J-atty

Food, friendship and faith in oneself.

Even in a show that was ridiculously funny, they still managed to make me sentimental. The expectation that Ji Hoon would shine more than anyone else with his exceptional acting, here I would admit Hong-nae brought the feels more than anyone else. I couldn't help but feel drawn to his performances throughout.

Using cooking as an avenue to bring comraderie and belief in oneself was a nice premise. Light enought to be funny and heavy enough to include criminals with the right amount of gravity. I liked Ye-rin's determined level headed approach when she stood up as the lone female officer. Giving support to all.

I will miss this series. I half expected slap stick humour but they all did great with the script and physical delivery. I am happy that Ji-hoon took a chance on this but at any moment I was expecting him to cry. His very expressive eyes. All the prominent actors did well delivering a very believable rivalry. Coming off of the Bloodhounds series, Sang Yi continued his success onscreen. A worthy addition and I was grateful that his cameo was extended to a full main role.

Really worth the 8 rating.

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The life and times of Romy

I loved the first season and survived the second. It's not bad, just boring. It's not Toma and Natsume. They hadn't changed which was beautiful. It's the story itself.

What to watch: Episodes 1-3 and 8-10.
What not to watch: 4-7
Reason: Cosmetic Playlover turned into a recruitment and training ad for Romy. Either skip or use it lull you to sleep at night.

The addition of Toma's family perked what was turning out to be a flat and unadventurous script. The hyped up emergencies that clearly anybody could solve was so not necessary. While I do understand Japanese culture, the parade of perfect smiles became tiresome. I was grateful everytime Toma was on, at least his seriousness helped balance it off a bit. They succeeded in making Atsushi even more irritating. There was a time we saw more screen time of Toma and him than Toma and Natsume. As I said Toma and Natsume were solid. The 'proposal' brought out the water works a little. The ending was nice. Personally, this should have been six episodes tops and would have been way more enjoyable or do an hour special.

It's had it's moments.

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The White Ending

There were many aspects that made this enjoyable. A childhood romance defying the boundaries of class and money surviving to the end. It lived up to the melodramatic formula without missing a beat. The over dramatization, the unbelievable kow-towing , the histrionics and the happy ending at all cost.

Phob and Thin undying love was beautiful and excessive. Reaching past the doomed lovers phase, it stretched beyond and landed in impossible. They found the rings next to Phob's body, held vigils for his death, mourned him dearly and then he shows up in the last five minutes with a flimsy story. Villagers found him and nursed him back to health. After a gun shot and a nearby bomb blast rendered him immovable and unconscious, he returns. So during his lengthy recovery, did he not feel to send word to Tin and his mother? Why would he have to hide since his side won? The ending still would have been lovely had he returned earlier, then both of them getting invitations and them declaring never to part. Also, while they both cried beautifully, it was a tad overdone. Still Inn and Ongsa were perfect for the part. I cannot fault their acting just the direction.

Grandma's character was the most stable. Outrage when she felt slighted by Phob for her kindness and feeling betrayed. Flexible at the end of her life to see what’s important and not too proud or blinded by wealth to not adapt to the changes. I was sad to see her go but her demise was well played and in the company of the one who deserved her love. I especially liked when she asked Phob for Vasin and Chat's safety as Vasin was still her son. That was the most honest scene throughout.

Now we get to the three stooges: Vasin, Chat and Nual.

Vasin being born into wealth and power and seeing it lost in his generation was understandably outraged and threatened. Still what was not forgivable was him thinking that because of it he was better than anyone else. Other royals adapted, he led his son to their end with his closed mind. He was a terrible father from beginning to end and in every way possible. The jail scene with Chat was obscene as it was filled with lies. Had he truly loved his son, he would not have waited so long to show it. Chat did not make it easy. He was hard to love.

Chat was an elitist idiot and an overdramatic one at that. Being compared to his perfect brother was the excuse. What is the excuse for him being despicable to Phob because he was poor? Never taking accountability for his actions to the end. Vasin saw him for what he was - stupid. As I said, their apologies in the cell felt hollow. Laying his head on his father’s lap was overacted and humorous. At least to me. He was the comic relief with his cluelessness to the obvious. I usually love Pond but for his last three portrayals, I'm a bit disappointed. Again, it may be what the director wanted.

