A drama sure to check off many people's boxes for their "ideal type" of drama

This was such a refreshing firework of a drama! The two leads, in particular, made it crazy fun to watch with their so-far-out-there-they-might-as-well-be-floating-in-space personalities that were only heightened when they shared the same air. And they were consistently predictable yet unpredictable, leaving me either correct in my predictions while also being pleasantly befuddled at the path taken or both puzzled beyond belief and amused. Meanwhile, the side couple offered something unique with the often overlooked issue of financial inequality in a relationship and the myriad of ways it can affect it, including self-inflicted shame, pressure, and guilt.

It was a true delight tuning into Boys Be Brave. I highly recommend giving it a go! Especially if you're into "quirky" characters and dramas.

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Not perfect, but memorable

I'll be upfront and admit I did not go into this with an open mind, AT ALL. I went into Deep Night fully expecting to find something cheap and surface-level that would make me cringe and regret hitting play. I'd probably end up rating it a 6-6.5/10 and say it was a tasteless, eye-candy watch.

Well, you know what? Shame on me!

This drama had glaring flaws, for certain. The main ones were the villain FL, who screamed like a banshee for no reason and was just plain annoying/idiotic, loud and out-of-place sound effects, and the central roadblock problem for everyone playing out in too similar a way each time.

But it also had highlights as bright as spotlights. And I'm not just talking about the amazing acrobatics, stunning performances, and intense chemistry between the MLs, oh no.

Quietly, a theme of breaking down prejudices and shifting perspectives unfolded, particularly on the part of Khem. He went on a long, difficult, growth-filled journey. From judging hosts, never wanting to be associated with the Deep Night club, and allowing his jealousy and lack of understanding of his boyfriend's career to overtake him to admiring the hosts and noticing their efforts, taking pride in Deep Night and working to make it succeed, and accepting and respecting his boyfriend's work to the point of feeling fully secure in his relationship and cheering him on without any reservations.

My own perspective shifted along with him as I found myself feeling emotional near the end, wishing the best for everyone and wanting the club to do well, not wanting to let these characters that had wormed their way into my heart go.

I wish I could explain in better detail just why I found this so worthwhile. All I can say is that I think you should give Deep Night a chance; it might just surprise you.

Note: .5 out of my score is extra just because, I really wound up loving it, dammit!

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Maybe we can be each other's shelter

It's all empty space and frustratingly suffocating. Like wearing a wool turtleneck on a winter's day. You ache and long to tear the thing off, but it's just so bitterly cold.

The intro itself was a work of art. There and throughout the drama, I particularly appreciated the use of shadows and temperature. Not to mention, the actors did an amazing job. I found myself so weighed down by their emotions I felt like I was sinking.

I found the conclusion both unique and fitting. It ended with an understanding: We need to be on equal footing first, independent of each other, to sort through these muddled thoughts and feelings. Then, perhaps, we can . . .

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I can sum up this drama with two words: A Need

Where do I even begin to review this drama?

This was a deliciously teasing slow burn, with the tension (and my anticipation) only rising with each new episode. It wound up getting crazy hype; I'm of the belief it was deserved.

They paid attention to the details here: From meaningful items that come up/are shown in the background—even quietly revealing to the viewers how things are progressing—and minute shifts in framing and lighting of scenes to detailed dialogue with weight, symbolism, and double meanings.

Impressively, while the subject matter was often serious, they somehow smoothly incorporated belly-aching comedic moments as well.

Finally, I would be remiss not to praise the actors, as not only the MLs but every side character nailed their roles.

My only real critique: While the music was great, far too many times, it came on too strong during a pivotal scene.

I would absolutely recommend watching this!

Side Note: Can we talk about the FLIRTING game here?! Not just Xiao Yuan but Wei Qian was freaking smooth as butter. Like, damn, man!

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Impossibly Disappointing

Sigh. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I'm not going to explain why this drama failed in detail. Others have already sacrificed many of their brain cells to do so. Instead, I'll give you a short rundown of my thoughts.

Wedding Impossible had potential. It had a bit of a unique premise, a wacky start promising some over-the-top fun, and the opportunity to say something/showcase Queer representation in a mainstream K-Drama. I don't have to tell you that it failed on all counts.

