wonderful ensemble casts, strong story lines that weren’t entirely romance focused and also a variety in terms of themes and styles. A big plus was that I found so many of these dramas had women leading the writers’ room, and seeing the effect of that in the story telling. (Notable exceptions: a certain “star” writer who should please stop inflicting her badly written, formulaic crap on the world, yes Kim Eun-Sook, I mean you, and whoever wrote that trashfire Flower of Evil)

So here I am with my own rec list! Caveat- these are mostly not the dramas released in 2020, I’m still playing catch up! :)

Under the cut for length

My Mister/ My Ahjussi  (2018, Written by Park Hae-Young, Directed by Kim Won-Seok, starring Lee Sun-kyun and Lee Ji-eun aka IU) 

This was definitely my absolute favourite of the shows I watched this year across western/ asian media. It’s a story about the thread that binds us all and the ineffability of human connection. It’s also a story that deconstructs ideas of masculinity and honour and shame in a non-western context, but with an extremely compassionate touch.  It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of material and spiritual poverty; and how one can so easily feed into the other. It’s a love story that isn’t a romance, except that it’s a Romance. It’s about finding salvation in one another and in the kindness of strangers.  It’s about choosing life, and picking yourself up off the floor to take that one last step and then the next and then the next. The one quibble I have with the series is that it could have been better paced, it does get extremely slow after the half way mark. But god, do they land the ending. Both Lee Sun-kyun and IU turn in absolutely heartbreaking performances, and fair warning, be prepared to go through an entire box of tissues watching this series. 

Life  (2018,  written by Lee Soo-yeon  and directed by Hong Jong-chan, starring Lee Dong-wook, Cho Seung-woo, Won Jin-ah, Lee Kyu-hyung, Yoo Jae-myung and Moon So-ri.)

Medical dramas are very much not my thing, and I wouldn’t have taken a chance on it except that @michyeosseo said I should, and she was right! It’s a medical drama in the sense that it’s set in a hospital, but rather than a “case-fic” format, this is actually a sharp commentary on the corporatization of health care, and the business of mixing, well, money and what should be a fundamental human right. Writer Lee Soo-yeon was coming off the global success of Stranger/Secret Forest S1 when this aired, so I understand that expectations were probably sky-high, and people were disappointed when this show didn’t give them the adrenaline rush that they wanted. On the other hand, I thought that this outing was really much more nuanced in terms of the politics and also how the ending doesn’t allow you the luxury of easy-fixes. This show has a great ensemble cast, and while it took me a while to get used to Lee Dong-wook’s woodenness (i ended up calling him mr.cadaver after watching this and was surprised to learn that he’s very popular?), in the end I was quite sold on his version of angry angst-bucket elder-sibling Dr.Ye Jin-woo. His best scenes were with Lee Kyu-hyung who turns in a lovely, achy performance as the paraplegic Dr. Ye Seon-woo who just wants to live a normal life. The love story between the two brothers is actually the emotional backbone of the story, and I think they landed that perfectly. 

My one quibble with writer-nim is that she ended up writing in a forgettable and somewhat (for me at least) uncomfortable romance between the characters played by Won Jin-ah and Cho Seung-Woo. I think part of my uncomfortable-feeling was that I got the strong sense that the writer herself didn’t want to write this romance, it was as if she was being made to shoe-horn it in for Studio Reasons, and she basically grit her teeth and did the worst possible job of it.  I do wish we could have absolutely had the OT3 of my dreams: Moon So-ri/Cho Seung-woo/Yoo Jae-myung like, c’mon TV gods MAKE IT HAPPEN, just...look at them!!!! 

Anyway, that apart, I think this was a very engaging series, and by engaging, I also mean thirst-enabling, see below. 

 Stranger (aka Secret Forest  or Forest of Secrets) S1 & 2 : (2017-, Written by Lee Soo-yeon, directed by 

2017′s smash hit aired a much anticipated second season in 2020, and I managed to catch up just in time to watch that live, so that was thrilling :D . Writer Lee Soo-yeon  mixes up thriller/office comedy/political commentary in an ambitious series. I think S1 is more “exciting” than S2 in terms of the mystery and pacing,  but S2 is far more dense and interesting in terms of political commentary because it takes a long hard look at institutional corruption and in true writer-nim fashion doesn’t prescribe any easy solutions. Anyway, please enjoy public prosecutor Cho Seung-woo and police officer Bae Doona as partners/soulmates kicking ass and taking names in pursuit of Truth, Justice and just a goddamn peaceful meal, along with a stunningly competent ensemble cast. Also yes, Han Yeo Jin is a lesbian, sorry, I don’t make the rules. 

