This review may contain spoilers
the writing did not support the interesting premise
Overall: I was super excited for a twisty action thriller but the nonsense/cliche plot turned this into just another teenage GMMTV BL series. Aired on GMMTVs YouTube channel.Content Warnings: murders, attempted murder, beaten up/violence, bullying, blackmail, manipulation, unwanted public outing, drugging, kidnapping
What I Liked
- that the first scene wasn't a flashback or flash forward
- the beginning/first episode hooked me
- Chopper and Ben (Perth did a great job)
- production value (minus my quibbles in Room For Improvement)
Room For Improvement
- there is a lot of nonsense plot things, some of which could have been explained with a few lines or a short scene and that makes it even more ridiculous (one example, a highschooler is a full time fisherman and he happens to fight and shoot a gun really well)
- characters don't feel realistic or have realistic reactions (Palm's interaction with his mother as an example, both of them just chillaxing on their beach vacation instead of how I think most people would be feeling)
- I wanted some plot twists or for this to be different but it's a standard GMMTV romance with window dressing
- the night scenes were too dimly lit, a couple of times the music was too loud over the dialogue
- it dragged in many places, I wanted an action/thriller and this was not it
- Chopper and Ben felt very rushed at the end
- overall I just didn't end up feeling much of anything, scenes that were supposed to make me sad didn't because of the huge plot holes
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Overrated
I found myself thinking that I just wasted 10 hours watching this drama. This could have been impactful because it dealt with the serious subject of crimes committed by high school students but the story did not move me. The problem was the way it was presented. There was no depth. Jisoo, the central character had an absentee father, his partner in crime Kyoo Ri's parents seemed to have subjected her to abuse but there was no way for the viewers to find out more about the dynamics that defined the two characters' relationship with their parents. It would have been clearer if there was a bit of a background story that explained Jisoo and Kyoo Ri's damaged characters. There was also no backstory with the rest of the characters ie, Mr. Lee, how he became involved with Jisoo, Minhee, how she turned into a prostitute and Kitae, the bully and abusive boyfriend.The characters were so unlikeable. Jisoo, at the beginning gave the impression of an intelligent kid with a heart that somehow lost his way. And then, he turned into a snivelling idiot who was in over his head. Then there's Kyoo Ri who caused Jisoo to unravel; she manipulated him and her stupidity almost killed both of them.
It's like a watching a hodge podge of a story with a terrible ending. Don't waste your time on this drama.
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I have not expect to be able to see this soon, so I was quite surprised when I found this movie among the flight entertainment during my journey back from Tokyo. There was where I watched it, on the flight, and seriously, in public is possible the worst time for one to watch this movie. I was so close to tears, I actually have some leaking out the corner of my eyes and I tried so hard to hide it, OMG.
STORY 10/10
Let's move into break down before I went on rambling, seeing how I was saying that I was close to tears above, it is hard not to rate this story 10/10. I have not read the manga, so I do not know how close is it to the original storyline. But if a lot are cut out from the original itself, well you should know this movie only last an hour and 45 mins (about there), and you really have to give credit to the screen writer to still manage to create an impact within this short time.
I do not want to touch too much on the story, I am just very glad to see there are gems like these among the shoujo manga too, something that isn't just all bright and bubbly love story where the dump girl going after the guy and getting the guy at the end, if you think Orange would be light and easy to watch, I think you need to read the synopsis again.
CASTS 10/10
As I said I have high expectations from the cast, I've seen Tsuchiya Tao and Yamazaki Kento acts in other shows before, I certainly know they can act if given the right role, and I was not disappointed. Kento stolen the show with his acting there, those time when you look at his character and you just feel like wrapping an arm around Kakeru, to tell him everything are alright, that he has friends now and things don't have to be as hard as he thinks it should be. I am glad the other character did those in my place.
The emotions these actors and actresses managed to deliver on screen, making it an amazing movie. You can tell the struggles they going through are very real, and every bit of tears shed makes you wants to cry along. T_T
MUSIC 9.5/10
Good, the songs are good, the theme song is very fitting to the storyline, the tune and everything. I think I do need to rewatch this to judge the rest of the songs. I do not really remembering them throughout the movie, so I will be updating about this.
The theme song though, is very very beautiful.
REWATCH VALUE 9.5/10
I will definitely rewatch this again, with a box of tissue readied at my side. XD This beautiful movie, even though it hurts you on the inside. It is not entirely sad, more like a bittersweet, and with that slice of harsh reality making me wants to go back to it.
