This review may contain spoilers
Satisfying series! Highly reccomended.Binged watched the whole series in one night. Engaging from the start till the end., the twelve episodes were used perfectly!
Coming in, you'd think you are watching a semi-fantasy scifi show. Its a story of a missing IT tycoon whose consciousness was mysteriously trapped inside a mobile phone. The phone landed in the hands of a seemingly unlucky jobless man who wasoffered to be the CEO of the company to solve the mystery of the boss' disappearance
I loved that the male princess cinderella transformation wasnt overdone. I specially enjoyed the main lead's boyish charm and acting and his dynamics with his family. I was also happy about the way they resolved the mystery of the trapped boss.
If there's anything con ts the fact that Chae Jong Hyeop's arms are so distracting, cause the guy oozes masculinity even without taking his shirt off.
Give it a go, you'd enjoy it too. Overall its an 8.5.
Was this review helpful to you?
I don't usually watch korean historical film, this was one of the exceptions since I had its DVD in one of my collections for a long time because I thought it was a historical-Wuxia Chinese film but when I found its synopsis and main actors in MDL, I decided to watch it right away even though it's Korean.
2) Storyline/Plot:
Do you love stories that would make you feel like you're watching a piece of art? This is it!!
Positive points:
*To start with, action films mixed with romance are one of the favorite genres that I like to watch and this film was just the type.
*Love through fighting was a brilliant idea that made this film's story so captivating because usually the leads are on the same side.
*The fighting scenes were nicely done; grafic effects and cinematography would make you feel like you're watching a piece of art being painted.
*The historical concept gave this film its great concept, it wouldn't be this great if it was in another era.
Negative points:
*The general presentation period didn't tell much therefore we don't get to know a lot about the leads (specially the lead male).
*The romantic story could've went a lot deeper; we haven't seen a lot on that side but that doesn't mean it was bad.
Story: 8/10
3) Acting/Cast:
*Kang Dong Won: I just love this actor because he always have unusual roles, here he was amazingly different. I usually love it when the lead male is mysterious, handsome, martial arts expert, full of karisma and I found all of that in "sad eyes" character; it was a perfectly portrayed character although he may sound very silent but he managed to deliver a lot of emotions: *Claps* I really loved him here.
*Ha Ji Won : In every drama/film, she can portray any character in a good way, here it wasn't any different; she was cool with her foolishness and manly behavior, she was the kind of strong/independent female lead plus she delivered great emotions. However, Kang Dong Won amazed me more.
*I just loved the chemistry between the leads because every scene they had together was interesting to watch; they were so cool especially in fighting scenes.
*I was right for watching it because of the lead actors: they did a great job.
*The general acting was cool and the supporting roles were acceptable.
Cast: 9.5/10
Acting: 10/10
4) The ending:
*Some people may not understand it, I would love to explain it but I would spoil it for those who haven't seen the film yet.
*Anyway, it was a great ending plus it was really logical for this type of film.
The ending: 9/10
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
*I didn't get my eyes off the screen the whole time, it was really interesting to watch. I am still wondering why I haven't seen it before.
*I was really entertained; i laughed, I was excited because of the fighting scenes, I was moved by the sad emotions somehow (I don't usually get moved by any sort of sadness so this is rare).
My impression: 9.5/10
6) Overall:
*If you like action films mixed with romance then this is for you but don't expect a lot on the romantic side.
*If you like mysterious male lead/strong female lead then this is for you.
*If you like martial arts film that's full of cinematography then this is for you.
Overall: 9/10.
Was this review helpful to you?
1Underrated fun, hilarious and sweet show!
Starting with the opening scene illustrations, I found this drama funny and quirky. It did not feel like a big-budget production, the sets were nondescript, and the costumes were not that memorable. Still, those did not detract from the show's charm. Instead, it is ultimately entertaining, mixing cute romance, just the right amount of melodrama, and on-point comedy.I thought that the drama did well in combining romantic and "slice of life" scenes featuring the different characters with the political shenanigans in the palace and courts. It stood out for me because it was a historical drama accompanied by non-traditional touches like the gender role reversal between the main couple. In this show, the male lead played the traditionally weaker and gentler role, while the female lead was the strong one, unpolished like a diamond in the rough.
