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This review may contain spoilers
More Legal/Business Talk than Romance - Decent but not Great.
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25 (extra 0.25 for Xu Kai's emotional eyes) - Spoilers about the ending at the end of the review.Many were expecting the broadcast of this drama, and I wasn’t one of them. I like Xu Kai and Yang Mi, but not a fan of older woman/younger man tropes, so I was waiting for reviews to come in before I decide to watch “She and Her Perfect Husband”. Lowering my expectations did help with me enjoying this drama.
Plot - This drama is a lot more business-focused than I originally thought. The conversations about legal and investment dealings might bore some viewers. I usually am fine with a business drama, but I still find this a little too much talking in a conference room instead of seeing legal/business dealings in action. Romance is folded into the overall business talk, since without the law firm promotion limitations for women, there won’t be a fake relationship between the main leads. This drama tries to talk about workplace inequality and treatment for women, and I appreciate it. But I don’t see why our female lead tries so hard to be a partner to make changes, when the firm’s initial ideals and purpose have changed. All the talk by the CEO about how good the firm is, is not shown through actions by management.
Main Romance - Surprisingly, there aren’t that many scenes of the two main leads together in the first half of the show. That’s when they first met and developed a marriage contract, but somehow the business side of things overshadows the interactions of the leads. Xu Kai and Yang Mi have good chemistry and I enjoy their bantering and conversations about their ideals. This couple for the most part really has honest conversations. The confession scene is a little underwhelming. It’s awkwardly cute but I was expecting more. Once they officially started dating, there are more sweet scenes in the middle part of the drama. I was initially worried that Yang Mi would look a lot older than Xu Kai and the romance would not be to my taste. Fortunately, I enjoy the scenes that they have together.
Secondary Romance - Li Ze Feng looks really good as Tao Jun Hui (2ML), just the hair is a little too ‘tall’ for my taste :D But his lack-of romance with Wu Fei (2FL) is really noticeable, and I guess that’s the whole point to it. Wu Fei calling Tao Juo Hui “Uncle” as a term of endearment every so often doesn’t help with the big age and maturity gap. On the other hand, Tao Jun Hui and Qin Shi (FL) have really good chemistry. I can totally see them together and there’s really no comparison between Qin Shi and Wu Fei.
Other Romance - Most annoying romance ever. I think I skip the majority of the scenes between Ren Mei Mei (FL’s BFF) and Qin Wen Yu (FL’s second brother). If I were Mei Mei, I would have divorce that jerk years ago. Their scenes only serve the purpose to describe Qin Shi’s view on marriage. Other than that, these two characters don’t really need to exist.
Acting - The overall acting of the whole cast is not bad. But the veterans definitely outshine the younger generation.. As a fan of Xu Kai, I am so glad he’s not in another cold-on-the-outside role. Yang Hua is still a more introverted character but at least he’s adorable and sweet. When the drama focuses on his background story, you can see his more emotional acting through his big beautiful eyes. That’s what I have been missing from his dramas lately. I am also glad that he’s not being dubbed. He might need some work but it’s not too bad. Yang Mi is Yang Mi. She’s the queen. She’s sassy and bossy as the hotshot lawyer, yet at home she’s a totally different person. Her real voice bothered me at times since it’s so girly. So when she’s whining, especially to the boss lady, it’s a little irritating. Speaking of the boss lady, that woman is amazing. I can’t tell if I should trust her words or not. Her fake smile (when the drama calls for it) is so fake that I can see her mind churning out schemes after schemes.
*spoilers*
Ending - The last few episodes have been criticized for the leads acting out of character. I can see why people said that as the leads have been honest and open with their feelings throughout the drama. For them not to talk much in the last episodes, it could be frustrating. From my point of view, the breakup is necessary and veteran watchers know that it’s coming. It’s not the first time we see a contract relationship breakup for the exact same reason. I can understand ML’s intention and agree with his action. If you want a real marriage, you need to end the old one to start off fresh. I just think he did not communicate his intention for the breakup clearly enough to FL. As for FL, throughout the whole drama, we’ve been told she doesn’t believe in marriage. The breakup allows her to think clearly about what she really wants. I just wish the writing of this part is a little better. You can do all that, breakup, giving FL time to think, etc, but should have done that a little sooner and not dragged that out. It doesn’t make sense that they were apart for 7 months, and then ML suddenly shows up at the apartment across from FL’s, opens his arms and then all is well?? Why wait 7 months? No communication at all for 7 months? What was the point in leaving her when you came right back to her? I thought he was waiting for her to make the first move?
Other Random Observations:
1. Love the conversations between ML and his dad. Dad gives the best advice.
2. FL’s outfits to work seem to be too flashy for a law firm.
3. A lot of product placements - I guess they need money to pay for FL’s wardrobe.
4. The songs are nice but quite repetitive after a while.
5. A few annoying characters but bearable.
6. I don't think the steamy kiss tag should apply here. Just because they are not fish kisses, it doesn't mean they are steamy kisses. I think Yang Mi needs to exert a little more effort for it to qualify for that tag.
Completed: 1/30/2023
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Turn off your brain and enjoy the Cuteness and the Fluffiness.
I would only recommend “Double Love” if you are looking for some mindless romantic fluff. You can’t use your brain, otherwise you will hate it and question yourself why you wasted your time. I tried to turn my brain off, enjoyed the first half of the drama and then the poor editing finally got to me. Don’t watch this for gameplay, because there are barely any scenes. They do hang out and chat in the game a lot. I’ll try to keep this review short.What I Like:
1. Siblings relationship - That’s the best part of the show. Love the interaction between FL and her brother. They have more chemistry than any of the romance storylines.
2. Bromance (CEO Lu and Actor Gu Qiao Bei) - The weird bromance and if you look closer you could find BL undertones. But, no, it’s just pure friendship and they are interesting.
3. CP visuals - Our leads look good together.
4. The songs are nice.
5. FL looks pretty inside the game. Love all the outfits in the game.
6. Good or bad, I quite enjoy the friendship inside the game.
What I Don’t Like:
1. Scenes edited out? Where is the confession scene? How did ML discover FL’s true identity to the CEO? Who is the hacker friend? How did FL know of her and contacted her for help? WHERE ARE THESE SCENES?? I am not sure what happened to the second half of the drama but I don’t want to be TOLD what happened after the fact. I want to WATCH all these things happening.