OVERALL 9.5/10
Perhaps it is just me who like those storyline that packed with a bunch of feels, I have to be honest and say this, I love any movie that makes me cry (though nothing too dark and too heavy, something like Orange packed with just the right amount of sadness and seriousness) so I am most possibly bias with my rating. This is not an easy movie to spend your afternoon, so be warned. Get readied with a pack of tissue when you start this. :)
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1office romance, age gap, employee/boss, food is the love language, coming of age late in life
This show had me from the moment they broke the egg yolk with the chopsticks in the opening credits for episode one. It’s about a younger man with a long cherished crush on his boss (ten years older and going through a mid life crisis) who decides to save and seduce said man with pancakes. It’s wholesome, comforting, sexy, and a very necessary narrative about still having hope, interests, and openness to affection at any age. It’s coming of age/queerness packaged in a subtle critique of expectations around masculinity and love and loneliness... and it’s beautiful.It utilizes hand-held and super close camerawork, long shots, dirty framing, and marvelous acting (stagecraft) from everyone. The directing style it subtle but very precise and tailored dirty framing (AKA lots of objects and other people’s bodies interrupting shots.) Notice the frame is only direct and uncluttered when they are eating or being extremely intimate with each other?
This show manages to make things that shouldn't be sexy so very sexy (like Togawa’s hamster cheeks - boy just wants to gorge himself, and not on food). It's truly art.
But there is so much more going on here.
Japan has a long tradition of using food, both the preparation and consumption, as an allegory for intimacy... ALL KINDS of intimacy (give Tampopo a shot, it’s a remarkable movie). And in this show the discovery of desserts, and the enjoyment of the experience of indulging, is explicitly both sexual seduction and emotional tethering. This is not just an exploration of youth for Nozue it is an exploration of desire and identity.
On the other hand, the want drips off of Togawa at all times, like true starvation. It’s epic levels of pining we are looking at and not just love but pure lust. It’s actually quite remarkable to see this done with Japan’s signature reserve, because the through line of the filming style and food allegory dictates they will simply have to show physical intimacy at soem point. But not of the explicit kind we get in the darker BLs from Japan (although they could easily go there), but of a truly sexualized romantic passionate kind that we don’t normally get from Japan in their softer BLs.
You see, there comes a point, when the food allegory has gone as far as it can, and Nozue recognizes that in episode 3, even as he doesn’t recognize Togawa’s desire. Because for him the desire has been made manifest though the medium of desserts... and now that sensation has been satisfied, he feels like that’s good enough.
But when Nozue shuts down the eating intimacy, Togawa was always destined to break open into into sexual need, just the way the egg yolk is broken open in the credits.
What is truly genius about this show is that when this finally happens at the end of episode 4, the camera switches to one long hand held shot. This kind of stage-craft reliant shooting is the ultimate form of filming intimacy - it is the camera’s form of trust:
The directer is trusting the cameraperson not to waiver,
the camera is trusting the actors to pull through for the entirety of the shot (no forgetting your lines on a long take, no missing your marks, no slipping out of character),
the actors are trusting the crew to capture it in that one moment when they give it their all.
This is the kind of theatrically-based close work is as near to sexual intimacy as actors and crew can get.
Thus the shooting style is, itself, a reflection of Togawa’s needs, of Nozue’s shock and realization and crumbling, of the levels of trust between them that are fracturing and reforming. It’s absolutely brilliant.
All that said I did find the final episode bit of a let down. Narratively it reverted back to pretty standard light Japanese live action yaoi, of the style I talk about here. I did expect a little bit more intimacy from this specific narrative even with Japan at the helm, at least showing the two of them cuddling in bed together or something very domestic if not kissing. I’m not surprised or upset that they returned to status quo, and this is still an amazing comforting unexpected gem of a show, but it’s not the 10/10 I thought it was going to be at the end of 4.
Still, solid and watchable and
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
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Good Visuals , Somewhat Entertaining but.....
i have never written a review on mdl but for this I had to write one because of the wasted potential. The first half of this show was fine and and not that great on which they could have build something. But soemthing was wrong from the beginning. This series is heavily plagued from bad writing which made the show from great to okayish.Now I will break it down into what was good and what was bad.
The Good :-
1) The cast - The cast is of superior quality and they all have done a fabulous job of what they were given.
2) The basic premise - The premise from the beginning was interesting and worth exploring . It was rich and it really fascinated me what could be done from it.
3) The characters chemistry - The characters were setup great and their interactions were enjoyable and their dynamic was great.
4) The location and Visuals - The place it is set in is really breathtakingly beautiful and the level of CGI they were able to do is unseen in kdrama. Some set pieces were really too good to be true.
So All in all it had the right ingredients for it to be a great kdrama so where did it fail.
