1Journeys end in lovers meeting.
Pearl Eclipse is adapted from a beautiful, dark and tragic novel Madame Huzhu 斛珠夫人 set in the Novoland universe. It is an unforgettable and heartbreaking story about guilt, obsession, love and the futile struggle against fate that inextricably entangles the three main protagonists Fang Jianming, Emperor Dixu and Fang Haishi. Although the plot and many characterisations deviate markedly from the novel, the core message that we can choose our destiny but cannot overcome fate remains. Although not quite as dark as the novel, this is an angst filled, tortured tale about tragically flawed characters that won't appeal to everyone.The novel has heavy BL elements to it and the incredibly dark, complicated and almost parasitical relationship between Dixu and Jianming is quite well portrayed in the drama. It is by far the most uniquely fascinating relationship in this drama because they are so entangled neither has free will. Poor Haishi, hers was a lost cause from the start because Jianming already was inextricably bonded to Dixu by ties far more powerful than the baixi. Their depth of shared history and sorrow and Jianming's sense of guilt and his obsession with putting Humpty Dumpty together again are practically insurmountable challenges. And to Jianming's credit, while undoubtedly tempted, he avoids Haishi's many overtures because he already pledged himself to Dixu.
The drama seems slow to start because it took all three leads a surprisingly long time to get into character and to convey the many layers of their intertwined backstories. This is made more difficult because their backstories are told in flashbacks which works well in novels but is harder to do onscreen when the actors are not in character. I don't think it is particularly fair to pick on only one of them but they are all rather seasoned actors so it is disappointing. Xu Kai Cheng overacted in the beginning and he and Chen Weiting were not connecting. Their unspoken rapport only becomes evident later on and that is when the drama starts to get interesting. Even though I find Chen Weiting incredibly handsome despite the terrible wig and enjoyed his performance overall, I don't think he managed to convey the multifaceted, fascinatingly complex character that is Fang Jianming. While he nails it as the archetypal ice-block, noble idiot shifu, a more daring and intense portrayal should have delivered a better glimpse into the dark ruthlessness, frustration and temptation that torments the character.
Haishi of the drama is well fleshed out and far better dimensioned than the novel. It is refreshing to see a brave, capable female character that speaks her mind and goes after her man relentlessly. And her outraged and shocked reaction to rejection just cracked me up because I am sure it is something that a flawless beauty like Yang Mi is personally not accustomed to. While Haishi and Jianming make for a stunning couple, their chemistry emerges slowly and it does fall far short of the sizzle of TMOPB. This is partly because it is supposed to be a hidden, taboo romance; one that is so incredibly ill fated that knowing better, Jianming avoids; while true to her nature, Haishi rushes recklessly headlong into. As much as I applaud Yang Mi for doing her own voice work here, it is a mediocre performance that reflects years of neglect in this area on her part. She already naturally has a young and very feminine voice that should not have been made even younger and quite so girlish. It does not fit the role of a woman passing herself off as a man and it conjures up uncomfortable images with respect to this already forbidden romance. Although she improves towards the end, I can't help but think her usual voice dubber would have elevated her performance considerably.
While I do not like the way Tilan was written, she is the catalyst that enables the drama to take another path. But it is unfair to have practically all of Dixu's darkness heaped upon her and their relationship got so toxic I struggled with the turn around, in particular on her part. She also seemed a lot stronger and smarter in the beginning where she passively aggressively standsup to Dixu. Unfortunately her character was truly thrown under the bus to enable the end outcome. Zhuoying and Zheliu have the only non dysfunctional relationship in this drama that is a welcome relief but oddly boring at the same time.
What I like most about the adaptation is how it is faithful to the novel in terms of how it takes us down the path of the dark, hopeless entanglement between the three main protagonists and then turns it around. At the darkest moment, Haishi convinces Dixu to give himself a second chance which sets in motion an unwind of this vicious circle into a virtuous one. One change leads to another that reveals another layer of each character and get to see them change and grow into a formidable, united force against their enemies. It is a very strong message that we can choose our destiny, ie. how we live our lives and even though ultimately we may or may not be able to overcome fate, the journey is more important than the destination.
This is a very high value production with lavish costumes, sets and some intense and brilliantly choreographed action scenes, notably the epic battle reminiscent of Lord of the Rings at Hangguan Pass. Yet despite a few riveting action scenes, this is largely a character story with very little plot movement. Despite a few thrilling encounters especially in the early episodes, the various sub plots to overthrow the emperor Dixu are not properly fleshed out and don't tie well together. There are interesting villains in the book that get dumbed down to obvious cartoon characters with boring motives that can't even hide well in plain sight. The ending feels like it is missing scenes and beloved characters like Zhuoying and Zheliu's story is ended cursorily almost as an afterthought. The final plot is anti-climatic, predictable and completely premised on the stupidity of two characters. The plight of the mer-folk, their tears for pearls and how this fantasy story that begins and should end with them gets lost as a result of changes made to the character stories.
I have very mixed feelings about the ending. I think the most fitting way to end this is about 20 minutes into the penultimate episode (47) where journeys end in lovers meeting. The final episode and outcome for most of the couples are not deserved, made worse by a weak and rushed end plot that is not earned. They ought to have stopped while they were ahead. That said, Haishi and Jianming's final scene is both actors most moving and resonating performance in the entire drama. But while superficially the important aspects of the drama are faithful to the novel, the final product lacks the finesse, symmetry and haunting dark and cruel inevitably of the novel. The novel is fated and inexorable while the drama is fated and unnecessary. I rate this between 7.5-8.5; it will feel more like an 8.5 to those who stop ~20 minutes into episode 47.
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Unexpectedly good drama
It is a great drama with cute and good chemistry between the main characters.Not gonna lie but this is one of my favourite drama.Even though the leads seem a little childish.At a point it was a little serious with tae sung's past and revenge plot.I loved the part were GTS pick on OHB because of his embarrassment.
The people in the story works very hard to create good image of the actors and this also shows a good amount of problems faced in the entertaiment industry.
STORYLINE/PLOT
Like other romcom it is based on entertainment industry.The male is an actor and female lead is a PR head who cleans up the mess.It has a lawyer working together with FL who likes FL.Both fl and ml were college mates and have love/hate relationship.There are Ml's manager and another manager working in the same company.Ml's manager has a great relationship with the ml except for a point where their relationship becomes little strained.
