This review may contain spoilers
It has the making to be one of the better, if not the best BL series.Let's be honest here, this show is not going to win any award anytime soon - the plot is not new, it's another one of those university-themed BL series that is already a little bit of a cliche in itself. An enemy-turned-to-lover slightly diluted Romeo & Juliet story so common in a lot of Thai dramas. However, they have proven that even the simplest story can be great with proper execution. It's like they took note of all the bad comments from all the other series and aspired to make it better - even promised not to fall in the trap of those tiring BL tropes.
There is no "I'm straight but I only like you"; they made fun and tackled the wife and hubby misconceptions; they made the parents (and friends) cool about their preferences; the main couple even fooled the parents (or so they thought) into thinking they did what they wanted them to do but instead they're really just following their hearts. What made me appreciate it, even more, is their positive depiction of a same-sex relationship, and how it is so relatable in real life.
What about the cast? Ohm and Nanon's chemistry is off the charts they set the bar so high it will be difficult to watch any other series without comparing it to their performance. These are actors who genuinely look like they're enjoying doing the show and not just doing it for fan service. GMMTV should be lining up projects for Ohm and Nanon, sooner rather than later, and as partners. This couple deserves to be in the pantheon at the same level as the original BL trinity.
The show isn't perfect - we hated how Pran and Pat were outed by a supposed friend, which thankfully was resolved in one episode and we still ended up forgiving Wai. I also felt like the tension between the parents doesn't justify the family feud. Do I need the mention the product placements? Thankfully the shows' strengths canceled out all the negatives.
I also need to mention that satisfying ending, where they tied everything perfectly, albeit leaving a little chance for a second season.
A special nod should also be given to Backaof Noppharnach's direction and his partnership with his screenwriting team. Although I'm not a big fan of My Dear Loser, he saved the Together series with the much better Still Together, then gave us A Tale of a Thousand Stars, and now this! I am now a bonafide fan, and I'm looking forward to his future works.
Also, I have to mention how great the OST is.
Rewatch value is 10, and yes I've watched each episode a few times. Overall, it's a 9.5.
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The set up and idea behind the story is one of the most interesting things I have seen not only in BLs, but any romance. The concept of monos and probes opens the door for so many different dynamics in the relationships and paths that could be taken. Monos hating the probes for messing up their current life. Probes hating and fearing monos because of their possible obsessions. Monos being overprotective of their probes, since they are their way to see colors. This and so much more, to never be explored, because it’s just a short mini series and not a full length kdrama…
The show focuses on the forming connection and relationship between Yeon Woo and Yoo Han, and the internal dilemma Yeon Woo has, when faced with his probe. Taking into consideration the length of the show, the romance between boys is well presented. The chemistry is amazingly natural and believable. The intensity of the emotions and decisions made because of them, closer to the end, does feel a bit rushed, but it can be forgiven (trigger warning in the comment hidden under spoiler).
There were some side plots that were either forgotten or not addressed, with the missing mom being the cherry on top. I need to know more about it. I need to actually know the full back story, how they looked for her so far. Also, Kim Min Jae? More. I need more old man and the explanation behind it. His character alone was interesting enough to have a proper story written around him.
The best part of the show was Yeon Woo. Poor boy could not take a break between his mom missing, the aunt being overprotective and at times too controlling, and him forming a bond with Yoo Han that scared the hell out of him. Not to mention, I actually enjoyed Yoo Jun’s acting quite a lot. Which is not surprising - he has been acting for years.
Talking about acting, I’m on the fence with Heo Hyun Jun’s performance. While his playful and cheeky side was perfect, any more emotional scenes and lines felt flat and robotic.
With a limited budget, the production value was truly good. It was aesthetically pleasing, most scenes were not cut in weird places and the flow was decent. The aspect I truly loved was the soundtrack. I need each and every song right now.
Overall, it’s hard for me to be objective, because the unused potential of the plot just hurts me. This could have been so much more than just a romance. With proper world building, explaining how society works around the idea of monos and probes. So much to explore, so little time.
Still, for a short love story, it was fun. Me having wild imagination and seeing the potential - I need more.
+ Can we talk about Yoo Han's make up tho? Damn, boi was whiter than the snow outside of my window.
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The story is brilliant in itself and I am honestly sure it did the book justice. I think if you're watching this without reading the book beforehand, you would love the show a lot more because you're watching without expectations plus either way, Eternal Love will blow you away (even if you're not a fantasy/xianxia/historical genre kind of person) Also, If you like The Journey of Flower, you will love this without a doubt.
Everything, every single thing is so stunning from the costumes, to the set and the cinematography. And the most beautiful part is, of course, their love story. The different clans coming together and all the magical elements and all are very interesting. I won't delve into the story too much because its pretty complicated but fear not, you will never be bored of it for a second.
