The story itself is a very light hearted typical romantic comedy. It has the seemingly cold guy and a bubbly girl. I definitely had my differences with the female lead. She has a habit of lying and turning bystanders against whoever she is targeting (let's be real, most of the time it's the male lead). I found that incredibly annoying and unlikable, but perhaps that is why she is the "fox" in the title. That does stop after about the first ten or so episodes so she has grown on me since then. There isn't really a major over-arching plot, and as of yet, since it is the incomplete story, there hasn't been a climax. The only things that really propel the story forward are the relationship between the female lead and the male lead and the "love square" that they're involved in.
As I mentioned before, the female lead began as very unlikable to me, but the actress portrayed that role quite well. I felt that the male lead however, could be a bit more expressive. I understand that his role is supposed to be cold and stoic, but his expressions could use a little more emotion.
The music wasn't very memorable, but it wasn't unpleasant.
This drama isn't anything special or new, but it is an enjoyable watch. It's a good light hearted show to watch especially as a break between some heavier dramas.
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I NEED MORE!!!!!!!!!!!
Man, this short film deserves MORE attention, this is such a treasure. I think strongberry has a big potential series to produce with this, seriously. If someone from this company read this PLEASE do a big series, with a big time of episodes, to develop the story, show more of the Korean culture, food, people, make a Korean dear John, idk, make something big and good like this short film. The actors are very talented, the story is good and makes me curious and makes me want more. The soundtrack is good too. please give fujoshis a good show we deserve after a lot of shorts films and medium dramas.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The ending scene of Asuka.....
So this is my theory...In end there is a special scene where the headlines and picture of the murder of the red person changes intlo asuka's.
So from my point of view i think that asuka is actually murdered when she was 8 and in the whole movie asuka's character is just hallucination .
In the scene where they are in the library and Takahiro say something about him going to amusement park with asuka's family but she cuts off in the middle and in the ending scene they showed that she was murdered in an amusement park.
Next when they went to beach Asuka says that when they were younger they had a school trip like some swimming trip or something and she did not attend due to her cold but on next day they all saw her as invisible and forgotten I guess that's when she was murdered because of that they did not actually saw her and even she didn't know that she actually died.
I think they saw her at night because she only appeared to everyone at night for body search because she is the next person for body search. And Takahiro is the closest person to Asuka that's why only he saw her even at morning.
* THIS IS ONLY WHAT I OPINION AFTER WATCHING IT *
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I read from many places that this is kind of remake and ispired by korean drama 'you who came from the stars' even though this is really based on chinese novel series.
I admit, story sounds similar and female lead has similar traits with Cheong Song Yi's character but that's where the resemblance ends. And I'm actually glad that this was different from 'you who came from the stars'.
So we have self-confident actress Tian Jing Zhi (played by Wu Qian) who in the beginning is in distraught by getting dumbed by her childhood sweetheart boyfriend after proposing him. While venting her anger she gets into car crash and accidentally revives immortal Xue Ling Qiao (played by Kim Tae Hwan). Jing Zhi almost died but Ling Qiao with his abilities payed back the favor by healing her.
Ling Qiao, being lived in the earth for 500-something-years and being 'asleep' for 100 years he didn't know anyone and didn't have anywhere to go. The only person he could think of was Jing Zhi and thus he kind of forced himself as Jing Zhi's roommate.
This is where all the fun began, Jing Zhi being her bubbly and hyper self and Ling Qiao being serious and quiet.
I enjoyed the side characters Zhang Xuan Xuan (Shen Meng Shen), Li Yan Zhi (Fu Jia), Ye Chen (Xu Ke). I really wanted writers to concentrate on these characters more but I guess episode duration would have been too long. They were important to the story and all actors did great job representing them. This drama made me a fan of Xu Ke and I hope I will see him in more dramas in the future.
At first I felt in couple first episodes that plot isn't going anywhere. But those couple episodes was full of funny moments because Jing Zhi's character is kind of comical so I enjoyed it. Then plot started to take place soon and I was so into watching this. A little dissappointment was Kim Tae Hwan's performance, who as a novice actor didn't quite convey enough emotions for the viewer to feel it properly.