Nual. She infuriated more that Chat. How can someone live their lives with their backs bent and on their knees to the detriment of their own child. Her mindset was and stayed the same. She was born to be a servant, grateful for the little and angered that her son wanted a better life for everyone. Providing a service is one thing, thinking that being in servitude for life is a blessing, is another. Her crying at the end brought no joy. I did not fault her for thinking that her son would destroy Thin but when she knew better, she still didn't do better.

Jan and Siri showed opposites end of the system and I liked how respectful it was done.

The depiction of the 'changes' was done with enough realism to show that only money was the divide. Power held was abused by whomever wielded it.

I enjoyed the 10 ep more than the last because of how it was tied up for the surprise effect of Phob's return.

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Expected End.

I started watching half expecting to have the entertainment a little higher as it started with energy. After ep 4 it started bordering on boredom and finally crossed over and ending there. It didn’t have the electrical charge to be fully engaging.

I like PearlPeak. Visually and response wise, they complement each other. It was the story itself. It didn’t have much to build on even with the duplicity. It slowed down a lot in the last three eps and it didn’t help that Gaysorn's personality was so soft. Thai directors need to up their game at storytelling. Seeing the officers just waltz in at the end to arrest Wittaya was depressing. Mata speaking on 'shout' was distressing. Plotwise seeing Gaysorn forgive Scent to the point to going back to him after his family was destroyed and he being schemed and manipulated by him was sad. Expected but sad.

I was grateful for it ending at 8 eps. It was okay but not wow. It could have been better. Gave them a 7 for original idea, knowing when to end, general acting and PearlPeak chemistry.

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Good but...

While I liked the simplicity of the story, mainly it was trying to show purity and innocence while coming to terms with their feelings, it was too light and at times naïve. I did like the actors chosen for each role. This didn't have the impact it should when it’s compared with shows like The On1y One.

The dubbing was part of the detraction. Everyone sounded breathless while trying to speak through a handkerchief. The final event felt a bit overdone. Why would officers ask for a full confession before he reached the station? Already arrested, move on. Why would Ye stay with bloody hands until Ke awakens hours after? Why wouldn't his sister bring a change of clothes and have him clean up? Wouldn't it be more traumatic for Ke? Why would Ke's mother bring a photo album to see her son who was just stabbed?

Han and Ming made this more enjoyable as they were more honest about their situationship.

I've said it before, you never know what you're getting out of China, no matter where it's filmed. It works for the period it was captured in but could have been better. This wasn't a bad watch as there were some good moments. Their first kiss was nicely done. Honestly, the last ep threw it off a bit with too many flashbacks. I would have loved to see Ke's mother’s feelings on their relationship.

Overall, watchable.

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Where to start.....

Please save yourself while you can. Seriously. I mean it. My Stubborn knew not to take itself seriously and we laughed along with it. When a series feels like it's a serious take and we get Playboyy and this, there is nothing to laugh with or at. The peach references to Elio and Oliver were not lost to the audience but the narratives were a bit overdone.

When a plot revolves around sex, it's already on thin ice. Then add poor acting, cringy acting, stiff acting, non acting....well you get where I'm going. Po's expressions that were meant to be shy and virginal came across as creepy. The 2nd cp took it to another level. Weird. There was no chemistry whatsoever. Sasom was the only character that was a smidgen better.

By ep 8 Po had to choose between having an unrealized fetish of being with a porn star and being with someone who truly loved him? I struggle to understand how this was an issue for someone who wasn't a drug addict or desperate for cash. If he needed closure, why couldn't he ask Sasom to wear the mask to bed? At least he knew to get therapy at the end.

Now to the forgotten threat. His father. The man had 9 ep to get to him but only showed up in ep 9. Did he forget he was dying or did the director? The fight scene? That was one of the most ridiculous things on film. Keep in mind we have Sorn's beard and the overstuffed briefs from Playboyy as worthy contenders. Sasom breaks down the thinnest door ever, rushes to save Po, fights off the henchmen, pauses to have a chat with Po while everyone stops to listen like a soap opera and then continues to fight, all of them, alone, with no assistance and defeats all of them. Including Po's father. Who makes a stupid comment on exit. Who wrote this mess should be banned from using any form of writing apparatus.