And there are characters who work on the drama in which ml is the main actor.There is some relationship problem between ml and his mom who is an ex actress who wants to resolve their issues from the past as she becomes ill.
There are some other plots where some people who hate ml try to sabotage his acting career.Some scenes you will be laughing like a hell and many times you will feel sad for th MC.
CAST
Honestly I didn't expect much from this and started this because I had free time and ended up loving this show. I saw Kim young dae in Penthouse and lee sung kyung in dr romantic 2 .I felt like they were tailor made for this drama
REASONS TO WATCH
-Good chemistry between the leads
-Slight bromance
-Good friendship
-Funny
-Some quirky humors
REASONS TO NOT WATCH
-Annoying family plot
-Unwanted revenge plot
-Scheming housekeeper
This drama is definitely worth watching with good chemistry between the ml and fl lead .It had a good amount of humor , family relationship and show a side of suffering for main actors.I think you won't regret watching it.
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Johan North supremacy
To tell you the truth I'm an all time fan of romantic comedy and this series is exactly the same.I dropped the series from the first episode- not because it is boring but it felt a little slow- not to mention whenever there is Earth ( sry I love Earth but his part is always a little slow. only in the 1st 2 episodes. And nothing happens in their storyline either... They are already in love from start to finish) but believe me, you have to watch at double speed just 2- 3 episode and you will enter the world of romantic comedy. Guys it's totally worth it! 17 ep were not enough, I want something eternal!
From now on, Johan is my all-time favorite. His aura, secret smile, possessiveness- I was barely breathing when he put the seatbelt on North.
They have the intimacy chemistry biology and everything, even when they are just looking at each other. Like what ter said, I'm also a shipper for both of them.
I love how jo didn't even get angry at North, even when he knew north was lying to him (He is a mix of red and green flags- I love him). He is completely and madly in love with North. Johan is the standard. His character development and backstory will stay with us forever.
At first, I watched it for hill and ter, but Johan and North surpassed everyone, and they have all my heart. I had zero expectations, but it turned out to be one of my favorites. You have to watch first to understand the feeling-ITS TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Not to mention the director; he has done such a great job and he is also the director of Perfect 10 Liners. Now he's controlling the romantic comedy genre in his hands. Both are now my favourites.
The love for Johan is beyond words for so many fans, including me. We will always support you, whether you're seen as a green or red flag. But from the moon, we can tell you're a lush green forest in North's life. Thank you for loving our cutie pie.
The only downside is in the editing or screenwriting—I’m not sure—but there seems to be some miscommunication in the middle part of the series. Apart from that, it’s the best light-hearted fun series.
OMG!! Guys they announced SEASON 2.
P.s. If you only want to watch johannorth, start from the 5th/6th ep. But I'd recommend watching from the start to understand the friendship btwn the characters.
And please try to watch the UNCUT version, that few extra seconds of kissing scenes can melt you for sure!!
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This review may contain spoilers
5 reasons to watch Fighting Mr. Second
I am absolutely in love. Literally. I usually never write reviews or for that matter watch shows live or pay attention to the BTS stuff but this show grabbed my attention and never let go. It will forever hold a place in my most memorable and favorite dramas not just a BL1 - Cast/Chemistry
The whole cast is pretty great, from YU’s eyes that break heart to Chih Tian Shih whose monologue left everyone in tears. But the stand out will always be Sam Lin, he is just amazing at making you feel exactly what Shi De is feeling. Who knew a “Hi” could be that sad.
Also there chemistry is undeniable. Whether it’s the angry scenes, sweet ones or smexy times there is always a kind of tension between the 2 mains. They just feel so natural together and never felt forced or overdone.
2 - The Mains
Shu Yi - I love this dramatic baby. He is a force of nature, selfish, arrogant but in such a cute way that you can’t help but root for him in the end. I love that he never backs down from Shi De, always challenges him at his level and calls him out on his crap.
Goa Shi De - I think he is my overall favourite character. He was originally going to be more macho and aggressive but with the input of Sam they changed him to agreeable, bendable , humble and accepting. I think the writer (of the show) said it best when she said that Shi De’s biggest flaw is he’s always been the pioneer in his relationship with Shu Yi and feels like he should go out first to clear the way of obstacles but he underestimated Shu Yi ability to catch up to him so he made mistakes. He holds everything inside and when he explodes it left me in tears of sympathy.
3 - Storyline
The story is quite simple for the most part, it’s about the after of the happy ending. In season one we see Shi De and Sho Yi finally get together but what happens after that? Can young love in all its immaturity conquer insecurity, distance, pride, misunderstandings and get to a more mature place? When you’ve been hurt by your most trusted one, is possible to let go of angry in order to forgive? Can you withstand your partner’s hurt and hatred to earn the forgiveness? Are you willing to walk hand in hand instead of always being the strong one that shows no weakness? These are main conflicts.
At first I didn’t think I was gonna like this as much as the 1st season because the “misunderstanding” troupe is so damn over used but if you roll with it and stick with the characters, the internal reasoning from episode 4 allows you to sympathize with the real why.
One of the shows flaw is focusing on the Alpha plot at the second part of the drama and cutting out the emails scenes that many felt was a necessity. However I felt like the director did the Alpha plot to show the mains working together in a common goal to show a glimpse of what there future working together is like. And it also was a vehicle for Pei Shou Yi and Yu Zhen Xuan to be in each other orbits again.
4 - Music
The music in this show is actually really good, only rivaled by ITTSAY as my favourite BL soundtrack. Usually I find the music overused and distracting because sometimes it doesn’t go with the scene it’s in (I’m looking at you Love by chance and Tharntype). But here it fit the theme of the season because it’s slightly bluezy/moody and YU has a beautiful voice.
5 - Side Characters
I actually don’t really every like multiple couple stories in general because it draws too much time away from the main couples storylines especially in shorter dramas. But here they gave us interesting side story between Pei Shou Yi and Yu Zhen Xuan that was just enough to make me want to see where there story goes in there spin off series without annoying me with too much screen time. I ended up falling in love in Yu Zhen Xuan in episode 6.
