Pleasant Office Drama With Lovable Characters.

This is one of those regular office romance dramas along with a lot of cuteness and stupidity thrown in the same plate. However, I immensely enjoyed this and its definitely one of the better short series out there. I'm not talking from the "BL" point of view. Rather from a regular drama objective.

When the spoilt heir of a famous company, Ho Joon, is forced to rely upon himself after causing troubles for his father, he has no options but to do as told. His stupid persistence and narcissism irks his new landlord, Seo Jae Yoon. However, Jae Yoon finds himself in a difficult situation when he finds out that the tenant whom he was trying to evict is his newly appointed Team Leader.

The runtime (more than 25 or 30 minutes for some episodes) and storyline was adequate enough to portray the emotional growth between the characters and how both of them slowly begin to understand their positives and the short comings. I was pleasantly surprised by the leading actors' performance here since in their last drama, their characters were not as voluble (particularly Kim Ji Woong, he was a delight to watch in this one).
The chemistry was natural and I particularly liked how everyone were just 'patient'. None of them were annoying or over the top. Both Ho Joon and Jae Yoon were intelligent in their own ways.
Nothing was rushed. And some scenes were genuinely comedic without trying too hard. One thing I will definitely not forget is when Ho Joon went, "How come he becomes stupid in Poongdeok Villa?" And then we have Jae Yoon skeptically ask in the next episode, "Are you a genius?"

I don't think I'll feel the same or whether I'll be able to rewatch it, but it's a satisfying watch, provided that you view it as a regular KDrama and not purposefully keep expectations.

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I Don't Even Know What to Title This As.

I really have to revamp my whole rating list when it comes to shorter dramas, because this one was good and bad at the same time. Good? The premise was good. The cast was good. All the emotions were conveyed well.
The story? Oh dear, the story. It seems that the writers even directed this one specifically for that *horns and balloons* ending.
For a story to have emotional depth, the run time matters. Here, we dive head first into something, watch the leads' relationship grow, then get thrown into something else. And I still have no idea what the significance of that character was. He existed for the angst. Minus him from the story and there is still no change to the overall plot.
I would recommend this to anyone who is trying to finish their 52 Week Watch Challenge, but are short on free time. As for others... if you are expecting some mind blowing storytelling, this ain't it. But, it does have good emotional performances by the cast that is unfortunately stunted by the limited runtime.

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Mundane, but Good.

This is more of a the life story of two divorce lawyers who've gone through thick and think together their whole lives.
What's good about it? The leads definitely. Their characters are just the opposite of each other, but their genuine care and understanding for another was excellently portrayed. (I've yet to see a Taiwanese series with mediocre actors. These two were really good.)
There are several scenes where they talk about how they view their profession and divorce which I found enlightening.
The second couple was Yuki, a laundromat owner whose name I still do not know and his daughter Ling Ling. They depicted a different side of life - one of them being cool and unafraid of changes while the other adamantly sticks to the ghosts of the past.
Plenty of supporting characters, both big and insignificant play a role in shaping their actions, so, skipping some parts of it might be not the best idea. (I did it and had yo backtrack and rewatch to know thr context.)
While I did like the couples, the cases and the parental relationships, there were episodes which could've been significantly shorter. Mind you, this is roughly 25minutes each, but the episodes following EP7 where unfortunately, a bit too... ad nauseam? This is a common problem in dramas as a whole, LGBTQ+ or not. Once the main point is done, they fumble around. But, the pacing did pick up, but the drama lost me at EPs 8 - 10.
I'd recommed this if you just need something to cool off.

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Memorable.

Only half an hour, but it was succinctly utilized and on point. I have no knowledge about the original novel and have never watched any adaptations.
For a clip that was released as a part of a variety show, it had more impact than many billion dramas that China releases every year.
It has an overall simple production, and I've come to slowly recognize the directing style . The cast did an excellent job, particularly the two male leads as it was between them the game of 'throw-the-ball' was fought. The Female lead was good to, but as the story centered around her without her being aware of anything happening, she had only a few emotional moments.

The ending is what I find truly unforgettable. I paused for a moment and it made me confused. What or who exactly was the demon after? Why was he so cruel?
Definitely a must watch if you just need an escape from reality.

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100% Fun.

If you are craving for something "funny", then this movie is perfect for you. I literally paused it at certain parts cause I was unable to control laughing.
I began this after seeing that this movie had the same director as "Oh no! Here Comes Trouble", which had the perfect mix of mystery, bromance and comedy.
Secrets of The Hotspring gives you the exact same vibes, though it leans more towards comedy.

