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It's hell on Earth to keep driving, knowing it's really just a wrong turn.
^Summary of Harumichi's life so far, JK.STORY - 9 ⭐️
This drama has artfully weaved some historical events (including this COVID pandemic era), cultural references, even social and political issues within this story. About the love story, I wouldn't say that it is something new; there are some cliches; but what I like most are the scenes that made me curious and then find more about it scenes later. Every character was well written, making them real people and have their own depth. I am not sure very sold with the 'love story' between Tsuzuru and Uta but maybe I'm just invested with the main couple's story.
Although presented as a love story in the trailers, it also showed youth's goals and dreams and how some get to fulfill it, some not making it or just taking detours. Some scenes can get preachy about it but over-all, the story's execution is actually good.
ACTING/CAST - 10 ⭐️
There's no denying that the main couple are veteran actors. Don't want to spoil anything but there's this scene that really made me tear up. The young actors did well too and their chemistry suits the theme of first love. Despite not looking like alike, (at least we get the moles right) I can definitely see the young characters maturing into the adult counterparts. Even the supporting characters too had delivered a good performance.
MUSIC - 10 ⭐️
Aside from Utada Hikaru's songs, I find Tsuzuru's music and the drama's sound design and transition faultless. I am no sound or music aficionado but as I watch this with my headphones, I find everything seamless and cinematic. There were a couple of mellow English songs too and it fit well in the atmosphere of the whole drama.
REWATCH VALUE - 8.5 ⭐️
I am not someone who rewatches dramas but the cinematography and the cast's performance alone could easily make me watch it again if I have the time.
OVERALL - 9⭐️
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This review may contain spoilers
Top 5 dramas of the year so far
A amazing lovely,heartwarming,funny drama.do not let the ratings put you off this drama!The story revolves around do yong shik a guy who has a hard time since leaving school and is not progressing well in his life,he has no job,low self esteem,very anxious in pressure situations he bumps into his first love by chance after not seeing eachother since school she is now a doctor and treats Ed And do yong shik has ED(You know where this is going) - I’ll get to this because I think this is why it’s got a low rating which is bizarre.
What I love about this show is it so different from other k-dramas it sort of reverses roles where the male lead is the one with vunrablility and in need of help and emotional security,- it’s nice and refreshing to see because not every guy in a kdrama has to be a ceo of a major company or a smart successful confident guy,sometimes people get beaten down by the burdens of life this is just a reality and the male lead does a amazing job of portraying this and everyone of the actors are amazing!
The relationship between do shik and ru da is one of best in kdrama for me,ru da is still in love the do shik that she knew at school but she understands he has changed and is not confident with himself. Throughout the show as ru da spends more time with do shik he slowly start to gain confidence and come out of his shell abit more and it’s just really nice to watch.
Last thing i want to say is they make a comparison from the start of the show to end of the show and I loved it
Do yong shik gets invited to a dinner to eat for a reunion with his school friends,one guy keeps going on about how sunccesful he is in his job and how much he his making,do yong shik feels inferior and feels like a failure because he doesn’t have what everyone else has
Fast forward to the last part of the show he now has a job although it is only with a small company do shik is happy and satisfied with his life,he is content with what he has,the same guy tries to belittle him because he doesn’t have a big salary but he doesn’t care because that isn’t what bring do shik happiness. - my point is having success it’s not everything in life,money is not everything in life,you don’t have to strive to have so much money to be happy,it’s about finding things In your life that genuinely make you happy and no one else
Ps if your rating this low because it has references of sex and talk about more adult topics,think you need to grow up
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Two Is Better Than One
I'll be honest; I always get nervous with dramas that have multiple seasons. One of the reasons I ditched Western dramas was due to the multiple seasons that always made the overall show draggy and boring after a certain amount of seasons. Despite me being obsessed with Penthouse, I was still nervous for season 2 because of the slight chance it might come off as "unnecessary." Let me say that is nowhere near the case. I have loved many sequels more than the original, and Penthouse is one of them. Is it because it was half the length of season 1 or because we dived right into chaos? I might never know for sure, but I can tell you what I loved about this second season.Story:
Everything that has happened throughout the episodes has led to some fantastic plot, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I won't spoil anything just in case, but all the twists and turns were done fantastically, and I don't think I could have imagined something different, which has usually been the case with other dramas I have watched. One thing I love is how unpredictable the plot has become. You think one thing is set in stone but then it's revealed you were the main act in a circus show, and what you thought wasn't at all what was written in stone.
