More than a sport, Racket boys is a community
This is a very charming story of underdogs finding their feet A father who lost his self esteem finds that he never actually lost his skill, a family that was separated comes back together and heals broken relationships, a tiny knew rural community makes itself known and grows somewhat together, and each individual character, all ages, shapes, sizes changes over the course of 16 episodes.It touches on a number of difficult issues seen elsewhere - bullying and misuse of influence among others, but these are resolved in ways I found novel.
There are many moments to laugh at, and some nice use of sound effects. There are many deeply touching moments, and yes, tissues.
I really enjoyed this. It is cleverly and kindly written and directed. The observation of people and communities is acute. The acting is as always perfect.
Watch it.
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Synopsis is not accurate
Firstly, I would like to address that the synopsis is not accurate at all. The central line of the story is a straightforward, hard working, 35 year old woman with strong convictions who goes up against a staunchly patriarchal society where she’s underestimated and under minded at work in order to follow her passion. The romance(s) are more or less something that happens along the way from her perspective. Also, there really isn’t a strong love triangle as such, more like a rivalry between the two guys which is superfluous since she (at the time) doesn’t seem interested in either of them.That being said….
This drama was so unexpectedly good! The actors were believable and the writing was consistent with character portrayal. It had none of the tropes I abhorred about Find Yourself where the FL is immature, unsure, and doesn’t have a clue about what she actually wants- ending up with her flip flopping all over the place between two men and making both of them unsure of her.
I was also pleasantly impressed that despite the age gap, the actors had really good chemistry and were well rounded and developed characters.
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1The Art of the Bluff
The King of Light (光明王), the second volume of the epic Purple River (紫川/Zǐchuān) fantasy series, weaves a tale of war, comedy, and political intrigue. House Zichuan remains embroiled in conflicts with Beizu, House Liufeng, and House Lin in a chaotic, war-torn world. The story resumes at the Season 1 (光明三杰 Three Heroes of Light) cliffhanger, with Si Yilin and Zichuan Xiu outnumbered and surrounded by Beizu’s elite troops at Payi. Di Lin flamboyantly extricates them, but at a steep cost to Zichuan and Si Yilin personally. After Payi, the focus shifts to Xiu’s adventures in Yanzhou, where he discovers his raison d’être. He rises as the King of Light, a brilliant, adaptable leader capable of uniting Yanzhou and, potentially, the entire Xichuan continent.Despite its limited budget, the drama impresses with its movie like cinematography that captures the story’s grand scale, a starkly beautiful and portentous palette and a pervasive sense of fate. The Purple River series is a plot-heavy saga driven by political intrigue, power struggles, and large-scale warfare. Limited by budget, the drama emphasizes internal plotting and how the main characters are shaped by events until Zichuan Xiu emerges to steer the narrative. External plot developments can be hard to follow, conveyed mostly via dialogue and a few well-executed, plot-defining war and action scenes.
The character arcs are well-written and convincingly portrayed. The core of the story is the bond between the Three Heroes of Light, and the interplay of their conflicting ideologies, loyalties, and fates lends emotional weight. Si Yilin is a textbook hero: an inspiring frontline commander with little to show for his unwavering loyalty, honor, and selflessness. He never fully recovers—personally or professionally—from the devastating consequences of his righteous but disastrous Yanzhou campaign. Di Lin, his antithesis, is a classic anti-hero: an ambitious, morally flexible manipulator who wins at all costs. To him, the world can burn so long as he has his wife and his brothers, leaving him feared and alienated. Unlike Si Yilin or even Ning, he struggles to inspire Zichuan’s citizens or forge political alliances.
Zichuan Xiu is a chameleon; a tactical genius lurks behind his irreverent humor and roguish, indolent facade. He’s the most complex and fascinating character, balancing Si Yilin’s idealism with Di Lin’s ruthless pragmatism. Raised in Zichuan Canxing’s treacherous household, he’s practically Machiavelli’s heir, hiding his brilliance behind a non-threatening persona that’s routinely underestimated. His unpredictability and mastery of deception keep even close confidantes like Bai Chuan in the dark. Yang Xuwen scintillates in this demanding role, seamlessly transitioning between Xiu’s many facets: the “Flower of Yanzhou,” the reckless avenger, Ning’s charming swain, the deadly red-eyed assassin, the reluctant King of Light, and, best of all, the grifter who snatches victory from the jaws of defeat.
This season introduces House Liufeng and Liufeng Shuang as a potential ally and romantic interest for Xiu. The Liufeng arc feels rushed, with the house’s internal strife unfolding like a montage and Shuang’s character underdeveloped. Still, like Bai Chuan, she’s a strong woman who stands beside Xiu rather than needing his protection. I enjoyed their dynamic enough to worry for Ning, who has blossomed into an empathetic, shrewd, and resolute heir to House Zichuan. Her quiet realization that Xiu is on a different path and her attempt to move forward moved me, and I hope a worthy partner awaits her. I’m not deeply invested in Xiu’s romantic prospects, though; the only love story that truly touched me was Si Yilin and Ka Dan’s.
The drama boasts outstanding villains, from the hilariously inept Lu Di to the mysterious Black Veil, the vicious Luo Si, and the encroaching Sairong. Canxing remains the terrifying chess grandmaster, always two steps ahead. Behind his affable, fatherly demeanor lies a paranoid sociopath who insidiously poisons the well and cunningly pits detractors against one another. In a masterful stroke, he turns the tables on Di Lin and quashes internal opposition, cementing his status as a formidable antagonist. I’m almost afraid to see Xiu challenge him, uncertain if he can prevail, which makes the stakes feel hefty and real.
