I'm really liking this but it's really nothing like the original story.
Read both comments above, and AGAIN, I fully understand and appreciate your sentiments but I think MY point is going over your head somehow. Let me try it this way:
You say he is abusive because he treats her like a doormat and he became a better person because she "stuck by him". What I'm saying is that isn't the case because his character is an anti-social autistic dude. They lack empathy as part of their behavioral condition and it isn't a choice. Nor is her naivety & stupidity a choice. These are traits handed to them by God to overcome. They do that TOGETHER. He never needed her to be an achiever, because he's a genius. He needed her to be more human as in empathetic. She never tells him to be this way, he does so naturally through his love for her. She gained self esteem and success because he guided her. A stupid person with low self esteem would say, no matter what, I cannot do these things. Even while she's training she wants to give up time and time again, but because of her love for him she pushes through. She becomes overly successful due to this relationship because otherwise she'd go with the guy who becomes her dad's successor chef and lives a life being a housewife to him and never accomplishing anything more than that. But based on what you're saying, her not achieving anything would be better because he cares about her and treats like a queen. YES, Naoki treats her poorly BUT it's no different than he treats everyone else, including his own family members, everyday of the week. AGAIN, it's not because he's a jerk... it's because he's anti-social to begin with... The fact that he is able to adjust and adapted is as much a miracle as her doing well academically.
....and it's because of these things, I will never agree with you that it's an abusive, humiliating relationship... They themselves never experience their relationship that way...
Although I'm really liking this version too but because it's so different than the original there's kind of no…
I'm really loving the discussions here about this drama. I feel like I'm in an English class forum discussing literature. lol... Honestly, that's what's so pleasant about this drama. We are wondering and pondering and discussing. It's interesting. We're actually interested in the writer's angle because the story arc isn't bad at all and the acting is well indeed.
They have confirmed they'll be doing a season 2 for this so they'll have to figure out all the ends and outs of how to make the connection between Tenten and Taliw work. I'm still interested in how they'll play it out but having watched ep. 11 & ep. 12, the dynamic is interesting and it's still working for me. I really hope they can keep this up. It would be another rendition of this story we can all appreciate if they can pull it off. I'm really pulling for the writers on this one.
I'm really liking this but it's really nothing like the original story.
[ In the real world, characters should build their own self-esteem, not rely on someone else to do it. What if that person ups and leaves? You should never be that dependent on anybody] ??? ....but.....
That's why he left to his own place when they go to university before he asked her to marry him, no? Do you not understand the timing? Why did he make that choice after a medical emergency? He had a comfortable life. He had no reason to put himself through suffering as well. It's also why he went to a far away place to do his military medical internship, no? So she could be more independent in case something ever happens to him and he wouldn't be there??? Right? He gives her motivation to improve her studies she cared little about until she liked him, no? He helped her where no one else was ever able, including her own father. That wasn't at the end, that was from the very start. [btw.. by your thinking there would be no need for teachers, spiritual advisors, mentors, leaders, or any other human interaction. In life, you are who you are by genetics, upbringing, culture, environment, and your experiences... a majority of which come from your social interactions. As a mother of 2 kids, I often tell people that I've learned more about life from raising my children than I have anywhere else. It's because of the relationship dynamics I'm forced into engaging in that have made me change and mature. It's a sad person who is all alone in the world forced to figure out how to live life well.. most of us develop an understanding of ourselves and improve our esteem through our everyday relationship challenges... it's the beautiful mystery of life.]
He became a better man, not because she believed in him, he is a genius, he could do whatever he wanted and succeed. He never lost a thing he attempted. He became more HUMAN because of his LOVE for her. Because he loved her he was forced into baffling situations that, as a genius, he would never willingly put himself into for any reason. All his decisions were centered around her and his love for her.
She didn't do things or not do things because she lacked self esteem, she did it because she was in love with him and wanted to be with him no matter what, period. It really didn't matter, she wasn't think past anything but that because she's just that naive and clueless. ...and as I said... At least her reasoning is pure of heart. There are storylines where the girl manipulates and does specific things to get a RICH guy so she can have the set life... and no one would call them a doormat. Golddiggers. Users. They're just making specific decisions on the type of relationship they want. It is just that she's so simpleminded that the only thing she wants out of life is to love the man she loves, and be with him for the rest of her life.
