The visual work wasn't outstanding in any way. There was no amazing costumes, makeup nor special effects. The musical score was very good, but not fantastic. There is no epic, earth shattering plot.
There was just the story of a guy, of a disease and of life. Just that simple. And just that amazing.
Carried by actors with talent, sincerity and emotional depth. Everyone in the cast made a good job,
even though some of the actors were shining just a little bit more than the others.
Tabe Mikako made a beautiful and tranquil portrait of a strong woman and good performances were given also by Asada Miyoko as her mother and Kazama Shunsuke as the likable Mamoru.
I liked Fukikoshi Mitsuru as the neurologist Dr Tanimoto and found Nomura Shuhei as Takuto's younger brother Rikuto, entertaining and endearing in his role as the socially awkward guy - who very clearly has Aspergers syndrome (even if it's never said outright.)
But the monster performance of tremendous impact was of course by Miura Haruma, who shines brighter than a star in the role as Takuto.
I believe there could not have been any better choice of actor for the role,
Miura nails it completely and absolutely CRUSHES any competition from Eddie Redmayne and "The theory of Everything". Stephen Hawking is an inspirational person and that movie was rather good, but how I wish that this series would be the one praised and well known.
Sorry Stephen and Eddie, but Takuto and Miura Haruma kicks your asses big time regarding inspirational impact and acting. I have always liked Miura but now he leapt right up to the #1 spot in my "Best asian actors" list.
As for the emotional impact of the drama - wow.
I have personal experience of the disease. My father died of ALS some years back, only 58 years old, about 2,5 years after diagnosis (rather fast) and 3,5 years after onset of symtoms. I worked as caretaker for him and am very familiar with everything related to the disease, it's progress and the care given to the patient. And I am very impressed by how meticulously every little detail was worked out and how Miura acted his role physically - it was very realistic.
And the agony, the emotions... I was completely blown away. I believed his acting every single minute of the series, I never once thought of him as an actor, but only as Takuto. I still can't shake off the belief that Takuto very much exists, that's how good Miura was.
It's sad, very sad. And painful. And agonizing. It WILL make you cry. A lot. And I mean A LOT.
But it's also beautiful, humorous, heartwarming, insightful, thought provoking and inspiring.
But more than anything else - it's hopeful.
I honestly feel that this story changed my life in a way. It made me think. A lot.
About who I am, what I am, why I am like I am, how I want to be, what I wish for. What my goal is.
Like Takuto, I will try to find my goals.
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What a wonderful healing show
I've been waiting every single week just for this show to air. Every time I saw that the latest episode has been subbed, I become so happy. Every single girl in the cast has a unique personality and is irreplaceable. I'm so glad a second season is in the making, PLEASE KEEP THE SAME CAST!! Anyways, it's healing, SO FUNNY, entertaining. It's been a while since I've seen a nice variety like this. They also did amazing for casting women from diverse backgrounds: you have idols, dancers, actresses, MC, and this diversity brought a fresh air to the show!Was this review helpful to you?
Bromance School drama disguised as regular friendship drama
The trailer of this drama from the beginning showcased Bromance between the two male leads, it didn't even mention the female lead in the trailerSo I'm addicted to good friendships Bromance Not Bl dramas, I waited until the drama came out and my doubts became Clear, it's really Bromance drama disguised as regular friendship drama with the female lead there to pass censorship in China LOL
That said, this drama is family-oriented youth drama, it's not BL or gay love drama it's about two boys in school who were at odds at first with totally different personalities but when the male lead's father decided for his son to study under the A student of the school to raise his grades, they gradually became close friends, a typical friendship story
what is beautiful about this drama is the characters, the boys have amazing chemistry with each other, they have different personalities but each one adds to the other, and they complete each other's shortcomings
the male lead Jing Hui is such a naughty kind of lost boy but he really needs a good friend to take care of him in school and to understand him,, he needs love from someone close to him because he has trauma from his past
the other boy is a good boy in everything but he's not happy and he's immersed in studying and living a very sad life with his mother so he's also alone, he needs someone to make him happy and have fun
the female lead didn't disrupt this friendship she added to it, her presence made the boys bond more and they both were friends with her even the second lead had sort of crush on her but they didn't go down that Romantic road not entirely
also, the male lead knew about his female friend's crush and he encouraged it, so there was no jealousy nor fighting over the girl not any of that nonsense
the three characters were best friends trying to lift each other up and help each other, having fun, and living their youth to the fullest
There was not much angst in this,, they got separated for a while but returned back to each other again
they misunderstood each other but got back to being best friends again shortly
so this drama is a feel-good drama
it makes you feel lonely because you want to have such amazing friendships as the characters
This drama is really comforting very warm drama and you won't regret watching it
there are skinship scenes here .. they hug each other in various occasions as any friends do
they talk their heart out to each other, they comfort each other and they love brotherly love to each other
also, they aren't related as suggested at the beginning of the drama you will know why at the end
If you are a Bromance or Bl fan you will love it
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KBS Drama Special 2012: Don't Worry, I'm a Ghost
19 people found this review helpful
The story is short yet interesting--which is what you want in a drama special. The writer/director did a really good job of making you grow to care for the characters. That makes the ending really pull your Heartstrings.(See what I did there? Heh.) Seeing how this kind of story has a limited way of ending, I liked the way they decided to end it. How else is a ghost drama supposed to end?
