Dyslexia

Passable as a skit, but fails as a proper story

Passable as a skit, but fails as a proper story. The premise is something I fantasized about in second grade - so cringe-inducing I can barely stand to read it, let alone watch it adapted into film. This movie exists in the worst limbo: neither authentic nor absurdist enough, neither riotous nor profound. At the very least, it should have articulated its core message clearly like Hello Mr. Billionaire did. Instead, audiences will chuckle mindlessly and forget everything afterward. Such wasted potential - it could have delivered a poignant truth: that parenting, whether too lax or too strict, inevitably becomes mutual destruction.

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Unclear

After watching the ending, I feel there's something unclear: The fact that Do-jun provoked his uncle to the point of murder suggests he was actually Hyeon-u possessing the body, using knowledge of the future to become chairman. However, Do-jun had already worked hard to prevent Hyeon-u's father from losing his job—he bought their snack shop, ensured Hyeon-u's father didn’t need to take out loans, and improved their family's situation to the point where Hyeon-u shouldn’t have had to drop out of college. There’s no reason Hyeon-u should have even been present at the scene of Do-jun’s accident. The ending makes the show’s logic fall apart, and that satisfying thrill of foreseeing the future just vanishes.

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Ironic story

Whether it's the narrative structure, character development, or the balanced interplay of humor and pathos, everything is masterfully executed. The story's premise isn't groundbreaking—similar plots can be traced back to Gogol's The Government Inspector in 1836, which exposed the corruption of high-ranking officials.
Yet this film goes beyond mere satire of modern workplace slogans like "996" and "optimization." It raises a profound question for our era: How should society treat those deemed "inefficient" in the face of progress? The answer it offers is collective resilience—we must weather the storm together.
Even with its utopian ending, the film's substance is undeniable. It forces a reckoning: Do we become willing agents of self-exploitation, or dare to pursue our ideals?

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Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils

This is a complete narrative that creatively adapts the classic Chinese allegory 'Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils.' The protagonist Chen Guilin, embodying a 'chaotic good' moral stance, dispenses vigilante justice before achieving redemption through submitting to legal punishment—'a life for a life'—a resolution deeply resonant with Chinese values. The film excels cinematographically, with particular praise for its editing and score. Though lacking formal music theory knowledge, I found myself profoundly synced with the composers' intent.
Initially, some plot points gave me pause: that policeman's unexplained benevolence toward Chen Guilin, the mother's choice of suicide, or how Chen Guilin kept fighting after a abdominal stab wound. But on reflection, these all serve the film's internal logic—stylized choices prioritizing thematic cohesion over rigid realism.

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Anti-feudal tragedy

She knew everyone's fate, yet could never foresee her own. In this world, who doesn't walk on eggshells—save for the lofty Emperor? And even he is but a solitary prisoner on his throne.
What makes this story remarkable is how each vividly-drawn character chooses the path that suits them best, only to collectively march toward tragedy. Their struggles lay bare the drama's anti-feudal core.
The cultural depth runs rich—remember when the Fourteenth Prince sang in youth:
'I resent climbing mountains, gazing at waters,
Plucking my seven-stringed zither,
Watching wild geese fly home.'
Yet in his imprisoned old age, he chants:
'A young knight's spirit,
Befriending heroes from five capitals.
Hearts transparent,
Hair standing in wrath.
In brief talk,
We pledge life and death.'
Such heartbreaking contrasts—this is where life's true bitterness flows.

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A failed adaption

The original inspiring coming-of-age story has been turned into artificial saccharine. While the original protagonists came from ordinary families, the Thai remake elevated them to middle-class status. The original heroine maintained strong agency throughout, always clear about her path. But her Thai counterpart obsessively chases the male lead - even applying to medical school just to follow him, with her exam preparations becoming mere fodder for love triangles. The second male lead even declares, 'I won this gold medal for you.' Countless such moments scream one truth: for these characters, romance trumps personal growth

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It moved me to tears

Judge by actions, not intentions - for no one is perfect in thought. This heartwarming slice-of-life film tells a story about family bonds and filial duty. While its slow pacing may feel challenging at first, viewers gradually become immersed until they're moved to tears. Quite different from typical Thai idol dramas, its gentle approach nonetheless tackles social issues like parental neglect and son preference through realistic details. Being set in a Chinese family, it maintains cultural proximity for mainland audiences. One can't help but notice how deeply animist and Buddhist beliefs permeate every aspect of Thai cultural life.

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Good detective drama

I watched this show as a child and only remembered it being very entertaining. Now I finally understand its strengths: the balance between standalone cases and the overarching storyline is perfect. One case in particular is brilliantly crafted—not only is the plot tightly woven, but the criminal's method is deceptively simple yet unexpected, with an underlying critique of meritocracy. The pacing is fast and intense—back then, I was amazed that such a gripping show had so few episodes. The characters are nuanced and well-developed; the pitiable have their flaws, and vice versa. The only flaw is that the villain's fall at the end feels somewhat abrupt.

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