Characters:
For my season one review, I mentioned how each character, good or bad, was portrayed excellently and written extremely well. The same can be said with season two. One of the things I liked about season one was how, for multiple characters, they were written so you can choose whether to dislike or like them, and that continues in season two. Of course, characters still made my blood boil, as well as the fact I shed tears throughout these fantastic episodes because of them, but I love feeling those emotions with characters. Some characters took me by surprise, good or bad. I found myself at one point hating on a character I thought I liked and liking a character I thought I hated. This season also strengthens my belief that no other actors could portray these incredible characters, or at least I cannot imagine another actor as any character.
Others:
Despite the few OST's we got, all of them were fantastic, especially Repeatedly and The Morass. I wish the season was longer, but I'm glad it at least got extended by 1 episode. It was also great that one of the best episodes, episode 12, happened to air on my birthday, so it was a fantastic birthday gift if I shall say.
Final Thoughts:
Since this is season two, those who watch it or are planning to watch it have watched season one. That being said, I'm already used to the hectic drama that comes with it, so if that's the same for you, then the drama that comes from this season won't be a surprise to you. Although I would say season one technically seems more hectic and "insane," mainly due to having more episodes," season two doesn't shy away from the hectic plot at all.
I cannot wait for season three and how hectic and great it will be. The only thing I'm sad about is one episode a week, which feels like pure torture. But overall, this season is fantastic, and if you watched and liked season one, you should most definitely watch season two.
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It is hard to pick only one thing that I like about this. I liked almost everything.
If you enjoy a good amount of romance and comedy, adding to it time travel, a "dont you dare mess with me" female lead, a hot/sweet male lead plus beautiful scenarios and clothes; then there is a high chance you will like this. There is also fantasy, specially in the second half.
I kept checking everyday for new episodes. Usually I dont start a drama till it finishes airing, but I did the "mistake" of watching the first episode and then couldn’t help but watch the new episodes as soon as they came out.
Although I liked it, I felt the ending was a little rushed and the fantasy part made me cringe a little since I am not a big fan of the genre.
For me it’s a 9/10. The only other drama that I gave such a high rating was Empress Ki.
I will definitely rewatch this. Actually I watched some of the episodes 2 times already since I watched first alone and then with my sister.
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This review may contain spoilers
So so good
I know I’m in the minority here but my god I loved every second of this drama . I loved Kim Seon-Ho in this drama as much as everyone else, but in my heart Dal-Mi was always going to end up with Do-San as she showed absolutely no interest in Ji-Pyeong from the beginning. I wish Ji-Pyeong had more closure and didn’t have to work with them for the rest of his life but in my mind he’s found a nice partner and living a great life while also staying close to halmeoni. All in all, I loved this drama and will definitely be rewatching <3Was this review helpful to you?
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RECIPROCITY - Walk in a straight line BUT circle back to each other.
----The key point of the series is ----"If there is only ONE person in this world who can understand your words, then he is more important than anyone else.” -Jiang Tian
"The population of the planet is now about seven billion. If the average life expectancy of each person is 80 years and they can meet 1,000 people per day, they will meet about 29.2 million people in their lifetime. The probability of two people meeting is 0.00417. while the probability that you happened to like him, he likes you back and you become each other's special 'someone' is only 0.0000173. Everyone has a "very moment" in their life. Your memory will freeze at that moment, becoming a very special moment. It turns into a most important memory of your life. And every time you think of it, you will always have a special feeling inside" - Sheng Wang
A good coming of age BL drama from Taiwan, adapted from the book 'Mou Mou' by Mu Su Li. It's a story of two 17 year old boys coming from different backgrounds, forced to live in close proximity due to their respective parents cohabitation. Slowly these two find a home in each other and open their hearts to a possible connection. The series is not fast paced which is one of its greatest advantages, it paints a nostalgic picture of the bygone days.
