Very strange.. i went through the entire series upset with it bc kiyoi is manipulative, and Hira is honestly creep…
I just have to give my perspective here. That there is absolutely nothing toxic in the relationships in this drama. Not any more than in any romcom... like Boys of the Flowers for example (not comparing the two, but comparing the level of toxicity in them:)))
But mostly, I am writing for a different reason. Because you recommended viewers to avoid it based on your perspective.
First, statistics. Even just on MDL - This drama is as highly rated as some of the most loved ones. This is a high rated jdrama overall on different platforms (and not just bl). Since, even if you check MDL, jdramas aren't within the most popular or highest rated (I won't comment on this:). The drama is praised by the majority, without anyone thinking there's a hint of toxicity in it.On some platforms, highest note is given by more than sixty percent of viewers, which is very high.
This type of recommendations, where someone tells others to avoid watching "based on their understanding", is dangerous. Because we all watch and see different things. I watched and saw a Kiyoi protecting Hira, someone else watched and saw a Kiyoi bullying Hira. I saw a beautiful relationship, while you thought the relationship was messed up. Interpretation and understanding isn't about what happens on the screen, but also about our own selves.
Hence my post to explain, that the way you saw the characters and their relations, is just one person's perspective and noone should avoid watching a drama based on anyone's perspective, because it might just not be theirs.
The reason I am not interpreting characters is because when it's night and day between viewers, the back and forth discussion will be in vain. Also, because I don't like discussing what's evident for me. To me, thinking that they were toxic to each other isn't an interpretation. It's what French describe as being à côté, which means, 'to the side', basically, completely missing the point. Sorry. But because of this, I preferred approaching this from another perspective and because of this, if we are to repeat what we have already expressed, I'll stop here.
To be frank, not only I wasn't entertained by Guardian, but I really struggled when watching it. I hardly finished…
I agree with you partially . Because, sure, taste matters. But there are also objectivily good or bad works. Otherwise, why would people study cinema right? And also they wouldn't have any references to study with. What I said about Guardian, wasn't in comparison with any other drama, nor it is because it has a supernatural element. But to me this drama as a whole isn't a success. A few scenes between the leads aren't enough.. And that was all there was to it, for me. And even then, I had problem with aesthetics, and lots of things even when it came to the leads, but I just don't want to go into details since this isn't the Guardian page. To tell you the truth, usually I do not express my opinion about dramas I do not like, nor do I visit their pages. The only exception is when they are brought up on a page I visit. So, I am not writing this to discourage people from watching it. After all, they can give it a try and decide for themselves. But to me, out of 350 dramas I have watched, Guardian would be the 250th I'd recommend:) and even then, I'd warn, it's only for a few scenes.
I had high expectation from this as it was in the suggestions from the movie cornered mouse...which affected me…
I wrote on this page before, that when I first watched it, I missed many subtleties of Kiyoi's acting. I think the reason was that I was so taken by Hira's actor, that I missed some other things happening on the screen:) It's only when I rewatched this, and may be not even on my first rewatch, that I caught important things I had missed. I saw some strong emotions that he showed in a very delicate manner, and I had missed them. And in fact I read a russian review, when the author wrote something similar. I certainly do not know if your experience will be the same if you ever rewatched it, but I wanted to share my own experience on this.
can anyone recommend some historical dramas please
Chinese Douluo Continent (costume fantasy) and not because XZ is in it and we are on CQL page, but because I love it.
Korean (I like older historical ones) if you haven't seen by any chance Warrior Baek Dong Su The Kingdom of the Winds
I chose the two kdramas our of my favourite historicals to recommend, because both of them are centered around the relationship between the male leads. Their friendship/antagonism etc. For those who haven't seen these dramas. I'll recommend giving them a try.
I'm always conflicted as to which one I like better...The Untamed, Word Of Honor or Gaurdian. I think for pure…
To be frank, not only I wasn't entertained by Guardian, but I really struggled when watching it. I hardly finished it, and thinking back, I retained nothing from it. I never compare it to CQL
I guess with each new upcoming danmei adaptation some users are inevitably going to compare them. But the thing is, I don't see why this is important. While there's nothing wrong with a healthy comparison, the comparison becomes wrong when fans start making it the most important issue while watching (not speaking of your post, I am saying this generally). Even comparing, people should keep their 'reason' and not make anything into competition. Because that's not comparing anymore, that's forgetting why people are watching dramas in the first place.
I just want to add a small caveat to what the others have mentioned about the actors. While they were popular…
It's not rare when the leads (and not only) of a drama raise to stardom after a drama. The cast of sungyunkwan scandal in Korea for example... And it's great when it 's deserved! Both leads of cql obtained loyal followers because it's deserved. And even after cql, whatever I've watched them in, starting from dramas ending with different performances, it's been a complete new, delightful, unparalleled experience. They are both extremely talented artists that are born to shine on the screen and the stage.