The acting was spectacular. Yang Mi did a fantastic job as always. Although it was my first time watching Mark Chao, his character as either Mo Yuan or Ye Hua is so easily to fall in love with because he is that good at acting. Chemistry was flawless. A transparent love was beautifully portrayed; you could feel their love and pain and share their happiness. Kiss scenes are very good too. They're not exactly rough but tender and deep? I honestly did not expect so many kiss scenes because I was quite disappointed with the lack of intimacy in The Journey of Flower but you're blessed here :')
Every other character was very likeable having their own unique personalities. The other side characters and love stories are also super sweet especially Dong Hua's and Feng Jui's.
It seems like everything about the drama is perfect even its music is so apt. The entire OST is so enchanting played at right timings. The duet is so haunting which really gives Bai Qian & Ye Hua moments that goosebumps. So, so good.
The only problem I have (not with the drama) is that I hate misunderstandings that cause conflicts in a relationship which my heart cannot handle. Ye Hua and Bai Qian's relationship has many 'tragedies' that can really break your heart because they've been through so many tribulations caused by some side bitches but in the end, everything for this drama is worth it.
Rewatch it? Definitely. No qualms about it.
This is truly a masterpiece and I can safely say Eternal Love is my favourite C-Drama.
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A SIMPLE YET SWEET DRAMA
So first of all, many people are unhappy cause its really simple and very mediocre but personally I liked it a lot. I like the simplicity itself.There was no toxicity, no fake friends, no jealous and crazy ex/second lead. It was very sweet and light-hearted. It wasn't a complicated mess and they finished the drama in a clean manner. No unfinished ending. Really enjoyed it.
The chemistry between the main leads was lit. The actors were a nice choice. For me, who has experienced unrequited love, it was actually pretty accurate. Ngl it made me emotional in some places.
If you are looking for something simple, sweet and refreshing, this is for you. But if you are more into intense stuff, this is not your cup of tea.
I'm making this short since I wouldn't wanna take up much of your time. Y'all please give this drama a chance. From my opinion you shouldn't be eading these reviews rn and should check out the drama for yourself cause at the end, other people's opinions dont matter much. I have understood this really late and have missed many great dramas. Soooo yeah. Thats all. Bye fellas.
If y'all want, I can recommend y'all some nice bl dramas cause I think I have watch A LOT of bl dramas.
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This review may contain spoilers
Years after the “Yes”-word, and yet a substantial love story, touching without being kitschy
"The Wind Blows" sounds quite inconspicuous, but it is not. It turns out to be a moving love story. Actually it is rom+/-com that starts exactly where other love stories end: with the ´yes´ word. The KDrama tells of what can happen when the butterflies (in the face of the new) are followed by ordinary years of shared, sometimes painful everyday life relationship... But that's not why love has to be gone missing. On the contrary... yet eventually, love might find it harder to take its space...The title "The Wind Blows" refers specifically to the moment when the two protagonists first met many years ago. At that time the wind was blowing. What started then is not over yet. Figuratively, the wind is still blowing. However, the everyday challenges of aging have now added to their married life. The two must meet those challenges. It is rather common that one may be tempted here and there to make solitary decisions instead of communicating. One may have doubts if there still can be a way together. Every now and then it seems that such a common path is not (or no longer) possible. And then, maybe, one or the other might open up again.
"The Wind Blows" tells a serious and profound story about a love relationship that has grown out of the first romantic phases. Generally, this is less wanted on screen, as it inevitabely comes with problems, arguments and breakups. (Somehow that's in the nature of relationship - the constant rubbing against each other in a wide variety of ways actually leads to feeling/sensing yourself and the other person in the first place... it doesn't work without it. Does it?) In this KDrama, problems, arguments and breakups are all in, too. But so is love. (...as so often, although we might fail to notice in the midst of turmoil.)
I don't want to hide the fact that Alzheimer's disease is involved here as a stab in the back and at the same time a second chance. Against this background, the story manages to tell sensitively, empathetically and at times ruthlessly about the bumpy stretches of a patient love that has been and remains there over time - even if it is experienced differently over the course of the years, perhaps sometimes cannot be shared and also has changed its forms of expression over time.
The sensitive processing and the emotionally intense acting (great: Kam Woo-sung and Kim Ha-neul) are KDrama quality at its finest, which has once again proven itself to be just perfect for dealing with such a complex subject, which is difficult in several respects. A substantial story, touching without being kitschy.
(Well, I didn´t need the slightly shallow subplot and few unnecessarily humorous sequences here and there. Yet they obviously tried to loosen things up... well...)
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3More like a glimmer rather than being starstruck
I've said it before and I'll say it again: This should have been a movie. Or, at least, been released all at once. The cut-off of many episodes felt unsatisfying and, overall, just got in the way of the flow of the story.Also, it seemed like scenes were missing, and I'm sure a longer runtime would have added more depth to it . . . However--strangely--I'm not mad about it.
Maybe it's the indie vibes and solid acting that won me over and made me see past its flaws.
Just about Zuho: I do have to bring up how great it was to have him, being the fairly famous K-Pop Idol he is, actually speak out against the hate he was getting for acting in a BL, and not just that, but openly voice his support, love, and respect for the LGBT+ community in his response.
