Should have been a 10-12 episode drama.

Title: "Marry My Husband" – The Title Speaks for Itself

Story:
I was initially intrigued by the plot as I love a good revenge story. I liked the first half of the drama and how the lead’s situation was clearly presented. Also, you will understand all the back story and why she wanted revenge in the first episode. The story had a good balance of ups and downs, showing that not everything went the FL way. I appreciated how she effectively used her knowledge of the future and how she learns from fall backs or mistakes (a lot of lead characters in dramas do not learn HAHAHA). The rules of her rebirth were also explained, which added depth to the plot (ex: transfer of fate). Overall, the early episodes have a good flow.

However, After the supposed “revenge” of the FL, where her best friend marries the trash husband, everything went downhill. The ML and FL romance felt rushed and forced. There is no spark, no chemistry, no nothing at all. The ML character felt too flat. He did his job helping tho, but his scenes felt repetitive and SUPER green flag to the point that the character was too predictable and boring. Also, the addition of another character did not help but it only complicates the story. I found the character of the ML's ex-fiancée unnecessary TBH. Her character only complicates the story. Her presence felt out of place and didn’t make much sense. Also, the development of the husband’s (Park min hwan) character felt unrealistic. There were some cliché moments, but they were tolerable.

Acting/Cast:
AGAIN!!!! NO CHEMISTRY AT ALL between the ML and FL. The fiance was excellently portrayed in my opinion. He is funny and at the same time an effective antagonist while the best friend nailed the “irritating cute acting but psycho” persona.

Music:
The music was decent but not particularly memorable.

Rewatch Value:
Probably not. If I were to rewatch, Maybe the first episodes but even that is just okay. The latter half didn’t hold up as well for me.

Overall:
It was okay overall, a decent watch, but mediocre at best.

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Quiet Romance

Title: "Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san" MOVIE – Teasing master takagi-san

Story:
As a fan of the anime and manga, I was so excited about this movie. I’ve also watched the live-action series featuring a younger Takagi and Nishikata, but you don’t need to have seen it to enjoy this film as it stands well on its own.

What I appreciated most is how this movie captures the same relaxing and nostalgic vibe as the anime. It’s quiet, slow-paced, and even a bit awkward at times, which some might find dull, but I personally enjoyed it. In fact, it feels more like a true “coming-of-age” story compared to the live action in their younger years. The romance is subtle and focuses largely on ML realizing his feelings.

While I liked the film overall, I was slightly disappointed by the absence of other characters (Yukari, Hibino, and Sanae), as well as the minimal development in the relationship between the leads from their childhood days. But I loved that they showed "100% Unrequited Love" and also baby Chi.

That said, I really appreciate this adaptation, and the confession scene stood out to me for its realism. Although the side story about the students felt quite average, it didn’t detract too much from the overall experience.

Acting/Cast:
I enjoyed the chemistry between the ML and FL. It’s subtle but fitting for the tone of the story. I really loved Takagi. Here, she’s less clever, more demure, and more shy. This shows her growth into a woman and the actress did an excellent job. Nishikata remains as innocent as ever, but there’s more depth to him now. He’s not just a boy anymore but a teacher trying his best. Watching him slowly acknowledge his feelings and with more maturity to his character that I really appreciated.

Music:
I love the music/OST for this. I hoped they kept the anime version OST or atleast the first song tho so it’ll be more nostalgic
Rewatch Value:
I will definitely rewatch this especially when I just want something light, and relaxing.

Overall:
I may be biased since I really love karakai jozu no takagi-san but this for me, delivers a touching, quiet romance that fans of Teasing Master Takagi-san

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Home is where your family is.

Title: “Family By Choice” – better title than the original

Story:
I tried watching the original version but it's so long. So I cannot compare this to that and I’ll be reviewing this alone.

I love the relationship between the whole family, it's warm and cozy. I also liked how it was always clear that the ML had feelings for the FL from the start and that is so important for me because if ML sees FL as a sister, that’s just weird. I also loved that this is not a love triangle and there is no point in the story that it was. There is a good dynamic in the family and everyone has their own purpose.

However since this is shorter with only 16 episodes, I felt that there are parts that are just a bit rushed. When the boys came back after years, understandably the FL felt hurt, awkward, and angry. I just wished she rebelled longer HAHAHA. Also, the FL and ML romance was so rushed. Especially when FL realized her feelings, I mean she liked ML as a brother and did not have any malice but it was so easy and quick for her to like him back as a man??? And also, I just hate ML's mother. She is the worst character with no redeeming quality, and with everything she did from the start to end, nobody did something. Both the ML and his father may have said something but they just let her be that evil. Also, Hae jun forgives so easily. Like even with those reasons, he was still abandoned without explanation. The ending was good and it makes sense. I love that they all find a way for them to be a real family not just by choice but also on paper.

