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Loved this ...and hated this
I had no expectations going into this drama except "Oh great another 8 episode K-BL.". Usually these 8 episode stories feel rushed and incomplete. I did not get that feeling about this one. Would more episodes have been better? Maybe but just to get a fuller picture or it may have felt drawn out needlessly. There was enough in this series to give you the information you needed to fully understand the story without feeling rushed or confused.The story was so bittersweet but I loved every minute of it even when I was balling my eyes out (which is also why I "hated" it). The chemistry of the two leads is charming and sweet. It couldn't end any other way than it does. If it did I think it would almost have been dissappointing.
I gave it an 8 for rewatch value only because it is one I'll have to set aside for a good while or be in the mood for tears to watch again.
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this is a drama with a story that i doubt i will ever find it again, i love it as much as i hate it, and i have this kind of mixed up feeling while watching it, what they did is really bad and wrong but i really want them to be together and happy bcuz they suffered enough for their whole life and their relationship is really beautiful (exclude the crime).
i will recommend it to everyone who wants something different and unpredictable, it's dark and heavy though but it's a great drama, the music is good too, overall i love it, but i won't rewatch it, i don't want to endure the same torture i had while watching it. you will understand what i'm talking about if you watch it.. enjoy.. :D
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A Fantastic Reinterpretation of the world of Parasyte
Parasyte the Grey somehow managed to tell a compelling story with great characters within a short six episodes. Every single scene moved the story forward. Exposition scenes were well done and did not overstay their welcome. Character introductions and motivations were precise. You're quickly told who everyone is and what they're here to do and the story starts running and never stops.The actors themselves did a terrific job. Especially Jeon Sonee as the lead. Her mannerisms and the inflection in her voice switched between two roles brilliantly. You quickly get attached to her character and want to see her be in her better place and show rewards you (breaks your heart too) for that. And it's not just lead who develops but the side characters as well. Particularly Koo Kyohwan and Lee Junghyun's characters.
I don't see this show as a horror but it definitely delivers on the action, sci-fi front. As to be expected with such a great director. The action is fast paced and well shot. The brief worldbuilding that we get is enough to get you invested in this changing world. The music was nothing special but definitely fit the atmosphere.
You definitely need no knowledge of the original manga or anime adaptation to watch this. It's a splendid story on its own. But it does excite them with that ending scene in the finale.
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But the series I saw was different - the 'twin' part has almost nothing to do with the story, in fact you could put another sibling or any other person and it wont matter because they really didnt explore the dynamics or complexities of having a twin. Per was nothing more but a side character.
Pond's elder homophobic sister Pad, was supposed to complicate things but the show instead used her as a source of humor, and her crazy antics in all honesty, was just offensive - and then in the middle of the series she was cast far away to allow the relationship between Pond & Tee to grow - which i think is just irresponsible. The reasons behind her resentment of gay people wasn't even explained and the story created around her in the school where she teaches just adds insult to her story.
I feel like they could have removed Pad and given Per a more complex part in the story - after all it is called The Best Twins. Did the show explained how Pond and Per are the best of all the twins in the world? Or are they saying one twin is better than the other? I just couldnt tell from the story - defeating the meaning of the title.
The only time the series got interesting is when they introduced the hottie Korean Tiger. Thor and Max were both okay and I would have also loved to see more of Jaet and Kaoa and their other gay friend.
Should you watch it? Only if maybe youre stuck in traffic and nothing else to do but have your remote ready to fast forward the opening and end credits because they eat so much ot the time (a total of about 7 mins from the 35 to 40min runtime). Will I rewatch? Not even if you pay me.
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The meek shall inherit the earth.