I looked back at my notes and found one I made after the first or second episode: "Here's hoping they can achieve a fun drama while treating the Gay ML's sexuality and coming out with respect."

Oh, poor Noir. You naive, sweet summer child.

As the episodes progressed, it was clear the drama forgot or simply no longer cared about its premise. And rather than focus on what was supposed to be the main point of intrigue/source of hi-jinks and conflicts: Do Han using this sham marriage to hide his sexuality. They leaned into anything BUT that. And whenever the opportunity presented itself to delve into his struggles, how staying in the closet affected his relationship with his family, how the fake marriage was affecting his best friend and brother: They barely touched on it or simply pivoted and went, but what about the car accident from years ago, what about the poorly-built-up main romance, what about company politics and backstabbing, what about whining and complaining?!

And the worst part! The worst part is that this supposedly fun rom-com-style K-Drama not only didn't give the Gay ML a love interest (which is just plain Homophobic if you ask me): IT. WASN'T. FUN.

AND ANOTHER THING! Is it just me who finally noticed that they rarely used the word "Gay?!" Wtf. Are they scared of it?! If I didn't know the plot/wasn't paying attention, I would have no idea what Do Han's "secret" is when they're talking about it in some scenes!

By the time we got to the last few episodes, I just wanted it to end already. I found myself frustrated, annoyed, and just . . . Annoyed at myself for hoping for better.

If you're like me, a Queer person who, despite the odds, is kind of hopeful for good mainstream LGBT+ representation in your Asian dramas: I'm sorry to myself and you that we stuck this one out. Let's just collectively agree to go rewatch the Queer cuts from Nevertheless and Love with Flaws, drink some wine, and wait for Hwang Da Seul's next masterpiece.

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Jazz for Two Might be for You

This drama and the characters truly shined the most in tension-filled moments where it felt as though all the air had been sucked out of the room. I also rather appreciated the consistency of the character's flaws/toxic behaviors, with there also being guilt and growth. Also, the fake-out conflict being resolved through thoughtful perspective and acceptance? Loved that. More not dragging things out for added drama and instead having a main lead think rationally, please!

Based on this drama's description, I expected less than average—to not be excited at the prospect of seeing the story progress. I was glad to find I could lose myself in Jazz for Two for a while.

All this praise aside, I wish the curtains closed more smoothly on this drama. At least ten extra minutes were desperately needed to tie up the side character's stories as well as allow a smoother transition as to where the main leads ended up. When the credits started rolling, I legit thought I was being punked. I was like, "Come on, there's got to be five more minutes left, right? Did I skip ahead?!"

All in all, I would recommend it. Just keep your expectations moderate.

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Messy and Gory Fun!

I will be the first to say that this drama was downright confusing af at times, and it often felt like they were digging their heels in down to the last second, trying to come up with ways to fill the runtime. But for someone like me who is not a Horror fan to like a Horror drama and a gory Thai one at that? That is an accomplishment.

This was all kinds of fucked up with a confusing-ass final "twist." But I kind of loved it? They had me biting my nails, covering my eyes and peeping through my fingers, and shouting at my screen, "You dumbasses!" every week. And you know what, it was fun not to have high expectations nor be bored but simply just be entertained watching things get messy, more shit be revealed, and how impressively realistic and nasty the effects could get.

Amid all this, I do think there is a message to be found here. I didn't see it until the end, though.

These teenagers did objectively terrible, even "evil," things to another teenager. A difficult truth to accept, though, is that evil people, or those who do something evil, are not evil 100% of the time. A serial killer can have saved a puppy from getting hit by a car. Does this now make them a good person? No. This just goes to show that people are complex creatures who cannot be boiled down into simple black-and-white categories, as much as we would like them to be.

I absolutely recommend this chaotic disaster of a drama. Mind the gore, though, because there is gore. And face stuff! Watch out for the face stuff!

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The Good Not Great Drama

The Good Bad Mother: How true to its title. The mother in this drama is portrayed as having the best intentions for her son, wanting him to have power so as not to be hurt by others like she was. But while pushing him toward this goal, she indirectly and directly tells her son his life is not his own to live; he is being raised to fulfill a dream she couldn't.