I just want to add a small caveat to what the others have mentioned about the actors. While they were popular…
I am assuming you are speaking of joy of life mentioning that he only appeared in a few episodes? XZ had signed for that drama before cql. Since you're the one bringing up Zhang ruoyun here then don't be offended if I tell you, I watched joy of life and didn't find a slightest thing interesting about him, whereas there are so many Asian actors I've liked throuout these ten years. While there are actors that have made me watch their entire filmography, it never occurred to me after jol, to even check what other dramas he was in. But frankly, I don't even know as to why cql page is the place to write about this. It would be the same as if I'd go to Nirvana page to say that I love XZ more...:)))) I mean, we are all free to do what we want, but I just don't see the reason or interest.
My advice would be to keep going!! It has a slow start, but it keeps getting more and more intense each episode!!
Did my message come out wrong?: Wasn't planning on stopping. I am watching for feiyou, but the drama itself had a solid start. So I am keen to see how it'll go and also keen to see feiyou in this...
There are dramas, where you know immediately who loves who and how the romance will go etc... But there are also dramas, where romance is portrayed differently.. You have to feel and guess and wait for surprises. And Douluo Continent is the latter type. Therefore, if I were to give you information, I'd be spoiling the whole drama for you.
The Art Director of this Drama is Han Zhong according to Baidu, the Art Director of Chinese Masterpieces including The House of Flying Daggers...
And just some info for those who do not know, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Beijind 2022 have been directed by the Director of House of Flying Daggers, Zhang Yimou...
I have to tell it once, that when I read some users writing articles on MDL and using such adjectives as amateur when it comes to Chinese dramas and filmmakers, I want to send them a handbook to the World Cinema asking them to read a little, before they take an initiative to do anything. Otherwise, they really make fool of themselves...
It was great seeing them all together on stage... Funny thing is I really felt I was watching soldiers sing and not actors...
I have a wish, to have a new drama or performance from XZ 365 days a year...
And I was meaning to write a longzr post about Ace Troops, but I'll do it another time.
For today, I just want to recommend it to those who haven't watched it yet.
First, I wouldn't miss it because of Xiao Zhan's acting. Not because I love the Actor, or I want to support the Actor, but because I wouldn't want to miss the ACTING for myself... And, second, I've thoroughly enjoyed the drama from the beginning till the end. I didn't know what to expect from a military drama, and I was happy from the beginning realizing it was really light hearted. There were emotional moments, but the light heartedness for me was still there... This is something I have always appreciated in Asian dramas...
In fact, a few chinese dramas surprised me this year. If I were to tell this simply, China makes dramas not being'pushed' by the viewers, but to 'pull' the viewers into watching something well done. This is something that's pretty exceptional today...
I think that trying to 'relate to a character' is understandable, but to me, but this can also bring to the wrong…
You said a few times that Hira was obsessed and you felt that he would almost beg Kiyoi to be with him??? But I am sorry to say, you misunderstood the character and the PLOT. Wasn't Kiyoi doing everything to keep Hira next to him? Didn't he like him? Didn't he also protect him? And hypothèse such as 'what if he didn't like him', does not exist, because he DID like him. But even if he didn't, he was still friendly. So what reason did Hira have not to be near Kiyoi, if they were just passing time together, and he was asking for nothing in return? How is this considered wrong?
I apologise, but I need to say this directly, that I feel like some users take a few things happening in the drama f'irst degree'. Like Kiyoi calling him stalker or 'gross'. These aren't to be taken first degree. Not only because Kiyoi obviously didn't MEAN IT (and I emphasize this, because this is essential), but on the contrary . We do know, and we do see, that he is flustered and likes Hira as much as Hira does... Also, this is a drama about high school boys, after all. Don't we call our friends all kinds of things jokingly, when flirting:), etc... ?
The last thing I'll say is something I already said, Japanese cinema has a specific STYLE, and therefore, if a user takes things 'first degree', then he is sure to misunderstand a lot of things...
I'll really stop here. Because I feel I've said it all. And as I said, I don't have a problem with you liking or disliking anyone, or even agreeing or disagreeing.
But if I feel a character is mispresented in a forum, I feel, I should speak up for him:) that's all.
I think that trying to 'relate to a character' is understandable, but to me, but this can also bring to the wrong…
Let's leave Utsukashii Kare alone for a couple of seconds and speak of what you said about human traits applying to characters the same way they apply to any reality. This statement can't be any wronger for me actually.
If I were to bring an example... Have you ever seen the American Blacklist? The male lead is a criminal that kills without batting an eye. Yet, we watch, and find him quite charismatic and even rightous to some extent. Should this person appear in reality, we'd just think he's a crazy psychopath. But the thing is, this character COULD not appear in reality, since he's simply written for the SCREEN.
