A story about two real humans!
Watch this film was a mix of feelings. This movie is about - without spoiler of course - two teenagers who are discovering themselves as homosexuals.In my opinion‚ this film is a masterpiece. It is well-written‚ well-directed‚ everything was perfect.
As I said: This is a story about two real humans and‚ as humans‚ there are pain‚ suffering‚ tears. However‚ there are happiness, desire - in a sexual meaning - and a happy ending after all the pain and suffering.
It was an awesome, amazing and great experience watch this masterpiece.
* This is my first review in English (I'm brazilian)
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Works against its time limitations
"Blue of Winter" has plenty of potential and indie charm, but what it didn't have was enough time. Unfortunately, its screenwriting makes this as obvious as possible. Instead of using a smaller fraction of the source material and fleshing it out, it seems the screenwriter attempted to squeeze in too many events for its short duration. This makes the progression of the story rushed and difficult to follow.While it doesn't completely make up for the underdeveloped story, I did enjoy the atmosphere of the drama. Its camera framing, editing, and moody instrumentals give it a pleasantly nostalgic feel. And I must say the actors did well for their debut. Actor, In Gi stands out among the cast as the role of "Ji Seok" required more versatility. He was able to deliver both the confident charisma and sincerity of the character.
It's not the most memorable thing you'll watch but if you're a BL/LGBTQ drama enthusiast, go for it. As a warning, it does end on a cliffhanger and a continuation is not guaranteed at the time that I’m writing this.
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This review may contain spoilers
Run!
I USUALLY DON'T REVIEW DRAMAS I DIDN'T LIKE BUT I THINK THE RATING 7.6 IS MISLEADING.[Edit: as of 05/12/2022 the rating is 6.9 still very high for such an abysmal drama]
This drama has no redeeming qualities.
I was excited when I learned that the two leads were cast in Misty's screenwriter's next. Misty was such a good drama with a geat story and acting.
Then the stills and title were good too and I won't lie ; the rated R got me all the more excited because I thought it would be a mature and more realistic than drama like Misty, Something In The Rain, The World of the Married...
But my expectations were smashed by the reality that was this messy drama.
In Misty, the female lead was a career woman who chose her career over everything. She was a complicated woman who hurt herself and her loved ones to achieve her goal.
In Now We Are Breaking Up, we were served with a goody two shoes who somehow won everyone over with her upright attitude and Song Hye Ko's acting or lack thereof didn't help understand or empathize with the character she embodies.
THE STORY
The story was poorly written. It's supposed to be about a great love story and the hardships the main leads will encounter and try to fight against.
Instead, it's about a 38-year old woman who has yet to move on from a 2-month relationship that happened 10 years ago. Said woman is traimatized from having been ghosted by a guy she met in a foreign country and dated for 2 months... I personnaly tought it was ridiculous.
The story actually begins with the heroine having a one night stand with the hero. They don't exchange names or number and spend the night together. It's supposed to be mysterious and hot but it's actually a dangerous behaviour imo
I had a hard time understanding Song Hye Ko's character. She was supposed to be a successful career woman in the fashion industry but she was too soft and forgave betrayal such as the leakage of some of her designs.
How can someone keep an untrustworthy person in their team ? That untrustworthy person was also someone who wasn't loyal and was ready to jump ship when things went south.
So how can a successful career minded person keep such a liability on their side ? How are we supposed to believe that ?
Then the drama opening with a ONS is supposed to show us how modern and independant FL is but then her friends implied it wasn't customary for her to see men.
So what is actually the state of her love life ? Did she have ONS during these 10 years? Was she so emotionally stunted that she forgot about men for those 10 years ? If so, what was so special about the ML fot her to have a ONS with him ? There was no build up to help her understand this.
And now this 38 year old independant woman lets her parents and the ML parent's interfere in their relationship? Had she been younger I could have enpathise but she being successful, independant (lived abroad alone and has her own flat), it's ridiculous and annoying that she'd let parents run such interferences because she's at an age were she's supposed to understand that even if her parents disapprove of her relationship, they most likely won't cut contact with her (especially since she always gives them money) and with soften after some years or/and if they have children.
