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Overall, I rated this as 9/10. I just loved it, srsly.
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1Underutilized everything, but the chemistry.
I’m just kind of underwhelmed by everything I witnessed - the last episode just made me crave for me. Why center your plot around such an interesting concept to barely use it? What’s the point?Starting from the good - the chemistry between Pond and Peterpan was amazing. Fireworks on screen, literally and metaphorically. The tension was there, the desire, love, fear and hope. I did believe every emotion that was presented in the context of their relationship. Especially from Thada. Yes, I do believe Armin loved Thada, but Thada LOVED Armin - all caps. The devotion this man presents. I am sorry, but he deserves better than Armin - I said it and I’ll stand by it. Both actors delivered amazing performances though.
Then we have the true MVP, easily my favorite character Veynai. What a comedic timing this man had. There was not one bad scene of him. He often delivered just one or two lines, but they were so on point we did not need more. Also, shoutout to Janine who was the best pro manager ever. I wish they actually did more than vague hints that maybe one day there might be something between them. What an unstoppable duo they would be.
From the good I’d also give props to music and aesthetics. So many songs were such bangers, and even if the night sky at times gave me AI generated vibes, the drama was still visually stunning.
Onto the bad - everything else.
The plot was so mid it’s actually sad. At least they could have made it ridiculously entertaining. The villain was both tragically cartoonish, and painfully boring. The whole mystery was non-existing, we know from the start who is behind everything and it’s just frustrating for the leads to do NOTHING to eliminate the issue from the start. The “reincarnation/waking up in old body” aspect is barely used too. This could have brought so much more angst and tension, but instead we had like “I’m old” jokes every 2 episodes. And then there is the whole issue of the last “accident” which I rant about in the comment under spoiler. That thing though, almost broke my brain, I was so frustrated.
Overall, yes for the chemistry, no for the plot.
Side note, around half way through the drama I was chatting with a friend how whenever someone says Tada, I always repeat after them with the ‘ta-da” intonation and I’ve sent this gif: https://media.tenor.com/8pLlGDVzPRYAAAAM/muppet-family-christmas-muppets.gif and then… till the end of the show I had that muppet in my brain whenever someone said ML’s name.
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Not-so-overcomplIcated drama
This 6 episode drama was a great watch. The pace of the drama fit beautifully with the story as it was not overcomplicated.I don’t think this drama is for everyone but I’d say to watch the first 2 episodes before deciding anything.
: ̗̀➛ story
I like how the story focused on how staring into the buddha statue’s eyes placed people in their most painful memory. It showed how the manipulated memory made those affected deranged and aggressive.
The eye colour change reminded me of Train to Busan
The story was not over complicated and the choice to focus on the main couple backstory & the side story of the mother & son was very wise. With the 5th character the focus was more on his behaviour and control over others + his abusive mother’s bf being the reason why.
: ̗̀➛ story closure
I felt content with the story as the issue was resolved. (I didn’t have any questions. That being said, the ending of the drama does open the path for a second season as the couple continue their research in other regions.
: ̗̀➛ acting
All cast members did a wonderful job collectively and individually. No complaints on this end. Just an appreciation for Shin Hyunbeen & Kim Ji Yeong!
: ̗̀➛ cinematography
The cinematography cleverly achieved the purpose (+premise) of the drama. At points it was too foggy & dark so it was difficult to see what was happening. This relates to the effect of seeing nothing but the most painful memory they have.
: ̗̀➛ overall
It’s a good short drama with 6 episodes, each ranging between 33-38 minutes.
I have no regrets watching this, I think it was a well produced drama which was kept short and sweet.
