This is a great drama series and I'm not exactly a fan of sports films or tv series.
In this drama, Badminton is the main sport plus we get a slice of life experience with a family that moves from the city to a country town along side all the people they interact with on a daily basis such as neighbours, friends and other Badminton players.
Most of the focus is on the teenagers as they are the Badminton players.
If anyone has ever watched movies like Ping Pong (Japan) or tv series like Friday Night Lights (USA) then this 16 episode gem in the making is for you.
It has a fantastic balance of humour, life's wonderful moments as well as everyday highs and lows that they all have to deal with at various times whether young or old.
If romance and love is what you are after then there isn't alot of it unless puppy crushes count and first time love.
The music throughout isnt too bad and is very well chosen when the Badminton tournaments are on. Well matched!
I don't have any favourites, but will say I did like all of the teenager characters and the youngest sister. There wasn't anyone I disliked really in the entire show although I was a bit annoyed and frustrated with the coach father once or twice.
This drama is perfect if you want something light hearted, easy to watch, not really boring, wholesome and angst free.
It is most definitely re-watchable!
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Almost dropped this half way through episode one and wasn't going to give it a chance at all only I'm so glad I did!Not a rom-com fan so have had to fast forward through a few predictable boring moments between Mr Cold and Miss Night, but on the most part each episode has been fine.
With the main leads (young ones) I have to say I'm not really into their dynamics at all nor the hot/cold shoulder treatment or whimsical hurt female after being rejected or whatever the situation might be.
The humour in this is great, however, and the timing is on point.
I've actually enjoyed the relationship between Miss Day and the second lead - it is so hard case.
Watching their scenes over and over again is something I could do quite easily just for the laugh. For example, the cafe scene in Episode 9.
Am also enjoying the true crime mystery to it, but not how there always seems to be a connection between the leads from crossing paths somehow in their childhoods.
Anyhow, 6 episodes to go and I'm hoping this keeps me invested until the end!
Recommended!
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28/01/2023
Had no plans to watch this at all, but ended up binge watching it over the last few days.
All 40 episodes!!!
I give this a thumbs up of approval!
More or less this series is about three kids, two boys and a girl, brought together in their childhood as a "blended family" due to different losses and what happens to them from childhood through to graduation, then the next 10 years or so with all the sagas, joy, heartbreak, absence and experiences between themselves, friends and family.
It explores the strong bonds of *family ties" as well as what loving or toxic relationships can be like, also, what happens when secrets are kept or the truth isn't told like it should be early on rather than decades later. Unfortunately, sometimes children are overlooked when it comes to grief, neglect, domestic dysfunction and their emotional well being.
Also, this is about what can happen when relationships change to something more than just friendship...
The child actors were fantastic in this series as were the three acting as "siblings" when older - they were so believable in their roles as high school students then as adults in their careers as a dentist, cake chef and sculptor.
The brother and sister relationship was done to a tee!
I have to say the whole cast did an amazing job of bringing this to life with their characters and stories so not one episode was boring for me.
Only a little bit annoyed me like the *sister" making a stand about being her own person and not needing anyone, but a few episodes (few times) after that she throws tantrums, cries and sulks around her "brothers" like an annoying 5 year old.
So much for being strong and capable, but other than that it was still excellent on the whole as that side of her occured in small tolerable doses.
The main theme song became one I liked more and more each time it played only I could have done with more episodes not just 40.
There are a few funny moments I really enjoyed like:
a: Li JianJian's first day of high school.
b: Li JianJian's heartless acts towards Zi Qui when he first came into her life - like being mean to him and packing his suitcase and throwing it down concrete stairs because she didn't want him living with her and her dad at the grand old age of 7 or 8.
c: Ling Xiao always keeping the other two in line with no problem disciplining either.
d: The mischief relationship between Li JianJian and Zi Qui which often lead to trouble.
e: The time Zi Qui had to sleep with Ling Xiao so that his aunt could have his room only Ling Xiao told Zi Qui that he should sleep on the floor in which Li JianJian pipes up saying that she would quite happily sleep in the bed and he can sleep on the floor as she was already on the floor next to them on a mattress. He responds to her : "Why are you here anyway?!" She didn't want to be left out it seems and didn't trust her "brothers" not to talk behind her back.
f: Ling Xiao telling Li JianJian in 12th grade he would marry her if she was brain damaged from all his head whacking.
e: The elevator and kitchen scenes between Li Xiao and Li JianJian as adults.