Though the stitching together of abridged plot threads creates some choppiness, the story builds to a thrilling finale. An adversary becomes a staunch ally in a brilliant “A-ha!” moment that transforms the nonsensical comedic combat arcs into sheer genius. A gripping showdown between two well-matched combatants ends with a tantalizing mystery. The finale masterfully blends peak tension with peak comedy, showcasing the art of the bluff. Yes, unanswered questions and unsettling premonitions linger, with open threads for future conflicts, but The King of Light chapter concludes splendidly, earning an 8.5/10.0 for Season 2 and the series overall. This fantastic production deserves more—more budget, episodes, resources, and seasons. That said, it’s not for everyone. It will appeal most to attentive audiences who savor intricate political plots, intrigue, opaque characters, and a healthy dose of comedy and irony.
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A good story ruined by poor execution!
I am sure I heard this was a big hit in its country of origin. So, I got curious and had quite a bit of an expectation. After completing the drama, I am just utterly disappointed. I almost dropped this because of the poor casting choices. They could have chosen better actors in the leading role. I guess they went after who is popular at the moment. The actor playing the King is so wooden and uninspiring. I can't believe they got him to play the famous Qin Shi Huang. He was supposed to be an authoritarian tyrant. He exuded so much power and vitality in him but I couldn't feel it with this actor. He had almost the same expressions all throughout the entire drama. He looked and acted weak. Gongsun Li's character was supposed to be vibrant, smart and outstanding. Again, I couldn't feel it with this actress. She was bland. I like the actors playing Jing Ke and Madam Chu. I like her little facial expressions and the way she talks. She had this irritating persona and therefore, was a really effective character. I prefer Han Shen over everyone on this drama. You could feel his suppressed emotions. He portrayed the character of a man in love with a woman he could never have well. As for the visual effects, they looked like it was done by amateurs. Lastly, there were so many plot holes and inconsistencies with the characters. I really wanted to like The King's Woman but I just can't. It is a good story but ruined by poor execution.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
You Can’t SHAME The SHAMELESS
Shen Wenlang is a blabbermouth who have the emotional awareness of a tablespoon, Sheng Shaoyou is a fluffy bunny with the temperament of an angry wolf, Gao Tu is a professional lair, and Hua Yong is…well, there’s a lot wrong with Hua Yong, but imma leave that for later, cuz right now I’m in a hurry. My aunt just called a family meeting, my grandmother is pregnant and she ran away with his boyfriend so…WTH was that ending? People where are we running to? Who is chasing us? We were this close to perfection.
Anyway, I know for sure Hua Yong managed to manipulated me through the screen too, but I just can’t prove it. Cuz, tell me why I started this drama screaming at his lying arse, and here I am today, ready to defend him with all I have. Regardless, it isn’t much, just a half eaten sandwich and some gum, but still, I’d gladly give them away to defend that lunatic, who frankly needs to be smacked in the head with a Bible or put in a straitjacket, cuz the mfker is cray cray.
And I thought Cir (Boy Next World) was a psycho for inventing a whole parallel universe just to get a boyfriend, turns out there are levels to being a Lunatic when it comes to love. Let me lay it down for ya.
THE LUNATICS HOT 100: BL AUDITION
#1 Duan Zi’ang (New entry) = Kill to Love. REASON: Dude went to war and destroyed an entire country so he could kidnap his ex-boyfriend in hope to rekindle their doom relationship. Spoiler alert: it worked-ish.
#2 Hua Yong (New Entry) = ABO Desire. REASON: He’s a Hua Yong.
#3 Huai’ En (-2) = Meet You at The Blossom. REASON: Destroyed the livelihood of his lover’s family, so his lover would only be dependant on him.
#4 Ming (-3) = My Stand-In. REASON: It all started with Ming having a back fetish… smh.
#5 Cir (-4) = Boy Next World. REASON: My man invented a whole different universe just to get the boy.
#26 A Tuo (New Entry) = Secret Lover. REASON: Dude dated every girl who was interested in his crush to keep them away from him. That’s next level dedication.
Just to list a few. The only reason Hua Yong isn’t #1 is cuz the level of causalities he left behind weren’t as much, though, I have no proof, so it’s anyone’s guess at this point.
First off, to get something off my chest real quick. It’s getting real annoying with all these ‘I’m only here for the second couple’ nonsense crap that’s been going on in the bl world lately. “I’m only watching this because of the second couple. I skip all the other scenes except for the second couple.” OKAY AND? Dafug you want, Sharon? A cookie? An award, is that what you want Bob? I need some of y’all to give it a rest, cuz it’s no longer cute.
And I'm not talking about screen time, cuz in the case of Gao Tu and Shen Wenlang, although they were barely in the main story of the novel, I still had high hopes, and want more scenes with them, cuz they didn't have enough for my liking. I want ten episodes of Wenlang begging, Gao Tu being treated like he deserves and lots of kisses, but ya, we got what we got, and that finale was...yeah.
Anyway, so yes, I get it, sometimes we all get second couple syndrome, or the story of the second leads interest us more, but some of y’all have started to make it your entire personality and won’t shut up about it, to the point you start hating on the main couples, and have to let everyone and their mama know you're only here for the second couple. In the last couple of months alone, I saw it with Revenged Love, The Next Prince, Memory of Rati, to mention a few. Like, we get it, you are not that special Susan, go sit down.