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1
1The Obsession Chronicles: Hua Yong Edition
I never thought I’d get so obsessed with pregnant men. I mean...what the actual hell?I enjoyed this show a lot. Like, way more than I expected to. It’s not just about the shock factor but the characters are so unhinged in their pursuits that I couldn't help but be invested. What really got me hooked was watching Hua Yong’s obsession unfold. This man is on a mission and his determination to get what he wants is both hilarious and kind of terrifying. I loved seeing the different facets of his fixation, how it starts as a calculated game then spirals into something sweet. No spoilers here but let’s just say his schemes had me glued to the screen, snickering at how far he’s willing to go.
The main couple made me giggle so damn hard. . Hua Yong’s infatuation with Shao You is so off-the-charts like IT IS EMBARASSING LMAO. That man would crawl across glass just to breathe the same air as Shao You. He’s so far gone. And our little Alpha on the other hand is the grumpiest menace alive, he is pretending he’s in control when he’s clearly drowning in it too. I to be honest don't know how to describe their dynamic but its like watching a god fall to his knees for someone who can barely handle being adored and I was eating it up like the sick fool I am, OKAY??
Now...the second couple Gao Tu and Shen Wenlang. I liked them too don’t get me wrong but holy shit, Shen Wenlang is dumb. Like. dumber than a bag of rocks. I love him okay I really do but this man has the emotional intelligence of a brick wall and the decision-making skills of a toddler on a sugar high. How does someone with that much power manage to be so clueless? It’s almost impressive how consistently he fumbles every single opportunity to not be an idiot. He’s a disaster and I’m obsessed with roasting him for it LMAO.
Anyway here’s the thing: I’m not even an Omegaverse fan. Like, at all. The whole concept usually makes me roll my eyes. And don’t get me started on mpreg....normally it’s an instant nope for me. I see it coming and I’m OUT. But China has this infuriating knack for making every BL drama perfect no matter how outlandish the themes are. They take these eyebrow-raising ideas and turn them into something beautifully executed. ‘Desire’ is no exception. They got me eating out of the palm of their hand. Oh and a tiny spoiler for those of you who get the ick from mpreg: it only happens at the end. So if that’s what’s holding you back just know you’ve got a whole lot of drama to enjoy before you have to deal with that particular plot twist. Give it a try, seriously. If I can get past my hang-ups, SO CAN YOU.
Now for those of you who are scratching your heads over the whole Omegaverse thing and wondering what the hell all these terms mean... I’ve got you covered. Below is a little breakdown of the class system in this show because you might need a cheat sheet.
Alpha: These are the top dogs. Dominant as hell, aggressive to a fault and VERY territorial. They’re usually the leaders and when they go into “rut,” their sex drive cranks up to eleven, making them very HORNY. In ‘Desire,’ you’ve got the S-class Alphas, the cream of the crop, rare as fuck and stupidly powerful. They’re like regular Alphas but stronger, smarter, sometimes with freaky-ass abilities that make them damn near unstoppable.
Beta: The boring middle ground. These poor saps are neutral, forgettable and about as fertile as I AM LMAO (0 chance). Tbh...most stories don’t even bother with them because who cares? They’re just… there. Yawn.
Omega: The submissive, baby-making machines of the bunch. They’re nurturing, emotional and fertile as fuck. Instead of periods, they’ve got “heat” this annoying phase where they’re horny and stink of pheromones to lure in mates. They can pop suppressants to keep that shit under control but good luck with that when an Alpha’s around. They are basically walking bait.
Enigma: Now this is where shit gets wild. Enigmas are rare... basically like unicorns in our world LMAO. They’re above Alphas, superior in every damn way and in ‘Desire,’ they’ve got this fucked-up power to tame even the toughest Alphas and turn them into whimpering Omegas. They can flip the script and break the hierarchy. They’re dangerous, manipulative and sexy as HELL. Ahem Ahem (Go take a look at HUA YONG)
There you go, that’s my explanation in a nutshell.
Warning: This is Omegaverse. Throw your morals, your dignity and maybe your sanity out the damn window. There are themes of dubcon, noncon, toxic relationships and all the messed-up shit you shouldn’t be rooting for but here we are. If that makes you clutch your pearls and cry, do yourself a favor: don’t watch it.
Edit : 9.0 the ending was rushed.
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This review may contain spoilers
Epic&Bloody journey into bygone times - stately costumes, impressive landscape, elaborate details
"Kingdom" marks a new concept in the KDrama orbit. In 2019 the cine drama was born. This describes a kind of hybrid production with film studios being involved in drama series and movie directors hired for the production. Cinematic camera therefore has since then become characteristic. "Kingdom" was the first original Netflix KDrama production and is thus repeatedly mentioned as a pioneer in this cine drama genre."Kingdom" is an impressive, idiosyncratic mix of colourful historical drama and bloody zombie thriller.
