This review may contain spoilers
Thought provoking. Confronting the arrogance of the ´normal´. Truly outstanding acting performance
"Oasis" was highly celebrated by international film critics in 2002. Director and screenwriter Lee Chang-dong, who had with "Peppermint Candy" in 1999 already contributed a milestone in Korean film art, came up with this unusual love story between a mentally retarded young man and a young woman with infantile cerebral palsy. In doing so, he once again relied on Sol Kyung-gu and Moon So-ri, who had proven themselves as a couple in "Peppermint Candy" and who now once again deliver truly outstanding acting performances in "Oasis". The list of international awards – i.e. in Venice, Vancouver, Bergen, Brisbane, Seattle and Seville - as well as in South Korea, is long. And rightly so.“Oasis” is pure (independent) KMovie! It impressively embodies a great strength of South Korean movie production: ruthlessness! Even if social life is characterized by facades, coats, make-up and social reputations, modern South Korean cinema has (since the end of dictatorial censorship) proven what 'independence' really means. The freedom to finally show things the way they really are! Not being afraid of what is hurting, what is ugly, what is disgusting! The brutal revelation of the emotional abyss to which the human soul may be exposed over the course of a human life. Situations and moments in life that people tend/wish to quickly forget. The cruelties that people are capable of inflicting on each other. The look behind the facades and underneath the coats, where we are naked and without make-up, alone and vulnerable. But this is where we are sincere and real, too. From there, a new form of beauty and strength can grow. KMovies bring to light even the unloved, unpleasant, repressed, despised, perverted, uninhibited, disturbing human emotions with magnificent intensity, which are often presented so authentically that it hurts (because it's so true). The protagonists have no claim whatsoever to be likeable. This creative courage, when it comes to production and performance, as well as the audience´s willingness to open up to these cinematic works is (in my opinion) almost unique.
“Oasis” offers an impressive expression of this particular artistic attitude. This is a thought provoking KMovie confronting the arrogance of the ´normal´. The plot is about a young woman and a young man who – in the eyes of their social environment - preferably should be socially isolated and actually locked away, as they are supposedly unpresentable. Because of their disability, they are ultimately just a nuisance, causing work and trouble, irritating the 'normal' people with their unpredictable behavior, and actually not contributing anything... Because the families are ashamed of them.
The KMovie bluntly frames that social norms are in fact more important to 'us' than people. "Oasis" encourages to open up a bit and approach the lives of those 'waywards'. And lo and behold! They are sensitive, soulful people like 'us' - with feelings, dreams and longings. They are falling in love. They long for relationships. They are just people, too. Lovable people. Adults with their own lives.
'He' is a physically healthy man in his late 20s, but at the mental level of an 8 year old. He is strong, but easy to manipulate and rather simple-minded. 'She', on the other hand, is physically handicapped due to her severe infantile cerebral palsy to such an extent that she is dependent on help. Due to the impairment of her nervous system, which affects voluntary motor skills, speech disorders, spasms, as well as sensory and motor limitations are occurring, too. Intelligence isn't actually her problem, but that young woman in "Oasis" apparently wasn't given any specific assistance, just basic care. She has her difficulties communicating.
The way the families treat their ´waywards´ is horrendous. In fact, they are both unscrupulously exploited and abused. And both are helpless in their own ways. He doesn't fully grasp the situation. She is physically dependent on helping hands.
The romantic relationship between the two is quite something else. Their start can be considered downright dubious. And yet, as the odd couple they are, they both are happy together. The picture of the oasis on the wall jumps out of its frame and fills the room. In their togetherness, the couple has created an almost magic space where their souls can relate and recharge, where they can be a different person. It is touching, indeed. ´He´ is a responsible man and she is a desirable woman! Yet, this reality is completely alien to their social environment. The families don't have the slightest idea, that this could be even possible: those two ´handicapped losers´ being actually able to genuinely caring for each other and loving each other just the way they are. Not even their closest families honestly tried to truly reach out and attempt to understand their brother/sister.
