mysecretsoul

I wonder if the changes were made to keep the story fresh, then. Yet another version was slated recently if memory serves. But at least the villains have charisma this time around. You've piqued my interest in Yuan Hong; he seems to get more work than any actor I've ever seen, haha. Hope he takes care of his health with so much to do.

Have you ever found yourself warming up to an actor after several tries with his or her work? It never seems to happen for me, though Ji Chang Wook was a rare exception.

You could try something Japanese for short and sweet. Though most everything I've seen from Japan lately has made me cry, so perhaps not... :,)

It does seem as though Japanese subtitles have slowed significantly this season, right? I wonder whether it's because many of those working on them have returned to school and the like. Beside the obligatory turn with SMAP-centric dramas, I had interest in Honey Trap. However, mysteries make me nervous in terms of testing my language skills, so I'm reconsidering. Perhaps I'll look back at some of the ones I've missed in recent years instead.

China and Japan are amazing choices for film. And delightfully, many of their movies are actually available subtitled. Ah, now I want to raid Netflix for things I haven't seen. There's usually a surprising amount.

I'll probably pick up Secret Love closer to the end, then. Revenge is a genre favorite as well, and dark romances are always fun. After trudging through Love Around and Just You, I totally feel you on romantic comedies, haha.

Ah, thanks for your insight. Actually, that is a little strange; perhaps the production team enjoyed working with the actress though. Ashida Mana also really is an amazing young performer; if she can make the leap to adult roles in the future, it'll be interesting.

I wonder if each version of Legend of the Condor Heroes works that way; like, might certain versions of the character be better? My knowledge of the story is very limited, granted. Perhaps Hu Ge is always just super naive, haha.

While we're talking other dramas, because my plans altered in the afternoon, I attempted to make some headway on Scandal. When they called it makjang, they weren't joking. It is definitely the soapiest of soap operas. Positively wildly insane.

Oh. My. Gosh. That video! I don't know whether to laugh, cry, or drool. Somehow I totally missed the fact that So Ji Sub did music....

Virus was surprisingly solid and well-acted, though it might have worked just as well as a film. Certain unique elements were brought to the table, but ultimately it felt much like Deranged and other Asian epidemic films.

Another user recently recommended me God's Quiz, so it looks like I should probably hop on that, haha. How did you find the lead characters? That's probably the most important part of any "detective" drama for me. Personally, I've heard good things about Vampire Prosecutor as well; yet whenever I see the title, my immature side gets the best of me. A vampire AND a prosecutor? Giggling makes me feel guilty, but I do every time, haha.

I know right? The segment where he revealed asking first whether the character would be a manager was priceless. Have you seen Feast of the Gods? He played a sweeter, funnier character there -- but somehow was still a management type. XD

Ah, so you're enjoying Woman? How similar to Mother are you finding it? I had heard they were from the same writing team and share certain common themes.

Right now, I'm having a hard time deciding what to watch next. Many currently airing dramas seem interesting, but only Empress Ki has me sold. Basketball appears to be my taste as well, but I'll need to hear more about it first.

Perhaps it's best for me to just sit back and obsess over Prince of Lan Ling a little while longer, haha.

I might be slightly slower responding this weekend; it's been a little hectic so far! Also, I cannot even fathom So Ji Sub that way, so now I have to find that video. XD

Oh, jeesh, same. I'd much prefer they return Fifth Lord to us like Xiao Dong. When both reemerged, I forgot how much I missed them. George Hu was a busy bee this year, though, so my expectations are a little low on that front.

This is actually only the third time I've had second male lead syndrome. Almost forgot how painful it can be, haha! It must be horrible to have it all the time.

From what I can tell, Daniel Chan spends a good portion of his time singing. But there's at least one other drama subtitled he has a lead in: A Chinese Ghost Story (which he also performs the themes for, go figure). It's a little old, but a few people have mentioned it to me as decent once my icon changed. XD

Oh, certainly. The whole situation felt somewhat manipulative, as Zheng Er's last tragedy dried up sympathies long ago. It makes me wonder why they chose to keep her alive at all; a deathbed confession to Gao Wei would have worked. Perhaps Zheng Er is a historical figure too? But how awful would it be should they marry! If she ever got status over Xue Wu again...the horror.