When her mother yelled at the ML like a banshee, she didn't even try to intervene and we are supposed to think they are so in love and can't live without each other... but how can you let someone you love be disrespected in their own shop ?
The worse thing is that she left with her mother instead of staying to confort the hero.
The Male lead played by Jang Ki Yong is an empty vessel. One cannot understand what attracts him so much about the FL.
She's pretty but she's cold, unresponsive and too much hassle.
His only purpose is to give the FL props to resolve some of the issues she encounters while managing her brand. Otherwise he's uninteresting.
When he realized he took a fancy in his brother's ex, he keeps going even though the relationship is at an early stage and everything could have been stopped.
It seens unresonnable and illogical especially since we don't see what is the great connect between the two leads. Why are they throwing I Love You's around when they barely spent and spend time together.
The FL parents are something else alltogether. They are agaisnt the relationship when they both liked the ML ar first because FL dated his brother for only 2 month in a foreign country. Why is it a bad thing ? They are supposed to want their daughter's hapiness but are against the relationship for something that can be deemed as trivial because she was neither engaged nor married to his brother and no one would know they dated.
The mother was the worst imo because she threw tantrums about wanting a divorce when she was the one saying she didn't want to do anything to jeopardize her daughter's future marriage. But in SK, divorced parents are bad news and won't help... she doesn't even make sense and is seeking a divorce instead of trying to talk with her husband about the reason she wants out.
I also found her cringey for always wanting to hook up her daughter with the rich woman's son. She was really desperate for it.
But she was crass for saying what she said to the ML's face for things he can't help (his lineage and family condition) and acting as if her daughter was such a great price.
It seemd more like she was releasing her frustration on someone who would take it without doing anything.
The ML's mother is more easy to understand because she's someone who has yet to do her mourning but I didn't understand why she kept acting as if ML was like her real son when her interior showed that their relationship was anything but. They were no pics of the two/three of them together ; ML was sent away since his youth when his brother got to grow up in the family household.
I could understand her opposition to some degree but not her acting as if ML was her son and not some replacement.
The subplots with the best friends weren't any better.
The director was childish and incompetent. At 38yo it's not cute anymore but downright ridiculous.
I thought she could have been a good negative character instead of adding to the mix the ML's brother's crazy ex.
The ex-model who is dying from cancer is one of the most mature character of the drama.
My hung up is that her subplot included cheated and a terminal illness. Would'nt it have been better if her husband would have come clean sooner or if she'd died without knowing ? Because it's really bizarre how she's trying to set up her husband with her affair partner and saying that woman is a good person. A good person won't knowingly sleep with a married man with a child!
I feel there was so much to say in this section for the best friend to have closure but it all became messy and non sensical.
Finally, the brother's ML who everyone is regretting was a dishonet coward.
Why did he tell the heroine he was an only child ? Why did he date her when he was already engaged ? It was pure nonsense especially since these fact weren't exploited more in the drama.
THE ACTING
The main leads were really bad and the only thing they brought to the table was their looks. The ensemble cast did their job but they couldn't do much woth thr roles they were given.
THE MUSIC
It was the only decent thing in the drama though it wasn't groundbreaking.
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Plot wise, like I said earlier it's pretty cliche. Nevertheless, the execution was still decent enough and entertaining. It has all the things a drama should, a funny comedic relief actor, some good friends, an annoying antagonist, and family. I have to say, the ending isn't that great but I guess it's happy *enough*, but still left me a bit hanging. Aside from that, the romantic development was pretty fast, since it's only 9 episodes, so there's little to no dragging (which is great!). The plot really is similar to Twilight, but much better chemistry between the leads, and no sparkling vampires. The antagonist is to be expected, and that plot line wasn't that irritating. It's also set on a university campus, so I really liked how it was a campus romance.
Even though I easily fall in love with drama OST's, this drama's music was very 'ehh'. It seriously was not special, probably because I expected more, much more. Even now, I don't remember any of the songs which is rare ( if you look at my other reviews you'll see why).