Bringing the quality of this relationship against all odds authentically to the audience is the unique beauty and strength of “Oasis”. Although 'beauty' is not otherwise something, one would directly associate with this movie. There is hardly any beauty in the world of those two protagonists, where their environment isn´t taking them serious at all. They are either patronized or treated in a disrespectful and disdainful manner. Nevertheless, their feelings for each other radiate beauty and grace. Interaction may inevitably be rather awkward, but still they find their unique way. In the end, it all comes to an almost passionately brilliant finale when HE risks everything in order to by all means keep his promise to HER: sawing off the branches of the tree in front of her window, which only cast shadows on her beloved oasis picture on the wall...
The KMovie leaves us with our thoughts behind. Touched. And - substitutional for those two families, the police, the neighbors etc., who in their arrogance are blind to the inner world of those two lovers – ashamed, too.
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Surprisingly Addictive !
Personally, I find The Sword And The Brocade to be addictive. I kept watching one episode after another and completed the whole drama within 3 to 4 days. What made me hooked is the way the story is told and the smart female character. It is a bit like Word Of Honor whereby the story execution could make or break a drama. In this case, it is a romance drama and the relationship between the male and female lead follows a slow but smooth progress. It is different from a lot of romance dramas whereby the leads just fall in love at first sight or after a short period of bickering like Overlord and The Wolf Princess.Therefore, I find that The Sword And The Brocade has a unique charm because the romance is kind of gentle and gradually persuasive. It has a very different flavor from the usual to make it a compelling watch for me. However, I also understand why some people can’t relate to this drama as the male character is written to be cold especially towards his concubines.
A Cold Male Lead
The main male character, Ling Yi, has a few concubines besides an official wife. So, this is a drama that features a lot of schemings by revengeful and jealous concubines. It does have that element of stereotyping. This is not helped by a mother-in-law who practices favoritism. If you are not into this kind of set-up, this drama may appear unattractive. That was what I thought too but the female character saved the day for me which I will elaborate later.
Basically, a cold male lead is not new. Legend Of Yun Xi and Ten Miles Of Peach Blossoms also start off with an aloof male lead. But because Ling Yi has a few concubines, some viewers may have issue with the way he treats them. In the drama, Ling Yi simply has no affections for them. So, he tends to neglect his concubines especially after the female lead comes into the picture. You can say that he is pretty unfair when it comes to the amount of attention he lavishes on his wife versus the rest of his women.
Personally, I’m fine with it because I can relate to his situation as the head of a very traditional family and why he ended up having to marry them. He is also repulsed by their schemes and over-eagerness to curry favor with him because he is just not that type who would fall for their wily behavior. If you look at it this way, then Ling Yi will become a more palatable male lead.
An Astute Female Lead
Shi Yi Niang’s ability to read the situation and seize it to her advantage is what makes her character interesting to me. So, yes, it is a typical concubine and mother-in-law historical drama whereby they try to make things hard for the female lead. But Shi Yi Niang is not that poor woman in need of her man’s help. She is smart and astute to know how to turn the tables on them. In a way, the female lead carried the show for me. Rather than a sob story with a pitiful female character, she blazes the trail with her independence and courage to take risk.
Hence, if you like watching strong and smart female characters in your dramas, The Sword And The Brocade will certainly qualify as one of them.
A Sweet And Gentle Romance
The plot starts off with Shi Yi Niang wanting to investigate her mother’s death. As the drama progresses, it switches to the relationship between Shi Yi Niang and Ling Yi with the investigation remaining relevant as a sub-plot. I think some might find the romance unrealistic that Ling Yi seems to tread on eggshells around his new wife when he is an experienced married man. I guess it is needed to slowly build up the romance. So, you will find him remaining respectful and a gentleman when it comes to romancing and sleeping with Shi Yi Niang.
Thus, if you want to enjoy this romance drama, you will need to put aside a dose of realism. But that is how it is with most dramas out there anyway. For me, the romance is the slow burn type but charming nonetheless because Shi Yi Niang doesn’t fawn over Ling Yi like he expected her to. She beguiles him and after getting to know her better, he ends up adoring her. Hence, it is gentle progress as they build a foundation of trust after various experiences and start to admire each other’s good qualities. It has a positive feel in a way that is both sweet and satisfying.