Bong Tae Gyu and Park Shin Hye were great together. There were moments where Shin Hye would try acting mad/scary, but she couldn't really make me believe it--she's just too cute ^^. Tae Gyu was excellent in showing the pain and strain in his features.
The music starts off pretty whimsical. It's a nice drama soundtrack. The creepy music and accents come in at the right time and quickly made light following the mood. It's too bad there weren't more like-minded scenes.
I might watch this again. Even though I know what happens in the end, I'm sure that will just make my heart ache just as much if not more than the first time. Knowing what's coming makes it a greater tragedy.
Altogether, if you enjoy romance, tragedy, and a dash of the supernatural--all the while trying to deduce a culprit--then give this short drama a try!!
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My Little Lover: Minami-kun no Koibito
19 people found this review helpful
This drama was a treat, I went in knowing nothing about it and I ended up loving it. Short and sweet, this is worth the watch for any cutesy romantic fans out there such as myself. It is definitely a unique story, and has a very fairy tail type of theme to it, so it almost feels as if you're watching a Disney movie in some ways.
The reason for an 8.5 for acting is because it seemed to take a little bit for the actors to warm up, but towards they end they did a fantastic job. Minami-kun was a bit too stiff for me in the beginning, and although I'm sure that was because of his character roll, I feel like it could have been pulled off differently to where it didn't seem just like bad acting if you know what I mean.
Chiyomi did wonderful acting the whole way through, as well as the rest of the cast, I really got attached to all of the characters of the story. I would love to see her in more dramas in the future!
I dont normally rewatch dramas, but I would most certainly give this one another go, just because of it's short length, charm, and easy going story.
I most certainly recommend this drama!
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For younger audiences
Simple story -- good vs evil. Great graphics. Good looking actors, all around. Basic plot involves a group of friends who can't quite decide whether they're battling as a group, or depending on themselves.Flat characters with very scripted (stereotypical) words and behavior. The hair-flouncing or finger-pointing anger. Temper tantrums (literally) when things didn't go perfectly. The loyal boyfriend. the Dad (aka Buddhist monk), the PhD psychiatrist, the shy smart kid, the schizophrenic girl, the best-friend-turned-evil... all there. Three couples with very flat predictable relationships. All the girls get pulled in by evil-guy, and the good-guys have to save them. The orphan meme that Disney loves to make sure viewers have enough sympathy.
Acting of the schizophrenic girl is pretty good -- the actress plays three characters, and does each quite well.
Rating scores are clearly a function of age: under 18 rates near 10.0, while ages 50+ rate closer to 2.0. The stereotypes become too simplistic to maintain interest.
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Good but mismatched main leads
When I started this series I wanted to drop it because instead of chemistry between main leads we got feeling of older sister caring for her brother and forcefully adding the romance felt weird. Then I heard second leads get good chemistry and better romance than main leads could ever try to fake.As I watched it longer i started to like the story, fights and relationships between friends, comrades and family.
It would be better if they showed all fights instead of just showing animated pages of novel or manhwa, not sure what the series was adapted from. Not to mention when they made one fire saving scene half half so they made actors move but put a non moving walpaper behind them. It was as hilarious as it was lame.
Dilraba was perfect fit for female lead but in my opinion male lead should have been a bit older so we get some chemistry. Since Leo Wu was so young at that time neither of them could force it and it was clear as a day that she was like a mentor to him.
Overall series is good and it keeps you watching till the end. If you are here for the romance, you will get it but not between main leads, but between second leads yes.
After you accept disapointment in main leads "romance" ,show gets really good and second couple delivers instead.
OST is very good and hits you in the feels.
I gave it a 9 because i want to support good stories but it did have loopholes nearing ending of the series. It gave me a feeling like they hurried up to end it and didnt properly wrap out the Ashile tribe part of the story.
