LiuWu

these dynamiicccsss are everything 🤌🏽🧎🏽‍♀️
Oh how the tables will TURN. Can't wait.

Tian Jiarui and his gē issues 😪

bro why is the background music so loud ansjdjd like it's not just the fact that at most times it's incongruent and off pace, but it's almost on par with the speaking volume and it's so distracting. I hope they fix it or do something about it, because I actually really enjoyed the first ep (aside from the bgm issue). Fourth is selling the comedic aspect fairly well, and his chemistry with Gem is still great. Not a fan of the constant daydreaming/in his head bits (mainly bc of how it's edited), but it's not too terrible, though I would prefer if they kept it at present and played with the comedic timing instead. Overall, a cute and fun watch, which is what I was expecting.

Yes!! I saw her in My Journey to You and she killed

Lu Yuxiao has RANGE and nuance and I need companies to start casting her in lead roles stat.

Yes!! I found it kind of frustrating how people didn't see how influential she was in the story, and how her actions, annoying or not, were actually very understandable and justified, especially in her position. I do agree the actress wasn't the best at conveying that nuance, but her character definitely didn't warrant all the hate.

i have faith 😭

Director Aof has this ability to hold a frame just the right amount of time... long enough for you to catch the subtle changes in expressions and let the meaning behind them sink in, but not too long so as to drag the moment. It makes a world's difference, especially for understanding a character's emotions and thoughts. He fleshes out every emotion possible, and I really appreciate him for that; it's a big reason why his dramas always hit deeper.

For example, when Mhok is hearing Day talk about August and realizing what he meant, the way the camera caught all the subtle changes in his expression and demeanor, and switched its focus at the perfect moments to intensify the inner drama... it was really beautiful and really satisfying to watch. My favorite scene thus far I think.
Also big props to Jimmy! He has kept surprising me in this drama and I'm glad he's been able to flesh out that potential.

So much to say after catching up (all good) but the only thing I can think about right now is PLEASE get a girl for Yanlin because I cannot bear to see him heartbroken 😩😭

But seriously, I love how we have two "established" relationships from the past—Xuening's solid friendship with Yanlin and her lingering, unresolved love for Zhang Zhe, both carried from her past life unto this one—and then we have her present relationship with Xie Wei, new in the sense that its nature is completely different than that of before, so as opposed to the other two, they're starting from zero (at least in Ning-er's heart), and witnessing the unexpected feelings slowly evolving from both sides in real time is a huge treat. It makes for three very different and exciting dynamics, and I can't wait to see Ning dealing with the emotional turmoil of it all.

One of the reasons I appreciate P'aof's work so much is that he takes his time to build relationships. That scene where Mok is quietly observing Day as he struggles is not only crucial for their development, but also says a lot about Mok's character. As he watches, you don't see pity in his gaze, but rather a sense of understanding and maybe even the subconscious realization that perhaps only someone like him would be able to help someone with Day's personality. Those quiet moments are very often the ones that speak the loudest/reveal the most, and P'aof is not afraid them, which is why his works always hit the emotional note strongly.

Was nervous about Jimmy, but he definitely has improved a lot and did a pretty good job here; his performance was a lot more nuanced than what he has done before. Very excited to witness his growth. It was a pretty solid first ep and I can't wait to see how it develops!

I have to agree on the Sea part (and I usually love him). I think in big part it's because his eyes usually speak a lot for him in his acting, so by not being able to use them in the same way here he may be trying to overcompensate by using bigger physical acting, which just doesn't work. That said! he still hit those emotional notes in his quieter moments, plus this was just the first ep, so as time goes on he'll hopefully sit on that role and express it a lot better.

Just finished ep 1 and it was a great set up for everything that's to come! Builds a lot of intrigue and you get a glimpse of what the character/relationship dynamics will be, which is one of the things I'm most excited for. So excited to see ZLH in a darker role, too! And Mama Lu is slaying as always. The plot sure has more meat than I initially thought it would, so I can't wait to see how everything unfolds.

yes

I'd say from ep 16th on.. it just keeps getting better and very engaging from there

Yes! It pushes them out of their comfort zone and challenges them, which they very much need.