This is a very funny, romantic romp through the antics of an unlikely couple in a marriage of convenience that turns into the real thing. Xu Qingjia is a talented young scholar who jilts a highborn lady to fulfil an old promise to marry Hu Jiao, a butcher's daughter. At surface, they could not be more different - he is book smart, humble, meek and measured in his actions while she is street smart, commercial, direct impulsive and a total gangster when provoked. As Qingjia hilariously navigates the challenges of his new assignment as a backwater county magistrate, they discover their differences are complementary and where it counts, their core values are the same.The surrounding plot of this drama is yet another age old corruption case involving the previous generation with some decent twists. What's different about it is that it unravels slowly over the daily lives and trials of a group of humble merchants and working level government officials. The characters are colourful, often comical and avoid the most cringeworthy familial and love rival archetypes. The romances unfold at a realistic pace and have an honest, down to earth appeal about them. No one character is super smart, infallible or is the main driver of the plot. They all have strengths and weaknesses that make them at times succeed and other times fail. But together it is immensely satisfying to see their combined abilities enable them to prevail over the petty neighbourhood bullies, business rivals and corrupt politicians and win the day with their sincerity, persistence and hard work - the meek shall inherit the earth. Best of all, the ensemble cast is fun, witty and can be very, very funny without being slapstick.
I wouldn't say that the actors are among the best out there (its so great to see Tong Meng Shi/Uncle Wu Zhu from JOL as ML) but everyone delivers very solid performances and the cast somehow just "clicks". I really love how Tong Meng Shi manages to convey the henpecked husband with immense inner courage. Although not a huge Baby Zhang fan, I think she also managed to play the husband training shrew while retaining her femininity. I really enjoyed Gao Zheng and Yu Niang's story as well and I think the casting of Hu Jiao's bovine butcher brother is simply brilliant I laugh just looking at him!
This lively, riotously humorous watch that conveys some grains of wisdom about honour, friendship, love and marriage is a fantastic way to pass some time. I rate it a very enjoyable 7.5/10.
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I can’t with MDL
Sometimes I just go here to support my theory that most ppl in MDL is gonna dislike a good drama. For some odd reasons, the viewers here, 90% of the time, never gets in line with my thoughts. But that’s just probably me. 😅 Often times I wonder if I even watched the same drama as everyone else. But enough of that…I’d like to start with the general theme of the drama, coming from its title itself “Royal Feast”, obviously it’s gonna be about food. For the scriptwriters to incorporate that in all issue throughout the drama is already amazing. It introduced us to Chinese cuisines and their way of cooking from back then and showed us the importance of the food department in every kingdom (as opposed to the less attention it gets in most historical dramas Chinese or Korean). And it’s true that they can be so easily implicated just by what they serve on the table as those food goes in the body of the royalties.
Zhu Zhanjin - calm, collected and wise character even from the time he was the Grand Imperial Grandson, he was more like his grandfather than his father was (hence he was the favorite). He posed as a threat to his own father after he took over the throne and it was perfectly portrayed and set by the earlier scenes. He knows his duties as an heir and duties to his wives. He sincerely wanted to create a good relationship with his consort but she didn’t want it hence his heart drifted away and found comfort in the presence of Zijin. Xu Kai did well in this character and he portrayed the three stages that he went thru from grandson to the emperor. However, if I may say so myself (someone who watched everything he had done), this is one of his easiest role. 😂 But Xu kai is Xu kai and I’m proud of him.
Yao Zijin - classy, wise, talented and just the perfect Empress material. Her character has always been composed and just (maybe except for herself, too selfless). Her love for Zhanjin is real but she’s been brought up as an Empress would be and thus how she acts. She knows he duties first as a concubine and then a noble consort, she doe what she can in her power but never goes beyond what the preceding authority before her. She knows the limitations that entails her title and have never asked for more. And when she was given power, she knows when to push through and when to fall back. She’s not frustrating, she’s wise and calculating; just like the Empress Dowager had always been beside Zhanjin’s father. She speaks forward for his sake, for the sake of others but not for her own sake for she does not want to abuse the attention she’s receiving (however, it’s one of her flaws for she has taken it quite far before she lost her voice). In this case neither her nor Zhanjin were free from blame; they both were in the wrong. Nothing to say but perfect Empress material. The actress was perfect for the role, even her facial structure is fit for the role.
