Casting. LoCH 2017 used mostly rookies for its leading cast. Yang Xu Wen is probably the best-looking Guo Jing I've ever seen. I also think Li Yi Tong looks very much the part of Huang Rong. She also gives off a Zhou Xun feel (both of them suit this role well). The dubbing did wonders for this pair though, because if I had to listen to their original voices instead my ears will bleed. However, I think Mu Nian Ci was horribly miscast. This is my first time seeing such a... Mu Nian Ci. She doesn't have the right disposition at all.
Acting. Pretty decent acting all around, especially the veteran actors. There must also be something magical with the role of Ouyang Ke, because somehow all the actors who play the character do really really really well with it.
Production. The production team claimed that the use of rookie actors means that they are able to set aside more money for the more important things. Well, I think that's reasonable. At least there wasn't an overwhelming use of green screens *cough, cough G&I*. My problem is with the colours. Despite everything, the colours are still very "idol-ish wuxia" [2]. I much prefer the Zhang Ji Zhong adaptations where the colours were duller, more movie-like and looks like a proper drama as opposed to "idol dramas".
In all, I think the drama stands out from most of the 2017 productions. It also has an edge because of the fact that it's a recent adaptation, and after watching Yu Zheng's dramas, it's like a breath of fresh air. The drama also has a 8.0 rating on Douban, above the 2003 and 2008 versions. Not exactly deserved, but as I say, it has the advantage of being the diamond in the dirt.
-- Footnotes --
[1] I think it's based on the more recent editions of the book, which is a pity since I think in general the changes were for the worse.
[2] As years go on, Chinese period dramas are getting brighter and brighter in colours, which imo is a bad thing. It just looks... cheap.
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Yummy Drama
This is probably one of the most enjoyable drama. While watching this drama, you will feel light-hearted. I really love how the whole drama focuses on Hua Xiao Mai's cooking and her 'dream'. Usually, other cooking dramas like dating in the kitchen don't really depict its title, it only has the cooking and kitchen part at the early episodes, but at the latter episodes there is no dating in the kitchen anymore. But at Chef Hua, they managed to keep the show core plot, they did not go astray from the main plot. This drama doesn't have the fight for throne, love triangle, evil scheme, bla bla bla bla. It is totally a light hearted drama, it is like showing the audience a day in a chef villager in the past.Also the cinematography is AWESOME!! I love the cooking shots. Even though some of the cooking shots bothered me bcs of the fingers smh .. but the angle lightning and everything made up for it. In addition, the OST is also very catchy too!! If you are looking for a light drama, I definitely recommend this drama!!
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The Ha family follows traditions that one doesn’t encounter often in modern day dramas and that was one of the most interesting concepts of the show. From holiday celebrations, weddings and funerals, to the etiquette that they practice in their everyday life and their conducting behavior, they give this drama a strong beginning just by being in it. Add one of the most adorable grandfathers that you’ve ever encountered in kdramaland and you have a winner.
On the other hand, the Lee family is crude and they happen to be the owners of the most kitsch sitting room that I’ve ever been unfortunate enough to behold, BUT Park Shi Hoo plays their eldest son so who cares about the golden armchairs?
The plot is mostly focused on the romantic relationships that involve the members of the two families and there are interesting sub-plots here and there that make Family’s Honor a smooth ride despite its long length.
What could be a drawback for some viewers, is the personality of the Ha daughter. Yoon Jung Hee did an amazing job with her part and she’s not your average kdrama heroine, but I suspect that her constant melancholy and seriousness might be considered a tad tiring after a while. Fortunately for her (and for us) Park Shi Hoo plays one of the two men who are after her heart, and his character has such an outgoing personality and charisma that you can’t help but root for the unlikely pair.
The entire casting was spot-on anyway. From the main to the secondary characters I can’t possibly bring myself to imagine other actors playing their parts; they practically owned them.
Not much to say about the music, I hardly ever notice it, but I did find myself whistling the ending song on my way to work the other day, and I almost chocked when I heard a traditional Greek song playing in the background.
Overall I’m giving it a high rating for originality, a well written plot and endearing characters.
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Drama Special Series Season 3: Sirius
25 people found this review helpful
Story: The premise was a little cliche for my taste. Two twin brothers who feel at odds and are polar opposites? Not exactly a twist. But somehow the writers managed to infuse a scattering of random cliches and use them to create an original and action packed story. It wasn't perfect, but at 4 episodes long, this drama special was a nice watch when you want a break from the cutesy rom-coms of dramaland.
Acting: None of the actors were very well known, and you could tell they were new to their jobs, but that didn't affect this drama the slightest. They all had a very nice stage presence.
