Why have you dropped the series? I'm contemplating watching.
"What We Do in the Shadows" IS super funny. The Kiwi humour and quirkiness are chef's kiss! It even got a TV series in the US, which I am meant to check out... some time... in the near future...
Why have you dropped the series? I'm contemplating watching.
I heard that some of the Australian soap dramas are broadcasted and popular in the UK too. Whew!
I watched most of the series you mentioned. I liked "Mortified" than the others though cause comedy haha. The Aussie humour works so well on me, especially the mockumentaries.
Wow, you know "Gruesome Kids"! Yes, scary but it still sucked me in. I liked the quirky animation too. It really stood out.
Why have you dropped the series? I'm contemplating watching.
I think, if you liked "The Double", you will likely enjoy "The Long Ballad". So, give it a try.
And yes, the OST of "The Long Ballad" is something else. It's great in the drama and on its own.
My first and foremost reason to watch it was: It's the live-action adaptation of one of the best manhua/comic book series I've read "Chang Ge Xing". The manhua, unfortunately, got discontinued due to the dispute between the author and the publisher. Until this day, no one knows what could-have-been. Because "The Long Ballad" got the blessing from the author, I thought, maybe they got something for the ending we readers might never get. So, I was excited. Everything was fine, really, even with the new characters, rearrangements and expanding plot lines, at first. But then, it started to feel like a drag and lose focus - even when I disassociated it from the original work. I got quite frustrated with it. Somehow, I came back to it three times. And every time, I lamented and anogised like an idiot (please laugh with me here).
Still, I think you should try it for yourself! Especially, given how you like angst, drama, high production value. Many viewers love it, too.
Writing this, I feel like, I might come back to it some time in the future. But I know what I like, so I'll likely just watch those. My highlights in this series are still the first episode and around episode 20-something, where Wu Lei acted that emotionally charged and chock-full scene. It was poignant and beautiful.
After watching Cdramas for a while, I notice a pattern of misogyny, apparent in many if not most, especially costume/period ones. But "The Double" really gave me that pressure, not angst but unjust and anger feeling I got watching earlier Cdramas in my early days. Those earlier ones were made decades back! Yet, cliche stories like this here are still... here and relevant somehow.
Throughout the portion that I watched, besides some few positive things, key words like patriarchy, female hate, unrealistic standards, unattainable forced idealism kept popping in my head. I stopped feeling engrossed with the story or sympathy for certain characters. Instead, it went on to be worrying, concerning and disturbing that it... lost me.
I'd like to also add that these female-centric (as in female as the protagonist, not that it's "for" or "with" the said female characters) revenge stories only consolidate the unimaginable burdens, loads and hurdles "belonged exclusively" to... females. If they want to become something outside of their designated female role, they have to work extra, extra, extra hard to attain it while still upholding the "three obediences and four virtues" - those that bind them to the males and box them in all aspects: conduct, appearance, speech, and comportment. It's evidently less challenging given a nice, understanding, supportive for-some-reasons-or-others male lead. A fantastic fantasy, performative one at that. It's frustrating. Worse, disheartening.
I understand, people watch dramas like "The Double" for entertainment, escapism and relaxation. I still hope, there can be critical looks, like yours, not just on the series itself, but society as a whole. Maybe, some would find this a caricature? An irony?
Oh, I know the actors tried their best with what they are given and they need to make a career too. I do wonder: What do they make out of when they receive scripts like this? (As clear as it gets, I don't get actor interview access like I do with English-speaking films.)
Thank you for the review and sharing your thoughts!
"Schemes succeed through destiny-level convenience." = The plot armours only thicken.
What a well-written review.
In my viewing experience, though, "The Double" gradually felt emotionally empty. That emptiness, it was so much. It not only overwhelmed, it consumed. To the point, I stopped forgiving and wanted to forget. So, I dropped. Admittedly, I thought, the cast was really good, at first, more than many prettier idol dramas. But I kept debating: are they really though? When the story is too bad, too unfortunate.