There’s so many characters that I can talk about but my willpower to write about each one of them is not enough so I’ll just pass on that.
I enjoyed it a lot and is the only Chinese historical drama ever that I didn’t skip through. Tbh I started this expecting to skip around Episode 17 as I usually do but I actually watched through the whole thing.
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#Letsgetdrunk!
Perfect in every single way.I went into this drama absolutely blind - i saw Eun Ji (who i love since R97) and “female friends drinking alcohol” and i thought to myself: this might be nice. And it was not JUST nice. It was perfect. In a span of 12 unusually short episodes, this drama managed to fulfill each and every single of my drama desires/needs.
STORY - the concept of 3 friends vs. the world is not unique. We’ve all seen at least 5 dramas with such theme. But why WLDN feels so good and refreshing?! Most of the issues the main leads go through are not new but the way our main leads carry though the mishaps is so much fun. The writer wasnt afraid to explore harder topics (though oftentimes only marginally or very nonverbally) like depression, lgbt, sex, harassment, patriarchy… this might seem like an explosive/too stacked mix but it was executed quite well in my opinion. And the dialogues were so good!
The drama started with very hilarious and bizarre comedy (imo on par with Chief Kim and Pegasus Market) and then it suddenly slipped into drama with very serious topics. The transition felt almost seamless.
CHARACTERS - at first, the main leads seemed very one-dimensional - weirdo Ji Goo, beauty Ji Yeon, worcoholic So Hee, creep Kang PD. But oh boy, do they all have LAYERS. And such beautiful and interesting layers to boot!
Ji Yeon is one of the most interesting and funny characters i've seen in a drama these days. So unapologetically feminine and over the top. So Hee and her endless inner (and outer) battle with her feelings. And jI Goo - seemingly so strong on the outside but in fact very vulnerable, too. Despite some of their character traits being overexaggerated for entertainment purposes, all of them feel like real complex women who are able to be both strong and weak, emotional, rational and irrational... And their friendship is something so beautifully written and perfectly acted by all 3 main leads!
OTHER ASPECTS - visually, this drama was so much fun - be it cute outfits for all main leads, nice coloring of the scene/shot, or the food/alcohol aspect of the drama. I am no expert in the field of camera technique, but i quite enjoyed the camera movement. idk…i didnt pay much attention to ost (cause the drama was stacked in other departments) but all the main leads sang a song for this drama and the songs are pretty good!
CONCLUSION - i love this drama so much. I found the finale a little … lacking but i suppose they are hoping for season 2. The rewatch value is high for this drama - especially early episodes when the characters are only showing their layers and the comedy is just perfect. With this drama i cried both - happy and sad tears (I actually shed so many different types of tears!) so it seems like it will be perfect for a rewatch during the time when one needs to unwind so many emotions. I had a really great time watching WLDN and it gave me all sorts of warm and fluffy feelings!
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STORY
Like I said before the plot is very typical for japanese dramas and the yankee or problematic kids it's a theme that's very present in japanese dramas or movies but this movie wasn't about a problematic child it was something more.
ACTING/CAST
Seriously the main actress Arimura Kasumi really impressed me because I watched strobe edege (movie that I hated...yeah I'm weird and don't kill me thanks) but this movie really proved me wrong and showed me that she's a great actress and that I should be checking more of her works.
Yoshida You was incredible as Sayaka's mom she made me cry at least 2 times, well actually I was a sea of tears maybe because I'm very sensitive lol she really stood out for me in this movie and I'll make sure to check out more of her movies or dramas.
Of course we can't forget Ito Atsushi as that positive teacher that more of one we would have liked to have when we were in high school, he did a great job being this optimistic, kind and inspirational teacher, great job.