Music: Was there music? I honestly can't remember. *shrug*
Rewatch value: The second time is never as good as the first, so I don't think I'll be rewatching. I might skim through it again if I'm bored, but I wouldn't watch it all over again.
Overall: Nice story with nice actors. Not exactly a forgettable drama, but not exactly something I will remember forever.
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For full enjoyable experience, PLEASE watch the cut/trimmed scenes and the second ending
If anyone have watched any dramas from MGTV, you'll know that they suck, especially when they put it on YouTube. MGTV doesn't always provide Eng subs, they will cut audio if it means avoiding music copyright issues, and they also edit and cut/trim down scenes a lot. Sadly, they're not like the wonderful YOUKU with "Word of Honor." YOUKU has been giving such an wonderful experience for fans of Word of Honor. MGTV could never because they're too cheap.With all that said, Killer and Healer is still an enjoyable drama despite being butchered like that but if you want the full experience, please make sure to watch the cut/trimmed scenes and watch the second ending. You can find all of those clips on YouTube if you search "Killer and Healer highlight" and "Killer and Healer ending."
Killer and Healer is a Republican Era, cop/doctor action detective drama with the cop, Jiang Yuelou, trying to solve and get rid of opium in Jing City. By chance, he meets the doctor Chen Yuzhi and they form a cooperation and then an unbreakable friendship/relationship helping each other while trying to break through the cases and find out and stop the main villain of the drama. At the same time, Chen Yuzhi tries to help Jiang Yuelou with his PTSD and bipolar disorder which has begun to affect Jiang Yuelou's reactions/decisions in the field.
YES, THIS IS A SOULMATES DRAMA. Look, if you know anything about Chinese dramas by now, you know they censor LGBTQ+ content. That means that directors and scriptwriters etc. have to find a way around it and I think this drama did it wonderfully. The main leads, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi, have an incredibly deep relationship with so much loyalty and trust, along with warm and tender exchanges and interactions. ESPECIALLY IF YOU WATCH THE CUT/TRIMMED SCENES, you can witness that even more. There is so much explicitly said AND implied, you have to know how to read between the scenes/lines. And I want to clarify that, though yes they have a female character here and she does catch feels for one of the main leads, she is never used to block the two guys nor is she ever an annoying character. She's so wonderful and I will fight anyone who hates on her. Her character was used in some way to downplay the LGBTQ+ vibes but you can always tell how important and critical Jiang Yuelou's and Chen Yuzhi's relationship is to each other.
Anyway, it's fairly fast-paced and yet also does very well with angsty and sad scenes that makes you cry. The OST is also really good too and truly makes you feel the emotions of the scene. There are some plot choices that I question, but overall, I still enjoyed this drama a lot.
Mao Zijun as Jiang Yuelou and Ian Yi as Chen Yuzhi were such a delight! I hadn't really seen them before in their previous dramas (and I believe Killer & Healer is their first real drama as leads), so watching them here was refreshing but also so enjoyable! Mao Zijun is my absolute favorite because he is able to balance looking cool and handsome and also painful scenes where he's hurting and is crying so much. I am seriously impressed with Mao Zijun as it can be difficult to pull off a character who can be aggressive but also sympathetic too. He's able to show off how Jiang Yuelou can be tough but also be so vulnerable. Such great acting and good character.
Ian Yi did a perfect job of being the gentle and caring doctor Chen Yuzhi. There are other supporting characters that are pretty great too, such as the female character Chu Ran, who wasn't annoying at all and was just so level-headed, calm, smart, and cute. I adore the supporting characters like Song Rong and Sun Yongren.
There's the second "couple" characters--Zhan Junbai and Yu Tangchun--who are so fascinating but sadly don't have as many scenes as the main leads. However, their relationship is intriguing still and quite heartbreaking. I adore both of the actors for these roles and enjoyed watching their interactions and relationship.
To summarize, you might like this drama if you like these things:
-Two complex and competent male leads who value and care for each other so much that it's practically romantic (but due to censorship, it's "bromance"). (Even kisskh tag this as "homoerotic subtext" and they're not wrong.)
-A competent and smart female character who is never made annoying or as a "block" to the main leads
-A complicated and intriguing relationship between the supporting "couple" characters
-Endearing supporting characters who serve as comedic relief and also as commentary to the two male leads' relationship
-HURT/COMFORT!!! This is one of the best things about this show. It's about the angst and hurt and being taken care of by the other!!
-UNWAVING FAITH AND LOYALTY of the main leads!!!!!
-Suggestive and flirting looks (what can I say, Mao Zijun just oozes such casual flirtatious style, okay.)