The Bad :-
1)The pacing - The pacing was all over the place and I don't know what was happening sometimes . Some moments the story was moving too fast and other times it crawled to move.
2) The action - I don't know whose idea it was to do action in this way but everything was filmed in jump cuts and we could barely see characters fight. Somebody would make a move and the opposing thing would have a reaction and thus it continued . It was so jarring and was really laugh worthy.
4) The Characters Motivation was barely explored on what made them tick. Why they continued to fight and what kept them going.
3) The execution - This really takes the cake on what made it "not great" . They could have done so much with the interesting premise but they squandered it . The scriptwriter had no idea how to write such a epic and often times scenes that played were predictable or illogical. You knew while watching it that it could have been much more grand and of the potential it had. It shows that how difficult it is to write a epic story.
for e.g.. They did not explore the lore in enough detail to make us understand the details behind the power of characters such as Yohan and how he gained sudden powers unexplained before.
So all in all a great story squandered. And honestly after the scriptwriters last drama (Jinxed at First) I was sceptical for Island but I held on to hope. I really wish it could have become the grand story I anted it to be.
Disclaimer :- They review is based on the knowledge of the author and what he felt while watching the drama. He does not claim of being a expert on anything.
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I think whether you are a fan of melodramas or not, this is definitely worth your time. While the subject matter of having a terminal illness is sad, rather than being this forlorn, sappy pit of one depressing scene after the other, it instead had a nostalgic, hopeful, and just plain beautiful feel to it. <33
It was about family and friendships--the important people in our lives and what we're willing to do for them. Appreciating them full-heartily and embracing our present happy moments. The OST is stunning, SO SO beautiful. It really added to all the moments in this drama.
If you're on the fence about whether to start this drama, I say barrel through that fence and just take a chance. It really doesn't disappoint: it's about life, family, love, and happiness. It's just so dang beautiful. I applaud everyone involved in it making it. <333
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This review may contain spoilers
Better off as a non fantasy family makjang
Before saying I hated the reborn part -which technically should be reawaken cuz he was 10 :) - I'll mention the good partsI love love love sungminie ahjussi's acting, and I loved his character. Maybe he looked like a villain, but he was just a business man starting from scratch and also a head of a kiss*ss family. The poor guy had to deal with new business ideas in a time it was thought crazy and risky while also having money hungry family that only wanted to please him for his inheritance.
But, lol that was a long introduction, but he once he found his "reawakened" grandson, he found his match, his partner in crazy ideas and that was the most beautiful part for me
Also sungminie ahjussi's acting was 100000000x on point
That elevator scene and his fully devastated face will hunt me forever ♡
From what I gathered, he didn't have dementia in the novel, and this is the 3rd time sungminie ahjussi does it, so I think they hit the jackpot cuz each time is different yet still heartbreaking
Another good thing for me was the 80s/90s business vibe, everyone looked great but also the theme and history really enhanced the story rather than say, him awaking as a 10 year old in 2000 and being becomong an adult in 2010s and fighting his family in 2020s
I also actually really loved Sung joon and hyun min's toxic angsty relationship and I'd have loved this more from their POV, a bit like Secret makjang which is one of my favs (tho don't make me watch it with 2020s eyes)
Anyway the bad. I hated the rebornness, cuz as I said it was more like being possessed, then made complicated by double songs cuz it didn't make sense unless both hyunwoo and dojoon switched places, which might've become even more like golden spoon
I also hated the flat romance. Cuz technically reawakened dude is 30+19(?) When they 1st met and so he's a 50/60 year old going after a 20/30 year old no matter their past connection. I actually hate going back to change the past romances for this reason
The ending.. "it was all a dream" is such a old time cliche, I always remember twilight breaking dawn saying the fight between the oldie vamps and collin family was filmed and my 1st thought was ofc it's all a vision..
It's basically a cheap bow out from cleaning up the mess one makes. Ie making two Songs and making one come after the other (which were said to not be in the novel) then not having the courage to continue...
One could say he projected himself trying to remember, analyze and amend. But would one really dream of 20 years of life, remember every single detail and basically playing SIMS with a stranger? Atleast they could've hinted it with weird time skips or foggy memories xD
So basically, a normal family makjang where he would've wanted revenge for how his grandparents disowned his parents would've been enough. Like sure we needed him to know certain time stamps and events but he could've still been like his grandpa good at and even bad at business and we could've had stronger bonds between them
Also this drama got real boring once grandpa died Y_T
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The scenery was beautiful. Long shots of the entire setting allows us to feel like we're watching things happen from a far. Although the shots seem 3rd person point of view, you are still connected to each character. They are all encouraging characters with clear motives. Each one is given a good amount of time in every episode to tell their side of the story. You may grow to hate a character but also understand why a character would do such a thing. It makes you really think not just of the mystery, but what it's like to be human. You grow as the characters grow.