As individual characters, the leads were likable, and together, they were endearing. Hu Jiao, played by Baby Zhang, was strong and domineering, the daughter of a butcher with some impressive knife skills. She had no formal education and was blunt as well as impulsive, but she was perceptive and street smart. She was also honest, principled, and upright, just like the male lead, Xu Qingjia, played by Tong Men Shi. In contrast to A'Jiao's physical strength, Xu Qingjia can be considered a xiǎobáiliǎn or pretty-faced boy, delicate and frail. However, he was incredibly intelligent, a learned scholar who was rational and thoughtful. His level-headedness tempered A'Jiao's fiery personality.
I enjoyed the sincere and simple romance between A'Jiao and Xu Qingjia. Their love was adorably dorky. Despite being new to marriage and still trying to work through their feelings, both did not shy away from sharing their thoughts. I also appreciated their care and respect for each other, especially regarding their relationship and life goals. Even when one did not want the other to make sacrifices, they still listened to each other and understood that they wanted to protect each other. There was no noble idiocy which is a trope I find most annoying.
It was great to see A Jiao's character develop. Typically straightforward, she did not usually mince her words, but she slowly started to consider Xu Qingjia's feelings. She learned to yield, saw things from his point of view, and did not hesitate to show her admiration for his brilliance. Xu Qingjia, on the other hand, would acknowledge that even though A'Jiao's words hurt, there was truth in them. He was always sweet towards her, so giving, but he would stand up for his beliefs when it came to important matters, at the risk of being beaten by A'Jiao.
These two managed to find common ground and reveled in each other's strengths, rather than expecting each other to possess the traditional gender-related skills. When conflict appeared, it was not a test of whether it would break them up but more of a testament that their relationship was strong enough to adapt and overcome. They were partners through and through.
The second couple, Yu Niang and Gao Zheng were equally delightful, with Gao Zheng just as dorky as Xu Qingjia but more emotionally clueless. Yu Niang was another awesome female character, and along with Lin Cui, A'Jiao's best friend, and other characters, there was a message of female empowerment. Actually, both ladies and men shone in this show. I liked the sismance, bromance, and the lack of tiresome third parties or love triangles. My favorite aspect of the show was the emphasis on wholesome masculinity and strong female characters.
It was also fun to watch the dynamics of A'Jiao's family members. They were hilarious and so supportive and protective of each other. Some characters fell flat, like the villains, but the cast did fine overall. It is the first time I watched the main actors, and while they were pretty good, they do need to hone their acting skills.
Musically, the song tracks were memorable, and by that, I mean the songs were effective in evoking memories of the scenes for me. I like the closing song, sung by our main couple, Baby Zhang and Tong Men Shi, but my favorite is Guòmén (Cross the door) by Liu Fengyao. It is incredibly romantic and, when played during the scenes of the couples, heightened the watching experience for me. For posterity, I included the track list at the end of this review.
Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, this drama might do the trick. I recommend that you try this drama out and decide for yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4liQrjrq1M&t=547s
佟梦实&张含韵 - 春日愿 (Spring Day Wish - Tong Mengshi & Zhang Hanyun)
入梦 - 袁咏琳 (Into a Dream - Yuan Yonglin)
过门 - 刘凤瑶 (Cross the Door - Liu Fengyao)
许你清嘉 - 戴欣梦露 (Xu Ni Qing Jia - Dai Xin梦露)
牵红 - 曹璐 (Bringing Red - Cao Lu)
Was this review helpful to you?
Watch for the wonderfully amazing kids, great OTP, hilarious rival ... BUT some caution ahead ...
There is so much to love about this drama -- the OTP pairing between Xie Binbin and Zheng Qiuhong, the most ridiculously adorable kids ever, and a rival you think you're going to thoroughly loathe, but end up finding absolutely delightful and hilarious. All of these factors make this drama worth watching.ACTING:
Xie Binbin, who is simply adorakable and was also enormously likable in Party A Who Lives Beside Me, is equally endearing here. He's not the most emotive or best actor, but you can still sense his ever-present regret over his initial motivations, all of which culminates into a moving and heartfelt speech near the end of episode 27. He and Zheng Qiuhong, who was equally fantastic in Dine With Love, have great chemistry together. The pairing is inspired and I hope to see them together again in a future drama. But it's the children who are truly revelatory. At first, they just seem like your typical adorable C-drama kids, but it's almost magical watching Zhang Yanbo and Huang Bosi together as the story unfolds and they interact like true siblings. Episode 26, in particular, is a gem. First you'll cry, then you'll laugh out loud as the kids break your heart before charming your socks off.