My Verdict
I know many people are watching The Sword And The Brocade because of the leads. Seven Tan is a talented actress who tends to have great chemistry with her co-stars. She did well in Under The Power as well as Go Ahead whereby she is paired with someone younger than her. As for Wallace Chung, he has been around for a long time and is a highly experienced actor.
Both of them did manage to generate enough chemistry in The Sword And The Brocade for me. I guess it really depends on whether you find them to be a matching pair appearance-wise as there is a big age gap between them. If you don’t, then the chemistry will feel forced just like the pairing in Dating In The Kitchen and the drama will lose its shine altogether.
Nevertheless, I would still recommend a watch with a score of 8/10 for this The Sword And The Brocade review. Perhaps it could have been shortened rather than stretched to 45 episodes as the women’s schemings can get tiring. But the plot keeps it going as the investigative element and feud with the Ou family offer more variety to the story while remaining closely tied to the romance. That is why I find it to be an addictive drama overall. Watch it if you want a different feel to a romance rather than the usual. Also, the OSTs of the drama are really beautiful to listen to especially the one by Zhou Shen which fits the drama to a tee!
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Tsundere feels!!!'
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The music was okay; nothing special or memorable but not horrible either. But the rewatch value, for me at least, is very high. I liked it so much - just not the ending; I really wanted it to be just a slight little bit different to make it happier for everyone - but it still raised a smile. However, that's why it wasn't a 10 overall for me.
This are my scores -
Story - 9.5/10
Acting/Cast - 10/10 (especially Ikuta Toma, who wound the dial all the way to 11)
Music - 5/10
Rewatch Value - 10/10
Overall -- 9.5/10 (just because of the ending).
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From the beginning this drama draws you in. This drama made me cry my heart out (no joke I cried for hours...yeah i dramathoned this drama). The story is just amazing. Despite Kim Tak Goo facing many difficulties he always has a smile on his face, moving everyone around him. His character just captures your heart. Kim Tak Goo Fighting!!!
So if you are in the mood of watching a drama that will make you cry, smile, laugh, then I recommend you to watch this one.
This is a must see!!!
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Story: Is there a love story in this? Yes, but it's not the main focus of the story. I thought a love story was unnecessary, because the main focus was Jin Woo fighting against a hugely corrupted company / judicial system that falsely accused his dad, which I thought was 10x better.
This story is depressing, melodramatic, and I experienced a lot of moments where I was frustrated with the writers for making the story so sadistic and sad. But this frustration did not prevent me from enjoying the show; every episode was thrilling, intense, and played with my emotions wholeheartedly. There is so much satisfaction when you see injustice turn into justice and how the downfall of the villain is executed. There is always something happening in every episode, and I thought the story was well paced for a show with 20 episodes
Acting: I feel like in this case everyone's perspective on each character will be different based on your own morals, preferences, etc, but I found the cast to be amazing, but a little frustrating to watch as I questioned some of the characters and their significance to the story
Major props to Nam Goong MIn as the evil guy, he really knows how to make the audience's blood boil. I enjoyed Park Sung Woong as Dong Ho, not only did I love his Busan accent, but he is a very rational character that knows what's right and what's wrong, regardless of how the show/audience portrays him. To be honest, I found Seung Ho's character kind of annoying due to his stubbornness, but he is very passionate and ambitious. Park Min Young's character is very civil and determined, and at the same time she also was Seung Ho's emotional support. I felt the chemistry between Seung Ho and Min Young was amazing, but not in a romantic way at all.
Music/Overall: I haven't really payed attention to the music cause the opening theme song kind of overpowered the rest of the tracks and it constantly plays in my head (LOL), but pretty decent OST collection.
I am giving this a 9 for minor reasons (love story, over usage of flashbacks, frustration of characters, etc.), but If you like thrillers, want to take a rest from all those romance dramas, and cry from sadness you should definitely give this a chance.
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I was at first suspicious about whether I'd like MiKa and Do Ha as a couple, since their chemistry isn't immediate. I know there are often big age gaps in dramas, but her childish behavior, and his stern maturity, initially felt like such a bad casting choice. Then, once Do Ha turned on the charm, I started to really like them together, and got very invested in their romantic dilemma (No spoilers, but I knew tears over them would be involved eventually). I think this is the first "grown up" role I've seen Lee Sung Kyung in, and definitely the most tragic, but her youthful fun personality kept her character from being too depressing to watch as she watches how much time people have left to live. I was also very surprised by how much I liked Lee Sang Yoon as a leading man. He has a very low key seductive quality that I loved, and I felt like I could see all of his characters love, heartbreak, concern, and guilt, just in his eyes alone.