The story / events aren't shown in chronological order. It jumps from time to time - but it was a perfect way to transition into things. The soundtrack is just beautiful! When you listen to certain songs you can definitely link it to a precise moment in the drama. They are also played at the perfect moments.
When you complete the drama you'll feel like you've witnessed someone's entire life and that kind of made me feel complete. What made me love the drama even more was how it presented hints to the mystery all along but I didn't find them until my second time watching. On my second watching, it felt familiar but also shocking. I was baffled by how subjective I was. It amused me to see how arrogant I could be just like some of the characters.
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Most of the time with Thai BL drama you find it cringey to watch new actors acting but never on TharnType! I love how each actor's acting are super natural! Very well done to P'Mame the author of the series for creating a masterpiece! Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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*Inserts the reversed horse drawing meme*
It started as a cringe is the best way possible. I cannot believe I enjoyed something that brought me so much 2nd hand embarrassment. And yet, I liked every second of it. All the awkward situations that have no place in reality, but that put a smile on my face. All the moments that made Seon Ho question his sexuality, and me question my sanity. If only the show stayed on the path of silly comedy and did not venture into the miscommunication and misunderstanding hell, burning both the souls and brains of all the viewers.It’s not like the plot did not have a potential to be a really fun and light BL. We had all the elements needed to deliver a perfect mutual pining romance with some over the top, but enjoyable comedy. So why, oh why was most of the show based on the most ridiculously easy to explain misunderstanding? Mental gymnastics the writer had to go through to come up with the ways for the characters NOT TO find out the truth deserve a golden medal in the Olympics.
Still, there were things I enjoyed.
First of all, Seon Ho was a great character. Sweet, caring, hardworking, honest and open minded. He had a cute puppy-like demeanor and it was impossible not to like him.
The few scenes between Seon Ho and Gu Mu Yeong that were not focused on the misunderstanding were also truly fun. The way Mu Yeong gave a few soft smiles because of Seon Ho was just cotton candy warm marshmallow sweet. I even enjoyed Han Joon Seok and thought he would serve as a better reason for the conflict than what we actually got.
The acting was also nice. I was not thrilled with Ko Chan Bin’s performance, but overall the character was such a mess… How does one even deliver anything decent based on that writing? Song Seung Hyun, Lee Do Ha and Seo Min Seo honestly did well in their respective roles.
One thing though - even Park Shin Hye had more realistic kisses in the beginnings of her career...
Production value had its ups and downs. Overall, the quality was good. A bit over the average for the short k-bls. One scene in episode 7 thought… If you watched the show you know which one I am talking about. Who thought that was good enough quality to be included in the final product?
Overall… It just left me feeling disappointed. I went from hyped excitement after the first 2 episodes, to complete resignation after the last two. It got progressively worse with each episode and if it was a full length drama, I would definitely drop it half way through…
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It's all mess here
So it was all mess. Nothing particularly good I would say kind of a waste of time. Thank god it was short series or it would have been the worst outcome. Though genres are romance, comedy in the end it turned out to be a real headache. The FLs character isn't likable or I'll say I didn't like her decisions. The main love story between leads is the failure of the show and wait what? twisting rom-com like a thriller, action isn't a good thing at all. I mean the last twist damn I was frustrated because of it.The things I liked were the second couple (I would have loved if they were leads) well they definitely were show-stealer, the friendship of the trio was admirable. Liked the character development of some characters. So there wasn't anything better than this for me. Well yeah, it does have visuals so you can watch it for it.
So overall it wasn't that good though it's a short drama, I won't recommend it for sure!
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This review may contain spoilers
Awesome ?
Okay so i bet everyone has noticed in ep1 that this isnt a continuation of S1 HOWEVER,Yes its a different plot for the villains but the main 3 couples (Ling boss, wen li and chuyan) still have the small little details from season 1. Like the drunk driving, contract marriage, pi dan (doggo), the swimming pool thing and all the other small little things.
From this drama, it is super obvious that their chemistry is way better than season 1 and that this season is as funny or even slightly funnier than season 1. the ONLY thing that is lacking is the plot for the bad guys. Jiang jie did almost nothing but childish acts to destroy ling yi zhou via xialin and soon enough shes out of the game. then fu weining... all he does is says that the weather is hot 24/7 and ends up locking them in a cooler warehouse.. and end of story for the bad guys. Unlike season 1 where the little girl and the half brother of ling yi zhou scheming with xialin's new assistant, season 2 is just 2 people tryna destroy them and almost passing the 'bad guy' plot..