I watched this drama for all four characters and l did not skip any scenes, and let me tell you, I had the most fun without being bitter and counting screen time even in effing previews. These four characters made the show and I remember them all equally and fondly, cuz really, it’s a story about MEN BEING PREGNANT, even if Shen Wenlang and Gao Tu were in the entire series for 5 seconds only, we’d still remember them. Cuz again, mpreg. Arrg.
SHENG SHAOYOU
32, 33 exes who were soft and loved to cry. Yeah, at some point we need to dissect this behaviour, cuz damn ho! Hua Yong was right, Mr. Sheng is a playboy, cuz did y’all see the moves he put on in the beginning of the drama when he was trying to get Hua Yong’s cookie? OMG, that s-tier Alpha was on!!
Mr. Sheng’s temper was adorable, omg, who even looks that cute being angry? Worse thing, it was just a front most of the time for his softie heart which was just so forgiven, cuz forgiving Hua Yong after he pouted a little and looked real sad at the cameras for an episode was wild.
I felt so bad for Mr. Sheng when he was being manipulated. Him and Gao Tu needed hugs, cuz those two best-friends (Don’t tell them I said this) from Country P had them and me stressing with their antics. I cried with him when Hua Yong left after attacking him. Hua Yong in the name of love put this poor man through heartbreak, high levels of stress, emotional abuse, physical pain that needed trips to the hospital, childbirth, Shen Wenlang, an identity crisis, and well… Hua Yong. Poor, poor fluffy bunny.
On a side note, Mr. Sheng is not all that innocent. The 33 crying virgins aside, dude was hitting that Omega girl while in a situationship/living together type of thing with Hua Yong. And, he was too soft-hearted and forgiven to the people around him. His father, brothers, Hua Yong. The way I’d have milked my anger with Hua Yong. But, after everything was exposed, Mr. Sheng went ‘alright, but lie to me again and walk out that door.’ Dude, that's it? The two s-tier Alphas in this drama were such losers when it came to love. Someone stalked you for years and homeboy went, ‘oh you’re a fan of me.’ No, Bob, he’s a stalker! If only you knew the things he did with your hands while you were sleeping.
Anyway, I love how kind-hearted Sheng’s real personality was, and how soft and adorable he is while secretly loving being pampered. Not gonna lie, I love the mouth on him too. There’s an episode when he was in a hurry, and dude literally shouted at his driver. ‘Have I lived long enough? is that it why you are planning to waste some of my time for me?’ LOL. Imagine if him and Mr. Shen were actually friends, they’d be so insufferable to be around.
GAO TU
My baby, my sweety-baby boo. Oh my beautiful Omega, how I wanna slap you with a rubber chicken. Hear me out, in the beginning I felt so much for Gao Tu to the point, I was looking for tickets to travel into my computer and punch Shen Wenlang in the throat, but as time went on, I went…
Yeah, Gao Tu is literally creating his own demons, and must like being miserable cuz, Sharon why? That fake Beta kept lying, and lying, and lying. Like, we all keep saying Hua Yong deserves an Oscar for his acting, but Gao Tu deserves one as well. He’d kept this lie going with Wenlang for 10 years, that’s a lifetime achievement best actor award right there.
Anyway, I felt the most for Gao Tu, everything with his sister, that sperm donor of his, and being in love with a man who hated Omegas. Man could not catch a break, and I just wanted to bubble wrap him and hide him away. But at the same time, I wanted to shake him. Yes, Mr. Shen sucks, but please talk to him, at least give him the benefit of the doubt for the sake of your friendship. Arrrggg.
I had a protect Gao Tu voice in my head that went, ‘Count your days Mr. Shen, it’s on sight! Whenever he said something hurtful to him.’ But at the end of the day, misunderstandings and miscommunications were their biggest enemy, and Gao Tu was rather the kind who’d rather go quietly into that night than make a whole lot of noise, and so in the end he had to endure all that hurt.
Mr. Shen didn’t suffer enough for my liking, but also, it was enough cuz of the lying. I’m glad our Gao Tu got his happy ending, a lovely son and a lover who…well, he’s Shen Wenlang and he comes with Hua Yong, so… but, he got his love and if he’s happy I’m happy for him. Still, I wanna shake him for making me sad for him when his problems would have been solved with the truth.
SHEN WENLENG
Abeg, make no one’s son come disturb me like Shen Wenlang did Gao Tu, cuz brotha why? At one point I was like, this man needs to rent out his brain and put his mouth out for sale, cuz he clearly don’t know how to use them correctly.
In kinder terms, Mr. Shen is pathetic and an embarrassment. No, I will not be explaining myself. Cuz really, you all saw it. Dude was literally trying to start a fight with a poisoned pregnant s-tier alpha on his hospital bed. He visited someone he’d missed and in love with and immediately insulted his home.
Yes, Mr. Shen’s mouth is a problem, but you know what, I don’t blame him for everything that happened. He trusts Gao Tu who he’s known for 10 years, so if he says he’s a Beta, that’s what he’s gonna believe. Sure, the Omega hating part is all on him cuz of his past trauma, and as a CEO of a pheromone company not being able to smell Gao Tu is an omega is wild, plus he’s emotionally constipated, but at the end of the day, they both to blame. Though, after the finale, I too would have ran away for three years.
Yes, we can argue: how the eff was Gao Tu supposed to know he felt different than the words he spoke? Cuz Mr. Shen was out there pretending to be with Hua Yong, telling Gao Tu his scent smelled, and he wasn’t pretty enough to be office decoration. HAHAHAHAH, No but, why is he like this??
