mysecretsoul

Not at all. I consider spoilers to be more specific than that, and honestly, I'm the rare type that devours spoilers anyway. Impatient am I, if nothing else. You'll probably hear me asking specific questions down the line, so feel free to talk openly about anything unless I ask otherwise~

Oh, that sounds awesome though. Love it when they squirm, and it's too cute when they get shy about the accidental kiss. Others own it too much, which is no fun at all (Hariya, for one). Did you ever head-chop Saeki? That's probably my favorite skinship with him, because he tends to block and return the favor.

Funny you should mention that Dias and Shiba are similar. It isn't exactly the same, but Kazuya Nakai voices both Shinjiro and Shiba. So there's definitely a fangirl undercurrent being passed between these three, haha. ->

I've never seen Choi Jin Hyuk, but now feel as though there is cause to worry. Jang Hyuk is great and apparently works well with his leading lady, but if Cunning Single Lady taught me anything it's that a bad second lead can destroy a show. Is this kid just overexposed or a bad actor as well?

Oh, they make DVDs? I wonder if there's an English release then. They can change the name all they want if we can get HQ Myung Min. XD

"Ugly" actors do get ignored and hated on, though. :/ It drives me crazy when I read a comment about how "The lead guy isn't cute, so I won't watch," or "why did this cute idol actor turn into that ugly guy! It would be so good if he wasn't ugly!" Because the acting skills mean nothing as long as he looks like a million bucks, ne? >_o

Great, though. Now I want to play Tokimeki and get those final endings. >_>

Definitely! I assume each game improves upon the last, especially after reading about Tokimeki 3rd Season. But because I leave the Prince for last, I haven't actually played Saeki through to the end; somehow, I stalled on Chris and Hariya. When something like that happens, I've often just hopped to another game and forgot what was going on. It was either a Pokemon game or Sweet Fuse, knowing me. XD

Wakaouji definitely had that warmth, a very open sort different to that of Himuro. Actually, when you mentioned "warmth", I automatically thought of his last Christmas date, where Wakaouji warms the heroine's hands in the snow. *_*

But as I was saying, it does seem each game improves. There were fewer bombs in the second, as you mentioned, and in the third they've been completely done away with. :,) ->

Fated to Love You? That's the Korean remake with Jang Hyuk right? Did they cast an improper person, or were people excited? I confess, much as I'd like to see it, my mind has been too engaged waiting for news regarding New Leaf. Kim Myung Min, Kim Myung Min~ XD

I actually don't understand idol culture, at least as it exists for the younger set. There are a few people I'm completely crazy about, several more that I enjoy looking at. But I've never understood liking someone purely because they're pretty, or do cool things on stage o_o What I do understand is your feeling, especially because I often wonder why it bothers me so much. It's their loss, really, to not get to know the more talented figures, but...

It's just frustrating, ne?

Oh, was it? You're probably right; I remember an occurrence for the cultural event also. All that I'm really sure of is that Himuro looked dashing, and the heroine (rightfully) swooned. Really makes it hard to play our instruments when conductor-sensei is so handsome, ne?

Right? It's actually funny how angry some of the guys get when you serve them ramen though. Curry is one thing, but some of these proposed dishes are out of this world. But since their love points increase well when you do make them something like mutton, it seems that in the world of TokiMemo you really can buy your way into a man's heart through the stomach. Even if that man is a possible robot. XD

Some of the photos do look that way, right? They're such extreme close-ups! I did notice a few somewhat improved and others a bit worse; for instance, Oh Ji Ho. His previous photo was so attractive o_o ->

So true. Perhaps I ought to take your lead and move these feelings of irritation to the back-burner. As you've said, ignoring them is the best policy. That way rudeness has no vent. I'm the type to quietly slink away and whine privately, so it's less work and stress <.<

Poor aliens. First they would find dead ends searching for Kim Soo Hyun, then learn our race is completely irrational. XD

I almost forgot that Himuro conducted music! He had that really incredible event during the summer practice, and the screenshot was just lovely :,) I must have that plush, of course, haha.

