Change Your Image
TheodoraEh
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
Raijingu Inpakuto (2024)
The only place where golf is cool, probably
Season 1 was an 8 for me, which means I really enjoyed it. Never knew anything about golf or cared about it at all so that was pretty unexpected.
I was looking forward to season 2 but the first couple of episodes were pretty slow so I was about to give up thinking that in most cases the first season of a show is usually the best anyway, so nothing lost really. But I decided to stick with it and boy did it deliver on the second half. Seriously, I don't know how they managed to keep our interest up for a golf game, and how they made it into such an emotional and brutal fight. It was great to watch.
Which is why now I'm looking forward to season 3, and from what I read in blogs it'll most likely be enough for the remaining chapters of the manga. So hopefully we'll get to see it to the end. But even if we don't, the first two seasons were worth it.
Pending Train (2023)
I liked it
Wow why are some people so angry about this show!? Some hate reviews are really hostile, surely there's been worse shows than this so why!?
In any case, I liked it. I watched Lost years ago so I barely remember it, yes I can see the similarities but even though it was strange at first, somehow I prefer an upbeat random daijobu Japanese song playing whenever something bad happened rather than the usual doom music that sets us up for a heart attack or depression in most US shows. In general, there was no overall sense of doom and terror which personally I appreciated, but I understand that's not everyone's cup of tea. Maybe all the hate reviews are from die hard Lost fans? That I'd understand, but still, expect the concept to be repeated again as it has been in the past too.
This is the Japanese version, with all the usual tropes, we have the option to skip or fast forward the super slow melo scenes but we also get to see that side of the world. Which means no sex, drugs, nudity, swearing, etc and it's refreshing for some of us. Overall this was an exciting and entertaining family friendly show that also tries to make a point about being grateful for what we have.
Deo Inpeullueonseo (2024)
Better than expected
I usually hate shows like this, where I feel that they exploit/humiliate the players, but this one wasn't quite like that.
First of all the production value was super high and second they came up with games that really tested what an influencer should be all about. Emphasis on the "should". Because many influencers don't have much to show except tons of followers who they sometimes get by chance, and there's not much to what they do to get them.
So somehow they games filter out those. Which is satisfying and fair if you ask me. I mean, some of the girls just showing their boobs what would they have done on the last round? I wonder really. Or plenty of the initial players. Not that it really matters what someone is famous for, there's always an audience for everything, but it'd be nice to be someone that has a lot to offer.
The last round on the last episode was the most exciting. I didn't know the two male players beforehand and I'd only seen one video in the past of the female player but she really had the most to offer in terms of content, entertainment and personality so I think she was robbed of the prize. But the other two have millions of followers in Korea too so I guess they must have done something right all this time. But in terms of the actual last game without considering their content outside the game, I think Risabae should have won. I can't imagine any other of the initial 77 being this engaging on the last round. Maybe I'm wrong of course, but the whole show felt fair somehow which is why I liked it. And not super humiliating or anything.
Apparently it seems like Koreans enjoy being competitive and they're also quite good and polite at it, so it's one of those shows that doesn't make us feel too bad about what they were put through.
Zeytin Agaci (2022)
My first Turkish series
I just finished the first season, skipping a bit. I thought it was a great concept, it really felt like therapy watching it. Very emotional and deeper than expected.
The lead actress is gorgeous and I loved her styling, clothes, hair, makeup etc. In general I thought the whole series was very well styled, the whole aesthetic of the seaside village etc. The music was good too.
Not sure I'll keep watching for the second season but I might. I thought it finished quite well on the first season and it was too much for me emotionally to go on immediately after.
I wasn't expecting any Greek references but there were quite a few so that was interesting too. Overall I enjoyed it and consider it a superior production so I'm glad it was my first Turkish series.
New World (2021)
The best of its kind
Watching it for a second time 3 years later since a second season still hasn't happened, and it's still as fun and exciting as the first time. What makes it so great:
First of all the location. This place is seriously out of this world. It's gorgeous, and every scene looks amazing because of it.
Second, the cast. They're all so fun, I don't know how much the director or writers interfered and I don't really care, all their reactions were so fun and clever as well as the interactions between them.
Third, the supporting cast was super fun too.
Fourth, the games. They were interesting and fun and each episode had more than one game which meant it never got boring or slow.
I really do hope we get another season. Or maybe it worked because it was just 8 episodes? I don't know but if you're ever bored or feeling down this show will definitely lift your mood! Great production 10/10.
Bimileun Eobseo (2024)
Crazy ride
Well this was a crazy ride. How they managed to get all these stories in there is really a feat. 12 episodes that felt like more, instead of the usual 16 episodes that you'd hope would be less.