Re-watch value is not that high, mostly because the only version available I could find was pretty low quality, which isn't easy on the eyes. Disregarding that though, re-watch value based on purely the drama could be high, after all it's only 9 episodes and if you like a cute but cliche vampire love story. I recommend this drama a lot; it's so unfortunate how not many people know about this drama. (8.5/8.5)
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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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This review may contain spoilers
Based more on the original poem/story of Mulan than Disney version. She does join the army in place of her father, but we see how it affects her. She deals with death and grief and fear and killing. We get the real Mulan that went to war for over a decade.This a realistic movie, slightly dark tone because there is a lot of death, but it's the kind of movie that hurts so good. You will cry and then continue crying but you won't end up feeling depressed or sad. The story is fulfilling as we get to see Mulan grow and accept life as a soldier and the many different ways there are to be a hero. Vicki Zhou is wonderful as Mulan, and we don't spend a lot of time with the other characters, but we don't really need it. This is Mulan's story and it reflects that in the screen time given to our other characters. The music really helps finish the atmosphere.
There are parts that really got to me where I was sobbing but the situations were caused by war and so our characters have to deal with it. They act nobly and I was completely satisfied until the very end. As long as you don't question how they never notice she is a girl, you'll enjoy it.
I know I will end up watching it again. For when you feel like crying this is a great option. Hua Mulan truly transforms and even if you know how it ends you can still appreciate the sacrifices of our characters. I know the same scenes will still effect me in the same way.
A bit spoilery but not if you know the story of Mulan. The original version has her just returning home. This plot has a romance but they forced it into a bad ending. They continued on the noble character arc for Mulan where she just wants to take care of her father. Again this is the writers fault for wanting the dramatic hero, but it fits with the characters even though the other option would have been possible. So, I was a bit irritated, but for the sake of a better story it fits to have the drama, but I was annoyed because they built it up and left me hanging.
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Put Your Feet in My Shoes
Despite a 7.9 rating here on MDL as of this writing, The Trust is a lovely drama. The idea of body switching is not new, but the execution of it is interesting and very funny. Imagine a distrustful couple, the lord of a city and his wife, switches bodies, and they must continue to perform the roles of the other as if nothing has happened. Putting their own feet into each other's shoes, they finally understand the other's pains, predicaments, and perspectives, and come to empathize with each other.This is a story of political power struggle and harem cat fights, though at a smaller scale but as deadly. Political rivals scheme to bring down the other, and the City Master tries to maintain the balance of power while silently fighting against the onslaught of his own uncle who is ambitious and treacherous.
Xu Yu (Song Yanfei) is the daughter of the most powerful general in the land, guarding the northern border with a formidable army. Growing up in such a household, Xu Yu becomes very adept in sword fighting, horse riding, bow and arrow, but not so good academically. She is a carefree girl and in love with Xiao Jinyun (Zhang Haowei) whom she has grown up with. After marrying him, Xu Yu finds life not what she had expected; she becomes disillusioned and unhappy. Disappointed, she stops caring about all matters in the household, and doesn’t vie for attention from her husband, while others in the harem fight tooth and nail. With such an attitude, her mother-in-law does not like her and she repeatedly gets into trouble, and is always being framed and blamed for everything that she hasn’t done by her husband's concubines.
Having a heavy burden to carry for his city kingdom, a discord court of academic (文官) and military (武官) officials, and a big household to maintain, Xiao Jinyun’s demeanor is serious, uptight and unaffectionate towards his wife and concubines (he has at least 4 of them). This has led to his concubines vying for his attention by backstabbing each other, especially they bully Xu Yu who doesn’t care to fight back. He is suspicious and wary of Xu Yu’s father, General Xu and her two brothers because of the strong military power they wield, more so when fanned by the academic officials like his scheming uncle. On top of that, the military and academic ministers don’t see eye-to-eye on anything and always bicker among themselves over even the most trivial matters. Again and again, the academic sect tries to take down General Xu at every chance they get.
On that fateful day, through some magical force from some meteorite stones and an eclipse of the sun, they exchange bodies; Xiao Jinyun lives in Xu Yu’s body and she in his. Now living in a man’s body, Xu Yu is liberated. She/he goes to the brothel, gets drunk, attends court assembly to fend for her father when he’s being attacked; she even goes to war to help her father in fighting the invaders. To others, their City Master has suddenly changed in character, playful, impulsive, an excellent sword fighter and an archer. To Xiao Jinyun’s surprise, Xu Yu manages her role as the City Master in court very well as her way in handling the disarrayed court officials seems to be effective.
