This review may contain spoilers
kawaaiiiiiiii....
As expected from a JBL, it was a top notch production. The details they went into creating the costumes from the manga was astonishing. And of course the cuteness-factor was over 10. 🤣They showed us two persons with each two personalitites. Extrovert AE turns into introvert Enaga because he want's to learn at a fashion school. He is a top model but he has to hide his normal appearance otherwise it would create trouble for him and the school. Chiaki is an introvert and shy whenever he is is not at home, but he turns into an extroverted energetic designer after he opens up to Enaga who he has to be partnered with for a fashion competition.
Chiaki turned to fashion after he had seen AE on a runway and he also turned to fashion to give him courage to be the person he wants to be. Both character struggle in their own way. But Chiaki struggles more when he develops feelings for Enaga still not knowing that this is his idol/bias AE. But as it is also in real life, the truth will come out.
Both actors portrayed their characters to perfection imho. Everything was done just right. The only thing not as perfect was maybe the kiss - but I can forgive that, because at least it was not a deadfish kiss . 🤣 For me it's a show to recommand and for most it will be a light breeze in the autumn when there is some cold but also a lot of sun and it will make you smile most of the time.
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From the first Episode to the last one I had a smile on my face.
Seeing how Asuka is trying to hide his true self is somehow exciting.
I liked how his arch rival Tonomine turns every woman into a butterfly.
How Tachibana stalks Asuka and Ryo tries to protect Asuka.
Every character has its own cuteness they are the reason this drama should be watched.
Its not one of the super great manga adaptions like Hana Yori Dango or others, but its a drama I´m happy I watched.
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The acting is more than good with great chemistry from the whole cast...
The music was OK fitting but not much to make me excited...
I'll sure watch this when I need some laughs mixed with lots of cuteness :D
I loved this drama...I know the plot was simple but that gives it more points for me...no stupid drama staffed in the plot & unjustified misunderstandings...
They broke up & get back together in 2 min.s...because they love each other...
This is how characters should be...there wasn't any annoying characters & amazing finale...this how a drama should be...relaxing & yet not boring at all...
I had a good time & I couldn't get mad at my couple because together they were so good.
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This is an intensely claustrophobic experience and I am not even a claustrophobic person. They really capture the emotion during the situation, the camera angle, the sounds from falling rocks and the dust particles are what makes it possible. I like the way they insert comedic moments in the situation, it’s hilarious but makes sense, they played it brilliantly. Aside from suspense, the drama is pretty heavy here as the dilemma falls to the people involved like the rescue leader and his wife, you will feel sympathy for them.
The CGI is brilliant, realistic, Hollywood level. The soundtrack will creep you as it brilliantly conveys that situation, lack of sound at some parts that suddenly broken by falling rocks or footsteps is brilliant, it added up to the horror element in the movie. Cinematography is insanely beautiful just made the acting better at some part.
Solid performance from the cast like Ha Jeong Woo, Oh Dal Su and Donna bae they are exceptionally brilliant but we need to commend Nam Ji Hyun for what she has done here because it’s her character that added up layer to the movie and she nailed it brilliantly.
That joke at the end is so good that it adds .5 to my score.
Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/
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I'm aware that it's probably cliche at this point to have romance-driven revenge and undercover Chinese shows are certainly not new. However, I can say that there's 0 romance in terms of development. The show is as simple as it comes (drugs, boss, undercover agent, police, gangs) but it is also neither black nor white in its portrayal of the main characters. You'll fall in love with some you shouldn't be and you'll hate some that you shouldn't be. Personally, I'm very attached to the characters, and knowing them, I fear the ending as soon as I grew attached.
The most important aspect of this show, to me, is the relationship between the two male leads. There're lies, truths, deceptions, covers, and twist and turns that you might never see coming. But through it all, it only melds the two together. Their relationship is more or less build on lies, as expected between a drug leader and an undercover police officer, but it's exactly that that makes the whole story satisfying yet difficult to watch at times.
So if you're looking for some thriller/crime/action without it being entirely romance-driven, or having the main character be pulled astray by a female character, or losing excitement, or lacking 'human' characters, then this show is definitely perfect to add to your watched show collection.
also the male lead is perfectly competent without being naive like some random rookie officers. (MILD SPOILER) Honestly, gwad, no wonder all the drug dealers want him to work for them.