Personally it reminded me of older classic KRomcoms and I was very happy with that. It was silly and funny, with unpredictable and weird story lines all over the place. Of course there were the usual clichés of sudden tragedies, car crashes and sad childhoods but the overarching theme of lying/honesty etc and overcoming psychological issues was effective and touching in my opinion.
Even though it was centered around the two main leads, I'd say it's more of the typical ensemble format, and I thought all the actors were good. I don't know why the female lead gets all this hate here in the reviews, I thought she was adorable and fine. The male lead has a spot in my heart from Reply 1988 and Don't Dare to Dream (2 of my favorites ever). I hadn't seen him since and he really gives his best here, maybe even more than needed sometimes, but he's adorable too.
So overall, a pretty entertaining and enjoyable experience (except for one episode in which they managed to cram in all the sad stuff. But at the end of course everything turns out fine thankfully!)
Unnatural (2018)
Very good
Even though I'm not a fan of series involving death, corpses, etc I had nothing else to watch so I decided to give it a shot. And after reading some reviews about how heart warming it was. Well it's true, I wasn't expecting not to freak out by dead bodies and constant talk about dying but it happened. This series manages to make the grotesque less unsettling by how it portrays it, and I wish more series were like that.
I was also amazed by some story details, like "how did the writers come up with that!?" went through my mind a lot. Maybe because I don't normally watch shows like that, I found the story very intriguing and engaging.
All the actors were good, a guest actor in one of the cases is one of my favorites, and the female lead even though drop dead gorgeous was very convincing as a coroner and as emotional as needed.
A second season would be nice but part of what makes Japanese shows great is that they're only one season!
Gungeomsa Dobeleuman (2022)
Wow what a ride!
First of all, each episode was like a separate movie, kept my interest for all 16 episodes which rarely happens! Even though there was some violence etc, there was always some comedic relief by some of the side characters. All actors were great, but especially Ahn Bo-hyun was perfect for this part!!
I hadn't seen Kim Woo-seok before but he was great in portraying the process of his character change and all the emotions it involved.
Korean Ensemble shows like this one are great when they're good. Even though the theme is different, it reminded me of other successful ensemble series like Diary Of A Prosecutor, Hyena, Good Manager, and many more I won't list right now, which are classics and all time favorites. And I'm glad I decided to give this one a try!
Just a note, even though I loved it I watched it at 1.25 speed, but I do that with most dramas. So if you find it a bit slow that's no reason to give up on it, just speed it up a bit!
Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut (2024)
Important info
The information shared in this doc is very important and it's stuff that should be known by everyone. Personally I wasn't that crazy about the delivery, with a million different kinds of cartoons and animations, I don't know why this specific mode was chosen. As if it has to be super cute otherwise people won't want to sit through a gut doc? I found that unnecessary and distracting but I tried to bypass it and focus on the info shared.
My one major thing though, is a conversation with one of the participants and the researchers at some point half way through. She expresses worry about maybe never eating bacon again and one of the researchers says something like "omg that's horrible, don't say that" and then laughs. Considering the whole process of making bacon is horrible, plus the actual effects it has on our health, I found that comment insensitive and off-putting. And then the same conversation continues by suggesting she microdoses chips, just to make sure she keeps eating chips in her life and not miss out on that extremely valuable food (sarcasm). Seriously, I wish this whole conversation was ommited, I feel like these two comments will undo a lot of the good that the rest of the doc tries to do. Eating bacon or chips is literally the last thing anyone who cares about their gut should he eating, so it's really OK never having either agsin, not horrible, and not something you should be "easing into". I'd have given it a 10 otherwise.
Nunmuleui yeowang (2024)
Disappointment
Ugh I had high hopes for this and I couldn't even finish the 3rd episode.
I loved the male lead in My Love From The Star, and I loved the female lead in Fight For My Way. Two of my favorite Kdramas of all time!! Unfortunately this one is nothing like either one of them. It's very soapy, like an actual soap opera with the whole rich family and the whole deal. I don't know who can relate to any of the characters, especially since I saw somewhere that this series beat Reply 1988!? Another one of my all time faves. That's just insane, clearly the metrics are different now, there's no relation whatsoever and there shouldn't even be a comparison.
If it wasn't for the two leads' pretty faces, and the fact that we've been waiting a long time to see them, I don't think anyone would be interested. That's what it seems like to me at least.
Futekisetsu ni mo Hodo ga Aru! (2024)
This was so much fun!
I started this reluctantly but it turned out so good! The first review before mine says it all basically.