As the series progresses there aren't many funny moments like that as it does become more of a drama and especially once the boys return from abroad.
One moment in episode two made me open my eyes a bit. It was when Ling Xiao's father talked about what happened to him and his wife when they decided to keep their "second child" - like her losing her job and him being demoted in his job. Also, in a later episode there was a "moment" when Li JianJian's dad saved Zi Qui from a life of being worked on a farm (child labour) because of coming from a poor family.
Child labour should not be happening in any country!
Seeing how "broken" the boys were in their adult years despite having a wonderful man in their lives (Li JianJian's dad) was also heartbreaking to observe, however, it was truly understandable. In part, their overseas experiences contributed to that "damage" as well not just their childhoods.
Actually, maybe that isn't quite true - their time abroad added more and more to the internal conflicts and past insecurities simmering inside of them only with one of the "brothers" it was perhaps more Psychological and detrimental Mentally.
Secrets shouldn't be kept, the truth should not be hidden from those closest to you and real open communication is important even if it hurts.
This series is highly recommended and is one I will revisit with no issues whatsoever!
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01/04/2023 (April)I wasn't too sure about what I was getting myself into when I started watching this movie because I'm not keen on the idea of children fighting or being exploited.
It is that to some extent, but not really.
More or less this ex convict ends up taking over a group of boys that have no homes or anywhere to go. At first he teaches them how to fake fight only when that is exposed he starts teaching them how to fight for real - like boxing and kick boxing.
Years down the track a video released of two of those boys fighting in a cage not only destroys his career, but makes him out to be an abuser not fit to have kids under his care
Here is the thing - he took those kids and gave them hope and taught them the only thing he knew - fighting. No one else wanted them or cared about them until that video was publically made known - and even then!
Anyways, the story is about all that plus what happens after the public is outraged - like all the boys being shipped off to different places including two of the older boys being "sold off" to a different manager only to end up in the worse case scenario.
What will become of their futures in the hands of a manager that really does truly assault those he manages and has no problems using illicit drugs to gain whatever means with his fighters?!
Who is willing enough to save them or not next?
Well worth watching!!!
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29/02/2024This is a 2006 production which I actually liked regardless of its age.
If you want to know what it is about - read the Synopsis.
It is a sad drama with a bittersweet ending, but one with no regrets, closure where it was needed most and ultimately being able to forgive, move on and to have known true love.
It isn't perfect and does have its flaws, also, if there was less of a love story and more on just the main male character's math genius I wouldn't have minded whatsoever.
I probably would have appreciated it more!
What can be taken away from this drama is that life should still be lived regardless of someone committing suicide or whatever it might be that is the cause of a person's death.
Some mentioned (other sites) that they weren't invested in the male lead after some point and thought Bora's character evolved to be a better person.
I don't agree.
She didn't really change that much - she just toned down her outbursts and stroppy behaviour plus she has no choice but to resign to the fact that her fate was out of her hands.
It would have been better had she not just given back the words he gave to her - but also to encourage him to live guilt free, live life to the fullest and to find love again so he would never be alone or lonely.
It is worth the watch and even being re-watched.
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30/01/2024
Don't expect this to be full on action or anything other than a story being told with a specific point.
Why is it so easy for some to condemn others for not being so fortunate in life or to treat someone like a lepar because of being the child of a convicted murderer.
It is not okay for teachers to ignore classroom bullying or teens/adults to be so vindictive towards someone for being the daughter or son of a felon.
Furthermore, it is unacceptable not to protect someone being mentally, physically or sexually abused - hell no! Sometimes you need to approach adults that can be trusted or the police because there are some things in life that are way over one's head.
Of course, if no one can be objective or non-judgemental it makes it harder still.