Edit: While the ending does fall a little flat, I'm still very pleased by the drama and the whole ride it took me on. It's not a bad ending, don't get me wrong, it just is flat compared to how amazing the other episodes were.
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Love Letter was a beautiful film in a wonderful setting and great plot lines. Though it was confusing at first, it still gives you a slight thinking that it has a reason for being like that. Then once you get to understand what in the world is happening, you’ll get to unfold what it was all about and why.
The film was very simple, not too dramatic or mind boggling. It didn’t even have any CG effects in it but it will show you extremely good actors, great story in the back ground and a really nice soundtrack to come along with everything. It also has this softness that has melancholy written all over the story but the sweetness seeps in with everything until it’s late to realize that you’re caught up with the story and would want more.
This left me weeping at the end but made me feel good at the same time. It surely made me want to recommend it everyone.
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There really is no true plot to this movie. It takes place in the span of a few weeks and encapsulates a time period in this man's life. Unabashed and raw; showing all the nonsensical violence of the world he lives in whether it be by himself, those he keeps company with, his enemies and just about everyone in his sphere.
When I was finished watching the movie it took me some moments to think of what to say here in this review. This is a violent and dark movie and I came away from it having almost no sympathy for any of the characters save one. And it wasn't Gu. I suppose I had a sliver of sympathy for him in certain moments because Shota has impressive acting skill but ultimately the character was undeserving of very much. That said; overall, the acting in this was really great and as unsettling as the film is, the story is well told. They certainly were convincing but it is more than disturbing to think that this kind of world actually exists. Most of the characters showed almost no caring or sympathy toward one another. So harsh.
There are some movies out there where you can watch, appreciate the quality of writing and acting but yet have no desire to ever watch that film again. Hard Romanticker is one of those movies for me.
I gave the re-watch value a 'fair' (6) because even though I might not watch this again for the subject matter I don't want to lower the score unfairly and have people mistake it for bad quality.
The music was fitting. I am not sure what to say about it other than I don't believe this movie is the kind you walk away from even wanting or needing an OST. But the score was right for the film; sometimes comical and sometimes dark.
If you appreciate darker (and I DO mean darker) fare and don't mind intense subject matter than this is the film for you. But you have been cautioned here...it is graphic. And fangirl moment...even at his darkest, Shota impresses me with his ability to absorb into a character for good or ill.
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This review may contain spoilers
Honestly I really wanted to like this movie. I really loved Yashiro's character, I just wanted to hug him and tell him he was beautiful and didn't do anything wrong. He definitely deserved someone better than Momose. He made me cringe and want to strangle him every time he interacted with Yashiro. I really tried to give Momose the benefit of the doubt and say he was just naive, but he crossed so many lines in this short movie idk how anyone can call him endearing or loving. He's creepy as hell. "So what should I do??" How about deal with your own desires and stop trying to manipulate Yashiro? I know Yashiro needed encouragement to feel more confident but Momose was way out of line. The attempted rape scene really made my heart break because Yashiro should not have been apologising and asking for forgiveness for changing his mind. Was this review helpful to you?
You've been warned.
Such a movie is impossible to rate. It's really hard to make the difference between the true story that captivates and shocks us, and the form, the way it is told, the movie. Personnally, on my MDL list, it is still rated N/A.
Story...well there is no story, those are facts. Those facts are, of course, adapted and the way this movie deliver that adaptation to us is outstanding. The dark atmosphere, the suspens that keeps us on edge, and the flashbacks system that makes things so vivid, everything is done to captivate the audience.
Thanks to all the members of the cast (who did an amazing job portraying their characters, especially the children and Gong Yoo...well Gong Yoo was simply exceptional) you will be trapped into this movie from its very first minute to the last. You will feel horror and despair as well little pieces of moved joy as you see the events happening as if you were there.
The music isn't a beautiful melody designed to make you cry every times you hear it, but it will make you feel calm, tense, or angry. It's really a part of the movie.
Rewatch value...honestly, it would be torture to me to rewatch this, but I'll still do it, because this movie is amazing and the acting astonishing. But I won't say it was beautiful. Although this movie is a piece of art, I'd feel sick to call it beautiful.
Since he got the main part, let's talk about Gong Yoo in this movie. His Kang In Ho is true, sincere, so kind and pure in front of all the horror happening before his eyes that it is impossible not to be moved by him. Gong Woo is definitly a top actor and I can't wait to see what he will do next.