2. Makeup - I find all the female characters makeup a little off.
3. These superstar actors don’t seem to have trouble hanging out in real life. No paparazzi and rumors, not problem living a normal person’s life, until the plot demands them to be exposed on social media. Not very realistic.
4. For only 24 episodes, I still find the pacing to be slow. Not a whole lot happened in the drama.
5. Too many slow motion close ups. Not my personal favorite, but might be yours.
6. Kisses are meh. I’ve seen ML did a better job in “Sweet Teeth”.
*edit* Random Observations:
It's quite weird to see Zhang Xue Ying and Dylan Kuo in such a comedy. I last saw Zhang Xue Ying in "Princess Silver" and Dylan Kuo in "Ever Night". The roles are so different from this rom-com. It's a weird surprise and it makes me like their sibling relationship even more.
Completed: 1/21/2023
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Mork/Fluke is the best thing about this drama.
First official drama I started and completed in 2023 and I was welcomed by Fluke's cute dimple and sweet smile. He's the best thing about this drama. I am quite surprised to find out that this is his first drama as he did an admirable job. He reminded me of a mix between Chinese actors Zheng Ye Cheng and Riley Wang. Cute and adorable!The selling point of this drama is supposed to be the sweet romance between Mork and Tawan. I did enjoy the first half of the drama because of them. I liked how they met, how they became friends and then slowly fell for each other. Those episodes are sweet and cute. Tawan's acting is only so-so, compared to Mork. I felt the drama dragged Por's secret on for way too long. In the end, there's not enough time for Tawan to find out the truth, wallow in his misery and then come to the conclusion that he could be with someone who has loved him for a while. After the secret was exposed, the last couple episodes felt rushed. The development of Mork and Tawan's romance was not very satisfying for me.
There are two other romantic storylines in "My Ride" but unfortunately, they are not good enough for me. I did not like Toy or Boss, nor their relationship. I don't see how they are attracted to each other. I expected better development between Mayom and Nadia. Unfortunately, Mayom turned out to be a different character than I anticipated. I thought he would be cool and mature, but he ended up being another love sick puppy.
The driver trio is quite fun. They provide comic relief and commentary on Mork and Tawan's relationship. But the two uncles are the MVPs. They are so caring, funny, understanding and realistic. They give good advice to the young couple on what makes a relationship work.
The production quality is decent. There are product placements, of course, but they are not as in-your-face as some others I've seen. At least there aren't any ridiculous scenes where they need to force the products to be part of the plot/scene.
Overall, "My Ride" is a simple and predictable drama. I did not quite fall in love with the drama but I did fall in love with Mork/Fluke and I am glad I discovered him here.
Other Random Observations:
1. They have the smallest and tightest Ferris wheel ever.
2. The confession and apology scene is so inappropriate. These are professional doctors and not med students anymore. Doing at the hospital lecture hall in front of the professor is too over-the-top.
3. Many of these characters act like high school students instead of doctors in their mid to late twenties.
Completed: 1/2/2023
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Cute and Sweet Rom-Com with Excellent Main Leads' Chemistry
“The Secret Life of My Secretary” is a funny, sweet and fluffy rom-com. There are moments where I shed a few tears but if you want a feel good drama and a couple with excellent chemistry, this is it for you. Just don’t expect too much from other subplots outside of the main romance, as everything else pales in comparison and isn’t very exciting. The drama is very bingeable and I had a good and easy time watching it.What I like:
1. Main romance - Do Min Ik (ML) and Jung Gal Hee (FL) make such an adorable couple. I can’t help but smile ear-to-ear when they have scenes together. I like their boss-secretary relationship in the beginning, the secret but romantic relationship in the middle, and of course their cute, shy, and adorable official relationship. It’s been a while since I last saw the main actorss in a drama, and I am totally captivated and in love with Kim Young Kwang’s portrayal of Do Min Ik, and Jin Ki Joo’s portrayal of Jung Gal Hee. I am so glad we have enough scenes of the leads together and not resort to the last 5 mins of fluffiness. They also give a few good kisses, not like the secondary couple. The first kiss they share at the end of their 12-hour date is so romantic and so sad. I LOVE that kiss.
2. Do Min Ik (ML) - He’s not the typical cold and narcissistic chaebol, like the male lead in “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”. He’s business savvy, level-headed, and maybe a little spoiled since he is the Director after all. But he had a rough childhood that lacked familial love and trust in others. He’s not afraid to show his vulnerable side to his close loved ones, is honest and communicates his feelings. I fell in love with his shy and adorable (a little clingy) personality, but he’s also so gentlemanly, considerate and caring. Kim Young Kwang played this role perfectly. I laugh at his silliness, smile at his adorkableness and cry with him when he’s sad and hurt. He attacks his challenge head-on, and does not shy away. He studies hard and tries to live as much a normal life as possible. He is not pitiful despite the circumstances. I would say he might be one of my favorite rom-com male leads.
3. Jung Gal Hee (FL) - So glad to see another female lead who is not a pushover, despite being a secretary. She might have bent over backwards for her boss in the beginning, but for good reasons. When it matters, she speaks up and fights back. Jin Ki Joo is strong, independent, feisty, quick-thinking, and cares about her siblings. It’s not hard to love this character, and Jin Ki Joo plays the role beautifully.
4. Veronica Park (2FL) - Even before I watch this drama, I’ve heard of the character named Veronica Park. Now I know why she’s so famous/notorious. She’s just hilarious. I was afraid that her over-the-topness might annoy me, but she actually doesn't have that many scenes. So, I can tolerate her “Awwwwesome” and “Verrrronica Parrrrk” for 32 episodes. Before we have Shin Ha Ri and Jo Yoo Jung in “A Business Proposal”, we have the OG Veronica Park from “The Secret Life of My Secretary”.
5. Jung Joon Hee (FL’s brother) - He doesn’t have too many scenes but he’s a hilarious scene stealer. I am glad to see a character who is visually impaired, but lives like a regular adult with a great sense of humor. He’s not pitiful but actually knows how to take advantage of his disability and others (e.g. ML). I love the very short scene about the audiobook that he purchased based on the title of the book.