SPOILER ALERT
The female teenage victim in this had no real support with very limited protection so was quite isolated and all alone despite the brief association with the male adolescent (newcomer) and family member at home.
The newcomer did try to be friends, did have a few fights on her behalf, but he let her down when she needed him the most. If he was capable of taking on the high school bullies - what was one adult male? And then to sit on that incident and not report anything plus the church scene. I get he was young and wasn't to blame, but him not turning up that day and then ignoring her alienated that poor girl even more and likely drove it home in her mind just how alone she really was in the world.
I have read a few other comments to do with her last scene where some believe she died whereas others went with her running away somewhere.
What do I think happened?
I reckon she went somewhere to die because of the despair she felt, no one having her back, the trauma and everything being so overwhelming. The only thing she could trust or hold onto that brought a bit of happiness into her dismal life was the black goat and it most definitely wouldn't have been enough to save her nor was it hers to keep.
This movie is worth a watch!
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28/01/2024
A re-make of this would be AWESOME with some distinct changes!!!
Maybe less angst and more gangster material with a bit of love thrown in for good measure - like 1%.
The changes I would make personally:
a: A lot less crying whether male or female.
b: A bit more humour in each episode.
c: A different hotel manager than the one they had for this series.
d: A better stronger female character for the female lead to play out.
e: Improvement on the OST and music choices - Malmsteen would remain.
f: More action, drama, gangster scenes and fighting.
g: More native Japanese actors perhaps or bilingual/multi-lingual.
h: A totally different ending!
Not a big fan of romance, unfortunately, but am all for gangsters, fighting, revenge and action. I will say I've liked a few that had romance in them, but maybe because they were more on the mature side or didn't have so much angst or weak characters. Not many, however.
In regards to this drama series I have to say one thing - there should have been a one night stand at least between Oppa and Hana or a weekend away together as a "couple."
That is one major change I would make if this was ever made a second time and I'm no romantic.
Have to say, Park Shin Hye, is always the same in every drama I've seen her in - the same hair style, facial expressions, always rom com/rom genres and even the same type of character.
I've tolerated her until this one maybe which is either the 3rd or 4th drama I have seen her in, and despite it actually being her first, I found she got on my nerves quite easily.
This series has proven to me that she has no range or diversity.
Actually, in this she was too much of a cry baby plus too weak and needy for my liking. Made no sense as it was her choice to keep "Oppa" at arm's length not to mention she was going to leave for Tokyo without him to be with her senior (male). So, being clingy with her unrealistic expectations and behaviour two years after being apart seemed a bit over the top for me (cringe worthy) - had to stop myself from throwing up.
Am in it for "Oppa aka Yuki" and his new life which seems to be with the Yakuza or similar and also because of Malsteen's Icarus piece throughout Episode 5 and on.
I am now on...
The whistling tune thing is a bit creepy as well, by him (Oppa), and that seems to be throughout each episode.
What has been good about Park Shin Hye in Tree of Heaven is when speaking Japanese she wasn't too bad at all and she was able to pull off being a young adult despite being 16 years old when she acted in it. Unfortunately, she is the same in everything I've seen her in after this series. Furthermore, in Episode 5, it would have been better had her character not overreacted to seeing "Yuki" as that was overboard. It would have been better had she just kept cool.
The nausea pills I have aren't enough!
What else? Some of the music in parts wasn't right for the scene at all and I wish the OST was better overall.
Malsteen's Icarus in Episode 5 (and on) suited each scene although they should have just had his version only.
This should be re-made with a few changes I reckon as this could be right up there with some of the best!
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26/01/2024
In brief, it is more or less a story around a POW camp in Korea in 1950 and a black American soldier forming a tap dance team to perform.
Some parts are really cheesy whether trying to pull off humour or not. Also, some of the actors were like B or C grade so something about it was kind of a hit and miss because of these noticeable flaws yet the parts that were solid were really really solid.
The main Korean ML was totally awesome as was the character - M. Jackson. The tap dance team were quite cool too as individuals and as a team.
This could have been absolutely brilliant had the English speaking actors been better excluding the guy that acted as M Jackson, also, if it had been directed and produced a bit differently maybe.
