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It’s a mix of fun, frustration, and fear. Am I excited?
It’s an interesting drama with captivating moments. I wonder how professional those fights are since I can’t validate them. Still, I admire the preparations behind the scenes, whether realistic or not. I see a lot of effort from all members, and all the fights were spectacular. I was mesmerised, which surprised me because I don’t watch anything like that. I can’t perform like that, so I have to respect them. My only question is about Hachiya (Hataya). He seems heavier and bulkier than the others. I was surprised they even let him compete in the same group. Is that okay? I heard there are weight categories in boxing, but MMA doesn’t have them I suppose?It’s pure bromance, but no more than that. As expected from Japanese dramas, the chemistry between the main characters was high. I understand why Sannosuke took patronage over Aobe. Aobe wasn’t afraid of him even after being bullied, which already deserves respect. He probably was also intrigued by the spark in Aobe's eyes. Other fighters were shown short back-flashes that stimulated or explained why they were on the boxing ring. I liked that. The motivation of the main character was confusing to me. I couldn’t understand it and it didn’t make sense unless I missed something. It wasn’t a dream, revenge, or just a whim? Kenshin was respectful towards him, no mockery, just maybe condescending. Still, he was rightfully so. One thing - Kenshin didn’t provoke him. He told Aobe that he was empty (of goals), and I can’t disagree with that. So, it hardly can amass to such a strong desire to punch him. Until the end, Kenshin acted respectfully towards the main character.
Fun fact: The main character and other supporting male leads were already in the cast of my favourite BLs, so this series is somewhat like a fan service. It’s the second J-drama like that for me. The first was Rokuhodo Yotsuiro Biyori 2022, where most of the male leads had already acted in BLs.
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Epic series and one of the best webtoon adaptations
I love it and I must say thanks to kdramas approach - they always wrap up the season nicely without major cliffhangers, so they can be seen as a complete piece, unlike HBO and others - where a season ends abruptly and in most cases without continuing, so I feel like I was robbed of my time.
The series is epic, beyond any expectations! Why it is 10 - no fillers, perfect pacing, music, spectacular acting - I can see big efforts and trainings behind the camera. I already watched some bts and those are insane. As someone who loves animes - this series is like the best live action adaptation of anime I could dream of - even though it is based on korean webtoon. And - I already rewatched first 6 episodes and will definitely rewatch the series again!
Season 2 - I will be waiting for that, even if it is 2027, at the same time S1 concluded quite succinctly, so there is no feeling of emptiness or dissatisfaction.
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If life gives obstacles, there must be a reason
Yet another powerful performance from Peng Peng and the whole cast, he is the most hilarious actor when it comes to series, at this point I think screenwriters write keeping him in mind.However, his true undeniable strength lies in movies, each of which is a treasure. Viva la vida (I prefer - Let's wake up the sun), while being incredibly tough, as it depicts mundane life of terminally ill people, brings strong and believable acting, symbolism and hope.
Such dramas are important I think, they give some necessary stimulus for self reflection and reassessment of our own realities. Luu Tu and Ling Min have more reasons to stay alive, than some healthy adults without any purpose and interests in life. Don't wait till it too late! Still, there are more movies with Peng Peng, I just need to recover from this one.
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Masterpiece, which you wouldn't dare to rewatch and won't forget.
The dark side of life, which we often try to ignore, even if it’s just the next block away. Some people are programmed to fail and deprived of any aspirations or future. This movie was transformative for me, like a reboot of life. It’s a powerful stimulant to re-evaluate my surroundings and be more appreciative of what I have. During the four hours I watched it, I felt my chest being squeezed and a lump in my throat nonstop. There couldn’t be a happy ending because it would destroy the essence of the lesson and erase the positive effects, such as gratitude for what we have.The meaning of an elephant everyone can substitute by something else, ethereal or a dream goal.
The acting is astonishing. I’m used to seeing Peng Yu Chang as a bright and mischievous actor and his characters even when situations were bad, but here he portrays an abandoned and neglected teenager, at the beginning of his career which is even more commendable!
This is the heaviest Asian drama I’ve ever watched, and I’ve watched a lot. The director’s work reminds me of movies by Krzysztof Zanussi. I would put “An Elephant Sitting Still” on my list of the 100 best movies ever.
The movie would probably benefit from better music, but it could be overkill. It was already depressing enough. My advice is to watch it in parts and/or avoid watching it before a working day. I was postponing it for weeks myself.
Rewatching value is high and controversial because it will evoke a range of the same emotions, but do we really need to relive them? Hopefully - not. Similar art pieces from my list include “The Green Mile,” “American Beauty,” “Requiem for a Dream,” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”
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What are the chances you can be interested in the plot ?
I think this movie is for really small circle of people.
First thought, it resembles the wolf of wall street. If you know you know.
I watched it in Korean with Spanish subs, as half conversations were in Spanish and I speak Spanish. I want to visit Bogota and love kdramas and one of my fav actors is Song Joong Ki - what were the chances of such combination!