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Relevant and important BL
I love when BLs dive into deeper issues and I feel like the philosophical and societal undertones of this story are way too important to simply categorize this show as a romance or a niche product. I’m unaware of how well this did with the GP in Thailand, but it was truly outstanding to have felt the love the people behind this project have for their home country.On a microscopic level, sure, I have issues with some aspects of the show: the acting wasn’t bad in the slightest but could have been way better in most instances (though call me impressed at Gun for portraying the twins) and there were some usual BL elements in Thai productions that I’m not a huge fan of (the romantic slow-mo shot, the tackiness of some dialogue, the annoying misunderstandings) BUT…
On a macroscopic level, the value here is immense. Not only did I enjoy the romantic side of things in the end, like I do believe the painting scene with Yok and Dan to be one of the most beautiful and meaningful imagery I’ve seen in any BL ever), but moreso where the story shines is with its politics exploration of power and violence. On one hand, it shows how problematic capitalistic societies are when they are based on principles of hierarchy, which usually lead to nepotism, individualism and ultimately to the corruptible illusion that money is power, and power is what you need to survive in this world. But then, power you’re either born with (= you’re born in the upper class) or, since power is not for the masses but for the few, it must be obtained by the rules of competition. But then again, fair play is only for the sports, so the way it usually goes is for people to reach a position of power either by deception, manipulation or exploitation and violence. Power DOES get you corrupt in the end. You WILL be forced to succumb to malice when you’re thrown in with the wolves that are the higher ups, who are all struggling to hold onto the privileges that they have, ‘cause why on Earth would the working class WANT to go up the social ladder if they were content where they are? They aren’t, and the powerful are obviously afraid of stepping down. It’s a whole inescapable cycle and, unfortunately, these are usually the people that rule our countries. No matter what good of a constitution you have and no matter how good your laws, there’s ALWAYS a way to bend the rules… for those in positions of power, of course. Power, hower, does not only deceive the rich, and is a danger to all, and we see that with our cast of people when they burn that house down: if you’re using violence to gain something, you’ll end up losing something. It could have been Dan, but it most certainly was Yok’s mom in that situation. So, not only the people are put in outright bad positions, but if they try to act against injustice, often that will backfire on themselves. Then there were talks about gun violence and human rights and how difficult it is for outcasts, for the disabled, and how a bunch of youngesters can’t even enjoy their education and youth ‘cause the world’s such a fucked up place and the older generations are all just either completely disenchanted, afraid or utterly enamored with corrupt ideals. And THAT’s what I love about this: the fact that they managed to stir an uprising with peaceful acts and protests. They painted a whole new form of power, that of democracy, which we seriously take for granted in most parts of the world. Even when people have it, they still don’t practice it their rights enough to have a voice and have it heard. I know I may seem naive, but we the younger generation should AT LEAST acknowledge that this is an ideal we should uphold and act by. Protests, activisism, the courage to go up against the currents. I truly felt uplifted by this show and I’m so grateful to have watched and have it inspire me to look forward and fight for the kind of society we want to live in.
9.5/10 AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN A TEN IF THEY DIDN’T BULLSHIT US WITH THAT GRAM/EUGENE PAIRING WHEN I KNOW!!! I KNOW!!! I JUST FOUND OUT!!!! That Gram was originally supposed to have it HARD for Black. Shame on y’all!!!!!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
The details of Hu Minghao's acting from tears to fingertips in Big Dream are truly amazing!Every tear from this big devil character is so contagious.
Every facial expression is so precise and every detail conveys deep emotions that make people sink into it.
Hu Minghao has fully explained the life of patience and endurance of this big devil character named ZhaoYuanzhou, and it must be said that his acting skills are extraordinary.
The series has ended, but the evil character of ZhaoYuanzhou will always exist! We look forward to Hu Minghao surprising us with more projects.
_ Excellent cinematography
_ Excellent fighting moves
- Good comedy
- Excellent acting by Hominghao; Beautiful music
- I don't think Zhao Yuanzhou
final death scene was meaningful enough for Zhao Yuanzhou death, they could have watched it much better, he lost his life for the world, I think they ended it in a hurry
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I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much from it but after I've watched I can't stop talking about it.
The story focused on friendship more than anything else, though I can't say I mind the occasional romance here and there.
There was apparently an issue about the movie having "too materialistic" as there concept... I honestly don't get what's there to talk about, most, if not all, people in the world are teeeny~tiny bit that ways anyways, I don't see how a movie can change that. It's very hard changing what a person already is through a movie you see..
Anyways, I love the friendship, the bickering.
I love how the friends talk to each other is soooooooooo friendly???
I can't seem to come up with a better word for it.
They can say whatever they want to each other and no one minds.
They can get physical with each other and say things to each other but they all know what it really means. L-O-V-E...
~CAST~
Couldn't be more perfect...
I can't say that all of them are the best actors out there but whatever they lack in talent they fill it with chemistry and natural witty hilarity.
~MUSIC~
In most movies/series there are music that you can remember for a lifetime, there are ones wherein you are not sure why it's there in the first place and then there are those that just fitted.
