This review may contain spoilers
After having seen all the versions of Itazura na kiss existing (including the 1996 Japanese version), and particularly loved the “Love in Tokyo” version, saying I was waiting for this special would be an understatement. Though, I wouldn’t say my thirst was completely quenched. Let me explain.STORY (8). I won’t talk about the initial story here as I find it almost perfect. Still I want to comment some aspects of the special episode, and one in particular...
Until now, only the Taiwanese version has dealt with the honey moon (as I don’t recognize the Korean 7 minutes episode as a real adaptation), and as I thought the honey moon story was deserving a long episode (just like in TKA), I was really happy to see on the details the episode would last 3 hours… and here comes the trouble. I really found this special was too short, and most of all too HURRIED! I know announcing days is part of the “joke” with Mari-chan, but when the week ends up only being a list of days and short episodes, I only can be disappointed. I know the manga was like this too, but I found the liberties taken by TKA interesting, I wish love in Okinawa had taken some too!
(A detail that always annoys me in dramas… No one in the world kisses like that, please stahp…)
Bonus: As spoilers are forbidden, I won’t say too much, but I just LOVED the cross over, it made me laugh out loud, for real! (+1 for the music and the japanese by the way ~ !) [you’ll get it when you’ll see it].
ACTING/CAST (9.5). Miki is still a perfect Kotoko, cute, sweet, and… so in love! I discovered her in the first season, and couldn’t imagine a better actress to play this role. As for Naoki, I was a little disappointed as Yuki Furukawa acted the same way he did before Naoki and Kotoko’s wedding. I haven’t been able to see the love in his eyes for like ¾ of the episode. Sure Naoki Irie has to be Naoki Irie, but I was expecting at least a smile from time to time (Finally I’m just like Kotoko, I want him to love her so hard I can’t stand such a distant behavior, hihi).
MUSIC (7). The music is neither wonderful nor awful, I would say it was average. It was light, and perfect for the story. Though I didn’t appreciate the fact that there was music during all the episode, to my mind, the ost is here to improve the story, to accompany it and make it more alive. I had the feeling it was always trying to catch the attention. Seriously, some moments and some dialogue need their silence.
On the other hand, I HAVE to put a stress on the opening, because I just found it really cute, colorful, and loved the music. I’m listening to it again right now!
*43 minutes of re-watching, please wait…*
REWATCHING (8.5). After watching it again, I feel split between my first feelings, for some stronger than ever, and the joy of discovering things I had missed or misunderstood the first time (subtitles didn’t work and my Japanese isn’t that perfect).
Though I have to correct some things I wrote before. There ARE moments when Naoki smiles, even if they are discreet and short (watch out!). As for the music, it’s well and truly omnipresent, BUT it’s not that bad, as it stays behind the story, and it’s not that bothering finally.
OVERALL (8.5). I had a great time watching this, without any doubt, even the second time. The Itakiss series are parts of my favorite dramas ever, which explains the high score I gave (after all) and… why I was so critical :p. Though, as explained, my disappointment is real… maybe I was expecting too much from it? I have to admit I spent all the summer waiting for it to air, while expecting the Japanese version to go further than the Taiwanese (and obviously the Korean)… Well, after all, I still love it! To conclude, I would even say, hmmm…. WHEN IS THE SEASON 2 COMING OUT?? (pliz ;_;)
P.S. Sorry for the length of the review, I think I was inspired. It’s my first review here, so don’t hesitate, and comment !
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This review may contain spoilers
Epic and action are by a humorous ribbon tied together in a touching, gripping way. Go for it!
Set in a jaunty kaleidoscope of relationships, friendships, brothers in arms, blood ties, loyalty, heroism and heartbreak, the time of King Yeongjo, Crown Prince Sado and King Jeongjo is epicly (for a 2011 series production) portrayed."Warrior Baek Dong Soo" is full of fun, martial arts and of course: drama. There is politics, too, yes, butteh KDrama is definitely more on the drama and action side. I benevolently ignored some daring storytelling details and the selectively very optimistic choreographic freedom in the heroic staging. "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" balances between history and entertainment, between epic scope and personal tragedy, between deep, dramatic emotionality and airy, playful, humorous, good mood. The KDrama finds a rousing swell, in which the emotional waves are allowed to splash from all directions - with a story that sails between historically memorable facts, legendary heroes, steep (but by no means absurd) hypotheses, and colorful dramaturgical freedom. It offers great entertainment thanks to an exceptionally strong presence of all actors - whether young or old.
