Worth the chance
I like Japanese BL even though it is not consistent in defining BL.This series started and progressed slow for 8 episodes but it has an endearing story that did not get written well in my opinion.
Chemistry seems lacking at first for the main actors but towards the end, it felt like the story needed to evolve before the chemistry bloomed.
I have no complaints in how these artists did their job. I find all of them (from lead to support) expressed their characters well.
It is not on my top Japanese BL series but it is still a good watch for me.
I just wished the wardrobe for this series was done alittle better.
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Naporitan?
Came across this series in Netflix and was intrigued so gave it a go.Typical Japanese style of acting - excessive expression. It took me a while to get used to this and finally accepted it as their norm when someone explained that it is normal in different regions or area of Japan to have excessive expressions.
Music is awesome and I added it on my Playlist.
Story isn't typical for a plot involving cooking.
Best thing is being introduced to Naporitan which to other culture might be clingy but we have to remember that each of our culture has something cringey to other culture.
I tried cooking this Naporitan out of curiosity and it proved to me that I really shouldn't judge based on looks or sound because my family enjoyed it. Only alteration I did was switch Polka Kielbasa with Japanese sausages.
overall, I recommend it for a relaxing watch and a little exposure to different culture.
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#MeToo version of the past
The story revolves around 9 people who touched or passed Ru Lan's life during the time she bravely sought justice against all odds. The characters are put together and linked for revenge 7 years later.It is comparable to the #MeToo movement that got started by one victim rendering courage to other victims years later. Ru Lan's best friend is the one in the middle of the revenge and insists on justice for Ru Lan, herself and all other victims.
The last episode provided an alternative story of how it could have been if the Embroidery incident never happened.
Episode 24 is where finally justice was served. Sadly, it took the highest person sitting in the position of an emperor to get this accomplished.
This got me emotionally drained. It felt like an up amd down roller coaster of triumph and defeat. As I rejoice for the victims getting ahead, I would be brought back down by the villain getting away or being ahead.
Personally, I don't think I am capable of watching this again even tho the ending was a win for the victims. 23 episodes of humiliation, abuse, bullying, trickery, lying and death for one glorifying triumphant ending is too much for me.
Production-I love the simplicity of the wardrobes and costume fitting the sceneries chosen for this series. The BGM is nice and soothing, applicable to the story.
Casts were done quite well and worked excellently. Every artists did so well in portraying their roles. The romance aspect is no heavily focused here so if you like romance, this is not a series you'll enjoy. There is not much humor or comedy, hardly any. So this gives you an idea if this is something you will enjoy.
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Great last 2023 summer series from iQIYI
Dark and mysterious Wuxia costume series.Very interesting and will keep you glued til the end. Best choreographed martial arts fight I have ever watched. Awesome wardrobe line-up and location.
The director for this series is same one who directed Wuliang and Painted Skin which are both excellent dark costume series.
I am surprise that he added a humorous character in this series. He balanced it out perfectly this time.
Highly recommended to watch.
Is it worth the subscription fee? A big YES.
Tho it almost didn't air due to the a criminal charge of one of the minor artist playing a support role, it still ended up being one of the top favorite release for this summer entertainment of C-drama. Quite a few disappointed viewers as to the ending. It wasn't as bad I think, it's more like being left open for possible season 2. Sadly, the new Chinese entertainment law will not approve release of sequels within12 (or is it 24?) months of airing.
Note:
As to which artist was charged, according to news release, it is the artist who played the role of Xue GongZi, the friend companion to the young child Xue TongZi, in the back hill who aided the first real trial/test of the Sword Wielder.
Xue Gong Zi [Xue Tong Zi's servant & aide]
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Try not to miss this series
Who Rules the World is in a different category of drama mixing elements of romance, martial arts world, politics, and court. Who Rules the World is about the exciting game of court, the thrilling martial arts world with dynamic fighting scenes, and the sweet emotional scenes, allow the audience to understand the plot quickly.The double identity of the male and female lead becomes the highlight of the unique setting of the two protagonists who works together to solve unique problems of the martial art world involving different sect and royalties.
In terms of production, Who Rules the World has achieved a balanced play. The creators have integrated visual symbols, elegant and noble together beautifully and smoothly. The emotional scenes of Who Rules the World are well balanced with impactful acting, and the chemistry of all artists portraying the roles.
Lastly, there is no denying that any period or historical drama with Lusi and Yang Yang will do well because of their excellent chemistry on screen. Add a great story, innovative director, awesome production, and screenwriting, any series will be success bound.
Added note:
I have watched this series 7 times (I am not exaggerating) and still feel like I am watching it for the first time. I still feel excited watching Langxi prepare plans to confess his feelings. I still come across explanations I missed before. I also learned to slow down the speed at .75 so I have time to watch the artists expressions while reading the subtitle. I am so glad Netflix has this series and Tencent.
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Detective Dee: The Ghosts in Weird Town
1 people found this review helpful
Miss the old Dee Renjie directors
Lord Pei's quirky, weak and childish character depiction do not meld well with Dee Renjie character portrayal of a very focused and serious personality. This entire production is a little disappointing after getting spoiled for years with excellent Dee Renjie stories, wardrobes, casting, and directing.Quite different from typical Dee Renjie works. This is my least favorite Dee Renjie production. The cast chosen is good but the way it was directed isn't fitting with typical Dee Renjie production. Need a different director who is knowledgeable about Dee Renjie characters.
