Story: Talk about an emotional rollercoaster. Some parts are just horrible, I would have cried (if I were to ever cry while watching a movie). The story was very good.
Acting/Cast: Fantastic. I'm glad they had at least one actor from the original Boys Love. All of the actors portrayed their characters well.
Music: I only can't really remember it... >_> But, they had the quotes like they did in Boys Love, which was awesome and kinda served the same purpose as music would have.
Rewatch Value: I've already seen it twice in less than a week. Point made.
I would highly recommend this movie.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Sweetest Couple!
Because the plot on kisskh was a little confusing at first, I constantly ignored this drama and put it aside. The female lead Mi Jiu Er is known as Superflash, and is a poor heroine who protects and takes care of refugees in the city. She ends up swapping places with her doppelgänger, who is the manager of the male lead's clothing workshop. Honestly, this drama is an underrated gem, and generally is very solid with one of the happiest and most well-written endings that I've seen recently in Chinese dramas. If you go into this for sparkly and passionate romance, a really cute main couple, and don't except an intense story too much, I definitely encourage you to watch this!I'd highly recommend having a watch if you like these tropes:
♡ Enemies to Lovers: Luo Yin Ran and Mi Jiu Er are constantly bickering in the beginning. While Yin Ran is a cold, reserved male lead who hates uncleanliness and is devoted to his work, he never hurts the female lead. Over time, he grows to protect her, and even puts down his own feelings and his wellbeing for Mi Jiu Er's happiness. The relationship between these two is incredibly healthy, and Luo Yin Ran never crosses boundaries that could hurt the female lead. This trope is also repeated with the second couple in this drama, who are also very loveable and also have a very sweet relationship as well.
♡ So Many Kisses: The amount of passion and sweetness in all the kisses made my heart flutter! Both the main actor Kris Sun and actress Jin Wen Xin are adorable, and their kisses are so well shot. There are sweet and lovely kisses, but also romantic ones, and even some that show tinges of bittersweetness. The actors did a great job in showing the emotion of their characters through all of the kiss scenes, and many of the kisses were lengthy and passionate (instead of being frozen or stiff).
♡ Gorgeous Production Value: All of the clothes (especially as this is a drama which focuses on the clothing industry) are beautiful. The scenes are so wonderfully shot, and the buildings and sets are gorgeous. I believe that this is a Republican era drama (it isn't exactly clear in the series because the show doesn't really focus on the political context) and so you will see an interesting mix of Western clothing on Pei Zhuo and Chinese clothing on Luo Yin Ran.
♡ Generally Drama and Angst Lite: There are moments where the drama ventures into more sad scenes. Our main couple does experience some periods of sadness, but they also communicate and try to work out their problems. This is therefore great to pick up if you just want something to relax to and something where you don't have to think too much.
♡ Solid Storyline and Very Watchable: There are enemies and problems in this drama, but because it's only 24 episodes, there is little to no filler, and you have a great beginning, an interesting setup, and one of my all time favourite endings. If you want a whole story that's completed, instead of finding out that there's a cliffhanger or a "Season 2" after finishing, I highly recommend that you watch this. You will be completely satisfied by the progression of the story.
♡ My Boy Fan Xiao Dong: If you've watched the Chinese drama the Rules of Love, Fan Xiao Dong is the actor who plays the second male lead. If your heart was crushed by second lead syndrome in that drama, it'll (unfortunately) also be crushed here too as Fan Xiao Dong plays the lonely second love interest Pei Zhuo. I think that out of all the actors, Fan Xiao Dong did the best job, because he was simultaneously a character that you could be deeply sympathetic with at one second, and then hateful towards during the next. In any case, I think his character had one of the biggest changes to his personality and mindset, and that this drama is an opportunity to see another side of his acting.
However, there are also some things you might not like about the drama:
♥ Chemistry: It took some time for me to get used to Kris Sun and Jin Wen Xin. They do have a large age gap, and I felt very lukewarm about their chemistry during the first couple episodes. In addition, I feel that some of the earlier episodes create more sparks between Mi Jiu Er and the second male lead Pei Zhuo, and have more scenes with them clearly showing some affection towards each other. However, once you keep watching, especially when Luo Yin Ran begins to fall for Mi Jiu Er, you start to warm up to them and the kisses definitely are exploding with chemistry.
