Best of QL 2023 - Favorite Lines
The way this works: I'll list my Top Five in two categories - first, from series that aired this year; and second, series that aired previously, but I watched for the first time this year. (I explained it all here if this makes no sense.)
These are in no particular order; I love them all!
Top Five Lines that Lived Rent-Free In My Brain This Year:
"If this world is cruel to our son, we should be his peace of mind when he comes home, shouldn't we?"
- Tinn's father, My School President, ep 11
Parents and children, love and acceptance, being who you are and finding a home there. This one got me good. 🏳️🌈🥰
"Have you been well? Without me?"
- Shin Ki Tae, Our Dating Sim, ep 4
Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel for the same reason I love this confession and moment. The pain of long absence, the desperate hope of reunion. Love it.
"Because I don't like her! Listen to me - I don't like her. I... I like you."
- Sailom, Dangerous Romance, ep 6
A confession in the rain! This scene is so good, the love triangle angst abounds, and the look of pained resignation on Sailom's face - he had to say it, but it didn't feel good. What a moment.
"Love can't be forced, right? Just because [my mother] gave birth to me, must I love her back? If you ask me if I love you or not, I can answer that more easily. I can easily say that I love you."
- Li Ming, Moonlight Chicken, ep 7
This moment was so important for both of them, and I remember feeling so relieved by it while I was watching live. Love them both so much. 🥺
"On this earth, there's no one who's more caring or loving than you. Though I've been nothing but an asshole to you, you are always there for me. Sand, please understand me - being with me requires some patience. But if you don't want to put up with me anymore, that's alright, I get you. No one can put up with me. But please know this, Sand - ever since you walked into my life, I've been so happy. So damn happy, Sand."
- Ray, Only Friends, ep 10
My entire heart. I still sob every time. 😭
Top Five Moments of Poetic Cinema From Yesteryear That Got Me in 2023:
"Thank you... for trying to make a silly guy like me happy. I know that sooner or later we will need to go back. I know too well. But I just want to stay as long as we can. Be with you for at least one more day."
- Pat, Bad Buddy Series, ep 11
"I have to be needed at work. So we won't be separated unfairly when our company finds out about us. I want to have a life with you forever and for always. I want to let the people I care about know that. And the people you care about, too. I need to let everyone know that you're precious to me."
- Adachi, Cherry Magic: The Movie
"Tian! No one should use their whole life to repay someone else's!"
- Phupha, Tale of Thousand Stars, ep 9
"Yes, I like you. But it's none of your business."
- Gao Shi De, We Best Love: No. 1 For You, ep 5
"I'm seducing you. I've been trying to seduce you. With everything I have, although you never had a clue... I've been meaning to tell you this whole time, but I was afraid. I was scared of saying something that wasn't normal to you. But doing this, and telling you in such a horrible way - I'm so sorry. I like you. I like you so much, I could die."
- Togawa, Old Fashion Cupcake, ep 4
Full credit, as well as all of my love, gratitude, and consensual smooches on the forehead to all the wonderful gifmakers represented herein: @sunsetandthemoon @gabrielokun @my-rose-tinted-glasses @wanderlust-in-my-soul @raypakorn @bevioletskies @yibo-wang @zhoushuyis @bl-bam-beyond