But there is something bothering me about this movie, like all movies involving young actors.Even though this is all acting, I wonder how those children felt, when they were shooting some scenes...sometimes, I felt this movie was going too far...but this is only my point of view...
I know that my review is a little dark, but I just saw Crucible, and this movie is dark.
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Cinéphile:
Firstly, it's a "silent" movie, so they never talk to each other, you only hear their sounds or the noise of the surrounding. Just this fact alone makes it thrilling and entertaining to watch.
Secondly the acting was splendid. Seriously. Since the movie is a "silent" movie, you can only focus on their faces, sounds and body language. And they really can pull it off. There are so many moments you wish you could find a bit of akwardness, a hint that reminds you that they are only acting, which would make it so much easier to watch the movie. But even in the most dreadful moments they will go all out.
Thirdly: The whole storyline and the metaphors. If you like cryptic movies that give you a lot to think about and to deciffer, this one is perfect. There are so many hidden symbols, repitions and insinuations, that you have to watch it at least two times to grasp it all. The storyline my not be new but it's a the hell of tragic comedy. One second you stare at the screen in disbelief and disgust and the other one you start to laugh insainly, astonished that you are even able to laugh in this situation.
Fourth the movie lives from it's great shots, those pictures from which you can't look away, the colours and the composing of every scene. You may not like the picture but it comes with a pretty picture frame.
The "sain" me:
The first time I watched it I was hiding behind a chair, plugging my ears not being able to watch some of the scenes. It was the first time in my life that I nearly threw up because of a scene in a movie. And I had a glass of soju after watching it.
So yes, it is an heavy one. If you can't stand violance or drastic pictures or even just a hint of it, you really shouldn't watch it. But, from an artistic point of view it's a fantastic movie. All those pictures say more then any word could ever say.
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Intense build-up, decent wrap-up
The first half of this movie was absolutely flawless — I was terrified (in a good way) by all the jumpscares, the mystery was extremely intriguing and I was trying desperately to figure it out myself, and the soundtrack and interactions between the characters all added to the dark vibe of the movie.I still think the second half, after everything was revealed, was a decent watch, but I did think that it took away a lot of the things that I loved in the first half. Of course, a mystery can't go on forever, but I definitely felt like the story didn't feel as dark as it did before and there was no more anxiety-inducing tension, more just running around and fights. Those were still fun and exciting and I really enjoyed how the story was revealed, intertwining different characters, but the first half still felt more captivating to me.
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I really dislike the word “epic”, I believe it’s over-used and misunderstood by many but if I can call a film epic then Red Cliff must be one of the fewest that are allowed to have that description. I saw the DVD release of Red Cliff back in 2009 so I initially thought it was only one film but later on, I re-watched them separately and I am able to judge each production on its own.
Now, as a usual part for my historical productions’ reviewing, I must give history credit and allow the film to be put in its exact temporal and special frameworks. It’s because I am history’ lover that I can’t help but narrate some facts that happened in real life thousands of years ago, so let’s have a little round in history before reviewing the film itself. You can always skip this part if you find it boring.
The year is 200 A.D, the late Han Dynasty and the place is the famous China. Cao Cao (Prime minister of the Han Dynasty), the most cunning, evil and fierce man in the Chinese history took control over Northern China and made the emperor a puppet ruler but that wasn’t enough so he decided to embark an attack on Southern China’s ruler Lord Liu Bei who is known by his generous deeds and strong general followers. Cao Cao led a huge army of eight hundred thousand soldiers to conquer the south which forced Liu Bei to seek alliances with other Southern Lords, the young ruler Sun Quan and military expert Zhou Yu. In order to convince them, Liu Bei sent his prime advisor and the most impressive strategist in Chinese history Zhuge Liang to accomplish the mission.
Cao Cao’s enormous army is constituted with surrendered lords so there was no loyalty and thus he always feared betrayals, which makes him envious of Liu Bei’s side that’s full of great generals that aren’t only loyal but they’re also quite strong. However, no matter how great the generals are, they’re massively outnumbered by Cao Cao’s army so how can they overcome it? The answer can be found out either by reading history or watching the film because I would be spoiling things if I mention it but let me warn you that this film doesn’t exactly provide the entire answer.