I think the main issue is that, although they both have potential, I wouldn't describe them as particularly "strong" actors, so being paired with someone with greater skill (in this case, Khaotung and Neo) can (and has) help them draw out more emotion and flesh out more as actors.

No but for real... both of them work way better with others than with each other. Force's scenes with Neo have also gotten a lot more out of him emotionally than he has ever mustered with Mew. Sometimes real life chemistry, especially when stemmed from friendship, does not translate well into romantic chemistry on screen. GMM has pretty much established them though, so I hope they at least workshop them a lot, because I do like them individually, especially Book.. I think he has a lot to get out but idk if it's that he gets self-conscious with Force or what but both of them feel like they're holding back.

That said!! They have certainly improved from their on-screen chemistry in a Boss and a Babe to now. Frankly, I didn't really feel anything from them in ABAAB (which in big part had to do with the story itself, but they didn't help much either), whereas now there have been moments, however fleeting, where they have managed some pull from me. So maybe some heavy workshopping may do wonders for them. I certainly wouldn't want them to just peter out, because they do have potential.

Mew entering his party girl era love to see it 🤪

Lowkey glad that he and Ray will try things out now because it's the only way Ray will realize how they simply won't work. Intrigued to see how Ray will deal with the downfall.. it will obviously hit him hard, but I hope we don't keep going in circles with his behavior (in general and towards Sand specifically) and that this unlocks a deeper layer than what we've witnessed thus far. It will be ugly, no doubt, but it has to bring out the core of all his unresolved issues and hopefully get him to move forward (after the incoming mega regression ofc 🤪🥲).
And please I NEED to see him feeling horribly about how he's treated Sand eventually... I need some begging to absolve him. Because, again.. so far the back and forth between them has worked beautifully (though painfully), but with how things have developed now we can't keep repeating the same cycle, something has to happen that makes Ray 1: Realize that his feelings for Mew are nothing but a washed up adoration and reflection of everything he wishes he could be, and 2: Come face to face with his feelings for Sand and either fight them, push them away, or embrace them (and knowing him.. it will probably a mix of all 3 lol). And ofc come to see that Sand is the one who truly challenges him to be better without judgement and makes him realize his worth.. but baby steps. I think his downfall with Mew will for sure be a catalyst.. it will all come down to what decisions he makes and if he keeps choosing self destruction or is hit hard enough that he internalizes and, for once, goes for absolution.


Same with Ton.. so far he has not showed as much depth not because he doesn't have it, but because his character has purposefully and stubbornly remained linear thus far in order to serve the story, but from this point forward I hope we start to dig deep into what truly lies within. Hopefully being ditched by pretty much everyone makes him feel/internalize something 😬😪


PS: Those last 5 minutes of ep 7 did not have to go so hard, I swear I was chill until then 😩 Because, hear me out.. even though we know they won't work out, seeing Ray in full bliss and Mew letting go within what he felt was a safe space was honestly beautiful to see, even if for just a moment (Khao and Book also sold it beautifully 😭).. and then OFC they had to pan to a forlorn Sand to plunge the knife further 😫 Honestly the whole scene from Top's tear (fk him) to the end was gorgeously edited and the SONG fit perfectly and enhanced everything. Can't wait to see how things develop 😖

I love how full of fragile wonder this is. So many new experiences for our mains, which they both approach in their own tentative ways.. one with an open and yearning heart, the other with a guarded and wounded one, meeting in the middle to slowly find healing in the other. I love Khun Yai's beseeching stares, almost begging Pom to be drawn into his dreams, and how Pom is slowly doing just that. I also love how Yai doesn't question it, as if it's a pull and feeling so strong that it leaves no space for logic. Can't wait to see the gradual shift in Pom's demeanor towards Yai to a more intimate and open one. Overall, I'm loving the ambiance and feel of it all.

Agreed! I love that it feels so different.. like magical realism steeped in profound emotion. So full of wonder, too.