6. Funny scenes - There are quite a few memorable comedic moments throughout the drama. Without going into spoilers, I already mentioned earlier about the brother’s scene regarding audiobooks. We also have a funny scene with compression stockings, and just a simple scene of Veronica Park holding this camera with a ginormous lens. I am in the right mood and I had fun with all the craziness, but it might not be for everyone.
What I am Mixed Feelings About:
1. Secondary Romance - For me, this romance doesn’t work. I think it’s mainly because the second male lead seems a little bland. Maybe it’s the acting or maybe it’s the writing. I understand we need someone calmer to contrast Veronica Park's big personality, but the chemistry is lacking. I was quite disappointed in their kiss. I was expecting something more passionate and crazy, and a lot more PDA.
2. Secret - I feel the secret dragged out for a little too long. I would like the reveal to happen sooner, and a stronger focus in slowly repairing the main leads’ relationship.
3. Business twist - It was somewhat anticlimactic when I finally found out why the male lead is in such danger, and why someone is trying to steal that USB. Not that the cause/reason is not an important one, but I was just expecting something totally different and more controversial. The secret meetings and gatherings seem like an afterthought and not enough is shown to make me root for them.
4. Fight for the Crown - The other business part of the plot is OK. I understand the fight to be the next Chairman, but aside from the uncle trying to sabotage his nephew dethroning him here and there, this is not an exciting subplot to the drama.
Completed: 12/27/2022
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A mix of different genres could be a blessing or a curse.
"Till We Meet Again" is an interesting movie with a mix of different genres - fantasy, romance, comedy and horror. At times, I feel that the movie is trying too hard to have so many different elements. Two hours don't seem enough time to fit everything it tries to achieve. Nevertheless, this is a unique movie with great acting and songs.
The first 15-20 minutes are jam packed with introductions to the main characters and the ins and outs of being selected and trained to be the god of love. There are some weird comedic moments, along with some disturbing scenes. Not a lot is explained about the underworld, so watchers have to pay close attention.
I enjoy the love story between Shi Xiao Lun(ML) and Hong Jing Qing (FL). I am a fan of destined love and theirs is a touching story. However, ML’s partner-in-crime, fellow god of love Huang Wen Zi seems like the third wheel in the whole movie. It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with ML, but then she acts as a supporting role for pretty much the whole movie.
Additionally, the movie throws in another plot of revenge. This is when I think the movie is trying to do too much. In the end, everyone is connected with each other in their past lives, but since this is a movie and not a drama, not enough time is dedicated to each character. The movie has a large supporting cast, especially other gods of love and the seniors. All the gods of love only seem to exist to tie the red string on FL. After that, they pretty much disappear. I would have loved to see this funny lot more, but you know, time constraints.
This is my first time watching Kai Ko. I was so moved by his crying when Shi Xiao Lun reunited with Hong Jing Qing for the first time after his death. Kai Ko is funny during Shi Xiao Lun’s younger years and scenes of when he’s alive, and he gives off a very different vibe when he’s the god of love. Since I’ve seen Vivian Sung before in “Lost Romance”, I expected to see her do well, and she’s really pretty here. Her emotional scenes are great. I’m glad to be introduced to Gingle Wang. Her image as the god of love, Huang Wen Zi, totally reminds me of Kim Hee Sun’s Grim Reaper role in “Tomorrow” with her pink short hair. The short pink hair is probably the only similarity between the two characters. Apparently I’ve seen her guest stars in a few dramas before, but I don’t remember her. If this is a short drama and not a movie, I think she could make a stronger impact.
Overall, "Till We Meet Again" is an interesting movie to pass time. The mix of genres could be a blessing or a curse. And it will be up to the viewer to decide.
Completed: 12/4/2022
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Fantastic piano playing and unexpected plot twist
“Secret” is written and directed by Jay Chou. So, it’s not surprising that the music and the songs of this movie are top notch. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this movie. After reading the synopsis, I thought it’s another teen melodrama about first love and the disappearance is probably due to an illness or parental disapproval. But I am so wrong. I did not see the plot twist coming and I am glad I was wrong.The acting is not bad and I wasn’t really expecting much from Jay Chou. After all, he’s known for being a singer and songwriter. Female lead, Kwai Lun Mei is fantastic and is the star of the movie. She plays the mysterious and interesting Xiao Yu well, as well as the more melodramatic scenes in the latter half of the movie.
The best part of this movie is the piano playing. If you are a music lover or a piano lover, this is a must-watch. There’s no fake playing and each song feels real. The piano duel is fantastically exciting. Lovers playing music together has such a romantic feel to it. It shows their innocent love and expression of love all through music.
Is this a realistic movie? Not really, especially in the last few minutes of the drama when danger is in his face, yet our main lead continues to play his music. But it makes for a great story and a great ending to this lovely movie.
Completed: 11/26/2022
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This review may contain spoilers
Good pacing and enjoyable, but with Unrealistic ending.
Subjective Rating - 8.5 (exceeds my very low expectations and enjoyable)Objective Rating - 7.5-8.0
Taiwanese romantic comedies are usually a hit-or-miss to me because I am not quite used to the humor yet. And maybe because of that, I have low expectations for “Falling into You” and am pleasantly surprised that I had a very enjoyable time watching it. “Falling into You” follows the journey of injured and retired Taekwondo champion, Chen Zi Tong (FL).
What I Like:
1. Fang Zhi Sheng (ML) - FZS reminded me of a milder version of the male lead in the K-drama “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim”. He’s a little over-the-top, narcissistic, petty and childish, but actually very sweet and caring. I was worried that I might not like his character but luckily, I find the humor to be tolerable. I enjoy seeing his character development and how he has become a caring, supportive and understanding boyfriend, yet doesn’t change his personality to always think about money and business (according to him, always a win-win situation for him).
2. Chen Zi Tong (FL) - Independent, competent, hardworking, self-sufficient, and not a damsel in distress. She never gives up on her dream despite life’s tough challenges. She’s not perfect and can be very stubborn. She has changed a lot from when we first met her in the first episode, to the woman she’s become in the last episode. I would have liked to see her cheerful self a little bit more when she’s with ML, but also appreciate the fact that she doesn’t lose herself once she’s in a relationship.
