The plot was a great mix of mystery and magic to me, paying attention to how easy it is to cover up things. I personally hated the representation of religion in this series, only because I think they made it into something evil. However, the road to hell is paved with good intensions. The odd scenes of what looked like ghostly rape, were a bit much and totally pointless to the story, But the main story line was developed well and didn't leave much plot holes. The twist at the end was somewhat expected, but was still executed well and honesty made me really sad for his faithed end.
The casting was great, leading with Fiat, Singto and Fluke, all of which have stella work credits. The chemistry between them, made it easy to see how the relationships developed. Having that 'will they, wont they' vibe that had me invested in the outcome. It wasn't any grand showing, just simple love being done in a simple way that was heartwarming. The other relationships that existed also complemented the main leads well, providing just enough backup where needed.
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Nice
Began this series because it has two of my favs in it, they didn't disappoint in terms of their talent. Perth is amazing and he does his best with what he is given... So let me get the few bad points out of the way. I almost didn't make it past the first episode because that teacher was TOOOOO MUCH TRASH. I am so glad he got what he deserved for not doing his job and only licking bumcy.The story isn't new but it is always nice to see, my main problem is that Kanghan seemed to lack motivation for his complete change of heart. This may be due to that plot development being a bit rushed, it is there is just didn't seem like enough to warrant a love. It really could be made into pity very easily. Not to mention Sailom annoyed me a lot with his " I don't want my friends to help me, even though they are offering, but I thought I had no one on my side" You's an idiot. Love you still though.
As mentioned before, Perth is an amazing actor in my eyes and he is honestly hot like the tropical weather, so is a win win. His chemistry with Sailom was pretty great and they made a believable enemies to lovers(though lil rushed). They played off each other well and made the interactions seem more organic, which I always appreciate seeing in a couple. The supporting actors also played their parts very well, having amazing chemistry with each other. Marc and Wynn are special mentions for this because they honestly gave me chills when they were on screen. Captivating me with their display of emotions even though they are a side story of disaster and people that truly care about you can see through your bull-ish. And they not even friends, just watch their drunk scene, it was super funny to watch. Like children in the sandbox fighting over the shovel.
The family dynamics on both sides were also well done, though not much back story was given for Sailom, I could still tell all he needed to survive was his brother. Some bonds are just worth it. Kanghan Grandma is a boss, in every sense of the word. She was there trying to make everyone make sense. It was very refreshing to see an adult that made sense every time they had screen time and was always ready to put people where they belong.
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Best Series of 2023
As someone that has seen "addicted" I was expecting the same emotions. However, this show took on a life of its own with its adaptation of the novel. Never have I been soo entranced with some basic school boys trying to live their lives as best they could. All they really wanted was to be happy and I truly believe that they brought out the best in each other, while also helping to heal each other's pain. I also loved that even though a good bit of the main cast are really handsome, they were not sexualised at all, but they all had moment when I thought "dang he really sexy though". The ending could not have been done better, I hated it by the way, but I was living for it at the same time. I have never been more upset that I didn't realise it was the last episode, than I have ever been till I realise the out-of-space high cliff hanger I was left on. The show was masterfully done and I cannot wait for season two.Story:
The story began pretty slow, which was great, gave us a good chance to get to know the characters and subsequently judge them to say who we want to support or not throughout the series. The premise wasn't new and I was fooled into thinking that it would be some basic highschool drama. I was soooooo happy to be wrong about this. This drama took on some mature theme of family dynamics and how we are affected by the choices our parents make. The emotional damage and how it takes one person to heal that was fully developed in this series. The many plot twists and the reveal of how his mother died were superbly executed. The two sons crossing paths and becoming friends, helping each other to understand the people that angered them most, that was a beautiful full circle moment. Also, that moment when Wu bi stormed into that house and started to beat people up for making his friend stand in the rain was magical. Their protection of each other physical and mention state was a truly heartwarming. All the will they wont they moments were also a very nice touch without making it the centre of the scene but it was the centre of the scene. The supporting story lines and characters all made for an excellent blend of sweet and sadistic. The ending though.... They better bring season 2 quickly. I just need to know about him.... I just need to know. Please just don't break his heart. don't break anything. the glass on the ground is enough broken things. Please, just please. I know his big brother will be devastated if his plan to separate them backfired... but the broken glass is enough.
