Rivu Ltr

Although I am not a big fan of makjang, this drama has been entertaining and emotionally investing especially the villains (I love and hate their antics atst 🙃). Additionally, I did not regret watching 21 episodes of it. Albeit, some elements in the drama can be found ridiculous and exaggerating (but there is an underlying ugly truth when it comes to humanity). But then again it is called "makjang" for a reason. "The Penthouse: War in Life" is a dark tragicomedy drama surrounding a group of selfish and power-hungry tenants of Hera place, until it leads into a chain of betrayal and murder. However, there is something hidden under those facet of selfishness which one couldn't help but sympathised on them yet vexed at the same time. Also, the perspectives of the adult main characters and their children provide a decent portrayal of cause and effect where their actions affect other characters around them. My first impression on this drama is giving the vibe of "The Last Empress" meeting "S.K.Y Castle" drama vibe. I just belatedly figured out that it is indeed directed by "The Last Empress" director, which is not surprising when the story and characters are dark and full of twists. Also, the signature pattern of using unreliable characters for narrative. The drama has a long list of top-tiered casts alongside blooming teen casts who have well supported in portraying their characters. Each of the characters is dynamic from one to another. There is a decent depth in their characterisation. Thus, each episode their character development is anticipated which progressed by the end of the episode although some characters are left in mystery (which perhaps will be revealed on the next season). Then, the cinematography is captured in a way that sometimes ambiguous, which could mean a foreshadow of the next act or unexpected revelation. I also enjoyed how the lighting plays in every scene. Meanwhile, the colour palette and property seems to symbolise the theme of the drama. The setting is various. It helps in understanding the character's personality and background in those environments. Other than that, accompanied by the dramatic background song, sometimes it feels like seeing a musical opera. However, it is unfortunate that some unreleased scene was not included. Nevertheless, the amount of dedication poured into each scene needs to be applause. Thank you, Penthouse crew. While this drama is the first season, I feel that this is the end of the 1st act of the main conflict. And it will become the stigma of revenge for most of the characters who unfairly and indirectly implicated nor victimised. Adding with the leftover unreliable allies and little information to find the truth behind the conflict, the 2nd act (The Penthouse 2), perhaps it will start another endless guessing game, chase and run, and betrayal between the villains and truth seekers. But above that, the revelation behind the character's background and development is what I anticipate for the next season. To conclude, the overall elements in the drama is good for a makjang genre. I do hope that Penthouse could maintain their quality and consistency at the end of the season. P.S. recommended for makjang enthusiast. But, I don't suggest for those who have hypertension and who expect fluffy romance. 🌚

4.7/5 This was my first horror drama and I was never a fan of the genre. However, the poster and the title itself was esthetically bewitching that I've decided to give it a go without knowing what is it about (And I was proud of it despite my cowardice😤). After watching through all the episodes. I had to say that the horror doesn't solely put unnecessary jump scare but it keeps you on edge with foreboding feeling and makes you brain work over time with the existence of PID. I was initially worried with the long run of 16 episodes horror drama. Surprisingly, the pacing was pretty decent with all the tight scene sequence. Then, the characters. The iconic uncanny trinity squad from entirely different background of field in pursuing the antagonist had their own way of handling things. But each of them has their own character journey and even the minor characters likewise. As a result, the detailed dynamic characters create a unique unity in driving the story toward the end. In essence, it is not all about gore and thrill. It leaves you a moment to contemplate about humanity at the end. I had to say the actor/actresses did well in pulling off their character. This also supported with great direction of the Guest crew. It can be shown trough the detailed narrative, cinematography, staging, and bgm choice. Even the final episode itself was hauntingly memorable. To conclude, the Guest had been quite a roller coaster ride. And I hope there could be more of this kind of well rounded horror drama from the drama crew ✨

Watching this series gives me an unexplainable new feeling, a good one. The drama plot in which the underlying tones comprised of mystery and thriller laced within a glamorous background setting enabling suspension and doubt toward the characters' motives and goals. Of course, not to forget how it is balanced with the still relevant comedic sketches in it. While it maybe seen as empowering women story on the surface, 'Mine' is about unconditional love, the courage to embrace your identity, and forgiveness. There is a religious undertone in it, but I personally thought the story is still relevant to many people as it corresponds with real life issues that are rarely looked upon in tv shows. Additionally, there's also a plot in which engaging two unconnected group that of the higher-class and middle-class group. A bridge between the two communities connected within a catalyst of greed and prejudice. The catalyst itself helped intertwining both sides' in interesting manner. Allowing the audience to see a ripple effect of the consequences of that catalyst that leads them to a tragedy. The overall elements of drama is balanced. Most character designs, either major and minor characters, was written nicely with a decent character arc. In addition, the wardrobe and environment helped in building the story and characters. I personally love "How an Elephant Gets Through a Door" episode. The sequence of events was captured beautifully and the message in it, is delivered well by the characters. To conclude, the drama had been engaging and entertaining to watch. Thank you Mine crews for the great dedication.