Anyways, the theme song is the same. Only 1 or 2 songs are introduced in season 2 and the ending is short but satisfying.
Worth the watch, most likely gonna watch again!
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1This review may contain spoilers
To let go is to embrace
Hello, dear Wispys~ Most of us have finally reached our destination (i.e. the finale of the story), while some are still 'experiencing' the journey together with Tang Li Ci and others. It was a wonderful journey for me, and I hope it was a splendid experience for you as well! (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)💞Loosely adapted from the novel “Enduring a Thousand Tribulations” by Teng Ping, the drama follows its sole main character, named ‘Tang Li Ci’, on his journey to accepting certain truths, letting go of obsessions, and sacrificing for the greater good. The story begins with the lavish wedding of a young woman named A-Shui, who allegedly sold herself to City Lord Hao Wen as his concubine to pay for her father’s funeral. However, the wedding is abruptly halted when a devastating tragedy occurs mid-occasion, at the hands of a single man, as if it were a blessing in disguise for the innocent, young girl. This mysterious assailant reveals himself to be Tang Li Ci, a cruel and cunning cultivator who supposedly gouged out the heart of his saviour, who was essentially family for seven whole years. Being accused of the brutal massacre, the true young master Tang embarks on a journey to clear his name, along with his faithful friend, who is more like a devoted follower, Chi Yun. That is how he meets new people, such as A-Shui, Zhong Chun Ji, and Shen Lang Hun, some of whom later become his newfound family… Our male lead will face several confrontations and betrayals as he steers his life towards an almost impossible goal of resurrecting his deceased senior brother, Fang Zhou, and making things right.
Unlike some historical C-dramas we’ve watched, [Whispers Of Fate] draws on a range of philosophical and religious themes closely connected to Buddhism, such as “letting go of the self” and “embracing emptiness”. Therefore, I would humbly like to interpret my review through the lens of Theravada Buddhism (School of the Elders), exploring certain plot points and identifying how they are interconnected with the concepts of “The Four Noble Truths”, “The Wheel of Life”, and “The Eightfold Path”, which I will provide relevant links below to aid further understanding. (..◜ᴗ◝..)✨
More than ten years before the incident at the Hao residence mentioned above took place, Tang Li Ci (formerly known as Ajibaner Tang Jia) was rescued and taken under the wing of a highly revered martial artist, Fang Zhou, who was the eldest disciple and master of the Zhoudi Tower. Fang Zhou bestowed the name 'Tang Li Ci' upon him with the hope that he would become someone special—someone who doesn’t cling to past grievances. Seven years passed, and the bond of brotherhood between them grew deep—so deep that Tang Li Ci could not accept the fact that Fang Zhou was nearing death due to old injuries sustained during a battle with Yi Que Yin Yang at Tiandu Peak. This obsession led him down a dark path, where he practised an unorthodox technique to transfer his healthy life force to Fang Zhou while absorbing the poison harming his senior brother into his own body. However, this attempt ended in disaster, resulting in Fang Zhou's instant de@th due to Liu Yan’s interruption. Still unable to accept this loss, Tang Li Ci clung to a final desperate hope. He dug out his senior brother’s heart crystal to 'nourish' it within his own body, ensuring that it would continue to beat. As if that weren’t enough, this crafty 'fox' even stole the ice coffin belonging to Wangyu Yuedan’s father, the former leader of 'The Palace of Fallen Jade,' to preserve Fang Zhou’s deceased body inside. (Yes, I know… He’s been a naughty boy, stealing other people’s belongings… (ᵕ—ᴗ—) )
All living beings experience suffering, both physical and mental. Tang Li Ci's situation serves as a perfect example of Gautama Buddha's famous quote, "the root of suffering is attachment." This celestial being felt his world crumbling when confronted with the First Noble Truth: suffering or unsatisfactoriness (known as ‘dukkha’). His intense longing and obsession to be with Fang Zhou, who had already passed away, led him to pursue an impossibly dedicated goal of resurrecting his deceased senior brother—this is a clear example of mental suffering.
The Second Noble Truth (‘samudāya’) addresses the origin of dukkha, which is suffering caused by desire and attachment. This suffering arises from craving permanence in an impermanent world. These desires can manifest in wanting to achieve something—such as Tang Li Ci deluding himself into thinking he could bring the deceased Fang Zhou back to life—or in not wanting something, which reflects Tang Li Ci’s unfortunate fate associated with Yi Que Yin Yang. This latter aspect is a significant source of the misfortunes he has encountered.