Will I rewatch this drama? Yes it’s now cemented in my heart as 1 of my favs. Should you? I say don’t hesitate, some people might find it not as fluffy as the first season or can’t overlook some flaws but give it try cause it might surprise you.
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1
1Outstanding! A KDrama that somehow satisfyingly feeds the human heart.
The KDrama "Our Blues" unfolds a distinctive magic that gently stretches its silken net around the hearts of the viewers and thus spreads warmth. Big KDrama!Re. musical genre: the blues is a kind of lament, sad in nature and born of pain. In "Our Blues" it's not the lamentations of slaves on the plantations, but those of several very average people living where South Koreans prefer to go for vacation: Jeju Island. The protagonists´ lifes are in no way spectacular. They are rather normal for their age and the place. They work hard for their income, live simply and often on what the land (and in this case the sea) offers them. From the buzz of these individual and yet so normal lamentations, a sense of unity grows, that even transcends the screen - because many can sympathize with it and identify with their painful and often humiliating experiences in their own way. That makes it "OUR" blues in several ways. It reaches out from the world of the KDrama into the world of the audience and brings us as people from all over the world a bit closer to each other.
"Our Blues" fondly tells a dozen stories about disappointments and unhealed mental wounds that many people know in one way or another and may have experienced themselves. Most of the protagonists (all wonderful first-class cast!) have known each other more or less since childhood. They form a community of colleagues, friends, family and family of choice. Although Jeju-do is South Korea's largest island, it is relatively small at 73 km x 31 km. At its center, South Korea's highest mountain - the dormant Hallasan Volcano - divides the island into the northern area around the city of Jeju and the southern area around the city of Seogwipo. Seogwipo has an urban center with the harbor and then there is urban sprawl with village structures along the coast. This city characterizes the living environment of the characters. As audience, we accompany some of them in a kind of latent mental process of molting.
Some say there is no such thing as a storyline in "Our Blues". In fact, it is more of a composition, or rather a kaleidoscope of independent lamentations. At the core of each lies an ancient pain. What's magnificent about "Our Blues" is that (and how) these songs are finally being sung and thus make space for light and love. For far too long, the protagonists have kept their pain deeply hidden within. They tried to live with it neatly packed away, instead of 'giving' it some space. Yet, sooner or later, the old pain just 'takes' its space... for 20 episodes...
I would´t call it healing, rather transformation, because the painful experience of the past is and remains what it was. However, the potential of what is possible in the future is changing. When the pain in the heart is finally allowed to find space and show itself, it can be witnessed and receive the recognition it deserves. The spasm dissolves and energy is released. Thus new experiences are now possible in the future.
Wanting to spare oneself or others, or wanting to avoid conflict and confrontation, has ultimately never really worked or done any good. Actually, emotional pain and psychological suffering have something to offer: they are the key to opening a portal to a new dimension of truthfulness. The recipe is quite simple: friction (in a deliberately tangible sense of rubbing) facilitates closeness. The problem that prevents this potential for closeness is very human: fear. Because the prerequisite is that I have to honestly show myself as I am (e.g. with my feelings). In doing so, I make myself vulnerable. But only then someone dear to me can reach out and touch me for real. And only in this way true encounter between me and the world becomes possible. Self-assured. Aware of myself. Straightforward. Straight. Upright.
In this KDrama lamentations are ´sung´ and ´heard´. Deep down they are sad, true enough. Yet, it makes you happy, that they are sung at last. And it is just beautiful the way those stories are told: The variety of stories about friendship dynamics, unrequited love and sensitive family relationships are affectionately interwoven in many layers and gain in radiance. We repeatedly encounter individual protagonists in several contexts. One person after the other ... we can´t help to grow fond of them. Ultimately, besides the very human blues that life inevitably offers as a portal to become who we are, the constants in all time, here, there and everywhere, are the sea around us and the sky above. Jeju-do as location for this KDama just hits the spot!
A KDrama that somehow satisfyingly feeds the human heart.
(By the way: "Our Blues" has become one of the highest-rated series on South Korean cable television. Viewer ratings have doubled from episode 1 to 20. (As I said, you grow fond of it over time...)
----------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Haenyeo = sea women or daughters of the sea ---
Jeju-do is famous not only as a tourist hotspot with boardwalks and hotels for honeymooners (Jeju International Airport is the third largest in the country), but also for its volcanic landscape, which is now a World Heritage Site. Yet, furthermore, characteristic of the island's tradition are the Haenyeos, who have been diving for centuries without oxygen tanks for abalone (or sea snails) and other sea food. Especially abalone is plentiful on the seabed around the island. However, these are not so easy to harvest by conventional fishing industry.
To this day, the archaic way of free diving is the only proven one: hold your breath, dive down with a hook, a weight belt and a small net, and then skilfully scrape the seafood off the rocks at the bottom. Today, wetsuits, diving goggles and fins help. A buoy marks the 'area'. Not everyone can do that. Apparently women are particularly good at it. Often families practice this craft for many generations already. The technique of holding your breath for around 3 minutes at high underwater pressure, even at a water temperature of 8 °C, is usually passed on to the daughter. (Actually, in these circles the birth of a daughter is finally empathically praised and extensively celebrated.)
The income of the sought-after Haenyeo has become quite respectable. They are economically independent by now. These days, however, there is shadow to it, too. Being able to finance university studies for their offspring, the young generation nowadays prefers to move to the mainland for higher education and more comfortable jobs. Accordingly, the Haenyeos could soon become extinct. Nevertheless, once you are a Haenyeo, you stay with the diving until old age.
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The characters, the story, and the relationships were all so well thought out! I loved all of the characters, and they all have really wonderful relationships with each other- that are REAL. They fight, bicker, annoy the hell out of each other, get seriously frustrated with each other, and they realize that they all have their own flaws. And the story stays realistic, (funnily enough to say about a drama based on mental disorders) showing the true struggles people in relationships (wife, mother, girlfriend, brother, daughter, etc.) with people with mental disorders have to face. It's really wonderful. The cast acted out everything brilliantly- the emotions were conveyed very well and wow, some of the best acting I've ever seen.