Overall, I found this drama to be a genuinely healing experience. Through emotional gut punch after gut punch, this mother came to realize the full weight her abuse caused her son. When raising him, her intentional and painful choices were a gust of wind that would lead to a hurricane: The Butterfly Effect.

I am all for adults who have experienced abuse having the agency to decide how they move forward. Whether they attempt to heal that relationship with that parent (if it's even possible), keep them at arms-length, or cut them out of their life entirely. In this case, I could understand how Kang Ho found peace in maintaining a close relationship with his mother. For him, she understood what she did, and she had moments, even when he was younger, of her love getting across to him.

What ultimately held me back from rating this higher and embracing the message the drama was trying to convey was that I felt an in-depth, confrontational, and honest sit-down conversation with Kang Ho and his mother was sorely needed. Yes, she did apologize for many of her actions and express her regrets about how she raised her son, but, for me, I needed her to take 100% brutal accountability in person.

If you think humor would have no place in a story such as this, I don't think you'll enjoy watching this. I myself found many jokes out of place. Additionally, if you're not mentally in a place to handle watching scenes with parental abuse (including scenes where it is brushed aside or excused), I wouldn't recommend watching this. If you feel you can handle a topic like this and don't mind the mixing of serious with comedic, I think you'll find value in this.

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Smiling over a meal

Our lovely ladies returned in this second season to grace our screens with the sweet development of their relationship, their own personal challenges and moments of growth, the meeting of new supportive and heart-warming friends, and even more delicious meals.

I know last season I begged for a second season but, now, I'm begging for a third. Pleeeeeeeeease!

If you're not watching this, what are you doing?! Do you not like JOY?!

. . .

Did I mention there's rare Ace rep?

Just go watch it, you fool! I will be over here, crying over my coffee, blessing Furritsubs for allowing me to watch this with subs.

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Falling crazily in love with Hidden Love

Where do I even begin? I mean, MDLers far and wide got to witness my complete meltdown from heart palpitations while watching this drama. I could not keep it together to save my life! Don't look at me! Pay no attention to the Noir under the blanket, giggling and screeching at 11:30 p.m.!

The way their relationship and feelings slowly shifted and developed over time was so lovely, sweet, and respectful. My heart felt full. I truly watched them grow as people and as a couple, supporting and protecting each other. I can see them teasing each other and leaning close, wrapping their arms around each other, looking for comfort after a long day many years later.

I would be remiss not to mention how much I appreciated and liked how the drama started with Sang Zhi having a harmless crush as a child with no sign of Duan Jia Xu noticing, let alone influencing her to like him romantically. Can we say easily non-problematic? Yes! We like that.

Not to mention, their relationship dynamic was simply overflowing with caring and joy from caring for the other person. Let me also just say that Duan Jia Xi was so attentive and proactive in how he pursued Sang Zhi once he finally did. He put himself forward, yes, but respected any boundaries she set. Likewise, Sang Zhi wanted him to open up to her but never truly pushed for him to explain everything he went through to her. This is what we call mutual respect and understanding.

Also, just a side note: THE CONSENT?! I perish! Not only did Duan Jia Xi ask for consent just to hold her hand—excuse me while I shove my pillow in my face and scream—Sang Zhi also asked for consent and regularly checked in and expressed her desires and comfortableness despite her nerves.

In conclusion, I fell absolutely madly in love with this couple's love. If you are wary of C-Dramas like I have been in the past, are a slow-burn romance lover, and/or simply want to watch something light and fairly low-angst, give this a chance.

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Mission Accomplished

More than thorough enjoyment, I appreciated the unique world and full-rounded story they brought to fruition here. The game aspect made for highly creative and fun as well as stressful "mechanics," the use of harsh sound effects and "errors" in particular lended well to this.

Love for Love's Sake managed to toe the line between light action/almost horror and comedic school romance in a way I don't think I've seen before. And the banter between the two MLs allowed some levity in times when the world went dark.

Particularly, I want to highlight how they fully utilized the potential of Cha Yeo Woon's character, managing to hint at his desire as well as fear to be vulnerable and his shyness in expressing his interest in someone (Tae Myung Ha), all within a few episodes. And his actor plays his sulking moments and hesitancy very well.