My main, and only, criticism of MiKa... too much dang singing! Unfortunately a lot of this drama becomes about the making of a musical, which started to become extremely annoying. I get that performing is a huge part of who the character is, but I cringed every time I knew she would be singing a full song AGAIN. It's not that she can't sing, but she still sang too much, and none of the performances were epic enough to be repeated. The soundtrack is also pretty good, but because of all the songs from the musical being sung on repeat, I just wanted all the music muted after a while. I honestly wish that most of the scenes and characters revolving around the musical were cut, but maybe it would have worked better with just less. I also say this as a person who LOVES musicals.
The rest of the cast was great, even if some of their characters were written to be cliché, or pretty useless. I really did like everyone... mostly. MiKa's bff was awesome, her brother was cute, and her mom was irritating but also adorable, and I liked Do Ha's banter with his secretary, but there were 2 supporting characters in particular that I liked the most, maybe even more than the main characters.
I'll start with my favorite KDrama actress Kim Hae Sook. She is always good, and this drama is no exception. I feel like her character's story touched me the most. She had so many moments that got me in the feels. I wish I got to see her with MiKa more than many of the other characters, especially Do Ha's family, since everyone but his Dad and half brother were completely forgettable.
My absolute favorite character though is Im Se Mi and Bae Soo Bong. I know this may be an unpopular opinion, but I thought she was flawless. Her outfits were flawless too! Usually I cringe at the idea of a female character who's only there to ruin the main couple, but Soo Bong is that to the best extreme! There were 2 moments when I came very close to dropping this drama completely, and she kept me watching. Her character became definitely overly melodramatic, but it was much more entertaining than the repetitive mess that the rest of the story started to become, or the ex girlfriend who I forgot all about until typing this sentence.
That leads me to my main issue with "About Time". Even though the basic idea of the story is good, the actual drama decides to fill the time with unnecessary filler stories (family rivalries that go nowhere, useless exes, showbiz drama involving a cute but completely ridiculous "genius" temperamental director...) and then resorts to clichés, and flashbacks. I would be lying if I said there weren't still moments that brought me to tears, or made me laugh, but when I finally made it to the final episode it was clear that there was no original thought put into how the story would end. I felt like the ending chosen was a total cop-out, and I even laughed inappropriately at one point. Sure, there is closure for the characters, which will satisfy some, but for me it didn't live up to this story's potential.
Overall, I cannot say that this drama is worth the time. If you decide to watch, and feel the urge to hit fast forward, do it! That's the only way I would rewatch this. There are some good moments, and some thoughtful themes about truly enjoying life, and not taking anything for granted, but, If this drama had a life clock I would definitely cut a few hours from it.
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A turning point in the Korean LGBTQI+ film industry? Kinda.
I was not having high expectations for this series, to be honest, but I am glad it could prove its worth to me and hopefully other viewers too. The Korean LGBTQ+ film industry is growing and improving its series in terms of production and duration., which is noticeable when watching this drama. It´s definitely a good decision to watch “First Love, Again”. In the following, I try to justify my recommendation briefly and concisely.PRODUCTION
Nothing extra outstanding nor something they failed in. However, it gets closer to the normal high standard of Korean dramas. One thing I´d like to highlight is that the use of light and shadows in this series was on-point. Compared to other Korean LGBTQI+ series the dialogues and monologues have been better in both quantity and quality. The story feels less rushed than usual, and I am sure we can expect similar dramas to be produced soon.
PLOT
The plot is, I mentioned this in the heading, unique and exciting to watch. I especially enjoyed the soft pacing and the comedy side of a more serious story. Both characters seem to not be written as extraordinary people, but rather normal citizens like you and me. One of them just happened to remember their incomplete love story and is trying his best to make their ends meet so that his consciousness can finally rest in peace. Other than Yeon Seok remembering his past, there is no superpower or characteristic that makes him less ordinary, except for his multilayered personality and his weird humour. Additionally, I also enjoyed the sweet moments Yeon Seok and Jeong Ha Yeon had. So cute. However, towards the end it kinda got boring.