3. Chen Tian Lin/FL’s brother - A tough, dedicated and no nonsense journalist/reporter, who is always trying to find out the truth. Yet when he is with the one he likes, you see the tenderness in his eyes as he gazes lovingly at Yang Qing. I also like the interesting bromance he has with Fang Zhi Sheng.
4. Taekwondo - I think Puff Kuo and Xi Wei Lun did a pretty admirable job in all their taekwondo moves. Of course they are not as good as professionals, but I can see the effort they put in to make sure each punch and kick look as realistic as possible.
What I have Mixed Feelings About:
1. Fang Qing (2FL) - She does not sound or act like a 40 year old woman. She seems like a pretty good teacher and doesn’t teach her children good lessons. But her behavior doesn’t always seem mature, e.g. slapping Chen Tian Lin on the face at the hospital when she doesn’t know anything about him and his family. That was uncalled for and definitely not what a teacher should be doing in front of her student. She also acts like a teenage girl in love most of the time, when she’s already had experience in the romance department. There are times she could have an honest conversation about her feelings, yet she chooses to avoid and lie. I think her high-pitched voice also makes her sound really whiny and young.
2. Romance - Both the primary or secondary romances are enjoyable enough but not great. The chemistry is decent. I wish Chen Zi Tong (FL) can show more emotions and there are more cute and fluffy scenes between the main leads. I think after they get together, they dive right into a mature relationship (which I like as well) but somewhat skip the sweet and fluffy honeymoon phase. That’s partly because the drama needs to focus on the FL’s comeback. I am also a little disappointed in the kisses between the main leads. Luckily, we get a couple steamy kisses from the secondary leads. The male characters are so smitten by the ladies. I always love the loving and secret looks but also would like some more from the female leads.
3. Editing/Storytelling - In the second half of the drama, the editing got weird. Instead of straight storytelling, there are many flashbacks and scenes that are cut short or stopped. The scenes are cut back and forth, and only show enough information to keep it ‘suspenseful’.
**** Spoilers****
4. Unrealistic Ending - For an athlete who is injured and stops training for over 2 years, there’s no way FL can compete at a high level without enough training/prep time. The Olympic qualifying tournament is laughable with a cheap venue and is sparsely attended. In the last match, there’s no way Wu Qian Ni would just stand there and not attack to try to win. But of course, this is Chen Zi Tong’s comeback story and we know she is going to win eventually. Now that she wins and is injured again (possibly unable to compete ever again), what is going to happen to the investment Fang Zhi Sheng has made in her and her mother’s dojang? He spent so much money on them and probably is not going to get his money back.
Other Random Observations:
1. Both male leads have nice six packs. I wish to see them more. LOL
2. The characters in this drama like to secretly record a conversation on their cell phones.
3. We never met Chen Tian Lin’s ex-wife or Gao Yu Qian’s girlfriend.
4. The child actress is cute and does a good job, but her voice is too high-pitched.
5. Love FL’s dad - sweet and caring and reminds me of his role in “A Thousand Goodnights”.
Completed: 11/14/2022
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Mother-Daughter Duo and their growth through life challenges.
I am very glad I did not let the age gap deter me from watching “My Treasure”. However, I understand how it can be a turn-off. After all, Vicky Chen was 17 and Roy Chiu was 39 when they shot this drama. Though I think in the drama, Vicky is about 22 and Roy is about 35. There are many office scenes, but this drama is not a business drama. The focus of the drama is on the struggles, life challenges and growth of Qiu Dong Na (FL) and her mother, Qiu Xiao Xia (2FL). The supporting cast and their stories are an extension to illustrate their growth.What I Like:
1. Qiu Dong Na (FL) - It’s very hard not to like Dong Na. She’s brought up by a single mother and has to be careful of each cent that she spends, while sometimes has to act as the only adult in the family.. However, having a tough childhood does not stop her from growing up into an intelligent, optimistic, loyal, caring, and generous adult who doesn’t bow down to setbacks but perseveres to accomplish all she wants. She makes everyone around her to be a better person, especially Gu Fei (ML). I think the proposal speaks to how independent and great a person she is.
2. Mom-Daughter relationship - It’s lovely to see the duo supports, challenges and inspires each other through their unconventional way of life. I enjoy all the witty conversations and banter between them. They are honest with each other and don't hesitate to provide constructive criticisms when needed. We don't see too many dramas showing struggling families in this light - optimistic, opportunistic, annoying and loud at times.
3. Mentor-Mentee relationship - Qiu Dong Na (FL) and Gu Fei (ML) have known each other for years and have a very tight mentor-mentee relationship. They understand each other and are not afraid to show their vulnerabilities and not-so-pleasant sides. I enjoy their conversations and witty banter. Even if we take away the romance, they have great chemistry together just as friends.
4. Mature romance - I like the mature romance between Xiao Xia (mom) and Wang Shi Cheng. A drama about two individuals in their 50s shouldn’t be so entertaining but it is. They complement each other well, and because of their different personalities, they can also support each other in different ways. Their romance is a good contrast to the other two romance storylines.
5. Realistic wardrobe - Oftentimes, we see female leads wearing fancy clothes and accessories even if they come from a poor background. I am happy to notice that Dong Na actually wears the same white shirt and jeans quite often as her business attire. Her clothes fit her personality, background and office setting. The working class dresses like the working class. The richer folks all dress appropriately e.g. Gu Fei (Roy Chiu looks dashing in all suits and in casual wear), Cheng Fan Yang (wears nice tailored pantsuits and exudes independent boss lady vibes) and Li Chu Ning (always wears pretty dresses and purses showing her well-off background).
6. Proposal Speech - I love what Gu Fei said. Period. I don’t want to give out spoilers, but if you watch this, pay attention to his heartfelt speech when they were lying down.
What I have Mixed Feelings About:
1. Qiu Xiao Xia (Mom) - I may not always agree with all her decisions and actions, but I can see where she is coming from. She also has a very street-smart side of her, which contrasts and complements her daughter and Gu Fei’s way of thinking. But sometimes her actions seem immature and not due to her lack of education. Personally, I think she screams too much and her high-pitched voice is very irritating. She is probably the most annoying person in the drama for me (and this is a very subjective comment).