Another thing to consider when analyzing a character, is 'what genre' you are watching. If you are watching a romantic comedy, for example, you do not analyse the character in the same manner, as when you are watching a documentary. Let's take the example of the korean 'you're beautiful', a romcom I like. Can we put this in our reality, and start analyzing that the girl deceived everyone, by presenting herself as a boy. Or the coffee prince? We do not analyse 'these actions' in the same manner, we'd analyse in reality, because we are watching a romcom. Some things are to be taken 'lightly'. Cinema is different from reality and for a reason...
Now if we were to get back to Utsukushii Kare under spoiler. I do not have a problem with you 'not liking' Hira. My problem is with your analysis of Hira, because to me, you have completely misunderstood not only the character but the plot. And for this reason, I think you should watch it again anew...
The Novel is a Romance. Meaning Romance between two male heroes. It has been officially translated to English, but only the 1st volume is published for now. The information is on https://sevenseasdanmei.com/.
tell me why this series is popular? is it because of the 2 male leads?
In fact, what I wanted to say first, is that, this isn't only a popular drama but a globally well received drama, which is very different. A drama can be popular but not "recognized". This drama is praised globally (Asian countries and Internationally) and received tons of awards. It started a wave of interest in Chinese dramas, entertainment, culture, etc...
Only single dramas can claim this kind of influence on viewers...
In brief... If there is such a notion as a Must See, this is #1 on the List.
As to the two male leads... This certainly wouldn't be what it is without them. They Shine! But for an Actor to shine truthfully, he needs a good story, character, cinematography, and all of the other elements to be amazing.. And this is the case of this Drama. It's the result that's Incredible, but the different elements that gave this end result are inseparable...
🎞️
But mostly, I am writing for a different reason. Because you recommended viewers to avoid it based on your perspective.
First, statistics.
Even just on MDL - This drama is as highly rated as some of the most loved ones. This is a high rated jdrama overall on different platforms (and not just bl). Since, even if you check MDL, jdramas aren't within the most popular or highest rated (I won't comment on this:). The drama is praised by the majority, without anyone thinking there's a hint of toxicity in it.On some platforms, highest note is given by more than sixty percent of viewers, which is very high.
This type of recommendations, where someone tells others to avoid watching "based on their understanding", is dangerous. Because we all watch and see different things. I watched and saw a Kiyoi protecting Hira, someone else watched and saw a Kiyoi bullying Hira. I saw a beautiful relationship, while you thought the relationship was messed up. Interpretation and understanding isn't about what happens on the screen, but also about our own selves.
Hence my post to explain, that the way you saw the characters and their relations, is just one person's perspective and noone should avoid watching a drama based on anyone's perspective, because it might just not be theirs.
The reason I am not interpreting characters is because when it's night and day between viewers, the back and forth discussion will be in vain. Also, because I don't like discussing what's evident for me. To me, thinking that they were toxic to each other isn't an interpretation. It's what French describe as being à côté, which means, 'to the side', basically, completely missing the point. Sorry. But because of this, I preferred approaching this from another perspective and because of this, if we are to repeat what we have already expressed, I'll stop here.
What I said about Guardian, wasn't in comparison with any other drama, nor it is because it has a supernatural element. But to me this drama as a whole isn't a success. A few scenes between the leads aren't enough.. And that was all there was to it, for me. And even then, I had problem with aesthetics, and lots of things even when it came to the leads, but I just don't want to go into details since this isn't the Guardian page. To tell you the truth, usually I do not express my opinion about dramas I do not like, nor do I visit their pages. The only exception is when they are brought up on a page I visit. So, I am not writing this to discourage people from watching it. After all, they can give it a try and decide for themselves. But to me, out of 350 dramas I have watched, Guardian would be the 250th I'd recommend:) and even then, I'd warn, it's only for a few scenes.
I certainly do not know if your experience will be the same if you ever rewatched it, but I wanted to share my own experience on this.
Douluo Continent (costume fantasy) and not because XZ is in it and we are on CQL page, but because I love it.
Korean (I like older historical ones) if you haven't seen by any chance
Warrior Baek Dong Su
The Kingdom of the Winds
I chose the two kdramas our of my favourite historicals to recommend, because both of them are centered around the relationship between the male leads. Their friendship/antagonism etc. For those who haven't seen these dramas. I'll recommend giving them a try.
I never compare it to CQL
I guess with each new upcoming danmei adaptation some users are inevitably going to compare them. But the thing is, I don't see why this is important. While there's nothing wrong with a healthy comparison, the comparison becomes wrong when fans start making it the most important issue while watching (not speaking of your post, I am saying this generally). Even comparing, people should keep their 'reason' and not make anything into competition. Because that's not comparing anymore, that's forgetting why people are watching dramas in the first place.
