News 
Was this review helpful to you?
Lovely lovely endearing drama
When I first saw the headlines that Bailu and Allen Ren are the main actors for this drama, I was expecting the drama to follow the typical enemies to lovers theme. This is because in every single past drama that Bailu acted in, she always portrays a charismatic, confident girl. But here, her role is soft, ladylike, extremely courteous and polite. It’s a completely new look for Bailu fans!The love between the two leads are extremely adorable (powerful respectable general + kinds introverted lady), and their chemistry reflects how experienced and mature both actors are at acting :)
This drama will worth your time!
Was this review helpful to you?
This drama should be getting more attention
Somber and thought-provoking, The King of Pigs is the kind of drama that forces the viewer to come face to face with one of the ugliest part of our society. It doesn't offer any comfort, it doesn't try to make itself more palatable: it's brutal and depressing since the beginning with no heroes, only flawed and broken characters that you can't fully blame nor justify as the difference between victims and perpetrators gets thinner and thinner.School violence isn't seen as an independent phenomenon, it makes it clear that it's a reflection of our society, that the blame is broader than it may appear; it touches on social gerarchies, bad parenting, vile teachers that aren't worth the seat that they occupy and least, but not least, a shared blame that we may all be guilty of: normalizing such behaviors and looking the other way. It's definitely a drama that has lots of food for thought and not an easy watch.
Was is truly flawless? No, probably not. But then again, I have yet to find a show that doesn't have some weaknesses. But to me it gets as close as possible to being perfect and it deserves to be called a masterpiece. But the flaws should be mentioned, instead of completely disregarded: the policewoman, although not as bad as some people say because she still fulfilled a role in the story as a sort of witness/narrator, and her investigations are without a doubt the weakest part of the drama; it's where the writing gets a sloppier and not as strong as the rest of the script that was truly without faults (and it's even more impressive when you think about the fact that this is the first work from the screenwriter). An example is the policewoman being uncommunicative and doing things on her own, even when it may lead someone else in danger, getting clues a bit randomly and not taking her gun out when it should be needed. But like I said, this kind of inconsistencies are more common in tv shows and movies than one may think, and they're hardly enough to ruin a well done drama, but this is a long topic and this review is already long enough on its own.
Now, onto the good things:
The script: I already said that this is the first work from the writer and he did an excellent job. He made some very bold decisions that were very much needed, even if it may make the viewer uncomfortable. He wrote some excellent dialogues that are hard to forget and leave an impression. The pacing was solid, I never felt bored, never felt the need to look at my phone (which is saying a lot for me because I get easily distracted): it was slow enough to not make it rushed, but fast enough to keep things as intense as possible for 12 episodes. And more importantly, it never felt formulaic. As I said before the differences between heroes and villains gets more and more blurry, there aren't any fixed roles (like can you even tell who is first lead and who is the second lead among Kyung Min and Jong Suk? Are they even heroes? Who is the main villain?), it isn't afraid to put its characters in a bad light, there aren't any forced cliffhangers that end up getting repetitive and predictable toward the end, no overkill of plot twists and new informations that can make the drama feel convoluted, no unnecessary melodrama or moving montages put there just to buy some time and get to the established number of episodes. These facts alone are enough to make it worth praising.
Directing, editing and cinematography: someone told me that they liked how the drama was put together and edited because it looked smooth, especially in the way the past and the present are intertwined because it had a good continuity and it made it seem as if the past wasn't a distant and unrelated past, but something that is still pretty much present; and of course I agree. And I think that this quote from Kyung Min deserves a mention here: "the past is present and future". Clunky translation aside, this quote fits the show so well and we can truly say that The King of Pigs successfully managed to stay true to this quote even in terms of editing. I also loved the work that the director did as he often framed the characters between objects, behind stained windows and broken glasses, in mirrors and with their faces being doubled and fragmented by some reflection present in the scene. All these things did a great job at emphasizing the tension and the characters fractured minds and mental state. Even the way all the kids were often framed like littles soldiers in the way they were aligned (this is especially evident in a key scene that I'm not going to spoil) as to make it clear that what we were watching was abnormal and the result of a toxic mentality. I also love the coloring used for the scenes set in the past because they make it look so unhealthy and suffocating. And the close-ups, out of focus shots, dutch angles all used in the right times to make the scenes more intense and convey a turmoil of emotions.
I think that this drama did visual storytelling in the right way and the director made the story truly immersive. There are many examples but I don't want this review to have spoilers.