The repetitive vapid conversations made it even more torturous. The scenes went nowhere sometimes which detracted from the experience.

The final ep was cute-ish. I liked Sasom and Po together even with this script. They appeared comfortable with each most times. Sasom's alter ego was more captivating.

This was something. What is it exactly is the issue.

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The value of friendship

This has to be one of the best Thai productions for this year. It surpassed expectation because Thai productions have a penchant of doing everything over the top. There were a little but easily forgiven in the overall outcome of the series portraying the beauty of forgiveness and friendship forged out of love.

The entire cast portrayed each character with infinite dedication and they truly shined. Displaying each charachers nuances to bring forth their individuality. While Sky and Nani proved the quality of actors they are, it is Mark who showed his versatility and stole the show. Mark has shown how great an actor he has grown to be, be it drama or comedy, he nails it.

While the series is based off of a Korean show School 2013, I was glad to view this on its own merits and not as a comparison. The rainbow of emotions, from dark to bright, was felt. The production did well and I especially loved the 'gay' bromance. They teased with conversations and moments that bordered on them actually being a couple, but within the last 5 minutes of the final episode, we got as close as we are going to get.

Shin staring intently in to Saint eyes, he says
Shin: " I don't like you. I love you."
Saint, caught a little off guard, responds
Saint: "Yeah, I love you, too, Saint"
They both pause, silently holding each other's gaze under the shared umbrella, recognizing and admitting what they truly feel between them.

It's may only be a matter of time.

Plot: Two schools, arch enemies, are joined and so ensues the chaos. Teenagers at their worst will create havocand that they did. The Shin and Saint on opposing sides, clash regularly mainly due to pasts hurts that can not be easily forgiven. Backed by Ken and Thui and their respective crews, the voilence is constant as each is easily aggrivated by every perceived slight. Grappling to take control of the teachers are at a losz and must use unorthodox methods to help direct them in the right direction. Eventually, the battle is won but not before the entire school goes through the very painful process of rebirth. The end result is very emotional as each lowered their pride and held on to each other for support and protection.

Criticism: The repetitive sequences of the clashes became tedious as the script struggled to create reasons for each encounter. Basically the same conversation was had. 16 episodes was too long and with better editing 10 - 12 would have been enough. Some storylines dragged on for no apparent reason.
The students were allowed to show disrespect with no real consequences. A teacher chastices herself infront of the entire class, becomes depressed and resigns before the school year ends. She is repeatedly begged to return and only does so on the 4th or 5th try. While it makes for good tv (insert copious amounts of tears flowing by said writer), in reality, what kind of message does it send to the student body? Sone charactets were one dimentional (Jeng, Principal's assistant) and became a bore. After physically abusing his son for many years, a teacher has a conversation with him and immeduately he stops. Realistically, after one conversation with no apology to his son(which would have been another cryfest), was a message that was missed. The fight scene at the end: no words to describe that mess. Why take a bromance and insert bl language to create hype? While I liked it because SkyNani have a beautiful connection and play off of each other effortlessly, the quality of the acting should bring the buzz.

This was a very good watch and I believe I would rewatch this many times. I'm going to watch the original also. The music used complemented the scenes well. Would love to see Sky, Saint, Mark P, Kay, Mark J in more projects. Honorable mention, Shin's sister was adorable and Saint's father, despite his unfavorable first appearance, brought the warmth to Saint's lonely life.
One of the best.

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When The Both Stars Align.

I loved it.

What caught my attention from the start was the opening song. Seriously, with a chinese series, it set the tone immediately to expect something different and different is what we got.

For the most part, I enjoyed both stories. Admittedly, the ending was a surprise. Seeing, the switch was more rewarding than the 'main' story. Worlds in reverse. That was more original than the kiss on stage. Then are we to assume that Mr Qin was in the script too.... as I said different. I was happy with the switch, else the change of response of Zhang in the 11 ep would not make sense.

I can't pull apart Ollie's acting. He was interesting to look at and in either script, he delivered on his assignment. I wasn't expecting much so I was not disappointed. I wanted more from Shu Yuan. His doe eyes weren't doing what he thought it was. Yes, he could cry but other than that, it felt stagnant and stifled outside of being sad or scared.