If you're awaiting some mind blowing romance from the start, you will be dissappointed. Scenes between Ling Qiao and Jing Zhi were sweet but romance evolved kind of slowly.
Main bad guy in this drama you can guess if you have good instinct and have watched this kind of dramas before. For me, I guessed who the bad guy was pretty quickly. But nevertheless, I was enjoying watching this. I felt like there weren't any extra character put there like an accessory but everyone had their own meaningful place in the story.
Only thing that was major disappointment for me was one plot turn happening in later episodes. All except that, I can say I am quite happy with 'My amazing boyfriend' and I hope they will make season 2!
Oh, and music was good too! I think I will go looking for OST ;) And I'm even interested to read My amazing boyfriend novel series if I ever find it translated it in english somewhere.
Overall; if you're a fan of fantasy and romance, this is definetly your drama.
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SIDE NOTE: Been watching the English Sub, YouTube, 1080p, approx 30 minutes per episode, translated by Yzd_International_Fanclub, thanks guys!
ACTING/CAST: This is quite an attractive cast, and they play their parts very well.
MUSIC: Very good throughout the series.
REWATCH VALUE: Yup.
OVERALL: I'm am AMAZED at the production value of this! The set design and costume design are A+. It's a gorgeous production. I can't wait to watch more!
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This review may contain spoilers
Light, pacing & space set in the perfect ratio, honoring not only 1 but all K independence activists
PROLOGUE:One might criticize that historical facts about the historical figure Ahn and his person are too brief. That too much poetic license was taken with regard to the fictional comrades and opponents in this case. Even, that these guys also remain too pale as individual characters. That too little pace and tension are built up, and that there is overall too much debate in the dark.
But then, it would have been a completely different film. With a different message.
From my perception, “Harbin” does not want to tell us about historic events as it was, but to stage the dilemma, the hurdles, the challenges, the performance, the passion, the agony of the Korean resistance struggle as an epic monument. We do not get heroes in shining armor, but desperate fighters for a fairer world - for their freedom, for their country, which is their homeland, for their families or the families they cannot have themselves. "Harbin" wants to honor their price, which they paid for all those who now can actually live in freedom and relative independence today. In addition, "Harbin" is choosing a critical approach - with its focus on the struggle for perspective, hope, morality, and justification in regard of the many painful sacrifices.
TERRA NULLIUS BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS, BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG
Anyone who has seen "Harbin" will not forget "Harbin". This is ensured by the haunting staging, with artistic ambition consistently composed in terms of film technology, to set light, pacing, and space in the perfect ratio.
Here, preferably filmic means like camera, light, powerful scenes that burn themselves unforgettable into the memory were used! Whereas dialogues provide less contextual information but convey the personal and collective struggle for the right attitude. It's about morality and the opposite of it.
We do not learn much about the historic independence fighter Ahn, about whom one could have made a completely different film. His personality would certainly have allowed for that. And yet, in drastic scenes and moments, we learn what he deeply stands for: For an upright, just attitude that does not want to repay like with like, but wants to do better. Ahn fails in this, but he does not give up. Until the end, he stands for what he considers right. We do not learn in "Harbin" that he wrote a treatise during his imprisonment - a concept for a better world. But we have come to know him during those 108 minutes as a man to whom we can certainly trust that.
The others who work with him and against him are practically nameless and stand for the many nameless who struggled and suffered in their own way back then - under the cold, the cruelty, the hopelessness of this underground fight in the far north of Mongolia. And yet they made their contribution.
POETIC AESTHETICS OF DARKNESS
For a Western audience, "Harbin" may present a challenge in two respects. The KMovie is (like many other KMovies) not action-heavy but relies on the intensity of slowness. Even in this one, action is used sparingly. The subtle driving force is rather the aesthetic concept: This does not rely on light, but on shadow, on the poetic aesthetics of darkness and its subtle nuances, where diffuse light highlights textures and shapes. Adding sparse, precisely selected color impulses and contrasts, too.