Enough with history, the film itself was well done in a way that would let you get to know what happened even without searching it up. The storytelling may not have been flawless in any way but it did deliver what has to be told. John Woo is known for his badass action films and I do agree that they’re his strength point but there are other elements that people forget or refuse to notice about his works such as the characterization. John Woo is a master at building his characters by using the brotherhood and honor elements and he didn’t change his rule in this film; he only reduced the amount.
What this film excels at beside the stunning cinematography is the war techniques. We get to see John Woo's interpretation of Zhuge Liang's "ba-gua" strategy, the fighting abilities of each general and the amazing portrayals of several wars’ strategy although the major battles were saved for the sequel. The use of slow motions and the clever built up of battles and action is an extreme plus point for this film.
The acting was high-class. It’s really challenging to find good actors who can give the famous historical figures their right characters and what’s best than Tony Leung, Kaneshiro Takeshi, Chang Chen, Fengyi Zhang and several great HKC actors for the job? They did quite well with their characters but I’ve got to give Tony higher credit for the way he made Zhou Yu feel so firm just like the history describes him to be. It’s one of my favorite Tony’s roles up to date.
There’s also Takeshi who made Zhuge Liang, which is one of my favorite historical figures ever, feel so vivid but maybe a little more too humorous than he should be. To be honest, I thought Takeshi was too “pretty” for the role. I like the guy, I really do and I believe he’s a great actor but I wasn’t too confident to see Liang being portrayed by him. However, after watching this, I was proven wrong and my doubts went into thin air.
The women department in this film felt a little unnecessary but still fitting. I liked Vicki Zhao’s casting and role but I am afraid I can’t say the same about the first big screen’s appearance of Lin Chi Ling.
The music for this film was pretty suitable for the theme and the rewatch value is high because this is one of the greatest films’ that deserve to be reviewed.
Watch this if:
-You like Chinese history or you like to get to know it more.
-You like war films’ because this is one of the best.
-You like John Woo’s films.
Do not watch if:
-You dislike war films.
-You dislike any of the cast.
Red Cliff is surely one of the greatest war films ever made with the touch of Asian history and some Hollywood cinematic techniques delivered by the master john Woo in the most beautiful way ever.
This review is for the first part of Red Cliff and the second part is coming up next.
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They wanted me angry and they succeeded.
I'm left frustrated, which is exactly what the writers wanted me to feel. If you're looking at One Ordinary Day expecting a satisfying conclusion, you're looking in the wrong place. This isn't a drama that will give you the sort of clean, neatly closed ending that many crime dramas do, and it doesn't want you to feel good. They have an angle and they stick to it, and that's exactly why I respect this drama so much.I'm sure I'm not alone. We're all sitting here after watching episode 8, wondering what, exactly, we just saw. Angry at the police and prosecution for the absolute joke of a case they formed against Hyun Soo, annoyed at the judge who sentenced him and every person involved who let the investigation of the Guk Hwa's murder become the joke that it was. We're frustrated with the prosecutor's promotion, the team leader's peaceful retirement, all the while our lead is stuck in prison while his very stressed-out lawyer goes and does the police's job for them, only for them to take credit for his achievements in the end. So without an apology, after watching a man die in his arms, Hyun Soo is tossed back out into the world, the family that had begun to doubt him acting as though nothing ever happened. He's expected to return to his ordinary life after all of the unfairness he experienced, knowing first-hand just how corrupt and broken the judicial system is. There's no big, dramatic reveal of who the real killer is, no flashback to the night of the murder, and no repentance from the people who botched the investigation and even demanded the death penalty for our innocent lead. Nothing.
The last several minutes show Hyun Soo returning to life, sombre when surrounded by his family, living in a house with "murderer" vandalized on the wall, buying cigarettes and consciously aware of the eyes around him. Even free, he can't return to his old life. He can't fix anything, and this is his new reality.
So One Ordinary Day doesn't leave you fulfilled. Like its characters, you're bitter and unsatisfied. But you're thinking. You're thinking and reminded of just how warped the world can be, and that's exactly what they wanted. That's some pretty good storytelling, wouldn't you say?
And, you know, the stellar acting didn't hurt. I loved seeing Kim Soo Hyun in a drama again, and Chae Seung Won is as amazing as ever. So I'm angry, but I'm very glad I watched this.
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