Acting/Cast:
All are good actors and were able to give justice to the characters. I am not a fan of the main leads though, I just can't see any spark. I really like Kang hae jun with Dal, they have good chemistry and he is just so cute!!!!!

Music:
I don’t remember so I guess not memorable HAHAHA

Rewatch Value:
I probably will not watch again but I think for others It can be a good rewatch as it is light and warm and has a lot of funny scenes.

Overall:
Overall I really liked this drama. It is warm, emotional, with good comedy and a good message.

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VISUALS!!!

Title: “Chasing In The Wild” – not my favorite title from the university series

Story:
I have read the story first before watching the adaptation. I really liked the third book but it's not my favorite. So, I’ll be reviewing this as a live adaptation of the book and not the story itself (book).

Currently there are only three adaptations from the university series and I can say that out of the three this is my least favorite. BUT, In terms of quality, production and so on this is number one.

I like that they went for a kinda realistic debut party for the first episode with the same day edit video, greetings, and all as;
1.) that showed the 18th birthday debut culture in the Philippines
2.) a creative way to introduced the characters
3.) in the book, first meeting of the ML & FL

I also like that they showed Sevi's POV in every last part of the episode as compared to the two first adaptations from the series where it was shown in a different style. (the boys POV is consistent in all the series). Also, I liked that they showed the gaps or other POVs from the last series (SSA) with the same clothes, place, vibes and all which made the connection of all the story more real.

However, I felt that even if this is a 19 episode series in which the other two only have 10 episodes, it is lacking or missing something. Elyse and Sevi’s story tackled a lot of issues in the book (abuse, family problems, cheating, adulting, etc.), and although those were shown in the adaptation, I felt like they were not delivered enough. Elyse’ father character portrayal was also changed compared to the book (in the book he was spoiling Elyse and being gentle with her and all which is why Elyse was so shocked about her dad’s true nature), in the series he was portrayed to be very strict and scary from the start. Also Sevi and Elyse moments were very cute but SUPER cringey at times. The heavy scenes are also not felt which is probably why it lacks something. Lastly, the last episode was so underwhelming that I kept skipping every few seconds.

Acting/Cast:
I think the adaptation did well in terms of casting Elyse and Sevi because they really looked like how they are described visually. The ML did a good job portraying Sevi’s humor especially in how he interacts with his friends, how he acts when jealous and how he teases Ely. But he still needs improvement in heavy scenes because it's just not giving.
The FL really fits the “young, maarte, kikay, clueless" role and it helps that she has an accent as ely is conyo. But definitely still lacks a lot in acting, especially heavy scenes. Also, because of her accent, her scenes when she speaks Filipino feels so forced and weird. The chemistry between the two is okay, not too strong but there is a spark. They do look cute together but the hot scene was TOTALLY CRINGEY. It was supposed to be hot or at least romantic but it's so NOT IT which is super disappointing.

Music:
I actually like the OST of this series. It definitely gives the “wattpad cute story" vibe. The main song was sung by FL.

Rewatch Value:
It is good to rewatch when you want kilig and cute stuff also if you like the book originally this can satisfy

Overall:
Overall this is still a wattpad adaptation and it gives that vibe. It is light and cute and easy to watch. Maybe a bit cliché, but still.

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Awkward joy of a first crush

Title: "Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san" – Teasing master takagi-san

Story:
As a fan of the anime and manga, I eagerly awaited this adaptation since it was announced. I was thrilled to see it available on Netflix, making it so much easier to watch and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint.
I loved how the episodes and chapters were seamlessly compiled into this live-action version. Seeing the story come to life so closely to the manga made the experience even more delightful. It truly felt like the pages of the manga had been brought to life on screen.

What has always drawn me to this story is the light, youthful vibe it gives. The mix of cute, butterfly-in-the-stomach moments, and teasing makes it feel like the innocent, awkward joy of a first crush. It perfectly captures the essence of those tween-to-teenage years, filled with awkwardness and fun.

Acting/Cast:
The casting is superb! Both leads embody their characters perfectly:
Takagi: The actress brought out her charm effortlessly.
Nishikata: He genuinely feels like the character from the manga has come to life. His expressions (whether embarrassed, anxious, or jumpy) are spot on

Music:
The music and OST were lovely. That said, I wish they had retained the anime OST.

Rewatch Value:
This is definitely something I’d rewatch multiple times, much like the anime. It’s a heartwarming slice-of-life story that never gets old.

Overall:
This live-action adaptation delivers a faithful and delightful take on Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san. Whether you’re a fan of the anime or manga or entirely new to the series, it’s a charming and enjoyable watch.

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