The story wouldn't have been as compelling as it turned out to be without the fabulous performance of both the lead actors. Liu Dong Qin who plays the part of a lonely, privileged and affable, Sheng Wang AND Benjamin Tsang who portrays the often stoic, prickly, Ace student of the class, Jiang Tian.
At first glance, the audience perceives, both Jiang Tian and Sheng Wang are opposite in their disposition and would likely clash due to their different personalities. However just in the case of magnets, opposite poles attract each other, the audience comes to realise that underneath their seemingly contrasting outward personalities, both hide deep seated vulnerabilities that they are unwilling to share or reveal to the world. Their close proximity due their parents' cohabitation enables them to peel the protective outward layer and peek into the inner hidden sensitivity of the other.
There are many instances where the viewers get a glimpse of how well these two fit together. With each Thread of shared experience, unrevealed emotion, conversations with concealed subtexts, silent support, All combining together; their relationship transforms into an unbreakable Rope of blazing love. Some of their interactions that make them realise they have found a 'home' in each other and share RECIPROCITY in their feelings are :-
1. Sheng Wang is beaten by some outside thugs on the school campus (arranged by a jealous competitive classmate). Sheng Wang while taking the beating and trying to escape from the goons, thinks that he is all alone and nobody is there to help him. When Jiang Tian finds out about this incident, he works out a way to catch these fellows and punish them. Later Sheng Wang finds out that Jiang Tian was instrumental in their being caught, he talks with Jiang Tian who divulges that if in place of Sheng Wang, he would have been caught alone by the thugs, he too would feel helpless and wish someone would help him. Jiang Tian further states that at that time he wasn't there to help Sheng Wang but he made sure those guys were punished for attacking Sheng Wang and making him feel powerless. (This conversation makes Sheng Wang realise that Jiang Tian would always protect him)
2. Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian both want to live in a dorm (hostel) at one point of time. However later, after the two feel a sense of fellowship, Sheng Wang no longer wants to live in a dorm but wishes to live in his father's house with Jiang Tian. Jiang Ting confesses that even though he also rejected the idea of living in a dorm due to their growing closeness (and the fact Sheng Wang was hurt by Jiang Tian wanting to live in a hostel) he still wished he could stay in a dorm. At that time Sheng Wang thought that Jiang Tian would leave him so he started distancing himself from Jiang Tian. Later Sheng Wang came to know from Old Man Ding that Jiang Tian never had a permanent home, he always kept his belongings packed in a suitcase, ready to leave the place where he was currently residing at a moment's notice because he had an unstable childhood and never got a place to call 'home'. Sheng Wang then offers to stay with Jiang Tian in a dorm, both of them would live in a dorm together so that Jiang Tian would feel safe for at least the duration of their boarding period (as it was fixed as per the fees paid and duration of their studies, the stay in a dorm is not depended upon unforseen changes in his mother's relationship with Sheng Wang in future) and would UNPACK things from his suitcase as he would get a clear timeline as to how long he could live at one place. (This conversation with Sheng Wang made Jiang Tian acknowledge that someone understood his fears)
By gaining insight into the other's frality, both feel protective towards the other. This understanding creates a bond of friendship and acceptance, however it is complicated by their budding romantic feelings for the other. Sheng Wang is more vocal about things but is oblivious to the romantic undercurrent between them or so it SEEMS, Jiang Tian on the other hand is hyper aware of his feelings but he is accustomed to bottle up his emotions never verbally voicing them out.
The hurdles in their way to a blissful life of togetherness are them being of same gender as well as their parents' relationship which makes them 'brothers' in the eyes of the society.
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I would say this series is multi-layered, it deals with many issues that a young adult goes through.....