Yang Xue'er, who plays Tong Luoqi, is pitch perfect as the bitchy rival with the heart of gold. I'd seen her in a number of other dramas before, but this character really allowed her to shine. Some of the funniest scenes in the drama involve her and the children, and some of the most heartwarming scenes are also between her and the FL.
Finally, I was surprised by my unexpected sympathy for Qin Tian once his back story was revealed. He was a different person in the flashbacks, and credit goes to Jin Chong for his acting. Of course, it doesn't justify his actions in any way, but it made his character more interesting and nuanced -- he wasn't just some one-dimensional villain out for the usual revenge.
STORY:
There are some minor quibbles here and there that can be glossed over, but there are a few significant issues that mar what otherwise could have been a very satisfying romcom. One of the biggest weaknesses is the secondary couple. Both BFFs are perfectly fine ... and yet ... somehow bland. That blandness spills over into their equally uninspired romance, which was really the only draggy part of the drama. Far too much time is spent on a courtship that has no spark.
Another major weakness is the overall plot that drives the entire story. A key component of the "mystery" is fairly obvious within the first episode and by the mid-point, viewers have a pretty good idea as to the other elements of the mystery. And yet, more than a dozen episodes go by before some of these theories are finally confirmed. (Eg. Speaking as someone with relevant experience, how does that detail about the brother not come up even once in conversation?!) I don't mind plot predictability, but the build-up to a couple of the big reveals felt quite forced, unrealistic, and unnecessary. Not surprisingly, the plot briefly got splattered with some obligatory "dog's blood". By the time the series ended, I still had some unanswered questions as to how certain key events were even possible.
Despite these problems -- and unlike The Love You Give Me, a recent modern drama that I found extremely frustrating to watch -- Please Be My Family was still very enjoyable. At less than 30 minutes each, it's also a breezy binge. Ultimately, the strongest aspect of this drama is the main cast of genuinely wonderful characters. They really carry the show and help compensate for the storyline flaws.
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: Different from what others said about how boring the early episodes was, IMO the early episodes are great! I waited every week for new episodes. I want to see more about Yi Seul & Baek Ho.. I really adore how they loved each other, how they cared about each other.. It was.. really sweet (I'm typically a fan to sweet couple like them..) I really enjoyed every episodes.. But when I reached later episodes, I found the story becomes, a bit dragged, and BH-YS's relationship becomes more bitter, especially on around episodes 11-12. And it's true what people said that episodes 11-12 is frustrating, and episodes 14-15 was the turnover. Finnaly after I passed episodes 12, I once again, found myself enjoyed waiting for the next episodes, and am really satisfied with the ending! Such a happy ending :) The side story also add addiction to this drama (I especially adore Tae Nam and Chae Ri's story)
Acting/Casts: Such an outstanding chemistry between Yoo Seung Ho & Park Eun Bin.. They've been together in some project, and it makes them comfortable with each other. Yoo Seung Ho himself has a strong acting base from his dramas before. Other casts also did a perfect job (even the supporting roles really did a great job!) That's why I give 10 for this section! They are really outstanding!
Music: Honestly, for me, some of them are great to build the mood (especially for crying scenes), but some of them were just, average. Outside the drama, some of the soundtracks are on my playlist :)
Rewatch Value: I usually don't rewatch the dramas I've watched before.. But I'm sure that some of you would like to watch this again in some time :D
This maybe not the best drama I've ever watched.. Some people found this frustrating and I was one of them. But if you want to watch a sweet romance, then you come to the right place :)
Was this review helpful to you?
Exceptional queer movie with realistic approach
Hi, I am late to the party, but I should write a review, because this is one of the exceptionell queer movies of 2024.If you do expect a BL you will be disappointed, it's a queer movie and the romance of a BL is not the focus of this movie.
It's a story of gay man who struggles with the society he lives in and a girl who also had go through some hardships. They both meet at university and the grow closer together, overcome hardships together and accept each other for what they are. Both discover who they are and what they want.
Cinematography, direction, acting are also exceptionell.