Xiao Gin, a delinquent new student, takes his two "frenemies" to his grandparents' "hotel". Things start to take an ugly turn when both his friends Little Princess and the sleep walking Lu Qun find out that something was very strange in their new getaway. And Gin's grandparents seems to be mysteriously hiding something...

The comedy is what I remember the most out of this, but it does have its share of emotional scenes, particularly for Xiao Gin.
The story is really cliched, but the performance of the actors and its hilarity makes up for it. The bromance between the three is to really cute and I loved watching them grow reluctantly closer.
7.5/10. I knocked off the score due to its predictability, but other than that, this was worth my time.

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If Melancholy was Personified.

The premise and the hear says about this drama were not often favourable, but I gave a wild shot at this one, clearly knowing what kind of vibes I was getting into. And boy, it does not disappoint.
Don't be repelled by the age-gap tag because there is absolutely no importance of the ages of the characters.
Sachi, a 14-year-old high school girl, is seemingly kidnapped by her own choice by a mysterious Onii-San, a blonde haired masked youth who has secrets of his own. A full blown search for the kid begins, but the detectives begin to suspect that something more was in their hands. ..

Slowly, we watch the events, both the past and the present unfold through the characters' eyes. Why is Sachi willing to get kidnapped? Why did Onii-San choose to do it? What lies ahead for them?
Throw in a few interesting characters and I was invested.

This is not a romance if that's what you came for. Sachi has a fair share of traumatic events that could possibly trigger viewers, so be warned.

At the end of the day, I really liked this drama. The story itself might look like a muddled mess, but as I am a huge fan of analyzing personalities, none of the actions done by the main characters seemed weird or wrong. I particularly loved the head detective, even if he had a total screentime of roughly 20 minutes.
And the OST Flow by Neiro is now stuck in my head.
A really melancholic and intriguing drama. It's short, but 100% worth a try.

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A Slice of Lifey Production for a Better Day.

It took me two months to complete it, but what made this unique was that I hadn't forgotten about the characters.
Sakura and Yuma had a strange comforting effect on me and watching them go through dilemmas was interesting.
The story begins with Sakura, whom we soon learn, has unrequited feelings for his long time best friend, the playful Yuma.
I loved Sakura's courage; I wouldn't have the guts to face the person I like if I was him.
I loved Yuma and his interactions, particularly during the scene where they had gone camping with Riko and Norio.
Norio and Riko along with the Homeroom and Music teacher duo had their own storylines that somehow did not seem out of place or odd.
All in all, it's a quick easy watch to get you in a better mood.

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What would you do if you lost your heart far away from home?

Life on Mars is one of the most well-written and highly satisfying dramas I've ever watched. It was an excellent concoction of mystery, suspense, thrill, romance, bromance, friendships and life.

Han Tae Joo, a forensic detective, is a stickler for rules. His unflinching adherence to the law and cold demeanour had earned him praise among his colleagues. But, when a serial killer is set free after failing to provide relevant evidence, Tae Joo's life takes a turn. What's more? The killer, Kim Min Seok claims to have known him. While on a chase for him, Han Tae Joo is shot at and hit by a car. Waking up, he finds himself transported back to the year 1988… in a small police station and Inguk.
Having to make do with the very little technological advancement and rather crude methods of his new Captain and his colleagues, Han Tae Joo struggles to wake up from his dream… or is it all just a dream?

Han Tae Joo is one curious character. At first sight, he was as interesting as a cardboard with little to no reaction during several crucial moments. It is after he is hurled into 1988 that we get to see him alive and living his life to the fullest. His character growth and choices are the major turning points of this drama, which vaguely reminded me of Signal (2016). It is evident from the initial episodes that he is stuck in a state of coma from which he is unable to get up. Whether he would pull himself up from it or whether he'd 'die solving old cases' was an important question that hovered over the viewers mind.

Seeing the blossoming friendship between Captain Kang, Nom Shik, Young Pil, and Yoon Na Young was heartwarming. The pacing was just right enough for me to find their growth natural and realistic.

The cases were surprisingly interlinked with the past and the future. I have to give it to the Violent Crime unit for solving it with intuition and skills. The 'domestic' approach to investigations was a wake-up call for Han Tae Joo and I loved watching him stumble. (He is, like everyone, a flawed character.)

By the end of certain episodes, I wished that he did not have to go back to 2018. The present, unfortunately, seemed procedural and artificial.
The Sci-Fi aspect is not strong and I understood why several questions remained unanswered. I for one, found the rather bleak ending highly satisfying.