♥ Somewhat Rocky Acting: There are some scenes where I as not really convinced of the main actors and actress. Jin Wen Xin's interpretation of Mi Jiu Er definitely can come off as very childish (especially as she is so petite). This also gets me on to the dubbing, where Jin Wen Xin's absolutely lovely husky voice in real life is changed into a very childish-sounding, high pitched one, which some viewers may not like. However, over time her brash and straightforward personality becomes very endearing. Sometimes I also felt Kris Sun struggled with the more emotionally demanding scenes, especially ones that involved crying or anger. However, I think both still did a solid job, but whether it was their acting or the story itself, I do think that there are some scenes in which the acting is a little stiff and/or unnatural.
♥ Some Parts Can be Boring, Especially the First Stretch: I did skip some times during the drama, and do find that the beginning is probably the hardest to get through, because the setup is done in a way where you don't feel like it's high stakes or are drawn in to the story. I did drop it several times initially, before I started getting through the more expository episodes, and started really seeing the romance develop.
♥ Not a Huge Focus on Succeeding in the Clothing Industry: The background plot does involve the vying for power in the clothing industry amongst different businesses that are in the industry. I do think that this was a great idea to tie in the overall story and to give some urgency to the plot. However, note that this is not a story of how Mi Jiu Er overcomes obstacles and becomes a wonderful and capable manager, or that she grows to become skilled in the industry. While part of the story does involve how Luo Yin Ran acquires greater fame in the industry, the main focus is really on our main couple. So you will not really be seeing the characters improve per se, but instead a greater emphasis on the romance that develops between them (and then some scheming that occurs from other companies.)
I'd recommend you watch this if you liked dramas that have lots of fluffy romance, are beautifully filmed, and also love a lot of romantic tropes. I do think you need to have your expectations set - this is no groundbreaking Chinese drama where you may feel the need to binge watch - but is a very solid and well done show overall. If you're looking for something that's sweet and light, then this is for you!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
And so it goes with Beyond the Clouds, whose central theme is just this. Don’t mistake the drama for a common revenge yarn; though payback might be a driving force for many characters, it’s hard to call it “The Point.” Viewers should instead expect a classy, fatalistic romance, complete with slow-burning melodrama. Will these two deeply traumatized people fall in love despite their cruel circumstances? If they do, will a romantic connection hurt even more—or heal both, becoming their silver lining? That’s more “The Point,” and also the element that works most beautifully.
As to the revenge aspect, it’s fine if sometimes messy. I never fully believed or enjoyed the con-man angle. The “big bad” felt one-dimensional, as did his motivations, while other early villains were the same or even slightly unnecessary. That said, the dangerous atmosphere and situations created by their influence was excellent. It’s an odd combination, but it works.
Yoon Kye Sang stars as Jung Se Ro, a gentle man whose experiences have left him unpredictable and angry. This actor shines in Beyond the Clouds, handsome and magnetic. He grabbed my attention as if grabbing my head with both hands, so striking was his performance. Together with leading lady Han Ji Hye, he shared sparkling chemistry. Ji Hye enchants as Han Young Won, playing emotional and romantic scenes well. However, I often noticed her eyes open too wide too often, or glued firmly to the floor. The character can be meek on occasion, but these mannerisms were not strong choices at all.
Though I wasn't crazy about the whole con-man thing, Jo Jin Woong presents well as complicated Park Kang Jae. He’s the most believable and human of the seedy bunch, even the best connected to the main story. Tearful scenes seem to be his forte; he’s fantastic at them. A special mention is reserved for Kim Young Ok, probably the best “grandmother” actress ever. She made me cry so many times it isn’t funny.
Both cinematography and music embrace an elegant, almost classic feel. Early scenes in Thailand are a feast for the eyes, though the rest of the drama delights as well. Songs were well-chosen and interspersed to optimize emotional effect. Unlike in other melodramas, I never grew bored of any of it. Some great vocals include “Whale” (Zitten), “Sin,” (V.O.S), and “The Full Sun,” (Yang Pa).
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
I never watch films without reading its synopsis but this was a great exception.
2-Storyline/Plot : On the outside, it may sound like the Korean version of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" but somehow I thought it was special with its own events and its own charm.