With refined, powerful visual impression the icy bitter cold in the snow-covered forest, on the frozen river, and in the vastness of the desert landscape of Mongolia comes almost tangibly close to the viewers. Nature, in its powerfully aesthetic staging, becomes a symbol for the arduous path to freedom.
At the beginning, we are confronted with the inhospitable nature of underground life, where light is sparse and food consists of cigarettes. The cigarette smoke makes the dim light even more diffuse while the coats make the cold of the barren rooms appear even colder. And then the story catapults us abruptly and mercilessly into the unvarnished repulsive ugliness of this resistance struggle – in the scene in the icy, blood-smeared mud the bestial brutality becomes almost unbearable to watch.
All this represents and reinforces the sheer despair of the brave warriors who want to fight for their freedom from the oppressors despite all odds. Under almost hopeless circumstances. In an almost superhuman struggle with themselves and with what is right...
A TRIBUTE TO THE KOREAN UNDERGROUND STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
This joint fight for justice, independence, and freedom deeply defines the Korean identity as a nation, just as the suffering that the people share due to injustice, dependence, and oppression - the 'Han' as a collectively shared, yet individually felt pain, mobilizing a sudden strength and unexpected collective resistance (in this case against Japan).
The willingness to make sacrifices as well as the necessity to make sacrifices are deeply rooted in tradition. This may also be deeply problematic in itself, but like everything: it has two sides. Right? Wrong? Everyone has to decide that for themselves.
However, "Harbin" is not about judgement. It is about honoring those people who had actually dedicated themselves to this conjoint resistance struggle: not wanting to be oppressed and treated as subhuman beings (by Japan). "Harbin" represents an aesthetically intensified tribute to those against all odds fearless fighters. Woo Min-ho did not want to create a historical film here. With the context of this legendary assassination the KMovie rather sets a cinematic monument not only to this legendary independence activist, but by doing so, to all of the others, too. Therefore, at the same time, with the example of this legendary assassination in Harbin it sets a monument to the entire Korean resistance struggle, too - then, before, and after.
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A true joy to watch - with a HEALTHY & WHOLESOME relationship! :D
If you think that this is some tearjerking, serious, or sentimental drama just because it deals with disabilities (the poster image on here really makes it look that way), I assure you, it’s the complete opposite. Full of fluffy, goodhearted romance and comedy, and most importantly, one of the rare dramas that has a healthy relationship with open communication and realistic problems between two socially belittled individuals, Koi Desu may just be one of my favourite J-Dramas of this year. FINALLY Sugino has a breakthrough character that perfectly fits him, and the acting between both FL and ML is effortless and it just makes you feel all warm and fluffy while watching them!Sugino Yosuke has really been meh in other shoujo/josei dramas I’ve seen him in, either being too cringy as an “ikemen” character or not memorable enough. I really think that this is a huge turning point for him, as he plays the character of Kurokawa Morio so effortlessly. Morio is goofy, earnest, and wears his heart on his sleeve, not taking offense and trying to learn and understand Yukiko’s eye condition, which creates an unbelievable gap moe to his threatening “yankee” demeanor (he just looks cute imo). He’s patient with the FL and understanding of the protectiveness of her family, never pressuring the FL to reciprocate his feelings for her.
Sugisaki Hana has also been very “meh” for me, but her character as Yukiko is headstrong, kind, and independent in this drama. Her acting and skepticism towards Morio is realistic and understandable. She is someone who is constantly wanting to prove that she can do things just as well as others can. And the two really do have an affinity with each other!
The other characters are all really delightful to watch, and the drama is kept to a minimum that gets resolved by the end of the episode. It’s an inspiring, uplifting drama that will leave you feeling giddy and envious of the leads’ onscreen relationship. I highly recommend it! :)
Also, the little informative comedy asides by the comedian Hamada Yutaro, who is also blind in real life, are really entertaining! I love that they included him and gave him a platform to speak and further explain the tools, resources and feelings that blind individuals encounter on a daily basis, all in a light-hearted fashion. You definitely don't want to miss this one!