For Xu Yu with Xiao Jinyun inside, her change is just as significant; she becomes mature, responsible, and calm in dealing with everything negative that comes her way. For the first time, Xiao Jinyun realizes how badly Xu Yu has been treated by his own mother and concubines; they criticize, backstab, frame her, and lie about her to him. In General Xu's daughter's body, Xiao Jinyun knows that the Xu family is totally committed to him; their loyalty is second to none, One of the hilarious scenes is when he also experiences her menstruation pains. As Xu Yu, Xiao Jinyun manages to improve Xu Yu’s relationship with his mother and helps her in reclaiming her status as the main wife, gaining respect from everyone.
As they grow to understand and trust each other more, all their misunderstandings resolved. They work together to tackle a series of crises, politically and at home. Their romance is gradual and sweet, from distrust to trust with no doubts.
I have never watched any dramas by Song Yanfei and Zhang Haowei, but I find their acting very natural and convincing here. I love how they each plays both characters, bringing out the contrasting individual characteristics and demeanor. How Zhang Haowei becomes girly and rolls his eyes when he acts as Xu Yu is hilarious, while Song Yanfei as Xiao Jinyun becomes the one that always has a plan, and makes the first move. The scenes are cute and very funny, accentuated by playful background music.
There are at least two BL/bromance couples here. The Xu Youran (Li Junchen)/ Xiao Jinming (Cao Junxiang) pair is amazingly good looking with wonderful chemistry. By the way, watch out for the rabbit Xiao Jinming brought for Xu Youran to care. I presume this is a hint of their relationship. The other pair, Jiang Tang (Feng Mingjing) / Xu Jun (Li Ji), is equally interesting and fun to watch. Too bad they have too few scenes and dialogs together.
My Verdict
This is a very underrated series. It is a lovely story, cute with very funny dialogs. As unserious the tone as it is, the acting and the plot are serious. The script writing, directing, editing, and acting are all brilliantly executed. The court powerplay is not boring as we have great acting here by Zhang Haowei, and the harem cat fights are not infuriating as Song Yanfei’s portrayal is brilliant and very lovable.
I've come to realize that the low viewership (hence rating) is probably due to the poor English subtitles. It is such a pity because this is a wonderful series that deserves to be watched and loved. Strongly recommended.
BRAVO!
Anime link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBakWosU0sfj2hkpghsp3loSDXl6w-P1h
Very good. Recommended!
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drama of the year❣
what I love about this is how layered the characters are;Oh Hyun Jin was a total dream 21st century career boss lady, she was in control and composed but as she entered the the mysterious momhood everything changed for her, she wasn't as confident, she didn't know anything and she was scared which just proves, being "smart" doesn't make you a natural know it all
Jo Eun Jung was the opposite, she was a stay at home mom who took pride in her "natural" and vast knowledge of momhooness, but behind the curtains she was just as clueless and scared as the rest
Lee Roo Da seemed like an arrogant and immature person who didn't love her kid, but she was just someone who had a different approach on motherhood, and she didn't want to do things because "other's do it"
Choi Hye Sook is still a mystery but behind her controlling aura she just wants what's best for the moms. she was a dream boss and mentor, she was stern but compassionate, old fashioned but accepting
glue stick! my precious glue stick is an acting genius! (and the directors did a great job capturing him), his facial expressions were always a delight
Kim Do Yoon is the most precious husband and father! they were the most inspiring healthiest couple I've seen in dramaland. I wonder how big their age gap was xD they were also the best example of a noona romance ;D
the drama has a great sense of humor, I've not laughed like that for a long time, especially 1st ep made laugh until I cried xD
on the other hand they deal with alot of realistic postpartum worries and issues, new moms (and dads) deal with alot of new emotions and experiences, plus the surrounding people's expectations and "advice" can become really suffocating.