1. Dealing with past trauma and loss - Searching for that certain some'ONE'.
2.The Bittersweet school life - surviving the competitive world of education where ranks and grades have to be maintained, the jealousy and backstabbing of other ambitious student(s).
3. The budding romance - Growing affection between two boys who care deeply for each other but are afraid of societal judgement as well as afraid of rejection by the other so they keep their feelings within themselves.
4. The stolen glances - Looking at your crush, trying to gauge their reactions based on subtle changes in their facial expressions. Trying to gain the attention of the person you are captivated by. Realising that what started as infatuation has morphed into an indestructible bond of Love that lasts a lifetime.
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I would also like to praise the director of the series, Liu Kuang Hui. The director made the perfect casting choice, Liu Dong Qin and Benjamin Tsang create a believable love story of two young people who are too afraid to voice out their emotions. The Director, through their slow build relationship managed to tell a heartwarming story of two youths' struggle to find a way to stay together. From Jiang Tian's attentive, observant gaze To Sheng Wang's unwillingness to get close to anyone who might desert him. Both fearing abandonment, their non-date Date, having each other's back. The director laid down layers upon layers of shared experiences to cement their commitment.
The soundtracks also manage to solidify the burgeoning feelings.. Although it's difficult to choose a favourite amongst them, my favourite is '17 Run to You', the lyrics were so appropriate for these two lost souls finding a common ground to flourish and live happily together. Other Songs include 'Just lonely', 'Interlude', 'Rainbow Love' and 'Love Proverbs '(The theme song)- All 5 of them have quite soulful melodies and meaningful lyrics that linger in your heart for a long time.
::::Overall:::: Another good BL drama from Taiwan, a little wistful, evoking memories of youth.
This series is replete with pathos for literary enthusiasts. People who are interested in literature should rewatch the series to savour the metaphors, symbols and references from other literary works that the Scriptwriter/ Director has woven into the narrative of the story.
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My 'Very' Moments (Additional Titbits)
1. Episode 3
'up to you' versus 'down to you' - There is a scene where the English Teacher in Jiang Tian and Sheng Wang's school is asking the students to differentiate between the phrases 'up to you' and 'down to you'.
As per the dictionary:
'up to you' means 'It's your decision! You choose!'
Where as 'down to you' means 'to be someone's responsibility or decision:Duty, obligation and responsibility'
In the same episode before the English Teacher brings up the topic of differentiating between the two phrases, Jiang Tian has given money to Sheng Wang for the bottle of water he had purchased earlier for Jiang Tian, Sheng Wang tells Jiang Tian that it's 'up to you' implying that Jiang Tian can choose to remain formal and stiff with Sheng Wang, unaccepting his clumsy attempt at explaining as to Sheng Wang only kissed Jiang Tian in school due to the game of truth and dare, the kiss was just a part of the game.
Later when Jiang Tian offers to be friends with Sheng Wang while talking in his bedroom. Sheng Wang's soliloquy brings the whole topic of difference between the idioms full circle. Sheng Wang muses - "At this moment, I totally forgot what our English Teacher had said. What's the difference between "up to you" and "down to you". Only then did I realise, the moment Jiang Tian said that, my world turned UPSIDE DOWN. My world toppled."
The thin line between "up to you" i.e choice and "down to you" i.e obligation, blurs as everything turns topsy turvy with one heart to heart conversation of Jiang Tian with Sheng Wang.
2. Episode 7 - Moving into a dorm
As per my perception and the conversation that Sheng Wang had with Jiang Tian, Sheng Wang hopes to find some 'stability' for Jiang Tian hence suggests moving into a dorm.
It was stated by Grandfather Ding that Jiang Ting had NO home while growing up, he was constantly on a move, sometimes living with his father, mother, grandmother or old man Ding... probably he may have spent an occasional night at some acquaintance's home. Now that his mother has moved into Sheng Wang's father's home, logically he might get a stable home but due to his past experiences, psychologically he is still unable to relax and unpack. He may fear things going south between his mother and Sheng Wang's father someday or displeasing his stepfather or ... or ..or...and he may have to 'move' again so he is keeping himself ready for that possibility.