Soundtrack: another thing I love is that it doesn't overuse its songs, so the music never felt repetitive and random to me. It was never distracting and only used at the right moments. It knew when a scene needed to be silent and when, on the other hand, the soundtrack was necessary to give a stronger impact. Also kudos to who picked all the songs at the end of each episode, they were all so powerful and reflected the episodes so well; I rarely watch the ending credits, but here I couldn't skip them because I felt that they were an important part of the drama too as I sat there, staring at the black screen, thinking about what I had just watched, as I got emotional over a song whose lyrics I couldn't even understand.
Characters and performances: with the sole exceptions of Chae Jung An (Kang Jin Ah), who was good, especially in that one scene in the ending (again, no spoilers here), but not outstanding as the others, all the performances were simply breathtaking. Even most of the supporting characters did so well.
Kim Dong Wook playing Kyung Min managed to convey so many emotions with just his eyes alone: you could feel the rage, the tiredness of man who is not a killer by nature and the pain in his eyes as they changed from a heartless gaze when he looked at his oppressors to a more sorrowful expression when he was in front of his friends. Those rare outbursts of emotions were very well done too. This is for me by far his best performance (sorry Hwa Pyung, I still love you) that shows the acting range he has.
Kim Sung Kyu, Jung Jong Suk in the story, played the part of a broken and unstable man so well that sometimes I really worried about the actor's mental state as his character became more and more immersed in his past memories and lost his composure. His teary, angry eyes will be hard to forget. I hope he will have more main roles from now on because his talent is wasted as a supporting actor.
Choi Hyun Jin (especially), Sim Hyun Seo, Lee Chan Yoo and all of the kid actors also did an outstanding job as they were really able to keep up with their adult colleagues as if it were nothing. They had a very difficult task because the materials they had to work with was important, heavy and not easy at all, and yet they managed to do it perfectly and professionally. I sincerely hope that they will have a bright future ahead.
Rewatch value: I think that this is a rather subjective point, but anyway, I think it has a high rewatch value. I was doing a rewatch for the finale and it was just as emotional as the first time, if not even more. Knowing what will happen makes every scene carry even more weight.
Finally the review ends here. Sorry if it was long and thank you if you really managed to read it all and reach the end. I'm not expecting to get much attention because I'm fully aware that I can't summarize to save my life. I never wrote a review here, partly because the shows I've watched had already many reviews, partly because this is the first time I get so emotional about an ongoing drama so I really wanted to share my thoughts. So, back to the important stuffs, if you're unsure about watching it because it's not that popular, but if you like dark thrillers, then give it a try! You won't regret it :)
Was this review helpful to you?
It was cute, until it got cliche...
The first 20ish episodes were pure cute. Male and female lead had SO MUCH chemistry, and the second leads were adorable in their own way as welland then the typical Asian drama cliches^TM hit and I almost wanted to just walk away from the drama...
But then the drama does end on a better note, so I still gave it a redeeming 7.5. It's like when the cliche's hit, just turn on fast forward, and the chemistry between the leads is super worth it I guess.
The little epilogue at the end was very satisfying to watch too.
Would recommend if you got the time and want some sugar in your life (and don't mind a little bit of Asian Drama Cliche.
Was this review helpful to you?
I continue to be quite impressed with Hasegawa Hiroki's acting. It wasn't just believable, it was real. The chemistry between the lead couple was some of the best I've seen in a J drama.
The soundtrack was strong, and unique. There was one piece that had a wild Celtic sound to it, another that was reminiscent of "Once Upon A December" from Anastasia, as well as a variety of other music. It was used to great effect to enhance the action and different moods.
I will be rewatching this. I may already know the basic story, but the story is so rich in detail and characterization that it really doesn't matter. I also have a good ending to look forward to again.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Foreign Duck, the Native Duck and God in a Coin Locker
16 people found this review helpful
Story:
Full of Bob Dylan music and a deep love for animals, the story shows innocent and noble characters like Shiina and mysterious and extravagant ones like Kawasaki. While dealing with friendship, values, disease, and revenge.
Acting:
Gaku Hamada perfectly portrays that person who only tries to fit in, he is the impressionable provincial. Eita, on the other hand, represents very well the long range of expressions that his character demands.
Overall:
How valuable are the bonds we create? Who is lying? Who says the truth?
Coupled with a sharp criticism of racism by many Japanese towards foreigners living in Japan, this is a valuable and worthy film. Because ultimately, Shiina also feels like a stranger, even though in his own country.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What in the tarnation did I just watch?