In episodes 32 and 33, the male lead finally grasped the importance of letting go of his past obsessions, accepting them, and living in harmony with the present. From a Buddhist perspective, these small steps toward understanding one’s cravings and recognising the illusory nature of permanence represent significant progress toward the Third Noble Truth, or 'nirodha,' which means the cessation of suffering. 'Nirodha' signifies the potential to end our suffering and be liberated from the “Wheel of Life” (Bhavacakra). This concept illustrates the Buddhist belief in the cycle of Shengsi (生死), the Chinese transliteration of life and de@th, emphasising the interconnectedness of birth, death, and rebirth, as well as the teachings of karma.
Our male lead is determined to keep everyone by his side and to alter the tragic outcomes he has witnessed—the deaths of many innocent people, including his close friends and acquaintances. It is only when Tang Li Ci comes to understand his own suffering and its origins that he will truly grasp what it means to let go of these desires and embrace emptiness; this is what ‘liberation’ entails. As another quote states, “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”
The fourth and final Noble Truth, known as 'magga', explains how individuals can guide themselves to achieve enlightenment by practising "The Eightfold Path". This path consists of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. In simple terms, it is a guide that helps us move away from our cravings and towards ultimate freedom. In his final moments, Tang Li Ci reflected on the sincere wish he had made during the Lantern Festival:
“No matter how the world changes as years pass, I hope the people I care about, those who were with me, and friends who fought side by side…, can live peaceful and happy lives.”
When Tang Li Ci focuses on his desires, he becomes ensnared in the Wheel of Life once more, taking on different forms: first as a little white fox, then as a dragon. In the new timeline, he consistently serves as a guardian deity, protecting Shenzhou (神舟), which means Divine Land or Divine Continent, and its remnants. This role has led to the creation of the Legend of the Fox-Dragon. While it can't be said that he has fully achieved enlightenment—since he remains tied to that world by his attachments to friends and those close to him—it can be inferred that this protective Fox-Dragon may have finally grasped the Four Noble Truths before disappearing into the mortal realm. This occurs after he resets the world to a time before the existence of the Tianren realm and Yi Que Yin Yang.
Although time travel does not exist in Buddhism, ancient texts describe countless physical galaxies, solar systems, and worlds similar to ours (**which would be Shenzhou in the drama), collectively referred to as the “Thousand-Fold World System.” With that context in mind, here is my subjective interpretation: What if the Tang-gongzi we knew were reborn as an entirely different being in a world that resembles our own? At some point, he might have regained his memories due to his abundant spiritual powers, allowing him to ‘change the past’ and create a brand-new world filled with happy inhabitants.
And now… CUT! -ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ This is getting far-fetched… (๑´>᎑<)~* Let me finally present my humble insights on the drama...
Although the ending of [Whispers of Fate] may not be considered perfectly happy by all viewers, it is a drama that boasts stunning visuals, enchanting music, and a thought-provoking storyline. The production team paid close attention not only to the attractiveness of the main and important supporting characters but also to several minor characters who have only a few minutes of screen time. For instance, this includes the lesser-known members of Feng Liu Dian (House of Pleasures), the two goddesses guarding Ajibaner Tang Jia’s celestial mother during her pregnancy, along with other celestial beings.
One of the most charming aspects that captivated me was the music and the traditional instruments used. I was especially taken by Hong Gu’s arched harp, known as the Zonggaoji (originally called the "Saung-gauk" in Myanmar). This instrument is unique and rare, as it is not commonly seen in historical Chinese dramas. Among all the original soundtracks, my favourite is "春声碎 (Shattered Sounds of Spring)," followed closely by "临风吟 (Ballad to the Breeze)." "Shattered Sounds of Spring" feels like a soulful ode to Tang Li Ci’s longing and false hopes, as well as Liu Yan’s resentment towards him after Fang Zhou’s passing. In contrast, "Ballad to the Breeze" seems to convey that Tang Li Ci has finally come to terms with the truth and has moved past his earlier struggles. Additionally, the wardrobe designs for each character have been thoughtfully chosen not only for their visual impact but also to reflect the rich history of ancient China. Personally, I found Zhong Chun Ji's wardrobe choices less appealing. Unfortunately, her styling came across as somewhat over the top. For instance, her initial hairstyle at her introduction and the purple princess outfit paired with ocean-themed head accessories were particularly striking. (づ˶˃⤙˂˶)
[Whispers of Fate] can be a slow watch, and some viewers might feel that the story drags before reaching certain climactic plotlines. However, as you continue watching, you will find yourself hooked. The drama is undeniably complex, and it would have benefited from more thorough explanations of key events, such as how Ajibaner Tang Jia(Tang Li Ci) was injured and subsequently saved by Fang Zhou, as well as Tang Li Ci’s connections to Yemo and Yi Que Yin Yang. Additionally, the character arcs can be confusing, particularly with A-Shui.