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The Confusing/Boring Solution (interesting premise let down by poor writing/editing)
Overall: although episode 6 finally explained things, they ruined Ryou/Mai. It could have been a masterpiece with solid writing but I regret watching this. Aired uncut on GagaOOLala (1st episode was 1hr11min), cut on YouTube PTG Entertainment channel (1st episode was 45min). September 2024 they released the uncut version on their YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLwO0HIPrzVqg8pOveOEbzGzubh0XVs7D&si=YWn1lSeK9Yv-oWbn I watched the uncut version.Important Plot Points to Know
- the very first scene is a flashback, there are flashbacks several times but they don't indicate they are flashbacks, the woman in the flashback is a character in the present
- the sandwich dude is playing two characters, himself in the present and his dad in the past
- the world building is explained in the final episode
Content Warnings: non con touching/attempted rape, punch, bullying, manhandling, non con turned consensual, slap, manipulation
What I Liked
- an established couple with realistic relationship issues
- decent solo NSFW scene (only in uncut version)
- camerawork where everyone else moves at a faster speed but the main character doesn't, to show how he's stuck
- the high school storyline up until the 2nd half of episode 5
Room For Improvement
- the way it started was confusing (note, this is a flashback)
- scenes jump with no explanation of how a character got there/when, for example, when/why/how did he get that business card? they never show the one guy being locked in the locker room? (explained in ep 6) why does Patis get a key from that nurse? why didn't they actually show the wish asking scenes in more detail (explained in ep 6)
- they needed to do more world building/hints prior to episode 6, they should not have included that grocery store scene
- episode 6 ruined Mai/Ryou, Mai should have stopped right away, also Ryou's wish was so awful, so we don't even know if the love was real or just because of the wish
- I don't want Thana and Patis together for many reasons
- I'm not sold on that level of tame kissing with an established couple and then how Patis is reluctant many times
- stupid wishes, why ask for a job when you can ask for a trillion dollars???
- cliche female character
- the pink transition effect was distracting
- open ending
- confused why they age restricted their youtube episode themselves as the cut version doesn't have anything in it that warrants being age restricted
- episodes are odd/out of order on their youtube channel
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This review may contain spoilers
Started Off Dull, Got Funny, Then Fell Apart: A Drama That Lost Its Way
**Episodes 1–4: What Did I Just Sign Up For?**My Girlfriend is the Man had promise, but instead of the comedy/bromance I was promised, I got an emotional rollercoaster. The trailer lied—talk about a bait-and-switch.
The plot revolves around Ji Eun, who transforms into a boy (Ji Hun) and switches back and forth due to genetics. The main conflict centers around her boyfriend, Yoon Jae, who struggles to accept her transformation. Instead of comedy, Yoon Jae goes on a constant nostalgia trip every time he gets close to Ji Hun, remembering his moments with Ji Eun. This emotional reflection kills the comedic timing, leaving us with more sappy moments than humor. The bromance is practically nonexistent, and while there are a few funny moments (like when Yoon Jae gets drunk), they’re far too few to make any real impact.
Yoon Jae learns more about his girlfriend as a man and falls more deeply in love with her through these challenges. His love for Je Eun transcends her physical form, and he's willing to stay with her even if she changes (remember, he’s straight).
Ji Eun's friendship with her best friend is annoying, and the 'spoon woman dance' that's supposed to be funny just feels awkward. Meanwhile, the second female lead, who likes Yoon Jae, is arrogant and rude, and his constant pushover behavior gets old fast.
The series spends too much time on side stories, like the parent-child bonds, sibling romance, the café part-timer, and the building owner. They feel like a filler, and I found myself skipping through them, especially when things got too sappy.
**Episodes 5–8: Unexpectedly Hilarious (Finally)**
This is where things started to pick up. The drama goes from overly sentimental to chaotic and funny—and I was finally entertained. One of the funniest moments is when Ji-hyun gets involved in her best friend's romance. It’s hilarious when she kisses her best friend, and the boyfriend is just standing there, thinking, “Why am I watching this?”