you can't produce enough milk? you're a bad mom
you want to work again? you're a bad mom
you gained weight? you're a bad woman
you're not magically happy? you're a bad human
you feel tired from feeding your kid every 3 hours? you're a disgrace...
on the other hand the husband kinda doesn't experience those 1st hand, so he's happy, not tired and tries to encourage his wife or tell her about his day while she can barely hold her own emotions together and he starts thinking he's a burden..
the drama stayed true to it's premier, it dealt with alot of worries and burdens surrounding a new mom while also keeping a well timed sense of humor that never failed to make me laugh until I cried. I'll miss this drama dearly! I really wish s2 happens soon and I wish they keep the same cast, they could all have triplets for all I care, I want them back! TT__TT
the ost was also beautiful and elegant, the setting, the writing, the acting, the directing, everything was perfect❤
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Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
34 people found this review helpful
A wholesome-hilarious Rom-Com
I stumbled across this show by accident when I was looking for a new BL to obsess over and- let me just say, I was not disappointed.When writing this review, 4 episodes (edit: now 7) have been released so far. But those 90 minutes of the show have already got me hooked like few other shows were able to.
The characters are absolute fluffballs. You know that feeling when you would give your whole world to them just by looking at them? Yeah, that's what I feel for Adachi and Kurosawa. The actor does such a good job at portraying this innocent yet realistic clumsiness of Adachi, while Kurosawa is just warmth and softness in person. Their chemistry is off the charts. If you need a fluffy BL couple (that cares for consent!!!!) this is perfect for you.
Not only does it feel like you were dumped into cotton candy while watching this, but you'll also wish someone would love you like Kurosawa loves Adachi. The way he cares for him is just so heart-warming. I promise you, you'll fall for both of them.
The supernatural aspect is well fit and none of the characters feels unrealistic AT ALL. They lightly tackle the stigma around two men kissing which just rounds off the whole deal. To top all this, the show is hilarious. I swear, I laugh every 5 seconds, either because of Adachi's adorable awkwardness or because of their wonderfully executed acting in relatable situations.
I can only recommend this drama to any rom-com lovers.
You won't regret it.
STORY
The story revolves around Adachi, a 30-year old virgin that suddenly, on his birthday, gains the ability to read the minds of people through touch. Unexpectedly, his fellow colleague Kurosawa seems to have a crush on him. And thus begins a wonderful little office romance.
The story is based on a manga by the same title. I honestly couldn't imagine a better made or more adequately executed adaption of the story. Of course, changes were made but they all fit perfectly into the concept and medium. And those changes are small at most. I must commend the writers. In comparison to the original manga, we don't get a view into Kurosawa's thoughts except what Adachi hears through his ability. This makes everything seem more down to earth and I really like the decision. The plot is well put together and just addicting to put it simply.
ACTING
My guys, listen, the acting in this is just grandiose. And not just the main cast, every single role is well cast and executed on an astonishing level. It's just so so much fun to watch each character unfold and it is so easy to fall in love with them. It's hilarious, convincing and realistic. If not for anything else, watch this for the acting.
OST
I'm editing this section in. Earlier I didn't have much to say about the OST because except Opening and Outro there isn't much happening musically but after a few weeks the Soundtrack really grew on me. The Opening Song [Omoinotake - Ubugoe] is such a catchy song I can't even think about skipping the intro because you'll catch me jamming to it. Furthermore, you should take a look at the lyrics of this song. It reflects Adachi's feelings and thoughts in the course of falling in love with Kurosawa. Especially after episode 5, I can truly see the connection.
The Outro Song [Deep Squad - Good Love Your Love] is also really enjoyable. I think they did a great job of choosing these songs for the drama.
REWATCH VALUE
Let me tell you, this show isn't even completed but I'm already on my 20th rewatch of those few released episodes. I don't know, maybe it's just the lack of affection and warmth in my life but the chemistry in this is addicting. This is my newest comfort drama. I can't stop thinking about them, I can't stop watching them.
Yeah, just give it a try. I promise you'll love it.