The chaotic atmosphere, support cast, Qin and the director, 'Honey', were a nice rounded cast. I will reiterate, do not go in with high hopes and you will thoroughly enjoy it. The wardrobe: Hit and miss....more miss than hit. Ollie being that slim and tall proved to be a challenge but there was no excuse for Shu Yuan . Mr Qin, the dramatic diva was appropriately attired.

The drawbacks were limited expressions, usual tropes, the terrible kisses and circular story lines but given a pass as it was entertaining enough to show up every week to see what's next. I'm always reminded it's China.

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Pain

When you measure your week starting on a Thursday, you know you're hooked. When you spend the entire episode listening to every syllable dropping from his lips, you know who is the star. When you immediately want to do a complete re-watch to see if you missed a beat, you know it deserves the praise it received.

Chaeha, the clueless assistant and Ju, the bitter prosecutor, gave a rewarding story. Each week little variables were revealed to bring to light the mystery of their shared past. Ju's initial disdain replaced with protective love. The gradual change believable by the end. Chaeha remaining innocently clueless, with no survival instincts whatsoever, struggles to stay one step ahead of the mole.

I'm going to pretend that Chaeha in the final episode got Song to pause while killing him to give him his life story as it was part of a plan. I'm going to pretend love conquers all as the man that he slept with, who kept everything hidden, is easily accepted back into his arms after crying brokenly one night and two days of fever after. I'm going to pretend that after receiving the call at the last minute to visit the office late at night, he thought his miniature frame was invincible and he simply forgot to call Ju. Yup, I'm good at pretending.

Moving on, Chaeha and Ju's first nc captured the raw anger, bitterness and hunger he felt for him. Still in that moment, the cruelty was accepted as Chaeha was already deep into him.

Plot was good not great. It did keep a momentum that delivered but aforementioned issues were it's weaknesses. Song never looked trustworthy so easily outed as the son. As much as you love someone, there would be residual bitterness from their initial meeting and the duplicity before he accepts him back. Three days and Chaeha was back by his side. Tak used as an obvious eye rolling ploy to make it happen. Chaeha body always seemed to get in the way of a knife, and yet, with the body structure that clearly missed meals, always seems to survive with a smile. Ju is not harmed.

What Ju is, is the star. His role, facial nuances and sarcasm kept the series going. His emotional breakdowns, razor tongue and critical mind secured the series rating. Actor Yoon Sik, delivered. This is not to say Si Woo didn't do well, but dimmed next to him.

The ending? Hmmmm. That’s another no for me. Was it to signify that all the darkness was over and they were over the brutality in bed and it was all sunshine and happiness. Let alone Ju watching the news on his phone. No.

Suggestion: How about Ju is sitting in a bar waiting, the news comes on, he glances at it and looks back in time to see Chaeha enter. He goes to meet him and they exit onto the street while continuing to banter in their usual way. He throws in - lets have a date and Chaeha gives his usual stunned, but this time, flippant answer. Making the prosecutor work for it. They continue chatting as they proceed to the next crime scene. It's called continuity. Some directors should try it instead of that blindingly obvious too sweet ending. That's not the type of couple they are.

Probably, I needed more action scenes for it to really sizzle for me but overall it was a good watch.

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Better Than Expected

This was an ambitious project and it worked for the most part. Relative newbies given the task to portray layered characters. Jun Su shows his experience when tackling the difficult heavier parts. Ja Woon a bit stiffer and restricted needs more practice to be more engaging. Together they did well. The story was a good concept.

Sae Byeok's adoration for Ha Neul was always felt. He had a single minded devotion that kept everyone out except the enemies. His care and protection to keep him safe fell short at the important times. The excruciating pain he felt in the fallout and ensuing aftermath was palpable. The reconciliation as it should be.

Their bodies felt natural together. They do have chemistry. The lack of acting skills were glossed over when they looked at each other. Their nc scenes were tastefully done. Intimate without being exploitative.

The pacing of the script was good as well though the unbelievable did occur. How does a convicted felon continue to send death threats from inside without authorities intercepting? A convicted deranged fan convinces her brother to join a deranged plan for no explicable reason other than them being siblings. How does someone get access to a stars hospital room without opposition.