But yeah, huge fan of Mr. Shen, you know, when he isn’t speaking. I think he should become a silent monk or something, cuz whenever he opens his mouth I go: Aeiii fresh boy, mr. mouth, mr spoke inside, mr information super highway, my friend will you keep quiet?
I’m glad he grew the eff up when he found out the truth. Truthfully, Shen Wenlang was the best. Yes, dude should pay taxes whenever he opened his mouth cuz all he did was littered with his words, but he was also a gentle soul. He cared and loved so much. Whenever Hua Yong was sick he was there, sure with an attitude but he was there, and the lights at Gao Tu’s… even being concern for Sheng Shaoyou, and they were born enemies. Plus he's basically HuaSheng’s second dad, cuz he’s the best godfather ever.
Also, I don’t care what both of them says, Hua Yong and Shen Wenlang are besties with a bow, cuz come on. I’m pretty sure someone would be like, ‘Mr Shen, where’s your best-friend, and he’d go, that lunatic? Who’d be friends with that crazy enigma?” hahhaa, but they do care. Asking each other for love advice and whatnot. I have no doubt when he asked Hua Yong ‘you cooking, who are you poisoning?', if he’d said a name and asked him to come and help, he’d complain but still go be look out.’ Best friend behaviour if you ask me.
HUA YONG.
HAHAHAHA. I’m sorry, but this enigma had me dying of laughter whenever he was on screen. Especially in episode 6. FAM!! Dude acted so traumatised, didn’t want to be touched, felt dirty and whatnot, and the whole time the mfker was a virgin. Sheng-xian-sheng was losing his mind with worry and regret, and Hua Yong was probably thinking, ‘1, 2, 3, cry now. 4,5,6 look real sad and shake a little.’ HHAHAHAHA
Every time I see Hua Yong on screen, I go, ‘here comes Mr. Sheng-xian-sheng-ing, he’s about to go, ‘Sheng-xian-sheng’ and completely do something diabolical while looking like an angel. FAM, this enigma for sure needs to be put in a zoo to be studied, cuz why?
No, but, this Enigma saw some foreigner boy one time under a tree and went, ‘that one, I want that one right there,’ and made it his whole identity. He’s a black flag, sure, but when all is said and done, he’s just a loser in love, who happens to have psycho tendencies. Man even had a proposal strategy in place, and while I was going awwww at their kiss, that enigma was like ‘taming desire is like taming an animal.’ Hua Yong trained poor Sheng-xian-sheng like a dog with the cookies. Ahhhh. He wanted that man, and he did not care how he got him, and frankly, I respect that.
Also, I wanna know, did Hua Yong wake up in the mornings and while brushing his teeth went through his scenes for the day? like: Today, imma pretend to be an Omega, make pregnant soup for Sheng-xian-sheng, pack my suitcase in case I wanna be dramatic, get more pink makeup, speak slow and low, make some cookies, oh and overdose on pheromones and almost die to teach Sheng-xian-sheng a lesson. Yep, it’s gonna be a wonderful day. HAHAHAHAH.
Oh Hua Yong. Compared to him, Gao Tu’s lying was nothing. This man was so manipulative and such a professional liar, it took literal natural disaster for his lie to come to light. The gods were probably watching, and Mother Nature was like, naaah, fuck that dude, that’s enough, then boom, earthquake. Then the mfker had the audacity while Sheng-xian-sheng’s world was crumbling to go, ‘Yes, it was me that night. Yes, I am not an omega. Anyway, I love you, can I keep pursuing you?” HE HAD NO SHAME WHATSOEVER. Cuz, dude, read the fucking room.
Speaking of shame, I was dying of laughter when he invited himself to dinner with Sheng-xian-sheng’s ex that time while he was being iced by him. Hua Yong was like, ‘yes, come with us for dinner, I won’t kill you.’ And I was like: ‘Who is us? aint no one invited you to this. Honey, read the room, you are the effing elephant.’ HAHAHAHAH. So shameless. I love him. And yes, I am questioning my morals, thank you.
Like Hua Yong was so good, looking all soft and cute for Sheng-xian-sheng so he’d get what he wants. Me? I can’t even act cute to ask for something from a partner. I tried one time, even stood in front of the mirror to prepare and everything, but at the end of the day all I could come up with was, ‘hey hmm dude, send me money, my pet chicken swallowed a spoon and its in the hospital. She needs emergency chicken surgery.’ Yet, Hua Yong is out there lining up Sheng-xian-sheng’s exes for insight, drafting proposals to get his man and marry him, making soups and cookies, learning to cry, running a company that could literally buy half the planet, while still finding time to be Sheng-xian-sheng’s dream man.
Poor Hua Yong is not a lunatic, no, he has suffered, while having to keep up with his lies, it must have been so hard for him. He worked so hard, and I frankly think he deserves applauds for succeeding instead of that straitjacket. I’m glad he also got his happy ending, regardless he’s beefing with his 3-year-old child cuz he's a jealous idiot, but he’s happy so that’s all that matter.
FINALE: Yeah, liked it, but not gonna lie, I expected more, instead it was rushed and we barely got to enjoy it. I am hoping for a special episode or like deleted scenes cuz... that was just cruel.
Plot-wise, this is a bl drama about pregnant men, I don’t think I need to sale anyone on watching it. Like, you should already be watching it, have finished watching it, or like me, on your 56th rewatch. There's no in-between.