Oh well, they tried. I heard it was really, really popular.
Why have you dropped the series? I'm contemplating watching.
Yes, I watched "Young Dracula". It's pretty funny. But I didn't watch a lot of live-actions, so I skipped "Wolfblood". There were some pretty rad Australian live-actions too, so I watched those.
If I said "Peppa Pig" is one of my favourites, would you believe me? I even watch it from time to time with my relatives' kids hahahaha.
Do you know "Grisly Tales for Gruesome Kids"? I was a little scared of it but cannot stop watching it. It's a bit under-the-radar, but absolutely memorable for me!
Speaking of "Young Dracula", have you seen this movie called "What We Do in the Shadow"? If you haven't, I highly, highly recommend it. It's total chaos that one LOL.
Why have you dropped the series? I'm contemplating watching.
Most Ju Jing Yi's series are gorgeous. But story-wise, I don't think anyone can say the same. Skipping out "The Eternal Fragrance" is a wise choice haha.
I really hope you enjoy "How Dare You" and "Reset", if they suit your taste :D
Speaking of good first episodes. One of my all-time fav first episode belonged to "The Long Ballad". That series is damn angsty too... And "The Double" is so angsty! I didn't expect this level of angst...
My gahd, it gets annoying how these people know nothing but greed that they take turn to make other lives' miserable. They are also absolutely unreasonable, self-centered, cruel and pathetic.
But well, if everyone lived the hermit's way, minded their businesses and in peace, it wouldn't be called a "drama" anymore. I just need to turn off and go to sleep for now.
Wait a minute... the scenery looks familiar... The bamboo house in episode 21 and the riverside picnic (kinda?) in episode 22 look like those in "A Splendid Match", even with different cinematography. Maybe they filmed at the same location, same studio?
I am late to the game. I even passed it off as undesirable. But per a friend's recommendation here, I started it. The very first few minutes are beautiful! I am captivated by just the lush scenery and the flute playing in the background.
Such a dramatic, angsty and tragic first episode. Such befitting music. I'm engrossed. I hope the rest of the show is of this level of quality.
Why have you dropped the series? I'm contemplating watching.
Lola, I started "The Double". I'm completely engrossed from the very first couple of minutes. Thank you for recommending it to me! I hope my interest will be kept throughout. And yes, I agree, everyone acts their socks off. So much drama and angst.
*Raise hand* ML is def funny for me. I think, he carries his fair share of the show on his back, not the entirety…
Thank you very much! Really, for sharing with me series that you like and feel strongly about. I genuinely enjoy reading your comments and sharing that I feel kind of inconsiderate for being discouraged at the length of the series you recommended...
I have heard about "The Story of Ming Lan" and how it is a modern classic. I admire your commitment. I didn't know it's 78 episodes! It's also cool how you learned new things, especially taking care of yourself thereafter :D
I watched "The Rise of Phoenixes". I really tried. But it wasn't my cup of tea. Also, I thought it was around 50 episodes at first. But it turned out to be 70...
Oh, no worries, I have learnt to not binge watch :D Watching only a couple of episodes per day has greatly benefited my viewing experience. Quality over quantity.
Thank you, again, for taking your time and sharing with me. I really appreciate it. Weekend, make haste for my exhausted friend!
P/s: My favourite watch has been comedy (with drama or romance; attribute to why I'm so entertained by "Blossoms of Power" haha) or sci-fi (with mystery, suspense, thriller, especially time loop), if you have recommendations for these, please share with me. Thank you.
*Raise hand* ML is def funny for me. I think, he carries his fair share of the show on his back, not the entirety…
Thank you for your recommendation. I immediately looked it up and... regretfully, I might not watch it. It's... 68 episodes TT___TT The longest I was able to tolerate was around 50-ish episodes.
