The movie was a total copycat of the original version, from the set-up to the styling. Yamada Yuki was good in his portrayal as the guy who has a childish crush to his classmate. Though Ko Ching Teng still wins in a battle of who is better, still one can tell that Yamada was a good fit for the role. The problem lies with the female lead. She's just blank and bland. She doesn't know how to carry conversations naturally. Her voice and facial expressions are really awkward. You could tell that her visibly awkward acting makes her partner awkward too, it's contagious. Well, she's a rookie, still young, and I believe she will improve with more acting gigs. Also, the chemistry between the two leads isn't there and even the friendship among men wasn't as strong compared to the Taiwanese version. The movie lacked spice, emotions, they were short to every element the original had.
Anyways, despite everything, the movie still made me feel bitter about the ending. They still made me feel the same way as I did when I watch the original version years ago. The regret and heartache, the whys... it's still there. And I guess, that alone will make you check out this version.
Was this review helpful to you?
I liked it from episode 1-16. I still continue to adore it episode 17-25 but I began to question myself if I should continue watching it. From episode 26 onwards, I really really feel like dropping the show. It's no fun anymore. I began to get annoyed with the constant flashback of Han Shangyan's backstory, the uninteresting side-characters stories wherein there's just so many of them. And Hu Yi Tian being one of the main leads wasn't given enough screentime (not that I am complaining since I am not his fan, but as a team captain of the group, I think he deserves some spotlight).
The drama was off to a good start but it progresses way too fast. The relationship of the main leads was given to us at a speed of light. They were already gf-bf in just about a few episodes and it felt like they haven't gone into the process, lol. Then Tong Nian's attitude became like a 'stalker' so obsess like a girl madly yet blindly in love with a handsome guy. And Han Shangyan who's still a virgin at the age of 30 is spoiling the girl too much that at times it feels like she is more of her daughter than a girlfriend.
I don't have anything to say in the acting department. Both leads delivered their roles perfectly well especially Yang Zi, she indeed suited for cutesy roles like these however, I find her character here a bit too immature at times.
Also, call me conservative but I don't like the idea of them getting married when the girl is just barely 20y/o. Oh well, it's their choice but still...
Overall, the drama was enjoyable for the first few episodes but dragged down towards the end. I believe it was purposely stretched to accommodate more episodes because as usual "business comes first". Unless you have so much free time, you may end up finishing the entire drama. It's not too bad, I can say mediocre at best. I was able to finish it though I abused the fast-forward and skip button of my laptop.
Was this review helpful to you?
But to be honest, I signed up for the drama because of the possible romance between Mukai and Yoshitaka. And since romance isn't the main theme of the show, its understandable that they are only showing little interactions/moments but hey, for me it was enough. I've got the ending I wanted and I'm happy. So if you're planning to watch this how, always remember this is not a Korean drama. They don't do a detour here - they lived up to the title of the drama from start to finish. They go straight to the point and what you see is what you get. No scheming and overly crying, so for those who are spoiled by the usual korean drama shenanigans, then this ain't for you.
Though I'm screaming for "I want more romance", I still thoroughly enjoyed the show. And since I love the whole casts particularly the main leads, I am being generous with my ratings.
BTW, The show also has a great soundtrack. I love love the song "Ambitious" by Superfly. The lyrics of the song is also fitting with the drama. These are my favorite lines of the song:
"I don't like now, But I'm living right now.
The future that one can easily reach won't be that easy.
Stop worrying about it, Tomorrow you'll still get up again.
Never let go of what you're longing for
You attractive adults"
"I don't like dreams, please don't hurry me.
Never give up what you are longing for,
Its so hard for you adults".
Overall, I'm positively recommending this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
The acting was great, nothing cringy and both actors played their part so well. Just that thinking about it, I cant really see their in love, yes you know they love each other but maybe, I believe its on Eddie Peng's side. The movie was shot pretty well, It was one of the reasons why I came to like the movie though I feel like it was quite lengthy but it kept me wanting for more and the ending left me hanging.
Of all the movies I mentioned in my comment, this movie has made some tears fall. I don't know but it felt real, those moments of them in the classroom, their friendship and the things that happened throughout the movie. It made me miss high school days, my friends, old friends, and wanting some reunion with them, them memories. That one thing is the strength of this movie, it captured what it meant to fall in love for the first time :)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It was an overall feel-good movie, I enjoyed it.This is what I love with Japanese youth films. They don't stay away from the theme, and just like most of their dramas, their movies are fast-paced, focused yet they don't feel forced.
I simply love the movie because they were able to capture and emphasized the beautiful reasons why "friendship" is all that without losing focus on the cute love story/love triangle. Everyone has great chemistry especially the four boys.
The movie shows me again how nice it is to have this kind of friendship. Watching it made me remind of the friends I had and the moments we share. It was also nice how they were able to add the girl to their clique and they were able to show some real bond among them.
When it comes to the love story, well I didn't technically have a second lead syndrome but I must admit that I was cheering for him (the second male lead Yuta Koseki) and if I were the main girl, I would fall for him for he excels in almost every aspect for me. Plus, I'm not really a fan of the main lead, he slouches at times here and didn't have much chemistry with the main girl and his acting is just so-so.
Also, shout out to Sugino Yosuke here, he stands out even though he is just a supporting actor.