Although I'm really liking this version too but because it's so different than the original there's kind of no…
Interesting thing is that how Mike plays his part in Full House Thai version, he could have played TenTen just as cold and it worked for Mike/Aom couple because that's the standout performance that made these two an item. The producers of this have chosen a completely different direction, and I'll say it again, it doesn't make me dislike it, I'm actually enjoying it very much, mainly because of Mike/Aom. It's always in the back of my mind wondering if the Thai producers made a concerted decision, after reading previous reviews of other live versions, to opt taking the things people complained about then twist the plot to serve their desire, because that's so how it truly feels. It feels like they chose to have a TenTen that girls we're dying and asking for plus Mike just plays this character in this fashion so well. It's just not one you can claim as comparable to the others. The theme is the same by the plot is hella different.
I'm really liking this but it's really nothing like the original story.
How can you be clueless and lack self-esteem at the same time? There are those who really never got what Kaoru was portraying and the dynamic between them in her manga. The live versions have tried to hold true to her story arc.
Naoki is a genius... think of those genius savants. In modern terms you'd say that he is a genius with autistic attributes. He has socialization issues, but if you look past his cold exterior and pay attention to his actions, you see how much he loves her in that he wants her to become more intelligent, self-sufficient, and independent. He wants her to not have to rely on him. It's not abusive, it's tough love. He wants her to be his co-equal while all she really wants is to be a housewife. ..and how is that any different from a thousand dramas where the woman marries a man for his money?? In reality, he is more loving and considerate of her despite his lack of emotional skills. It's the thing that makes them such an endearing couple. They grow both mentally and emotionally because of their relationship not despite it.
She's not lacking in self-esteem. She does everything she can to measure up to him because she BELIEVES she's best with him. He loves her for her perseverance despite her lackings and failings. You cannot mistake naivety, ignorance, and low IQ for not having self-esteem. She's clueless that she should even have esteem at all, let alone pride, or embarrassment because she's just that dumb. ...and yes, there are people in the world who have a low IQ... and he married her despite that fact.
I wish people would give Naoki's character a little more slack and understanding because it feels he is always given the short in of the stick in reviews merely because people want to see a dude being cute and whispering sweet nothings even when it doesn't have an ounce to do with the plot of the story. The author had a point to make... and imho it was a really good one... and it's why the series is popular even though people bitch about her main male lead.
Although I'm really liking this version too but because it's so different than the original there's kind of no…
I think both of you make valid points. I've already said that you cannot watch the Thai version and compare it to the others which tried to stay as true to the manga as it could. Kaoru's manga is very specific. Also, the plot is jumbled up so the context of things are not the same. I am trying to figure out how they are going to keep the arc of his coldness going since they've already announced they will do a Season 2 for this version. Why would he need to continue to be cold to her after they get married? I'm very interested how they're going to portray that dynamic.
As it stands, the growth in TenTen is not Taliw-centric, which is a disappointment even with all the cuteness. The thing about the manga that makes it work, and why for even those folks who bitch about Naoki's coldness in the live versions still watch it endearingly, is that these two help each other grow both mentally and emotionally. It's what makes up for how poorly we think he is treating her because we see how good he is for her and how much she does for him. It's a mutual relationship. If he only took, took, took, no one would like ANY of the versions. So.... without that part of the story arc, it's a mystery why he cares about her but can't show his emotions. In the Thai version he loves her but he doesn't need her to learn how to make friends, be kinder to his family, or get insight into being a doctor. He's getting that from all around him not just Taliw. So... I'm worried I'm going to get annoyed with him if he treats her like a child and not a co-equal while he doesn't have the emotional hang-ups that Naoki had. If we can see his love and emotions and you say everyone else isn't as clueless, then he's not really emotional constipated as his character is supposed to be. His character displays more of a shy, reserved guy... and once you're married there's no shyness needed. ...interesting indeed... I still like the series despite my misgivings on the plot development.....
The beginning of this drama was good but in the last 8 episodes it really dragged and all the other actors but the leads got most of the storyline. I wasn't as interested in their interactions and it forced me to ffwd through a lot. It was also annoying that 75% of the men in this series were essentially gay. Not just gay but overly gay in an annoying, cliche way, especially in the last 2 episodes. It totally ruined the vibe and I couldn't stand the cackling laughs. This is coming from someone with family members who are gay. That aspect of it didn't lend anything to the story after a certain point as things become revealed.