I laughed so hard while watching this to the point that I tried blocking my mouth with my hands since was afraid that I may wake everyone in the house: yes, it was really funny! The story wasn't outstanding but the laughter moments (and sometimes romance moments) made me fall for it.
3-Acting/Cast : I like Kim Ha Neul and yeah she was cool here but I believe that Kang Ji Hwan was the leader of this film; he really cracked me up and the way he screams was so freaking funny, he really managed to pertray his role in a perfect way and most of all, he was believable.
4-The ending : I loved the final scene but the general ending was a typical rom-com ending.
5-My impression: This film literally cracked me up; I remember laughing my stomach out until I almost rolled on the floor late at night. This is a unforgettable film indeed.
6-Overall : This is the type of film that I would recommend to anyone:
There's laughter.
The funny romance.
Action (especially the hilarious action scenes with Kang Ji Hwan).
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Best adaptation so far
First and foremost, I have seen all of the adaptations of this story except the Korean version. So, I do have a good idea about the original story and added elements. I do enjoy this story, but must admit that it can be very toxic at times. But, I'm sure that anyone who has seen even one adaptation of this story can see that this is not one of those times.Let's look into detail:
The story telling in this version is multi-layered and well-executed. The screenwriters did an excellent job of combining the best elements from all of the adaptations into one excellent drama. The story moves quickly, as in the Japanese version, and the time is well managed. While everything in the other adaptations feels preplanned and done for the sake of the story, the story in this Thai version felt more natural and like it was going with the flow. There were no fillers or extraneous side plots. The story had a lot more depth, making this adaptation more interesting than the others. The only aspect of the story that could have been improved is the ending. The amnesia plot appeared to be rushed. They could have spent more time on it or simply ignored it.
Another aspect of this story that stands out is the use of advanced technology, such as social media, to improve communication between the characters. In addition, the bullying in this version is more draconian and brutal. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but it's something to consider. In any case, this helped to deepen and flesh out the story and characters respectively.
While the other adaptations focus solely on the romance plot, this one also includes strong messages about patriarchy and other social issues that are currently prevalent in Thai societies.
There are many memorable scenes in this story that we will never forget. Without them, the story is incomplete. In most adaptations, it is done exaggeratedly, but in this case, it is more convincing. The scene in which Gorya kicks Thyme was well done, and when Thyme was stabbed, showing that it was his mother, not him, made it more plausible and also demonstrated Thyme's love for his mother. It enabled in removing many unnecessary scenes and moving the story along quickly.
Characters in this story are more developed and have more depth. It's clearer why some characters made certain decisions, which makes them more acceptable.
Gorya, the female lead, has the same character as before. Except for the removal of her confusion, no major changes have occurred. I believe you understand what I mean. In the majority of the other adaptations, she is unsure how she feels about the F4 members. She is frequently torn between her feelings for the male lead and her feelings for the second male lead. In this adaptation, however, she is certain of her feelings and fights for them. In this adaptation, she has a very strong and mature character, which I am very pleased with.
The male lead, Thyme's character, has undergone the most transformations. He has been fully developed as a character. It is made perfectly clear in this adaptation, why he is forced to be a bully, why he is forced to be the way he is. It is clearly shown that he has a very complex personality and that he is not a bad person. He beats people to conceal his vulnerable side, which he never showed to anyone else. He wants his mother to love him, which is why he does these thing: to prove that he is deserving of fulfilling her dream.
Ren's character, the second male lead, frequently leaves the audience wondering whether he likes the female lead or not. In the other adaptations, it is unclear what his emotions are. But, in this case, we get the impression that, despite accompanying Gorya through difficult times, he simply has a brotherly or friendly affection for Gorya. He is aware of Gorya's feelings for Thyme, and he is the one who brings it to Gorya's attention. He wholeheartedly supports Thyme's relationship with her.
I don't think there have been any significant changes for Kavin and MJ. Also their screen time is less than that of the other characters. However, both of their stories were told successfully without becoming overdramatic, as in the Chinese version. Kavin and Kanning's love is depicted strongly, but I didn't get the impression like he was playing with her emotions in this version. MJ's love story has taken a new turn. It appears at the end of all episodes, beginning with Episode 9, in the form of a KFC advertisement.