AND THE MUSIC. *BREATHES DEEPLY* I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN TO Y'ALL HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS OST. LIKE... THESE SONGS. THEY'RE GREAT. THEY FIT IN SO WELL WITH THE SCENES AND I'VE DOWNLOADED A BUNCH OF THEM AND I NEVER GOT TIRED OF THEM (like I have with very many other songs in other dramas) AND WOW. A++++++++++++++++++ TO WHOEVER PICKED THESE SONGS. A FREAKING PLUS.
Anyways, I totally recommend this drama! It's probably one of my all time favorites now and I loved this drama from start to finish!
For a country still dealing with its own discrimination towards mental disorders, I thought this drama was just plain- WOW. Wonderful. Seriously, good job!!! (I'm in awe)
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This review may contain spoilers
Clichés? We don't know what that is
What makes this drama so special? For me personally, it was the lack of cliches. Our female lead can stand her ground, she isn't a damsel in distress who needs saving every time. She also knows what she wants. Our male lead, although younger he has proven just how mature he can be and how much he cares for her. As he said, "she can worry about beauty, I'll worry about her health". They are both willing to comprise.When an issue presented itself instead of breaking up they dealt with it. I've seen many dramas that when an issue arises the first thought is always to break up because they think that's what's best for the other person. Like Lin Yang said, "I won't hurt him and I won't hurt myself". This drama presented a realistic view of a relationship.
They are childhood friends, she has seen him since he was a baby. He fell in love with her when he was 15, and saw her go through many breakups yet he never gave up. He knew what he wanted and he charged forwards for it. He never hesitated in showing his love for her.
Love triangle? yes but it's so light that you barely feel it's there and it got resolved halfway through the drama.
Annoying second female lead? yes, but he always made it clear and drew a bright red line between them which left no room for misunderstandings. Our female lead also stood her ground. Although annoying li tian came around.
Supportive parents? Yes, it would be weird if they didn't support them considering they wanted their kids to marry even before they were conceived. Plus they treated each other's children as their own.
Supportive bestfriends? Yes, there is no backstabbing. They felt like that ride-or-die type of friend.
I would recommend this drama. It's light but it still manages to portray a good relationship between the leads.
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Trolley
69 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Its empathic. Powerful. Yet, beware: it is rather slow & actually not on the bright side of life
"Trolley" is a SBS production for South Korean TV first of all, even it is promptly running on Netflix, too. One could say that the KDrama is about a politician's wife, who is caught up in an emotionally draining past and overtaken by an extremely unpleasant present. One could say that it is about an ambitious politician with a promising career, who is in the middle of the national assembly election campaign and will give everything for it. One could say that it is about the classic moral trolley dilemma, which is running through the story like a key note – should one intervene in the unstoppable, catastrophic events and sacrifice one human life in the process, or let things take their course, the but then (in the case of the trolley dilemma) will claim several victims? With respect to each of these varying aspects, the story delivers suspense, depth and emotional intensity, enriched with complex details until the end.
"Trolley" is like a large patchwork quilt made up of many colorful, isolated, fateful pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that becomes a whole while increasing in suspense episode by episode. And this spectacular whole is what I particularly appreciate about this KDrama. Because the production is dedicated to a sensitive issue in South Korea society: the devaluation, harassment, oppression, contempt, discrediting, defamation, exploitation, sexualization of women and widespread physical violence against them.
The KDrama articulates a quiet howl calling for change. This howl, which has been rather mute for the longest time, wants a voice. This howl of pain wants to be heard. One voice should become many. Laws protecting women (and victims of abuse in general) would be all well and good. But even more so (and above all) there is a need for courageous role-models of women (and men) who lead the way. (Or for a start: KDramas and their e.g. female protagonists...) Role models are needed, who stand up for themselves, for their lives, for what happened to them, and for their rights as human beings. Tangible role models are needed embodying what lies at the heart of (these much-needed) laws: the non-debatable dignity inherent in every human being, regardless of gender, creed, birth, or ability. Paragraphs alone are not enough. They must be filled with life. With people who dare to actually venture out of the familiar swamp with their heads held high. And that's (for women) still easier said than done in South Korea 2023. "Trolley" embodies these circumstances in an impressive way. In fact, this is more than overdue. This TV production also places this message with some force and spreads it worldwide, too, so it cannot be overheard. Can it? May the message get through and encourage … women, young people, … and men too.
However, the spotlight is not directed at one or 'the' man as such, but at society as a whole, in which women structurally function (or supposed to function) well; in which they themselves participate in the premises - as mothers, as classmates, as part of a bullying, via public and Social media easy to manipulate crowd. The poisonous social thorn is so deeply rooted within women themselves: a systematically and consistently cultivated, inferior attitude towards their life. The the circumstances usually aren´t even seriously questioned because: that's the way it is… has been… (will be?)
Practically all of the women in this KDrama represent a self-esteem that has been deeply hurt and thus weakened as a result of private and public devaluation or even physical violence. They all somehow learned to live with it. They are battered, wounded and scarred, and they suffer from their feeling of inferiority that weakens them into old age. The worst thing about it: that they are still standing there alone, because nobody really can/wants to acknowledge their suffering and justified anger. Women have had to learn to live with the fact that there are no witnesses, no advocate, no encouragement, no attention, no consolation for them and their traumatic experience of harassment. No one is standing in their corner. The social message: You didn't deserve anything else. You´re to blame. 'Submissive, quiet, tame and silenced, everyone can do whatever they want.' Such is fate as a daughter. As an unwanted daughter. As the first daughter. As a daughter-in-law. As a wife. As a divorced woman. As an illegitimate mother. That something, which has remained deeply in these women, now shows impact, too: so that they either secretly and quietly devalue and question themselves, alternatively devalue others on their behalf, or let others devalue them on principle. This painful experience has not been redeemed to this day and should not be redeemed (from the social point of view of some). It is the ingrained yet invisible mark that South Korean society brands its women with. With "Trolley" it is out in the open. In multiple ways. Options for change are discussed, and the difficulties involved are also explored.