With TT the music didn't really stand out, I can't even remember the music during the ending credits but one thing is for sure it fitted and that's all that matters.
~REWATCH~
Definitely.
Overall, if you are looking for a light yet real look on friendship, it's a must watch...
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I'm surprise that the rate is not higher
I truly enjoyed this drama. I'd say first 15 episodes and last 8 episodes were very well written. I got bit bored in the middle but I didn't skip any episodes. I don't think this is super great like some other drama with 9-10 rating but it was pretty entertaining and main CP did great job performing and 3 other CP did good job while many dramas usually have boring stories for second and third couples.The last 8 episode had unexpected twist and turn and ML made me cry at Ep 37. He is quite a good actor.
I recommend to watch this drama if you like couple story how they develop love from love & hate relationship in the beginning and solve mysteries round these couples.
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Unexpectedly dark
Just finished this a few mins ago and i’m still reeling from the unexpected assault lol. First thing first, im going into this series blind without knowing anything regarding the plot or the novel, just knowing CZY and LJ from their previous works and kinda liking it, so wanna give this a chance. And who can resist a man in uniform? Lol. And the fact that they make LZ as an expert demolition engineer instead of the usual Special Force officer like other dramas make it more interesting and fresh. the first half was so light hearted to me, Song Ran/Li Zan’s back and forth flirting kept me entertained (and blushing/squealing) for the first half. I mean, Li Zan is basically the epitome of the greenest green flag to ever exist in cdramaland so far. Lol. Their flirting, even though sometimes felt so awkward, but you just cant help loving them even though I have to grit my lips, or smash my face onto the pillow cringing from secondhand embarrassment quite a few times. Then the storyline goes further into PTSD. I was quite surprised of the length they go into this topic, it was a journey, and not just a side point being introduced and then was amazingly healed like other dramas so far i’ve seen. And when the battle looks to be won, dangggg comes the final boss of trauma (and i love that the trauma was so believable that you cant help but accept that someone may not survive the ptsd this time). The final 2-3 episodes basically sealed the deal. I was quite flabbergasted by the end of it. Lol. Damn open ending! The only flaws I have problem with the plot is why oh why Ben was so foolish trying to rescue A-Zan by himself when he has the whole squad at his disposal aishhhh shiball sekiyyaa haha. Tsk2 poor planning mr capable captain! Oh. I also have a problem with how they didnt give a backstory on how Luo Zhan and Jiang Lin related to Li Zan in the first place, those 2 characters seem to be holding quite an influence on Li Zan (or did i missed it?) There’s also quite a few hiccups as well in terms of writing, like the glaring medical side (how come someone with a cardiac arrest and multiple intraabdominal injury/neck laceration was not intubated? And dont get me started on a hormone injected to make a dying pt able to wake up to talk for 30mins. The heck. Give me that drug and basically half of the hospital’s problem can be solved. Lol. And special force dont just let their explosion expert goes on his merry way after such a big explosion/mission without medical clearance or debriefing. And seems like people can get into the special force (or even being its captain) so easily.p/s: the battle of ?motuman is done well imho though. The sequence, the battle idea, the camera works all tied up nicely
Acting was tiptop. CZY was amazing and LJ appears to be quite natural, especially after they got together. Both of them are an A class cryer (lol) they can basically cry at the drop of a hat i felt like. I spent quite a few episodes bawling my eyes out with them two tbh. Li Zan like i said, is basically the greenest green flag ML so far in recent years of watching cdrama, the way he treats Ran Ran is basically like a queen, even when he is in the throes of ptsd episode. And a round of applause to CZY for his portrayal of a ptsd victim. His was so far the most believable portrayal i’ve seen, far surpassing even Yang Yang’s in Glory of Special Force or HBQ’s in Operation Special Warfare. While I basically have A Problem with YY and HBQ’s version, CZY on the other hand, able to tackle the character going thru ptsd without it being cringey or over the top. Song Ran is a little complex of a character, have her own weakness, but still lovable (and relatable) nevertheless. And tbh, I like all the supporting characters as well, from benjamin to saxin to dr pei to shen bei all the way to SR’s mom and LZ’s father. They all make this story more enjoyable, rather than making me more stress or exerting effort in hatred. Lol.
Ost was nice enough, it grows on you. Usually english ost in chinese dramas sound weird, but the Te Amo song kinda grows on me somehow. The battle song was also appropriately energetic.