Another funny moment is with Yoon Jae’s study friend (Chuu). This friend makes Ji Eun (Ji-hyun) so jealous, and it’s just hilarious to watch. Then this friend moves next door to Ji-hyun, becoming even more entangled with them.
I also find it sweet and funny how supportive the sister and the part-time café worker are of Yoon Jae and Ji-hyun's romance. They’re totally okay with the two men being in love because they can see how much they genuinely care for each other. (They don't know that Ji Eun can change into a boy)
That said, I still don't like how much of a pushover Yoon Jae is.
**Episodes 9–12: Chaos and Disappointment**
I finished the series… and honestly? I kind of hated it by the end.
While the middle episodes were funny and entertaining, the final arc just became a mess. I started skipping scenes just to get it over with, and that’s never a good sign.
However, I felt like there were too many side characters and subplots thrown in. The love triangle between the three adults (the sister, her first love, and the café owner), the café part-timer, and the best friend—was that really necessary? There was barely any screen time for them, and it felt underdeveloped. Then there were the grandparents, Yoonjae’s parents, and even Yoonjae’s sister—all of it felt haphazard and rushed. Nothing was fully fleshed out or wrapped up properly. Yoonjae’s sister, in particular, seemed to exist just to gush over her brother being gay, without any real depth or contribution to the plot.
One thing that really bothered me, though, was how the mother handled everything. Why didn’t she just explain the situation from the start? Waiting until she got caught and then finally revealing everything felt unnecessary and frustrating. Like, okay—it runs in the family, but wouldn’t you think something that major deserves an honest conversation with your daughter from the beginning? For example, explaining how her grandpa is actually her grandma, or that she might remain a guy forever, or that she has to keep changing genders.
And to be honest, Ji-eun and Ji-hyun felt like two completely different people. They didn’t feel like the same person at all, which made it hard to connect emotionally with the main character’s journey.
The plot also kept going back and forth too many times, which made the pacing feel messy and inconsistent.
That said, I appreciated how Yoonjae finally came to accept his girlfriend at the end, regardless of whether she was in a male or female body. It really emphasized the idea that love knows no bounds. He worked through his own issues, and that development felt real.
**FINAL THOUGHTS**
My Girlfriend is the Man had a great premise, but completely fumbled the execution. The first few episodes were slow and overly sentimental, the middle episodes were genuinely funny and engaging, and the ending fell apart under the weight of too many characters, side plots, and inconsistent pacing.
But overall? This drama was sloppy, chaotic, and full of wasted potential. I wouldn’t recommend it, and I definitely wouldn’t watch it again.
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A Short but Sweet Reunion of Hee Tae & Myung Hee in 2021
I was so excited when I heard that Lee Dohyun and Go Minsi would be reuniting for a mini-drama, so I was a bit disappointed that it turned out to be a 6-minute long episode (if you can call it that). However, I am still very happy to see them reunite for this small project even if it is so short and an ad for something. It's so nice to see a happy ending for Hee Tae and Myung Hee even if it's in this way. I missed this couple so much so it made me really happy. It is also very nice that there were small indirect and direct references to Youth of May so it was fun noticing them as I watched. The storyline for this short "drama" was also written well to be interesting and funny despite it being only 6 minutes long. And, Lee Dohyun and Go Minsi's acting of course did not disappoint in this, even though it was a short "drama". Lee Dohyun is also adorable in this as he is with his other projects. Besides it being too short, this reunion was sweet and what I was looking for in their reunion. So, even though this is a very short reunion, I enjoyed it and it was fun to watch them in the modern day. But I really hope that Lee Dohyun and Go Minsi can reunite for a full-length drama or webdrama next time though!Was this review helpful to you?
Screwed-up adults living in a screwed-up house
I'm probably going to get a lot of stick and downvotes on this review but I still want to share my dissatisfaction with this show.STORY (No spoilers)
This show is about 4 adults with various emotional and psychological problems living together and, as a result, messing each other up with their screwed-up-ness. And fair warning: there is sexual content in this show with issues of a sexual nature raised. If you're in the mood for a rather disturbing, ambiguous show with heavy sexual content but with no proper character progression or story development then this show is for you.