**Lots of spoilers**Of the 427 dramas I've watched before I started this show I can easily say this was the worst. It was the crap icing on a poop cake. It starts off as a trainwreck and quickly spirals into insanity. The plot was so choppy and disjointed that I literally asked myself if I was high while I was watching it. Alas, I was not, but the sensation of "WTF am I watching? I must be high" persisted for all 20 episodes. There are bad guys, bad guys with bats, bad guys with knives, stabbings, jealous friends, jealous siblings, jealous classmates, plots to drug and rape someone, plots to kill someone, plots to overthrow a company chairman, plots to overthrow a grandpa, plots to overthrow a father, plots to overthrow a brother, plots to overthrow a sister, slaps, more slaps, even more slaps, fake disability, literal insanity, pregnancy, and bombs. All within 20 episodes clocking in at less than 10 minutes each.
The Acting: TERRIBLE
The Plot: RIDICULOUS
The Ending: THE WORST I'VE EVER SEEN
Do yourself a favour and give this one a skip. I suffered so that you don't have to. Trust me. That's time I'll never get back... but yet I finished it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: All surrounding characters in their mid 30's to early 40's. I love how naturally every plot point occurs in the story. Nothing feel forced it doesn't feel like the writers were adding in a lot of filer. The dialogue is everything and a basic conversation between two chracters is always interesting.
(Fair warning the female character is whiny in the beginning but she gets better I promise.)
Acting. Top notch! A1! Everyone in this cast played their chracters to a T. If you've watched Jin Dong in other dramas you know what kind of chracters he gets type cast as. He lectures and gave me surgeon character feels at some point but his execution of his monologues are always great so it didn't deter me from watching the drama. The chemistry ,not just between the female and male lead, but the entire cast can be felt and I really loved it.
Music: Smooth jazz, loved it.
Rewatch: not unless there is a season 2.
Give this drama a try I promise you will enjoy.
Was this review helpful to you?
(I don't usually review movies, but wanted to add this one since no one had reviewed it yet.)
Was this review helpful to you?
It's possible there's a super cute drama in here desperately struggling to get out but who the hell would know. This was nothing but a disjointed, incoherent mess from beginning to end. Nothing makes sense, everything is super rushed and the whole thing is ridiculous. Oh and there's clearly a season 2! Which... if they knew that why not spend these six episodes having them fall for each other and then the next six on the separation, noble idiocy, family opposition, public scandal, arranged marriage, kidnappings and Rise of the Big Bad - rather than trying to do all those things in TWO EPISODES.
Oh yeah, there's a plot here somewhere. An Idol gets a bodyguard (Eugenie Liu) who is a huge fan of another Idol (Jasper Liu) that Idol 1 is pretending to be dating. The bodyguard is the daughter of a Triad boss. The daughter of the Triad boss has no concept of professionalism or boundaries but she does attempt to murder several people - attempted murder is supposed to be funny I guess.
Ignoring the bad writing and terrible pacing, the female lead's fangirling is super super annoying and I see nothing in this that says she fell for Adorable Jasper rather than Adorable Jasper's public image and that is a big big problem when I'm supposed to believe they're SO MUCH IN LOVE after they met a week ago and slept with each other once.
This is transparently aimed at 14 year olds who fantasise that if they met their Idol (who conveniently is exactly like his public image) then said Idol would fall madly and instantly in love with them and only something as crazy as a mob boss, mad fans and the paparazzi could keep them apart!
Jasper Liu is adorable I guess but his character is paper thin; practically a chalk outline. The female lead's entire character is a problem from beginning to end. Which is, thankfully, not that long. Since this is only 6 episodes. And subsequently a giant mess.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This was a nothing burger, so to speak of...
There is a story, but one with little details and depth, there are two boys, but not much chemistry. It's more a bromance than a BL. Also the teacher left a bitter taste, because he also did not help really with his money. It would have taken more than 20 minutes to make this a meaningful story. And the "confession" with the cheek kiss did not really trigger a reaction we would except from a BL.So overall this is very medicore, not good, not bad and ok to watch for 20 minutes.
Was this review helpful to you?
Makes you reflect about different sides of life before judging.
This drama might remind many j-dorama watchers of an older drama "Tiger and Dragon". The reason is, both are written by Kudo Kankuro, lead by Nagase Tomoya playing a character learning an old art from a character played by the legendary Nishida Toshiyuki. Both dramas use this opportunity to teach about Japanese culture and demonstrate how this art still has an influence on our modern society and should be preserved. Also, I have to say, the combination of those three is GOLD. Kudo-Sensei knows how to use all the potential of both actors, who have some of the best on-screen chemistry.This story was very simple yet very elaborated. As I watch each episode, I find myself pondering about different topics. Even re-evaluating previous judgments. It's not really about the story, but how it presents day-to-day life. The moments AFTER the great gestures and talk of sacrifice, the moments after making the promise to change, take up a new responsibility, or give up something deemed a waste of time. Those moments are very real. Those are the moments we rarely see on screen. They lack the theatrical needed to emphasize certain actions or characters, yet they are the most real and hit much closer to home.