What in the world did they change it to that for? I'm pretty sure the reason it was called "Bad Family" was because it was part of a series o_o "Bad Couple, "Bad Family," etc. If people want to change something, they should get around to fixing some of these atrocious profile pictures for some performers >.>

Right? For that matter, I recently noticed a user flinging "ahjumma" toward someone in the comments section. As an insult. It seems so silly to utilize a foreign word randomly like that, or make one's case by saying "daebak!" But funnily enough, I had no idea what that word meant for the longest time. So I ignored it, until this teenage character used it in a flashback. "Oh, that's it?" >.>

Can the Himuro plush have his robot extensions? Like the adorable sketch that Suzuka draws on the chalkboard in one of his cutscenes. He and the player end up adding like laser eyes and all sorts of other things to it. It ends up pretty cute, haha.

No problem, by the way! That happens to me on occasion. Sometimes when my brain won't allow me to measure out a response, I do just the same. Being an epislette can be difficult, with all the excellent writing we must do. XD

Right? I was about to say it was something you might see in an anime, but then I remembered that Sweet Fuse kind of counts as one.

Perhaps they're right though. He might actually be intended as such a young man. My memory can be abysmal, and honestly, I occasionally shut out details like that. "What?! You're 22?! WELL YOU'RE 30 NOW" XD

But seriously, I can't wait until you see the character reactions when you use MC's interrupt command. You can blow up on the guys (especially when they're trying to be noble idiots or jerks), and their reactions are just priceless.

Yes, Fassy! Perhaps our club ought to open up an unusual plush store. I have a feeling that chubby Fassbender would sell well, haha.

Toby Stephen is an excellent actor, and I daresay played Rochester well. That version just always scared me away, particularly because of the "updated" language. Long ago, I watched a clip of that all-important confession near the tree, and it seemed bungled; it took place during the day, and the dialogue seemed sapped of all elegance. The actors still did well, though, so I never wholly ruled it out.

I agree, though! What makes adaptations excellent is that you can always remake things and find something new. There's actually a musical version of Jane Eyre, for that matter, which I think beautifully encompasses the feeling of the story. It didn't do well, unfortunately, but has seen second life in regional theaters. ->

Something I cannot say in any review, no matter how brave: I honestly believe that love for Cho Seung Woo blinded most viewers into calling it a "masterpiece." What frustrates me is that, while I liked him too, you could practically taste writer bias in the air. They completely lost focus on Lee Bo Young's character in favor of him.

But I've come to hate the word "masterpiece." There do seem to be several popular words and phrases thrown around in reviews on MDL. Even I've used some of them them, though I try to do so sparingly. "Masterpiece," "top notch," "perfectly," "weekly dose," "daebak." XD

It's my turn to thank you for your encouragement also! Talking to you has not only rekindled my desire to write prose, but also to express myself more freely. Thanks so much. ->

That makes sense. Perhaps when public opinion cools, I'll drum up the courage to write something on God's Gift. I know you're right, that an opposing opinion can be useful, but the wilting flower artist in me is still developing thick skin. For the time being, I've posted my thoughts somewhat hesitantly in the feeds. Feels a bit safer there, especially with all the venom and confetti swirling about the drama's page. I'll save you some room on your wall by directing to my post in the feeds, though in short:

There were numerous, glaring defects in the narrative. It tried too hard to be clever, to stay one step ahead of the audience; the result was confusing, and sometimes downright dumb. No matter how many times I'd rewind a scene, sometimes I'd just have to continue on completely baffled. Scooby Doo could call this show up and demand all his red herrings back, for that matter. ><; ->

Ah! Films like this tend to fall under the radar, so it's rather helpful for someone to add them. Though, it's funny; from the poster, you can definitely tell it's Oshii's work straight away, haha.

Thought so. I've not moved onto the second trilogy myself, but I agree that Prince of Nothing was excellent. It's one of the most uniquely built and written fantasies I've read. Took me a re-read or two to fully appreciate it, but even then, there seems to be so much to interpret and discuss.

You've presented a solid case for Secret Love Affair, and your article is well composed. Fine work, indeed. You've created interest in me where there previously was none; I've never been a fan of the so-called "noona romance," in that I prefer more mature-looking men. I might need to make an exception this time, especially since one can usually trust jTBC with mature themes.

Hello! Your review on The Red Spectacles was quite clear and helpful. It's always good to run into well-written ones, since around these parts they can be a little vague or overexcited. By the way, your username: you read Bakker, then?

