I love all four leads but as an outsider, even I have to admit that the movie they made had full on nepotism 🤣 From the producer, screenwriter, director, actress, down to the costume designer lol
The first few episodes were difficult to watch, but everything just went into place in episode 6 when the male lead realized she would leave his side. The tension was amazing.
More characters, more backstories, and more growth. Shin, in particular, has so much character development now that he is a 100-man Commander. And that is why I will never call him stupid every time I rewatch the first movie—he was simply uneducated (as a slave) and had no exposure to the realities of war. I wanted more scenes during his training under General Ouki, though. The last remaining of the Great Generals who is obviously fond of Shin.
It IS a story about warfare, so one scene can go from action-heavy to dialogue-heavy (politics, military strategy talks, etc.)—and I think that’s where the viewers would have differing views. Still, the emotional payoff will always be there. And Kingdom 3 is just as epic as the first two movies are.
Best abs. Best chemistry. Best KISS. Are these enough to mask the crazy, repetitive, and lousy writing character-wise and plot-wise? …Yes.
Because god damn, I seriously cannot think of any other Chinese drama that had a more passionate kiss than what episode 25 had. Perfect lighting, perfect positioning, perfect music, perfect tension. Oh lala.
Two people find out that their respective partners are cheating on them with each other (a la Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood For Love) while in a cruise ship where a murder mystery happens to take place (a la Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile). But make it romantic comedy.
Written by Sakamoto Yuji (Monster, Quartet, anone), produced by Netflix, and led by an all-star cast (Yoshizawa Ryo, Miyazaki Aoi), one would have great expectations for this film. Unfortunately, what seems to be a fun romantic comedy turns out to be a jarring mess of all things it wanted to be. It was neither funny nor romantic, and the mystery was simply an after thought. Absolutely no chemistry between the two leads either. It had its moments; touching on the subjects of classism and physical vs non-physical (emotional) affairs, as well as having an engaging final 20 minutes, but it definitely did not need a two-hour running time.
Seems like a lot of people have been disappointed by the story so to manage your expectations better: A Very Good Girl is a dark comedy with batshit characters and crazy good acting. It is hella bold, glamorous, and CAMP. It is meant to be over-the-top.
Mildly infuriating and severely exhausting because of the dumbfuckery happening. Not one single open communication to address or prevent any stupid issue that, surprise surprise, they put themselves into. Seriously. Abysmal directing to pair with an even more abysmal writing. How it manages to dumb down two smart, competent, and compatible main leads is a feat on its own. They become childish and immature as soon as they step out of their workplace.
And please, I rarely complain about the cinematography and other technical OR artistic aspects, but the shoddy camera work and angles are so painfully obvious. I never thought I’d say this as well but I actually wished for Wang Hedi to be dubbed by a professional voice actor. The one time he uses his own voice and this happens. No amount of pretty visuals and kisses can compensate any of these atrocities.
At least an idol drama/romance comedy pokes fun of itself. This is simply trying hard to be categorized as a serious modern romance. This should not have 36 episodes. At all.
I was literally holding my breath during Taku’s confrontation then I just lost it all. I squealed, then gasped at the morning scene, then had me gasping for air (from laughing) towards the end. Seriously, what an amazing buildup. Their relationship took its time (the time jumps had me in shock too) and I just absolutely love that.
Another unconventional BL that may or may have been described as toxic (I’d say unhealthy, but not toxic) by some viewers. The main leads did get borderline obsessive and possessive and barely communicated, but there’s just something so fascinating with moral ambivalence. And I loved it so, so much.
One will wonder how the leads survived a stagnant relationship (situationship?) like theirs for three years, but the college back story really solidified that foundation. Their dynamics was messed up, but very much consensual. Their feelings were also deep-rooted so despite all their contradicting words and actions, it was also visible why they fell for one another and how much they loved (and continue to love) each other.
Aw, seeing Kiritani Mirei and Yamamoto Mizuki made me so happy! The former’s comeback after 6 years and the latter’s comeback after giving birth last year.
Add Kashimoto Hanna and Araki Yuko—so much girl power!
6 
11 
1 
Hopefully, you’ll end up enjoying their push-and-pull like me!
It IS a story about warfare, so one scene can go from action-heavy to dialogue-heavy (politics, military strategy talks, etc.)—and I think that’s where the viewers would have differing views. Still, the emotional payoff will always be there. And Kingdom 3 is just as epic as the first two movies are.
Because god damn, I seriously cannot think of any other Chinese drama that had a more passionate kiss than what episode 25 had. Perfect lighting, perfect positioning, perfect music, perfect tension. Oh lala.
Written by Sakamoto Yuji (Monster, Quartet, anone), produced by Netflix, and led by an all-star cast (Yoshizawa Ryo, Miyazaki Aoi), one would have great expectations for this film. Unfortunately, what seems to be a fun romantic comedy turns out to be a jarring mess of all things it wanted to be. It was neither funny nor romantic, and the mystery was simply an after thought. Absolutely no chemistry between the two leads either. It had its moments; touching on the subjects of classism and physical vs non-physical (emotional) affairs, as well as having an engaging final 20 minutes, but it definitely did not need a two-hour running time.
And please, I rarely complain about the cinematography and other technical OR artistic aspects, but the shoddy camera work and angles are so painfully obvious. I never thought I’d say this as well but I actually wished for Wang Hedi to be dubbed by a professional voice actor. The one time he uses his own voice and this happens. No amount of pretty visuals and kisses can compensate any of these atrocities.
At least an idol drama/romance comedy pokes fun of itself. This is simply trying hard to be categorized as a serious modern romance. This should not have 36 episodes. At all.
I was literally holding my breath during Taku’s confrontation then I just lost it all. I squealed, then gasped at the morning scene, then had me gasping for air (from laughing) towards the end. Seriously, what an amazing buildup. Their relationship took its time (the time jumps had me in shock too) and I just absolutely love that.
One will wonder how the leads survived a stagnant relationship (situationship?) like theirs for three years, but the college back story really solidified that foundation. Their dynamics was messed up, but very much consensual. Their feelings were also deep-rooted so despite all their contradicting words and actions, it was also visible why they fell for one another and how much they loved (and continue to love) each other.
Add Kashimoto Hanna and Araki Yuko—so much girl power!