In the broadest sense, the story relates to the so-called Imjin War, the Japanese invasion between 1592 and 1598.
--------------- SIDE NOTE: History meets fiction
The KDrama specifically (but losely) refers to the Battle of Sangju (1592) in the Upo Wetlands. At that time General Yi Il had the problem that he only had a cavalry of 60 soldiers while he was supposed to stop the Japanese on their advance from Busan to Hanseomg. However, his assigned company, which was supposedly equipped and trained first-class, did actually not exist or was not operational. Either the original soldiers were sick, dead, or gone. The local garrisons were also empty because the soldiers stationed there had been recalled to Daegu. What he got were untrained civilians. With the grain he found in a warehouse, he was at least able to recruit some of them. However, he no longer had time to prepare the ca. 900 commoners for the battle, because the Japanese were already there.
The KDrama picks up on this moment in Korean history and rewrites the story in a zombi spirit: In that desperate battle, the former governor of the southern Chungcheong province, Ahn Hyeon, ultimately took command and led around 500 Koreans against an overpowering army of around 30,000 Japanese. The Koreans were victorious thanks to an unknown "resurrection plant" that can be used to resurrect the deceased as bloodthirsty zombies and, with a little skill, can be used as weapons. So (at least in KDrama) the battle in the wetlands could still be won.
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Otherwise, the historical setting provides the hook for an epic journey into bygone times with stately costumes and impressive (authentic South Korean) landscape shots, elaborate details and bloodthirsty butchery. (As adult Netflix production this KDrama is exceptionally brutal). The zombies, with their horde-like appearance and yet very idiosyncratic "fighting style", provide a change from the classic battle formations and martial art sword fights, causing a real challenge for the experienced generals as the opponents are already dead... It requires intelligence, creativity and, above all, high speed. The story itself progresses at this high pace. Neverthelss the emotionally essential scenes have been captured in the proven KDrama style: slowly, intimately and with maximum intensity.
As so often it is just a few powerful, scheming people who make life difficult or even impossible for the many. Yet, not only these political intrigues are the driving force of this thriller. First and foremost it is the question about the epidemic origin and how it might be defeated.
Answers to this question require a second season, even a KMovie and most probably a third season, too. Additionally another film spin-off is being planned. Obviously the story about the "resurrection plant" is far from being told.
... and I am ready to set out again with the noble crown prince to find a solution to save his people and the future of his country in the face of this locust-like zombie plague. Thrilling.
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I'm so guttered that it got cut down, because it was a beautiful series and could've been developed a lot more.
Watching the movie, I initially thought it was going to be boring, with no kisses and stuff (I found it kind of odd) [and Ochiai Motoki is so cute]
but this was really a discovery: it's funny, not predictable in any way possible and it's so romantic and well done.
Story: I wish Chief's storyline was a little bit better (the ending is so much painful to watch), but I loved it! It makes sense, it's not boring and there are pretty much no fillers. I liked that Haruta-san didn't actually understand his feelings for men, thinking he was just a kind-hearted person.
All characters have specific roles, they're not just there for decoration or to fill some plot holes. The storylines are not extremely developed, but they're clear enough to let you understand every character's feeling.
Acting: Tanaka Kei is awesome, really, but Hayashi Kento (Maki) surprised me so much. He's really skillful and i think Maki couldn't exist without him.
The kisses are so goood! (I mean, there's no tongue, like in some thai BL or sex scenes, but they're realistic!)
The game with "Haruta" being mixed up as the lead's first name (his first name is Soichi) is HILARIOUS. I couldn't stop laughing. Even Chief, that loves him so much, still thinks Haruta is his first name xDDD
If you're looking for something romantic and funny, in a very sweet BL sauce, this is definetely for you!
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So why should you watch 9 End 2 Outs?
Firstly, because it shows a story about two lifelong friends falling in love in a very realistic way – they don’t fall for each other instantly, it’s a long process that makes you believe that this CAN happen in a real life. You won’t find here a vicious ex or a third party who does everything in his/her might to separate the main couple; the biggest obstacle that Nan Hee and Hyung Tae have to overcome is their fear that when they’ll change their relationship they’ll lose a precious friend.
Secondly, the acting. I have to say that both Soo Ae and Kee Jung Jin have done a marvelous job portraying characters who are ”maybe something more than friends”. When I watched them bickering I felt like they really knew each other very well, when they supported each other it looked real and when they started to question their relationship it made me understand their dilemmas. Even if their love story is not passionate or full of bold kisses it’s not boring, it draws you completely into their world.
Thirdly, the atmosphere of the drama as a whole. This one is really heartwarming, maybe because of the relationship between Nan Hee and Hyung Tae: their comfortable friendship, their maturity and their obvious caring for each other and as for the plot mostly the lack of bigger twists – the story is flowing steadily in its own pace.
I gave this drama an 8 because, let’s face it, it’s not something that makes you stunned by its greatness or creativity, but still is worth watching (and rewatching!). If you’re looking for a realistic story about mature people, this one is for you.