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There are no outside factors used to make more interesting, prove, or test the strength or trueness of their love. (IMHO, The outside elements wasn't important. Those were there for the reader's benefit ;)) People other than the 2 leads barely even realize they went through such tumulteous storm.
There's also Godfrey Gao & his character Wang Lichuan. Bother actor & character are multi-lingual, multi-cultural which my reader, I think you are as well. Did I mention Godfrey & Lichuan are very hot. ;)
The book that this show was based on is out of this world. It has sadder & more mature tone. The show is fluffier, trying to be funny. Male lead nicer. The side characters in the show are pretty good too. There are flaws in it. Definitely don't miss out on the magic that is Remembering Lichuan. Read the book first if you can.
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This review may contain spoilers
That's A Failed Parody
Overall: I have really enjoyed parodies like The Boy Next Door (bromance) and A Man Who Defies The World of BL, but this was confusing and I did not find it funny. It looks like the company that funded the series is a live streaming app. They could have built a story just around that... an anti-fan and a livestreamer, a livestreamer and his manager, etc. Watched on Viki.Content Warnings: manhandling
What I Liked
- an established couple with a realistic problem (instead of a stupid miscommunication)
- a medical professional being realistically busy
- that they did show some skinship like the hug in public*
- I laughed...twice
Room For Improvement
- *I think it's a bit odd for one person in an established couple to be reluctant to kiss when asked by the other person at home. Also their kissing was really awkward for two characters in a long term relationship and actors who have worked together several times previously.
- many things that were nonsensical but not funny, i.e. potentially leaving someone who is injured on the side of the road, hugging someone while wearing bloodied scrubs, saying abracadabra while someone is likely dying...
- confusing things, Guy gives up but then they reconcile? Why introduce a fantasy element but then don't use it until the very end? Jing knew about the candy? WTH was that ending????
- many scenes were too long like the brushing teeth scene at the beginning, I watched on at least double speed
- I dislike both main characters, one was extremely immature (what a waste of medical resources) and the other apparently can't set phone reminders
- confusing relationship between the side couple, they were a fake couple and then became a real couple? Though he did clear things up relatively quickly, that's still being a jerk with your arm around your brother and making it look like you are dating.
- 5 minute introduction, with the recap and preview, episodes were about 15 minutes shorter than the listed time
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This review may contain spoilers
Nira was fantastic! I loved her! I loved her! I loved her! I didn't get the extent of her hatred towards her father and aunt, but I guess the series wouldn't have been as good if it hadn't existed. She is not perfect. She is very flawed. She is so hurt and broken. And that makes her do so many stupid things. But she is smart, and strong, and brave. I just wanted to wrap her up in a blanket and hug her.
I loved the family Nira had around her - Dr. Ben, Aunt On, Yod, Tong, Uncle Pon. They were all so amazing. I love how there were times when distrust threatened to break those relationships, but they trusted each other enough to let it go.
Chut - OMG. Whoever styles Push's hair deserves all the awards. It makes him look so good. Add to that the suits and that 1000W Smile. I am dead. I wish the ending was happier. But there were too many lies (and I'm not talking about the lie about being Transgender, although that may be one of the many). Chut was already so haunted by the loss of his nephew, and we saw that throughout the show. He loved his nephew so much. I love how patient he was with Nira. I loved how he took care of her.
Dr. Ben - OMG. I loved how he loved Nira. How he accepted all of her. I loved how he was willing to let her go because he knew she wouldn't love him the way he loved her. I loved that he was still there for her despite that. I loved that he didn't let that affect the way he treated Chut or Nira, or them as a couple (except briefly before he kissed Nira). I love him. He is so selfless and mature. He is amazing.
Chom - He was a character I never thought I would ever sympathize with. I hated him and the way he objectified and doggedly pursued Nira. I hated him for the way he crossed the line with her over and over again even with her firmly drawing the line. I hated how even when he got clues, he still ignored them. But over the course of the show I realized that he did love his son. I understand why he was so reluctant to accept Chananthawat being trans. No parent wants to see their child suffer or go through undergo discrimination. They don't understand the internal turmoil the child is going through, they only see that society is going to give them a lot of burden. I can see where Chom was coming from. I don't agree with him, but I get it. He was trying to protect Chun the best way he knew how, but preventing him from being Society's laughing stock.
Rong - I hated her. I really did. Right until the last episode. I think at one point in time she must have been a nice person because Chut must have date her for a reason. He doesn't seem the kind who would have dated her for money. He may have been tricked into marrying her but he dated her of his own volition, so there must have been a time when she was good. I think we see glimpses of that in the last two episodes. I wanted to see more.