Thyme's mother's character in this version is the best. While, in most other adaptations, she is portrayed as a ruthless tyrant who doesn't care about her children and only cares about business, in this she has been portrayed as an evil businesswoman yet as a mother who loves her children but don't know how to express her feelings. He wants Thyme to be happy in cruel business world, which is why she puts pressure on him to be the way he is.
The majority of the supporting characters, despite their insignificance, had rich backstories that didn't feel uninteresting or unnecessary. However, the time was also very well managed in this case. This really wowed me.
On an overall basis, all of the cast members did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Bright was competent, but his acting was occasionally unconvincing. I believe he could have done a better job if he had become more expressive. He's a good actor, but he needs to improve his acting abilities. Tu and Dew both did an excellent job portraying their characters despite the fact that this was their debut. I hope to see them on more projects in the future. Win and Nani also did their best with the limited screen time they were given. I'm impressed by the acting and chemistry among the main cast members. The chemistry between them was incredible, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.Cindy, on the other hand, is the best of the best. She did an excellent job as Roselyn. Even though I dislike her character, I can't deny her incredible acting skills, which allowed her to play an evil mother convincingly.
This is the only adaptation that managed the equality in looks of the leads. all were eye candies to watch!
Finally, this is the best Hana Yori Dango adaptation I've seen so far. Anyone who enjoys this should watch the Thai version. Also, if you needs some eye candies, come watch this. Indeed, this is a highly recommended drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Did some things better than any other series.
Great cast, great plot, great acting, great pace, great wrap-up. A very complete package of everything. Nothing really missed for me. The action sequences were class. The relationships and network were inspiring.Among the things that this series did better I would like to mention my personal favourite -
1. Car chase : Honestly I have watched many kdramas that have these gangs and gangsters, but it's always hand on hand combat and/or weapons. But a car chase is very rare and the one in this series has been done greatly compared to the korean average.
2. Action sequences : Nobody pulled there punches. It sure looks like it. The different weapons and techniques are amazing to watch.
3. Backstory : This wasn't overdone with MSG that somebody killed somebody's someone so the son or daughter of that person plots revenge. The background of the story is very tangible in this drama.
A very few misses that won't be annoying -
1. Some characters you'd like to know about what happened to them or so was not really explored. But it's fine as long as you're not much invested and how can you be considering it's just 8 episodes.
2. More brawns than brain. Could be a turn off for some or could be just the thing for others.
All in all as i already said, it is very complete.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
I recommend this just because it's so entertaining to watch. I especially recommend it if one of your biases is featured in an episode and odds are they probably are because what a line-up!
Story-wise, I thought Ok Taec Yeon's was the funniest and the best. Kai's noona storyline was cute as well. Subjectively, I liked Ji Chang Wook's because I'm biased and it gave me 'Healer' vibes all over again.
Music is lighthearted and the theme song is sang by Ji Chang Wook!
Like I said earlier, it's a purely fun watch so don't expect great stories. After all, didn't we all come here to see our favorite biases? I know I did!
Was this review helpful to you?
The story is like Secret (kdrama), if anyone ever watched it, and although Secret has been one of my favorite dramas when it comes to revenge/hate turning into love and obsession, this lakorn has beaten it out of the water due to the main characters but more so to Yaya's potrayal of Jeerawat or Jee.
Story:
Very Simple, Jee is a major nangek/celebrity who despite all the fame and status lives her life constantly in the rumor mill potrayed as a whore and slut who snatches up people husbands. In reality, she is anything but and instead is just a woman or rather a girl who just wants love, mainly from her mother that she continuously protects at the cost of her own self-respect. While Satit is a young lawyer who is deeply in love with his fiance Tiw, all for justice and the fight for the underdog and the little man. Unlike in the synopsis, Jee is NOT an alcoholic and instead is lusted after by her stepfather and is heavily drugged (IM style in the arm) and in her pursuit to run away from her eventual rape innocently hit and run over Satit's fiance Tiw. Instead of actually running, Jee tries to express her apologies and own up to her mistake, however, the people around her refuses for her to do so and instead her assistant takes the fall while she lives her life in a constant cycle of regret, guilt, remorse, and horror for the fact she cannot pay for the crime that she caused.