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Good plot
I gave this a try because the plot intrigued me. I am biased to costume mystery so I decided to watch this.Best thing I can say about this series that I like is casting Lee Ha Nee. I am glad to see an Asian drama series that portrays a woman that fit the role to a tee. (I don't know her before watching this series, and found out she was once crowned Ms. Korea. She also led me to Phantom - another series I added on my watch list.)
First episode didn't grab me at all. From experience, I learned to watch at least 3 episodes before deciding to drop or continue. It is slow, and probably due to it being a low budget series, some of the lighting, scenes, and props are not as how I see it with high budget series. Nevertheless, I stayed for the plot and for the character portrayal of the female lead. She is quite interesting, and related to the character well. She really carried this series along with the other casts, in my opinion.
I like the change of watching Korean costume drama that doesn't revolve around the royal family for its entirety and this is one of them.
The relationship dynamics of the two male leads is also intriguing. It made me anticipate understanding the story behind it which came to light as the series progressed.
Overall, I will recommend this for those who like light costume drama that comes with humor, with no heavy conflict/ drama, and has interesting real life characters. I enjoyed this series and most likely will include on the list of my "Long weekend girlfriend's pajama party" binge watching list.(Shout out to my LoWeGiPaPa Members)
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Too long for me
66 episodes that I thought I will enjoy because I love all Dee Renjie works however, this dragged for me.It may be because I have seen all the recent Dee Renjie works that this click for me. The story was slow and the romance added seemed forced. I may be biased because I prefer mystery without an added romance. There was more chemistry between renjie and the empress than the female healer that us supposedly his love interest.
The character of Dee Renjie here seems off from the typical Dee Renjie character played.
This is available in YT to watch for free.
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Could have been edited better
Pack some patience when watchingMultiple stories of different characters wasn't shown relevance with fluidity.
There's a scene that was repeated.
The transition of scenes weren't smooth.
To surmise, it's a chaotic way of telling the story of demons who take over human bodies and are openly living in society but being hunted by demon hunters/alchemists which do not make sense to me.
A man who was saved by the cat he took care, sold her out. His reasoning was absurd and the story showed him as someone who cares for the cat, even stealing fish for her. So sending her to her death out of the blue didn't make sense.
This could have been a good fantasy movie if it was directed and edited well. Best part of the movie is the fight scene between the demon cat and alchemist.
The set scenes were great and wardrobes used were beautiful. Production did a great job in this aspect. The ending credit song is nice and sweet.
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Awesome Fight Choreography
This is one of the best martial arts movie I have watched. The plot is simple and direct but the way it was directed kept me glued at my seat. It is fast pace, shot in beautiful locations, wonderful sceneries, costumes and wardrobe fit perfectly with the scenes, all artists were convincing in their portrayal of their characters.One of the best movies in this genre that I have seen.
of there is one thing negative to say, it will be somebofnthe brutal scenes but then again, it's my personal disposition. My brutal may not be anything remotely close to others' meaning of brutal.
Highly recommended watch. I will now watch the season 2. Hopefully, it will also keep me glued.
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Vampire/Human Romance Story with a speck of mystery
Although this has same title as the new BL series out right now from Result Entertainment, and this series has Machida Keita (who looks so handsome here), the story revolves around the relationship between female lead as a vampire living like a typical human, and a human policeman.It has a quirky atmosphere, light effort on comedy, and mystery. The romance that is the main focus is full of little hurdles from start. Great part for me is the Mom boasting to be an ARMY & feeling lonely that BTS are now doing individual work.
I recommend this series but don't expect too much. It starts really slow but hopefully Machida can keep you watching til end.
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A different Di Renjie
I am a big fan of Di Renjie movies and series and always looking forward to any series or movies excitedly. This someone disappointed me from start to end.The background music in the beginning during a palace scene was way too loud that it didn't fit the scene at all.
Di Renjie is known for his investigative prowess and yet this movie barely did any real investigation that is typical Di Renjie.
3/4 of the entire movie are zombies running and biting people.
The ending was chaotic to say the least.
Lead male did an awesome job with the character but the female Lord Li to me needs to improve her acting skills.
The production is good overall. Make-up is excellent.
this is the first Di Renjie work that I would not recommend at all.
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Apprentice of Dee Renjie?
The story is similar to any Dee Renjie mystery film. Although the protagonists doesnt know any martial arts, he has a sidekick who accompanied him in all his investigations.Low ranking official who received a letter from his mentor and upon visiting him, he found suspecting situation that caused him to investigate.
Although he has limited resorces and power, he persevered. He is witty and brave. He investigated scary places by himself and I was wondering how he will protect himself without knowing any martial arts.
The production is good. Scene sets were fitting, props were placed well and wardrobes were nicely chosen for each scene.
It is a recommended viewing for any period mystery fanatic. As to rewatch value, this is my second time watching this film. I still enjoyed it. Actually came across scenes I missed for some reason.
Enjoyed this film. Thank you to the producers.
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Ren Jie and Dragons
This is another good Dee Renjie film. Overall, production was great. Live the exquisite wardrobe selections and sets.I guess if this was made into a series, the few plotholes wouldn't be there.
Theres no explanation for the child and the female on the bridge who was flirting with Renjie. What does the hallucinations with them have to do with the story?
Did Sima die? The other female fighter, who is she and why did she switch side the last minute?
I love any Di Renjie film and series. Although this is a much newer version with beautiful female casts and awesome props, the multiple plotholes made me think of the older series and films that has better story flow.
Still recommended for viewing, rewatch value is always high for me on any Dee Renjie films.
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