Sometimes it's worth feeling with our whole heart. And I'm sure that Inguk Police Station Violent Crimes Unit agrees with me too.

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A Disney Delight.

I'm not jesting with the title. This drama strongly reminded me of a Disney movie. If it wasn't for Park Dong Ju, the entire drama would completely lose any sense of seriousness.

Don't get me wrong. The drama as a whole is a treat. We have Dae Woong, a spoilt jock, who runs away after his grandfather threatens to send him off to military school. While seeking shelter from the rain at temple, a gumiho tricks him into setting her free. Grateful for his help, she heals him off his injuries using her fox bead after he tumbles down a hill.
A shocked Dae Woong finds himself followed by the supernatural creature, whom he nicknames Gu Mi Ho. Unbeknowest to him, Park Dong Ju spins a plan of his own to get the gumiho back to her own realm.

I have to give it to the cast -- everyone where portrayed to a tee. I don't know who is styled Dae Woong, but he had the worst hairstyle in this drama. Or was it a trend in older KDramas?
I loved every single character, including minor ones like Byung Soon, Dae Woong's best friend. I loved the little friendships and relationships in this one. Gu Mi Ho and Dae Woong are the paradigm of innocent romance. It was funny, heartwarming, sometimes cringey, but endearing.
Gu Mi Ho was absolutely adorable. I've seen Shin Min Ah in Hometown Cha Cha Cha, but had to drop it as it did not interest me much. Also, shoutout to the Director and Aunty Min Sook for being the comic relief. Episode 4 with the wall scene will always be a memorable one. The villain, Park Dong Ju, was a well played character. He would've had my support, if he hadn't been stuck deep in his own prejudices.

The drama dragged unnecessarily after EP8 or so. Which is why this lost it's chance to score a solid 8. But, I can see why this is appealing to many out there. You don't get much stress free minus all the angsty dramas out there anymore.

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Superpriest!

I feel absolutely terrible now that I've completed watching this drama. First and foremost --- DO NOT LET THE ABSENCE OF ROMANCE TAG DETER YOU FROM WATCHING THIS GEM!

Whew! Now that I've got that out of my system, I'll try to write a review that atleast appears to be legible. Personally, according to me, good dramas are the ones that need to be truly experienced first hand instead of leaving the viewer in a dilemma as to whether to watch or not by reading the synopsis and reviews.

The very first episode introduces us to a rather eccentric and hot tempered priest, Father Kim Hae Il, who is sent back to his church in Gudam after beating up a bunch of thugs in another town. I kid you not, the priest is the very reason I began this drama. And he along with his Tsunami gang is what made me stick till the very end.
I digress, so let me return to the plot... well. Within a matter of days, his mentor and the Head Father of the Church, Father Lee, is found dead at the bottom of a cliff. When the Prosecutor Seong Ok decides to close the case without futher investigation despite Father Kim's frequent pleas, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
A drastic decision offers him complete authority to personally oversee the case... which is handed over to Dae Seok, an incompetant detective, by the perpetrators who instigated the crime. Now with multiple people attempting to hinder the truth from coming to light, Father Kim takes drastic measures while grappling with his own guilt.

This is one of the most genuinely funny and witty dramas I've ever seen. The basic storyline is pretty overused: a group of people with the ultimate power utilizes and compromises the safety and security of the people. The characters aren't really gem worthy -- they are real, raw humans who have made mistakes or "are" making mistakes.

There is also plenty of action! I have actually hyped for every single one of them! This might sound pretty un-Godly, but Father Kim need not change who he was to become a messenger of God. Sometimes, it is the power of fists that delineate our boundaries.

There is Bromance and comradeship that keeps the whole drama afloat. I loved and adored the friendship between Song Sac and Yoo Oh Han. They were secondary characters, but were one of the hearts of the show. Jang Ryung, the bob hair guy and villain was someone I couldn't hate. He was so stupid and funny. Hwang Cheol Bum, a thug turned owner of a trading store, was another interesting character. Both of them were people whom I believe turned out to be who they were due their circumstances. Not because they were genuinely evil individuals.

And the OST?! AWESOME!! I feel to laugh just by listening to them. (Extreme Gootham City is one of my absolute favorites.)

The drama does have intense emotional scenes. The underlying theme is uncovering the truth behind Father Lee's death, so there are times that we must take deep breaths. Nobody gets away unscathed. Not even our Tsunami Priest and his friends.