Totally recommended this drama, even with its darker theme and twist. If not for how they decide on the ending, this probably gets a 9.5 or even a 10 from me. But alas, im just a mere mortal, and mortal likes happy ending! Lol
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This Guy Is the Biggest Mistake in My Life
20 people found this review helpful
I really enjoyed the comedy and acting. The main leads were great at what they did and the opening theme was beautiful. I definitely would say that I would rewatch later on since it is a very short 5 hr drama.
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Only one sentence got me watching this movie... it's "she revisits her past and learns what it takes to love herself again".
Really .... for those people who are depressed, on a slump, on the point of their life where they do not know what they are doing or on the point where none of your plans and visions work... take time to watch this movie.
As I said, time travelling is not a new concept, but what makes this movie unique is that only the mind of the main character travels back on time, forcing her seventeen years old self to live the life of her current 28 years old. Looks satisfying isn't it? to live your life when you're done studying, have your own job, and you do not have to worry about all the drama in your teens. But what if the current you isn't living the life you wanted? What if none of your "future" plans made it to your present? What would you do? This movie ventures on how a person can learn to love herself back despite of all the disappointments she made out of herself.
On the romance part...I do not really like what happens to her love life so no... I won't venture that part.
The acting was good especially the lead character. She was on point and it will really show the difference within the two "personas" just with her eyes. The rest of the cast were also good but nothing special of some sort.
I didn't pay that much attention to music with the the fuss going on...so no it does not make that much impact on me.
Overall, it's a must see movie.... especially to those who fits the criteria I mention above. If you don't meet the criteria.... ah who cares? I already said it's a must watch movie. So go... watch it!
I don't know if this count as a review and if it will ever help anyone decide... but oh well..!
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This review may contain spoilers
Emotional drama that uses historical facts as a framework
Before I present a rounded reality check, I want to talk about my basic impressions.For this reason, my review is structured as follows:
I. Basis of Interest
II. Expectations
III. Brief synopsis
IV. Impressions
V. Fiction vs. reality
VI. Conclusion
I. Basis of Interest
The drama caught my interest because of two basic factors. First, because of my professional background, I find it exciting to observe how countries deal with their own history in entertainment formats. Especially with a country like China, which is significantly characterized by censorship from the CCP, my own curiosity in terms of historical reappraisal is very high. For this reason, I particularly watch productions from all kinds of countries about the war past, since the genre itself is characterized by an emphasized patriotism and reveals the character of coming to terms with the past.
Secondly, since I would describe myself as a fan of the actor Hu Yi Tian, this production offered me the opportunity to combine my professional interest with my hobby.
II. Expectations
To be honest, I started the Drama with few expectations. Especially after I read some devastating comments on MDL. However, I gave little importance to "the drama promotes communism" (it's a Chinese drama produced for the chinese market, what do you expect?) and "Hu Yi Tian is a bad actor" (I see it differently, but tastes differ). Other comments accusing it of falsifying history made me fear the worst. However, since in my opinion every country has the right to tell its own story, I prepared myself to watch the drama critically. Now, before the unimaginative accusation of being a fangirl comes up again, I'll just say this: even if I'm a fan of an actor, that doesn't mean I like all of his work. However, it encourages me to give a project a chance and make a fair judgment.
III. Brief synopsis
The fictional drama fundamentally focuses on the years between 1937 and 1945, a point in time that not only encompasses the Second Sino-Japanese War aka Asian-pacific war, but is set directly between the 1st and 2nd phases of the Chinese Civil War. The plot focuses on three academic families from two generations and the experiences of fighter pilots. While the academics resist the Japanese assimilation policy to rewrite Chinese history with science, the soldiers experience the war from the air and through the decisions of the Kuomintang national government. The drama thus tells a story of escape, resistance, personal fates, political changes and the trauma of war through a small group of people. They also fall in love, but this is not the focus of the drama. While the characters' experiences are fictional, the series uses scientifically proven historical events as the framework of the narrative. Due to the chronological placement in the area of tension between nationalists and communists, this conflict is directly addressed and provides an answer to the question of why communism was able to grow in China in the first place.