Perhaps Fourth Lord will expand on his regret, and the relationship will strengthen in future episodes. I just hope Xue Wu regains some of her earlier pluck; she was at much less fault, so seeing her buckle definitely bothered me. Fourth Lord should be glad I'M not his wife; I would be on the road to Zhou so fast the title would spontaneously change to "Emperor Yu Wen Yong," haha.

Let's definitely watch Empress Ki together! This has been a great experience X3

Fascinating article. It's true the live-shoot system causes stress for all involved; many things can and do go wrong. Can you imagine all of the crazy stories we *never* hear? I bet there are several doozies, haha.

That was the character played by Phillip Lee, right? I recall reading his eye was badly injured, so he had to depart early.

That is so true. Japan loves variety to the point it's almost startling, though the number of detective and hospital-themed dramas rise each year. While that is not necessarily a bad thing, hopefully unique themes continue to be explored.

The description of Soratobu Kouhoushitsu throws me slightly, though. I can't quite pinpoint what it will be about, though it seems like a character builder + a unique setting and job-set. It makes me curious, and I'm not quite in the mood for comedy, so perhaps it's a better choice for the moment.

Are you enjoying your current run at movies? I see you've also started Secret Love; I can't seem to choose between that one and Mirae's Choice.... might just wait for both to end first, haha.

Thanks so much for reading them, too, then. It makes me happy that my insights are useful. Usually I wonder whether I'm being too critical, but my brain always enters into analyze mode with things like this, haha.

Are you enjoying the shows you're following currently?

Oh, and I have seen the Empress Ki trailer! I can't wait, though I will probably end up waiting a few weeks to start as well. Ran out of room gushing in the last comment. :,)

After the last few episodes, seeing Yu Wen Yong again feels like a breath of fresh air. Trying so hard not to gush about how sweet, selfless, and under-appreciated he was. Or that beautiful song Daniel Chan provided for the herb search ;A;. It was so suitable for the character.

I must agree 100% about Fourth Lord; his behavior was irritating me badly, and though it stopped in time for me to continue liking him, it doesn't seem enough. Perhaps I'm biased, but I also don't think this entire range of events would have ever happened with Yu Wen Yong -- he'd have thrown Zheng Er so far out of the palace she'd have flown into orbit. XD

Speaking of her, I feel terrible about what happened. Despite the fact she deserved punishment, no one should suffer that way. I just wish she'd try to be happy with a man that actually loves her now, than keep up this revenge spiel.

Didn't it seem like this drama was gravitating slightly away from cliche before? Even Zheng Er had a decent side before, ugh. Perhaps they were trying to cater to audiences with romantic tension, since it seemed Fourth Lord and Xue Wu were strong from the beginning. I'll forgive this if we get some good airtime with His Majesty later, but only then. <.<

I'll probably stop for tonight at 24 and start the climb up again tomorrow. Tell me if the mood lightens, because this girl...ugh.

Ah, and you added Empress Ki! Do you plan to follow it as airs?

Ah, I love Samurai movies too. Though I do try to stand back from watching them; every time I do, my obsession kicks in and I end up spending big bucks on books and other research materials. I'll definitely keep that in mind! Perhaps a vampire drama would be good to round out October, haha.

I tend to dislike episodic stories in general. They only seem to work when there's some overarching plot-line hanging over each case. Well, unless the detective is charismatic.

No idea what to start next, really. Because I enjoy Ito Atsushi, I was thinking Apoyan, but Soratobu Kouhoushitsu apparently has a similar feeling and is well-liked. Choices, choices.

Thank you so much for the friend request and your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the review. Kazoku Game seems like it will end up being one of the better J-dramas this year :)

I really miss Xiao Dong already; hopefully his prediction (that when he returns, Zheng Er will be gone) is right. I'm about to start episode 22, and share your opinion already. Hopefully this irritating turn with the evil meddler will dissipate soon, because too much will drive me crazy ;A;

Oh, so you like vampires? Have you encountered many interesting vampire stories in dramas? My attraction to royalty and knights is similar, which leads to lots of historical dramas (and in western media, adaptations of fantasy novels, etc).

I definitely love detective stories, though the mood must be right. Nothing beats a strong investigator and a fine mystery. Fusions work for me too, since I rather enjoyed the medical-detective pairing in Team Batista. Are they something you enjoy as well?

Just completed Kazoku Game, and I must agree. Definitely a fine watch. My mind is spinning a little from the final episodes though. Processing my feelings on this drama may take some time, haha.