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You get a double story in the end with her and her mother's love story. This certainly is the perfect mix of gushy romance with coming of age.
Much MUCH better than Romeo and Juliet by far. It's more satisfying than sad at the end and worth the watch! Perfect for a girl's night. My friends dread subtitles but they had nothing to complain about when it was over.
Although, I give the music a nine because I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to hear it.
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Ancient Love Poetry: The Xianxia Drama of 2021
Countless days of waiting weren’t for nothing. My anticipation was sky high for this Xianxia, and my patience was also tested to the maximum. With a lengthy list of countless words to describe Ancient Love Poetry, I can say without any hesitation that ‘disappointment’ is an excluded word.I’m probably not lying if I call the Xianxia genre my soulmate. I am a sucker for this beautiful genre, and Ancient Love Poetry is a must-watch if you enjoyed/loved the previous famous Xianxias. The drama brings you into a world of magic and beauty that makes it terribly hard for you to take your eyes offscreen.
Story-
What may appear at first glance to be a Cdrama filled to the brim with Xianxia tropes, it is not false to say that Ancient Love Poetry has difficult tribulations, character reincarnations, and most of all, heartbreaking sacrifices. But with the addition of beauty and elegance, a Xianxia drama can take these tropes to a heavenly level. Adapted from the well-known Xianxia novel “Shang Gu”-Ancient God (上古) by Xing Ling, the drama followed the original piece evidently well, and maintained the tension, angst and beauty masterfully to the very end.
A Xianxia would not be very well-rounded off without world building and character introduction, which Ancient Love Poetry did magnificently with. As with the majority of costume Cdramas and even more with Xianxias, it can be difficult to attempt the memorization of characters and locations. With a helping hand that is the first few episodes of Ancient Love Poetry, the audience found less struggle with this concept. I could even call Ancient Love Poetry educational in terms of the Xianxia genre- From just 49 episodes alone, I, who has done extensive research on this fantasy genre, broadened my knowledge even more.
What comes with the introduction also comes with a slight impatience towards a rather slow-paced plot in the beginning. In easier words, Ancient Love Poetry did not entirely succeed to capture everyone’s attention at the beginning, resulting in the creation of let-down droppers. As many of us say, the story gets very interesting starting from eps 12-16. And as expected, the story only progressed towards more captivation. Longer dramas may provide more time for the background story, which may seem unnecessary and boring but are actually important for the story as a whole. The sheer level of love and angst in this drama is enough for one to cry out numerous waterfalls.
It was also a pleasure to discover that aside from the lead couple, romance spread across many lovable supporting characters, as well as familial love, long lasting friendship, and even hateful grievances. Although Ancient Love Poetry focuses heavily on romance, the story also kept the audience on the edge of their seats with a few major problems that spread throughout the four realms and that threatened the existence of the true gods.
Production-
Ancient Love Poetry’s production is such a gem that I decided to give it its very own section in this review. The production is simply gorgeous, and the drama’s high budget certainly paid off and was used to its full potential. The costumes look simple with its light pastel colors, but with its simplicity comes a wave of freshness and slight joy. The drama’s CGI is not a joke, either. Each strand of magic and spell is carefully produced to the most believable extent, providing a most magical experience for the audience. Each realm in the drama also gives off special vibes. The bright gold Heavenly Palace boasts its grandeur while the lighter-colored Qingchi Palace expresses its beauty in the form of nature and water. Inside the palace, rooms and props are delicately adorned with the uniqueness of its realm, from shimmering golds to billowing blacks. Editing was not a problem either, as traditions were neatly made without any distraction.
Cast-
Please allow me to disagree to the fullest extent with the Chinese netizens claiming that Zhou Dongyu was not fit for the role of Shang Gu. She absolutely nailed this with astonishing talent. With the challenge of Ancient Love Poetry being her very first costume Cdrama, Zhou Dongyu portrayed Shang Gu perfectly, a playful girl who later grows up into the leader of the God Realm with a difficult destiny. Zhou Dongyu does exceptionally well with deep scenes, and Ancient Love Poetry gave her another chance to display this talent. Her acting was not forced at all, creating a lovable character with a heartbreaking history.
Believe it or not, Ancient Love Poetry is my first drama starring Xu Kai. As I watched this along with his first modern drama, Falling Into Your Smile, I got the perfect chance to compare his completely different roles and made the conclusion that he is an amazing actor who can portray almost any character. As a caring male lead holding unspeakable love, Bai Jue stole the hearts of everyone. He successfully made us cry rivers for him as we accompanied him on his grueling path of love and sacrifice. Xu Kai as Bai Jue and Xu Kai as Qing Mu couldn’t have been more different and heartbreaking. With contrasting personalities but the same passionate love, both characters gave way for the audience to experience their love and pain.
Shang Gu and Bai Jue are cute. Period. With cute chemistry and powerful love and care for each other, the director of ALP, Yin Tao (one of my favorite directors), did not make a mistake when he casted Zhou Dongyu and Xu Kai as the leads. I can’t think of anyone better.