All in all, I read the novel and enjoyed it, so I was all in for this drama, I laughed, cried, cursed and laughed some more. I’m now a die-hard D4 fan, cuz those four were really good in their roles and managed to make me like them outside of the drama as well. I want yearly dramas from them. I HIGHLY recommend this, it may appear slow in the start but trust me, it gets better. Was literally counting seconds to Saturday every week.
I’m gonna miss them. The wait for more drama from them is gonna be torture.
Anywho, thanks for reading and Merry Christmas. Yes, you read that right, I’m now in my enigma era, so I do what I want and I aint gonna follow no damn calendar, so Merry Christmas!
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The plot starts off very slow and realistic but has plot twists within the middle of the movie. After that happens, the plot picks up and that's what makes you more interested in what will happen next.
As for the soundtrack/OST, not the most memorable. It just was okay. The acting on another note was beautiful. I love Choi Woo Shik, Kim Dami, and Go Min Si in this movie. I really think the cast was well picked and the actors did an amazing job with the acting and portraying each of their characters.
I would rewatch this movie if I wanted to, and I am really hoping and excited if there is a PART 2 to this movie.
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This review may contain spoilers
Everything stands or falls with the choice of an auspicious place. Insights into Korean geomanticsm
"FengShui" is a historical KMovie that addresses the political takeover by Heungseon Daewongun and his son, King Gojong. Even more, it deals with the Korean version of geomancy - Pungsu-jiri-seol = theory about the relation between wind, water and earth - which has accompanied the country across all dynasties since at least the late 9th century. The traditional theoretical concepts, studies and observations are about which constellations in the landscape bring luck or misfortune to people. In South (and North) Korea there is hardly any building, tomb, temple, or city that was not built from the point of view of Pungsu. To this day, Pungsu is still quite popular.Against this background, one could understand the movie "FengShui" as a nice, sometimes exciting story that comes up with a pointedly, rather apolitical, and for some even esoteric explanation about the ending of the Joseon Dynasty: At last, it was the (wrongly?) chosen location of the tomb that decided the end of the empire...
In any case, the story dramatically illustrates the importance of Pungsu to the people of (Silla, Goryeo, and) Joseon. And by the way, it gives an insight into the political situation during the last decades of Joseon. Without reference to this, however, one may be a bit surprised about the scramble for graveyards and also the struggle for power at the palace would be an interchangeable one among the many stories available on screen... No matter which glasses you choose, the cast in any case guarantees top-class performance.
Eventually, if you are interested in Korean society and history, the KMovie "FengShui" opens up an understanding of the great importance regarding the harmony (or disharmony) of human life with natural events (such as weather and seasons) as well as in relation to geographic features of the landscape (such as mountains and lakes and landscape) - as they are having a direct impact on human health as well as the fortune or misfortune of personal, family or even national fate. Everything stands or falls with the choice of an auspicious place (Myeong-dang) for one's own house, grave, market square, administrative headquarter, temple, fortification, palace, etc.
The teaching goes back to the Buddhist monk Doseon (826-898). He was a Daoist master and Zen Buddhist student who adapted the Chinese principles of feng shui to the Korean landscape and cultural environment. What is special about it is the concept "grow with nature", which in this respect focuses on an analysis of the spiritual and matter-related energies of mountains and landscapes as well as their effects on human life. (Interior furniture etc. plays a minor role in Korean pungsu.)
The KMovie "FengShui" puts a Pungsu master at the center of the story. Due to the more or less favorable choice of location, he can predict and influence how the fortunes of the people affected will develop. In this case, by using this knowledge to choose the most favorable burial site, he becomes a veritable kingmaker.
By the way:
All 42 royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty over a period of more than 500 years are largely undamaged to this day. This is worldwide unique. All are arranged in the landscape according to the teachings of Pungsu - at most close enough to the capital for the royal family to visit the tomb within one day. (The concrete design of the complex was based on Confucian specifications.)
By the way:
The historical starting point of the story is the fact that Heungseon Daewongun, a central political figure of the last Joseon decades, moved his father's tomb on the advice of a Pungsu master. The new setting somehow promised that 2 kings would come out of his family. That was actually the case. But after that, the Joseon Dynasty came to an end.
------------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Myeong-dang and Korean Pungsu ---
Pungsu officially goes back to the monk Doseon. But there are also sources that indicate that there was already a spiritual tradition with human-nature harmony on the peninsula, the aim of which was to efficiently balance landscape and topography, natural forces and sanshin (mountain spirits) in order to determine the fate of the purposefully influencing people.
Doseon's works have not survived. But his yin-yang geomancy was handed down in the works of later Confucian scholars. In the 12th century book "Haedong-Pirok" about the secret history of the country Doseon's theories were mentioned and even expanded. 5 centuries later, Yi Jung-hwan (1690-1752) in "Tangni-chi" analyzed the topography and landscape of the entire peninsula according to these geomantic points of view.
Central to this is the concept of Gi (forces of matter) as opposed to Li (forces of Heaven and Spirit). Mountains, and in particular the central mountain range that stretches like a spine across the peninsula, are the source of Gi. The energy flows, so to speak, from the mountains into everything that the landscape produces, into the water and into the air - all that nourishes the humman being. Gi thus becomes concrete and figuratively the source for a strong, happy people.