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2-Storyline/Plot : At first, I felt it's just the same plot as other rom-coms films that I've seen before (nothing different), I was even a little disappointed. However, as the film went on I became extremely amazed and I kept having this question in my mind: "how could the story turn around like that?"; I really appreciated the turn it took.
3-Acting/Cast : It's the first time that I see those two actors; I believe they've done a great job in this film. I wil be looking forward to see them in other productions.
4-Music : Yes, I appreciated the music because it was cool somehow; not too loud not too smooth.
5-Rewatch value : Hmmm, since this film contain a final twist, I believe it would be useless to watch it since you've already seen the core of the film.
6-The ending : One of the greatest endings that I've ever seen in chinese romantic comedy films; the twist at the end was so nicely done.
Wriiters managed to fool us around until the very last end, I really didn't expect or anticipate that: I really love it when an ending surprises me.
7-Overall: At first I was going to give this a 5 or a 6 but then when the twist came along I became greatful that I gave this film a chance; it totally deserves the time that I wasted on it.
P.S : Don't be fooled by the summary or the publicity pictures; this film has something that will surprise you because it's not your usual dumb romantic comedy film.
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Disappointing Sunset with No Vibes!
There was absolutely nothing in the show that worked for me except Sam and Yoh the side couple who appeared for only 2-3 minutes in each 1+ hour episode.The trailer promised a fantasy element, but except for a few brief moments, I did not get that. What was presented was so anti-climatic that I would have preferred if they had stuck with Office Romance as the genre.
I had hoped Lin and Sun's chemistry would be the saving grace of this series, but unfortunately, I cringed at almost all their scenes together. Mos and Bank have more believable offscreen chemistry in their YouTube videos than in this whole series. That much-hyped and anticipated painting scene was meant to be iconic but it was a disaster. I am all here for artistic expression but this didn't feel like it was necessary at all.
Also, that necklace (you know what I am talking about) was UGLY.
Sam and Yoh were the only reason I kept watching this but they were also far from perfect. The screentime was very less to make their love story believable. I am still wondering how Yoh fell for Sam. But again , this was the only silver lining.
The other couples except Sam and Yoh looked forced and literally contributed nothing of value to the plot.
The dialogues were so poorly written that they felt like Chatgpt wrote them. A special mention to 'Khun Dad' !! Because NO.
Overall, I would NOT recommend this and hope the actors choose a better script next time.
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Xiang Bei is a deaf but successful executive workin in a top company. Due to what happen 20years ago and the tragic death of his mother his life mission is to seek revenge and claim back what rightfully belongs to the Lu family under the urge of his maternal grandfather. But this plan became difficult and complicated when Yi Nian enter his life. Yi Nian is the daughter of his enemy but her kind, cheerful and straight forward personality despite himself finds himself drawn to her. Yi Nian is someone who values love and accepts people readily. But she's no push over and you see her challenging Xiang Bei in many instances.
I find I really like how opposite Xiang Bei and yi Nian is. Yi Nian's existence is like a light to his pretty sad and miserable life. She was the balm to his emotional suffering. She would speak out what she could see through his cold exterior and tendency of holding secrets and pain. She accepted his deafness and treated him with no difference. In fact in her subtle way she encouraged him to accept himself. There's quite a number of scenes and her confession which I find touching. I must say I love the lamps she designed.
This drama is not without faults and require heavy self-editing to improve your viewing experience. I had to dig deep into my patience before finding good memorable scenes between our two leads starting from ep 10,11,13 & 15. My self editing means skipping scenes of business rivalry, scenes of extreme hatred or characters I don't like. I focus on interaction between Xiang Bei and Yi Nian, Xiang Bei with his mum, Yi Nian with her best friend and her best friend's own love relationship. That means keeping my fingers on the cursor and able to finish the drama in 2.5 days.
Acting wise is passable. I find their chemistry linger at 80% max. Could have been better. But the love story between then I like. And I thk with the exception of him jumping into the water to rescue her, no cliche scenes of stumbling and accidental kiss. In fact I kind of feel the drama requires a bit more kiss scenes for my romantic side. All in all I enjoyed it. I love the dancing scene, the catch a movie scene, and some of their conversations that still lingers in my mind after the drama has ended. Give this a chance but do some self editing...