ACTOR
What surprised me the most though is that it´s the first appearance in a drama (on MDL) for both main leads. This get´s even more confusing when you witness their solid performance in terms of facial expressions and natural behaviour. So what can I even say? They did a good job, and I am glad that Jeon Chang Ha and Jin Gun were chosen as the main leads because they matched the characters and thus the entire series is harmonious.
The Supporting Cast also showed a satisfying performance in their roles. I can't think of anything that I would have found disturbing or unfitting. Well done. Especially Song Han Hee showed off in her role as Mikael. I adore the idea and origin of this character, firstly that they are genderfluid/ non-binary and secondly that the series mentioned their identity. Good job!
OVERALL
As I said in the beginning, in terms of innovation and production, this drama is definitely recommended and it is indeed a good decision to watch “First Love, Again”, as it is a turning point in the Korean LGBTQI+ film industry.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama is a nice watch at first, but at some points it just gets really boring, esp when they officially get together. I feel like I have nothing more to anticipate from the couple. They get married and even have a child, I don't understand why fans are asking for a Season 2. A new drama with the same couple is better. But i will have to give some merits to Gu Wei Yi. Personally, I think he is quite an original character that I maybe haven't seen in any romcom drama before this; a genius yet a little bit dumb (in a cute way). I love the fact that he is always googling anything that he does not know, very adorable. Overall, despite finding myself getting bored towards the end of the story, I would say that it is still a good light show that you will enjoy admist a busy life, except that 24 episodes is probably too much. Was this review helpful to you?
A sweet surprise
When I saw the trailer for this I thought this was just another superhero movie so I decided to skip it. But I stumbled upon clips of the young couple on YouTube and decided to just watch their parts .I ended up really enjoying the first episode and I continued watching it week after week .I realised that this was more than just a movie abt some people with superpowers,it was the story about a family who was lost themselves in their power and how they get back the control of their own lives and power and grow closer as a family .This was a story about family and friendship and love and it was a pleasure to watch week after week .Definetly one of the best dramas of this year
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*** Lovestruck was unbelievable, electric, and TRAGIC. Don't hate the ML and FM for their flaws
I have watch 100s of kdramas, american shows. Lovestruck in City first to hit my heart the way it does.You need to watch 15 straight episodes to see the progression. Every episode is entertaining because you get a perspective never seen before in kdrama concerning relationships. You will be mad, cry, intrigued the entire time. *****Don't judge you opinion about characters. They are flawed, relationships are messy.*******
I don't hate the FL (EUN OH/ KIM JI WON). She made me teary-eye the entire show because I know the feeling of hating yourself. She is selfish I agree, but her wanting to "FIND HERSELF, and to LOVE HERSELF", I completed understand. She abandoned him, but this relationship was destined to fail. She ghosted him and should have just dumped him properly. But ML himself was superficial in YangYang saying he wouldn't love her if she was not who she was without the tattoo and carefree style. She was scared and ML was superficial to start. Both made the relationship NOT WORK. *****Kim Ji Won is the most charismatic, expressive, and REAL female actress I have ever seen in this drama. The emotion she depicts in her eyes is .... incredible.
The absolute sadness that the ML (JAE WON/ JI CHANG WOOK) shows is real. You might not like it, but it is REAL. Dwelling over a girl he fell in love with, the anger for being abandoned. After every moment and flashes to the past, you root for him even though he is not perfect. ****Ji Chang Wook getting criticism for this drama is wrong. His electric chemistry with Kim Ji Won was breathtaking. Throughout show he was energetic because he is passionate and has anger problems, which I relate to. Many people I know have these spurts of emotions. Don't hate someone people they are displaying weakness in character. I appreciate the REALNESS OF IT.
But breakups are ALWAY messy. I have been ghosted in the past as well. Relationships ending in a flash. So I understand this. I have also ended relationships due to my own insecurities and still dwell about them.
