Charbonnel

Just found the OSTs after episode 9 and oh my. Joong has quite a voice on him. I’ll be honest and say I’m not a fan of how so many Thai actors seem to act only to try to completely switch over to singing (not saying there aren’t some that are amazing at both, and I like when they do have both). However, he’s clearly got a lot going for him with the emotion, how he used those glissandos, and that bit of vibrato that was just so.

Long story short: I’m picky and unexpectedly really enjoyed hearing Joong’s voice in Hurt Me Please. (I haven’t heard him sing before.) Also loved the music video.

Also, I appreciate the way the music is done here way more than in older Thai shows. Instead of crowbarring in an awkward guitar + singing scene, having the OSTs with music videos that are both reflective of the characters and have their own little stories - this is perfection to me. It feeds fans who like OSTs and additional content, and it doesn’t interrupt the show. Those who aren’t interested don’t have to interact either. Win-win-win.

I found the peak (so fad) was everything before they went to the capital. I’ve seen 22 episodes now but that bracelet plot point was really cumbersome and not it for me.

I loved the adventuring with a goal in mind and the initial stages. I’m not a fan of palace politics so that arc wasn’t the best for me. I’m hoping the next one is back to the original goal so to speak.

I do adore the development of all the characters though, Ziqi especially, although I expect that’s what this show was going for. The deeper message from his side of the story is a meaningful one too - I was always told growing up. “The ones who mind, don’t matter. The ones who matter, don’t mind.” His connection with Miaomiao is the embodiment of that statement.

Episode 1 I didn’t notice….then started episode 2, took one look at Mu Sheng and went AH! NO! COULD IT BE?! and yes, he’s the same actor from The Romance of Tiger and Rose. His styling here suits him sooo much more than the white hair. Bonus points for his roles being so similar in the two hahah

Diabolical to me is that I know both him and Esther from such a similar genre. Esther’s other title I’ve seen is Love Between Fairy and Devil. Not sure I’ve seen either of them out of historical or fantasy setting. (Except the tiniest bit in TROTR)

Also 10 episodes in and really loving the side characters and the mains…the second leads, not so much, probably because they’re too clean cut for my taste. I don’t dislike them per se, but the lack of a grey area, seeing things so black & white - bugs me.

I think Sei caught on to the similarities, Kazuaki however is rolling on vibes alone. I realised that the email Sei is using is because of his boyfriend’s name, so it wouldn’t be so natural for coworker Kazuaki to suspect it’s him as the names don’t match.

Sei can see the same first name (and Kanji matching the email by now probably), AND noticed him using the exact same turn of phrase from an email, calling women’s makeup a mask, which he definitely took note of.

Fujisawa Kazuaki seems like a (trauma-caused or repulsed) asexual to me. Which, I’m fine with, and actually really appreciate representation of a character with no sex drive, also being shown in a romantic relationship. “I may not be able to give you the relationship you want, but you’re the one for me” is a pretty painful thing to have to say, considering someone can so easily say no over such a thing. It’s clear he loves Sei in his own way, but their struggle is one of sex-drive and asexual in a couple. I love the realism of it.

The other couple, I don’t think I’d know what’s going on there for sure without getting Kaori’s perspective. However, again, seeing a loving, caring, healthy in all ways but one relationship makes me happy. I’m glad that the partners are not being portrayed as tyrannical, and are very realistic and human representation of their situation.

It’s nuanced. Many do see it as cheating and many do dislike it. However, compared to the rest of the world, there are a greater number of people who accept it and it is more common. Some people see it as not meeting their partner’s needs. Others dislike it but accept it because they don’t think they’ll find a better partner. There’s also saving face culture - addressing their cheating makes you look worse than them.

Pretty much all friends I have over there are against it with only one who said it wasn’t a dealbreaker (she wouldn’t like it but she wouldn’t break up on the spot). I also knew one person who is almost certainly a serial cheater.

Wow, that title is a THROWBACK! One of the first Cdramas I ever watched, and I remember it well! It was certainly a crazy ride, and one I’d least expect people to relate to, but to each their own. No judgement from me on that 😌

I also very much enjoyed it at the time, messiness and all, although the later episodes with the family drama were less exciting to me.

Thank you for also sharing your surreal experience, it’s fascinating to learn how other experience a similar thing!