Acting:
They honestly blurred the lines into BL territory, but I honestly think the relationships and chemistry between the two main actors was AMAZING. The moments when they were genuinely going out of their minds worrying about the other could be felt off the screen. Su yu and Wu bi were everything in this series, yes I know they are the main characters, but a lot of shows have main leads that no one likes. This show did them well... You know the actors are great when you want to jump inbetween them to stop them from arguing. That one scene where who's married to whom and who isn't really who father. God! The pain, the anger, the fear.... every emotion was on full display and the actors had wishing I could just explain to them not to fight, it isn't each others fault. Stop, remember you both are besties.... It actually broke my heart to see them scream at each other.
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Pleasant attempt at a good story
This show literally took fantasy to another level, despite having all real persons and not being an anime. The concept is an interesting one, where the world they live in has an amazing ability via a phone that isn't connected to a persons vitals, but I guess the technology is just that advance.This show managed to take so many persons and make them practically unlikable or so sad that you don't even feel like they deserve the pity because they setup a small wooden chair in their own personal pity party. Filled with the stupidest decisions in the world and reasonings that are never shared sometimes... Sometimes it is best to tell people which bridge to jump off, because they are rubbish as a person. Also believe it or not, if you sit by and watch people treat others like rubbish and you don't let them know that they need to be better... You aren't much better. A lot of these characters could have just made sense out of the nonsense, but they were written to not.
The main male leads actually have a lot of chemistry and their bromance was solid, it was actually one of the highlights for me, because having great friends is always a plus, they jut kinda need to make one of them less self-loathing. Your friend values you to the max, just accept it, allow them to be unconditionally kind to you and tell him the truth.
The romance was a nice one, they built on it little by little, which gave it a solid real life feal, the chemistry between them was also pretty good. The back stories shown in flashbacks were very good for the character development as well. The reality of the different status was also well done but the pride of all involved should have been limited.
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Short and Sweet
The acting in this was so intense, I could have mistaken this for a real life story. Never have I believed a panic moment more than when Feng He closed the door on Cheng Qing. That was real, I don't care what you all say.Story - Having them meet randomly before actually meeting officially made the impact of that panic reaction by Feng He all the more potent. Feng he was literally perfect and everything he did was out of love mainly for his mother and her happiness, but later on for his own. The moment when he was arguing with himself while thinking about the situation he is in. I felt it, his confusion, his anger, his concern for what his mom would think, his worry about what his new dad might think. It was all so real as he sat and Cried at the table. When Cheng couldn't take it anymore and made up his mind and left a note (that they didn't do subtitles for :( ) I could feel the anguish of both characters. The friend Meng needed a lil few taps upside her head though. Why would you complicate things between them, because you living in a fantasy, I'm happy they both decided to forgive you but seeing Feng He face as he walked alone in the rain. I wanted to yell at you for them.
Acting - I think I made it clear already that the acting was spot on by these wonderful blokes. They literally made me want to hug them when they hurt and cheer when they had their little moments. For example that bike incident was not that serious, but the way he held him made it perfect. Especially since he tried to play it cool when he realised. Even the girl did an awesome job.
Music - The music was pretty basic, it helped to set the mode but didn't add to my emotion. This isn't necessarily bad, so I still was okay with it.
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Short but still captivating
This story within a story isn't a new concept, but their story is new to me and it was totally worth watching. They balanced reality and some mystery magic well, because as far as happy endings go, they can be happy in a sad way or happy in a happy way. This story offer both, which honestly had me wanting to cry, laugh and smile all at once, all while being punctuated by some slight action.The two main leads literally just fell into each other's lives and in true drama fashion, caused drama. Their playful antics and general silliness made them a joy to watch on screen. I was thrilled to realised that they had begun to care for each other by midway through. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and the bromance that was ever present to the end was heart warming to be honest. I mean the sacrifice that was made to have everyone happy at the end was true genius, I didn't see it coming but was glad and sad it came.
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