This is one of the best queer movies ever made which does not focus on the gay aspect per se. It's part of the story but the main part is the development of a deep friendship between a gay man and a straight woman. Regardless if you are straight, bi, gay or inbetween or nothing of that, regardless which gender identity you have, it's a powerful story and a wonderful movie and you should watch it!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
NOT YOUR TYPICAL THAI BLSTORY
================
When SUPERNATURAL meets BL this series is what you will have. Despite just having 3 episode. each one will definitely make you stay at the edge of your seat. May it be you're expecting for a jump-scare or anticipating what will happen next, for sure, you will be asking for more. Unfortunately, 3 episodes is just too short. However, that works in the favor of the story itself as it did not have any filler scenes or unnecessary characters and side story. But do I hope for a longer one? Definitely yes, because this is a unique story comparing to the 99% of Thai BL's. No school/uni scene(s) and the fact that is can be categorized as supernatural as well.
What I really like about the story that it does not follow a linear time line. It does not spoon feed you and will make you think despite that this is a love story. Yes, thinking is more for the mystery type of story; but somehow, the mystery side of the plot is what will make you hooked. True enough, what was shown in the Episode 1 will definitely leave you scratching your head until you watch Episode 2 and realize what Episode 1 is the effect of Episode 2.
Episode 3 is the most emotionally packed one. Grief, anger, sadness, pain and letting go. I am actually surprised that a 16 minute long episode would contain so much of emotion. A 16-minute emotion roller coaster ride indeed. The very last scene, the most ironic "lines"... Kinda reminds me of the song "Punchline" by Aidan Martin because the word 'punchline' was said on the stage.
And as the video darkens, is also the time my heart dropped.
Story-wise if you want to have a sense of the order of the episode based on their timeline, what happened first is Episode 2. It is your choice which will follow next if it is going to be Episode 1 or 3. But I prefer Ep 2 -> 1 -> 3 as it has a sense of acceptance.
ACTING/CAST
================
Jeff and Gameplay are relatively newcomers in the Thai entertainment industry. BUT, they are already showing an awesome acting skill!
Jeff's characters as Mike (in this mini-series) and Marwin (Ingredients) have the same vibes; HOWEVER, in this mini-series, Jeff have already shown multiple of emotions. I must admit, I have watched the first 7 episodes of "Ingredients" before watching this one, after all, it was not complete until today. I like his character as Marwin and I have thought that it suits his looks, charming and cute and is working for him. Then I have watched this. Oh Boy! This guy have a lot of potential and can be on the level of the actors under GMMTV and Nadao Bangkok.
Gameplay, I really like his rugged looks here, and in the series Ingredients, is more neat and organized. Similarly with Jeff, he shows a number of emotions already as to his character "Tops" in "Ingredients". It really hard not to fall in low with Tops when he smiles, but in this, I really want to hug to comfort him as he has been through a lot. If you watch closely, you can see him shows hint of emotion in a number of scenes. It is actually hard for any actor to do that than to show the full emotion. Think about this, a smirk could mean a lot of things; but Gameplay show that facial expression and immediately, you know what he is trying to make you feel.
MUSIC
================
Two iconic songs that definitely put the watching experience in a different level.
1st is MOMENT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT993S1FDNM
Jeff and Gameplay singing an excerpt of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJwJuBq5y6U
2nd is COMEDY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuKy6aQvcrs , from Jeff's YouTube channel
with hardcoded lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IFmh2nvo00
Both were sung by Mike (Jeff Satur). Coincidentally, Moment is also featured in another BL series which feature both Jeff and Gameplay.
Jeff is fast becoming my favorite Thai Actor-Singer-Intrumentalist.
REWATCH VALUE
================
As almost all series I have watched I rarely rewatch a series or a movie and this is definitely not one of those that I will rewatch.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This series cinematography and visuals was what got me hooked. It felt like I was watching a high budget Hollywood production, each episode felt like a movie in itself. Casting was on-point maybe except for Ae-sin who I think have very soft features to be a gun slinging sniper. At times she looks like a teenager who seems out of place in that chaotic Joseon era. The main characters deep and tragic history and development was superb. However, the main fault for me was that having the 3 male leads with such powerful characters go after Ae-sin.
I mean, I get their deep history with her but I feel like a more interesting storylines could have been explored if the plot did not stick to this "love quadrangle" until the very end.
Ae-sin's passiveness and poker face acting just didnt do it for me. There was Hina who was a unique lovable character but Dong-Mae failed to even realize her love for him because he just had to get Ae-sin. I cried so hard when Hina died in Dong-Mae's back while confessing her feelings to him. They were not even given a single day to spend together after she waited for him for 3 years 😭.