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Story (6/10): For those who read the novel and are curious about the drama version, it would be wrong to even call it an adaptation for it is nothing like it. "Inspired by" is far more fitting and is to be used loosely here. In a nutshell, the drama version of Princess Wei Young is about a Liang princess who tries to avenge her fallen kingdom by taking up the identity of a forgotten, illegitimate daughter of a Prime Minister in the enemy state of Wei and along the way meets those who either want her dead or love her for her wits, character and bravery. Of course, the drama is littered with people who want her dead because how else will we know she is the heroine?
The premise is exciting enough, though nothing entirely original. But it did deliver in terms of entertainment for the first half and had everything you would want in a drama: good pacing, decent story, romance, action, a likable and brainy female lead who isn't afraid to punish her enemies seeing as this is a revenge drama. Then up until halfway, the story soon became draggy and repetitive with similar conflicts in different guises, lack of development/depth in characters who even seems to have gone through reverse development all of a sudden. Even Weiyoung who was supposed to be resourceful yet showed signs of being a damsel-in-distress in the presence of her Prince Charming (aka. Tuoba Jun), completed the transformation into a full on Mary Sue and in my opinion, stopped being everything we loved her for in the beginning. It no longer became a tale of retribution or justice, but pure laziness on the writers' part.
I blame the production for dragging the series out to 54 episodes, when it could have - and should have- wrapped up by 30-40 episodes.
Acting (7.5/10):
All I can say is if there is anything worth watching here, it's the chemistry between the leads Luo Jin and Tiffany Tang. The type to give you butterflies from the way they look at each other. Luo Jin is such a wonderfully talented and natural actor, he never overacts and his crying scenes are so well done. Not usually impressed by Tiffany Tang, but she did well here and I think a lot of it has to do with her chemistry with Luo Jin (4th collaboration and reel to real relationship!)
Didn't think much about the rest of the cast in terms of acting, but a few grew into their characters as the show went on. Vanness there is something awkwardly charming about the way he portrays his character - it grows on you even though his character becomes gradually more despicable. His dubber deserves a star.
Rewatch: For the romance maybe, and especially strong beginning up until episode 30 or so. Could skip the rest until the end. But sadly no, won't be rewatching this personally.
I almost feel like the drama deserves two ratings, one for the beginning up until episode 33 then for the rest.
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Good Efort Making the Fighting Choreography, but Lazy Writing
1. At the back of my mind, I always thought this entire show could have been avoided easily if someone talked to her about her dad or took care of her. Instead, she had a crap childhood and was bullied because of her dad's job and was even harassed by cops. Why was she not put under witness protection or something of similar nature? Several parts of the stort felt like it happened just for the plot. Such as: how the crime boss is supposed to be smart and out manoeuvred the police many times, but didn't predict the guy whose face he disfigured would come back for revenge. He let him go instead of killing him by following the chinese saying: "to cut weeds and eliminate the roots."2. It was shown he easily killed people that betrayed him. Why was the female lead's dad so memorable that he got all sentimental at the end, just because he was an early member, who fought with him and was nice to him? His character is kind of all over the place, both psychopathic and willing to murder people in cold blood; willing to use anyone and everything to stay out of jail and continue his drug business which he cares about. But he is also sentimental and seems to care about the female lead? In the end, he was basically willing to die for her, taking bullets out of his gun. Or maybe he went full on Johan Liebert, in order to see if she would become like him and kill him and become a monster? If he really wanted the female lead to become someone who would never betray him, he should have just went after the police himself and provided her with full on fabricated evidence that the police chief did it instead of using her and risk being found out. That would have been the biggest revenge against her dad's betrayal , having his daughter view her her father's murderer as a friend or guardian, instead of using her as a mole and easily risking her finding out the truth.
3. The female lead is perfect at fighting, and never looses a single fight. I like a strong female lead, but when it's shown she is hardly buff or muscular at all, very pretty and feminine looking, and wrestles and takes down hallways of well trained men armed with swords while not wearing any sort of protective gear is rather unrealistic. Her acting is very good, and the action scenes are very detailed if not very realistic. I felt as if many parts of the plots happened just for the fight scenes and action and final climax, instead of the other way around. Like, the director wanted as many exciting fight scenes as possible.