IV. Impressions
The script surprised me in a positive way. The diverse characters are written very entertainingly and make empathizing very easy. I liked all the love stories and the friendships very much. While I'm used to getting a lot of filler episodes in Chinese dramas, I didn't get that impression here. The show kept me very entertained from start to finish. Surprisingly, I found the idea of using Chinese history with the Wu Ding bone to be very appealing on a linguistic level. The physics professor was just entertaining and offered a lot of humor. Being less of a fan of pronounced patriotic attitudes, I was surprised by the comprehensibility of the soldiers' decisions. In addition, I was very enthusiastic about the settings and the music, which completely catapulted me into the action of the drama. Since the series takes many historical facts as background, I always checked the actual scientifically proven background when I had my own uncertainties and therefore took my time watching. Overall, I was very surprised that the Japanese were not drawn more negatively due to the extremely negative occupation past. The theme of communism and nationalism was recurring and only made sense. It would have been odd not to mention this, as it is a defining element of this time. However, as a viewer, I had less the impression that I was to be convinced of the political system than to learn about Chinese history from the Chinese perspective and to learn about its roots. To be honest, after all the negative comments, I was extremely pleasantly surprised at how closely the drama adheres to real facts that are also accepted in Western science. I had absolutely not expected that. But more about that in the next point. One must not forget that the drama was produced as an entertainment element and not as a documentary! Moreover, the series does not offer more or less propaganda than contemporary Chinese series. The only difference is that communism is the theme of the story and does not come through the back door as in fantastic dramas or dramas set in the present. If this bothers you, you should stay away from Chinese dramas completely.
As for the casting, I thought it was very successful from young to old. Although I watched the series as a Hu Yi Tian fan, I have to admit that he could have been a bit more on point in (1) moments where he has to show weakness and (2) clearly emotional moments. Since he is very tall and slim, he seemed very stiff in the uniform. However, nothing has changed in my fan position. I actually think it's very good that he's trying out new genres and growing from them.
V. Fiction vs. Reality
Given that the core of the review is focused on a drama and not a scholarly treatise, I will only address the basic topics that are relevant to the era. If anyone is interested in scientific papers about it, feel free to write to me and I'll give you links for further reading.
Historical background
In 1930, the Central Plains War broke out across China, involving regional commanders who had fought in alliance with the Kuomintang during the Northern Expedition, and the Nanjing government under Chiang. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) previously fought openly against the Nanjing government after the Shanghai massacre of 1927, and they continued to expand during this civil war. The Kuomintang government in Nanjing decided to focus their efforts on suppressing the Chinese Communists through the Encirclement Campaigns, following the policy of "first internal pacification, then external resistance".
The Second Sino-Japanese War refers to the all-out war waged by the Japanese in China, which began on July 7, 1937 and lasted until September 9, 1945. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, U.S. entry into the war, it was a stage of the Asian-Pacific War and thus part of World War II.
Fiction
All experiences of the characters are fictional. The greatest creative freedom is given to the selflessness of the soldiers. In the post-war analysis, scholars agree that the Chinese armed forces during the war were said to have not only weak combat morale, but also significantly weakened due to the corrupt government that hindered any organization. Thus, the airmen of the drama are not representative of the spirit of the times! In fairness, this situation is actually addressed in the form of a word fight in the series, even if it is only a subordinate clause. As for the scientific theme in the form of archaeologists and linguists, I cannot make a statement. However, there has been resistance to the Japanese assimilation policy in all Japanese-occupied countries. The question is to what degree this was actually successful.
The individual fates of the characters and their personal character developments as well as political perspectives are representative of the zeitgeist of a limited group. (Keyword: preparation for the second phase of the Chinese civil war)
Reality
The drama directly addresses crucial stages of war. The Mukden Incident. The Nanjing Massacre. The Battle of Shanghai and much more. It is not so much the case that the characters are always on the spot, but more learned from the newspapers or from people they know. While all the characters are constantly moving through the country, the historical events give the narrative a chronological framework.
Because of the timing between the first two phases of the Chinese civil war, the following elements are correctly addressed:
- weak, corrupt national government (Kuomintang)
- secret organization of communists at the rural level
- the government's failure to act in the face of the Japanese invasion (failure to declare war, recall of combat units, government's proportional cooperation with Japan, leaving the population alone despite military force, weak government, etc.)