I really was surprised at how bad Ki Tae Young acted in this series. I read that Eugene's current drama coupling doesn't have chemistry either. I think her co-actor looks similar to Tae Young, so that doesn't help. They seem to have lost the ability to get into character after the birth of their child. Anyway, Da Som & Soo Young were probably the best actors in this, the rest did such a poor job getting into character that they felt like actors acting instead. It felt like an old drama from 2006-07 instead of one produced in 2015. Go watch an old drama then watch the ep1-2 of this and you'll understand my drift. I ffwd'ed through 70% of it. Glad I waited until it was completed so I could do that.
I too have watched every live version of this story, read the manga, and watched the anime. It's a precious piece to me because, even though it was Taiwanese, the first ever drama series that got me hooked on the Asian drama genre was ISWAK. I have devoured Taiwanese dramas after that until I found Korean dramas and it just flew from there.
BTW--It wasn't hard for me to find or get to the Korean dramas since I had already been watching Korean movies with the likes of Ha Ji Won, etc. that were posted High quality on YouTube and that was because I had already watched every Victorian Jane Austen TV series from the BBC on YT, I needed something "new". I bless YT back in the day. Now, with apps and dedicated eng sub sites it's a smorgasbord of every kind under the sun to my delight.
Because of this, many years ago I watched my first Thai movie, "First Love" and it was SO good that I've watched it multiple times. [btw--Taliw's chubby friend acts the friend of the lead in "First Love" as well and so these side actors, imho will do well in Kiss Me series if they're as good as before] I have watched "First Kiss" drama series and it was up and down for me. I liked it over all, but I watch Filipino, Chinese, or Thai dramas/movies when the new TW or K dramas being aired are less than my cup of tea, if you know what I mean. I don't watch "everything" and they aren't always well made either. But comparatively, the quality in those 2 regions, imho, are miles ahead of anywhere else so I'd say 75% of what comes out I'm watching. The other regions come in as "filler" and I never watch them with "high" expectations. The production value just doesn't measure up. I don't think it's the regions fault that they don't have the income in production costs to measure up... but with the resources they have, they do pretty dang good.
SO... My view was, yes, in the first episode I started off being a bit disappointed. Then I set that aside and used my logic. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this version. I'm actually a little intrigued and excited at their take on the manga itself. I know that Mike said he had a VERY hard time trying to act "cold" and be believable as a "teenager" where he feels what makes a teenager is being "lively". He said he had many "ng"s and tried to balance his character between they way he's portrayed in the manga versus his own view of how his personality should be. Also note that he said he didn't "watch" other versions and only "skimmed" the manga. I don't think this genre is necessarily his style so it'll be interesting to see how he pulls it off... and with that I found myself saying, "okay, it's not 'accurate' but it's not bad. Let's see their take on it.. I'm gonna leave up an open mind and just go with the flow of it... see how it goes..." It's not 100% ISWAK, so do not watch it with that mindset. The MAJOR points are hit and that's what matters. And if you've been watching dramas as much and as often as me, take this as a little Fresh Air instead of just critiquing the acting/scenery to the same plot, dialogue, just with different actors speaking a different language. This is a new and refreshing take on a storyline we all love. Enjoy it for that and I think we'll all be happier about this one.
Trolls and anti-fans present a unique glimpse into the myriad intricacies that make up the human mind. Why waste…
so you're saying that 2 weeks was the same as joseon gunman and that show was crap because LJK was the lead? Groupie? Again, let me say, I HAVEN'T EVEN WATCHED THIS SHOW AND DON'T KNOW THAT I WILL... BWAHAHAHAHA.. So your **premise is a FALSE one**. I came HERE to read these comments to DECIDE if it was worth the watch.. and I felt compelled to reply to you because as far as the comments AND reviews here, I took them as very measured. Many said that the STORY SUCKS and the VAMPIRE IDEA is misguided but not ONLY LJK but other actors in this show did such a good job selling it with their ACTING they they stuck with it rather than drop it. That's a testament to his acting skill NOT the fact that storyline is FITTED to his style. I've never seen LJK as a vampire. Don't know if I'll watch this show either but 2 weeks isn't LJK as a Joseon era vampire. So, honestly, you just ignoring my points and name calling me shows where your mindset is... for whatever reason you don't like these actors as people so you come around just to trash talk them without merit. I don't mind those who said that the show sucked. At least they are commenting with perspective.. You on the other hand are not just belittling these actors but people who enjoy watching them.