Things that you might not like or feel comfortable with
-Depiction of mental illnesses. Personally, I think they did a decent job with Jiang Yuelou's bipolar disorder and PTSD but I don't know too much about bipolar disorder. I know PTSD though and Jiang Yuelou definitely have a lot of that from his difficult background. However, I know some viewers may feel it difficult to watch when Jiang Yuelou is going through this.
-Deaths. This is a Republican Era drama, so typically, a lot of people will die, especially in this line of work as a cop/detective working to fight mob bosses.
Possible content warnings:
-depictions of addiction behavior and trauma-related behavior like aggression and violence
-depictions of domestic violence and abuse
-depiction of PTSD and bipolar disorder
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Extremely satisfied
Honestly I like this story it's like a breath of fresh air, quick and short and yet it's very refreshing. Most historical cdramas are tragic and full of pain and depression. Basically they're not for the faint hearted. Even if I'm a bit "braver" than others. I too get tired of those long, stupid, illogical, time consuming and complicated dramas. Therefore even though their acting and story was generally average. It's worth it especially if you've been watching a lot of historical dramas with unhappy endings.Absolutely recommend, for people like me that is. If you're looking for a drama to relax, chill and cool down from all those other scheming and complex dramas.
Well then this is the drama for you ;)
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when hurt people hurt and love each other (we need a season 2)
Overall: an angsty series with good tension, but a few too many unanswered questions for my taste. 5 episodes about 20 minutes each. Aired on iQIYI, first episode link https://www.iq.com/play/gray-shelter-episode-1-1yzhwhotbkc?lang=en_usNote: see a comment with spoiler for my thoughts on the ending
Content Warnings: parental abuse
Timeline Notes (the flashbacks weren't very clear)
- episode 1 starts in the present and then at 6:05 the rest is flash back
- episode 2 starts in flashback, goes to present at 10:30, flash back 19:25-20 and then returns to the present (the package is from his bio dad at the beginning, not step dad)
What I Liked
- a more serious vibe
- tension
- good for the girlfriend for not putting up with that
- acting
- production value
Room For Improvement
- there were 2 main issues that were alluded to but never directly explained that I wanted the answers
- that friend was a huge a**hole for ratting him out to his dad, can't believe the main character apologized to him
- could have shown things a bit more directly, I thought that beep was his phone going off, didn't realize someone was leaving the apartment which gave important context and showed 1 character was slightly less of a jerk than I thought he was
- they needed to make the flashbacks/present differ more, it made things needlessly confusing in the beginning
- pacing was slow at times and then the end felt rushed/incomplete
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But I just finished all three seasons within 3 days.
It was really inspiring and enjoying to watch how the teacher, Nakama Yukie portrayed, was able to change the student's view on school, live and teachers. I noticed that teachers like her are quite rare (well I don't have one) and I guess that's also a reason to watch this drama because you'll get hope and you'll have your lessons for your live through this drama.
I really liked the chemistry between Nakama Yukie and Matsumoto Jun who portrayed Sawada Shin and I guess I'm not the only one who would have liked it if there was more.
The main teachers and students each got their own episodes in which we get to know more about their background and how they gradually change to the better.
I also liked the close relationship between the main 5 students (including Sawada Shin) and the teacher.
All in one, it was great drama where you learn about the importance of friendship, family and school (If you didn't already know it).
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Our main character Yuan Zhong Xin is a playful cunning street savvy guy, who tends to scheme and compete against Zhao Jian, a proud independent smart girl. They are the kickass otp I've been waiting for, it's so much fun to see two people on the same level, whether against each other or working together. Wang Kuan is also pretty intelligent, but tends to be rather straightlaced. Xiao Jing is a cute innocent girl who's generally the peacemaker, Xue Ying is the simple minded brawns, and Ya Nei is the one with connections. The former three are all smart in slightly different way and devise plans, while the latter three all have their shining moment, and generally follow the plan.
The group go from a ragtag team to slowly getting to know each other, go through life and death and betrayal, to a highly effective team that's always there for each other. It's an incredibly emotionally satisfying journey to watch them grow, the camaraderie is awesome, you can ship any characters you want, since most have some fantastic moments. The supporting characters and antagonists are all very memorable with their share of humanising moments, no matter their allegiance or goals. The antagonists are often temporary due to all the twists, and they tend to be pretty smart, which is refreshing. The familial relationship is incredibly touching as well, like Yuan Zhong Xin's relationship with his brother, Zhao Jian's awesome dad, Lu Guan Nian's mentoring.
The plot is very unpredictable, and this is an original script! Which is so rare in this day of (web) novel adaptations, especially for a historical, and one that's so heavily reliant on a good script. I do think the last two arcs aren't as well done, second last arc have some draggy bits, and the twists could feel little forced at times, while the last arc felt a bit rushed towards the end (There's 5 scriptwriter for the series). That doesn't change that there were a lot of choice dialogues, some awesome ones that still applies today, like Zhao Jian's rather feminist values, or Wang Kuan talking about soft power. It also doesn't lessen the heart of these kids that wants to give their all to protect people they love, and the country they vow to protect.