Using David Bowie's Modern Love song for the time period wasn't probably the greatest call, but it was indeed a wonderful tribute to him and did go well with the dance scene for it.
This really could have been an A grade film!
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Young Ones Had More Going For Them!
20/01/2024
Watched this back to back with another one called: My Father Is Strange.
I actually prefer MFIS over WHTMF like 70% more! WHTMF wasn't perfect either, but something about it kept the flow going and it wasn't as silly.
With WHTMF it is at the best of times cheesy so I ended up skipping though certain characters and scenes like the Director and Secretary Cha or the Director's father and his new wife. Couldn't stomach Doctor Cha's newly wed wife either or her parents nor him at times as he always wore the same poker face expression.
I liked the younger cast members except maybe the character of the country bumpkin girl as she was exactly the same as she is in Shopping King Louie (?) ...yawn, yawn and another yawn. The younger ones being the youngest Cha son, Se Weoul, and the CEO of the restaurant although Se Weoul was the one that annoyed me.
I didn't mind Miss Go either.
What was good in this series was when the lawsuit was put into action and that really is when it improved a bit, but that doesn't happen to either mid way through - before episode 30.
What I didn't like was how it took a serious illness to make the oldest son change his attitude towards his father and I suppose the daughter too.
I don't think it should have taken a lawsuit or serious illness for guilt to kick in and make a person act better towards another. His father shouldn't have had to beg or do things just because his son was ashamed or to protect everyone's so called pride and keep a happy balance.
And that is the other thing - ashamed of what?!
There is no shame in anyone running a little store and raising a family with minimal money and lots of love and kindness.
The shame is with those that look down their noses at others or society's unrealistic expectations of the do haves, don't haves and you will never have unless you marry well, cut certain ties and do as you say!
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Kim Moo Yeong!
18/01/2024Not a typical rom com cliched hashed out drama and am so thankful for that!
Kim Moo Yeong:
I really like the character of Kim Moo Yeong regardless of how flawed he is - maybe not his thrill of danger and living on the edge, but because he doesn't care about anything or anyone and calls a spade a spade. He also sees things that others don't and can sum a person up in a matter of moments, but in seeing what he sees he tends to use it as a part of his game playing and pranks to humour his dark sociopathic side. He is intriguing. However, he would have been much better had he been able to fight, do martial arts - something to fit the bad side of his character.
I think everyone should be more like him - as in not caring or getting so emotionally connected to people or situations because that in itself is pure freedom with no guilt to be had whatsoever.
It is a good series so far (on episode 10), but I really don't see the build up or development between the ML and FL - not really. Am also still guessing what happened in the past that connects them in some way or what really happened as to why he is the way he is - I think I've guessed, but am not going to give any spoilers.
I am aware that this has a really sad ending which is why I have put it off for well over a year
Yoo Jin Kang:
I really like Jung So Min in Alchemy of Souls and she is fine in this except her character is far too hot and cold. For example, moping and upset when she doesn't know where KMY is and then when he appears gives him the cold shoulder and tells him they should never see each other again. She does this more often than not
I don't know what he sees in her!!!
He is so simple and straight forward yet she is not easy to please and continuosly over complicates things.
For me a realistic rapport isn't really there so far as nothing about her is so extraordinary that it would blind sight a person like him - especially as he is supposed to be emotionally detached, lacking remorse with no feelings and is unhinged in some ways. It seems somewhat "forced" .... so what if she has a scar, was in a house fire and is an orphan like him, well - there are 5 million of her out there somewhere.
The writers could have done a better job to make me believe that something about her really caught his attention - her character and scar just aren't enough.
It might have been better had she given him an ultimatum and played mind games so as to teach him a lesson or two. Something more creative than a burn scar and few interactive glances to set the tone of a strong bonded connection with no development.
Just adding:
I watched a few more episodes and feel it is wrong for Yoo Jin Kang to be interested in her best friend's "so called love interest" especially after what Kim Moo Yeong put in to action just to teach the CEO a lesson - not to mention the CEO's sister who matches KMJ to a tee except she comes from money and he doesn't.