A strong portrait of society, cleverly prepared and seriously presented, yet in an entertaining manner. The KDrama meets a red-hot zeitgeist that calls for winds of change. The story courageously challenges the conservative, patriarchal attitude, which by nature denies women the right to be fully acknowledged human beings with the same rights. In the course of the last year, blood boiled high in South Korea after President Yoon declared 'structural sexism' being no longer existent in the Republic and wanted to abolish the Ministry for Equality and Family (or move it to other departments). In these times (see also the side note below), "Trolley" is a courageous and important production, because it tells a different story - that of devalued, sexualized, abused women in a self-satisfied man's world. Respect!
Its empathic. Powerful. Yet, beware: it is rather slow and actually not on the bright side of life.
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SIDE NOTE: --- Always burning topical: violence against women in South Korea ---
If you compare the crime statistics in (i.e.) Germany and South Korea, South Korea is clearly the safer country. Seoul is arguably one of the safest cities in the world. But not for women...
Overall, violence in South Korea may be limited. But against women it is alarmingly widespread. Of the violent crimes recorded in South Korea, about 80 percent of the victims are women. In 2020, more than 58 incidents of sexual violence, including rape, were recorded among 100,000 residents in South Korea. (There were 12 in Germany for comparison). There have been newspaper reports of brutal femicides almost weekly in recent years. In a national survey conducted by the Ministry for Gender Equality and Family in the summer of 2021 (the ministry still existed then), 57.8 percent (!) of women stated that they felt threatened by misogynistic violence.
But the current political line is different. President Yoon stands for the values of the so-called "New Men's Solidarity". Behind this is a deeply patriarchal, conservative thinking that denies women to be full human beings with the same rights. Accordingly, the official line tends to go backwards: the penalties for false allegations of sexual assault are increased and the politicians rather argue with classic perpetrator-victim reversal: the women provoked the men by not doing what the men want them to do . Courts rarely judge in the interests of women. On the contrary. The outcome might be: victims of sexual violence are punished more severely than the perpetrators. Law against defamation of sex offenses is far stricter than that on sex offenses. It allows victims of sexual violence to be sentenced to up to 3 years in prison – even if it is proven that their publicly disclosed allegations are true. In the actual cases of sexual offenses, the verdicts against the perpetrators, however, are mostly merciful, with a mild sentence for crimes against women, as soon as there is one or the other weakening reason or an impeccable good reputation. Lax investigations and re-traumatizing behavior towards female victims in police and judicial authorities make matters worse.
All in all, it is very difficult for women to effectively defend themselves against the violence they might have experienced. Headwind blows from almost everywhere. Here we are again with the deeply patriarchal, conservative basic attitude of a society that denies women as a matter of course that they are full human beings with the same rights. This 'self-evidence' needs to be questioned and confronted. Resistance works best when women unite and at least start to stop this structural mutual devaluation among themselves. Speak, talk, share, cry, console... You don't need laws for that. Supporting one another, acknowledging injustice as such, comfort and compassion would be soothing ointments on the wounds of countless women that could heal a little bit better that way.
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Gold medal for underdeveloping… everything.
What happened? Someone explain, because I am confused. What started as a loveable cliche mess, ended as just a mess. Around half way through I could sense it - no development, no quality of writing, no details to the storytelling, no real stakes…Personally, I just think there were too many characters and plots for that many episodes. We did not need the stupid siblings duo - truly brought nothing to the table. The side romance was cute, but also unnecessary. The writers should have picked either a tragic mysterious past or the power struggle in the company and focus on developing it more. Random ex to show up 3 times to cause a little bit of trouble that led to nowhere? Why?
I was watching the second half with constant thought - so much is happening, but why does it feel like nothing is happening? Maybe because the plot seemed more like a brainstorm on a whiteboard rather than a full narration with detailed setup and development… The way almost nothing got a proper closure…
What carried the show for me were the characters of Ah Jung, Ji Han and one and only unproblematic powerful queen Chae Won. These three were fun, entertaining, dynamic. Their scenes always left a smile on my face. These three also had an amazing chemistry.
On the other hand, every character other than these three was boring or frustrating, with little to no redeeming qualities.
What’s more, the quality of acting was on average mediocre - either because the characters were too poorly written for the actors to make it work, or because the actors just could not connect to the emotions they were supposed to present.
Overall, what a waste of time. Another case of a great first half and disappointing finish.
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I disagree with all of the above statements. Cha Eun Woo has some serious acting chops. I am not really a critic. Honestly, I usually think everyone is great, but all the negative comments he was getting made me pay extra attention. His character was pretty traditional stoic and standoffish. But I thought he played the part well. He would have these minute facial expressions that showed what he was thinking. And his character grew and progressed as the story went on.
Im Soo Hyang did an awesome job for the part. Because of the plastic surgery she was supposed to look more "mature" than her fellow students, so her age wasn't really a problem. The actress was excellent for the part. I can't imagine anyone else doing such a good job portraying someone who looks beautiful but feels ugly.
As for the rest, haters gonna hate.
This was a lovely show about a girl who was bullied all through her childhood for being "ugly". Before entering college, she gets plastic surgery done on her whole face in hopes that she can have a new life. But it turns out, it takes more than a new face to change your life. She has to learn to love herself and to not judge herself or others based on the way they look.
Most importantly, at least for me, the ending was perfect. It had everything I want in a drama ending. And for me that is pretty rare.
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The characters play well off each other as their chemistry is greate and the actors are all well suited for their parts. And honestly, the guys are very cute :P
One notable thing about this drama is it gives you room to imagine in details yourself. For example, they don't necessarily give the full backstory of the characters. Instead they hint at many parts and let you create your own story for them in your mind.
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Lukewarm.
Warm on a Cold Night is a fantasy historical investigative drama set in a fictional Qian kingdom. Qian is a rich kingdom that attracts immigration from the neighboring Qi kingdom. The Qian are more cerebral and capable administrators with strong legal frameworks and institutions. The Qi subsist in the cold and harsh Northern climate and are ridden with internal strife. They are more primitive shapeshifters with formidable and fantastical physical powers. A longstanding treaty enables Qi immigrants to better their lives in Qian defending the border and engaging in more physically demanding professions.A young Qian constable Su Jiuér questions a hot-blooded Qi suspect Han Zheng in connection with a serial murder case. She discovers that he has a strange ability to alleviate the incurable cold disease that afflicts her and latches on to him like a lifeline. They work together grudgingly after it turns out that Han Zheng is also after her suspect Mu Yan. They get off to a bickering start but predictably fall for each other as they investigate a series of mysterious cases that stoke tensions between the Qian and the Qi in the Qian capital. They are aided by friends in high places including Jiuér's admirer and budding playwright Prince Wen Jun, his brother Crown Prince Wen Ying, and the gorgeously spectacular Qi general Chi Lan.