Manow & Aunt Jib- What a bunch of fungii! I am surprised people still worked with her with that attitude and horrible work ethic. *puke* I can't believe her cousin gave her those photos. He should have known it was going too far and just stopped it. He knew how toxic she was.
All the side family -
Yod - amazing - What a character! They are strong and brave and face everything head on. I love how much they love Nira, even when they know Nira isn't telling them everything.
Tong - SO ADORABLE! I love Tong! He is Nira's brother! He and Nira care so deeply for each other. Sometime in the beginning I thought he was eventually going to betray her. I'm so glad I was proven wrong because he is probably one of my favorite characters.
Uncle Pon - He is Nira's only OG family. He knew her from when she was a child, and has accepted her as Miss, since she was a little girl. He truly loves her. And she truly loves him.
Aunt On - She is so adorable. I love her.
**SPOILERY SPOILERY SPOILER ALERT**
I wish this show had a happier ending. I wish Nira and her father reconciled because he was willing to love her as Nira, completely. I love that we see that Chom loves his daughter, and that Aunt Rong isn't completely horrid. I wish Chut and Nira had a happier ending, and that he could have accepted her as Nira. But even in the beginning we could see that he was haunted by the ghost of his nephew, so I guess that lie would always have been an anvil over their heads. But they made a beautiful couple. I know too much happened for the Siriwats too ever have become a happy-ever-after family, but I hope maybe someday we can have a season 2 of them building bridges. Maybe Rong goes to find Nira because Chom's sickness takes a turn for the worse and needs to prove to Nira that she isn't the horrid aunt she used to be. And she really has changed. And maybe along the way they really do become friends. And maybe Rong becomes instrumental in bringing Chut and Nira back together because she could see how much happier he was with her? And maybe along the way she finds someone who doesn't take her shit when she has her diva moments... IDK part maybe Dr. Ben. I know he's too good for her, but maybe he can handle her y'know what I mean?
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Even if you don't like historical dramas, this is definitely a drama to watch! It has all of the key elements that make sageuk great: a prophecy that needs to be kept secret, intense battle scenes, two love interests for the main character, and an impressive cast of really good actors. You get involved in the drama: you cheer for the good guys, can't wait for the bad guys to get what they deserve and there's even a reason to cry.
It stars Choi Soo-Jong as Dae Jo Yeong. His portrayal of Jo Yeong was very well done (he prepared for his role by reading history books to learn about the story and won an award for his acting). If you've watched any other dramas written by Jan Yeong-Cheol (Salaryman, Giant), then many of the actors will be familiar to you.
The OST enhances the drama and features music by Brown Eyed Girls and Park Hyo-Shin. This drama pulled in really good numbers during its run. The last episode had over 30% viewership. I enjoyed all 134 episodes!
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My reason for watching this movie was simply because I was very bored and YT commenters seemed to enjoy it very much.
The movie Love is a romantic comedy and i can reassure you that it is very well heartfelt. You feel the essence of each character even though there are many and I was surprised at the quality of the cast. It's no joke. A lot of the actors in this movie are famous in Taiwan. Mark Chao (Black and White), Ivy Chen (Skip beat, Black and White) and Ethan juan (Fated to love you) are pretty big names! So it's a hot cast ;) Each character has their own romantic story and although it is a comedy, there are moments of sadness which are reflected in the soothing ost "Fang Qing Dian" which CANNOT fail to capture the tone of the film. In addition to this the opening song by Hebe ???: LOVE really captured my attention... i felt that it was perfect for the storyline of the movie.
Overall "LOVE" is a light hearted comedy with a slight serious tone, cleverly interwoven into the lives of the characters who somehow are connected to each other. This a movie that is well worth your time and is seriously underrated!
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First of all it doesn't drag. Everything is paced nicely and the episode count is perfect, especially as someone who has seen a lot of youth dramas where the themes are very similar, and it's super addictive so I binged this in like 2 days. The script is wonderfully written and the dialogues are very touching and it's enhanced by the female lead liking literature so she says interesting things and quotes songs/poems etc. Both the couples are super cute and nice, especially in their high school years and its an overall very sweet chill drama.
You'll like all of the characters. None of them are annoying. And low and behold, this really deserves a medal, there's not one bitchy antagonist in this show. Like, all of the conflicts are logical everyday things that happen as you live life, but its not boring or illogical either, which I didn't even realise till it ended, but not once did I have to eye roll.