Another central concept is "Hyeol": a place of perfectly balanced forces of heaven (cheon-gi) and earth (ji-gi) from which people benefit the most. Such Hyeol with high, positive energy potential include, for example, Jiri-san's Cheonghak-dong valley in the south of Samshin-bong peak or the location of Buseok-sa temple on Sobaek-san. "Hyeol" actually means an ´opening´. Like the 9 openings of the human body, there are also openings in the landscape through which energies can enter and escape. If you like, Hyeol could be considered acupuncture points in the mountain landscape. Knowledge and control of Hyeol thus is highly related to power. A more ancient term for Hyeol comes from the shamanistic tradition: 'Myeong-dang', the (spiritually) lightful or auspicious place. The idea behind it: Bedding the ancestors at the auspicious place can bring prosperity, power and good fortune to future generations. Bedding the kings at auspicious places accordingly brings prosperity, power and good fortune to the nation.
...The KMovie is originally named "Myeong-dang"...
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https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2PK_v3m5m-LbkdySEUxZW5Cc00
-please let me know if there is anything wrong with the link or the uploads themselves and i'll correct it.
I love this series so much. It was much more than a BL series in all honesty. I mean sure, most people came only for Alex and Benny and they are both my favorites don't get me wrong but the story line revolved around much more than just the lives of two guys whom themselves had a pretty heart wrenching story line. It's about friendship and being there for one another, it's about having the courage to stick up to your parents for you individuality and happiness while maintaining that bond. It's also about not always needing a lover to make you happy or doing something that you feel you should do just when you know that you don't want to.
The actors were amazing, the scenes portrayed a mundane feel. It's a great balance of serious, casual and comical. I would recommend this to a lot of people and i would love for it to have a season 2 if they decided on one.
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Here's what is great about the drama. 1. The lead couple is very dynamic. Lee Seo Jin plays a tough mobster who looks and acts the part with perfection. Kim Jun Eun plays a no-nonsense physician who is both gentle and strong. The chemistry between these two is perfect. 2. There are no boring moments, a lot of good fight scenes, and no silly side story fillers with cartoon characters. 3. There is a great climax-ending the last 2 episodes with fight scenes and a well-defined ending. (I hate it when things are left up in the air.)
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This review may contain spoilers
It is about the basic conflict between political ideals & dirty practice. Emotional complex.
Black meets white and every shade in between.Devious meets sincere.
Truth comes into conflict with truthfulness.
Justice wrestles with just behavior.
Even though the KDrama “Undercover” was produced as a remake of a British series, it still tells a very specifically South Korean story. In recent decades, the South Korean intelligence service has changed its name several times in the wake of turbulent political changes. Heads were exchanged here and there, but ultimately numerous agents and executives carried out their jobs both during the last years of the dictatorship, the first years of the increasingly democratic liberal government of the Sixth Republic and up to the present day. This means that those who had to be bitterly persecuted as enemies of the state at some point, became, at a different time, those who potentially needed to be protected at all cost… “Undercover” is set in that context.
Embedded in this is the emotional dynamic of a former undercover agent and his wife. She is now a committed human rights lawyer and the designated director of the newly established political office for corruption investigation. In principle, her agenda is to uncover those machinations in which her husband's employer was involved or even in charge at the time and to this day...
The dramatic dynamite is hidden underneath the fact that the husband missed the right timing of confessing to his wife what he actually had done before and who he was... for good reason. This secret apparently didn't stop the couple from leading a very happy family life to date. But fatally, his past comes knocking at his door, confronting him with an almost insoluble conflict.
Should he confess to his wife today what he did back then? However, she might never be able to forgive him. That would most likely be the end of the relationship.
On the other hand, if he continues to hide his past, his former colleagues will make sure she finds out. They would do anything to prevent an upright, honest and incorruptible person from taking this groundbreaking new political position, simply because transparency and secret service don´t get along so well…
Therefore:
If he wants to preserve the marriage and his family, his wife must never find out about his past. In order to prevent this, with a heavy heart he has to once again face the parallel world of secret service agents...
If he wants to protect his wife, considering the challenges of her new career, with a heavy heart he has to once again face the parallel world of secret service agents...
Either way, with a heavy heart he has to go back to the parallel world of secret service agents... There, it seems, not much has changed in the past 30 years. It is all about: unscrupulous in the service of the cause. By all means. Failure is not up for debate, whatsoever.
Accordingly, “Undercover” is full of emotional suspense, rather complex, and at times quite nerve-wracking. It is about the inner conflict within in this particular, rather mature marriage. It is about the basic conflict between political ideals and dirty practice. And then, it is also sobering when it comes to the question of whether power can ever really belong to the people...
I liked the emotional complexity and how the area of conflict – personal and political each – was developed. Plus the fact, that it was more about relationship dynamics than action. Therefore, I enjoyed watching it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Love and Redemption
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning is the fifth and final instalment of the live action adaptation of the Rurouni Kenshin manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki. This film series finally ended after nearly a decade, having begun in 2012 when the first film was released.This finale features the origin story of Himura Kenshin aka Battosai set during the Bakumatsu - from just before the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion to the end of the Boshin War. Notwithstanding the rather spoilery film poster, fans of both the live action and manga series would have already been made aware of the momentous event that had taken place in Kenshin’s past which went on to shape his future, culminating in his present state as depicted in the preceding four films. However, the true account of what actually transpired has finally been chronicled and presented in this film.
At its very heart, this is a tale of love and redemption between the two main characters, Himura Kenshin and his first love, Yukishiro Tomoe. Personally, I do believe that one major benefit of knowing the outcome prior to watching the story unfold is that rather than anticipating the conclusion and/ or fearing the potential for an impending tragedy, viewers are able to focus on the subtleties of the storytelling while appreciating the development of the characters and nuances of the portrayals.