The main romance is carried by Li Yitong's and Bi Wenjun's chemistry; their stunning visuals and incredible charisma. These compelling actors are short-changed by two-dimensional and inconsistent character designs and a frustrating script that is lacking in both character and relationship growth. Jiu'er is a smart and logical character, a keenly astute investigator of consequential crimes in Jiuxiao City. Except when she regresses into childhood, talks to herself in a whiny and high-pitched tone, and behaves like a complete nincompoop. I was dumbfounded at this exaggerated and shallow character interpretation. Still, Li Yitong is so innately likable that she successfully pulls off such a difficult character to connect with and invest in. Although Bi Wenjun delivers a more nuanced portrayal, Han Zheng as a character is equally exasperating. All this grumpy 60-year-old Qi shapeshifter seems to do is scowl, get jealous, lose his temper, and become reckless; rinse and repeat. This is a role with the potential to be interesting and multi-faceted but that is never realized. Initially, I was too busy marveling at how he makes a fanny pack and flowery kimono print robes look so hot. As I soak up his bold, expressive eyes, the high-tanned cheekbones, haughty nose, down to... dry, chapped full lips... wait... did they run out of money for lip balm? Ouch - hope they didn't need to do too many retakes of those kiss scenes. Fabulous visuals don't cut it for long - I was quickly left wanting more from these stagnant roles locked in a juvenile romance that moves at a snooze pace.
In sharp contrast are Chi Lan and Wen Ying's much more complex and interesting stories. Both personas were clearly written by a much more sophisticated and mature writer and they anchor the show. Chi Lan is an awesome female role; measured, analytical, poised, and as cool as a cucumber with a barely perceptible air of danger about her. This lady knows when her head is being turned but if it pleases her, she permits it anyway. And you don't want to mess with her because she makes for a deadly adversary on any battlefield. Her interactions with Wen Ying are laced with tension and have real depth and complexity. Wen Ying is her true equal, another fascinating and layered personality who is at the surface cultured and sincere yet incredibly difficult to get to really know. Theirs is the romance I cared about and they are the main reason I did not drop this drama. I would love to see their story continue down the road. He Ruixian proved to be the true star of this show with her incisive portrayal of a remarkable character.
In terms of world-building, this is a wildly imaginative one that is original and different but errs on the side of being overly far-fetched. The world's "rules" are not firmly established and seem to be made up along the way. This is especially true in terms of the many functions and effects of the cyborg like the Qi vitality stone stuck to the chests of these shapeshifters that are wolves until they become apes. The writer also unnecessarily creates insurmountable biological obstacles between the Qi and Qian races just to impress upon us the depth and endurance of the main love story. It smacks of the work of an immature and lazy writer who couldn't be bothered to show us that their love is epic instead of forcing it upon us. What I like best about the world is the Qi's superpowers and how they engage in combat. The fight scene choreography is amazing; energetic, hard-hitting, lethal, and thrilling. I especially enjoyed watching Chi Lan's badass and deadly grace in combat.
As for the mysteries, they run too long and while they are quite interesting, the only memorable one is the painting case. Their strength is not in the plot but in the wonderful job the production does humanizing the victims as people who lived, laughed, loved, and will be missed. They also tie in nicely with the main conspiracy which is well-conceived. While some of the villains are too obvious, the mastermind hides in plain sight and surfaces with a nice twist. Although I suspected them quite early on, the acting was so masterful I doubted myself until the reveal. As for the ending, it was a mixed bag - an epic showdown, a great escape, some noble idiocy, a bizarre reversal, a ruler is anointed and loose ends aplenty. All things considered, this drama is true to its hot and cold theme in leaving me lukewarm. I rate this 8.0/10.0 simply because of the mastermind twist, without which it was a solid 7.5 all the way for me.
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1
1This review may contain spoilers
Head 2 Head? More Like Living Rent-Free in My Head
This series honestly sneaks up on you. What starts off feeling like sharp banter, rivalry, and chaos slowly turns into something way heavier and endearing. I didn't even realize when it happened- one moment I was entertained, the next I was deeply and emotionally invested. My only complaint is how short the episodes are and the occasional abrupt scene cuts which actually did not bother me as much, because JeromeJinn, they make it completely worth it.Jerome and Jinn are pure chaos in the best way. They started off as rivals who were constantly at each other's throats- insults, glares, nonstop competition but let's be real, that was just them flirting in denial. Every argument, every petty moment, every attempt to one-up the other was just unresolved feelings screaming for attention. Their chemistry is insane. The trailer calls them each other's nightmare, but all I see is them being each other's world. These two walk into a room and the gravity literally shifts. Their entire world just... orbits around each other. Unintentionally, intentionally- doesn't matter. Whether they are racing, arguing, or simply existing in the same space, it's always them against each other and them with each other, basically always them together.
Spoilers Alert!!
What really elevates the story is how it handles the darker elements. The dreams, visions, and accidents don't exist just for shock value, they slowly change the tone of everything. There's this constant sense that something bad is coming, and J's decision to not tell Jinn becomes its own source of tension. I understand why he does it, but watching him carry that weight alone is painful. The fear is quiet, personal, and suffocating, which makes it hit harder than any dramatic twist. Also, I get why some people feel the dreams are repetitive but isn't that the entire point of the series? Every dream sequence builds on the last. They're not just repeating for the sake of it; they're accumulating. Each one adds a new layer, getting heavier, more serious, and disturbingly real.
I have a lot of favorite moments- like a lot, every episode it just adds up. If I had to mention one of my absolute top favorite then one is Jerome's realization. J admitting he never hated Jinn and that he does not want to forget about the diary- oh my god, that whole scene. The way it played out, the atmosphere, the tension, the way they looked at each other, every word he spoke... and especially the vision of the future that followed, where they softly held each other's hand in the air as they looked at each other- that felt like a promise, like something they didn't have to say out loud because it was already written between them and to top it all off, "Not a Crush?" playing in the background blended so perfectly with the moment- it was perfect. My heart genuinely could not handle it. It was raw, it was beautiful, it was them. Every single second of that moment just cemented why I am completely, hopelessly obsessed with this series.