Search: WWW  (2019, Written by Kwon Do-Eun, directed by Jung Ji-hyun & Kwon Young-il, starring  Im Soo-jung, Lee Da-hee, Jeon Hye-jin)

GOD. Where do I start? +1000 for writer Kwon Do-Eun saying “fuck the patriarchy” in the most grandiose way possible, i.e. absolutely refusing to acknowledge that it exists. Yes, this is that power fantasy, and it’s also a fun, slice-of-life  tale about three women navigating their way through work, romance, national politics and everything in between. It’s true that I wasn’t entirely sold on the amount of time spent on the romance, and I really wish they’d actually had a textual wlw romance, though the subtext through the entire series is PRACTICALLY TEXT. But still, it maintains that veneer of plausible deniability and I think queer fans who are sick of that kind of treatment in media have a very valid grouse against the show. On the other hand, personally I felt that the queer-platonic vibe of the show is very wonderful and true to real life, and it was only reinforced by the ending. This is a show written by a woman for women (like me), and it shows. 

Hyena  (2020, Written by Kim Roo-Ri, directed by Jang Tae-yoo & Lee Chang Woo, starring  Kim Hye-soo and Ju Ji-hoon )

Those of you who’ve been watching hit zombie epic Kingdom are probably familiar with Ju Ji-hoon’s brand of sexiness already. I had not watched Kingdom and got hit in the face by Mr.Sexy McSexyPants’ turn as a brash, privileged-by-birth, up and coming lawyer who gets completely runover by the smoking hot and incredibly dangerous fellow lawyer/competitor from the other side of the tracks in the person of Kim Hye-Soo. When I say they set the room on fire, I mean it, ok. Every single scene between these two is an actual bonfire of sexual attraction and emotional hand grenades, and they’re both absolutely riveting to watch. “Flower of Evil” wishes they had what this show has- an actual grown up romance as opposed to a thirteen year old twilight fan’s idea of an adult romance. 

The “lawyer” shenanigans and the “cases” are hit or miss, and I think the occasional comedy fell flat for me. But that’s not why I mainlined like 6 episodes of this series overnight like a coke addict, and that’s not why you’re going to do it either. It’s so RARE, even in these enlightened days to find a female character like Jung Geum-ja: hard as nails, unapologetic about it, and not punished by the narrative for it. The best part for me is that she feels like a woman’s woman, not a man’s idea of what a Strong Female Character should be. Anyways, when I grow up I want to have what Kim Hye-soo has ok?

Other dramas that I watched this year, quickly rated:

The King: Eternal Monarch (3/10 and those 3 points are only for the combined goodness of second leads who deserved better- Jung Eun Chae, Woo Do Hwan and Kim Kyung Nam. Please head over to my AO3 and read my attempts to fix this garbage fire and rescue their characters from canon)

Flower of Evil (-10/100, dont @ me)

Tale of the Nine Tailed (5/10, I think it succeeds at what it set out to do, which is a light hearted, sweet fantasy-romance-melodrama, plus “second lead” Kim Beom will make you cry as the hot mess of a half human/ half fox spirit ALL TEARS character. I think if you’re into kdrama romances as a genre, this is probably a good bet?)

Signal  (7/10,  This was the first full kdrama I watched this year and would definitely recommend. It’s a police procedural with time travel shenanigans and has an engaging plot, good pacing, texture and compelling performances. My one disappointment with it was the way they wrote Kim Hye-soo’s character. As literally the only female character to survive in any way, she was given short shrift, and toward the end it really began to grate on me.)

Six Flying Dragons - (7/10, also would recommend if you’re interested in Korean historicals. It definitely already feels a bit dated in terms of styling and production values, and even scripting and acting choices. But it has a good balance of fantasy and history and political commentary. I was not a fan of Yoo In-Ah’s performance in this series, but it’s not anything that would make you want to nope out of the series. It’s GoT , if GoT was thoughtful about politics and characters and not the misogynist, racist trashfire that it became.)

My Country: The New Age - (3.5/10, and that’s 3 points to Jang Hyuk’s fan and 0.5.points to Woo Do Hwan’s heaving bosom. If you like your historical drama/fantasy with very pretty men, very gay subtext -seriously RIP to show makers who thought they could hetero it but didn’t account for Woo Do Hwan’s Tragic Face- lots of blood and tears and very nonsense plot, this is right up your alley. I probably would have enjoyed it more in other circumstances, I think? But this one just annoyed me too much at the time! 