Satit, however, doesn't believe what is released to the public and is in hot pursuit to punish Jee for his fiance's death which leads to his obsession. Eventually constant interactions, fighting/arguments, and slowly seeing the inner truth of who Jee really is makes him falls in love with her. But at the same time, he struggles with the reality that he might be falling for the very woman who killed the love of his life and is constantly struggling to battle his own feelings.
Of course there are two other couples but in reality it became such a nuisance (really in Piak and Chaiyan's case) but they only at times help the main draw closer and own up to their feelings.
Acting/Cast:
If I didn't state it earlier, this show was amazing not from the story itself alone, but from the flawless potrayal from the main characters and the amazing chemistry between Jee and Satit. Although Prin was amazing showing Satit as someone obsessed, I have to give the full recognition to Yaya for such an amazing job as Jee.
Yaya: have never seen her before, never knew her before, or etc...but my GODDDD!!!!! She was simply amazing as Jeerawat. She potrayed the hard as nails, aloof, bitch that everyone saw her but at the same time show the vulnerabilities of a young woman (more so girl in my opinion) that just wanted love. Love from her mother and those around her that were actually genuine. At times female leads that just cry nonstop would be annoying and ridiculous but you knew Jee was crying was because she built such a icy facade for the world that when it came to herself, her manager Suki, and her best friend Dao, that was the only time she could really be herself and let it out. Each time, each time, Yaya did such an amazing job showing the emotions of someone lost, tired, hopeful, yearning, and just wanting someone to just love her for herself. Although as the audience battled with the decisions she made at times Yaya did such a seamless job in showing someone fighting with herself and inner desires, wants, and needs. She was not a Candy female lead or someone so darn evil you wonder if she was REALLY a lead female. Rather she was human. She was realistic. She came from a broken home, her mother and her struggled and suffered for everything they got, and even then she wouldn't show others her true self. she was tough as nails and at the same time vulnerable. She was as real as you are gonna get if you want a realistic female lead that is not sugarcoated but is not always wearing a smile despite all the crap life hands to her.
Piak: a insecure housewife now producer/director who constantly suspects her husband Chaiyan is sleeping with his female actresses (nangek) and more specifically, thinks he is sleeping with Jee. Her (adopted) brother is Satit.
Chaiyan: is best friends with Jee, rather shares a brother/sister relationship to Jee that is constantly misconstrued to his wife and the media as an affair.
Dao: Jee's best friend with Jee and is in love with Jate
Jate: confused and playing both fields. In love with Jee but attracted to Dao.
Rewatch Value, Overall:
I would watch this show again at least a few months from now to completely forget the story-line (which i doubt) as this show is just so darn intriguing, and not so predictable compared to most dramas. As i stated before this show has two other couples and to me were either annoying at times or just so unbelievable, but they don't ruin the story. This lakorn is sooooooo enjoyable, intriguing, and unpredictable. Highly recommend to watch, and watch, watch, and then watch some more.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
One of the best summer dramas with top notch acting. Despite the loopholes and divergences from the source material, the drama is worth watching thanks to the acting of two main leads especially Zhu Yi Long, who knows how to subtly convey the micro changes on his face and a great range of emotions. Moreover, its opening song is epic. Despite the fact that most people on youtube do not find the ending satisfactory, I believe it is good/satisfactory as it insinuates that love will go on even after death and for those who believe in reincarnation, it is a promising end. Was this review helpful to you?
The story, first of all, what the heck is it? Like it doesn’t make any sense. The idea was interesting, but the execution is plain bad and boring. There’s no logic to some of the characters actions and what they say, and I’m like what. And this is noted as a rom-com, yet the romance isn’t the greatest in terms of buildup, it just kinda happens. So the chemistry felt off the entire time. And the comedy is the most forced thing ever with many supporting characters just overacting. I feel like the writer should have focused more on the leads slowly functioning in society and a better love story, you know. But whatever, I guess.
Also the characters aren’t memorable.
Dongchan is like bread. White bread. The plain and dry kind. He’s flat out boring and Changwook could’ve done so much better. Though, I do have to say, Miran does have a more interesting personality and she’s got her goals, but I’m still amazed in how she fell in love with Dongchan. Tsk, tsk. What did she see in him???? Probably his handsome face, because same.