2. Frenemies (Dong Na/Chu Ning) - I did not like Chu Ning at first when she tried to sabotage Dong Na at her first job. But their love/hate relationship grew on me as more background information was given as to why Chu Ning disliked Dong Na so much. I actually want to see more of their friendship and feel that the writer is missing an opportunity to elaborate on the character development of Chu Ning.
3. Dong Na/Gu Fei Romance - We all have different opinions about this age gap. I am going to just focus on this romance between a 22 year-old and a 35 year-old. The romance is very minimal in this drama as the story focuses on their mentor-mentee relationship for the most part. I am not sure if it’s because of the age, I find the romance not developed very well. The realization of feelings towards each other does not have enough buildup to it. But when they do get together, this couple is super cute and adorkable (they are already very honest and communicative to begin with). I do question why they both act like teenagers when they have been in past relationships. I actually want to see more scenes of them as a couple. Maybe they are edited out, or the drama just tries to keep it as a bare minimum.
4. Dong Na/Cheng Fan Yang - I have mixed feelings about the supervisor-subordinate/mentor-mentee relationship between Cheng Fan Yang and Dong Na. I like it but I wanted more. It’s hard to pinpoint what is missing. Maybe I wanted more interactions? More heart-to-heart talk? But I am glad to see that Dong Na recognizes Cheng Fan Yang’s voiceless cry for help and is able to support her, and enlighten those around Change Fan Yang.
5. Not making me feel - This is super personal. I like dramas that elicit emotions out of me. Whether it’s to make my laugh or cry. After watching this drama, I don’t recall ‘feeling’ much. I feel like an outsider looking in, but not being there with the characters through their journeys. Yes, I am weird like that. LOL
Completed: 11/5/2022
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Mature, Serious, Complicated and Thought-Provoking
Disclaimer: I am not a transgender and do not know much about issues faced by transgenders and persons with gender dysphoria. I apologize in advance if I use incorrect or insensitive terms in my review. Please do kindly correct me respectfully in the comments if I make any mistake. Thank you.“Kataoimoi” aka “Unrequited Love” is definitely not a romance drama about unrequited love (though there are quite a few). At first glance, it’s about a murder and its investigation. But the main theme in this drama are issues faced by transgenders and those suffering from gender dysphoria. According to Mayo Clinic, gender dysphoria is the ‘feeling of discomfort or distress that might occur in people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or sex-related physical characteristics.’
This drama opens my eyes to these topics and issues. I have a little bit knowledge of those suffering from gender dysphoria and might want to go through with a sex change procedure. However, this drama talks about more than just this procedure. I am particularly impressed with the analogy of the Mobius Strip. A character described that the inside and outside, male and female, co-exist on the same strip and not just one or another. Not everyone wants to have the procedure to change their sex surgically. There are some who want to identify with both genders and are comfortable with it.
It’s not an easy watch but a serious and complicated one. However, the writing and the execution could be better. A lot of information and details regarding the crime investigation and those involved are given to viewers in only 6 hour-long episodes. I have to pay close attention to the conversation and the details unveiled to figure out who’s who. I think this drama could benefit from a few more episodes, and explore some other relationships. Even with this criticism, I still find the drama to be quite slow-paced.
This is not a drama for everyone and you should know what you are getting yourself into. But it’s thought-provoking and I hope it sparks healthy conversation and the desire to learn more. Thanks to commenter @seroonetwothree, I learned of the term gender dysphoria and Googled about it.
Other Random Observations:
1. Excellent acting by the cast, especially Natatani Miki as Mizuki/Mitsuru.
2. I like the use of an American Football team as the backdrop. Quite unique for an Asian drama.
3. The pictures taken of Mitsuru are beautiful!
4. Love the ending song and it fits the drama well.
Ending my review with a quote from the drama: "Nature loves diversity. Society hates it.".
Completed: 10/16/2022
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An enjoyable low budget web drama that doesn't look cheap.
Completed: 10/15/2022Following the success of "The Killer is also Romantic", director Zeng Qing Jie has another well-directed and produced short drama in "A Familiar Stranger". I am often quite critical with the production of low budget dramas because the fake sets, cheap costumes and questionable acting really affect my viewing pleasure. I am happy to say that I was not bothered by any of these factors when watching "A Familiar Stranger". In fact, it makes me want to check out this director's other works those two dramas are so well-done.
Compared to TKIAR, "A Familiar Stranger" is not as comedic but is more romantic. The plot is interesting and I think the story flows pretty well. Because it's such a short drama, there's no pacing issues. I know I mentioned this before, I am really surprised that the set designs, props and costumes look so good. I've seen mid-size budget productions with big stars that are worse this this drama.
I really enjoy the development of the main romance and I think the actors did a pretty good job. The chemistry between 'real' 17 and the General is good. There are a couple good, 'steamy' kisses but I wanted more (too many teasing almost kisses). We do have the typical accidental falling into your arms, gazing softly into your eyes, etc. But the ending twist was unexpected. There isn't any annoying character and the kid is quite cute. The only part that's a little unrealistic to me is how King Ning became so obsessed with 'real' 17.
It's not an amazing drama but it was an amazingly enjoyable watch for me.
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Modern Technology - A Blessing in Disguise? More than just a Rom-Com.
Completed: 10/9/2022What a pleasant surprise when you started watching a drama without any expectation. I came across this drama because I needed a title that features a walkman/pager for my MDL Challenge 2022. I have never heard of “Please Don’t Date Him” before but the synopsis seems interesting enough and it’s only 10 episodes long. So I gave it a try and I am so glad I did.
At first glance, “Please Don’t Date Him” seems like a typical rom-com. But the drama is a lot deeper than that. A computer chip belonging to the National Intelligence Service was accidentally inserted into the AI-capable refrigerator that FL is developing. She also seems to be the only person who can activate the special abilities of this chip and access the personal information of others. Actually, I still don’t know why she’s the chosen one who can activate Jango.