Nevertheless, I hope it'll reach more people, especially those who enjoy it like you :D
*Raise hand* ML is def funny for me. I think, he carries his fair share of the show on his back, not the entirety…
I think, it's somewhat manipulative, agenda-driven, and preference/taste-centric how the story builds up and how the characters are set and developed so that these lead couples end up together, no matter what. But that's me thinking realistically. Rarely in fiction have I come across a balance of fantasy and realism, or idealism and reflection. So, I tend to give and take as I go.
I'm pretty much a newbie. So, I haven't heard about "Princess Royal" until you. Thank you for the warning. I'll stay away from it haha.
It seems like an agenda Chinese writers and government are pushing off late. Some are doing a better job at it…
I'd like to add that yes, I enjoy ML's funny antics, but I also think his serious scenes have weight too. The actor delivers both comedy and drama for me. Can't do him justice without either. For instance, the way he consolidates his support for women/being a feminist in all seriousness in or out of the presence of the FL. There's definitely always an agenda.
*Raise hand* ML is def funny for me. I think, he carries his fair share of the show on his back, not the entirety…
Wow, I didn't know that. Could you share with me the videos where they speak about their characters? I've only seen this type of videos from one Chinese drama, purely coincidental. I don't know where to get these. It is always interesting and can be satisfying if the roles are good and well-delivered. I can access these easily with English-speaking productions from their promotional tours and interviews. But since this is Chinese, I am pretty clueless and don't know the language myself.
I can't recall such an entertaining shameless character in Chinese dramas before. English-speaking yes, but can be different. I wonder if this series and ML character would get popular enough for it to become a trend/trope in C-dramas; Or maybe, it'll stay uniquely to this series.
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I watched most of the series you mentioned. I liked "Mortified" than the others though cause comedy haha. The Aussie humour works so well on me, especially the mockumentaries.
Wow, you know "Gruesome Kids"! Yes, scary but it still sucked me in. I liked the quirky animation too. It really stood out.
And yes, the OST of "The Long Ballad" is something else. It's great in the drama and on its own.
My first and foremost reason to watch it was: It's the live-action adaptation of one of the best manhua/comic book series I've read "Chang Ge Xing".
The manhua, unfortunately, got discontinued due to the dispute between the author and the publisher. Until this day, no one knows what could-have-been.
Because "The Long Ballad" got the blessing from the author, I thought, maybe they got something for the ending we readers might never get. So, I was excited.
Everything was fine, really, even with the new characters, rearrangements and expanding plot lines, at first. But then, it started to feel like a drag and lose focus - even when I disassociated it from the original work. I got quite frustrated with it. Somehow, I came back to it three times. And every time, I lamented and anogised like an idiot (please laugh with me here).
Still, I think you should try it for yourself! Especially, given how you like angst, drama, high production value. Many viewers love it, too.
Writing this, I feel like, I might come back to it some time in the future. But I know what I like, so I'll likely just watch those. My highlights in this series are still the first episode and around episode 20-something, where Wu Lei acted that emotionally charged and chock-full scene. It was poignant and beautiful.
After watching Cdramas for a while, I notice a pattern of misogyny, apparent in many if not most, especially costume/period ones. But "The Double" really gave me that pressure, not angst but unjust and anger feeling I got watching earlier Cdramas in my early days. Those earlier ones were made decades back! Yet, cliche stories like this here are still... here and relevant somehow.
Throughout the portion that I watched, besides some few positive things, key words like patriarchy, female hate, unrealistic standards, unattainable forced idealism kept popping in my head.
I stopped feeling engrossed with the story or sympathy for certain characters. Instead, it went on to be worrying, concerning and disturbing that it... lost me.