MUSIC
Actually I like some of the music here and there was a song by Masquerade that I really liked (and I know that because I searched it with shazam lol) the music fits pretty well with the movie and you may discover some good music
REWATCH VALUE
10/10 nothing more to say about it for me at least.
OVERALL
A great movie that you need to watch, it was a story that can happen in real life and shows you the importance of a good role model or you don't even need that just with someone that believes in you like Sayaka's mom, it really touched me. If you're sensitive like me maybe you'll cry but I cried and laughed with this amazing movie so after this long review YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS!
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"Sometimes, it's better to choose your own family."
(I deleted my previous review because it was too verbose)Understated yet touching, fantastic performances especially in the last half hour, perfect casting, great direction, a close look at economic disparity within a modern and developed nation, doesn't glamorise poverty, balances both hope and bleakness, fully deserving of Palme D'Or IMO. A testament to love transcending biological relations, proof that a complete puzzle of family can be formed out of leftover pieces.
You should watch this one twice.
10/10
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It’s true that the American version has better visuals because…duh, it was produced four years after Infernal Affairs but the original remains the best. Anyhow, I am not here to compare both versions; let’s talk about this movie.
Infernal Affairs is about the underground world, the triads and the moles. This is probably the best undercover story ever written; the developments created a race against time to reveal the moles within the gang and the police. This is a fast paced rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The suspense element was flawless but the mystery built up was somehow lacking that’s why the storyline didn’t manage to get the perfect score.
Like any other action movie, this one contains violence and brutal killing sometimes but I wouldn’t categorize it as a violent movie. This is basically a thriller-crime mixed up with well-made suspense with the undercover theme as its center.
The acting was quite remarkable, with Tony Leung and Andy Lau as main leads you’re bound to expect something with quality and they surely didn’t disappoint. They were both great in portraying their role and delivering feelings; nothing less from two of the best actors in HKC productions. Other actors like Anthony Wong and Eric Tsang were also quite good and pretty convincing.
This movie’s characterization was the major strength point beside the clever writing of course. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I say that all characters will be able to to get your full intention whether they were the good guys or the villains. The writers succeeded in creating top-notch characters’ development that will make you relate with each and every one of them.
The music was fitting for a suspense thriller movie; I also liked the “Shi Shey” song that was played in the background, it was really calming.
Watch this if:
-You’re looking for good suspense thriller with unexpected twists and turns.
- You’re fond of undercover themed stories.
- You’re in the mood for good screenwriting and compelling storyline.
- You like Andy Lau, Tony Leung or both them. This shouldn’t be missed for both of their fans.
Do not expect:
-Happy ever after ending.
- Romance.
All in all, this movie is wonderfully made since it can draw you into the world of darkness and make you strongly attached to its characters and events. If you like the genres, I can guarantee that this movie will manage to move you one way or another.
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Never Give Up and Never Give In (In Sports and In Love)
There have been other good Noona romances in recent dramas, but Falling Into You tops the rewatch list for me.The theme centered around track and field athletes and their passions, dreams, and doubts. However, it was the love story that was candy for me. Those looking for good romance will not be disappointed by the great mix of sweet yet flirtatious, innocent yet sexy, complex yet enduring love between an aspiring coach and her idealistic student.
This show was already off to an awesome start when it featured two gorgeous actors as the main CP, who also had fantastic chemistry with each other. Nothing could get in the way of sparks between these two, especially when the romance began to heat up. I love that the actors were not shy about the kiss and intimate scenes, and I have to say they did remarkably well in this aspect.
Perhaps part of the credit should go to the director, Yi Zheng, who also directed "Love Between a Fairy and Devil", in which he was able to draw out excellent emoting from the leads.
Fun fact: Gina Jin is 8 years older than Wang An Yu, the same age gap as the main characters that they portrayed. Despite the age difference, they did an excellent job as a couple whose journey of love was so organic and wholesome. It was so enjoyable to watch our CP grow from the natural conflict of their budding relationship and going through the challenges of other people's prejudices to becoming a couple that inspired relationship goals. Once committed, they were unwavering in their support of each other and their faith in one another.