When the world of data is at the fingertips of our FL’s hands, what would she do with all this confidential personal information? Is using such information really helping others, or is it ‘violence’ towards the victims? How accurate is information on the internet? How do we interpret this information? This drama delves into ethics and pros and cons of modern technology. Technology provides us with lots of data, but decisions are still made by the individuals.
The romance is slow-burn and sweet. The couple was more fun before they got together (which is usually the case with modern dramas these days). We can see their contrasting personalities, upbringing and philosophy of modern technology. It's a good reminder of the pros and cons of modern technology. We have an episode of fluffiness but then drama hits and our main couple starts to face challenges in their relationship. The chemistry is pretty good, not sizzling, but good enough for me to be invested. It doesn’t hurt that our female lead is pretty and smart (Yay for girls in STEM), and our male lead is tall and handsome (topless six-pack alert!).
The other two romance storylines have a decent amount of screen time, but don’t take away from the main romance and plot. Both of these romances are quite interesting and unique in their own ways. I find the sismance between the three friends to be fun and believable. Each of the ladies has very distinct personalities and they complement each other well.
There are many comedic moments throughout the drama e.g. karaoke at the bridal shower was very unexpected. The cast is small and luckily I don’t find anyone annoying, even the ex-boyfriend. This drama is very binge-worthy. I finished all 10 episodes in one sitting on a Saturday. The pace is fast with so many things happening in this drama. Some might find certain plots underdeveloped due to the drama’s length, or that things are happening too fast.
My main criticism of this drama is in the last episode. I did not see the twist coming and it seems to have come from nowhere. That particular side plot is underdeveloped.
Everything that happened inside FL’s apartment was quite unrealistic. No scissors in the house or kitchen? I thought the story would lean towards the NIS involvement and undercover work.
However, this is a really fun and easy watch for me. It’s by no means a masterpiece, but due to my unexpected personal enjoyment, I am giving this an 8.5 (it might seem overly generous compared to my recent reviews of other bigger budget and more well-know productions).
Other Random Observations:
1. Those organic drinks look really nasty and unappetizing. They do have very weird and creative ingredients.
2. Not all the firefighters are good-looking, but they all have hot bodies! We need more topless firefighters in photo shoots.
3. I did not recognize Lee Jun Young (ML) as the same actor in “Love and Leashes”. Well, he has a very nice (but too thin) body and a cute face here. He also has a lovely singing voice.
4. What is so special about the walkman and the song?
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Can't believe I cried for a Pig!
Completed: 10/1/2022What an adorable and heartwarming movie! This movie boasts a big and popular cast with 6 individual stories. Each story features a family or a couple and their pets. These stories are simple but very relatable. Each of them is heartwarming in their own unique way. I am pleasantly surprised that I am satisfied with the amount of screen time for each story. Oftentimes with such a big cast, you feel something is missing, screen time is not evenly distributed, or not enough time dedicated to tell a complete story. However, I don't feel that at all.
We have a very experienced cast and there's really nothing to criticize about their acting. However, the MVPs are the pets. I don't own any pet and am not especially fond of dogs and cats (I am fine with them). This movie makes me want to be a pet owner, well, maybe not a pig owner.
If you love animals, especially dogs, cats and pigs, then I strongly recommend this movie to you. It's an easy watch and will make you feel very loved and warm inside.
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Great Slice-of-Life drama of a Rookie Cop - a different kind of Espionage drama.
Completed - 9/11/2022“Fearless Whispers” feels very different from the regular spy, Nationalist vs Communist espionage drama. I would say it’s a slice-of-life drama about a rookie cop and the police department, set in Shanghai between 1946-1953. It gives me the feeling of a combo of “Ordinary Greatness” + “The Rebel”. This drama is so underrated due to the lack of English subtitles. However, it scored a high 8.0 rating on Douban (and that is really high!).
When watching this, I can’t help but compare it to “The Rebel”. It lacks the thrilling plots and action scenes but it shines in showing us life of ordinary folks during that time frame. Not everyone comes from an elite family, but heroes can be found within the common folks. We follow the life of top university graduate and rookie police officer, Gu Yao Dong, as he starts his new career, has his ideals challenged, and gets entangled in the fight between the Nationalist and Community parties.
What I Like:
1. Acting & Characters - Great acting all around from the younger actors to the veterans. It’s so great to also watch a drama where actors are using their own voices and hearing the Shanghai accent. It adds to the authenticity of the drama.
♦︎ Li Yi Feng: I watch this drama because of him and he doesn’t disappoint. There’s something about him that I really like (and I don’t really think he’s handsome). He plays the idealistic, innocent yet brave GuYao Dong really well. He's the diamond in the rough, or gold waiting to be polished and shine. The perfect hero that we all root for. Watching this drama clears the unpleasant memory of him in “Mirror: Twin Cities”. His role here reminds me of his role in “Noble Aspirations” as well. Oh, he also looks the most handsome and adork-able in this drama.
♦︎ Gina Jin: She plays the badass female lead who is smart, brave and rational. It seems like we need to watch a spy drama to find such strong FLs these days. Gina was great in her tough spy scenes, as well as the more emotional scenes when she actually has to hold her feelings in. I am so glad to see a different side of her after her rom-com roles in “Why Women Love” and “Crossroad Bistro”. I also like the really simple make-up she has on throughout the drama. Plain but beautiful, and fit her character.
♦︎ Wang Long Zheng: This is my first drama of his and what a great veteran actor. He doesn’t ooze the type of charisma that Wang Yang has in “The Rebel”, but he attracts you in a different way. His chemistry with Li Yi Feng is great. Xia Ji Cheng is a complicated character and he did a fantastic job. I miss him when he’s gone for several episodes.
♦︎ Niu Jun Feng: He’s a surprise and I am so glad I found him again (I forgot about him in “Love O2O”). I was very impressed with his acting as Zhao Zi Yong. Zhao is such a conflicted character and the one I sympathize with the most. I was rooting for him and praying that he’s going to have a somewhat happy ending. Zhao Zi Yong is a good contrast to our male lead, and portrays a more realistic struggle. Not everyone can be a hero and most of the times, reality forces you to choose differently.