Between the brother of YJK and the sister of the CEO the future is looking rather bleak for KMJ.
Some lessons can never be undone!
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In The Next Life...
16/05/2023I don't usually think sad stories are re-watchable because of the emotional toll they have, however, this one would be an exception.
I'd revisit this series because it has a beautiful story to it even though it is a real tear jerker.
This drama revolves around a love song that is written and submitted anonymously only the copyrights for it can't be located so a search begins which leads to the story of K and Cream.
A sad tragic love story, but a beautiful one!
When it comes to dying, each person copes differently, and sometimes the decisions made aren't always so straight forward nor do they make sense.
In this series we have K and Cream brought together through tragic circumstances connected to them both (teen years) and together they are very happy as a makeshift family.
Prior to then being a makeshift family K is diagnosed with Leukaemia and chooses to keep it from Cream because he has a debt he feel he owes her. A bit later on when he knows he has limited time left he still choses to keep it to himself because he doesn't want it to devastate her nor for her to feel abandoned when he dies. Instead he makes it his mission to make sure Cream is taken care of so that she isn't left to fend for herself when he is gone - his mission is to find her a partner to marry.
K sacrifices his love for her so that she will be happy even though for him it is difficult and painful setting everything in motion knowing what he can't have and wants more than anything which is to live and be with her until they grow old.
There is a bit of a twist to the story, so in order to find out what that twist is, you will need to watch it.
K does pass away so the twist has nothing to with a miracle cure, but it does have everything to do with both of them in one way or another.
I really liked it when Cream asked him to reserve his next life for her - it wasn't the only time she brought it up either.
Love doesn't always keep people together especially when a life threatening disease or health condition is involved, but love doesn't cease to exist either and can transcend over time and in different dimensions.
On a side note, there is another parallel story going on involving one of the music teams young son - a different kind of love story, but just as sad and touching.
The most memorable moments for me in this series was how K and Cream came to be family, what K's mother chose to do, the pre-marriage photo scene, the secret wedding and the couch scene in which the very last photo was taken of K and Cream together.
Sometimes when two people are so deeply in love death isn't enough to seperate them either.
I highly recommend watching this A+ grade drama!
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"Jasmine - Gift From God."
10/05/2023It is a sad movie and one that will pull at your heart strings.
I think movies like this are hard to re-watch as they need boxes of tissues.
Coming to terms with something like cancer is difficult at any age especially when it is aggressive with no mercy whatsoever and it cuts your time short.
Taigi Asano despite being a true fighter had real fears and questioned why he was the target - he wanted to live, like most of us, only that was taken away from him at the age of twenty.
The difference with his story compared to what I've experienced, seen or heard about in my time is Taigi Asano didn't really come to grips with dying, and that to me was the saddest part because he would have been so scared in his final moments, and that shouldn't have been so.
There are stages that a person goes through when dying or that we go through when someone dies and for some reason he didn't seem to accept what was going to happen.
In some countries, like the UK, there are dedicated counsellors to assist those that are dying so that they are psychologically prepared. So, I'm wondering what does Japan have these days because 20 years ago if someone was diagnosed with a terminal disease families had the right to keep that from the person if they wanted.
In fact, there is this one brief scene where Taigi's sister has bought a cake for him and says lightheartedly to her mother more or less: "We can do cake again next year..." I don't think she knew the seriousness of his condition compared to his parents and him. Not at all!
I also want to mention that turning twenty in Japan is quite a special time and significant for all young people that age as it means they can drink and gamble - it is celebrated on the second Monday of January every year where they dress up in kimonos or smart attire and have the best time ever!
Unfortunately, Taigi Asano died a few days after it was celebrated so never had that opportunity.
The reason I mention it is because his girlfriend acknowledged him making it to that age in one small scene and I felt it really underplayed the significance of it, however, he wouldn't have been able to celebrate the "Coming of Age Day " even if he wanted to as he would have been too sick.
I wish he had been able to do that at least.