It's easy to say that children should take care of their elder parents, and hail the nurses that do the job instead of said children. But we forget that sometimes it's just not feasible. Nurses are paid to do that job, while the children need to earn a living WHILE taking care of their elders. This can be stressful and cause anxiety to all parties involved. However, that doesn't mean that children should just leave it to professionals. Just like there was a time their parents couldn't be replaceable, as adults, there are things only THEY can do for their parents.
Another thing related to this subject reflected in this drama is the complicated emotions that come with such responsibility. The family issues can be perceived as particular to this story, yet they are more of standard in our society today. We don't hold our parents at a height where we don't question their actions anymore, but we forget all the sacrifices our parents made and the difficulties they went through, just to give us a better life than they had. However, as outsiders looking in, it's easy to think "why are those children treating their elderly parents this way" without knowing the hardships said parents are presently causing, nor the traumas they inadvertently caused. Because they are all flawed humans.
Although touched upon lightly, the complications of marriage, the cause of divorce, and the consequences were beautifully portrayed. The road of a crush turning into a relationship, the relationship turning into the mundane everyday life, etc.
Those were just some of the topics explored masterfully in this drama.
The characters in this drama were both extraordinary and very ordinary. Depending on where you are in life, each character felt very authentic. Very early on I felt that Juichi is ME. At least, at my current stage in life. I haven't seen Nagase Tomoya in better shape (looks AND skills), he was lovely, annoying, cute, and dumb. His sister Mai is probably these in every household. She's the one most depended on yet most ignored. She's sensitive and very sensible to those around her. They couldn't have cast anyone better than Eguchi Noriko. In subtly manners, she made the character glow. The father/grandfather played by is probably the most present character in our lives. Annoys us, makes us laugh, roll our eyes, cry. No one other than Nishida Toshiyuki could have done it. The forever baby brother, the black sheep, the middle child, all are present. The relationship between each character and its growth felt very authentic. I loved how Juichi saw himself not in his son but in his nephew and went out of his way to stand by him in ways no one did in his time. That generational difference is palpable.
As far as storytelling goes, the drama uses foreshadowing with the use of Noh, as well well as hints in the narration. I didn't pay attention at first and got caught by a few surprises. However, couldn't fault the story as I recalled the foreshadowing. In this end, it's the type of story that you will accept love no matter the direction it takes. It'll make you laugh out loud, it'll make you cry, it'll make you frustrated, but mostly it'll entertain you.
If I talk about drawbacks. Although as individuals I love their characters, I didn't feel the chemistry between Nagase Tomoya and Toda Erika.
There is just too much to say about this drama, I don't know where to stop so I will stop here. Everyone should just go watch it. Believe me, you won't regret it. The biggest downside is that the drama eventually comes to an end while you still want to see more of the Miyama family. I miss them so much T_T
Was this review helpful to you?
Guinea Pig 2: Flower of Flesh & Blood
14 people found this review helpful
Once again, this is not real; it’s a fake!
Flower of Flesh and Blood is the sadist, sickest and bloodiest part of the pseudo-snuff Guinea Pig series. Once again, no plot was used; it’s just the director of the film Hideshi Hino himself abducting a woman, tying her to a bed then cutting her body parts little by little. He was wearing samurai armor no less! His place was haunting and dark in too many ways. This film excels in showing pure gore elements like the slow and neat cuts with blood’s splashing and overwhelming the little shooting piece. There are also the little details of cutting and breaking bones that are usually ignored in other gore films.
Although once again, the victim’s pain was oppressed leaving a lingering displeasure but I think it was used to make the film less disturbing than it already is. I don’t understand that part, if they’re going to make such a brutal sadist film then they should’ve went all out. Anyway, it was a little let-down that’s all.
The special effects were very well handled in this film even more than in The Devil’s Experiment; probably because this deals with many blood splashing and dismemberment scenes unlike the first one but they totally nailed it. No wonder many people thought it was real.
Extreme gore scenes were used in this film. Some sick samurai think of women as pieces of art that can be treated as blossoming flowers while they are cut to bits. I think the little dialogue lines used in this film helped to draw the concentration to the sadist acts instead of anything else. Despite the lack of a plot, this film handled its strength points in a good way. However, this can’t get any high rating because as I always say; gore for the sake of gore don’t deserve much appreciation. There needs to be a story and a meaning behind it all.
Watch if:
-You like the Guinea Pig’s series because this is probably the best part.