Many of the supporting actors and actresses did phenomenally, to say the least. A drama is never complete with a complex range of supporting characters, all with different beliefs and lovable or hateable traits. Completely contrasting with Bai Lin in Love and Redemption, Liu Xueyi as Tian Qi was an absolute pleasure to watch. Liu Xueyi kept the balance between a playful and perky true god to a caring friend and master. Lai Yi as Gu Jun was one of my favorite characters. This righteous high god couldn't have cared less about power and the messiness of the Heavenly Realm, and lived life to the fullest. Even as a father, no one and nothing could stop him from protecting his daughter at all costs. Last but not least, I would also like to give a big round of applause to Zhang Jiani, actress of Wu Huan. This complex character is a major challenge for anyone, but Zhang Jiani did more than wonderfully, and was such a pleasure to watch on screen.
Even with characters of very minor importance, I was always invested in their own stories and their part in the drama. Character development was done so well in Ancient Love Poetry that some characters made quite a big personality change, while others never failed to keep our attention.
Soundtrack-
What more than breathtaking awe for the OST of Ancient Love Poetry? With songs sung by exceptionally talented singers, they truly brought out the magic and beauty of the drama. Along with traditional background music and propelling lyrics, what a gem of a soundtrack this is.
I will do another thing I have never done before in any review, which is listing the soundtrack, to show the very preciousness of the OST:
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“Penannular Love”《绝恋》by Zhou Shen (周深)
“Yearning”《年岁》by Mao Buyi (毛不易)
“Sense”《感应》by Liu Yuning (刘宇宁)
“Twilight”《朝暮》by Deng Shenme Jun (等什么君)
“A Thousand Years of Searching”《千寻》by A-Lin
“Mountain Sea”《山海》by Zhuo Yao (灼夭)
“The Thought of Life”《执生念》by Ye Xuanqing (叶炫清)
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Here is a verse from “The Thought of Life” that I deem most beautiful and heartbreaking:
“她, 化身飞烟, 生死离别, 他为她守护三界”
“She, turns into flying smoke, parting life and death, while he protects the Three Realms for her”
Overall-
It is still quite hard to believe that Ancient Love Poetry might have just become my favorite Cdrama of all time. The title of Xianxia of 2021 is most fitting for this drama, if not enough. With tens of thousands of years of love and grievances, I was sucked deep into this moving love story. What started off on quite a good note only got better and better with a diversity of characters and relationships and a journey across the magical Xianxia world.
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Enter Sandman
I’ve always loved mysteries and detective dramas, especially with a refreshingly unique concept and innovative approach to investigations of cases. Even better if it has elements of friendship and bromance or sismance, while romance is optional because there are already so many romance-fuelled dramas out there and we need more of the other stuff for a change. I’m positively thrilled to attest that this drama has all of the above qualities (minus sismance but plus romance).Psych-Hunter is a supernatural mystery and psychological thriller adapted from the novel Haunted Houses Handbook (凶宅笔记) by Er Shi San (贰十三) which was published in 2013. As I understand from readers of the novel, the adaptation is modified slightly pertaining to the main characters’ backstory and the inclusion of a romance arc, hence the FL is added in the screenplay. It is directed by Li Ze Lu (李泽露), who had directed the similarly-themed Tomb of the Sea (of the Lost Tomb franchise), and his experience in this genre really shines through.
What makes this show truly fascinating is not only the fusion of investigation procedural with traditional Chinese beliefs, mythology and the art of geomancy (Feng Shui), but also the practice of “exploring the psyche” aka Zhuyoushu (where one completely immerses within the psyche of the subject in a subconscious state, as opposed to mind reading). Having this concept set in the Republican period in China is appropriate as this particular era is steeped in moral ambiguity and intense fear of superstitions, folklore and mysticism, all of which enhances the paranormal vibes of the mysteries being investigated.
The drama showcases high production values through outstanding art direction, lavish Republican era settings and beautiful costumes – in particular the smart police uniforms, extravagant evening gowns and the bespoke 3-piece suits - along with generally fantastic cinematography and steady camerawork during action scenes. The framing of the intriguing abstract setting of the psyche world is visually stunning, and the steampunk outfit worn by the 2 leads during the hypnosis sequences is a nice touch.