Anyhow, Taigi Asano composed a few musical pieces in high school and university with "Jasmine" being one that he wrote and completed not long before he died and the other being a short anthem for his high school which is full of vigor with an upbeat drum intro. Maybe others too - not sure.
At the end of the movie you will hear the song "Jasmine" sung in English by Kenta Dedachi and there is a real photo of Taigi Asano attached to it before it finishes.
The song in English comes across a bit like a love song so I'm not sure if it quite fits in with how Taigi meant it to be with some of the lyrics, but it is a beautifully written song to what was just a musical composition.
Asano composed "Jasmine" as "Jasmine" means "Gift from God".
For him, each day waking up was a "gift from god" and he really wished that his "tomorrow" "the gods would grant his wish" to "let him live" not make forever "memories". Being alive each day, having good moments rather than bad, seeing butterflies flying around and his hopes was what the song was all about and to not disappear.
He wanted to live!
"Jasmine"
良かったらどうぞ。自分なりの和訳も加えてみました。(YouTube)
Do you hear the song?
Quiet melody
Ringing in the hallway still
When you feel
Like you’re falling behind
Be still
And hear your heart
Treasure your heart
Wherever you go
Say you’ll remember
Every moment together
You are my forever
My gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my soul for you
Tonight…
You’re the one I want
In my memories
If I could only have one wish
When I couldn’t fight fear
You cheered me in tears
And you’re still
Standing here with me
We’re only at the beginning
Say you’ll remember
Every moment together
You are my forever
My gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my soul for you
Tonight…
Every night I pray to God in bed
In spite of the pain I thank you for the light
in my life
Here’s to another day
Don’t wait ’til tomorrow
If you know you’re not over
You are my jasmine
My gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my all my soul…
Say you’ll remember
Every moment together
You are my forever
My gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my soul for you
If there is tomorrow
Let go of your sorrow
Remember the rainbow
That gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my soul for you
Tonight…
その歌が聞こえますか？
静かなメロディーが
廊下で今でも鳴っている
あなたが取り残されていると感じたら
静かに心の声を聞いてね
たとえ何処に行こうとも
あなたの心を大切にしてね
すべての瞬間を一緒に心に留めようと言って
あなたは私の永遠で
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
今宵は…
あなたは、私の思い出の中で望む唯一の人です
もし私が1つだけ願いを持つことができたならば
恐怖に打ち勝つことができなかったとき
あなたは涙を流して私を励ましてくれた
そしてあなたは今でも私とここに立っている
私たちはまだ始まりに過ぎない
すべての瞬間を一緒に心に留めようと言って
あなたは私の永遠で
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
今宵は…
毎晩ベッドで神様に祈っています
苦しみにも負けず私は人生の希望の光に感謝します
今日も一日頑張ろう
ただじっと明日を待つことをしないで
終わっていないと分かるならば
あなたは私の｢ジャスミン｣だから
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
すべての瞬間を一緒に心に留めようと言って
あなたは私の永遠で
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
今宵は…
明日がそこにあるのなら
悲しみなんて捨てて
虹を思い浮かべよう
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
今宵は…
It is a touching tribute to a young male that really loved music - he still lives on because of the pieces he composed.
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15/03/2023
Am so glad this wasn't 70% romance, 20% fillers and 10% story.
Won't go into any details except to say that it is true that one unjustified word or one malicious act from someone can cause irreparable damage to a single person or an entire family - for life.
I enjoyed this K DRAMA for about 10 to 17 episodes although at times the crying scenes were a bit too much and I felt the main female actor over acted her role quite a bit. Also, the same dyed hair colour for all leads by the end seemed unnatural and superficial.
For me, 16 episodes would have been enough with less emotional drama and angst - especially the last few episodes.
This series would have been excellent if the focus had remained on the main story line of two young brothers seeking revenge, separately, for the injustice done to their family by a ruthless female reporter. No romance or 10% would have sufficed.
Overall, it is a fantastic story, it has a great cast, perfect music and there are moments that are truly heartfelt and tissue worthy.
I actually came to write about something quite trivial, but it was what I noticed over time and just had to say something about it...
The Piggy Banks.