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This review may contain spoilers
A Love Story That Isn't for Everyone
I have been wanting to watch this movie since I first watched the trailer and had "No Regrets" by Li Rong Hao on repeat for over a month. I knew this was a movie that would make me cry. I don't think this movie is for everyone, when it's a love story that isn't for everyone; especially people that doesn't like very flawed characters and that not all love will have a happy ending.Zhou Xiao Qi is our male lead that is super rash and emotional throughout the movie, while You Yong Ci (our female lead) was a girl that wanted to simply feel loved and safe in a relationship due to her past family issues. I honestly felt like female lead's character was not fleshed out well compared to the male lead's character, but I think the main focus of the story was on Zhou Xiao Qi. They are both very flawed characters though. The moment Zhou Xiao Qi did the stupid thing that ruined his future, I knew their relationship would fail no matter what. There would always be regrets for him, and then for Yong Ci will forever feel guilty for it. No matter how much they loved each other, it would just not work out.
I think the message that the movie wants to tell us is that just because you love each other, doesn't mean you have to end up together. It gave a realistic view on how when you are young, rash and emotional; you make stupid mistakes and say stupid things that can make or break a relationship. But it's important to look back and cherish the love you had for each other in the past. We should view it as a happy memory; it's better to have loved and been loved, then to not have loved and not been loved Also, it's important to live with the decisions you made and to not have regrets. Keep looking forward, learn from your mistakes and try to become a better person.
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Pining at its finest
Korean BL’s have either been a hit or a miss these days. This drama isn’t dry at all, in all honesty it is pretty good. I’m not going to rave about Zuho being in it, or how that isn’t a a bad thing etc. I’ve done that in the comments and everyone has their own opinion on that. My opinion is to give this show a chance and enjoy it. I like Zuho and Sf9 a lot, how could I at least not find this entertaining.Luckily for me this drama is more than entertaining. It has great moments of chemistry that by the first few minutes where the two leads are in high school and the story is set up, you can pinpoint right away that one clearly and so desperately pines for the other. That is all credit to the actors, both of them, but for Han Joon’s character specifically. He bit hit tongue twice.. looks like that can only be directed so far. He took that intuition and fully went with it, so that is a reason for me to buy into this chemistry if the setup didn’t already do that.
Childhood friends to lovers can be cheap. But Han Joon’s and Yoo Jae’s bond is different with them both being guys. There isn’t that attraction that people will assume is thee because they are the opposite sex, so that’s why I find it interesting. You have Han Joon liking Yoo Jae but knowing it most likely won’t be reciprocated. The moments of his conflicts with expressing his feelings and being upset about that are brief, but the actor knows the characters feelings that you don’t need to much explanation on that. I’m sure there would be if the drama was longer… which is where things seem to be so easily solved if this drama were.
It’s a stunning show with how it’s not super high budget, the music is calm and the ending ost is really upbeat and I like it. Some editing is off, but I’m just glad a show I’ve been waiting for is finally here. I’m glad that the actors are into their roles and aren’t shying away. Zuho I give so much respect for this. He clearly knows his character well also and is versatile with the many emotions his character has to pull off here. Jealousy, attachments, stress, anger.. love love love to see it
My only gripe is this show needs to be longer. It’s only because the endless potential I see with the all so interesting story. On the surface it’s childhood friends with one liking the other. But there’s a whole lot more. Both of the friends have similarities with being poor, they have unfortunate circumstances and adversities that they have calmed and healed with by being so close. I wish to see those internal struggles outside more, specifically with both of their home lives.. but this drama isn’t long enough to have all that without it being choppy. So the attempt that is going to be made will push through for me, but it could be better if fully fleshed out. There is so much to fit with so little time, but it is really interesting to watch nonetheless.
The acting is really good for the leads. The chemistry is there and has my heart pumping from looks alone. The cinematography shines at moments and other times it is just the drama moving along. So this drama is harmless.. and it could become a complete bucket of cold water over the heads of people who doubt it if it comes through with the chemistry that the actors have- but will the production let them?