The story centres on the friendship between the 3 leads and their investigations in Changshanzhou. Jiang Shou is adept at exploring the human psyche. Qin Yi Heng is the scion of the prominent Qin family and a skilled medical doctor. Yuan Mu Qing is a (self proclaimed) policewoman and daughter of the local warlord. The overarching plot is about Jiang Shuo’s unexplained memory loss, the disappearance of family, friends and others linked to the main villain known as Liu Zhi aka Six Fingers. In connection with the main mystery, our band of protagonists encounter no less than 15 mysterious cases in their pursuit of the villain, namely:
1.Feng Shui murders
2.The abduction
3.The horologist
4.The bizarre black cat
5.Mu Qing’s past
6.Game of death
7.Jiang Shuo’s psyche
8.The playboy
9.Movie studio murders
10. The mysterious village
11. Dead spirits’ post office
12. The riddle of the cheongsam
13. The haunted mansion
14. The tattoo conspiracy
15. The Rubik’s cube
Each case is infused with elements of horror, some more so than others, which puts a bit of scare in viewers. The story starts off briskly then settles at a steady pace, before reaching a frantic and thrilling climax. There are certain unexplained plot holes and loose threads that are left hanging along the way, but we still get the answers to the major question marks by the end. Somewhere past the halfway mark around episodes 22 to 27, the romance gets in the way somewhat unnecessarily with draggy fillers and certain characters - Jiang Shuo and Yuan Mu Qing being the chief culprits – momentarily losing their composure (and common sense). Fortunately, by episode 28, normal service resumes and the 3 friends re-focus on solving mysteries. The haunted mansion, the tattoo conspiracy and finally the Rubik’s cube mystery which brings closure to the overarching plot, are the most convoluted and action packed among all the cases and require much thinking to unravel the puzzle. The big reveal takes place right in the penultimate episode where at long last we learn the truth of who Liu Zhi really is. NOT TOTALLY UNEXPECTED YET SHOCKINGLY UNEXPECTED AT THE SAME TIME. Absolutely and utterly FREAKING MINDBLOWING. I will stop right here and not spoil it.
The main cast generally performed well, in particular Liu Dong Qin’s understated and naturally portrayed Qin Yi Heng. The actor subtly invokes the right dose of intelligence, stoicism, and vulnerability that elevated the portrayal of this very well written character to greater heights. The nuanced micro-expressions and overall exemplary acting really sets Liu Dong Qin apart from the rest of the cast and points to an extremely talented actor indeed. I’m tempted to follow his portfolio of work after this, notably his main role in Medical Examiner Dr Qin 2, and other future projects.
Hou Ming Hao is a popular actor who’s well known for many major roles, including the iconic character of Wu Xie in The Lost Tomb 2 so he is no stranger to this genre. His acting here is on point and fits well the role of Jiang Shuo – lively, witty, street-smart with a hint of mischief in his eyes, plus he cross-dresses very nicely indeed. Perhaps the only issue I have is the lack of consistency with the way the character is written, which is attributed primarily to the romance element written in involving him and Yuan Mu Qing. He somehow loses his edge and suffers from serious lapses of judgment for about 6 to 7 episodes. For the most part, including the amusing bromance between him and Qin Yi Heng, I’ve enjoyed Jiang Shou’s scenes which provides much entertainment value to the show.
Yuan Mu Qing is played by Zhu Xu Dan (Bambi), whom I last saw in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre (incidentally, the final episode here reminded me of her transformation in HSADSS). She’s an experienced actress who has been cast in a long list of dramas and I thought she did okay here as part of the investigative trio and is convincing as the pampered daughter of a warlord. However, her character suffers from the same inconsistent writing at various points in the show. At times she can be lethal with her martial arts, strong and smart, as befits a policewoman (even an auxiliary one) only to turn into a damsel in distress, and her extreme neediness to cling onto Jiang Shou did grate on the nerves a little. I’m generally indifferent to the romance arc, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the storytelling but unfortunately it did for a few episodes. Mercifully, her character grows out of it towards the end.
The OST features 4 tracks, including the energetic intro rock piece Hunter Heart, and the subdued and emotional Let Her Go as the closing theme, which is very beautifully sung. Track listing as follows:
1. Shin - Hunter Heart
2. Sean He, King - Let Her Go
3. Meng Zi Kun - Game of Happiness and Sadness
4. King - Empty Fortress
On the whole, Psych-Hunter is one of the better produced and extremely entertaining detective investigation dramas of the year that successfully integrates supernatural themes, traditional Chinese beliefs and cleverly conceived mysteries into a smartly condensed package, along with poignant moments of pure bromance. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and now that we have come to the end, I will truly miss this show. I’m not sure if there will be a season 2 but if not, hopefully another similar one comes along in the not too distant future.
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This drama is so amazing!
This drama is more down-to-earth and more realistic than most romantic dramas out there and it hit me right in the feels and finding out it's based on the author's own experiences got me more in the feels :)
When I started, I thought I would get tired of this drama by episode 20 but surprisingly the drama doesn't get boring, I didn't skip scenes like I normally do with such long dramas (I usually can only watch dramas that are 30 episodes or less) and I usually skip the scenes not involving the main leads. But with this drama, I saw myself getting invested in all the characters.
The following is just a run-down on some of the things I liked and disliked with this drama.
Firstly what I liked:
•The actors who played the main leads were well picked. They display a chemistry that seems so real.
The cast as a whole was perfect. favorite couple besides the main couple is definitely her mother and father :)
•I love the bond that the siblings had, usually, sibling bonds are not shown in the positive light in dramas.