The piggy banks in Dai Po's room (family apartment) went from a group of piggy banks to about two over some episodes after his "dad" kept raiding them for the money inside.
Hilarious! To me that seemed quite funny.
Not sure why that stood out above everything else with it not really being a funny drama 90% of the time, but maybe for me through the seriousness of it all that provided some comic relief or a bit of needed diversion.
A KDrama worth watching despite the angst or if you can tolerate it!
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This review may contain spoilers
I actually didn't mind this series, but prefer high school aged individuals going on to adulthood and beyond so this type of "slice of life" isn't something I'd get into on a regular basis.
What is great in this drama are all the antics, the school environment and pressures that go with it, the strong bonded friendships and the stories connected to some of those individuals.
Hua Biao is a genius that lives with his grandmother and is poor yet does the best that he can to make things work and is always optimistic, thoughtful and kind. He never really tells anyone his problems or asks for anything if it can be avoided yet will listen to others woes and help if he can.
Yang Xi is not as clever and is long distance runner with "two secret admirers" including her childhood friend, Li Yu, and Hua Biao.
Li Yu is a straight A student who lives above Yang Xi - they both share the same birthdate and year. He is kind, considerate and will help his friends without them even asking plus keep it in confidence with no questions asked. He is also like another son to the Xi's.
Situ Er Tiao is from a wealthy family only is not into exams or school plus can be a bit mischief, but is loyal to his friends and will go the extra mile if he has to to help any of them.
I could relate to the hours of studying and sitting for exams and how, as friends, we rallied around one another and supported each other through thick or thin. So, I can remember being just like the students in this drama only we didn't exactly clean pools or sell dumplings nor did we really eat alot at each others homes. Also, none of the girls I knew were as whimsical or babyish as what I see in some these drama whether young or old.
We didn't cheat like how the whole class cheated in one episode which was really cool I might add, but we did sometimes have answers written on our wrists/arms or on rulers and erasers.
Brings back some fun memories!
What I don't relate to or agree with at all in WWWY is the mentioning of "forgetting teachers faces" or "teachers names" as time passes even if "teachers remember students after years." However, in that one episode, it was in reference to one teacher only.
I feel it is so untrue!
Like our parents, teachers have just as much influence and impact on our lives as we grow and develop from kindergarten through to university, so they aren't forgettable nor should they be.
I still remember my first day of primary school plus my very first teacher right through to middle school and high school.
Some of us don't forget our teachers no matter how much time goes by!
Hou Minghao did a fantastic job of his character as did the others and especially the old woman that acted as the grandmother.
I've read about the ending being "bittersweet" elsewhere, but I reckon it was quite realistic. After we graduate from high school we either go on to university, work or have a gap year so all the teens going their own ways seemed normal although it was all done in the last 15 to 20 minutes of the last episode. So, a bit rushed I suppose and not tied up in a way that would have been more acceptable for some.
This isn't something I'd re-watch over and over again, but am sure for some it will be the best drama ever!
In fact, it is a good drama only it is a bit on the young side for me.
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This review may contain spoilers
RomCom With No Real Drama!
20/01/2023
If you are after something light and not too heavy then this romcom is for you!
We more or less have a cute couple brought together through a written script...oooops...through fate - trying to kill one another off only to fall in love after a few misunderstandings and compromises in a city where women are the reigning rulers.
I actually kept coming back to watch this over a week or so rather than binge watch it as for me it was good to pass the time, but wasn't really my kind of drama.
And it wasn't because the female was a screaming hyena, damsel in distress, baby voiced Miss Cuteness or serial killing Psychopath, but rather because there was nothing about the series that made it outstanding for me. In fact, some of it was plain stupid like the martial arts challenge which I found embarrassing as it degraded such a fine sport.
What I did like was the initial banter between the two main characters in the parallel world and the continuous interactions between the two throughout each episode as well as both of their man servants as the man servants were quite funny!
It's an okay enough series to pass the time as it is light with no heavy angst or melodramatic scenarios, but isn't one that would be in my top 200.
Highly recommended for those that don't want to go through an entire box of tissues or over exert themselves thinking too much.
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