Quick 2025 Recap

I don't have with me right now the list of drama's I've watched in 2025, but I could barely remember some of them. In no particular order, I've finished watching:

THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY
I know it's a Liu Yuning drama. I'm supposed to put on hold watching his projects because prior to this one I watched Story of the Pearl Girl. Thanks to those video edits on Instagram, I braved watching this drama. And I must say, no regrets. Definitely one of the best dramas in 2025.

STORY OF THE PEARL GIRL
It's so nice to watch Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning working together again. But I will speak no more about this. For those who haven't watched or unaware, the previous drama I listed just gives a big hint especially if you're familiar with Liu Yuning's roles.

THE DOUBLE
Watched this because Wang Xingyue. I did enjoy this drama until the last episodes. I was hoping for something particular.

BLOSSOM
I can't remember how I ended up watching this, but I'm glad I did. I ended up wishing for my own Song Mo.

PERFECT MATCH
Another drama I watched mainly because Wang Xingyue was in it. Also, I like the trailer I saw on Netflix. It was really catchy.

BEYOND THE BAR
I think this was the only K-Drama I've watched in 2025. Enjoyed it a lot so I'm glad I had this last year.

ARE YOU THE ONE
Because Wang Churan was in it. The plot was really interesting. Slow burn and a little of enemies to lovers but not really because of that memory loss.

IN BLOSSOM
It was good to see Ju Jing Yi pull a villain character.

THE PRINCESS ROYAL
Watched it because of Zhao Jinmai, who I first discovered from ATSOL. Thanks to this drama, I discovered Zhang Linghe. He has amazing micro-expressions, which remind me of Liu Yuning.

7 SAMURAI
Yes, the Akira Kurosawa movie. I watched it during the Eiga Sai hosted by Shangri-La Plaza. There's another Japanese movie but I can't remember the title.

Will update this once I review my list. I believe I've watched more.

Midyear Catch Up

I haven't posted again since April, which is the same with my personal blog. But I've watched plenty of C-Dramas. I may have started with J-Dramas, but I changed course since early pandemic time. Despite having an average of or at least 40 episodes per drama, I find C-Dramas endearing ang easier to catch up with. Also, I don't know any interesting J-Dramas lately but I plan to watch Marry My Husband Japanese version.

There are a lot on my to-watch list but they have to wait as I have personal affairs to deal with. Sadly.

The Double first half

I'm currently watching THE DOUBLE, a 2024 C-Drama starring Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue. I recently finished Perfect Match which also starred Wang, whom I've first known from Amidst the Snowstorm of Love. It's safe to say that I am a fan. As I was looking for the next costume drama to watch, I couldn't decide right away so I tried three and ended up hooked with The Double. It's actually the last one. The other two will have to wait after I complete this one.

What I find fascinating about this drama on the first episodes were its comical style. This drama has serious themes and violent scenes. I guess they're trying to balance it out to keep it from being too dark themed. The comical parts are only with non lead characters, not even the secondary ones. The lead characters are out of the question. Wang Xinyue who plays Duke Su has a serious character and his playfulness are only subtle but also exclusive. Wu Jinyan who plays Jiang Li / Xue Fangfei has a grave past, pun unintended.

The Double also has this noticeably frequent up close shots of characters during a dialogue. I don't know if it aims to double as entry for the actors' modeling stint or what. I would definitely get too bothered if not for Wang Xingyue being handsome. But I sometimes imagine myself in their shoes and end up admiring their boldness to stare at the camera. But then I am not an actress.