The honesty of Ha Neul's mother in protecting her son above Sae Byeok's was touching. I usually hate when characters sell out to progress a script. She allowed her son to process at his own pace.

There were cut corners. Some worked and some glaringly didn't. The vocal delivery wanting most times. The light scenes more rewarding than the heavy. The radio announcer relaying that Never Forget Your Enemy would be Sae Byeok's last project was funny. For reality's sake, I hope not.

For what it became, I would recommend for someone looking for light viewing. The newbies did good.

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Along The Way, They Did.

I liked the story arc of both Hiro and Natsuo. Two very different people growing from teenage insecurities into realistic acceptance of each other, flaws and all. This is not to say that it was smooth sailing upon reconnection. Memories still shaped Hiro's view of how he has to be for the world to accept him and he himself. Bullied in his school years, he worked on presenting a more accomplished and polished person no one would dare take advantage of. Natsuo, on the other hand, held on to fond memories of the school version of Hiro, who helped him successfully finish school and listened to him. Unknowingly, with the changes Hiro made, he didnt recognize him and began pursuing him again. Ironically, it's Natsuo who grew emotinally and gave advice from a place of honesty while Hiro's childish plan for revenge felt hollow. His holding on to a grudge 5+ years after their last meeting gave insight to his lack of growth. Ultimately, through a final confrontation of sorts, Hiro is able to speak truly what he feels now. In this time of their lives.

It took awhile to adapt to Natsuo's unexpected outburts of emotions, specifically enjoyment. It can be a turnoff but was true to his character. As the series progressed, he felt more comfortable with Hiro and this diminished greatly. Hiro, looking down on him initially, turned out to be his defender when opportunists tried to take advantage of him. Here we see where the changes in him has taken root and he had begun to need his companionship.

The actors portrayed the awkward, clumsy, opposing attitudes of both well enough to believe the story. I appreciated Natsuo's boss for helping him see the changes he hadn't seen in himself. The unexpected romantic moments at the end were heartwarming. Natsuo and Hiro, as lovers, can speak freely of what is or is not pleasurable for them and is able to enjoy it completely.

I have not read the manga and will not. The reason being that I always try to see a piece of work for what it is and not through the lense of another. Here, I wasn't disappointed.

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Good Dentist, Bad Result

The cast reads Mark, Ohm, Jimmy, Poon, View, and Khao. All skilled actors. What went wrong. Jimmy, Poon, View, and Khao filled their roles well. There was nothing to fault in their performances. Believable, not over the top and none onscreen more than they needed to be. Jimmy felt 100% comfortable in this role and was a joy to see. Poon has perfected the art of being sincere and clueless while being very cute. I can never get enough of him. So nothing to fault here.

Mark and Ohm. Sigh. They're great, but sadly, in most of this script, they're not great together. Mark proved the quality of an actor he can be with his versatility from Only Friends to High School Frenemy. Tho here it felt like he knew the lines, but the delivery was dead. He didn't connect well with the character he played. Ohm also did well with his roles in Last Twilight and Kidnap. Here, not so much. Personally, bar one time in the entire series, I felt nothing for him. They're chaotic and funny outside of the roles in real life. The connection is there, so they fit well as a couple. In the series, it comes across as two comedians trying to outdo the other's act. Then that leaves the script.

The idiotic, nonsensical script.
After a night where neither remembers what happened, they wake up in bed. There's no real shock factor. After deducing something may have happened, they're ready to jump right back in. Really. I have mixed feelings on his reason for becoming a dentist. His brother dies and he assumes the same dream, to make his mother happy. Questionable. Sant's mother abandons him. Yes, there is no other word for this. She leaves him by the dentist and disappears for years. Yes, she fell on hard times and took a while to recover. Once on her feet, what was the reason for no reconciliation with him? Pride? She watched him grow on the TV. Seriously! Where was his happy time? She comes back, and he is supposed to forgive. True to Thai logic, he forgives the years of trauma because his grandmother wishes for this before she dies. Then, grandma would have had to prepare to die with this unresolved. What unrealistic writing is this? They made her a monster and then tried to make her a saint. Kak proceeds to try to win over Yada, a confirmed girl lover. Who comes out to their family in a stage production? Apparently, here they do. Though the show is about a good dentist, there were times it felt like the 11 episode were more about dental health than a love story.