As per Sheng Wang, living in a dorm Jiang Tian may unwind a little because even though they cannot live in a dorm forever, it gives a 'specified duration' wherein the students can live as per the fees they have paid for the term. Hence Jiang Tian can mentally feel some stability for that time period.
So it doesn't matter that there are two other people sharing a dorm room with them because at the current juncture of the story they are looking for 'stability' rather than 'privacy'. Therefore both are rejoicing at having achieved that goal.
Maybe later they may find sharing the accommodation with other two students a little restrictive but that's for the future..In the present, they can heave a sigh of relief on behalf of Jiang Tian.
3 . Episode 8
The difference between the conversation that Sheng Wang has with his father and Jiang Tian has with his mother regarding shifting from Sheng Wang's father's house to a Dorm.
Sheng Wang is quite vocal and doesn't mince words, he is eloquent and has a way with words. His father often considers him immature and doesn't really listen to what he is saying. Sheng Wang very clearly stated what he wanted and put his feelings into words to express what he wanted. He very generously accepted his father's need for a companionship but never faltered from his point of needing to stay in a dorm.
Jiang Tian and his mother's relationship is quite stilted due her guilt of leaving her son to fend for himself while she was busy earning money to support her family. Both stay quite, sitting on a sofa not knowing how to approach the topic, until they break the ice. Jiang Tian comforts his mother by saying that this time he is NOT alone when he moves to a new place, as he has a companion who would accompany him and ensure his happiness. He also expresses happiness that his mother will also not be alone as she has also found a loving companion.
What made me happy to see is that both boys want their respective parents to lead a happy life but they are not willing to change their decision. Their approach of discussing things with their own parent differs but both manage to convey their choice distinctly. They stay firm and polite but don't buckle under the pressure of parental guilt, obligation or coaxing.
4. Episode 9
Once again a topic explained in the beginning of the episode by a school teacher, forms a heartfelt moment...the series did the same in episode 3.
Now again in this episode. The difference between a period (.) and ellipsis (.....)
i.Period (.) means end of conversation, there is nothing left to say anymore.
ii. Ellipsis (.....) means something is left intentionally unsaid, the conversation is at a pause and there are more things that are unsaid, to be said.
This lesson, is quite meaningful as the relationship between Jiang Tian and Sheng Wang is at the ellipsis stage.....
There are so many things bubbling at the surface between these two protagonists waiting to burst out.
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*Through two incidents, we witness different dynamics of the relationship between Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian.*
When Sheng Wang cajoles, coaxes and calls him "ge" all the while pouting, to convince Jiang Tian to wear the sports T-shirt with embarrassing letters printed on, Jiang Tian surrenders, he agrees to put on the T-shirt to make Sheng Wang happy. Sheng Wang sports a smug smile because, he knows he would always get his way with Jiang Tian by pleading.
(Sheng Wang 1 : Jiang Tian 0)
Second incident, when Sheng Wang hurts his foot after the last round of Long Jump, Jiang Tian notices his wince when Jiang Tian is tying their legs together for a three legged race. Jiang Tian immediately calls a halt and asks permission from the teachers to take Sheng Wang to a health centre. Jiang Tian instructs Sheng Wang to get on his back so he could carry Sheng Wang piggyback style. With so many people watching, Sheng Wang is embarrassed to get on Jiang Tian's back, he squirms and tries to make excuses. Jiang Tian doesn't heed and repeatedly asks Sheng Wang to "get on" his back in a protective authoritative manner till Sheng Wang climbs onto his back so that Jiang Tian can carry him to the clinic.
(Jiang Tian 1 : Sheng Wang 0)
Both these incidents highlight their relationship dynamics, Jiang Tian will fold and give in to Sheng Wang's persuasions in all instances except when it comes to Sheng Wang's well being, then Jiang Tian wouldn't be swayed by anything. An interesting fact is that Each of them is aware of their strengths and weaknesses where the other is concerned.