With 10 episodes at around 30 minutes each, this show has very limited time to address any of the deep, fractured emotional problems and psychology the characters have. Unfortunately, this ambitious undertaking falls far short of its mark because seriously, nothing really gets addressed. The show never really delved deep into the psychology of our screwed up characters, nor into their healing process. It's a glorified 'slice of life' show about dysfunctional people being dysfunctional with a sexual twist embedded, period.
I personally thought that this show could be really intriguing and even ground-breaking with the kind of issues it raised in the early episodes but was sorely disappointed with the lack of development, growth and progression of the characters as episode after episode went by. There was no effort made by the show to address any of the problems the characters were facing in a healthy and considerate way. These people need help - serious help - but the show doesn't tell you how to get it. This drama came across pointless and aimless and I have no idea what sort of message this show wanted to send but I was certainly getting nothing positive from it.
ACTING/ CAST
Serviceable. Nothing particularly outstanding because each character seemed to represent an extreme end of the spectrum of dysfunctionality.
I have to hand it to Masaki Nakao who plays the withdrawn and socially inept Hongyo though - the ability to deadpan some of what would be the most embarrassing lines under some of the craziest situations is noteworthy.
MUSIC
Nothing particularly outstanding or memorable.
RE-WATCH VALUE
I personally disliked the show. I have no problem with shows that introduce dysfunctional people who suffer from emotional, psychological and sexual problems but I do have an issue when a show does that without really addressing the problems it raised and simply lets its characters mess about with one another, stirring up pools of muddy water for the sake of entertainment.
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I started this because of Jung Il Woo. I've seen him for the first time in High End Crush (go watch that!) and fell in love with his natural acting and expressions so I can say I had no expectations about the show to be frustrated.
It was beautifully executed (apart from the slow motion scenes that had me rolling my eyes all the time) and everything that makes this overdramatic (imo) are the headcanons of the Cinderella concept - evil step-mother and step-sister, absent father, diseased mother and a helpless little princess... wait. Helpless? Not so much and that's what I love about Eun Ha Won. Despite of her heart being too good for her own good, she's positive instead of victimizing herself, she goes get it, she stands up for herself and doesn't get oversensitive over things. She hangs it in there alright.
As for the male leads, Seo Woo was kinda cute (never seen an idol with that much free time! lol), Hyun Min is adorable (typical spoiled and arrogant brat we love to not hate) and Ji Woon... ah... now that it's over I kinda wish I had him to myself. At first he really annoyed me but as soon as he started smiling I was sold. Guess that has Il Woo's to blame, though. But honestly, his character is kind, protective, righteous and also stands up for himself and though he has a strong sense of pride, he didn't let it get in the way of his relationship with Ha Won (like it usually goes).
The side characters are appealing too... all but Hye Ji. (And that annoying fangirl but I really can't stand Cho Hye Jung's face so I think that's completely biased, ignore that). Perhaps she would be appealing too if Naeun COULD act at all but she's worse than a paper doll. Very much like Korea's very own Kristen Stewart right there, lol. I'm beyond pissed because she seemed to be doing alright in Twenty Again but in this show... is she perhaps Jaehyun's fangirl? That's why she got so affected? I could understand that...
Jokes aside, I kept telling my cousin how Cinderella and The Four Knights was a guilty pleasure of mine. Not so guilty anymore now. The ending was spot on, it wasn't intense as the others use to be and everything got solved and worked on. I felt completely fulfilled by it. Then again, the show starts out great, I was hooked from the very first episode but it takes a displeasing U turn on the second half that had me postponing it for a bit but the ending completely made up for it so much I had to come here and write a review.
This show isn't anything exceptional, not at all. But people tend to compare shows is different categories and that's unacceptable! If I was to give it a grade based on everything I've watched so far it would get... what?... a 5, perhaps a 6. But that wouldn't be fair at all - or right, for that matter. Cinderella and The Four Knights is a ROM-COM and AS SUCH it did such a WONDERFUL job. It's funny, good paced, has some elements you wish weren't there (but that's a given) and the chemistry between the leads is A M A Z I N G to say the least. I was in love with their chemistry because... I don't know if it's Il Woo's fault again but he generally seems very relaxed in scene. And they look really playful together, it's almost as if I'm seeing through it, as if he's just being spontaneous and surprising So Dam with things his character wasn't supposed to do. It's like I can see them having fun BTS, you know? And that... I really love that because.... even if it's unprofessional, it makes everything look natural and convincing.