Among all the films in the series, this instalment is perhaps the most serious and compelling. It plays out more like an actual historical than a manga adaptation and explores much emotional depth and character evolution of its two leads. There is hardly any moment of levity and lightheartedness, in contrast to the earlier films. Even the action sequences for which the film series is famed, is very much subdued where significant portions of the swordplay is presented in the style of a vignette, complete with evocative instrumentals. Although there are two boss fights, they are not as thrilling as those in the other instalments.
Production wise, the quality levels remain consistent as one would expect of the same production team led by screenwriter-director Otomo Keishi. The cinematography is exquisite, showcasing the beauty of the seasons where autumn transitions to winter in the countryside, as well as the framing of poignant scenes shared between the leads in their humble abode. Camerawork and editing for the numerous sword fights and stunts remain exceptional, as has been the case throughout the series.
In terms of the acting, both Sato Takeru and Arimura Kasumi are perfect in their portrayals of Himura Kenshin and Yukishiro Tomoe. No one else can play Kenshin at this point and I can’t imagine someone else in the role of Tomoe. As much as I enjoy seeing Kenshin and Kamiya Kaoru (Takei Emi) together, the connection between Kenshin and Tomoe feels more absorbing. Theirs is a delicate love borne of turmoil and conflict that eventually nurtures and heals the soul. I was honestly blown away by their scenes together, especially towards the heartbreaking ending.
Rounding off the supporting cast, Eguchi Yosuke is back as Saito Hajime but with long flowing hair and without the cigarette dangling from his mouth (for the most part). Araki Towa has a bit part, playing the younger version of Yukishiro Enishi while Takahashi Issei provides an intriguing depiction of Katsura Kogoro.
I would rate this film as my second favourite of the series, with Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends as my top favourite. It may not be as action packed, fun-filled or give off steampunk vibes as the others, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the character-driven emphasis and nuanced approach to the performances and storytelling, where viewers finally get to see how Battosai evolves from the killer to the pacifist. There is a tinge of melancholy now that the live-action series has come to an end, but what an eventful ride it has been.
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The premise is pretty simple, 'average' girl ends up living with three guys in pursuit of her dream as a pastry chief. Of course, shenanigans ensue. It's touching, it's dramatic, and it even got me to tear up a little bit.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between cast members. You could tell from VS Arashi they were all friends after filming, and during their scenes it was really impressive. Kento Yamazaki, and Kirie Mirai have absolutely stunning chemistry between them. And Nomura Shuhei is the perfect balance between serious moments and comic relief (without being a joke himself). Shuhei was even cast in the Taiwanese adaptation! The setting is in Enoshima, not too far away from Tokyo (closer to Yokohama though) which was a refreshing change of pace.
My friends and I agree that Chiaki's character development was rather sad, in comparison to the others. And there is a weird insert character whoose got no purpose or name but causes a lot of grief for the others, that we found rather boring and unneeded.
I've already recommended this drama to friends, and I watched it in Japan and with subs after leaving Japan. Not a top favorite of mine, and I won't be rewatching unless it's with friends/for nostalgia but it's a sweet drama worth watching.
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At 60 (or 63, depending on which version you're watching) episodes, this is quite a lengthy ride but I wasn't bored one single second. It had never happened to me before, especially when watching longer dramas. C-dramas tend to lose steam in the middle, have a couple of uninteresting side-plots and rush to the finish line, leaving you somewhat dissatisfied. Not so here.
The middle portion of the drama which took place in the mortal realm was just as interesting as the main plot, something the very popular Eternal Love, 10 Miles of Peach Blossoms didn't manage to do. The side plots and side quests also kept me interested because the drama made me care about every single character. Everything ended up enhancing the main plot.
I've read a lot of complaints regarding the huge amount of screen time given to secondary characters in the second part of the story. I think that some scenes could certainly have been shorter but on the whole, these additions made the drama a much better piece of work than the book it is based on. It's much more epic and ambitious, with layers upon layers.
The characters are intelligent and whether we agree with their actions or not, we always understand the motives behind what they choose to do. They're all very consistently written and there is no true villain in this piece. No one is just black or white. This is truly an achievement.
STORY:
Don't be fooled by the somewhat fluffy beginning. This is one angsty ride that will have your emotions all over the place. This is primarily a romance drama which depicts a love so strong that it can defy fate and overcome everything but only after a heavy price has been paid by all the parties involved. The romance is nicely balanced with friendship, family bonds, loyalty, power struggles, slices of life and epic battles. It has everything you could wish for. I loved that every single plot line was thoroughly thought-out and contributed to the overall story. The writing was top-notch and it showed at the end of the drama which did not feel rushed at all. Quite a feat for a C-Drama.
9.5/10 (Took 0.5 point away because they could have slightly shortened certain storylines).
CAST:
Ashes of Love has a stellar cast. All the actors shone in their roles whether they played a main character or a minor part. Every role was lovingly crafted and acted and every single character has depth. To focus on the main trio though, Deng Lun, Yang Zi and Luo Yunxi acted their heart out and made me want to watch every single drama they've appeared in. Deng Lun brought a rawness and touching sincerity to the character of Xu Feng. Yang Zi was able to use her broad acting range to successfully portray Jin Mi's journey from a sheltered and naive fairy to a young deity wounded by mistakes and betrayals. Luo Yunxi was able to masterfully convey all the shades of grey of Run Yu's character.