Was this review helpful to you?
Okay now for the acting part. Kento tried his best, one can really felt the sincerity in his acting, must be the burden of being the main man of this high budgeted movie weights him. However, it usually happens that when an actor tries too hard, it becomes unnatural. And that's what happens with Kento's acting. It is not really that hard to pull off his character though, but since he's been acting those 'prince-ly' type of character for years, the transition becomes quite difficult. Though I know, I know, he will improve. If there's a season 2 for the movie, I hope he can showcase his improvement there.
For Yoshizawa Ryo, gosh that actor is so good. I am not a fan of him so I'm never biased when I say that he has a high commanding screen presence even when he is sharing scenes with Kento. His acting is great and since he has ample screentime in this film, one who is not familiar with the movie and the leads might go into thinking that Ryo is the main lead here. His character is pretty more interesting than Shin.
Also, I hope next time, they will give Masami more lines. The girl is so pretty and badass but her character lacks the opportunity to shine.
Over-all, the film was good. Obviously a second season will be on the works considering the explosive popularity the movie has achieved. Hopefully, they will add more heart to the story and depth to the journey of our leads and battles to make it more epic and outstanding.
Was this review helpful to you?
But I still stick out despite the bad acting and poor execution. The male lead's suits the bad boy yet a soft boyfriend type. He has a screen presence (though him and the female lead dont have that ump chemistry) and definitely one of the reason why I finished the drama aside from the story, yes the story. I love the premise of girl likes another guy and the guy likes the girl a little too late hence, the bestfriend has taken over - I have always been waiting for this kind of story.
8-8.5/10 for me
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Despite those issues I have with the movie execution, the show has its moments. Cinematography is good and having two ikemen guys fighting over a girl is always a pleasure to watch.
#teamSuginoYosuke
Was this review helpful to you?
I was quite surprised that the romance for this drama was slow but that's what I liked about it. You can really see the development of their relationship, there was pacing, progress from being strangers-assistant-manager-friends-mutual understanding-lovers. Through this, their love story resonates more with the audience unlike those dramas with abrupt romances. The slow romance makes the story more realistic.
The drama was good over-all but after episode 30, it becomes draggy. 44 episode is too long though for this kind of story and I fast-forwarded a lot of scenes and went to just focus on the leads story and Tao's progress as a singer, that's how I survived to watch the drama.
And I may add that the songs they used here are all good. I especially liked the song 'Expose' by Tao. You will end up liking the cute moments more because of the background ost. The whole series felt like a biography of Tao's life story as an idol and an advertisement to his musical capabilities.
Anyways, If you liked Tao and a "boss and me" type of drama, you may like this also. The story was written pretty well, the acting was all good (though I sometimes hate the gangsta outfit of Tao and Wu Xian's too simple dresses), the couple was cute and the chemistry was on point.
Was this review helpful to you?
It was a solid remake/drama over-all. They have followed closely the original version, unlike the Korean remake who made their own take to the story and ended up a disaster. The actors played their part really well. Though I must say that their interactions here show us that they're more than lovers than friends which I find a bit awkward to watch. In the Taiwanese, their relationship was really like those of a close friend with a clear boundary. Here, I feel like there's none. Maybe it is in the execution? And that's why I can't root for Ren the way I did for Li Da Ren.
The show for me lacked some emotional aspect compared to the original one. The highschool background story was kinda shallow and it didn't much show that Ren has a life/friends outside other than being with his family and Yo. The original version has showed family side stories which the Japanese lacked. The show is a 16-episode drama (kinda rare for a Jdrama) but the ending didn't show much sweet moments and relationship progress of the main leads. If you have ever watched the Taiwanese version, you will know why many were saying that it had one of the most satisfying endings ever. They almost dedicated 1 whole episode for the otp - from their friends to lovers to being a married couple to fighting over their principles to their daily lives as husband and wife. Maybe it has to do more of their culture? Taiwanese have a more bold approach than this Japanese remake.
BTW, I liked Adachi Rika's portrayal here. Her smile and her acting is just so sweet. Guess they were really aiming for a tamer version here since, with the Taiwanese version, Cheng You Ching was more of the aggressive and arrogant type - very typical of a LEO.
If you haven't watched the other versions of the drama, most probably, you will like this one. Though honestly, if you are a girl, you will really want to have a guy best friend if you watch the Taiwanese version than this.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love
4 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It is a solid movie for its script, combined with top notch acting from Kim Hye Soo, Yoo Ah In and the supporting cast. Nothing spectacular but I find it really interesting how they made the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis into a gripping, compelling movie. Honestly, I only watched this because I of Yoo Ah In, I simply wanna watch him act and showcase his prominent acting (which he did not disappoint), though I did not regret watching this movie, I may not even bat an eye to this if not for him. The movie reminded me why Kim Hye Soo is a top actress, she sure commands the screen when she's on. The drama despite feeling a bit documentary is surprisingly not monotonous. I may not be able to grasp some things, needed to pause here and there to chew what they were talking (not really good at with the subject matter - "FINANCE") but you will find yourself entertained a bit.
On the side note, I now only realized after watching this movie that we were also affected with the Asian Financial Crisis back in the same year. Layoffs and shut down of big companies. Well, it shows that this movie has fed me something to remember and ideas I only get to know because I watched this.
Was this review helpful to you?