The supporting characters were mostly boring, annoying, or hold nothing to the plot. From the villain to the producer to Miran’s ex.
Some scenes I liked though, were some heartwarming moments like Namtae and Miran reuniting. And the transition from the older to younger counterpart.
But my emotional connection with any major character was nonexistent.
I knew I shouldn’t trust this writer considering a certain disaster I disliked. I’m sad to see this as Changwook’s comeback drama. Such a waste of talent of this cast. Ugh. But maybe watch it if you like the actor/actress A LOT, the kisses, the uhh.. Uhhhh… uh.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
*Spoilers are only in the last paragraph, regarding the ending*I enjoyed I Hear You up until episode 17, as a lighthearted drama without any elements that made me angry or annoyed (which feels pretty rare with Chinese modern dramas). I personally enjoy the 'pretend couple becomes real' trope. From episode 17 onward, I felt like the plot lost momentum and then finally, several elements of the final two episodes really bothered me.
Ye Shu Wei (Riley Wang) is a successful and talented violin maker who doesn't like other people, and he grows a lot throughout the show as he begins to care about Bei Er Duo (Zhao Lusi). Bei Er Duo is kind and determined; she has a dream of becoming a voice actress and her goal is to study abroad in Japan. I loved that she was always studying, working hard to improve herself, and wanted to rely on her talent not connections. Ye Shu Wei and Bei Er Duo slowly grow to care for each other, and since they are both inexperienced in love, they feel like an even-leveled match despite him being rich and successful. But to be honest, their relationship is pretty boring. There were some cute moments and some cringey moments but nothing memorable. I actually felt like Shu Wei put much more effort and heart into their relationship, in trying to understand her, encourage her, and prepare surprises for her. (But Riley Wang's stony-faced acting bored me.)
Shu Wei and Er Duo agreeing to be on a couples competition show seemed like a far-fetched premise but the characters Yu Sheng and Tang Li help make it a little believable since they are the producers(?) for the show. Tang Li's character arc is fantastic and is the one great thing in this show. I loved that she faced her feelings head on, stuck to her principles, and worked hard to find her own happiness. Her storyline wasn't what I expected, but she articulated it well when she explained her decisions to Er Duo. The maturity of her character was such a sharp contrast to Er Duo's childish behavior.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
As for the last two episodes... I hated the two phone calls that Er Duo receives. Why did other people feel like they had the right to blame Er Duo for Shu Wei's choices? I liked that Er Duo sat down with him at the beach and talked about it honestly but why did Shu Wei not respond? Even though Er Duo returned the ring, it felt so inconclusive. (Also, if he really wanted to give up violin making/didn't care about that major violin order, I can respect his choice.) The last straw for me was how Er Duo chose to separate from Shu Wei. They had checked in their luggage and he was being paged for the flight so it just made no sense on so many levels. At the very least she could have sent him a text message after clearing security. The last scene was so strange and inconclusive. I wish that instead she had said at the beach, hey don't come to Japan with me, don't give up your work and let's date long distance for now and see how it goes...
Was this review helpful to you?
1This review may contain spoilers
A moment connected to the soul will follow us for a lifetime.
A moment might just be a period that lasts for a second, but a moment connected to the soul will follow us for a lifetime.Every moment is like that, every second is the same, each raising of a hand, each breath, or even hours sitting still without moving, will become a part that follows a person's life, forever.
It's been so long since I watched a youth-themed film, and strangely, any film I previously watched—that I considered good—had an unfulfilling ending, to prove that youth is forever the most beautiful period in a person's life, a time where "even if we had to bathe in the rain, we would want to go back one more time." Perhaps that's why, among the forest of youth films, only "Always Home" achieved such emotional heights for me, making me feel empty after watching, feel unfulfilled, not because of an incomplete ending, but because of an ending, a process, a film, a message so complete that I felt hollow, because the ending meant the film had truly ended. And I realized that hollow feeling is what comes after watching a truly good film, one that has truly filled me, comforted me and brought me so many emotions. The film ended, and I felt lost. Perhaps "Always Home" also marks a period in my university days, and has become a part of me?