I have a couple of more dramas to watch on my list, that’ll probably carry me over into 2021, so see ya on the other side! :D

[nagenthiri]

Fave’s on Netflix!!

Listing out my fave series/Movies on Netflix from 2020 to 2021; Binge watched it so many times. Stay home, stay safe!!!

Friends

(Classic, “How you doin?”)

Gilmore Girls

(another classic, love the mother daughter duo)

Work it

(Movie, high school dance battle)

One day at a time

(It covers situations that most of us are facing right now, LGBTQ, feminism, Racial discrimination & etc)

Glow up

(Each episode has a exciting makeup makeover)

The Bold Type

(one of my fave series to watch this year, loved the content; how women live in a society and being bold of their decisions)

To all the boys 1,2,3

(Love LJ & PK)

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

(It’s more of a horror/witchcraft stories, devils but also interesting if only you’re into the genre)

Revolutionary Love

(Kdrama, A very cute and comedy one to watch)

Love Alarm

(Kdrama, haha obviously into song kang but also it was a different approach of love story)

Start up

(Kdrama, watch it cause of my fave YouTuber, also got really into it but then slowly got bored of the story line)

The princess switch

(movie, My favourite movie to watch anytime on repeat love love love Vanessa so much)

Radio Romance

(Kdrama, A lovely cute romance between the star & rookie)

Emily In Paris

(movie, This was a best interpretation of how Paris’s & the people there would be like if you don’t speak their language, also love Emily’s ootd throughout the movie)

The Kissing Booth

(Movie, high school Teen love, for us Asians maybe it’s not relatable but it was a love hate situation)

Never have I ever

( OMG, Devi’s character was really mind blowing I mean like she gets in so much of trouble as a teen that is crazy!! All of them were so cute and the story was really adaptable to the current high schoolers)

13 Reasons why

(I was so into the season 1 that I even bought the book but season 2 didn’t really hype me up to watch it, I’m not sure why I can’t or don’t want to watch it but it’s just so disturbing to me)

Erkenci Kus

(Turkish drama, Omg I’m really happy that I came accross this on tiktok or else I would have missed this amazing love,comedy drama) Disclaimer: this series is not a Netflix series, it’s on YouTube!! Just wanted to add it here cause I loved it so much!!

She was pretty

(Kdrama, A very cute & interesting storyline which you won’t get bored of, rewatched it like twice or thrice)

Good Witch

(one of my fave, the whole series will give you positive and good vibes)

My shy boss

(Kdrama, most interesting storyline, such a funny one to watch)

Team Kaylie

(binge watch it and rewatched it many times and not bored at all, comedy show reminds me of 2000s disney dramas)

Hello My twenties

(Kdrama, a very interesting bond between this roommates and the suspense that will create a urge to keep watching)

Family reunion

(My fave, love the story/content. However, there were so many important messages that was included in most of the scenes, history’s on blacks how they’re being treated & etc)

Alexa & Katie

(It was really heart touching & Love the relationship of this two girls how they are always there for each other in difficult times)

The worst witch

(The most funniest one of all, this girl always like always gets in trouble for everything but she’s also a problem solver)

Must be love

(Filipino Movie, interesting love story between two best friends)

Ashley Garcia Genius in love

(Comedy,science love story. Interesting content of series)

Free rein

(one of my fave, it’s a country side horse riding story. Really loved how the story’s romance was mainly about A girl and her horse the relationship they have between them is fascinating)

The house arrest of us

(Filipino series, comedy, was really funny cause during this lockdown everyone is stuck’ed at home so as this couples and their family’s, the whole story was how they would get along during lockdown)

Just sharing my fave series/ movies and a bit descriptively explaining my understanding or perspective of above, Netflix really made me past my time during this lockdown “2020” & now!!

[pineforphantompain]

My 2020 in Asian dramas (+film)

Film: (most of these were for a class)

(Taiwanese) Beautiful Duckling (1965) Rating: 7/10

(Tw) Home Sweet Home (1970) Rating: 6.5/10

(Tw) My Summer at Grandpa’s (1984) Rating: 6/10

(Tw) Super Citizen Ko (1995)

(Tw) Cape No. 7 (2008) My favourite Taiwanese film of the year.

(Tw) Finding Sayun (2011)

(Tw) Forever Love (2013)

An Old Lady (2020) My fave of the year. Rating: 8.5/10

Currently watching:

Cheat On Me If You Dare (2020) 2/16 eps watched (yes, I’m very behind)

Royal Secret Inspector (2020) 4/16 eps

True Beauty (2020) 6/16 eps (I don’t like it that much, but somehow it’s my current favourite).