If you don't like them then stop bothering about them and move on. It's not that big of a deal to go all out like you are and insulting everyone in the process. Just like you say no one will change YOUR mind, neither will your empty ill-worded, insulting prose change 1 "brainwashed groupie" so you might as well just give it a rest... because when you went to the place of calling out Ha Ji Won as a poor actress or giving 10% effort because she uses "somersaults" during a "sword fight" as if that is her only acting style, you lost your argument. Empress Ki is not Secret Garden and Secret Garden is not The Time We Were Not In Love where Ha Ji Won played nothing but a feminine women's shoe retailer. lol....
BTW.. I'm a 2nd degree black belt in TKD and have 2 sons who are black belts as well. Yes, we throw REAL swords in the air and turn around and catch them and flip with them and all sorts of things... There are tournaments that are devoted to this SPECIFIC style of martial arts and it's referred to as "Extreme Forms". Only the best most daring marital arts train in this.. my son's 3rd degree form he used a San Setsu Kon, it's not easy and most definitely isn't the most battle user friendly item but when mastered and put into a form it's beautiful to watch... and that's why they call it marital "Arts"... there is a beauty to the process and Jackie Chan's movies aren't poorly acted because he does a bunch of EXTREME moves during a fight... It's artistic and that's what movies are all about BEING ARTISTIC!! lol.....
Trolls and anti-fans present a unique glimpse into the myriad intricacies that make up the human mind. Why waste…
..and BTW, I found 2 weeks to be one of the most compelling dramas with a minimal of a romantic story that I've ever watched. LJK's acting in that was stellar. For, anyone to say all his dramas have the same feel... Well, frankly, I don't know what to think about that except that you have to actually be the one with the bias. Only an anti-fan could make that kind of criticism.
Trolls and anti-fans present a unique glimpse into the myriad intricacies that make up the human mind. Why waste…
I never read a more illogical criticism of an actor. I'm wondering what constitutes a "LJK groupie"? I find it fascinating that someone would criticizes LJK's acting as only merited by his "idol" persona. FACT: 1. I'm an American female over 40 who started watching k-dramas without knowing one thing about k-pop, their music, or being a part of their fan-base. 2. LJK's acting was one of the reasons I was pulled into obsessing about these types of drama's in the 1st place. 3. The 1st ever LJK drama I watched was Arang and the Magistrate. He was absolutely fantastic in it and his acting and chemistry with Shin Min-A was what made that show. It also introduced me to some other "supporting actors" who all have played in varying roles that I've watched and enjoyed. I was able to get into it because LJK was such a great actor.
So, I don't know how you group people as biased. I haven't watched this drama yet, but if I do I'd be biased to watch it **because** LJK is acting in it... because of how much I've loved him in so many other shows. PERIOD. I never followed him as an idol and have never even heard anything to do with what makes him an idol. I'm sure 1/2 the people here couldn't name anything other than his acting as well.
BTW-- Good actors sell the storyline given to them. An actor doesn't write the story NOR do the produce the DIALOGUE. That's given to them and whether they have authority to say what they want is up to the director, writer, and producers. LJK "talking, talking" is because that's what the script calls for... so if you want to criticize that, don't criticize the actor, criticize the ones who produced the dialogue and action and scenes you seem to hate so much.
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You say he is abusive because he treats her like a doormat and he became a better person because she "stuck by him". What I'm saying is that isn't the case because his character is an anti-social autistic dude. They lack empathy as part of their behavioral condition and it isn't a choice. Nor is her naivety & stupidity a choice. These are traits handed to them by God to overcome. They do that TOGETHER. He never needed her to be an achiever, because he's a genius. He needed her to be more human as in empathetic. She never tells him to be this way, he does so naturally through his love for her. She gained self esteem and success because he guided her. A stupid person with low self esteem would say, no matter what, I cannot do these things. Even while she's training she wants to give up time and time again, but because of her love for him she pushes through. She becomes overly successful due to this relationship because otherwise she'd go with the guy who becomes her dad's successor chef and lives a life being a housewife to him and never accomplishing anything more than that. But based on what you're saying, her not achieving anything would be better because he cares about her and treats like a queen. YES, Naoki treats her poorly BUT it's no different than he treats everyone else, including his own family members, everyday of the week. AGAIN, it's not because he's a jerk... it's because he's anti-social to begin with... The fact that he is able to adjust and adapted is as much a miracle as her doing well academically.
....and it's because of these things, I will never agree with you that it's an abusive, humiliating relationship... They themselves never experience their relationship that way...