Given the heavy topic about law as a series, the cast did well in delivering the story. Determining justice and injustice are proven to be a complex topic where no people is a villain or a hero until proven guilty, just as shown in the series. What makes me intrigued by the series is that most of the scenes taken from student's point of view and the school environment. As a viewer who is not a law expert, this drama gives me awareness regarding the law. But what attracted me despite the seriousness of the cases is how they simplified the explanation regarding the law. And of course, how they made it entertaining, at the same time, with the law students' life. The students feels alive as some of them represents realistic aspect of the struggle of a university student which I could emphatised with. On that note, the presence of Professor Yang gave us the chance to reflect upon our prejudice in every cases and law(which I'm guilty of throughout the episodes). Sometimes, it is difficult to detach yourself from what you vaguely believe, especially not with the advancement of social media and technology surrounding us. The law showcased in the drama may differ in my country, but most of the issues brought up are something you see in daily life and news. I think this is one of the invaluable drama I have watched this year. However, there are some plot holes shown from yet to be clarified vague scenes (But I'm not sure if this is intentional for possible 2nd season or maybe I'm the wrong one😅). To conclude, the series is memorable from the cinematography, bgm, characters, dialogues and the story. I'm going to miss the iconic characters so much! Thanks, Law School crew, for all the dedications. 🔥👏

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If Mamamia and Boys Over Flower have a child, this is it. But with a realistic touch-up. I will add some points for the dedication of the drama. Firstly, the major cookie. The plot is arranged in such a complex way as the protagonist is not just some typical strong-willed lead. But her background relationship with the boys is shrouded with ambiguous information as interpreted by boys' pov. Which makes one want to dig her history. Next cookies are the independent protagonist's hardship, life, and relationship. It was set to a stone that the script-writer is not going to let her have a sleep nicely in every episode... Never have I been made to feel this guilty for laughing at the protagonist's colourful dramatic life at the end. 😂 Then, the potential love interests have their fair share of background story which makes it more wholesome and convincing. Usually, the other would be left out in the cold from the 'main spotlight'. But not in WIL. This makes them more alive than turning them into the boy next door. Last but not least cookies. Huge applause to WIL crews for making such great cinematography, the memorable and funny scenes and beautiful bgm. They really put it all on every scene. The song was not that too much of pop like most drama these days. It's just right for every scene which adds a plus for me. I honestly wasn't convinced on watching this drama because the cliche concept but It's such a big mistake to miss up such amazing lineup actors and actresses. Yet, I have sinned and misunderstood WIL. The drama may have a cheesy-cringe part but I survive that. Because the casts execute it in a hilariously dramatic way which never fails to make me laugh. Not an exaggeration, every scene of it is a precious and worth bunch of snacks. 👍 This drama is surely addicting and one that makes you anticipate what's coming up next. Thank you WIL crew~ p.s. I will post another one after the drama ends. Oh, the last cookie. The ahjumma of a female psychiatrist from It's Okay To Not Be Okay appearance 😁

If you want to watch this, then you are a certified masochist. I wouldn't recommend this for fluffy-mushy romcom enthusiast. But I would like to for those who want to appreciate the beauty of the drama cinematography and flawed characters journey. I've finally reached the 16th episode. And I could say that "When I Was The Most Beautiful" is true to its title as it's the theme of the story. The drama has taken a refreshing approach in which mainly focuses on the second male lead syndrome/sad boi like protagonist. And because of him, a lot of emotions has drained (but it is refreshing torture in a while 😂). But the chemistry and tension between the leads are something that keeps me engaged with the drama until the end. The characterisation is built with a complex background. And most of the characters have similar flaw patterns such as selfishness and psychological trauma which are the main drivers of the plot and character development. And the cast has executed them charmingly. So, I'm aware that the story will bound to be frustrating with the characterisation. But in the end, I thought every character arc have a good closure. For the filmography, I thought the overall aspect fits the drama. I feel like it's gonna take me a week or more to move on from it. At most, I'm going to be haunted by the aesthetically pleasing scenes and the iconic Schubert's Serenade. In my opinion, I think the whole drama is beautifully wrapped. Although some aspects are inclined to be soap opera-ish due to the characters. The ending may not be cliche, but it gives a nice closure of the characters' arc and a good note. However, I feel there is something amiss (or maybe just me). So, I thought longer episodes is nice to add more depth to the plot holes. But at the second thought, it would be just another prolonged torture. 🌚 In conclusion, it is a good drama and the crew has taken brave steps in breaking the cliche story trope. For those who want to watch, be mindful with of your blood pressure. Oh yes, the story is not explicit so rest assured. P.S. Thank you for the hard work WIWTMB's crew~

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