Thank you and no problemo! I’m sorry I wasn’t faster to reply and I hope you enjoy! ^^

18x2 Beyond Youthful Days might be a good one, art isn’t the main theme but is very much an important part of the film, as the female lead is an artist.

If you want creativity, Nodame Cantabile is focused on music and very popular amongst the more creative arts focused Japanese friends of mine.

The most twisted part of this for me is how I see myself in the female lead - I’ve quite literally been in a similar situation if you subtract the ex from the equation. The male lead too - people like that (I’m talking personality) very much do exist, and can mess with your head big time.

I haven’t seen past episode 4 yet so I have no idea where the story will go (although if it’s realistic, I can guess,) but it’s thrown me for more of a loop than I expected 😅

I’ve seen three episodes and love it so far - but in an ‘I know exactly what kind of mess this is’ kind of way. I’d say give the first episode or two a go and if you vibe with it, keep going. No shame in trying an episode (they’re not long either).

I acknowledge both sides. I’m just saying that while it’s a sport of theatrics and entertainment for some, I cannot enjoy it. I also cannot enjoy boxing or mma for similar reasons. However, Greco-Roman wrestling, Judo, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, etc. are enjoyable for me to watch (or learn).

I was here for the human story of young women who managed to pave their own way in the 80s in Japan, mainly.

I can understand what you’re getting at, which makes it intriguing - and different to any other combat sports as far as I’m aware. I can most definitely respect the skill involved in essentially protecting the opponent and yourself from harm. I can also see examples of exactly what you’re talking about in the drama.

Although personally, hardcore wrestling certainly wouldn’t be my cup of tea in this case, but I also wouldn’t put it in a category with other combat sports.

Thank you for the explanation though, I learned from it~

Which, I’m not sure why that’s anything to show off? I’m familiar with martial arts - judo being the one I’ve practiced.

However, for people who complain that wrestling is fake - showing them the bloody side of things would only feed that opinion further. That side of things is purely performative for shock value (in my opinion). Why not show them a clean and fair fight using wrestling techniques? Why would you want “real violence”? Yes, I understand it’s a combat sport, but using blood to argue that it’s real is a nonsensical argument.

My favourite fight in the entire series was the one where they just had a fair fight, with proper techniques. You can still put on a good show that way.

It’d be like showing someone a hair-pulling throw or pin to get them into judo. It’s an illegal move and not representative of the sport.

Is it as good as the first episode sets it up to be?

I think Style really accepted his fate. He found out about Fadel, spent some time contemplating that yes, Fadel can, and quite possibly will (from Style’s perspective) kill him at some point. Yet Style let his feelings win over his fear, and in doing that, he did consider the risks, so what more is there to fear for him? I think that’s part of why he’s still blatantly him before a gun. “Will it stop me blatantly flirting? No, because you already could have killed me, several times.” is the kind of thought process I can imagine he’d have about it, if he did think about it.

I had the same thought! Ah yes, I can totally pull a gun here with all these witnesses, and somehow get away with it…

I am totally here for the commitment to Style’s personality being genuine. By this, I mean that yes, he is a loud, bombastic idiot. Not a complete idiot, but still an idiot. I love that when he’s put in danger, or when he’s given information that may terrify him, he doesn’t become a shrinking violet. He’s still the same. In almost any other drama, a character like this would be, at least to some extent, faking or hiding behind the personality, so I find it refreshing that he isn’t.

I usually can’t enjoy characters like this, but Style seems to be an exception. They did well to make him become likeable as the time went on. Also my first time watching Joong and Dunk and I think I chose the right drama.

Totally relate! I also love that no matter what situation he’s put in, he’s still him. Anyone would think the bravado is a facade but I love that that’s just who he is, so seeing him suddenly become anything else wouldn’t fit. I will say I feel like this latest episode his eyes really softened when looking at Fadel in certain scenes.

Appreciate you posting this. I spent a year in Japan and came back to the UK to find I can’t watch the live premieres anymore, which is a bit sad. I watched the premieres live with friends in other countries and it was fun. Even with vpn my rural wifi has no chance of keeping up.

Thanks again though, since I wasn’t quite sure what was going on licensing wise. In the end, everything I want to watch (including some pretty obscure stuff), points to a GagaOOlala subscription, when I have enough time to make a subscription worthwhile.