I really gives props to the female actress because she did a really good job, but all the actors did very well.
This show really needs more attention because it was cute and nice and refreshing and made me nostalgic.
Just an extra thing:
I feel like this show really let the main girl accomplish things and do things rather then just following the main lead around (not saying she always succeeded in those things, but she never sat around and whined about having to do work or whatever which I really liked.) Also she wasn't the exaggerated "failure of a daughter" where they're dumb af and only merit is eating like a pig and blinking emptily at the ml every time he talks to her (but is still supposedly "charming"). No, she was a relatable average student with areas she excelled in and also areas where she did poorly. She did not rudely stuff her face, but was still portrayed as someone who enjoyed eating and did not have the worth ethic of someone who doesn't even exist in this world. Everything was realistic. Also she had a proper friendship with the male lead and they helped each other with their dreams, shared their troubles and had an actual relationship.
Also in school, all the girls equally participated in the competitions and sporting/cultural events instead of idolising the male characters while the female leads watched them from the stands.
I didn't mean to rant about female representation too much but you know how cdramas be XD gotta sift through all that crazy to find nice dramas like this where you don't want to throttle every female character lol
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Kiyosu Kaigi depicts the power struggle after the death of Oda Nobunaga - the first feudal lord that attempted to unite Japan. Upon his sudden death, two of his most powerful retainers Shibata Katsuie and Saru Hideyoshi started a cold yet an exciting war by siding with one of Nobunaga’s legitimate successors. Until this far, the film may seem like another political clashing plot about the Sengoku period. At the matter of fact, it’s absolutely is! Kiyosu Kaigi is all about the power struggle to reach the top of Japan with each character having its own agenda and secret motives to proceed with. However, that’s not what this film is all about.
In the midst of such a complicated plot within the most serious time of Japanese history; this film takes the comedy turn. Yes, you didn’t read that wrong; this film was overwhelming with hilarious sense of humour to make it lighter and even more enjoyable. You get to see prestigious daimyo lords fighting and wrestling like little children. You also get to witness a candidate successor act like an adorable dork. All of that was mixed with many funny dialogues and “hugs” between famous lords. A history lover as myself never imagined to see those amazing generals acting so silly. But all of that use of humour didn’t drift the film from its original purpose.
The director was able to portray the message he made this film for. Amongst all of those laughing and political struggles, the film managed to deliver an interesting take about Japan in those ancient times. It was quite fascinating to watch the flowing of each event, each character and each hint until it reaches a very stimulating ending. The comic relief and the partial use of parodies was only a way to prevent this film from becoming heavy. It also participates in keeping the somewhat long ride (almost two hours and a half) amusing.
Now the acting; Kiyosu Kaigi is star studded, starting with the veteran and the acknowledged Yakusho Koji; you’re bound to expect a wonderful acting level. Then comes Oizumi Yo with a marvellous performance as Saru (The Monkey). His character was really monkey-like at many turns but his inner philosophy and beliefs still managed to shine in times of need. As if Yakusho and Oizumi weren’t enough to keep this film standing tall; they were supported by other enormous acting talents. All you have to do is entertain your eyes with stunning acting performances from the penetrating Asano, the veteran existence of Kohinata Fumiyo, Sato Koichi, Terajima Susumu and Denden with the young talents of Tsumabuki, Matsuyama and Iseya until you reach the very intriguing female department mainly composed of Nakatani and Suzuki.
The characters were complicated, each of them possessed its own perspective and they would do anything to defend it. The relationships between them were even more complex than the characters themselves. You can always sense that something is going to happen any second due to the tension between most of them.
The directing was pretty darn good! The camera angles, the cinematography and especially the scenery were very involving and beautiful-looking.
Watch this:
-You like historical/samurai Japanese films.
-You like to watch a different type of periodic films.
-You like comedy mixed with serious telling.
Do not watch if:
-You’re not interested in historical Japanese film.
Kiyosu Kaigi is a different type of historical pieces. It manages to make a sombre and difficult historical telling sound so pleasant by throwing pits of comedy relief on the sides.
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As usual, Kimura Tayuka reins supreme in the human interest type dramas! His portrayal of Jiro was excellent. But I must say, there is nothing like seeing Takuya dress in racing clothing. My, my, my!!
Alas, don't be fooled about the romance label, this drama was NOT about romance. The two leads have nothing romantic between them to speak about. Sure, there are hints that they like each other but that is about it.
If you like dramas that tell a story, especially ones featuring a bunch of cute kids (to include a younger Toda Erika), you will definitely like this!!
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