Completed 2020 dramas:

Flower of Evil 16/16 eps watched. Rating: 8.5/10 (favourite of the year)

Start Up 16/16 eps. Rating: 7.5/10

When I Was the Most Beautiful 16/16 eps. Rating: 6/10

Alice 16/16 eps. Rating: 6.5/10

Convenience Store Saetbyul/Backstreet Rookie 16/16 eps. Rating: 5/10 (least favourite of the year, and in general so far)

Watched in 2020 from previous years:

Sassy Go Go (2015) 12/12 eps watched. I’m obsessed with Kwon Soo Ah. She is now one of my top 3 fave second female leads. Rating: 7.5/10

School 2015 (2015) 16/16 eps watched. For years, I’d been meaning to get to this because it is supposed to be one of the ultimate sls dramas. Randomly watched the whole thing in like a week a half when I should have been doing other things. Underwhelming, but fine. Rating: 7.5/10

(Rewatch) My Lovely Girl (2014) 16/16 eps watched. Somehow even worse than I remembered, but I love Se Na and Shi Woo, as well as this era of kpop and dramas so I wanted to revisit it. Rating: 6.5/10

(Rewatch) Shut Up Flower Boy Band (2012) 3/16 eps watched (the best episodes). Rating: 6/10 (okay I was too harsh, but we have personal beef so...)

Completed in 2020 from the frightening on-hold backlog:

Oh Hae Young Again (2016) 15/18 eps previously watched. Rating: 6.5/10

100 Days Husband (2016) 12/16 eps previously watched (I think? Might have been 13/16) Rating: 7/10

Hope to watch:

Welcome/Meow: The Secret Boy (2020) Kim Myungsoo did a catboy drama just for me and I didn’t watch, disgraceful

18 Again (2020)

Extraordinary You (2019)

SKY Castle (2018)

Playful Kiss (2010)

Whatever Happened in Bali (2004) I’ve been planning to watch this since 2013 and haven’t, maybe this will be the year?

(Cdrama) Scarlet Heart (2011) I planned to watch this before the Korean adaptation aired... in 2016. Expectations of actually getting to this low.

(Rewatch) (Th) Kiss Me (2015) Watching the ItaKiss anime has made me miss this version. Rating: 7.5/10

(Rewatch) Nail Shop Paris (2013) I have never claimed to have good taste. Sometimes you need to rewatch the worst drama you’ve seen a dozen or more times and that’s okay. Rating: 4.5/10

(Rewatch) Judge vs Judge / Nothing to Lose (2017) Rating: 7/10

(Rewatch) (J) Hana Kimi (2007) Always a good time. Rating: 8.5/10

From on-hold dramas:

Whisper (2017) 13/17 eps watched. This was just the next closest to being finished, but I’m not looking forward to rest of it. Finished since I started writing this list. Rating: 6.5/10

White Christmas (2011) 4/8 eps watched. The other one with 4 episodes left. Update: now 7/8 watched.

Equator Man (2012) 14/20 eps watched. Ah the first drama to suffer the fate of indefinite on-hold. Since I’m doing so well finishing things lately, maybe it’s time to revisit this.

While You Were Sleeping (2017) 9/32 eps watched. Suzy, the sls, I really need to finish.

Love Affairs in the Afternoon (2019) 4/16 eps watched. I was supposed to finish this for a kdrama exchange in 2019, and didn’t, like a failure. (In my defence I hardly watched anything 2019 and most of 2020).

Madame Antoine (2016) 8/16 eps watched

Oh My Geumbi (2016) 5/16 eps watched. One of those dramas for which it’s a mystery how we ended up like this. I should return to it.

Memories of the Alhambra (2018) 8/16 eps watched. I must do it for my girl Park ShinHye.

Ruler (2017) 4/40 eps watched (a popular sls drama for the second female lead!! How could I not finish this?) I liked the beginning, but I think I was trying to watch too much at the time and then fell into a drama slump.

(J) Hana Kimi remake (2011) 4/11 eps watched. The last Hana Kimi I have to watch!

(C) To Be a Better Man (2016) 13/42 eps watched.

Golden Pouch (2016). 33/122 eps watched. I’d like to make some progress, but I’m not too concerned with actually completing soon.

I’m not too sure what all is coming in 2021, but I plan to watch Sisyphus: The Myth because I love psh and would watch almost anything for her (except that z****e film).