(I have run out is space here so My 'very' moments for episode 11 and some musing on episode 12 specifically the Ending are added as comments to this review, If you are interested to read more please look up the comments)
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SO SO SO UNDERRATED!!!!!! EXCELLENT ACTING
DON'T TRUST THE RATINGS!!!After so long I've come across such a nice drama, really ♥️ It's so fresh and peaceful and sweet and funny at the same time.
The leads are amazing, the second leads are amazing and the whole group is amazing.
The drama so much reminds me of When I Fly Towards You and Our Secret ♥️♥️
I initially started watching it because of Yu Cheng En as I previously watched him as Demo in Go Go Squid, I was so excited to see him in a lead role!!!! And surprisingly I fell in love with the female lead too ♥️ Even the other lead is amazing ♥️♥️
IT'S A MUST WATCH!!!!! IT LITERALLY DESERVES MUCH MORE RECOGNITION 😭
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"The Palace" is about two friends Chen Xing and Lui Li, who are palace maids, and their relationships with the 13th Prince. This movie is mainly about Friendship, Loyalty, Betrayal and Love. There is also misundertandings and a stealed identity.
One character turns into a mischievous and schemeful woman that betrays those who trust her. I like how they explain the origin of her behaviour - she wanted to have power and freedom in a place and period where she is fated to serve others.
Another character is portrayed as a pure and innocent woman who stays true to her love and friendships. She tends to make sacrifices and resign to her fate. Sometimes I was annoyed about this while other times amazed.
I liked the evolution of the characters and the contrast between them, but I would have liked some mixings. Not black and white characters but grey characters. Even so, I think that the fact that they are black and white makes the story more epic and memorable.
What I loved most was the photography. All scenes were recorded beautifully and each frame is like a photo itself. Great casting and costums.
I think "The Palace" should be more popular. I haven't watched any of the dramas named "The Palace" that are set in the same years so I don't know if the storyline is very similar or not.
I recommend this movie.
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Hidden Pearl
The story is not new, but the execution is great. I've seen a lot of C-dramas. This is not to be missed. ML and FL not only paint wonderfully in ancient costumes, but can also play. This was the first story I saw them in, but it certainly won't be the last. FL is beautiful, smart . ML is persistent, handsome and cunning. The chemistry, the humor, and the visuals are also great. The music with the heartbeat and the insertion into the series is perfect. Even though it's only a miniseries, I would watch the characters for a longer time.Congratulations for the team.
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THE CON ARTISTS: a refreshing entertainer
Both the leads are quirky con artists with their own missions to begin with who clash at first few episodes leading to a sweet flirty romance with the overused tropes of childhood connection, male lead having trauma and even a contract marriage.What's new? Nothing.
What's good?
• the chemistry of all three couples
• those flirty banters
• pacing (not slow, not fast)
• no weird misunderstandings
• both leads relied on each other a lot so they had comforting bonding
• great friendships plus teamwork (I want to join Justice Committee too xD)
• satisfying ending
• a love triangle (but it brings comedy)(trust me you'll like Sheng Silin yet you won't like him enough to have SLS)
• sizzling OSTs
Now since FL's eyes have sort of a magic where just seconds of eye contact and whoosh~ any rich guy falls head over heels for her... such supernatural concepts can't pass over censorship so the story starts with FL writing a novel and all the rest happening inside her novel and ofc in end they make her meet ML in real life in some other way... personally I saw this start and end but ignored it since its all for censorship sake.
Half of the main plot is them trying to solve a past suspense that they tried to build which is flawed and predictable... but I love how GWIA is quite self aware of what they're serving us, like towards the end, the introduction of those comments saying —
« story felt cringe and mix match of every possible genre »
BUT
« they loved the yao-chuan couple »
Acceptance of all the cliches they're feeding you and this self mockery by the screenwriter impressed me.
OSTs
1. 读心人 (mind reader) — by Momo Wu [what a seductive voice!]