I admire the Japanese so much for how crazy and funny they can be, like seriously surreal and hilarious. Plus they always add a humanity and morality factor, and there's always a deeper meaning behind even the wackiest scripts.
All the actors were really good, especially the least experienced younger ones, the random bursting into song was funny, the cultural references were very accurate universally not just in the Japanese context. There were parts I literally laughed out loud and there were even a couple parts I teared up a bit, which I was really not expecting. All in all, very entertaining!!
Ready, Set, Love (2024)
Oh wow
I was not expecting this to be good, and it was really good! I've been pleasantly surprised with Thai productions these days and I'm so happy about it! I've finished everything Korean and Japanese and I only started this because I had nothing to watch but I really enjoyed it!
Overall the whole production was great, I don't know what the budget was but it looks very well made, like people actually made an effort to make this as perfect as possible. I particularly loved some details in the games, settings, sound effects etc that made it really fun and unique. I also found the story quite unique and engaging. And all the actors did a great job, especially the very handsome male lead who shares the same birthday as me lol.
From the movie poster/trailer it looked pretty cringey/cheesy to me but it turns out that was minimal to none, which was a huge surprise. It was actually fun and interesting, with not much room for boredom, especially since it's just 6 episodes (better than dragging 16).
Unlock My Boss (2022)
Unexpectedly good
The premise was too crazy for me and I wasn't planning on watching this but I thought I'd give it a shot since I had nothing else to watch. Plus I had just finished Eye Love You and Castaway Diva and wanted to see Chae Jong Hyeop again.
He was really good as well as the rest of the cast, so this is probably what made this series so engaging and entertaining. Everyone from the main cast to the supporting characters were great. The direction was really good too.
As far as the premise I just went along with it, just like in other AI/robot dramas and I thought it was interesting and fun, not too sentimental or preachy and the action scenes were not too overwhelming. So overall, good fun!
Sathu (2024)
Great Thai production
I'm not giving this a 10 because I realized on the last episode that it doesn't end after the initial 9 episodes released on Netflix. I never start a series unless all episodes are out so I was a bit frustrated at the end.
Anyway, now that we're here, I loved watching this. The fact that it's set in Thailand in a temple etc, I loved watching temples rather than a big city. So colorful and interesting. I also liked the fact that they tackle that whole mess that is religion, especially in a country where it looks to be pretty dominant.
I found the pacing to be good in all episodes except the last one, where it went really slow and now I see why. Because we weren't getting to any resolution, just a cliffhanger for the next season. Personally I wish it'd have ended, cause I feel like it's gonna get a lot more complicated from now on.
In any case, great Thai production, I usually only watch Korean and Japanese series but I ran out and thought I'd give this a go and I was surprised by how good a production it is, I'll be looking forward to more Thai productions in the future. The settings, actors, script, music, all great. Maybe just how dark some scenes were at some instances would be my only complaint, but nothing major. And the fact they didn't translate what that piece of paper said at the end, ugh!
Good job everyone!
Dakteoseulleompeu (2024)
Good overall
I've seen too many Kdramas so two things are happening : 1. I'm always hoping the next one I watch will be as good as the ones I've loved in the past. And 2. I'm so used to some things that kind of suck that I ignore them or just fast forward, and try to focus on the overall picture.
So in this case I was hoping it'd be great and I'd love it and become one of my all time faves. It didn't happen but I managed to ignore the parts that sucked and focus on the good parts.
For example, yes it's ridiculous for two adults to act like children when it comes to relationships and skinship, but that shocked me on the first kdrama I ever watched. Now I consider it normal. Overall I found this pair realistic as to how the build their bond, and cute.
I'm also a bit sick of scenes where they yell and scream a lot either for comedic purposes or for dramatic ones like crying etc but I just fast forward through those.
And the excessive drinking. It's a staple in Kdramas but I think they overdid it in this one. And I couldn't help thinking they're also on psych meds, and that's a pretty bad combo to be showing.
One thing that a lot of comments here mention is the ML and how he seemed to act ridiculous as a doctor etc. Well I found him ridiculous too but I liked it, personally I've never seen him act like that before and I thought it was good to see this side of him as an actor, rather than the serious poker face heartthrob closeups of handsome K actors these days.
And lastly, I liked the show's take on mental health, even though I didn't like that it relied so much on meds as the solution.
Eye Love You (2024)
Super kawaii
This is super cute, so definitely not everyone's cup of tea. I wasn't expecting it but personally I loved the first five episodes, the rest are coming in later.
The reason why I enjoyed it so much is that basically I took it as an anime with human actors. It feels very cartoonish, how everyone's character is so exaggerated, and they all seem like cartoon characters. As well as the whole premise of being telepathic of course.