Also, I cannot not mention the hospital scene after Jinn's head injury. It's painfully beautiful. J is drowning in guilt, convinced the accident is his fault, while Jinn sees it as life being unpredictable and refuses to let J carry the weight of fate itself. What breaks me is realizing Jinn’s biggest fear isn't death- it's J slowly destroying himself with guilt. Even the suggestion of breaking up isn't cruelty; it's desperation. And that kiss? Not romantic... pure panic. A wordless don't say that. Then the line, "But if something happens to me one day, I'll believe you did your best."
This... this has my heart. Jinn isn't asking J to stop caring- he's asking him to stop hurting himself. I have so many more favorite moments and scenes that if I start listing them, I might actually fill every single page of that diary- you know the one that was first Jinn’s and now belongs to Jerome >_<
And then there's FarmVan- a whole different flavor of emotional chaos. Van hijacks Farm's space, steals his snacks, takes his bed like it's his own. And Farm, my sweet, soft, painfully in love Farm. He lets him. Every. Single. Time. Their chemistry is explosive and so is the tension between them. Every glance, every touch, every little flirt makes my heart do somersaults. But here's the thing- Van's insecurity is real, and he's constantly sabotaging himself. He tries, at least with Farm but it's never enough to stop him from hurting Farm in the process. And Farm... my sweet, soft, endlessly patient Farm. He loves Van so fully it hurts.
Also, I never could hate Van. He made me furious, but he also made me care, and that balance is hard to pull off. I understood what he was doing and why he was doing it, even when I couldn't agree with his choices. And honestly, that's what makes this series so strong- it's incredibly consistent with its characters. No one suddenly acts a certain way just to push the plot forward. Every messy decision, every bad call, still feels rooted in who they are. Nothing feels out of character, and that's what makes all the emotional beats hit so much harder.
Also, shout out to Mai who has been third wheeling, actually no fifth wheeling so hard I am convinced he deserves financial compensation and also a partner at this point. He has really suffered enough. I adore his friendship with them. And while we're at it, I absolutely love the mums and their friendship too- warm, grounding, and quietly perfect.
And I am in love with the OST, especially "Turns Out It's You". I have had it on loop for months. The lines- "I told myself no, but turns out it's you. I told myself don't, but you are the one." that is literally J and Jinn in TWO LINES. It screams them. In fact the song bleeds them. I don't think this is ever getting out of my playlist. Also, "Secret Crush" is just as good and this is J's POV. And "Not a Crush?" is Jinn's POV. I love all the osts including Friend Next Door and all those unknown background music which I still don't know the names of.
This series might not be perfect, and I am sure it has it's flaws, but for me, it's nothing short of perfect. It has a way of pulling me in and making every moment feel unforgettable. I'm so damn in love with this series. Highly Recommended!!
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This review may contain spoilers
"Remember, your fate hangs on the tip of your blade." ~Zhou Fei
Legend of Fei is not only a Wuxia drama, but it has several cute love stories, an intriguing mystery, and a lesson that all of us should learn from. This drama is based on a popular Chinese novel with the same name by Priest, which I have not read before. (Translated version is only available as machine translation) Two large downsides to this drama were the the terrible editing skills, and unrealistic backdrop that was very obvious from time to time, but the lovable characters and fascinating storyline eventually overshadowed these disappointments. It is quite understandable that many would be unwilling to "wait" more than 20 episodes or so to finally get into the drama, and this is a barrier that everyone should be aware of before attempting the drama. With strong martial arts skills and intelligent thinking, Zhou Fei teaches us that we can achieve our dreams, but achievements are only the result of endless and persistent hard work. With many setting high expectations for a drama with their favorite actors or actresses, this rather low rating isn't very surprising, but I really enjoyed it.Honestly, I don't even know if this contains spoilers. If it does, please message me about it.
Story-8.0
With the usual pugilistic world (Jianghu), there are admirable heroes who help others, but there are also people greedy for wealth and power. Zhou Fei is born into Forty-Eight Fortress, a sect founded by her grandfather (Li Zheng) known for its good deeds and efforts toward eliminating evil. Growing up, Zhou Fei had always been taught by her parents to only do good, to work hard. Her mother seems overly strict to her, but loves her more than anything in the inside. Zhou Fei longs to please her mother, and to achieve this goal, she plans on becoming a famous heroine. After a series of events, Zhou Fei meets Xie Yun, who appears carefree, and quite annoying. Zhou Fei leaves Fourty-Eight Fortress for the first time, and along with Xie Yun, her two cousins (Li Sheng and Li Yan) and some newly made friends, they start to uncover the reasons for the deaths of her grandfather and many other martial artists. The moves for the martial arts were choreographed fairly well, and it was clear that each actor and actress had put in a lot of effort to perfect their moves. I also really liked the costumes; Although they were simple, they fit perfectly for every character, and the light-weight clothing worked reasonably well to portray everyone's personalities. Each story behind the famous heroes are very motivating, and we learn lessons along with A'Fei. The story starts rather slowly and quite boring (and a few episodes could have been cut), but to make fire, wood is needed, and I promise, as the story progresses, it becomes more and more intriguing. There is no clear plot until episode 20-something, which disappointed many viewers. The story revolves around the idea that evil may seem to win, but oh no, it doesn't. Only with a kind heart can you rule the world.
A very important aspect of this drama is the mystery incorporated into it. An item said to be able to assist one into ruling the world was coveted by countless people, and this didn't exclude the evilest of the evil. In the later episodes of LoF, the main plot is revealed, and things do not cease to captivate.