By the last episode, I was upset that the drama was ending. I wanted to see more punches and fights and Team Tsunami in action. It was completely fulfilling, funny, heartwarming, witty and absolutely lovable!

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What happens when your heart rules you.

I have very mixed feelings for this short drama. The actors were excellent and the sets, costumes and scenary where all excellent.

The story, however, just did not do the trick for me. All I could think about was how so many tears could have been saved, had the leading guy confessed about the situation he was stuck in right from the very beginning. It would've stopped the female lead from having her heart terribly broken.

I do feel sympathetic to Kim Soo Sun, whose life was delineated by his father. I could see why he made certain questionable choices when it came to Yu Soo San.
And also, this is the first time I'm seeing a piece of entertainment which fiercely depicted the cruelty of the Japanese. It was blood curdling and disturbing. A huge respect for everyone who dared to stand up to them!
Well. It was a pleasant watch, but definitely not something that I'd rewatch.

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This would've worked out better as a full fledged movie.
The story was an actually excellent one involving very wuxiaish tropes. From what I observed, it follows of a young disciple whose parents are killed off by a mysterious cultivator. She is adopted by her 'Shifu' for whom she develops ardent feelings for.
I loved the soundtrack used for the short film. It can be called a rather short music video rather than a film. Some of the actors were unconvincing and this seems to be an independant creation. I appreciate the efforts that they took. It was all over in the blink of an eye.

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Hyde and Me.

Based on a popular webtoon, Sweet Home received significant attention back while it aired last year. I did not have any prior idea about the story before I dove in. Only that the red hued poster hinted intense blood shed and an MDL article that introduced several "monsters' '. The hype doesn't lie: the Green Home apartments' residents face the nightmare of their life when an epidemic-like condition that turns people into monsters strikes them. Told through the eyes of Cha Hyun-Su, a 19-year-old boy who had just moved in, the series follows the residents as they struggle to survive and hope for an escape from their bleak future. All this whilst they fight monsters and risk turning into one themselves.

☆ The plot… Well, if you are someone who is familiar with post-apocalyptic or dystopian genres, then the basic background of the drama can be hinted right from the opening scene. There's nothing novel about it and I found the progress of 'that' particular subplot partly predictable. But, it did not suck away the thrill and anticipation. There is a high chance that further revelations arise in the future, so I'll give this one the benefit of doubt.

☆ The Characters are the real highlight of the show. And the poster lied. We meet a number of characters whose backstories are intensely explored. The name of the drama 'Sweet Home' from my perspective, doesn't stand for a safe and warm place to stay. It's rather the home that the remaining survivors struggle to build by slowly growing accustomed to their rough circumstances and starting to trust in each other. The plot lacked substance, but it did not lack in the character department. No one was present just as a plot device, but the very base of the story dumbs all of them together in a rather unfavourable manner.
All the cast were spot on. Their performances were incredibly good and overwhelmingly with the right emotions. The two child actors in particular were highly convincing.

☆ The entire story takes place in an apartment complex. The drama, as a result, is cramped, dark and bloody. It created the right ambience to feel the tension whenever necessary. The first two episodes were particularly disturbing, but the feeling disappears once we get the hang of it. Another plus side of the drama was that it did not have any gratuitous violence or scenes for the sake of it.

☆ While the background music was highly addictive, I'm sure that I wouldn't have chosen Warrior by Imagine Dragons as the ultimate battle song. It sounded cool in one or two episodes, but managed to ruin the mood, particularly at the end of EP8. It was supposed to be a highly emotional experience, but all I had in mind was how somebody thought to ruin the moment with such a terrible choice of song. The soundtrack in the final three episodes was perfect though.

☆ Despite all that, I felt that there was a distinct absence of purpose in the initial episodes. There was a repetitive cycle going on for a long time until something urgent pushed the leader 'four-eyes' into taking drastic measures. It was good for a single watch, but definitely not worth going all over again for a second time. The drama stressed a lot on the characters and their struggles individually for the first half of the episodes. The leading character, Cha Hyun-Su barely speaks or appears for an extended period of time. The episodes and screen time was equally distributed for multiple characters. The latter half of the drama is when things get into motion and the story gains momentum. It's finale was explosive and intriguing enough to convince me to give the second season a try.

☆ While there were scattered minor plotholes, one in particular was glaringly obvious. It was never brought up or resolved in the end. It shouldn't have been the case, but it almost felt as if the writers knew no other way to wrap up the arc and decided to neglect it. Also, the concept behind the 'monsters' was only mentioned in passing and never got any proper explanation.