What I didn't like:
•That there was a weird haze/blur present in some of the scenes. I get that it's supposed to help us differentiate between the different timelines but it was distracting at times.
•The cast hardly changed in appearances between the different timelines i.e. they have the same hairstyle even at the same lengths.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and will definitely watch it again even if it's just for the main leads :)
Love,
ayaj
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The most beautiful period Thai Queer series of the decade
It is only September as I'm writing this review but I believe it's safe to say I Feel You Linger In The Air (IFYLITA) is the BEST Thai series of 2023 for me. Everything from story, plot, pacing, acting/cast, music, rewatch value. 10/10. IFYLITA deserves all the hype in the world and it was absolute worth the wait of over a year since the cast announcement back in March 2022, the actual production period spanning over 8 months from November 2022 to July 2023.STORY
Being transported back in time isn't an unfamiliar fantasy trope but this is the first time I've seen Dee Hup House pulled out all the stops for their production. Based on the popular novel "The Fragrance of Love" (หอมกลิ่นความรัก) by Violet Rain, IFYLITA tells the story of Jom finding the true destined love of his life in the most unexpected circumstance and after being heartbroken by a cheating ex. Even though I've been a fan of the novel, I think the series is outdoing the original work because it's been able to adapt the novel to fit with the pacing of a series without losing the spirit of the novel. The supporting characters who pretty much disappear by the time Khun Yai and Jom get together in the novel are all now given their own background stories and subplots. The team has done so much world building to create an immersive experience but still shows respect for the original work (especially the iconic dialogues between Khun Yai and Jom have been adapted exactly as is). So far, everything has been perfect. The drama in each episode just gets better and better as the plot starts to unfold for every single characters.
ACTING/CAST
Nonkul and Bright are absolutely phenomenal in their respective roles of Jom and Khun Yai. Nonkul has been playing mostly "alpha" brooding male roles in his more recent works so it was refreshing to see him in a completely new light as a shy, heartbroken, gay little architecture who just wants to find love. Bright is bringing Jane Austen Male Lead A-GAME for his FIRST ML ROLE EVER. You can tell Bright practiced a lot to portrayed Khun Yai as close to the novel as possible (the way Khun Yai walks with hands behind his back, his posture, him speaking in the different local dialect but at times speak in the dialect that Jom can understand...). From their acting alone,one could tell how much love Nonkul and Bright have for the original novel and the amount "homework", care and dedication they have to crafting their characters to be as close as possible. It is not easy to act with so little dialogues but their lingering gazes, the subtle touches, the micro-facial expressions... absolutely immaculate acting to make their characters come alive so vividly. I won't go into details about the supporting characters but I do want to point out how incredibly detailed the production team is in the casting to have everyone speaking in that old local dialect to accurately portray Chiangmai in 2023.
MUSIC
IFYLITA has some of the most beautiful OST songs. I love how every time Khun Yai and Jom has their cute, lovey dovey moment, the OST 'Jom Kwan' by Asia7 starts playing! The lyrics are so lovely because it's written from the perspective of the lovesick Khun Yai who's so endeared by Jom that I just melt into a puddle every time. As the Plumeria/Frangipani flower is a huge symbol of the show, I love that the most important moments are accompanied by the OST 'Plumeria' by Cocktail. In addition to the OST, the scoring and sound editing is excellent as well. IFYLITA has very dramatic score and I can honestly say some thrilling scenes are hard-carried by the horror-movie type score and sound effects.
REWATCH VALUE
I think I will come back to watch this series every year. It's the perfect series for autumn weather and it's one where you can fully immerse yourself to be transported back to Thailand in the 1920s. There's just so much cultural, historical lessons one can get from this series. IFYLITA feels really authentic and invested. Honestly speaking, IFYLITA is like the famous time-traveling Thai lakorn Love Destiny but make it BL, get rid of the CH3 lakorn editing and infinitely better cinematography. Like they are COUSINS to me.
PRODUCTION
Gorgeous, beautiful cinematography, color grading, brilliant writing. There are so many things to praise about the production of this series but if I had to choose one thing, it would be the excellent details of this production. Making this queer period series is an ambitious project for Dee Hup House. Nonkul mentioned in an interview that one of his biggest worries for this series was the visual effects because in order for this book to come alive, it would have to be much invested for everything to look nice and Dee Hup House DID IT! Every shot is dazzling, cinematic like watching a Netflix-level budgeted period series. Small details like props, outfits, cultural events are also paid great attention with a view to craft Thailand in 1927 as close as possible.
OVERALL
While IFYLITA is enjoying moderate popularity in Thailand, I still think it's an underrated gem for a queer series that deserves much more international recognition. I think anyone who is looking for a well produced, invested period series with two eye candy for the leads, should give I Feel You Linger In The Air a chance. If you're looking for a fast-paced, plot-driven queer series, IFYLITA may not be the series you're looking for but it is the perfect one if you're in need of a refreshing multiple queer romances plot with decent pacing and looking to be transported back to Thailand in 1920s with our protagonist, Jom.
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