Acting/Cast-8.5
Legend of Fei has some of the most lovable characters in the history of Wuxia characters, as well as some of the evilest. There were some with some annoying attributes, such as the Third Prince, who I still don't know why he was included in the story. We have quite a few comedic duos that give us quite a show, and each and every character has their own story, no matter if their journey throughout their life was tragic, hopeful, or just mediocre. Here are my descriptions of a few of the most influential protagonists and antagonists:
ZHOU FEI and XIE YUN- A strong-willed young girl, Zhou Fei had wild ambitions, but luckily, her ambitions were to do good for the world. (and impress her mother) She and Xie Yun start on a rather bad note, but friendship quickly links them. She discovers that the world outside of her home is not all that cheerful and fun, but rather dark and scary. A hatred towards the Demons starts to grow inside her after she learns of their countless evil deeds, and she manages to kill many of their leaders through the guidance of many martial art heroes and heroines she meets on her journey. The persistence in Zhao Liying's eyes are present throughout this drama, and her acting never fails to disappoint. (I am not a die-hard ZLY fan) Our female lead matures from a girl ambitious to be the best to a young woman who is admired by the many people she had helped. (may contain spoilers:)With a complicated past, Xie Yun is not your typical male lead. He and Zhou Fei first meet when Xie Yun "steals her father". Underneath his cheerful personality hides an unforgiving identity, which Zhou Fei and everyone else learns later in the drama. This identity isn't very surprising, but is crucial to the story. He is very agile, and always manages to escape the Demons without even exerting too much energy. As talkative as he is, he is also very intelligent, although he doesn't always show this aspect of his personality. In front of Zhou Fei, he is funny but also caring. Although Wang Yibo could be considered a rookie actor, he managed to pull off the complex personality of Xie Yun, which is quite impressive.
Wang Yibo and Zhao Liying do not have that fire chemistry, but their pairing was more than acceptable. It may be disturbing to some that ZLY is 10 years old than WYB, but their interactions in the drama made me forget about this irrelevant detail. Xie Yun and Zhou Fei are our troublemakers, they are really two peas in a pod. They only want the best for each other, and will go to the ends of the earth to save each other.
LI SHENG and WU CHUCHU- Another cute couple, Li Sheng and Chuchu are very adorable as well. Li Sheng never manages to beat Zhou Fei in martial arts, and was rather jealous of her. Later, though, he discovers that he doesn't always need to be #1, because as long as he can use his strong skills to help, he is satisfied. Even though he doesn't have the strongest martial arts skills, his leadership and intelligent are two of his main strengths. I found him particularly annoying in the beginning (because he was rude to A'Fei), but his smart and caring personality eventually stole me heart. His love interest, Wu Chuchu, was born with a silver spoon, but her parents are both killed mercilessly and she spends a large portion of her time with Zhou Fei and Li Sheng on the run. Some of her early actions were very frustrating, because she was doing some really dumb things, but her determination to avenge her parents led her to even start to learn some basic martial arts skills.
LI YAN, YANG JIN and YING HECONG- Oh boy, our three troublemakers. They are quite the trio! These three never fail to make me laugh, especially Yang Jin. His motion of rubbing his head is his most famous movement, and makes him appear dumb and useless, but he has some strong martial arts skills. The actor who portrayed him did a great job in showing his funny but strong personality. His love interest, Li Yan, could be said to be even dumber than Chuchu. I love her as well, but some of the things she did were very unexplainable, and led to all sorts of trouble. She wasn't a very crucial character here, but she did manage to add some comedic elements to the show. Last but not least, Ying Hecong, aka The Poisoner. I didn't really understand his presence until I realized that he was very knowledgeable in poison, and he eventually was a very helpful friend to A'Fei and everyone else, and like the others, after undergoing a tragedy or two, he musters up the courage to stand up for what is right. I loved this trio, they are hilarious.
HEROES/HEROINES- Without the wise and famous heroes and heroines, Zhou Fei couldn't have achieved what she did. Each and every martial artist gave her priceless life lessons, as well as had some of the most beautiful stories. Although most did not have much screen time, they each played a crucial role in fighting the Demons, and passed on their skills to Zhou Fei. Li Zheng and Duan Jiuniang had an unforgivable love story, while Ji Yuncheng was an honest man who couldn't forgive himself for a certain event. Madame Ni Chang was a great woman, and saved Zhou Fei and the others quite a few times. Unlike the Demons, these wise men and women were even willing to give up their life to keep the world at peace, and they probably could have a drama just about themselves!
DEMONS- Demons are demons, evil and merciless. They do not even know what the treasure is, but spent years trying to uncover it. Without these terrible characters, the drama could not have progressed, and the actors/actresses did quite phenomenally as the evil roles they portrayed. I wish that some of them got a closure where they learned the valuable life lesson, but even if none did, their satisfactory ending was enough. Each of the demon leaders had their own detestable personality, and not all of them wanted the treasure.
Music-8.0
The music in this drama wasn't very memorable, but it was far from bad. The OST could have been more delightful with a few more songs, and it was kind of a surprise that Zhao Liying didn't sing any of them. Wang Yibo did, and the tune and lyrics fit quite nicely. As for the background/instrumental music, they were very common in fighting scenes and calming scenes, and were also a snug fit. With the mysterious but upbeat music, the audience could predict that Zhou Fei would win the battle, or that some despicable Demon was about to be defeated. In Forty-Eight Fortress or with our Yunfei couple, the soft music showed us the beauty of peace.
Rewatch Value- 8.0
If I had to rewatch this drama, I would most likely skip the first 10-20 episodes, and go straight to when I started to actually make strong connections with the characters. I did enjoy the second half of the story, and did not skip a single part of it.
Overall-8.5
The start of the drama was a little disappointing and underwhelming but the ending was not, as well as the story as it progressed. Some interactions between the characters were hilarious, while others were tense and dark. We are given three cute couples as we followed the main characters' journey to eliminate evil and help the poor civilians. No matter what happened, Zhou Fei did not give up, and her persistence was the key to defeating the Demons. She and Xie Yun have a very valuable relationship, growing from an unfriendly encounter to unbreakable love. And without the amazing acting of every actor, this drama wouldn't have been able to portray the most important life lesson, which I'll leave for you to discover.
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So English yet so Korean...
U know that one thing that is different about kdramas that you cannot find in other dramas all around the world. That vibe, feel that is hard to define but it is there. Yes, that is what I find the most in this movie. This movie is so Korean yet so English, one can only understand this after watching it. This masterpiece is unforgettable and has a very realistic ending. The eye contact between the leads is my favorite part of this movie.And of course, this is the best movie of the year...
So don't contemplate whether to watch it or not and just watch it.
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