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Felt like a different drama
From the first time i saw the trailer, I was scared that it would be too different from the first season. The whole feel of the drama felt forced, not just the storyline but also the shots and pacing. Because of the change of directors, the season felt like a whole different drama compared to the first. While the first season had more of this lighthearted, comic feel to it, this season had a more serious, adult vibe. At first, I thought this would be appropriate since this is where they mature but it lost some of the dramas charm. Even though the first had this lighthearted vibe, it didn't take away from the seriousness of situations. This season made the maturity and seriousness feel forced.The setting are also all different than the previous season which made it further feel like youre watching a whole different drama. The school, the houses, the convience store. Like, they had to change the CU to a 7-Eleven. Even though it had 2 episodes less than the previos, the pacing made it feel longer. And the OSTs was forgettable, unlike the first.
Eventhough I dont agree with the ending, i didnt like that the relationships weren't developed that much and it made me not sympathize with Jojo unlike the previous season. The drama didn't solve Jojo's real problem: running away. From the very start, when things get hard, she runs. She said that she put on the sheild to "protect" Sunoh, at first sure, i can see that, but when Sunoh found out about it, "all she can think about was Hyeyoung". Like, girl, you gave this guy that was so in love with you, hell for 4 years, and now he knows about it, you can't even think about how you've hurt him. She didn't give Sunoh the proper apology that he deserves. She said she loved him, but she loved herself more, leading to both their suffering. And with all this, unresolved problems, she runs to Hyeyoung. It felt like just because he's Hyeyoung, she should end up with him.
With all this, I think the story and especially the direction the director chose in filming this season is really disappointing. I think even if the story turn out the same but had the same style, or even the same colour palette of the first season, I would have enjoyed it more because it would connect; but from the first episode, I already knew this wasn't the same drama I waited for. I felt like it wasted the 2 years I waited for this drama. It made me hate Jojo and made me feel bad for Hyeyoung and Sunoh. I'll just pretend this season never happened.
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1
1"Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, STAR-CROSSED LOVERS- ME & YOU"
2 INDIVIDUALS, 3 LIFE TIMES, 10000 YEAR.ITS THE STORY OF angst, love, pain, miscommunication, jealousy, sadness, sacrifice, helplessness, and betrayal.
IT THE STORY OF EMOTIONS, DESTINY and FATE!!!
We have heard of enemies to lover but have you heard of star crossed lovers?
Imagine the universe bringing them together but also throwing them apart!!!
"SHE WAS BORN SO HE COULD DIE"
HONESTLY, NO one should be reading a review to watch it.
People should watch it and decide if its worth it, cuz i know once you start watching episode 1 you will be hooked like an addict!!!
WHERE DO I START?? This drama is one of the best drama made in the history of C-drama, dare i say the best xianxia!
The CGI is TOP CLASS, it screams money and beauty. The plot is just crazy, it full of angst, literally never a dull moment. The music is not repetitive and a collection of many OST, the main OST grows on you as the episodes pass. The cinematography and camera angle are AMAZING.
It is fast paced but its not rushing. I love the pacing, less filler scene and cringe moment. For the first time watching a C-drama i never once cringed in second hand embarrassment. IT'S STRAIGHT PLOT.
The starting and ending credits on start of each episode are so beautiful that I don't skip them, those are one of the best intro i have ever seen.
The costumes, jewellery , hairstyles are amazinggg!!! I MEAN they look like a million bucks!! YOU CAN SEE THE MONEY.
The fight scenes SLAP YOU on your face, they are insane. You can see the work and dedication in them. But the craziest thing is that LYX did them all on his own without a body double.
ACTING/ACTORS-
When a character either make you want to KILL them or SAVE them from the world it means the ACTORS are outdoing themself!! Here each and every actor may it be the main leads or a simple maid has done such exceptional job in portraying their characters, you actually connect to the emotions of the story.
PSYCHOTIC, RUTHLESS, COLD-BLOODED, EMOTIONLESS, UNHINGED, PITIFUL AND SINFULLY INSANE, that's what our MALE LEAD is!!
TANTAI JIN is not your common ML that changes in blink of a eye as soon as the female character comes into the play.