-You like extreme sadist gore films.
Do not watch if:
Just don’t watch unless you qualify for the two mentioned conditions above. Oh, and you’re not under 18. This is really brutal stuff, you’ve been warned.
Flower of Flesh and Blood is possibly the best part of the Guinea Pig’s series; it tends to show the true nature of sadist brutal and sick type of gore. It makes it hard to watch the other parts without high expectations.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A little of CLOY and Les Miserables. SO SO GOOD!!!
This is a definite gem, not to be missed!Firstly, the acting and entire cast did a great job. First time I’ve rated a 10 for acting. Kudos to Lee Do Hyun- he is an amazing talented young actor. I loved him in 18 Again, and this one did not disappoint at all. There’s something about him that seems so natural and real, he draws you into his character. Go Min Si was fantastic as well- loved how she portrayed her character. Evil father is the same actor as the evil general in Crash Landing On You, so you can expect some vicious manipulation and heartless behaviour. His story was left open ended though, we don’t know if he faced any justice for his crimes. The two kids did a great job as well!
The storyline was superb- first time I’ve rated a 10. it was tragic and sad, and made the audience feel angry at the injustice and abuse of power. Many times I was shouting at my screen ;).
(Spoiler ahead) If only they didn’t lie , if only he didn’t get engaged, if only they left Gwangju earlier! Why didn’t they????!!!! Etc etc etc.... (End spoiler )
The writers managed to blend all the plots including the romance and some humour altogether really well. The last few episodes focuses more on the uprising, how the students and innocent people were being beaten and eventually killed.
The love story between Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myeong Hee was so beautiful, so deep and so real. To be honest, I felt they never really stood a chance from the beginning. Although they knew each other for a short time, their love endured throughout so many years.
(Spoiler- I literally cried and cried when myeong soo told Hee tae that they found her - and when he read her prayer note :(:(:(:(:( End spoiler)
Hmmm, the music and songs didn’t really leave an impression on me, not like the OST from CLOY which I still listen to! I wouldn’t be able to rewatch it also- I won’t be able to handle the aching in my heart.
This is not a romance- this is a tragic love story. It has the feels of CLOY and Les Miserables. Be prepared- the best Kdrama I’ve seen this year. All the others are boring... lol.
Was this review helpful to you?
Take a walk and look around, there’s something wrong in my Hometown
A few minutes of the first episode are enough to make you realize that a veil of mystery covers this small rural town. This mystery is going to stick up until the very end and that’s what makes Hometown special.Watching Hometown is like walking in a fog, you walk around the Hometown without seeing anything. You’re searching and trying to understand your surroundings, the truth behind everything, only by touching and hearing. After feeling parts of the truth, you think you have understood what’s going on, but you haven’t. You can’t see the whole picture, because everything is blurred. Even the area between supernatural and realistic is grey. Before you realize it, you find yourself lost wandering through the episodes like the residents are wandering around like lost souls in Hometown.
You have to be patient; the fog can’t be dissolved right away. Hometown is a slow-burn drama and it takes time for the story to build up. Many things happen in the episodes but the main plot does not escalate quickly. The storytelling consists of many timelines that in due course of time meet and become one. It can be a little confusing at first so you have to pay attention, but the moment all the timelines are joined you will feel a sense of satisfaction and everything will be more understandable.
Watching Hometown while it was ongoing helped a lot to process the events, make theories and, of course, to not get bored because of its slow-paced rhythm. Thus, I don’t really recommend binge-watching this drama, take your time.
As the story leaves many things in the dark until the end, the main concern is whether the story will lead somewhere eventually or not. All I can say without spoilers is that Hometown has a decent closure but not the grand finale I personally expected it to have. My feelings are mixed towards its ending so I believe everyone will have different impressions about it depending on what they expect to see.
The production
What makes this drama glow is the production. The directing is meticulous with almost excellent shots, beautiful scenery and on point scene transitions. The color palette that has been used in the drama consists of mainly dark and moody colors that fit perfectly with the mysterious vibes of the drama. The music is remarkable and definitely gives the right atmosphere and tension to the drama.
The acting of this drama made me feel something very rare, almost unprecedented. The character portrayal from all the actors was so convincing that during the episodes, I didn’t see actors on the screen, I only saw characters. Even the younger selves of the main characters didn’t seem to be different actors, but the same person. This left me actually pretty impressed and was one of the reasons I really enjoyed this drama.
Overall, Hometown is a very well executed drama from all the perspectives. The only thing that lags a little, is the story towards the ending. For someone who likes thrillers and mysteries, Hometown is going to be a thrilling but weird ride at the same time.
Was this review helpful to you?