2. 猜星游戏 (game of guessing stars) — Meng Huiyan
3. 爱的回答 (love's answer) — Wang Jiachang
4. 别爱我 (don't love me) — Wang Jiachang
5. 谁的谁 (who is who) — Wang Kaiqi
6. Bad guy — Liu Sihan
7. Kiss me now — Dai Yanni (we know when this song was played xD)
The bgm was quite befitting and all those interesting steamy vibey songs. At least our ears were busy lol.
Wang Ziqi and Zhang Yuxi make a nice eye candy couple (those kisses though!)... for the most part, it seemed like they were just having fun, even breaking in and out of their characters a few times, idk how Zhang Yuxi controlled her laugh being every rich dude's so called dream girl. all those wigs, costumes... that cheap version of Marilyn Monroe still haunts me xD
Overall it was worth the time, I had a good laugh and chose to go with 2x option whenever I was cringed. Now that it has finished airing, its good for a binge watch I guess if you're in the mood of a silly cliched romcom done in somewhat better way.
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FINALLY A CRAZY TENSE CRIME GL!!!!!!
I have to admit that despite being a lesbian I can't get into gls. I think gls are still developing, so seeing a series of this quality (among many recent others) is always great. This series is a nice change of pace from your standard, almost telenovela-like gls. I also *love* crime thrillers so I have a bias and a much higher tolerance for shows like these. From the trailer, I was skeptical of the prison setting but man does it create a super tense environment!The show does a good job hooking the viewer in. It immediately starts with tense scenes and once you finish one of the earlier episodes, you're left craving that adrenaline you felt. Kae's actor, Kemisara Paladesh, does a great job in the first episode emoting too positively, like someone on the verge of insanity. Fits the character. The production quality, lighting and surroundings are well done and I'd like to give a moment of appreciation to the team behind that. It's something that stays consistent in the show and keeps people watching. They do end credit transitions too well, my favourite being when the camera zoomed out while Claire was grieving and the credits started rolling. From the 3Ds gang, Dao draws me in the most, even if she takes the backseat in later episodes. Bell is painfully innocent throughout the show which might seem like a harsh contrast to the general tone, especially when Claire and Bell get together and have their honeymoon phases. She is the main lead but I like other characters way more than her, such as Kae and Claire. Episode 2 had quite the nuance in my opinion and revealed the lore and gave depth to many characters. Made me sympathise with Dao and Top while not agreeing with certain actions of theirs. Speaking of Top, my interest in his character started to die down in the middle episodes. I was starting to get bored of him but episode 6 revived that interest in him after an extremely entertaining drunk performance of the character done by Pond Ponlawit Ketprapakorn alongside great camera work. I like Claire's case as well because I love a good sibling relationship, even if at the end you're like "damn, so she didn't have to do all that". Episode 4 and 5 were mostly romance episodes so it's good for romance-focused viewers but I'd understand if story/action-focused viewers may find it boring. I loved the imagined wedding scene between Claire and Bell, seeing scenes like that makes me happy without fail because same sex marriage (let alone being queer) is not legal where I am, so it means a lot, especially during a time where hope for it being legalised is there in the light of Thailand legalising it. Some people might say that I'm making it too political but I think I'm extracting all the meaning I can out of it. Not to mention how beautifully it was filmed and done! Their relationship is well done and makes me smile without fail whenever they're being romantic. If they ever had a major argument, my heart wouldn't be able to handle it. 2 major deaths also happen in the same episode, episode 3, which is also surprisingly early. Honestly, 3 episodes later, I completely forgot about those people. I was just reminded when I was reading back my Episode-by-Episode review to compile it into this shorter summary. Maybe their deaths could've had a bigger impact but I'm not sure how the show would do that. It does hit in the moment, so be prepared to at the very least get depressed over their deaths. The small acknowledgement of both deceased characters in the last episode was nice too. Episode 6 is my favourite. If you had to demonstrate what this show is about, this episode would be a good choice. It has everything, from Claire threatening people (my fav being her cutting Kae after she acted carelessly), Kae being officially evil, Bell getting beaten up, Top going crazy over Bell's case to Claire's back story. You name the main developments of previous episodes and this episode has the results of it. Kae stands out the most and I love her despite her being a pretty bad person. She is just so interesting, I want to study her brain. Episode 7 was the most sentimental episode, I dare say it's even more than episode 3 where 2 deaths happened. Here, the characters I actually like and have watched develop have bad things happen to them, it brings out a far more emotional response than the deaths of characters we've barely seen. If I wasn't watching it in a room with other people, trust me, I'd be sobbing.