On top of that, 1997-2008 - I used to live in Russia, I was a child, but I was aware of similar situation with goods, not sure from where, maybe from China. I cannot though confirm if what happened in the movie did happen in Bogota, Columbia, but it was similar in post-soviet era.
Interesting observation, I am not sure if I needed this flashback from my adolescence - there used to be a lot of similar movies in Russia, especially at the end of 90-s, about the period of wild capitalism and new market, which started after collapse of USSR. However, they usually had dark end for main leads. I didn't expect Guk Hui to survive.
I am glad Netflix aired the movie, I enjoyed it, though there were boring moments. I would give it 8/10, though I understand where current rating came from, as in this case I am not sure who was the targeted audience.
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Could two kings co-exist?
I am confused! I cannot say MLs are attractive (my opinion)it does not seem this story could happen in real life, I even must admit that I would not be sad if leads separated and their paths went different directions. At the same time I was watching the story and never was bored. Whereas in other bl dramas we usually have two handsome boys and it is easy to "forgive" mistakes - because they are cute... here, with one lead shown as a king and another - a slave like nerd (I checked - actor is a cutie one, it must have taken a lot of effort to make him look creepy), it take some energy and thinking to understand the real reason they are together. MLs are strengthening each other, the drama shows that heart has its own ways and real love is much deeper than appearance and conventional behavior. Chemistry is on other level, and I can believe that, as after butterflies in the stomach period, relationships must have deeper meaning, such as partner's development, discovery of new personality layers, surprises.Maybe this is not the best drama, maybe I won't rewatch it and it is not sweet, but was it worth my time? Definitely!
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Rewatch value - 11 out of 10
I was hooked from the start and binge watched without initial expectations at the end - what a gem!Just 8 episodes, could be more.
Heartwarming - I almost cried the whole 8 episode. Bromance - though bl elements were in place (hugs, support, escape to the beach and then to the motel, no hesitation to help each other).
The main thing: Im totally satisfied with the end, as there was no room for anything else. If Yi Heon returned - his life wouldnt be easy, just new difficulties : gangster resolved issues he saw, yes. However: did Yi Heon participated? Did he learnt how to deal with previous situations? No, he already gave up, and most importantly: who said it would be easy to even maintain what he would receive upon returning? It is sad, but true: from his perspective nothing has changed! He didnt resolve issues which led to suicide, and if he returned he would face new level of challenges just to maintain what Deuk Pal achieved - so technically, circumstances havent changed a lot to allow him to return and continue happy life. I would be rooting for Yi Heon return in two cases: if both could return and stay friends, or if Yi Heon actively participated in his life changes under Deuk Pal mentorship - but that will be completely different drama/scenario.
I also love humor in the drama and mature resolution of issues, without questioning or plot holes. No annoying characters or toxicity without redemption.
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If I left you, that doesn't mean I stopped loving you
An epic love story, probably the most beautiful I have ever seen. It is not even a gem, but much more, I want to be this series at least in top 10 bls of all time. Cinematography and director's work worth an Oscar. Chemistry between MLs - from the first minute - just insanely high. I saw comments that KinnPorshe is similar, but in what way? KP is well done, however for me it is only blockbuster with comedy with zero rewatch value (except SL couple😬), whereas NLMG is a masterpiece, with sensual kisses, genuine pure love - the journey I want to rewatch immediately. There are no fillers or redundant characters, instead - actions and consequences. Having amazing music and scenery, colour effects are worth mentioning - reminds me of movies made in 80's style. Some scenes were so emotional, I had to pause streaming to process them, which is a rare thing for me. I only can give 10 points to series- as I cannot give more, and I dont have reasons to deduct scores. If you liked Not Me or History 3 trapped, this series is at par with them and should be regarded as BLs staples. PS Pond And Phuwin - they are such a strong couple, I cannot watch them with someone else, only together. During their scenes in the first half- due to their outstanding performance, it was obvious what they felt, so I didn't even paid. Attention to dialogues itself, they managed to deliver communication through eyes and body language!Was this review helpful to you?
Epic and cannot be obsolete ever
If you are in bl- this is a must watch and still relevant.It is a shame I watched it only in 2024. Nevertheless, it is still one of the best bls I have watched.
OST: I listen to osts almost daily and all of them are awesome, each time experience the same emotions and warmth as during watching the series.
Acting: probably not professionals, it was a cast of newbies. They managed to deliver natural youth awkwardness in the best way - sweet and naive, at the same time with personality growth and decision making abilities and no toxicity.
I will definitely rewatch that for music, for the story - altogether 48 episodes, and I would be happy to have 2-3 times more!
I never skip scenes, the first s with 12 ep was strange, I was not even able to understand who is the main couple at first. Second season - 36 ep, side stories were drastically reduced, and still - the story was rushed at the end. That is in itself fenomenal - bl drama, long enough, and I still was craving for more!
What caught me? Sincerity, real life situations and conflicts and their reconciliation. There is not over performance or exaggeration.
To conclude, after 100+ bls, this is the inly one, when I can say I would love to forget everything and watch again!
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