10/10
MUSIC:
The music is gorgeous. No other word for it. It's one of the only dramas where I always watched the opening and end credits. Epic. The only problem is that although what music we do have is superb, we don't have a lot of it. So the same songs and background music are played over and over again. Luckily for us, they're so good that you don't really mind.
9.5/10 (Took 0.5 away because I would have loved a few more songs)
REWATCH VALUE:
Through the roof. This is a timeless story. Love, betrayal, revenge, redemption, acceptance, regrets. It has everything a classic should have.
10/10
OVERALL:
Watch it. You won't be disappointed. It has everything: a great story, great acting, great music, splendid cinematography and great CGI. You will be totally immersed in the world of Ashes of Love.
9.5/10 Perfection.
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Empowering Drama for Girls
I really love the female lead character in this drama - independent, unconventional, fearless, strong (good in fighting), forthright (doesn't hide anything - speaks her mind), intelligent, decisive, compassionate, confident, will not be manipulated, smart, at the same time, loves her family dearly and will protect everyone with her own life. Together with an eye-candy male lead, this drama is really an enjoyable and easy watch.Ban Hua (Guan Xiao Tong aka Gabrielle Guan) has come from a bloodline of royalty. Her paternal grandmother is also the aunt of the Emperor who respects her greatly and grants the Ban family unlimited privileges and protection from the other noble families who constantly want to harm them and even want them dead.
Ban Hua doesn’t take orders from anyone, not even from the Emperor himself. Despite her high status, she’s being shunned by most eligible men in town because of her ‘bad luck’ reputation, her unabashed demeanor, and most of all, her being the best fighter around as she’s learned her skills from her grandfather who was a great general. She is fierce and forthright with her feelings, beats the shit out of men whom she finds intolerable, as she tells them “even the Lord of the Netherworld is scared of me”.
The Ban family is one of the most wonderful families I find in any historical dramas, with loving and open-minded parents who respect Ban Hua’s opinions and supportive of her, a little brother who is sweet and streetwise, and a couple of adorable maid servants who are like sisters to her. Despite the high status of the Ban family, none is well read. It is hilarious to see how they struggle to read a simple letter or poem flawlessly, and to make sense of it. The family dynamics are precious and it’s always a joy to watch them.
After an incident, Ban Hua is bestowed the ability to see her future in her dreams. However, most of these dreams are omens to the fate of herself and those she loves. She finds ways to change course of their fates. As one can imagine, the steps and processes she takes are hilarious. And as in her dream, she meets her true love, Rong Xia (Hou Ming Hao aka Neo Hou).
Rong Xia is the most handsome man in the world. Not only is he handsome, he is also the most intelligent man. In contrast to the Bans, Rong Xia is very well read and gentle. He is also the Emperor’s most treasured strategist who holds important official post. Together with Ban Hua, they resolve multiple conspiracies hand in hand, saving each other time and time again from death.
Guan Xiao Tong is very beautiful with great acting skills. As Ban Hua, she brings out the fierceness in her, at the same time, not losing her elegance as an anointed princess. Dressed in her unconventional outfits purportedly designed by Ban Hua herself, Guan Xiao Tong brings Ban Hua to life. I really love her stylish outfits with bold colors and designs.
Hou Ming Hao is one of the most handsome actors around. He looks amazing in his scholastic outfit with a fan, he also looks so good in his somber court official uniform, and he looks mysteriously wonderful in his dark martial arts clothing. His acting is good too in bringing alive the gentle Rong Xia who viewers come to love so much.
My Verdict
I really love Ban Hua’s kickass demeanor and her beautiful stylish outfits, the handsome face of Rong Xia, the wonderful dynamics of the Ban family, Ban Hua’s and the second prince’s hostile relationship, the hilarious rivalry between Marquis Xie and Ban Hua’s father, the lovable side couples, among others.
This is a wonderful and happy drama not to be missed. The badass female lead alone would make any viewers love this production. Together with a very smart and good-looking male lead, this drama indeed is a great entertainment for all to enjoy.
Recommended!
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2
1This is the first time I've watched any of the main actors except Yoo In Na. I have now officially developed a Gong Yoo crush and understand why drama fans are enamored of him. Gong Yoo as Kim Shin/ Goblin was mesmerizing. I could listen to his voice for days. Every scene he was in was a treat. Every emotion that his character had was palpable, and his smiles could light up the sky.
And Kim Go Eun as Ji Eun Tak was super cute. She had a lot of detractors and the writer got a lot of flak for making her so young. But the character and her age were perfect for this story and how it unfolded.
Lee Dong Wook as the Grim Reaper had the perfect deadpan (heh) delivery. And he may be the best male "crier" I've seen yet.
The story will make you laugh and make you cry. Not only is the love story epic, but so is the bromance between Goblin and Reaper. I've found that I'm quite fond of this fantasy genre and this has been done so well. I have hardly any criticisms of this show at all because even the flaws faded into nothing noticeable for me. It's sweet, funny, romantic, sad, tragic, beautiful...
The music was perfect and perfectly lovely. I don't always pay much attention to the music, but this show utilized it so well and chose the perfect songs. So many people loved even the intro song that they made a special recording of it to make it a full length song (Round and Round, but may also be found under Never Far Away). Beautiful by Crush was the best song in my opinion, and I believe that it was the theme song for our main couple. And Stay With Me by Chanyeol and Punch was another favorite.
Rewatch value is high - if not everything, then there are many, many favorite scenes that I'll go back to and relive the feels. :)
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