Honestly, as much as I love this show, I have to admit that a few things felt rushed. I've watched other Thai shows before and I'm used to them being max 13 episodes, so I was surprised to see this one with only 8! So I'm not surprised some things felt rushed because I definitely expected it. I feel like just one more episode would've helped flesh out Top, Kae and the 3Ds more. For starters, Top felt very nuanced to me and out of all "villains" I sympathised the most with him. Honestly Bell's case still has me internally debating my morals. Top should go to jail for supplying the drugs but he didn't plan on stuffing the drugs into Bell's bag. I also took pity on him because his father is horrible and he just felt so... lonely? I also feel bad for anyone with a drug/drinking addiction even if they don't try to get out of those situations. It felt like he was boiled down to a bad rich guy by the end. I think the show antagonised characters too quickly and in the case of the 3Ds, redeemed them too quickly. I understand Dao stepping down because she's got a whole kid but Didi? I get that maybe Dao convinced her and Duen to stop being violent after the 3 years but before that time skip it felt odd for her to suddenly be so nice. I was surprised to see her rushing alongside Bell and being concerned for her. As far as I remember, they never really made up. In my head, their rivalry was calm but if something bad happened to Bell she wouldn't have a reason to care really and might even make a mocking comment about it. Like I get that Bell is dying, but why was it framed like Didi and her were old friends? Maybe I misinterpreted something about their relationship. Part of me also felt bad for Kae (specifically when she got beat up by the people she was supposed to be collecting debts from which is ironic lol) but she's the shows main villain. I think they could've had Kae be more evil or give more screen time and expand on her business and how it affected so many other prisoners negatively. It was satisfying to see her get beat up by Claire one last time but even I was like damn she's gonna die calm down Claire. The scene where she rooms with a rude inmate that made her clip her nails and was just bossing her around felt like very stereotypical villain consequences, like something I was supposed to go "you deserve that haha" to but I just didn't feel anything. I enjoyed her switch in personality and all the bad stuff she did because it made her so interesting, too bad it was a short period. I also wanted her goals to be spelled out so bad; was she sick of being bullied at prison? Was she going to try and get Bell "back"? Was it both? But at the end of the day, it was something along the lines of greed and selfishness I guess.
Overall, a show I don't regret watching. I might not rewatch it much but that's because it's very story and at times emotionally heavy. It's a serious show and I think my mental health would be fried if I went through that again, which is a testament as to how it really gets through to the viewer! The actors are great and even if it's quite short it still supplies the main plots very well. I can tell that the team behind this show put so much effort in so send some love to them as well :)
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Another Satisfying Youth Drama
Story reminds me of "Go Ahead" (which is one of my favorite dramas by the way). The main plots are similar wherein two people have that non-blood related sibling relationship. But this is lighter and shorter than Go Ahead, and also has less heartbreaking issues/stories so if you liked Go Ahead, When We Were Young, With You, then this would also be a satisfying watch. Transitions of the characters emotions was well planned, and nothing seemed hasted, or dragged.Since it's a lighter drama, and I personally like re-watching heart wrenching ones, then this has a lower rewatch value than the similar dramas I previously mentioned.
Hope to see more of the actors, they were good even if they are newbies
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I love that the movie fells so relaxing, is hard to explain but you feel light (and maybe you will feel a need to plant everything)
The characters were so natural, the three of them, and realistic, very good acting.
Another thing was the story, simple and perfect, and the way that talk about harvest season, it was very poetic, and very good incluing the food that she makes with the memories and the season.
The music was fine, but I prefer the sounds of nature.. perfect!
Omg was very good movie.
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