HE IS EVIL. He was born evil. YOU KNOW IT, HE KNOWS IT but you can't stop loving him and defending him.
We see him go from an bullied and tortured individual to the DEMON GOD/GOD OF WAR/KING OF JING/SECTOR BROTHER everyone FEAR and ADMIRE, we see his journey.
You see and understand why he is like that. THEY [the world] made him like that, they sowed the seeds if their doom in form of Tantai jin. They made the DEMON GOD by their action. THEY digged their own grave and they were the one lying into it!!
I had hoped they don't whitewash his evilness!!! I know it was nearly impossible to show him as evil as in the novel but i wanted them to keep his origin as much as they could with censorship and all, AND THEY DID!!! THEY MADE HIM UNAPOLOGETIC, not unhinged but still the perfect amount of evil.
There's just something believably sinister, unhinge, creepy and scary about him.
Tantai jin is soooo creepy!!! I can't explain in but the way that man looks, moves his body, flickering his hands and speaks is soo strangely different, still you cant stop watching him. His face changes from innocently handsome to creepy af handsome in SECONDS according to his mood.
AND OMG HIS SMIRKS AND SMILES WHEN HE LOOKS AT THE 'Female lead' OR IS 'PLANNING MURDER' make me fall on my knees.
Some scenes when i watch them I get the feeling like I'm watching a gothic horror.
Even SUSU is not your common FL. She's not helpless, it's so refreshing to actually have a strong female lead in a xianxia!!! At some incidents you will find her too CRUEL for the things she does to the ML and you won't like it but at the end of the day you get her, she is doing that from the world and even for him to an extend. God, her actions pissed me off so much but you know how it has always been.
LYX I HAIL YOU SIR. YOU WERE INSANE FOR DOING THIS!!
LYX changes his personality in a blink. He literally played 4 characters [THE ANCIENT DEVIL GOD, MINGYE, TANTAIJIN, CANGJIU MIN]and you can differentiate those character by the way they speak and carry themselves. There is something about LYX voice, its so soft but goes soo well with his characters. And for once i thank the universe that they didn't dub his voice which makes it even better!! LYX was made for this role OR i should say this role was made for LYX. His fight sequences, his smirks, his eyebrow raise will make you week.
I am on my knees of that man.🙇♀️🙇♀️🙇♀️🙇♀️
LEO LUO x BAI LU-
LYX and BL CHEMISTRY IS CHEMISTRYING. I swear you can't move your eyes off them. The eye contact they have, the touches they steal, the kissed they share, the intimate scenes they slay. the mocking glances they send each other, the way they see each other make you SCREAM!!! Their CHEMISTRY is CHEMISTRY-ING.
THE OTHER MAIN LEADS-
I am not actually very interested in the 2nd CP, the 2nd FL is just so bland and evil. Watchers on MDL called nicknamed her BITCH-ang [you will know why and get it when u watch it].
Honestly i literally wanted to skip their scenes. The 2nd FL is sooo frustrating that i wanna shout and scream and punch. The 2nd ML suffers from HERO COMPLEX and has a thing for evil damsel in distress.
But holy hell the 3rd CP has me on my toes!!! The demon fox is a freaking seductress. She screams seduction in every action she does, may it be talking or fighting or seducing!! Our poor 3rd ML didn't have any chance.
THE ONLY NEGATIVE THING-
Firstly it will be the makeup in some of the closeup scene in earlier episodes. Due to the high camera quality you find it cakey.
Secondly due to the new censorship they had to make a 56 episode drama into 40 episode so sometimes the editing seem choppy [though honestly it wont matter].
OVERALL, THIS DRAMA IS WORTH YOUR EVERY HOUR, EVERY MINUTE AND EVERY SECOND!!!
It may not be perfect but its definitely the best out there.
I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I got sad. I mourned.
LAST EPISODE HAD ME SOBBING. UGLY CRYING IS TOO SMALL A WORD TO SAY WHAT I FELT. This series is a masterpiece.
"It all started with tantaijin and it all ended with him"- BAILU, A BTS INTERVIEW.
NOW I UNDERSTOOD WHY THE TITLE WAS-
"Until the end of the moon".
[TANTAI JIN=🌕]
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