The last episode just wasn't what I was looking for. But kudos to the drama for employing a wonderful OST and featuring my faves Mamiya Shoutarou, Tama, Nanao and Sayu-chan. I like Mone-chan when she stars in regular variety shows but this show needed a better stylist for her. I never got that Devil Wears Prada AHA she's gorgeous now sequence that I sat here for :/
A very good attempt on adapting the original material. Many aspects were condensed and transferred to fit a 2 hour time line and a smaller cast situation but I think it flowed nicely. Some revelations were done much more grandiosely than the book, which came to me as a surprise. It changed the emotion conveyed from the book, it wasn't a bad change. Kitagawa Keiko gave her strongest performance yet (she's outdone herself, however note that she is not the first name to come up when we think of expressive actors), Nakamura Tomoya was very natural and did not miss even the slightest details about his role, but the breakout here was my girl Yoshine Kyoko! She was a showstopper, worth every yen of my money at the theatres. A solid 8/10 for me (it's a bit generous but Kyoko was amazing and Uru song really amplified the mood).
So... I watched the first 2 episode. And I must note that I have not watched Go Go Squid, nor am I acquainted with the books. Usually gamers/ robotics/ mechanics type are not in my watchlist, since I prefer different genres but I dived in this type because of Wang An Yu and because I generally like Hu Yi Tian. BUT I probably will need A LOT OF TIME to get into the story. This comment isn't for those who like this genre, it's for others who started this show like me for purposes other than loving the plot or liking the genre. I just can't seem to follow yet. Here's to hoping tables turn for me and for others like me too! Cheers!
Danah-yah what happened my dear? I want you to be happy with Yeonghwa and be besties with Mijoo and happily fight with "brother" Seongyeomie while Taewoong keeps following you like a puppy and Mr. Jeong half sighs and half parents you... :'( Taewoong, I hope it wasn't you who was the bad news, I root for your happiness too.
This was very very good, here are some reasons why I thought so: 1) The pacing is excellent, they put the focus on freshman year and the other years were given around 2-4 ep focus. Good choice! 2) The characterizations were solid; obviously with the main characters and sub-main characters, but also with the villains. Their motivations were amplified for dramatic purposes but overall, they all had a purpose in the story. 3) The healthy communication that was happening all around, AND the relatability of character-character bonds. All the characters shared some sort of love for one another, in their unique degrees. For example, Lin Xi and Duan Ning were close but were not unnecessarily besties with each other. That is not relatable. Similarily, Qiu Yan and Yi Chuan were friends/ acquaintances but not necessarily close. How Zhong Fei's arc was handled was good too. I appreciate these real bond distances. 4) Solid writing, solid directing, solid editing; CHEF'S KISS, muah! 5) WHAT A WELL MATCHED COUPLE. Great chemistry, great acting abilities and great micro-expressions! 6) Recycling of costumes, I appreciate the show of wealth and status but overdone costumes and makeup CAN take away from story telling at times. I liked how they kept the clothing style very age appropriate and time line appropriate. Pajamas and red tints are unnatural, this almost never happened in this show. 7) It did more "Start-Up" than the 2020 Kdrama Start-up; The length of time and perseverance it takes to succeed, the way many people will definitely criticize your decisions BECAUSE they care. Not everyone has your best interest... etc. Very good, I enjoyed the business building aspects of the show a lot.
All these points above made me feel like I was taking a peak into a group of friends and their realistic chase towards their dreams and futures. I like flawed characters who are learning and reducing their flaws one by one while tackling new life obstacles.
1) The pacing is excellent, they put the focus on freshman year and the other years were given around 2-4 ep focus. Good choice!
2) The characterizations were solid; obviously with the main characters and sub-main characters, but also with the villains. Their motivations were amplified for dramatic purposes but overall, they all had a purpose in the story.
3) The healthy communication that was happening all around, AND the relatability of character-character bonds. All the characters shared some sort of love for one another, in their unique degrees. For example, Lin Xi and Duan Ning were close but were not unnecessarily besties with each other. That is not relatable. Similarily, Qiu Yan and Yi Chuan were friends/ acquaintances but not necessarily close. How Zhong Fei's arc was handled was good too. I appreciate these real bond distances.
4) Solid writing, solid directing, solid editing; CHEF'S KISS, muah!
5) WHAT A WELL MATCHED COUPLE. Great chemistry, great acting abilities and great micro-expressions!
6) Recycling of costumes, I appreciate the show of wealth and status but overdone costumes and makeup CAN take away from story telling at times. I liked how they kept the clothing style very age appropriate and time line appropriate. Pajamas and red tints are unnatural, this almost never happened in this show.
7) It did more "Start-Up" than the 2020 Kdrama Start-up; The length of time and perseverance it takes to succeed, the way many people will definitely criticize your decisions BECAUSE they care. Not everyone has your best interest... etc. Very good, I enjoyed the business building aspects of the show a lot.
All these points above made me feel like I was taking a peak into a group of friends and their realistic chase towards their dreams and futures. I like flawed characters who are learning and reducing their flaws one by one while tackling new life obstacles.
So yes, give it a go if you are like me :)