A-Shui had great potential to drive the story forward with her intriguing, mysterious background. She was depicted as a pure-hearted woman who heals those around her with unconditional love and care, without any ulterior motives. However, she came across as a plain, blank sheet of paper left unused on a desk—without intention or purpose. A-Shui was one of the biggest enigmas for both Tang Li Ci and the audience. Unfortunately, her characterisation felt unsatisfactory. It would have been more effective if her relevance and importance had been hinted at in the earlier episodes, rather than being crammed into the later ones.
Despite a few downsides, [Whispers of Fate] is definitely one of the best dramas worth watching. By paying closer attention to the details and themes, we can learn a lot from these characters about their choices and their consequences. The drama offers not only entertainment but also a rich narrative filled with knowledge about ancient Chinese culture, infused with artistic heritage, philosophy, and religious viewpoints.
┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
The following links may help clarify the concepts I used for my review:
The Four Noble Truths-related:
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/four-noble-truths
https://buddhasartofhealing.com/blogs/thangka/dharmachakra-the-wheel-of-law?srsltid=AfmBOorLcTPTx228ED37pwiRx-P8kp8WFuUEg0Ip4NDq-Lu0NHYxWHbu
https://buddho.org/buddhism/#the-truth-of-the-way-that-lead-to-cessation
https://www.worldhistory.org/Four_Noble_Truths/
The Wheel of Life:
https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195393521/obo-9780195393521-0072.xml#:~:text=bhava%2Dcakra)%E2%80%94or%2C,concrete%20form%20abstract%20metaphysical%20concepts.
https://www.lionsroar.com/buddhism/wheel-of-life-bhavacakra/
Many-worlds system concept:
https://www.quora.com/Does-Buddhism-support-the-theory-of-parallel-universes
https://www.themindingcentre.org/dharmafarer/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/R450-160524-Parallel-universes-RB150.pdf
Famous Gautam Buddha Quotes:
https://www.vedantu.com/general-knowledge/gautam-buddha-quotes
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In one word this drama is raw. I am writing this review a minute after finishing the drama and there are all these emotions that I need to let out. It has been an amazing journey, and by the end I could truly tell how attached I got to the characters.
STORY: 8.5/10
We follow Gil Soo Hyun, an FBI officer whom is back in his home country and receives an offer from the police to join a special investigation team. He joins Oh Dae Yeong and Jin Seo Joon as they embark on solving missing cases with special circumstances. I can't say much about the story since the drama is episodic, which means we are met with a new case in (almost) every episode. I would also point out that Soo Hyun's background story is a key point, and slowly unfolded as the drama proceeds.
My rating is not higher because it's difficult to rate a drama with a different setting for each episode. I found some episodes to be extremely intriguing, while one or two in the middle of the drama were rather predictable. The beginning however, was phenomenal, as we got a two episode cameo from the very talented Kang Ha Neul who brought so much life to drama. Some cases are very unique, like the painting one. Watch the drama to find out what that's all about ;)
ACTING/CAST: 10/10
My gem, the great Kim Kang Woo. I cannot praise this man's acting enough. Somehow I feel like he's an unappreciated actor in the Korean industry - correct me if I'm wrong. I first 'met' him in Haeundae Lovers, where he played the role of a prosecutor. That is obviously where I fell for him, and I have been anticipating his upcoming projects ever since. Kim did a phenomenal job in Missing Noir M as he portrayed a strong and competent character despite his wounds. Would the drama be the same without him? Probably not.
Park Hee Soon portrayed the talented police officer Oh Dae Yeong. This is the character that brought life to the drama, through his 'feeling like feeling' and phone ringtone. Overall the impression you'll get of him will be one of delight. He also has the cutest relationship with his wife, which also brings colour to a dark themed show. I also loved him for loving the victims with all he had.I like that he went from All About My Romance to OCN's Missing Noir M. It was nice to see him in a new light.
Jin Seo Joon was portrayed by the rising actress Jo Bo Ah (congratulations on the dating news!). Jin (as officer Oh calls her) is a hacker, and you can tell the team wouldn't get too far without her. She is highly intelligent, and I loved seeing her. The only complaint I have is that I wanted to see more of her. In a very male dominating drama, I wish she would've have gotten more spotlight. She deserves all the praise, and Jo Bo Ah as an actress has come a very long way since Shut Up! Flower Boy Band.
Another lady is the medical examiner Kang Yoo Yeong (Park So Hyun). We also see very little of her, but again - she plays a vital role as she is the one who conducts autopsies.