Unfortunately not. The last handful of episodes unfortunately are rushed and packed with so many things that there isn’t enough time for. The jump from dating and being together is a bit off.. only because there is only so much affection that was allowed to pass through. In a broader version I can only dream about this would’ve been a 10/10. For what it stands for though it was pretty good. Not perfect at all honestly. It had a lot of gaps I had to fill in with the editing and cuts just because it simply isn’t long enough. Lots of potential, too much potential that it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
I enjoyed the chemistry but wished it would’ve been pushed further. It would’ve shown them and their difference from being just friends to being a couple better. It would make more sense for it- but again it was just a lot of potential. Potential is a good thing, for the whole show though it was underwhelming but not horrible. I’d binge in a day if I watched it again.
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This review may contain spoilers
NOT YOUR TYPICAL THAI BLSTORY
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When SUPERNATURAL meets BL this series is what you will have. Despite just having 3 episode. each one will definitely make you stay at the edge of your seat. May it be you're expecting for a jump-scare or anticipating what will happen next, for sure, you will be asking for more. Unfortunately, 3 episodes is just too short. However, that works in the favor of the story itself as it did not have any filler scenes or unnecessary characters and side story. But do I hope for a longer one? Definitely yes, because this is a unique story comparing to the 99% of Thai BL's. No school/uni scene(s) and the fact that is can be categorized as supernatural as well.
What I really like about the story that it does not follow a linear time line. It does not spoon feed you and will make you think despite that this is a love story. Yes, thinking is more for the mystery type of story; but somehow, the mystery side of the plot is what will make you hooked. True enough, what was shown in the Episode 1 will definitely leave you scratching your head until you watch Episode 2 and realize what Episode 1 is the effect of Episode 2.
Episode 3 is the most emotionally packed one. Grief, anger, sadness, pain and letting go. I am actually surprised that a 16 minute long episode would contain so much of emotion. A 16-minute emotion roller coaster ride indeed. The very last scene, the most ironic "lines"... Kinda reminds me of the song "Punchline" by Aidan Martin because the word 'punchline' was said on the stage.
And as the video darkens, is also the time my heart dropped.
Story-wise if you want to have a sense of the order of the episode based on their timeline, what happened first is Episode 2. It is your choice which will follow next if it is going to be Episode 1 or 3. But I prefer Ep 2 -> 1 -> 3 as it has a sense of acceptance.
ACTING/CAST
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Jeff and Gameplay are relatively newcomers in the Thai entertainment industry. BUT, they are already showing an awesome acting skill!
Jeff's characters as Mike (in this mini-series) and Marwin (Ingredients) have the same vibes; HOWEVER, in this mini-series, Jeff have already shown multiple of emotions. I must admit, I have watched the first 7 episodes of "Ingredients" before watching this one, after all, it was not complete until today. I like his character as Marwin and I have thought that it suits his looks, charming and cute and is working for him. Then I have watched this. Oh Boy! This guy have a lot of potential and can be on the level of the actors under GMMTV and Nadao Bangkok.
Gameplay, I really like his rugged looks here, and in the series Ingredients, is more neat and organized. Similarly with Jeff, he shows a number of emotions already as to his character "Tops" in "Ingredients". It really hard not to fall in low with Tops when he smiles, but in this, I really want to hug to comfort him as he has been through a lot. If you watch closely, you can see him shows hint of emotion in a number of scenes. It is actually hard for any actor to do that than to show the full emotion. Think about this, a smirk could mean a lot of things; but Gameplay show that facial expression and immediately, you know what he is trying to make you feel.
MUSIC
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Two iconic songs that definitely put the watching experience in a different level.
1st is MOMENT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT993S1FDNM
Jeff and Gameplay singing an excerpt of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJwJuBq5y6U
2nd is COMEDY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuKy6aQvcrs , from Jeff's YouTube channel
with hardcoded lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IFmh2nvo00
Both were sung by Mike (Jeff Satur). Coincidentally, Moment is also featured in another BL series which feature both Jeff and Gameplay.
Jeff is fast becoming my favorite Thai Actor-Singer-Intrumentalist.
REWATCH VALUE
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As almost all series I have watched I rarely rewatch a series or a movie and this is definitely not one of those that I will rewatch.
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