And their kiss scenes... ooooooh boy. I don't know about the previous ones (except the drunk smooches that were the cutest I've ever witnessed *-*) but those on the couple last episodes are BREATHTAKING! I was squealing like a fangirl wishing I was So Dam bc damn, lol. Love the attitude and the natural look they have unlike any other kiss in every drama I've watched so far - all of them. *sighs* I wish I could kiss Il Woo too. hahahahaha I'm so sorry, don't mind me. x_x
Anywayz... I would SO recommend this drama if you're into rom-coms. Nothing new for sure neither did it intend to be (I'm guessing that from the title lol), but totally worth watching. ^-^
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What’s with all the hate?!
Reading all the negative reviews I’m stunned!The message(s) this show sent were so clear, and quite simple to understand. Money will not buy happiness. Even after our main character survived the show, he was haunted by what happened to him. Begin only able to sleep and begin haunted by nightmares whenever he does, made it irrelevant if he had money or not. Because of the things he had to do for those numbers on his phone, he’s just as miserable. And the underlying message was said directly to us: life will go on. No matter what we go though, everything will continue as it used to.
Another criticism of this show that I’ve seen is that it’s „a cheap copy of squid game” which is just baffling to me. Squid game and The 8 game may tackle on the same issues on the surface but the way in which they do so is completely different. Squid game was fair, every player had the same ground-zero, it’s point was mainly the lengths people will go to in order to earn money (small squid game spoiler ahead) proven by how many players returned to the game. The 8 game on the other hand replicated the outside world with just 8 people, rigged from the start just as life is. By creating an ecosystem with a hierarchy we got sort of an „animal farm” scenario with everything returning to higher floors supremacy.
I do have my own criticisms of the show. However overall, for a tv show, this is brilliant. But again, looking at the reviews not everyone agrees with me. Not liking something is fine but the nonsense reasons I see are just insulting.
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I am ecstatic that this BL was aired early this year since this is a story 22 years in the making... Well, do not take it literally. You have to watch to know what I just said. It is a nice gift for BL fans since it is packaged in a rainbow-themed wrapper, classic ribbons and a big box full of surprises!
STORY
================
Is this series a euphemism to the philosophy: "Love knows no boundaries". Yes. And, it is more of transcending rather than "breaking boundaries".
More often than not, a love story does not make you think, just let you feel every scene, conversation, interaction. And this one will make you think as well; but it does not mean that it will take away the good "stuff" of a love story, actually, it even enhance it as you won't know what will happen next or in the end.
This is the best love story I have watched with a mystery as its core reason of the interaction of the two main character. Despite of having 8 episodes only, the writers did not waste time developing the plot; as every episode it puts a new layer of one's character that will keep you glued to your seat, if you are binge watching this. It will make you think "what's next?". And there are some light bulb moments that makes you utter "That makes sense", or, "Why I haven't thought of that". I bet, watching this won't be an 8-hour waste of your time.
What is also very likeable about this series is how they peel off the mystery piece by piece, layer by layer, while still being coherent and not all over the place and it did not drop a big bomb that exploded in one episode. A feat for a love story with a good deal of mystery. This may follow a similar plot like almost all love stories out there, but what it is satisfying to watch this series is the little details it showed along the way. You will ask yourself, "If I were in his shoes, would I do the same thing? Or act differently?". What should you feel or react in certain scenes. And, there are moments that it is too good that you just watch as it unfolds right in front of you without thinking anything.
Mixed it with some "crazy" friends and an uncoditionally loving mother completes the story.
And I forgot to mention, Thun says the right things at the right time! That speaks volumes about script writing.