I'd like to also add that these female-centric (as in female as the protagonist, not that it's "for" or "with" the said female characters) revenge stories only consolidate the unimaginable burdens, loads and hurdles "belonged exclusively" to... females. If they want to become something outside of their designated female role, they have to work extra, extra, extra hard to attain it while still upholding the "three obediences and four virtues" - those that bind them to the males and box them in all aspects: conduct, appearance, speech, and comportment. It's evidently less challenging given a nice, understanding, supportive for-some-reasons-or-others male lead. A fantastic fantasy, performative one at that.
It's frustrating. Worse, disheartening.
I understand, people watch dramas like "The Double" for entertainment, escapism and relaxation. I still hope, there can be critical looks, like yours, not just on the series itself, but society as a whole. Maybe, some would find this a caricature? An irony?
Oh, I know the actors tried their best with what they are given and they need to make a career too. I do wonder: What do they make out of when they receive scripts like this? (As clear as it gets, I don't get actor interview access like I do with English-speaking films.)
Thank you for the review and sharing your thoughts!
What a well-written review.
In my viewing experience, though, "The Double" gradually felt emotionally empty. That emptiness, it was so much. It not only overwhelmed, it consumed. To the point, I stopped forgiving and wanted to forget. So, I dropped.
Admittedly, I thought, the cast was really good, at first, more than many prettier idol dramas. But I kept debating: are they really though? When the story is too bad, too unfortunate.
Oh well, they tried. I heard it was really, really popular.
If I said "Peppa Pig" is one of my favourites, would you believe me? I even watch it from time to time with my relatives' kids hahahaha.
Do you know "Grisly Tales for Gruesome Kids"? I was a little scared of it but cannot stop watching it. It's a bit under-the-radar, but absolutely memorable for me!
Speaking of "Young Dracula", have you seen this movie called "What We Do in the Shadow"? If you haven't, I highly, highly recommend it. It's total chaos that one LOL.
I really hope you enjoy "How Dare You" and "Reset", if they suit your taste :D
Speaking of good first episodes. One of my all-time fav first episode belonged to "The Long Ballad". That series is damn angsty too... And "The Double" is so angsty! I didn't expect this level of angst...
But well, if everyone lived the hermit's way, minded their businesses and in peace, it wouldn't be called a "drama" anymore. I just need to turn off and go to sleep for now.
The bamboo house in episode 21 and the riverside picnic (kinda?) in episode 22 look like those in "A Splendid Match", even with different cinematography. Maybe they filmed at the same location, same studio?
Such a dramatic, angsty and tragic first episode. Such befitting music. I'm engrossed. I hope the rest of the show is of this level of quality.
I have heard about "The Story of Ming Lan" and how it is a modern classic. I admire your commitment. I didn't know it's 78 episodes! It's also cool how you learned new things, especially taking care of yourself thereafter :D
I watched "The Rise of Phoenixes". I really tried. But it wasn't my cup of tea. Also, I thought it was around 50 episodes at first. But it turned out to be 70...
Oh, no worries, I have learnt to not binge watch :D Watching only a couple of episodes per day has greatly benefited my viewing experience. Quality over quantity.
Thank you, again, for taking your time and sharing with me. I really appreciate it. Weekend, make haste for my exhausted friend!
P/s: My favourite watch has been comedy (with drama or romance; attribute to why I'm so entertained by "Blossoms of Power" haha) or sci-fi (with mystery, suspense, thriller, especially time loop), if you have recommendations for these, please share with me. Thank you.
Nevertheless, I hope it'll reach more people, especially those who enjoy it like you :D
I'm pretty much a newbie. So, I haven't heard about "Princess Royal" until you. Thank you for the warning. I'll stay away from it haha.
Yes, I can feel the reversal. It's not new. But they make it refreshing here, at least for me.
I can access these easily with English-speaking productions from their promotional tours and interviews. But since this is Chinese, I am pretty clueless and don't know the language myself.
I can't recall such an entertaining shameless character in Chinese dramas before. English-speaking yes, but can be different.
I wonder if this series and ML character would get popular enough for it to become a trend/trope in C-dramas; Or maybe, it'll stay uniquely to this series.