So anyways, the cuteness is exaggerated too, they have literally made the sweetest, cutest, nicest ML to ever have existed in any series, which reminds me of stuff I used to watch when I was a kid, and right now I don't mind it.
Bonus points, my two favorite languages in one series! My ears are in bliss.
Ro Gi Wan (2024)
No idea why
I have no idea why they chose to go down this route, but this movie could have been so impactful. If they had focused on the whole process of being a deported North Korean defector. I was prepared to be sad by the tragedy of that situation even though I'm not into sad movies, thinking at least it'd give us some knowledge of what it means to defect North Korea etc. On the contrary though, this movie seems to focus more on the Belgium underground criminal scene. Personally I found that storyline ridiculous and uninteresting. Sorry!
As in many Korean movies, the number of tragedies one must face seem to be the indicator of how good a movie will be. So we get plenty here too, literally for every character, there's no escape.
The romance, we could all see it coming from the start, but it happened literally in a blink of an eye. I wasn't expecting it to turn romantic so fast and then remain till the end. I thought it'd be a political movie, but granted this was just me.
I had to fast forward and skip many parts without losing much of the plot. However, the last scene was very cute.
My Holo Love (2020)
Underappreciated
I started this very reluctantly, thinking the overall theme was very corny, but it turned out very enjoyable and I'm glad. Granted, you have to suspend belief in every scene, and I'm not even talking about the AI.
Some of the things that annoyed me:
-The whole "childhood trauma" trope is always overblown in Kdramas. I can't remember which one it was, but someone even had a thing that happened to them as a child while it was raining, so they had a fear of rain as an adult. In this one let's say it's more logical, with his mom dying and all, but still the fact that as adults they haven't managed or even tried to get over childhood traumas and they talk about them like they're facts rather than a process they have to go through, annoys me. But I guess they whole series is something happening that makes them get over it so we're basically watching it happen to them, rather than them doing anything about it.
- Any scene where it wasn't the AI but the actual person impersonating the AI. There weren't that many but as viewers we really had to force ourselves to believe it's possible for someone to breathe and talk and stand next to you and not get they're human. And not think the person isn't a complete idiot for not getting it.
- The whole "know each other since childhood" trope is also very common in Kdramas, and again as viewers we have to just go along with it. Someone pls explain to me why this is so common. Anyway, in this one it added some nice interactions with the mother.
What I liked: -I liked the pacing and that it was 12 episodes instead of 16. The last couple episodes are very action packed and fun, where in other series they usually drag. I loved the running scene in the airport for some reason.
- The overall aesthetic was great, very well made both in the case of the AI and the rest.
- The male lead was great in acting different as an AI and as a human. The female lead showed great emotionality and she was gorgeous without being overwhelming.
- Some scenes were unexpectedly emotional and very well made.
Overall, I fast forwarded this one only a bit compared to others and that's a win for me. I'd never even heard of it or knew any of the actors but I really enjoyed it.
Welkeomtu Samdal-ri (2023)
Why so much yelling!?
The whole series is giving Cha Cha Cha and Uri Blues vibes and I was hoping to enjoy it. I've only watched the first two episodes but I probably won't go on because of the constant yelling. Maybe it's just me, or maybe it's bad sound editing, I don't know. But it feels like in every single scene, people either yell, or cry, or cry-yell. And I keep turning the sound down and then back up again. It's like no one can have a conversation in normal level volume.
I never write reviews without finishing a series and I was really looking forward to this one. The FL is one of my favorite actresses and she's been in some of my all time favorite dramas. I remember the ML from Empress Ki and I was looking forward to seeing him in something good again but unfortunately it hasn't happened yet.
Orenji deizu (2004)
A timeless gem
I'm glad others were moved by this series as much as I was. I've been watching a lot of Jdramas for the past few years and they always have an emotionality and heartwarming humanity that's unique.
I watched this gem 20 years after its' release, but honestly it didn't feel like it's 20 years old. I mean, obviously the haircuts, clothes etc look like they're from 20 years ago, but for me they looked perfectly fine and hip for college graduates because that's what I was back then! And I looked a lot like that and still do lol. Personally I still prefer that style so not only did I not mind it, but it made the series more fun and pleasing to watch too.
I'm pretty sure this show was huge back when it was broadcast in Japan, and rightly so. All the actors are great, the classical music and the sign language elements are very interesting, and the ways disability, friendship, family, and the transition to adult life are portrayed are so well made. And of course the main love story. Nothing cringe or cheesy, just a pure bond that you can't help but root for. The writers and the director did an amazing job in every single element they included, offering us an amazing viewing and emotional experience. Arigato gozaimasu!!