They have confirmed they'll be doing a season 2 for this so they'll have to figure out all the ends and outs of how to make the connection between Tenten and Taliw work. I'm still interested in how they'll play it out but having watched ep. 11 & ep. 12, the dynamic is interesting and it's still working for me. I really hope they can keep this up. It would be another rendition of this story we can all appreciate if they can pull it off. I'm really pulling for the writers on this one.
That's why he left to his own place when they go to university before he asked her to marry him, no? Do you not understand the timing? Why did he make that choice after a medical emergency? He had a comfortable life. He had no reason to put himself through suffering as well. It's also why he went to a far away place to do his military medical internship, no? So she could be more independent in case something ever happens to him and he wouldn't be there??? Right? He gives her motivation to improve her studies she cared little about until she liked him, no? He helped her where no one else was ever able, including her own father. That wasn't at the end, that was from the very start. [btw.. by your thinking there would be no need for teachers, spiritual advisors, mentors, leaders, or any other human interaction. In life, you are who you are by genetics, upbringing, culture, environment, and your experiences... a majority of which come from your social interactions. As a mother of 2 kids, I often tell people that I've learned more about life from raising my children than I have anywhere else. It's because of the relationship dynamics I'm forced into engaging in that have made me change and mature. It's a sad person who is all alone in the world forced to figure out how to live life well.. most of us develop an understanding of ourselves and improve our esteem through our everyday relationship challenges... it's the beautiful mystery of life.]
He became a better man, not because she believed in him, he is a genius, he could do whatever he wanted and succeed. He never lost a thing he attempted. He became more HUMAN because of his LOVE for her. Because he loved her he was forced into baffling situations that, as a genius, he would never willingly put himself into for any reason. All his decisions were centered around her and his love for her.
She didn't do things or not do things because she lacked self esteem, she did it because she was in love with him and wanted to be with him no matter what, period. It really didn't matter, she wasn't think past anything but that because she's just that naive and clueless. ...and as I said... At least her reasoning is pure of heart. There are storylines where the girl manipulates and does specific things to get a RICH guy so she can have the set life... and no one would call them a doormat. Golddiggers. Users. They're just making specific decisions on the type of relationship they want. It is just that she's so simpleminded that the only thing she wants out of life is to love the man she loves, and be with him for the rest of her life.
Naoki is a genius... think of those genius savants. In modern terms you'd say that he is a genius with autistic attributes. He has socialization issues, but if you look past his cold exterior and pay attention to his actions, you see how much he loves her in that he wants her to become more intelligent, self-sufficient, and independent. He wants her to not have to rely on him. It's not abusive, it's tough love. He wants her to be his co-equal while all she really wants is to be a housewife. ..and how is that any different from a thousand dramas where the woman marries a man for his money?? In reality, he is more loving and considerate of her despite his lack of emotional skills. It's the thing that makes them such an endearing couple. They grow both mentally and emotionally because of their relationship not despite it.
She's not lacking in self-esteem. She does everything she can to measure up to him because she BELIEVES she's best with him. He loves her for her perseverance despite her lackings and failings. You cannot mistake naivety, ignorance, and low IQ for not having self-esteem. She's clueless that she should even have esteem at all, let alone pride, or embarrassment because she's just that dumb. ...and yes, there are people in the world who have a low IQ... and he married her despite that fact.
I wish people would give Naoki's character a little more slack and understanding because it feels he is always given the short in of the stick in reviews merely because people want to see a dude being cute and whispering sweet nothings even when it doesn't have an ounce to do with the plot of the story. The author had a point to make... and imho it was a really good one... and it's why the series is popular even though people bitch about her main male lead.
As it stands, the growth in TenTen is not Taliw-centric, which is a disappointment even with all the cuteness. The thing about the manga that makes it work, and why for even those folks who bitch about Naoki's coldness in the live versions still watch it endearingly, is that these two help each other grow both mentally and emotionally. It's what makes up for how poorly we think he is treating her because we see how good he is for her and how much she does for him. It's a mutual relationship. If he only took, took, took, no one would like ANY of the versions. So.... without that part of the story arc, it's a mystery why he cares about her but can't show his emotions. In the Thai version he loves her but he doesn't need her to learn how to make friends, be kinder to his family, or get insight into being a doctor. He's getting that from all around him not just Taliw. So... I'm worried I'm going to get annoyed with him if he treats her like a child and not a co-equal while he doesn't have the emotional hang-ups that Naoki had. If we can see his love and emotions and you say everyone else isn't as clueless, then he's not really emotional constipated as his character is supposed to be. His character displays more of a shy, reserved guy... and once you're married there's no shyness needed. ...interesting indeed... I still like the series despite my misgivings on the plot development.....