Don't get the wrong idea. There were times the humor did come through. Sant offers 'seconds' to encourage Jay to return home faster to which Jay promply turns around and promises to 'make it quick, he still has time'.
JimmySea moment felt perfectly in place. Jay and Sant discussing openly everything that was an issue and understanding each other. Thankfully at the end, Jay and Sant finally felt like a real couple. Where ever they were, they would be happy.

I want more of MarkOhm. They're good together and with the right script, they could be magical.

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When Passion Exists In Absolutes

Excellent script.
The progression remained above standard and remarkable in many areas. Each scene added more.

Direction.
Great but leaned to a bit of melodrama.

Beautiful performances.
Every major character sprang off the screen and held you by the throat until the very end. This could only be achieved by the actors digging deep into themselves to bring out such stellar performances.

Ji Hye- A tortured daughter becoming a psychotic monster.
Pi O- An emotionally abused grandson desperate for recognition and acceptance.
JY- A virtuoso who had more heart and compassion for everyone but himself. He was the soul of the entire series.
Seung Un - A selfish conductor, feeling he alone had the ability to judge greatness, unleashing his bitterness for his daughter onto his grandson.
Jae In- A friend to them both, she allowed her love to control her future, forgetting her self respect.

What happens when the meeting of complete opposites are drawn to each other in their love for music, saving and destroying each other, time and time again? Pi O and JY did everything in absolutes and it made beautiful complete music.

There were moments when the script felt more about Ji Hye's life and actions than that of the love and rivalry between Pi O and JY.

Though some of the performances were repetitive and a little monotonous, Ji Hye's collapses and Pi O's petpetual look of depression but it was saved by her brilliant attack on her father causing him to finally face the destruction he did to his family and Pi O finally becoming at peace within himself. JY looked more comfortable in the adult version of himself than the teenager. The grandfather asking to be forgiven was too much. He had a lifetime to see the reality of his actions and chose not to. The ending a bit too sweet but still perfect for their relationship.

Relaying the full plot here will only detract from the viewer's experience. This deserves all the praise it receives.

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Really Really Cute

This is really cute. I'm not a fan of 2 min episodes unless I can binge watch, so that is what I did. I was not disappointed.

Do Ha was cute, witty, petulant, direct and a whip smart intellect that he hid under a non chalant facade. Jae Yeon was interesting, elusive, reluctant, intuitive and perfect for him. Do Ha took his time to figure out what he was feeling but when he did, he didn't hold back. He engaged all of his charming wiles and made sure Jae Yeon had no choice but to choose. He chose.

Pros:
Visuals
Whitty conversations
Playful banter between leads and support
Partners who enjoy being together
Partners who match intellectually
A script with a little surprise
Actors that are entertaining
A series that doesn't need a nc scene to carry the romance.
No unnecessary drama

Con
2 min episodes.

It was fun, a delight to view and light enough to be entertaining. Main and support interacted well together. Would enjoy seeing them together again. Rewatch, yes.

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The Prince and The Lying Princess

What started as a very engaging series derailed itself with a fairytale ending. The good parts were the roles of Nara and Junichi. They actually captured my attention every moment they were on screen. The pacing was nice except for just a little too many flashbacks.

What messed up the storyline:
Makiko manipulating everyone at any given time.
Naoto willingly going to jail to protect someone who doesn't and never will love him.
Junichi using the nurse as a place holder for the one he wanted. At the end, she says she loves him. He is even forced to admit that he loves Makiko. She deserved more respect than that.
Makiko wanted to sleep with her ex-husband then changes her mind when Junichi shows up.
Makiko lying to her ex-husband the entire time without telling him the entire truth. Here I wonder if all fingers pointed at him, would she have allowed him to go to jail for her wrong doing.
Junichi basically inserting himself in Keisuke's life since childhood.
While I understand Makiko's pain, she was rewarded for everything at everyone's expense.
The most unrealistic end to a series about reality.
The last 15 minutes left a sour taste.

So no on a rewatch for me.

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