I must admit, this is a film suitable to watch while I'm in university. I see the past, I see the possible turning points in the future. Society resembles school, and also carries many unknowns, with young people standing vaguely at crossroads, vaguely striving, vaguely running. I have many questions for my future self, and so many words of advice, comfort, and encouragement for my past self, yet, ultimately, the present life is still the most wonderful. The process of growing up isn't actually the moment the clock strikes from 11:59 PM on the day I'm 17 to midnight on the day I'm 18, but the process of time gradually flowing, the soul collecting each second and minute, each choice, each action, each person around us, becoming the soul of our present self. Youth in the drama is beautifully dreamlike, making me feel empathy, admiration, and longing. But thinking again, whether youth is calm or passionate, whether young age is reckless or simply quiet days, in the end, those are still the days of youth we are living, have lived, and will live in. Youth may not be impulsive, people may not be extraordinary, dreams may only appear in dusty frames, the people we've met may just be visitors with no set date to meet again, the cycle of the universe will not stop, and youth has never stopped being brilliant, in the unique way of ordinary, mundane people who have no second version.
The characters in "Always Home" are also ordinary people like anyone else, like me, except their lives only exist in a short period packaged within the duration of a film. They existed in their lives, loved and were loved, lived the most complete life under our observation. Meanwhile, our lives continue out there, perhaps without such beautiful friendships, open career paths, a warm family, a dream love; perhaps to us, they are the lucky ones, the extraordinary ones, but who knows, to those around us, we might be such the lucky person too. The luckiest person in the end is the one who knows they are lucky; each person has their own life, a blank page is the beginning of all the colors we will paint later. Making mistakes is okay, being foolish is no problem—youth is a stage of life where if we make wrong choices, we fix them together because we're still young, we still have time. Therefore, I want to say to my future self, keep living in your youth, even if you think you've matured, don't be afraid, never feel that life has lost its meaning, you still have, and always have, enough time to fix mistakes. Mistakes are also a part of the soul, don't mistreat them, don't regret, don't resent.
Writing this long, in the end, they're just words, old stories about that childish "youth" motif. The cycle, the impermanence of the world, ultimately are all flowery words about things people often mention when reminiscing about the past and knowing nothing about the future. But that's how people operate, everyone is the same, we're all ordinary with flaws, and it's these ordinary things that make us, that make this life. Perhaps it's been a long time since I gave a film this maximum score, because I always feel everything lacks something. But if I don't make an exception for "Always Home," then perhaps I couldn't explain how my mood and emotions operate. My emotions have filled in each flaw, and I feel emotions should still play the main role in each process of my experiencing cinema (art).
So there it is, the characters have accompanied me, entered my thoughts, aroused my anticipation, indescribable emotions, joy, satisfaction, sadness, contentment, excitement, hope, nostalgia, and impression. The setting, music, plot, lighting, colors, ending, meaning... all contributed to creating a story neither short nor long, not telling an entire human life, but stayed with me for a short time, then became a part of my soul.
A youth film, nothing more, and that's a compliment.
In conclusion, I want to affirm that I truly liked the story of each character in the film, the story of their everlasting youth, of young people and those no longer young in age, of those who love and those who are loved, of those still there and those who left their souls there. Perhaps my process of watching the film was truly a special journey that I will never forget.
And, the final final word, the acting was super excellent! I believed in Zhai Xiaowen's acting from the start, but Zhou Keyu surprised me, really. I'm not describing, evaluating, or deeply critiquing each story and character in this review because I'm truly seeing all their stories as one story with a common name—love. (Though I must say I really liked the Song Tong - Du Man couple—the kissing scene truly left me speechless and I had to pause for five minutes to calm down.) Everyone's chemistry was good, from family to friends to romance, especially scenes depicting very slight stirrings, very light touches, for which I must separately praise the director for the scene arrangement, and can't forget the sound and the actors' gazes. For a film with such complex romantic storylines to be so smooth and understandable, such scenes depicting emotion are truly valuable. And really, thank you to my past self from last week who decided to watch this film despite its "roundabout" nature, because these films aren't frustrating about relationships at all.
In general, this is a beautiful film, in every way.
Was this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
Which Was the Last Drama Episode You Watched? Part 31 minute ago -
BL Drama Lovers Club12 minutes ago -
Jade Bangle44 minutes ago -
Last NON Asian Movie you watched? #21 hour ago -
Love Family2 hours ago