And it's great when it 's deserved! Both leads of cql obtained loyal followers because it's deserved. And even after cql, whatever I've watched them in, starting from dramas ending with different performances, it's been a complete new, delightful, unparalleled experience. They are both extremely talented artists that are born to shine on the screen and the stage.
Since you're the one bringing up Zhang ruoyun here then don't be offended if I tell you, I watched joy of life and didn't find a slightest thing interesting about him, whereas there are so many Asian actors I've liked throuout these ten years. While there are actors that have made me watch their entire filmography, it never occurred to me after jol, to even check what other dramas he was in. But frankly, I don't even know as to why cql page is the place to write about this. It would be the same as if I'd go to Nirvana page to say that I love XZ more...:)))) I mean, we are all free to do what we want, but I just don't see the reason or interest.
The Art Director of this Drama is Han Zhong according to Baidu, the Art Director of Chinese Masterpieces including The House of Flying Daggers...
And just some info for those who do not know, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Beijind 2022 have been directed by the Director of House of Flying Daggers, Zhang Yimou...
I have to tell it once, that when I read some users writing articles on MDL and using such adjectives as amateur when it comes to Chinese dramas and filmmakers, I want to send them a handbook to the World Cinema asking them to read a little, before they take an initiative to do anything. Otherwise, they really make fool of themselves...
Funny thing is I really felt I was watching soldiers sing and not actors...
I have a wish, to have a new drama or performance from XZ 365 days a year...
And I was meaning to write a longzr post about Ace Troops, but I'll do it another time.
For today, I just want to recommend it to those who haven't watched it yet.
First, I wouldn't miss it because of Xiao Zhan's acting. Not because I love the Actor, or I want to support the Actor, but because I wouldn't want to miss the ACTING for myself...
And, second, I've thoroughly enjoyed the drama from the beginning till the end. I didn't know what to expect from a military drama, and I was happy from the beginning realizing it was really light hearted. There were emotional moments, but the light heartedness for me was still there... This is something I have always appreciated in Asian dramas...
In fact, a few chinese dramas surprised me this year. If I were to tell this simply, China makes dramas not being'pushed' by the viewers, but to 'pull' the viewers into watching something well done. This is something that's pretty exceptional today...
I'll definitely recommend giving this a try...
I apologise, but I need to say this directly, that I feel like some users take a few things happening in the drama f'irst degree'. Like Kiyoi calling him stalker or 'gross'. These aren't to be taken first degree. Not only because Kiyoi obviously didn't MEAN IT (and I emphasize this, because this is essential), but on the contrary . We do know, and we do see, that he is flustered and likes Hira as much as Hira does... Also, this is a drama about high school boys, after all. Don't we call our friends all kinds of things jokingly, when flirting:), etc... ?
The last thing I'll say is something I already said, Japanese cinema has a specific STYLE, and therefore, if a user takes things 'first degree', then he is sure to misunderstand a lot of things...
I'll really stop here. Because I feel I've said it all. And as I said, I don't have a problem with you liking or disliking anyone, or even agreeing or disagreeing.
But if I feel a character is mispresented in a forum, I feel, I should speak up for him:) that's all.
This statement can't be any wronger for me actually.
If I were to bring an example... Have you ever seen the American Blacklist? The male lead is a criminal that kills without batting an eye. Yet, we watch, and find him quite charismatic and even rightous to some extent. Should this person appear in reality, we'd just think he's a crazy psychopath. But the thing is, this character COULD not appear in reality, since he's simply written for the SCREEN.
Another thing to consider when analyzing a character, is 'what genre' you are watching. If you are watching a romantic comedy, for example, you do not analyse the character in the same manner, as when you are watching a documentary. Let's take the example of the korean 'you're beautiful', a romcom I like. Can we put this in our reality, and start analyzing that the girl deceived everyone, by presenting herself as a boy. Or the coffee prince? We do not analyse 'these actions' in the same manner, we'd analyse in reality, because we are watching a romcom. Some things are to be taken 'lightly'. Cinema is different from reality and for a reason...
Now if we were to get back to Utsukushii Kare under spoiler.
I do not have a problem with you 'not liking' Hira. My problem is with your analysis of Hira, because to me, you have completely misunderstood not only the character but the plot. And for this reason, I think you should watch it again anew...
Only single dramas can claim this kind of influence on viewers...
In brief... If there is such a notion as a Must See, this is #1 on the List.
As to the two male leads... This certainly wouldn't be what it is without them. They Shine!
But for an Actor to shine truthfully, he needs a good story, character, cinematography, and all of the other elements to be amazing.. And this is the case of this Drama. It's the result that's Incredible, but the different elements that gave this end result are inseparable...