- strengthened resistance and growth of communist ideology within the people in response to the weak government (of course, there were Chinese resistance movements during the war - even if they were not nearly as successful as they wanted to be - and later led directly to civil war immediately after the Second Sino-Japanese War)
- the attitude of the nationalist government to prefer the fight against communists instead of fighting against the Japanese (in the drama, the official armistice between communists and nationalists between 1937 and 1945 is clearly addressed, but also said that the nationalists did not adhere to it - sad fact)
- the support of both the American and British governments is mentioned again and again
- the poor equipment of the Chinese combat troops and the lack of coordination even after official entry into the war is a decisive factor for the growth of communist conviction within patriotic-minded individuals
- the drama does not say at any point that the war was won by the Chinese resistance alone. In fact, it reports on the successes of the Allies and limits the resistance issue to the threat to the small group in view of the Wu Ding bone evaluation.
- in the end, the drama emphasizes that due to the experiences of war, communist ideology was also spread through universities and the communists won the civil war
- in some places the >white terror< is mentioned, which later also became decisive for the history of Taiwan and which since the Taiwanese democratization and reform belongs to the successfully overcome, dark past (at this point I would like to take the opportunity to emphasize how much respect I have for taiwanese development)
- a lot of patriotism and nationalism (resistance = communist attitude)
Thus it can be said that the drama makes use of basic historical facts and processes them superficially. As is typical of the war genre, there is a lot of pathos and love of the fatherland presented. However, this is an element that can be found in worldwide productions about one's own history. The drama will convince you less of the fact that communism is good. In fact, it shows you more how communism was able to gain power.
At this point, it should be emphasized once again that it is a fictional drama and serves the entertainment. If something seems strange to you, I can only encourage you to look critically and check facts.
VI. Conclusion
I liked the drama very much. It knows how to entertain at every point and offers an emotional portrait of people in times of war. Although the tension between communists and nationalists is a recurring theme, it does not dominate the drama. In addition, nationalists are not portrayed as mere villains, but as people with their own beliefs and values. In addition, I found it interesting that survival guilt is also addressed and is often neglected. The insight is definitely exciting and thrilling with you. If you take a critical look at the drama and are open to a fictional show that presents you with limited facets of war, then I can only encourage you to give the drama a chance. In my opinion, it is worth watching.
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This review may contain spoilers
I loved how the illustrations for the show changed throughout ht certain points or major milestones throughout the show.
The story started off great. ML Ji Xiang Kong is an e-sports professional pursuing his dream. FL Qiu Ying is a e-sports upcoming commenter trying to pursue her dreams. The relationship started off rocky, they hated each other, the misunderstandings almost ruined both their careers. Don’t worry everything gets cleared up by episode 11. I’m usually not a fan of huge misunderstandings but I think it worked for this show. Through these misunderstandings the leads grew to understand each other more. I loved how passionate they both were about there careers. I never really felt the romance chemistry between the two of them. It was always just a feeling of supporting and wanting the other to succeed. They made a promise to meet On the world stage together as player and commenter. There where a few cute moments between the leads. ( Qui Ying reaction to the Ji Xiang Kong working out was hilarious.)
After Ji Xiang Kong decided to form his own team I feel like the storyline changed.
After ml formed own team female lead stopped pursing her dream. She devoted her time into his dream. The only other reference of her still doing commentary was after a celebration party in Ep. 28 I think. Luo
Tian her mentor commented on how her latest videos were getting better but we didn’t see that on our end. When her situation was cleared up and her mentor asked her if she would like to come back once everything is confirmed she said “of course, but Phoenix needs me now.” I honestly don’t think Phoenix needed her i couldn’t think of a reason for her to give up on her dream. We seen her go from a commenter who knew nothing about e-sports but at least she was working to learn to being a team leader for her boyfriends team. I would have rather her become a national commenter early on.
I didn’t see her funny best friend Lu Yi Yi much anymore. I enjoyed her character she was funny, a bit over bearing a times but I enjoyed her and Lin Yi Xuan relationship it was comedy. It was sad the storyline just stopped on there relationship and then it was just thrown back together at the end.
Side note: why was the female lead always being gift Face mask ????? Every time she was given a gift it was always the same brand face mask. They almost kissed again in ep. 31 but guess what... that damn face mask ????. And placement was great because now I’m looking for the face mask ????
Pei Xi is the true hero of the show. His character was amazing and he played it well. The only character that grew throughout the show. By episode 30 I was ready to stand up and clap for his performance lol. He was the best character on the show!