Edit: It's been a couple of weeks since I finished watching this and I miss it!! I can't find anything to replace it, I keep starting different Kdramas and Jdramas and dropping them.
Also, I find my fellow Greek's comment below hilarious and awesome at the same time, because it sounds exactly like me when I first started watching Jdramas!
Saitama no hosuto (2023)
Fun and weird
I've watched plenty of Japanese series with even weirder story lines, but this one in particular was probably the weirdest one. Not a moment went by without me thinking "who even thought of this!?". And maybe that was the point because I loved it.
Japanese host culture is strange enough on its own for me, and I'm glad someone decided to show it in a funny and lighthearted way (because it can be sad and kind of dark too). I guess since it's something that's happening there anyway, might as well do a comedy about it. The clothes, locations, and hairstyles were all kind of crazy, adding to the comedic element.
The story and dialogue weren't deep in any way, but they were cute and humane, with the Japanese style of respect and humbleness which I personally enjoy.
All in all, fun and weird, and I really enjoyed it!
Castaway Diva (2023)
Good but could have been better
I was not expecting this to take the direction it eventually took. I wish it had stuck with the "singer from deserted island makes it" story rather than add all the violence on the side. I have no idea why someone would want to mix these two themes together but anyway, I watched it all the way to the end, just fast forwarding the dark/sad parts.
I liked Park Eun-bin more than in any other role, she wasn't acting all quirky/nervous/character except her accent, she looked great with long hair, and her singing is amazing.
I particularly enjoyed her relationship with her Idol, whom I'd never seen before and thought she was great too. As well as her mom. Both these two Korean actresses have interesting backgrounds and I think they really delivered in this project.
Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023)
A lot to like but also dislike
I was about to write a review while watching the first few episodes and it would have been an 8. It was funny, weird and cute. I didn't mind all the irrelevant side characters and it showed great promise. But by episode 9 it went downhill fast for me. It got dark and violent for my taste. Same reason why I stopped watching Strong Woman DBS. And I thought I could finally like something from this two part series, apparently not. I'm surprised so many people liked SWDBS, but I never finished it to have a proper opinion. Unfortunately, same thing happened with this one.
I like the premise of a female with extraordinary power etc but when it turns to crime solving I guess it's a bit boring for me.
Pool ha-woo-seu (2004)
I tried
Well, I tried. It's a famous classic so I figured I owe it to Kdramas to watch it. Plus, some old classics are still amazing.
Well this one unfortunately wasn't for me. I didn't mind that it looked old etc but I think and hope I wouldn't have liked it back in the day either. Because the trope of "mean guy with a heart of gold" is one of the reasons women get into abusive relationships, or just plain fall for the wrong guy. And in this one it is constant.
I don't know who enjoys watching couples fight literally all the time, but not me. Maybe the few seconds they make up and show their "true colors" make it worth it for some people, and yes it can be cute but then going back to constant bickering, yelling and mean comments, I have no idea how people enjoy it.
I watched it on higher speed up to ep 10 so I really tried, until I thought "Why am I doing this to myself". The main reason was how cute Rain is but most importantly how it's the first time ever I enjoyed Song Hye-kyo's acting. She was lively and expressive, a whole different picture to what I've seen in her most recent work, and which I really don't like. But at least now I can see why she got so famous, when she wants to she can be great.
Also, she's the cutest thing I've ever seen in this drama, breathtakingly beautiful!! Not that she's not right now too of course but I'd never seen her this young.
Joogoonui Taeyang (2013)
Love it!!
I was avoiding watching this, I thought the ghosts etc would be scary but I'm so glad I watched it!! I loved it, didn't want it to end, even though the second half was mental! Honestly I have no idea what the writers are on, but I seriously couldn't believe how they came up with everything. I don't watch soap operas generally but I'd say at some points it felt kind of soapy but still it was entertaining and interesting. And above all very, very romantic.
Gong Hyo-Jin has officially starred in all the best scripts if you ask me, all the dramas she has chosen (or was chosen for) have been the most fun I've watched, from Pasta, to Don't Dare to Dream, and now this. I really enjoy watching her, she's very down to earth and pleasant.
So Ji-Sub was also great at his part, I'd only seen him in Venus before this one and I enjoyed both series a lot, he's very handsome haha!
All the side characters were great and hilarious in many cases which was a lot of fun. Seo In-Guk is one of the prettiest side characters ever and Kim Yoo-Ri is adorable.
Really happy I finally watched this classic! Note, I watched it at 1:25, Kdramas tend to be slow but higher speed doesn't ruin anything imho and this wasn't as bad as more recent ones.