BTW--It wasn't hard for me to find or get to the Korean dramas since I had already been watching Korean movies with the likes of Ha Ji Won, etc. that were posted High quality on YouTube and that was because I had already watched every Victorian Jane Austen TV series from the BBC on YT, I needed something "new". I bless YT back in the day. Now, with apps and dedicated eng sub sites it's a smorgasbord of every kind under the sun to my delight.
Because of this, many years ago I watched my first Thai movie, "First Love" and it was SO good that I've watched it multiple times. [btw--Taliw's chubby friend acts the friend of the lead in "First Love" as well and so these side actors, imho will do well in Kiss Me series if they're as good as before] I have watched "First Kiss" drama series and it was up and down for me. I liked it over all, but I watch Filipino, Chinese, or Thai dramas/movies when the new TW or K dramas being aired are less than my cup of tea, if you know what I mean. I don't watch "everything" and they aren't always well made either. But comparatively, the quality in those 2 regions, imho, are miles ahead of anywhere else so I'd say 75% of what comes out I'm watching. The other regions come in as "filler" and I never watch them with "high" expectations. The production value just doesn't measure up. I don't think it's the regions fault that they don't have the income in production costs to measure up... but with the resources they have, they do pretty dang good.
SO... My view was, yes, in the first episode I started off being a bit disappointed. Then I set that aside and used my logic. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this version. I'm actually a little intrigued and excited at their take on the manga itself. I know that Mike said he had a VERY hard time trying to act "cold" and be believable as a "teenager" where he feels what makes a teenager is being "lively". He said he had many "ng"s and tried to balance his character between they way he's portrayed in the manga versus his own view of how his personality should be. Also note that he said he didn't "watch" other versions and only "skimmed" the manga. I don't think this genre is necessarily his style so it'll be interesting to see how he pulls it off... and with that I found myself saying, "okay, it's not 'accurate' but it's not bad. Let's see their take on it.. I'm gonna leave up an open mind and just go with the flow of it... see how it goes..." It's not 100% ISWAK, so do not watch it with that mindset. The MAJOR points are hit and that's what matters. And if you've been watching dramas as much and as often as me, take this as a little Fresh Air instead of just critiquing the acting/scenery to the same plot, dialogue, just with different actors speaking a different language. This is a new and refreshing take on a storyline we all love. Enjoy it for that and I think we'll all be happier about this one.
If you don't like them then stop bothering about them and move on. It's not that big of a deal to go all out like you are and insulting everyone in the process. Just like you say no one will change YOUR mind, neither will your empty ill-worded, insulting prose change 1 "brainwashed groupie" so you might as well just give it a rest... because when you went to the place of calling out Ha Ji Won as a poor actress or giving 10% effort because she uses "somersaults" during a "sword fight" as if that is her only acting style, you lost your argument. Empress Ki is not Secret Garden and Secret Garden is not The Time We Were Not In Love where Ha Ji Won played nothing but a feminine women's shoe retailer. lol....
BTW.. I'm a 2nd degree black belt in TKD and have 2 sons who are black belts as well. Yes, we throw REAL swords in the air and turn around and catch them and flip with them and all sorts of things... There are tournaments that are devoted to this SPECIFIC style of martial arts and it's referred to as "Extreme Forms". Only the best most daring marital arts train in this.. my son's 3rd degree form he used a San Setsu Kon, it's not easy and most definitely isn't the most battle user friendly item but when mastered and put into a form it's beautiful to watch... and that's why they call it marital "Arts"... there is a beauty to the process and Jackie Chan's movies aren't poorly acted because he does a bunch of EXTREME moves during a fight... It's artistic and that's what movies are all about BEING ARTISTIC!! lol.....
So, I don't know how you group people as biased. I haven't watched this drama yet, but if I do I'd be biased to watch it **because** LJK is acting in it... because of how much I've loved him in so many other shows. PERIOD. I never followed him as an idol and have never even heard anything to do with what makes him an idol. I'm sure 1/2 the people here couldn't name anything other than his acting as well.
BTW-- Good actors sell the storyline given to them. An actor doesn't write the story NOR do the produce the DIALOGUE. That's given to them and whether they have authority to say what they want is up to the director, writer, and producers. LJK "talking, talking" is because that's what the script calls for... so if you want to criticize that, don't criticize the actor, criticize the ones who produced the dialogue and action and scenes you seem to hate so much.