For me, happy endings are over-rated. After all, in real life, we actually have more sad endings than the happy ones. But sometimes, there are too much sad endings happening in our lives that we need a happy ending even once in a while. So, how does this series end? Then, you have to find out for yourself and enjoy the journey!
IF this is going to be a sad ending, what you can take away from this is that not every relationship ends with sunshine and a rainbow. Furthermore, most of relationships ended with a sad one. After all, "parting is such a sweet sorrow". It teaches us to be grateful for the person we were once with. All that person taught us, created memories with and experiences shared together.
IF this is going to be a happy ending, then it reinforces the concept of "Love Rules". And we have to endure all the pain and sufferings to get what we want, what we need and be where we ought to be.
I will leave the story part of this review: Some of the best relationships require the ultimate sacrifices. It will be up to fate if we will be blessed accordingly.
As of writing, this series/drama is currently the #2 in Thailand, #1 for BL-themed in Thailand speaks very highly how this was made and loved by many.
ACTING/CAST
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Ohm Pawat's performance as Thun is nothing short of extraordinary. He definitely bring his acting to a way new level. I was impressed how he played Frame in Make It Right, specially when his acting transitioned to the second season. But this specific series, I had a greater respect for his acting skills as he brought his "A" game and considering he just 19 years of age, he will mature, get even better as years pass by.
Singto as Mes. Another stellar performance of an actor. SOTUS, SOTUS S and Friend Zone, portrayed a "serious" Singto, but in this series, his child-like acting is shinning and yet, is able to retained his seriousness when the scene demands for it. The quirkiness of his character that he plays so well is something to look forward to.
Never a moment that I felt that their, Ohm & Singto, acting is with a degree of awkwardness. But, I have seen some BTS of their scenes that most of the time Ohm is the one that is shy to act something out. Hey?! What is another take for, right?
Chimon and Sing as Prince and Khiem respectively, are great support too!
I can't wait for Chimon to have a lead role in a love story. In Our Skyy Episode 2, he can clearly carry a series, portray an 'antagonist' in "The Gifted the series" and having support roles in "My Dear Loser" and "Happy Birthday the series". Now in the up-coming series "The Blacklist", if the trailer holds true what is shows, then it is possible to see Chimon's funny, comedic side of acting. This series show just how versatile of an actor he is.
For Sing, I know he acted in Love Sick 1 & 2, but it is lackluster. Easily forgettable. Then came Slam Dance, but was not given much of exposure. He showed his support role capabilities in My Dear Loser and his potential to lead a series in "The Gifted the series". However, in this series, what is obvious is his acting as a supporting actor, but it no means that he is not up to the challenge. He is good at breaking the "ice" at the very serious moments. For me, one of the under-rate Thai actor out there as he is being stereotyped as this goofy guy who doesn't no how to get serious. But then again, he is good at it.
How do I critique an actor's skill. If he/she can still convey a mesage, an emotion despite not talking or not understanding the native language; through facial expression and body languages. But one can definitely appreciate the acting more if it coupled with a spoken words. The intonations, pauses makes what is being said together with their respective body language, but mostly facial expressions, give more meaning.
ADDENDUM, after watching the raw Ep 8 (finale):
Just when you thought that Ohm and Singto's acting could get any better than best, they actually did! They outdid themselves! Never thought that Ohm got the "moves".
Furthermore, just realized that the director for this series also directed Our Skyy and the sceenwriter of My Dear Loser: Edge of 17.
MUSIC/SOUNDS
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Let's start with the sound effects, there are very few instances where the effects were a second ahead of the intended scene where it is meant to draw emotions. But the effects for the "WTF" moments, especially for Sing, are spot on. Sound tracks in this series I can say that they are the icing on the cake. The songs make it sweeter for the scenes or heart breaking at some. That makes the moment perfect in every sense.
The background, piano-accompanied music in the scenes will definitely make you feel more and deeper.
I will leave this portion with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esnQ6YrKG0I
REWATCH VALUE
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Like all mystery based stories, once the mystery is solved, it is hard to rewatch it since you already know how it will end. But that does not mean that this series is anything less than remarkable.
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