Wait, Subaru is supposed to be 22? Either I wasn't paying attention, or they've made him a wonky age in the manual. He looks and acts much older, so I always thought he was 25-30. XD

I also liked that the protagonist is older. It's nice not to always play as a teen, ne?

Unfortunately, I have no idea whether or not the king will know. There are so few clues (even now!) as to her identity, but they still exist. At the present juncture, I'll say that some things have been revealed, yet never to the king. So it looks like we're still in the same boat, though suspicions are rising.

Speaking of dramas, I'm feeling really hesitant to post my score for God's Gift. And I definitely won't be doing a review, haha! Everyone else is giving it tens, but I'm currently fighting between a 7 or 8 (it all depends on the ending, really). Don't know why I'm on such a different page <_<

For that reason, my favorite adaptation must be the 1983 miniseries with Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke. Almost everything is taken verbatim from the book, dialogue and all. The only issues are that Dalton (who otherwise embodies the spirit of Rochester beautifully), is entirely too young and handsome, and Clarke appears a touch too old (though her delivery is right there). It also looks and acts like a stage play, but that never bothered me.

First-person perspective can be annoying, yes. I've enjoyed it on rare occasions, including with Carol Berg and her various fantasy series. She has a talent for voice, so the conceit is easier to swallow. But you're right. Whenever I notice this tense being used, the Mary-Sue fear comes roaring through.

I must say, I have great faith in your writing just by talking to you. Since you know the issues others fall into, I doubt you'll repeat them. ->

Just so! Your summation of their story is perfect. What I love best about Jane Eyre might be the sweet melancholy that marks the work of both Bronte sisters. But the way you put it, that Jane and Rochester are two souls seeking a home, that's spot-on. It reminded me of his lines during the confession, of how Jane was his second self. And then, ultimately, the story evolved into two people coming to stand together on equal footing, even if it took great sorrow to allow it to happen. A second self, indeed.

The recent film was lovely! On a purely aesthetic level, it was visually delightful and yes, the mood was great. The acting was also on point, particularly from Mia, as you said, though Fassy was a touch too handsome and written a bit too sweet. My only issues with it, and most other Eyre adaptations, rest purely in the script. ->

When you explain Sol Hee like that, I can see it. Her motivations are understandable, and even human; there are plenty of people like that. Combined with overwhelming selfishness and defect of character, it's easy to see where her poor behavior might develop. Sometimes, though, her lack of empathy speaks to sociopathic tendencies.

The Prince seemed harsh then, right? But you're right, Solnan impresses him right away. I feel like he gave her that challenge because he instinctively knew that she could rise to it. That adds another layer to their relationship, that he believes in her based on her own merits, that makes that fluttering we talked about earlier come to the surface. XD And yes! There is much Kim Roe Ha.

My first favorite? That's difficult, since there have been so many... I'd have to say Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. That story always really affected me for some reason.

Yes! The writers truly seem to understand bonding. They've got a really good hold of young adults, too, which is rare. Actually, the upcoming Persona 5 has a slightly different theme, and I'm interested to see how they handle it. This time around, the feeling of being chained up by society will be showcased.

30+ years would probably be pretty uncomfortable, especially if the person acted and appeared that age. The gap would be more pronounced, and it's easier to believe they'd have nothing in common. That much difference would have to be written exceedingly well to work.

Ah, Sweet Fuse! It's definitely not as deep as Persona, but there are likable characters nonetheless. I particularly adored Subaru. Yet I was shocked at how well-written Towa actually was, especially for a shota character. Like, he actually *develops* beyond that cutesy image they always present for the type. ->

Outside of otome games, of course. The participation factor they employ makes the "flutter" easier to grasp.

My well of inspiration tends to spring from emotion, but my writing never materializes from feeling. Ideas tend to be born in a flurry of feeling, but I find them best served after they've cooled. That way, logic can temper them into something a little more malleable. If writing when high on emotion, I've noticed that I'm far less willing to change things, even if they might be improved. I cling to words and phrases just because they'd appealed to me then. It's a pain, haha.

My greatest passion has been in planning, too. Forming characters, building the environment, etc. But the fleshing out almost always kicks my butt. I always get discouraged when the words won't come together just so, or the plot suddenly resembles Swiss cheese. :,) ->