There are enough details that are yet to be explained and I hope that the second season does this. It lacked the thrill I had expected, but it was an almost satisfying watch. I loved the various characters as they fought for hope. Though I don't think I'll rewatch it, the time that I spent was definitely worth it.

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A "Sweet" Thrilling Ride.

I've known that several Asian countries preserve certain forms of art and even have generations of the same family take it up, thus continuing a legacy. Once the family falls, the art dies down. Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru/Something Is Wrong With Us strongly portrays the importance of such traditions.

-- - When 5-year-old Okuro Nao (Sakura) came to the legendary sweet shop Kogetsu An with her mother, she never expected that her entire life would get turned upside down after her mother is framed for a murder that she did not commit… all based on the words of Tsubaki, her only friend and the one who made her love the art of sweetmaking. 15 years later, she decides to go back to Kogetsu An to find out the truth and clear her mom's name in the hope to enjoy the art of sweet-making freely. She hides her true identity and gets entangled once again with Tsubaki, discovering secrets that could turn her world upside down.

--- The story: is very Makjang style. But, not too much over the top - everything came to a believable conclusion. The murder and sweet making go hand in hand. I kept waiting for unfortunate events to befall Nao, but she faced them with all the might she had and learnt to survive in the deadly kitchen of Kogetsu An. She has to sort out her priorities: her mother's truth or Tsubaki's trust? The term suspension of disbelief becomes unsuitable once we realize how much of a big part the sweets play in the drama.

--- The Sweets: Like the title of my review, the art of sweet making itself seems like a more scary job than performing a surgery. And no sweet was simply a sweet. Each one had unique meanings and descriptions that would make ancient poets weep. It looked as if everyone made it with their heart and blood instead of flour and sugar. The carving, colouring and the effort that went behind a single one makes me want to frame them in a glass case instead of eating them.

--- I absolutely loved Nao's character. She had guts and a lot of willpower. Although appearing frail and powerless, she is ready to go headfirst into several situations that one would usually dare not go close to. Particularly, someone like her who must be avoiding suspicion. I loved her journey. I loved how her character grew into someone who could stand on her own and be a worthy opponent.

--- Tsubaki was no exception; he was the one person whom I felt had a distinct character growth. He had his own emotional baggage to hold up and simultaneously prove that he was worthy of his father's name.

--- The supporting characters and even the ones who are to be labelled as villains were all pitiful and three dimensional. Everyone were just pure humans in the end. I didn't hate a single person. I had a particular liking for Takigawa-san and Jojimo-kun, who impressed me with their performance and characters.

--- The time skip: I have yet to see many dramas that can portray a proper timeskip without making things seem like complete nonsense. This drama in particular had two to three timeskips that had a natural flow to it. Characters grew and evolved as individuals during them, making the next set of events nerve wracking to watch. It is a well paced drama.

--- The aesthetics: Japan rarely goes for flamboyant display of beauty and this drama was no different. The grace and poise in every character and the craft were so well portrayed that I can't recall a single moment where I was bored out of my mind.

--- The OST was the downside for me. While I enjoyed the simple BGMs and the opening credits, I did not like the song that popped up usually right before the episode wrapped. It sounded more suitable for some anime or heroic movie. This might also be due to the language barrier; I didn't understand a single word.

It's definitely worth a watch. And also, one of the better dramas that does not disappoint.

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A feast for suspense and romance lovers.

This is one of the most unique dramas that YoYo English Channel has put up. With only 24 episodes, the mini mystery plots, excellent cast, hint of romance and comedy, it has enough solid substance that is pretty bingeworthy.
All the actors, even the supporting cast, played their roles excellently. Li Jia, Cha Cha and Ah' Cheng's friendship was particularly noteworthy. They reminded me of the Harry Potter trio a lot. I wish I can see more such relations in CDramas. Even in moments of distress, Ah-Cheng would crack a joke and lighten up the mood.
Cha Cha's romance towards Li Jia was truly a delight.
Each episode had a fresh plot and dealt with how the events in them ultimately affected Li Jia, a PG student in psychiatry, who was desperately clinging to a hope that moving away from his home could change the fate that ultimately awaits him - genetically linked schizophrenia around the age of 24.
I loved his character - kind of an introvert, but with enough insight and brains. Cha Cha and Cheng on the other hand were more of his supporters who helped him with each and every step.

--- The downsides would be that some 'mysteries' felt too unbelievable or longer than necessary. The ending itself seemed rather rushed with several unanswered questions.

Despite that all, I'll still recommend this to anyone looking for a quick thrill.

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