The finale made up of the last 2 episodes were just dang good! I mean I have never been satisfied with a kdrama ending like this for a loonggg time. As expected in a war death came and a piece of my heart died with each characters passing. Each death may seem rushed at the end but it was artistic and meaningful and heart wrenching to the core. Ae-sin as the last man standing was as it should be. All in all this is a series definitely worth watching! ❤
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
The acting was impressive, the characters were mainly children but they sure know how to act! It was a rare find for me. A movie like this will shock you. Never knew such things happened.
Was this review helpful to you?
Chasing Our Individual Dreams, Together
I can’t emphasize enough how heartwarming, realistic, and human The Best of You in My Mind is. This is a modern-day college drama that focuses on how the female lead Lin Xichi and male lead Xu Fang start from being childhood friends and eventually end up as lovers. Yet it is also about the journey of youth and the struggles we face in pursuit of our dreams as we become adults. Not only is it a very satisfying watch with a great happy ending, but our characters also navigate incredibly relatable and touching issues.I'd highly recommend having a watch if you like these tropes:
♡ A Romantic Couple With Incredible Chemistry: Iriene Song and Gala Zhang have so much chemistry together — both actors depicted the transition from childhood friends to romantic interests very naturally. Most importantly, both Xichi and Xu Fang seek each other out during their hardest times, such as their struggles with their careers and achieving their dreams. They have such a healthy relationship where even though in the beginning they are always bickering and fighting, they are also always communicating openly with each other. Both not only share in the sweetness of their successes, but also support each other through their difficult times.
♡ A Male Lead Whose Charm is His Insecurity: Xu Fang is not a cold and domineering male lead, but instead he is incredibly insecure, doubts himself, and constantly reflects on his own limitations. One of the things I admire the most is how refreshing his character is, and how Gala Zhang’s acting was excellent in depicting Xu Fang’s personal growth. Xu Fang begins as unwilling to be a leader and as reluctant to take the top position in the university archery team, to achieving great competitive success. The drama did a great job showing his fears as well as his mental struggles and setbacks which often self-sabotage his own opportunities. Yet Xu Fang is also incredibly loyal, devoted, and willing to recognize how others such as Xichi are his greatest support. The fact that the male lead is not only afraid to cry and openly reflect on his weaknesses, but also loves wholeheartedly, made him very admirable and unique as a character.
♡ Likeable Main and Side Cast: I liked all of the side couples (both of Xichi’s roommates have love lines.) I also loved the eventual bromance and bonding that developed amongst the archery team. Characters such as the coach, who initially began as being very hard on Xu Fang, turned out to be one of his biggest supporters. I also feel like the time given to each couple was well-paced, and I didn’t feel like our main couple was sidelined for the narratives of the side couples, which I often find occurs in other dramas.
♡ Solid Story With Little Filler: There is little filler, and I appreciated how the drama showed different phases of the lives between the main characters. The majority of the show focuses on their college years, while the later parts of the drama (after episode 20) transition to post-graduation. While I think the first half is stronger and more tightly written, I liked how we could see the growth between our main couple, and also the mental challenges they both faced as they reconciled with making their dreams a reality.
However, there are also some things you might not like about the drama:
♥ The Family Drama: Part of the story is about how Xichi deals with the breakdown of the ideal family that she had envisioned and dreamed of. This is not a family situation that ends in utter tragedy (i.e. death), but without spoiling too much it impacted Xichi greatly. I personally really didn’t like this storyline, even though it (ironically) is what begins the drama and what you see from Episode 1. I was very disappointed with how illogically her parents handled the situation, and caused a lot of grief towards Xichi and her younger brother in particular. I admit that much of the drama does focus on Xichi finding her mom and coming to terms with her family situation, and for me personally this was not a fun part of the drama to watch.
♥ Strange & Irrelevant Use of Second Leads: Ye Shaowen is the second lead male who falls for Xichi. While I appreciated how he didn’t try to actively meddle with Xu Feng and Xichi’s relationship, he goes from being an important character in the beginning to nearly dropping out completely in the middle to late stretch of the drama. Additionally, one of Xichi’s roommates falls for Xu Feng, even though Xu Feng doesn’t notice her at all. I liked how she didn’t end up being a malicious female lead (even though the drama itself makes some strange edits to lead the viewer to think that she is). I think that the way that both second leads were incorporated were rather irrelevant and unnecessary, and didn’t really do much for the story itself.