I was not surprised by Gina Jin's wonderful performance as Luo Na, the older woman who resisted at first but eventually fell for the charms of her persistent student. She is definitely a talent and simply stunning, even in plain athletic gear. She has played a similar role in "Why Women Love" and I hope she will not be typecasted.
Our perfectly handsome male lead was no doubt an eye candy. Perfect face, flawless skin, great physique. However, Wang An Yu wasn't all looks. This pretty face can cry! I am impressed with his emotional scenes, and there were many of them. After all, our adorable Duan Yu Cheng was still a 20-year-old boy on a path of self-discovery and smitten with Luo Na while trying to achieve his dream of being a top high jumper. I also liked Duan Yu Cheng's sportswear and casual outfits. This guy looks good in everything.
Some other characters fell flat or were unnecessary, but the cast did well overall. Watching the interactions between team members and coaches was fun; there were many hilarious and heartwarming moments. The show could have done away with some filler episodes and given us less of a rushed feeling toward the end. Still, it was a satisfying ending.
The OST was memorable, and I particularly liked the various songs played throughout the episodes. The two leads also sang a song each, and for posterity, I have listed all the songs I could track down at the end of this review.
All in all, Falling Into You was refreshing, entertaining, and binge-able. I could not recommend it more!
OST list:
* Love Blinds (Kéren)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dneyEcIm0Hg
https://open.spotify.com/track/7iwGlPC4KxQ96CjYFD2YvU?si=bb90e03c45be43b4
* The Biggest Part of Me (The Home of Happy and Dane Etteridge)
https://open.spotify.com/track/29CBEod7xU7sVqpb7XaK5d?si=bbff9b8140134d2d
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YStkj_2m2Ko
* Everybody On Your Feet (Amphibious Zoo Music)
https://open.spotify.com/track/00vS1coaTZjwiA4MKQbCnR?si=53314df83ca84768
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87LdNYETuGI
* Standing in the Moonlight (Soul Mechanic)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad91jxkTuak
https://open.spotify.com/track/0GVYSKXYMn4NzQC6DMnXNs?si=a4e5938621624d52
Call it What you Want (Antisocialites)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zRCUXKCkJM
https://open.spotify.com/track/0u60YRwLtd4HnaxkB7hmg9?si=2b820d94f7c04beb
* Girls Like You (Corban Shane Calhoun & Gabriel Canadian & Joshua Joseph Wilcutts)
No link
Brighter Days (Hanna Lynn Miller)
https://open.spotify.com/track/7ecwUJoCpwrfeN9tb5Vxgj?si=4857cadc31a14015
Uncorrupted (Julia Church)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5t_9ydDJm8
https://open.spotify.com/track/7tOu3piRvStm3BCk5CH7Q2?si=960e749f8cd94f8b
* 阳光 海浪 我和你 (Sunshine, waves, me and you) - 刘宇宁 (Liu Yu Ning)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk1o2AnIO_k
* 阴天转晴 (Cloudy and sunny) - 王安宇 (Wang Anyu)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLLr3K7aQDA
https://open.spotify.com/track/6OPvc0ghjjsXwG1Dh4xYzA?si=4b1a8b99e2234e29
* 度过此刻 (Spend This Moment) - 夏日入侵企画 (Summer Invasion Project)
https://open.spotify.com/track/5DmlNe79sX7LUHJrPZ9gSj?si=02df7f3e1e404ada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnj8v43ktdA
* 怦然心动 (Heartbroken) - 汪睿 (Wang Rui)
https://open.spotify.com/track/6UosPIGzBTMm3psQapq6ps?si=f0f989ec59994978
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y4MlP4H8jU
* 要不要留下来 (Do you want to stay) - 金晨 (Jin Chen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjAE5v2pyQM
https://open.spotify.com/track/4jilfKy9z2tYwUN4jV57Pn?si=df0fc232693a4526
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