♦︎ Li Qiang: First scene I saw him and I hated him. That’s how good his acting. He gives off such an evil, cunning and manipulative vibe. What a great veteran and I think he helps elevate Niu Jun Feng’s scenes.
2. Bromance - The chemistry between the male characters is better than the romance.
♦︎ Gu Yao Dong + Xia Ji Cheng = the mentor/mentee relationship between the two is one of the best things about this drama. They have so much chemistry together especially when they are having heart-to-heart conversations or teaching moments. I noted down specifically the scene when Gu Yao Dong was drunk and Xia was taking him home. The scenes were done so well. If I didn’t know any better, I thought they have romantic feelings for each other. LOL. There are a few episodes when Xia Ji Cheng was away. I didn’t know I miss them on the screen together that much, until they’re gone and then back together.
♦︎ Gu Yao Dong + Zhao Zhi Yong = These two best friends started out with a cute friendship in the police department. They are both good-hearted young people but walk a very different path. I was glad that throughout the drama, though they made different decisions, their friendship never really died. They might have done things that hurt each other, but they still care deeply. It saddens me to see such good friends enduring so much pain, but it also makes their friendship all the more memorable.
♦︎ Police Dept Team 2 = They may not start out loving each other, but it's great to see how their friendship develops throughout the drama. Each character is colorful and complements each other. They annoy me sometimes, but they are also quite funny at times. I am glad the drama did not forget these supporting characters and spend some time in the last episode about each of these colorful characters.
3. Pacing - 51 episodes could scare people away. I was skeptical at first and prepared for the drama to drag. Luckily, to me, I think the drama is well-paced - not fast, not slow. It has the pacing of a slice-of-life drama with some exciting plots sprinkled throughout. It doesn’t have as many intense and heart-pumping scenes as in “The Rebel” but it has its own charms and exciting moments. I was kept interested throughout the drama. I do think “Fearless Whispers” ends on a strong note, especially Eps 49-50. The last episode does wrap things up nicely.
4. Gu Family + Neighbors: ML has a lovely and supportive family. It’s no wonder our male lead is such a great guy. There are many heartwarming moments when they reach out to a neighbor in need and it’s so great to see. I enjoy the lively neighborhood and even the annoying neighbors (you got to have a couple of these characters)and luckily they are kept to a minimum. I was heartbroken about the story of Mr. M and his daughter. Not a lot of time is spent on the neighborhoods, but enough to give us a feel of life as an ordinary person trying to live through changing/tough times.
What I have mixed feelings about:
1. Injuries: The injuries are probably the most unrealistic part of this drama. Our male lead was beaten to a pulp multiple times and he recovered at a remarkable speed. If this happens in the real world, he would have been dead several times, or be in a coma, or paralyzed. Actually, not just him but all the characters. We see another character getting beaten by a metal rod on his legs, his body and his head, and he was walking and running around in the next scene.
2. Production Quality: Compared to “The Rebel”, “Fearless Whispers” appears to have a smaller budget. The sets and props, though don’t seem too fake and flimsy, also do not look very high quality as well. Speaking of injuries as mentioned above, we seen quite inconsistent wounds. Someone being tortured only had a slash on the face and a slash on the chest, and then the shirt was just soaked with red dye. Those wounds are so unrealistic and fake that I wonder if the character really was tortured to almost dead. On the other hand, I quite like the neighborhood set and houses. They all seem very realistic.
3. Romance: I find the chemistry between our leads to be good, but not amazing. There’s definitely a lot more romance in this drama than in “The Rebel”. However, though the romance in “The Rebel” is limited, the chemistry and longing are off the charts and memorable. In “Fearless Whispers”, the romance pales in comparison. It’s decent and there are a few emotional scenes well done. But for the most part, it’s nothing to write about. I also wanted a little more about the Love Square and feels that those side plots just went away.
Today, 9/11/22, it was reported that Li Yi Feng was arrested due to illegal prostitution. I am not sure what would become of him or if he's really guilty. I am saddened because I like him as an actor and we will probably not see him in any drama or movie for a very long time (or ever). I still see the YouTube videos of this drama online and not taken down (yet). The chance of this drama being subtitled is even lower now and audience will miss such a good show.
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Guilty Pleasure Watch - Cringey, Funny, Over-the-Top, SEXY, and Heartwarming
Completed - 9/8/2022“Mama Gogo” is a guilty pleasure! Is it a perfect drama? Nope! Is it entertaining? Hell Yeah!!! Because I know what I am getting into, I can thoroughly enjoy the ride and give this an 8.5 rating.
A few quick notes:
1. This drama is super over-the-top and cringey! Beware if this is not your jam.
2. Because of #1, this drama is also HILARIOUS!
3. Hot Guys + Hot Abs + Sexy Gyrating and Hip Thrusting
4. Crazy funny sound effects to complement the dialogues - but could be too much for some.
Now if you OK with all that, then you are in for a fun and crazy ride!
The story is simple. Annie is a former popular idol who was forced to retire. Life did not treat her well after she left the entertainment world. Unexpectedly, she inherited a host club (women were entertained by a bunch of hot and sexy guys). The story then revolves around Annie and her Mama boys. It’s a very simple and predictable plot really.
What I Like:
1. Annie is a great female lead. She was a little too loud for my taste in the beginning. But she has grown from being a selfish and money-hungry single mother, to a caring business owner who tries her hardest for the host club and the boys. Annie is a fighter. She doesn’t back down, doesn’t cave in. She is independent and actually uses her brain to solve problems. She shoulders all responsibilities and problems and I’m glad to follow her journey. She also has the most amazing outfits. This woman looks so good in everything she wears.
2. Hot Guys - What can I say, it’s a drama with a lot of good-looking guys with hot bodies. I know I sound like a perverted old woman, but they are the main reason for me picking this drama. Since these guys are actors and not professional hosts (I assume they’re not), their dancing is pretty good. However, if you compare them to professional dancers (at least the ones I’ve seen in Las Vegas), their dancing actually isn’t that great. They are fun to watch though! I quite enjoy the rivalry between the Cute and Sexy Cash vs. the Handsome and Sexy Kampan.
3. Earth (as Kampan) - Wow.. I am amazed this is the same Earth I saw in “A Tale of Thousand Stars”!!! What a talented actor to be able to act in two very different roles. Earth is so corny, cringey and over-the-top funny. He’s also the best dancer of the bunch. What a nice body as well.