♥ Break Ups: Without spoiling too much, there is a break up in this drama that occurs in the latter half. I personally liked it because it wasn’t stretched out, and it really was used in a manner that emphasized just how strong the relationship between Xichen and Xue Fang was. I also thought that the break up itself was very realistically handled and occurred for good reason (not because of external meddling, but because of internal mentalities and struggles) but I know that some viewers may be frustrated by seeing a couple go through the break-up process.
I'd highly recommend you watch this if you liked dramas that have fluffy romance, while also being a great slice-of-life drama that touches on many relevant issues. This show not only had great production value, but also had actors that did an incredible job making the characters likeable and relatable, and showing not only the successes they achieved but also the struggles and disappointments they faced. Most notably, this drama touched on realistic mental and psychological difficulties of trying to achieve your dreams, which is something I think is often missed out on in youth dramas. If you’re looking for a drama that depicts day-to-day life on campus and childhood lovers to adults romance, this is a good one to pick up for easy watching!
Was this review helpful to you?
1This review may contain spoilers
PecBros, or, Peccentric Bromance
This is how I imagine the pitch meeting for this show went:WRITERS: So, we have a proposal for a new BL. One that is radical and fresh and new and innovative...
PRODUCERS: What is it?
WRITERS: It’s a Thai BL crossed with a Korean BL.
PRODUCERS: Brilliant!! Go nuts!
WRITERS: Great! How much money do we get?
PRODUCERS: Nothing.
DIRECTOR: Hang on... (To the writers:) Talk us through it.
WRITERS: Well, there's this Thai dude who comes to study at Korea, and he's best friends with this Korean dude because they grew up together, and...
PRODUCERS: In the same country?
WRITERS: Yes.
PRODUCERS: Which one? Thailand or Korea?
WRITERS: Exactly.
DIRECTOR: Well, which is it?
WRITERS: Which isn't it?
PRODUCERS: O... kay...
WRITERS: Anyway, the Thai dude goes to the same university as his buddy, and they decide to share the same room. Will they be more than friends? That's the story.
(Everyone sighs.)
CASTING DIRECTOR: So, I'm guessing we’ll need to find a Korean actor who speaks Thai, and a Thai actor who speaks Korean?
PRODUCERS: Who are also willing to be in a BL? Forget it. Too expensive.
WRITERS: What do we do then?
PRODUCERS: We get around it.
DIRECTOR: How? By giving them a few language lessons?
PRODUCERS: Of course not. Let's just have the Thai guy speak Thai, and the Korean guy speak Korean. Easy.
WRITERS: But…
PRODUCERS: But what?
WRITERS: If the Thai actor cannot speak Korean, and the show is set in Korea, how will he interact with all the other Korean characters in the show?
PRODUCERS: What characters?
WRITERS (shuffling through their papers): Well, so far, we have a couple of university students, a gym teacher, and of course, a fujoshi.
CASTING DIRECTOR: That would be a problem.
PRODUCERS: Hmmm... Well, why don't we just say that all the students are majoring in Thai, that the gym teacher loves Thai culture, and the fujoshi… well, can’t she just love Thai food?
WRITERS: Yet none of them can speak a word of Thai?
DIRECTOR: Well, what are the boys supposed to be studying at college?
WRITERS: I think they’re studying… (They talk among themselves and fumble through the pages.) Ummm... something physical education-y.
PRODUCERS: In other words, something that gets them to the gym in order for us to see them topless.
(The writers remain silent.)
PRODUCERS: Then why the fuck does any of it matter? Just throw them in the gym, take a few thirst traps, and give it a theme tune. Done.
DIRECTOR: Ummm… Not to be a wet blanket or anything. But is there a plot somewhere around the corner?
WRITERS: We’re still working on it.
DIRECTOR: What do you mean "working on it"?
WRITERS: We have an element of mystery. We think the gym teacher might be involved in a murder.
DIRECTOR: Might be? Surely you, as writers, should know what happens?
PRODUCERS: You a rookie? He's just a hunk of meat. (To the writers): Isn't he?
DIRECTOR: Well, you’re not helping matters. If we have good actors, or better scriptwriters... no offence...
WRITERS: None taken.
DIRECTOR: What am I supposed to do now?
PRODUCERS: Relax. This is BL 101. You need arms, pecs, abs, and ass. You need some “angst”, whatever the fuck that means, and you need a happy ending. Don’t tell me the girls won’t eat this up.
WRITERS: They have a point.