I don’t know the purpose of the Ji Xiang Kong extra girlfriend Miya coming back that was just extra filler storyline. I hated it because it made me dislike the male character. He didn’t do anything to provoke her actions but he didn’t do much to stop it. Even when the leads officially got together there was no character growth between the two of them the story line just switched up to fit the situation if that makes sense. Episode 32 ugh, they just kept throwing her in the story. Episode 32 had me ready to give up on the show. It further convinced me the chemistry wasn’t there between the leads. I didn’t see the point in being the ex back again and this time e with a whole new plot. I honestly didn’t think the ex was bad the first go round but the second time ???? this show could’ve been 7-10 episodes shorter. I hate end of the season break ups it makes me feel like I wasted my time especially with 35 episodes to have the leads break up episode 32 sucks. Don’t worry the main leads get back together in the end.
The villains
For most of the show I felt like the villains all but for the manager won. Karma didn’t catch the villains until ep. 32 which was long overdue considering it could’ve been cleared up had Kong supported Qiu Ying the way she supported him.
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If you're looking for a great movie, just watch Initiation Love. Don't read the plot, because, just going by that, I would probably never have watched it. I started it because one of my favourite actors, Matsuda Shota, is in it, but as the minutes passed I forgot about him and got sucked into the story.
The plot itself is nothing special: we're in the '80s, and a nerdy, overweight guy meets a cute girl and falls in love. While he thinks he can never be with her, the girl, Mayu-chan, actually seems to like him despite his looks and personality (which, I need to say, are completely normal and there's really nothing wrong with him.) Takkun - the nickname Mayu-chan has given him - then decides to "become a better [looking] man" for her sake. Change of scene, a very fit and 'kakkoii' Takkun gets transferred to Tokyo for work, and, gradually, his and Mayu-chan's relationship starts falling apart. But, and this is stated at the very beginning of the movie, there's a "secret" to this whole story, and it's up to the viewer to figure it out before the ending.
The acting is... I mean... it's Matsuda Shota. That guy could star in a dorama where he has to stand still in a silly pose and still make the whole thing shine. Man, what an actor.
I didn't know any of the other actors, but I loved Maeda Atsuko as Mayu-chan - even though I couldn't stand her character for sooo many reasons. (But there's no likeable character here, really.)
The music was perfect for the dorama, but I don't have much to say about it. I remember liking it, but I don't remember the actual songs. I think they were all era-appropriate though.
The rewatch value is very high because, even if you do know the story, you will want to watch it again because now you do know everything.
Overall, a beautiful movie with great actors that I really recommend to everyone - Matsuda Shota's fans in particular!
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I wanted to write a review on 10th episode because this episode for me is like a beautifully written poem.
The actors Song hye kyo and Park Bo gum are very natural in their acting and handles their roles with ease.
The music compliments the story beautifully.
The 10th episode is a good example of everything coming together beautifully - the acting, story and music.
Now after watching all 16 episodes, I feel like the story can be condensed into 12 or 14 episodes but viewers like would have wanted more of this drama. The way they have presented a simple love story is just amazing. 16 episodes are just perfect for a beautiful slow paced(in a good way) romance drama.
If you are a romance drama lover and haven't started watching this already, then it is time to include this in your watch list.
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You won't even know what hit you
NLMG is not only backed by a compelling storyline (romance or otherwise), great characters, and exceptional BL chemistry – it’s also beautifully produced. With plenty of aesthetically-pleasing shots soaked in warm tones, it’s reminiscent of a doomed summer romance.The obvious main conflict in the show stems from external danger – the threat posed to the Kittrakulmethee family in the midst of a power struggle. But the second, more understated conflict is the power imbalance between Neung and Palm’s family that takes on a class dimension. This is where NLMG proved to be different from other bodyguard storylines.
In NLMG, character development is most pronounced for the young heir forced to grow up in treacherous times. Neung initially comes off as a typical, sheltered (maybe even bratty at times) rich kid but the later episodes will draw out the best of his character. Even on his worst days, Neung is constructed to be likeable and painfully human through it all.
The relationship between Palm and Neung develops at an even pace, with both parties falling (and falling hard) over the course of several delightful episodes. They also have a wonderful chemistry and compatibility – the both of them are fighters at heart; Palm with his fists, and Neung with his wits and spirit.
I enjoyed this show because it was a beautiful, beautiful emotional trip. Some particularly heartwrenching sequences from Pond and Phuwin hit me with some profound emotions that my words cannot adequately capture.
Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/02/28/never-let-me-go-2022-bl-review/
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