Also, I would be remiss not to mention Tae Myung Ha's character; the quiet depth he had in a story that wasn't supposed to be his. And the complex expressions he had astounded me. Especially in moments he had to put on a happy face as well as convey that he was barely keeping it together.

I am so glad I didn't miss this surprising masterpiece.

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Honestly, I can't even say they meant well

Here's the thing, I HATE what this drama says about suicide. It basically tells anyone who's suicidal to rethink their decision because it's "selfish." That they would be a selfish person for experiencing deep suffering/depression and not being able to take anymore. That their loved ones being in despair due to their passing is more important than what they're going through. Fucking excuse me?

First off, fuck that message. What a shitty and inaccurate thing to say. What's next, you're going to tell people with clinical depression to not be depressed because they're bringing down the mood?!

Second off, saying that is not even helpful. You shouldn't be convincing someone to live for others because what happens when those people are no longer around? A person needs to learn to live for themself.

This all felt like a demeaning slap in the face to mental health and people's struggles generally. I was just waiting for someone to say, "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

The only thing I appreciated and enjoyed about this was the action. Because when it was all chase scenes, murders, and new unique stories it was legitimately entertaining. If this was about Death being some cruel game master and went more the route of Alice in Borderland, I would find it not only palatable but worthwhile to recommend. As it stands, due to its messaging, I can't. Skip this one, my dear MDLers.

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Started off cute but was ultimately a disappointment

First off, my rating is a lie. It's actually a 6.5/10 for me. But because it's a Thai GL, and I want to see more of them, I don't have the heart to rate it any lower.

Now, as for my thoughts:

In the beginning, it had everything I wanted: A Pan FL, easy chemistry between the two FLs, a love triangle, and ALL the tropes that come with a Queer Thai Engineer series. Like, yes, give me tripping on air and getting dramatically saved by the FL's soon-to-be love interest, who holds her for a suspiciously long time!

But then, near the halfway point, my perspective shifted. While I liked that the conflicts were--so far--minimal/easily resolved, I felt they could have done well with extending the do they like each other/pining phase. It felt almost "too easy" for these FLs.

This problem would come back to bite the drama later during the last few episodes when conflict after conflict and misunderstanding after misunderstanding popped up. It seemed like the writers intentionally made Manaow and Gyoza's start to their relationship so easy and sweet so they could put them through the wringer at the end while banking on all their good times together to get you through it. Unfortunately, it did not work. At all. And don't even get me started on the horrible villain and her scheme and the nail-in-the-coffin trope that had no reason to be there.

By the end, I was just . . . *sigh*

It saddens me to say this, but I would skip this one, my dear MDLers. It's just not worth your time.

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A bewilderingly wonderful watch

For a not-very-anticipated drama with a confusing synopsis, this managed to pull out all the stops. This. This is what A Shoulder to Cry On WANTED to be. It had tension, kept its focus, kept the conflict simple and unfolded the details of it bit by bit, and pulled the main leads and their complicated feelings together at every turn. And, best of all, their yearning was evident and put into action.

I recommend you go binge it right now!

Criticism: My only real gripe was the music. Many times, it was ill-fitting or came out of nowhere very loudly and interrupted an otherwise impactful moment. Other times, a scene could have done with silence to allow the audience and the characters to sit with their feelings.

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A dishonest rating but an honest review, because I am a fool for OnlyOneOf

Is my rating honest? No. In reality, it's more like a generous 7. But I love my LGBT+ supporting kings OnlyOneOf, and I would just cry if I rated a drama they starred in any lower than an 8, okay?! So forgive me for fudging the numbers! I am a person with feelings!

All this being said, just because I won't rate it honestly doesn't mean I won't review it honestly.

It makes sense that the acting here wouldn't be stellar; they were all new to this. Credit where credit is due, though, Nine and Mill managed to pull off some pretty decent chemistry with their characters despite not being given a lot to work with. However, the editing, story beats, and pacing desperately needed work, and there is no excuse for that. Many times, when scenes continued, they would abruptly cut to new locations or would skip forward a few hours, giving the watcher this uncomfortable feeling of being rushed. Also, more screen time should have been devoted to showing more of the leads spending quality time together rather than talking about or cutting to very brief clips of it. As they say with books, "Show, don't tell." Finally, did we need the scheming ex? No, we did not.

All in all, could have been a lot better.

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