PRODUCERS (clapping their hands twice): Get to it, then. Make us some money.
CASTING DIRECTOR: This is going to be a fun couple of months.
DIRECTOR: What could possibly go wrong?
And this is how I imagine the post-production meeting went:
PRODUCERS: Remind us, which one of you was the editor on this project? (A hesitant hand goes up.) You're fired. And who did the cinematography? You’re fired too. Now, who did the music? (Another hesitant hand goes up.) Give the man a raise. He knows how to trap that thirst.
(A long pause.)
Now, where are the screenwriters?
WRITERS: Here.
PRODUCERS: Tell me, have you ever considered writing for gay porn? Because your talents are wasted here.
WRITERS: Oh! Wait... what?
PRODUCERS (sighing): It's one thing to have no plot. Which is what you came to us with in the first place. But now, you have given us a murder mystery in which the real villain was... drumrolls please...
CASTING DIRECTOR: Oh, you want us to do the actual drumroll?
DIRECTOR: Interesting.
PRODUCERS: The fat guy! The fat guy!! You know, the one who steals other people's food, who can't control himself or his feelings, and who therefore deserves to die? Him. This is what you were going for. In 2024.
(The writers are silent.)
PRODUCERS: Tell me, was he meant to be gay as well? Not that we acknowledge the existence of gays in KBLs, of course. Or did you make that vague on purpose, so that your audience wouldn't have to think of him as a sexual being?
WRITERS: No... It's just...
PRODUCERS: You do realise you've managed to write a show in which a YouTube influencer is *not* the worst person in the world? Now that’s an accomplishment.
DIRECTOR: What are you so mad at them for? You green-lit the project!
PRODUCERS: Yes, back when we thought it was about two cute boys hitting the gym, bonding over Thai food, and lip reading in different languages. We didn't expect a bibimbap of anti-fat prejudices and pro-protein-shake propaganda. Didn't we have enough of that in Blueming?
DIRECTOR: What do you want us to do then? Pull the project?
PRODUCERS: No, of course not. (Sighs.) When you've been in the business for as long as we have, you'll realise that people will watch anything. Most BL is queer-bait-and-switch anyway.
DIRECTOR: What then?
PRODUCERS: Send it to focus group -- but make sure there's no one gay, fat, or above 40 in it -- and see how often they say 'fluffy' or 'cute'. If it's more than 50%, release it.
WRITERS: So you want us to release something that you yourself hate?
PRODUCERS: Of course. Haven't you seen the Producers?
Reader's (Google Translated) Digest:
DO SAY: Krub, C̄hạn rạk khuṇ, Annyeonghaseyo, Salanghaeyo.
DON'T SAY: H̄yud ley. Kkeojyeo.
Was this review helpful to you?
Pyramid Game: A look at society's hierarchy
The pyramid, a geometric wonder and a potent symbol, has pervaded human civilization since time immemorial. Our societal fabric is interlaced with the indomitable threads of the pyramid. Consider, if you will, the tripartite classification of society: the fortunate upper class reigning over the means of production, acting as the high priests of industry, commanding the ebb and flow of capital as a maestro conducts a symphony; the middle class, a hardy troupe of professionals, small business owners, and mid-level overseers; and, finally, the lower class toiling in less-rewarding occupations and grappling with the specter of povertyEnter the tale of "Pyramid Game," a microcosmic representation of societal stratification within the crucible of a classroom setting and beyond. The students are pitted against each other in a pursuit of popularity. The popularity contest results in a pyramid, where "Grade A" aristocracy perch triumphantly at the zenith, luxuriating in their coveted status, and "Grade F" hoi polloi languish at the nadir, bearing the full weight of ostracism and ignominy
The tale is not all doom and gloom. Amid the savage social melee, a rose blossoms between the thorns. We bear witness to the blossoming of camaraderie and tender romance between the girls. Most notably, the unions of Bona (Soo Ji) and Da In (Ja Eun), Na Eon (Ye Rim) and Ju Yeon (Eun Jung), sail billow with the winds of shared understanding and make the poignant statement that a heart can forge connections transcending the confines of class and status
Was this review helpful to you?
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!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
What was the last song (non Asian) that you listened to? #252 minutes ago -
Last Asian Song You Listened To?1 hour ago -
Last NON Asian Movie you watched? #21 hour ago
-
BL Drama Lovers Club1 hour ago -
Who yeppie guyss2 hours ago