The filter was a little off-putting at first, since I associated with low budget not very good webdramas, this drama is certainly low budget, but the story and acting was on point! It actually quite fit the bright, idealistic, adventure atmosphere of the drama once you get used to it The costumes aren't necessarily historically accurate, but that's okay, it's an idealistic drama about young people in Song, and they all fit their respective characters, which I liked. The music is pretty decent, the fight scenes is sometimes okay, sometimes really lackluster, but it does add in some unintentional comedy.
If you want a fun adventure drama with a lot of heart, please give this drama a try!
P.S. The original creator wrote an epilogue on weibo after lots of messages were sent his way when the drama finished. This drama actually only cover half of the story (he wrote like rough outline of the story, not a script), but the latter half could be hard to write and get pass NRTA due to what it covers (more politics involving Xia). He's in the middle of adapting a well known wuxia novel, and still have two more project, as well as probably Joy of Life s2 now that s1 seems to be doing pretty well. Anyways, I'll spoiler the gist of the short epilogue in the comments for those that finished the drama and need it.
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I have never seen a live action bl done so well and Tanaka Kei plays our awkward main character to perfection. I love the way he portrays this man suddenly being confessed to by his boss and his best friend. Sure he isn't married and has constantly been rejected by woman, but God (the director) has given him two potential love interests. It's a hilarious comedy and you will find yourself cringing at all the right times. The ending will leave you smitten and happy you watched it. I also find his honesty as a straight male Japanese man, finding out that too men like him refreshing because he's speaking out what society has made him believe male on male relationships are like. So it is even more refreshing when we see his perspective change and truly look at these men who are in love him at face value. But overall this is hilarious and a great watch, and if your'e bored and want to spend 48 minutes and 11 seconds of your life, laughing your heart out, watch it in the link below:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x59hsx0
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The setting of the drama is in Kure, a naval city in Hiroshima province. The story told about Suzu's and her new family life during the harsh time of WWII. (it touch a little bit about the Atomic bombing at Hiroshima). It was very interesting to see how the Japanese lived and what they felt during the war. Personally, I was born from a country which was used to be occupied by the Japanese. The textbook only taught about one side view of the war. Being the oppressed or the occupier. It was interesting to see it from the other side of the view and learn that no one wants to go to war and war really does not benefit anybody (the one who starts always is the person from the above not the people).
I'm not very familiar with the casts. But they sure did a wonderful job. The act feels really natural and the story is not being forced at all. I can say very confidently that even if you read the manga, you won't be disappointed or being bored with this drama.
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It's one of writer Lee's great works "she also wrote Sorry I Love You, A Love To Kill, Thank You, Innocent Man..."
The plot for this show was really great and the acting was fabulous...
both Rain and Gong Hyo Jin played their roles perfectly but the big surprise was Lee Dong Gun...he was so great that you won't mind seeing him end up with Sang Doo (the male lead) instead of Eun Hwan...
for short this drama has it all from humor to drama to romance to school...For me it's Just a must watch ^^
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Masterpiece
To call this show a masterpiece is an understatement. Everything about it is top notch. The acting, the story and the execution. Just wow. Every scene has a significance like the small details, everything adds together.Zhou yu tong, I don't know where to start with her. Her acting is mindblowing, I could feel every emotion of hers. The chem between her character and Jian yi fan is so cute, it the little things that matter.
I like the "mystery" element in here. Eveyone else did a expectiaonal job. Love the relationship between the girls. The emotions were raw.
Strongly recommended drama!!
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If you watched the drama you'il probably dislike this but as i said earlier seeing the old tricks worth wasting your time on it.
Yes it could have been better but the effort is granted.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the best Kdrama
I rarely give any review to a drama but this one is one of the best! I love the push and pull moments where they break up and be back to one another. I love the characters and I am in love with the plot. It was a cliche story but the characters did justice to the plot that is why I really loved the whole drama.I love tragic ending but I rarely cry to it and youth of my had given me another night to remember. The whole scene of myeong hee lying on the ground while hee tae being pulled by the soldier was so heartbreaking yet a satisfying scene to watch. I cried the whole night thinking about how miserable the ending was but nevertheless it was an amazing journey to watch such a indescribable drama.
From myeong hee sacrificing her life for others to hee tae respecting myeong hee's decision. I bow down to their relationship. I learned so many things watching the youth of may. I will miss every minute of it.
I recommend to everyone to watch this. Its so worth it!!
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