For the side characters who played a big part in each story, you'll find them in the cast list. Among the known actors and actresses is the very cute Shim Yi Young (Ji Yeon, officer Oh's wife), Yoon Ye Joo (Ellie from SBS' Angel Eyes), L.Joe (from the boy band Teen Top) and Park Hae Joon (Mr. Chun from Misaeng).
MUSIC: 10/10
Their main OST called Lucid Dream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzF4DODg-K0) by Kim Yuna, and featuring rapper Olltii has seriously become one of my favourites ones. I listened to this while waiting for new episodes. I'm also an avid supporter of Korean rappers, and knowing that Olltii (Show Me The Money 3) featured in this song was very exciting. Lucid Dream is dark, filled with amazing vocals. It fits the drama perfectly.
REWATCH VALUE: 9/10
I think I'll rewatch this drama when the withdrawal symptoms arrive. Being episodic, it is quite simple to click on whatever episode and watch. Though you need to watch the whole drama the first time since you'll miss out on the protagonist's story if you don't.
OVERALL: 9/10
I cannot recommend this enough. My sister always tells me Korean dramas are boring and repetitive, and for people like her, this drama is a definite counterargument.
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1Pour some sugar on me.
This is one of those delicious "pour some sugar on me" romance dramas where you just have to go with the flow and not be a prude. It is best watched gasping for breath on the treadmill trying to break a 9-minute mile. With a shortage of air to the brain, you will easily filter out the small stuff like how quickly they fall in love, whether she has hormonal issues, if she is schizophrenic and other logic or character gaps and focus on the only thing worth getting hot and bothered by, which is how hot the two male leads are.Liu Ling is the most improper Princess Changle; a hoyden who does as she pleases without regard to social conventions. When commander of the embroidered guard Shen Yan crosses her path, she takes an instant liking to him and pursues him with reckless abandon. I find the sheer audacity of her shameless overtures to him absolutely uproarious. While this may sound wanton and unseemly, it is a very original and refreshing way to write a female character. More importantly Yuan Bingyan pulls it off so engagingly and inoffensively she deserves high praise for such a controversial characterization. I understand that in the novel (which I did not read), Liu Ling was deeply troubled by her traumatic childhood but a lot of that got cut out of the drama, which unfortunately makes her actions at times seem capricious and maddeningly inconsistent. As it turns out, she becomes a pawn in a high stakes power play between multiple states with links to an old conspiracy that brought down her best friend Xu Shijin's family. Can the Shen brothers, both dashing embroidered guards untangle the web of old lies and win the day?
I was swooning the moment I spied Zheng Yecheng on the cast list; throw in Merxat and it is just like a double upgrade from economy to first class. But I had reservations over Yuan Bingyan, whom I found lacking in Love and Redemption. As it turns out, she has fabulous screen chemistry with Zheng Yecheng and delivers a winsome and hilarious performance as Liu Ling. As for Zheng Yecheng, he must be the ultimate ideal of the romantic hero with his brooding deep stares and overwhelming masculine beauty. This is a not to be missed opportunity to evaluate his reputation of being the best kisser in c-dramaland. Its all, ahem... research on such an important topic to womankind. And let me just say that the kiss scenes were so scorching that evidently a bunch of them had to be cut out. That said, it is quite dismaying to see Zheng Yechen becoming typecast in these sorts of roles. He is a fantastic actor that deserves a shot at more complex roles.
Merxat is another fine actor that just doesn't seem to get enough good roles. He has great rapport with Zheng Yecheng and I had to reduce the speed on my treadmill whenever the Shen brothers shared scenes to properly drool over their combined hotness. I find Shen Yu and Xu Shijin's storyline more interesting probably because it is left largely intact by the censors. Shen Yu and Shijin are both so intelligent and just such a marvelous couple from the way they solve problems together and go all out for their friends and family. I root for them more because their romance faces a giant obstacle that is difficult to overcome without deep consequences. Despite the obvious cuts, there is clearly a well written story with some depth behind it. The over-arching conspiracy and the sub-lots that feed into that are all well written and unfolds at a very nice pace. This is overall a very well produced and high quality drama despite some odd edits and clear impression that some things were left out, notably with Liu LIng's backstory. It would not be fair to rate it that highly for that reason so this is a 7.5 for me but I find is as enjoyable as many dramas I rated 8.0/8.5.
Finally, while Yuan Bingyan is not one of my favorite actresses, she really shines in this drama. How she was essentially cold shouldered for changing agencies is disgraceful and I am so happy that for once, c-drama fandom did the right thing by her by supporting her. Kudos to Zheng Yecheng and the rest of the cast as well. They acted their hearts out and it shows - it is no hardship, indeed it is a pleasure to watch and support this drama.
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