4. Lee (as Chen) - Well, I think I might have a new crush. My first drama of Lee and he looked so handsome when he was first introduced. I like Chen. A tough guy on the outside, but such a sweetheart on the inside. I especially like those few quick scenes of Chen when he flashes his shy looks when being teased. However, I wouldn’t say he is the main lead. He doesn’t have as many scenes as other characters.
5. Side stories - Amidst all the crazy fun, there are several heartwarming stories. They are short, but I do enjoy them, esp the one about Yut and his daughter and Ball’s dreams. I enjoy the ‘Found Family’ and friendship between the Mama boys.
What I Have Mixed Feelings:
1. Annie + Chen Romance - I actually liked their chemistry a lot more before they got together. Their fights and bickering are really cute. You see a more shy and innocent Chen in those episodes. I would have liked to see more of the “courting” before they’re together. Once they are together, they are sweet and fine, but not as fun as before. But of course, romance is not the central plot here, I just wish their romance develops a little bit better.
2. Kungten (FL’s sister) and Fifa (FL’s daughter) - Most of the time, I find these ladies quite annoying. Kungten’s playing hard to get is quite annoying especially when Cash was being so open and honest with her. Fifa’s animosity towards her mother is a little too much for me. She’s just a spoiled brat and I don’t know what Mikhael sees in her.
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Amazing Park Eun Bin + Pretty good portrayal of individuals with disabilities
Completed - 8/27/2022Subjective Rating - 8.75 because I enjoyed the 2 special needs cases.
Objective Rating - 8.0-8.5
*Disclaimer* I have been working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for 20+ years. So my review might reflect some of my experience. However, I am NOT someone with a disability, and can’t speak for those with IDD or other professionals in the field. I am a drama watcher and will review “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” (EAW) as such, and not as a case study.
In order to fully enjoy this drama, one should bear in mind that this is not a documentary of Woo Young Woo, nor is this a law drama. This is a light hearted drama showcasing the uniqueness of Young Woo and her personal growth in life, career and love. When watching this, I would assume the creators want to shed light and educate on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to break some myths.
Having said that, I fully enjoy this drama. I was very hesitant to watch EAW as I worried the portrayal of someone with a disability is going to piss me off. I don’t want this drama to shed a negative light on someone with a disability, or paint a rosy picture either.
Portrayal of Woo Young Woo and Disabilities - I feel that the creators of this drama put all the common traits, quirks, and characteristics of someone with ASD into Young Woo. I personally believe if I meet an individual in real life with all these traits, this person might not be as cute and adorable as Young Woo. They would have a much tougher time in life, despite being a genius and graduating with high honors from a prestigious university. But as I said, this is not a documentary, so I will just go with the flow. There are two court cases about people with IDD and I am glad that the show mentioned the ‘Spectrum’ part of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The range is so wide that we can’t assume all individuals with ASD behave the same way. In fact, it doesn’t matter what your disability is, each individual is unique and special in their own way. We cannot assume someone with autism knows how to interact with another person with the same diagnosis, as evident in episode 3. In another court case, the focus is on romantic and sexual relationships between a young lady with mild intellectual disability and a man without a disability. It touched on some very important subjects - advocating for one’s rights to love and make decisions, understanding what love/sex mean, parent’s control and overprotectiveness, what the individual wants vs what their family wants, dignity of risks, stigma of being in a relationship (can someone with IDD be in a romantic relationship? yes they can!). These are all very realistic issues. Between EAW and the recently aired “Our Blues”, I am happy to see the portrayal of independent women with disabilities. They want to look pretty, want to have a boyfriend, and want to work to make a living, they want what everybody wants.
Park Eun Bin/Woo Young Woo (FL) - What more can we say about this amazing actress. She really deserves a Baeksang for her portrayal of Woo Young Woo. Another amazing drama after last year’s “The King’s Affection”. I am tired just watching her play this role and be in character mentally and physically for 16+ hours. Not only did Park Eun Bin give us an adorable Young Woo, but witnessing Young Woo’s growth, and Park Eun Bin’s acting in some very emotional but subtle scenes is an absolute joy. Young Woo gives us many comedic moments and you are never bored when she’s on the screen.
Kang Tae Oh/Lee Joon Ho (ML) - I am sure many of us fall in love with Joon Ho’s adoring eyes when he looks at Young Woo. This character is such a sweetheart and he loves and adores Young Woo for who she is. I almost placed him in my special Ideal Man list. However, I didn’t, because aside from being a romantic love interest, Lee Joon Ho is quite useless in this drama. He’s always on the sidelines or runs errands. There’s no character growth and nothing really happens to him. The romance is sweet and quite predictable. I just wish there’s more.
Supporting Cast - I enjoy the overall acting for the supporting cast. However, similar to my criticism of ML, this drama is very Young Woo-focused. Everyone else serves as a vehicle to help Young Woo grow in life and in her career. None of the side characters or stories are well developed. As much as I enjoy seeing powerful female lawyers, I still don’t understand why they’re rivalries. I do love the sismance though. Isn’t it nice to not have any catty, petty women but supportive female friendships? The secondary romance is somewhat bland. It should have started sooner. The way they fall for each other is not believable.
Court Cases - As mentioned this is not a law drama. The cases are short and episodic. I generally am not a fan of this format and find it repetitive. However, I didn’t feel it this way. The cases are not particularly interesting or exciting to me, aside from the 2 cases I mentioned above. Everything seems to resolve quite easily because Young Woo is a genius. I was never on the edge of my seat. This is probably the most light-hearted ‘law’ drama I’ve ever watched.
Overall, I strongly recommend this very binge-worthy drama. It’s light-hearted and fun. I hope the popularity of this drama does shatter the stigma and myths about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Other Random Observations:
1. Lawyers should really lock their office doors when they go home.
2. Love the dolphin and whale hats - cute!!!!
3. Love the list of hilarious dates - picking up trash and protesting about dolphins.
4. First few episodes, the background music plays too much and tries to manipulate how viewers are feeling about certain scenes. This is not as noticeable in the latter part.
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