Baek Dong-soo himself is wonderfully portrayed by Yoo Jin-goo (young) and Ji Chang-wook (adult) in the sense of a largely impulsive jester who wears his heart on his sleeve. On the other hand, there is the introverted, somehow tragic, always serious and withdrawn Yeo Woon (Yoo Seung-ho as an adult and Park Gun-woo as a boy). The demanding life of the young warriors is sweetened by the unique charms of Hwang Jin-joo (cheeky, tomboyish: Yoon So-yi) and Yoo Ji-sun (stoic, reserved: Shin Hyun-bin). The by now veteran acting legend Choi Min-su as assassin lord in gothic style gives his very personal flavor throughout the 29-episodes long ride through time. And quite a few more there are.
In this KDrama it is rather the dramatic love story and love triangle of the older generation that pushes itself emotionally to the fore than that of the younger generation. This is probably due to the fact that Baek Dong-soo's generation is more dominated by humor and a cheeky mouth that wants to take on fate, while the older generation is dominated by the decades-long heavy burden of overwhelming life experience.
The historical hook of "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" is (as the title suggests) Baek Dong-soo, who went down in history as a heroic swordsman legend. He was one of three authors of the 'Muye Dobo Tongji' (= Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts), which is now officially classified World Heritage. This four-volume work summarizes the common weapon techniques of the Joseon period. (The book gained its extraordinary importance as a rare, valuable historical source on military affairs and Joseon martial arts, since older works fell victim to the destructive Qing invasions from the north.) However, swordsman Back Dong-soo first of all became legendary because he repeatedly saved King Jeongjo from being assassinated. And this juxtaposition of swordsmen serving the king versus assassins serving a however motivated client, originally inspired the 2010 KDrama comic entitled Honorable Back-Dong-soo.
The KDrama "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" thus also contrasts swordsmen and assassins - in terms of their ethics, their loyalty, their code, their mission, their training, their emotional world. This ambivalent and tragic dynamic makes the 29 episodes going and the time spent watching it worthwhile. They are so similar and yet they are worlds apart. One has to protect, the other has to kill. And yet, he who kills also protects. And yet, he who protects also kills. Both are henchmen. Both give everything. Risk everything. They're simply on different sides. Depending on the situation, the act of the swordsman is considered correct and honorable, while that of the assassin is considered a crime and vile. In my opinion, the KDrama reveals one of its strongest moments in the emotional explosiveness of the fatal bond between the first swordsman and the leading assassin lord (each of their own generation). They are so close emotionally and yet they live in different worlds: One in the light open, the other in secret. In tried and tested KDrama manner, the 'bad guys' (assassins) once again - despite the concentrated ambivalence of their characters - play their way taciturnly, but effectively into the hearts of the audience.
The framework for the plot is in beautiful continuity provided by sword fights and political intrigues. The flesh is made of fatal, ambivalent, intense relationship ties and feuds between the protagonists. History sets the direction. Epic and action are by a humorous ribbon tied together in a touching, gripping way. Go for it!
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Historical SIDE NOTE: --- Yangban of Joseon in the 18th century between conservative thinking and reformist, modern impulses. ---
The historical background of KDrama is shaped by three memorable decendants of the Joseon Dynasty. King Yeongjo, who holds the record-breaking 52-year reign on the throne, Crown Prince Sado, who went down in history as a tragic, possibly greatly misunderstood figure, and his son, who contributed to peace and prosperity as King Jeongjo. In addition to the serious efforts of the two kings for stability and progress, there are the divided camps among the nobles who fight by all means for their supremacy in political and social affairs.
Between 1674 and 1689 the Namin (Easterners) steered the administration of the country in their interests, followed by the Seoin (Westerners), who then entangled their position of power in disputes: the Noron representing the old, strict, conservative neo-Confucian doctrine and the Soron fighting for a new, modern, reformist, practice-oriented doctrine (Sirhak). It was probably King Yeongju's merit that despite the massive differences, the balance of power between the camps was well balanced for a long time. However, the price he had to pay for reasonably stable living conditions in the empire was his son, Crown Prince Sado, who favoured modern teaching and thus provoked the Noron. At least that is how one historical theory interprets the dramatic events surrounding Sado, who is said to have died locked in a box. The KDrama follows this theory (and not the annals, that present Sado as falling into insanity that could no longer be curbed, or a third theory that suspects a massive father-son conflict as the cause).
So, in line with the theory, which sees Sado as a progressive, reformist spirit, who wants to liberate his country from the supremacy of the Qing, "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" tells the story of the loyal followers of the ruling family, who are skilled in martial arts, and how King Jeongjo wants to live up to his father's modern visions. In doing so, with an open attitude the young king, too, always chose a balance and thus continued the proven political strategy of his grandfather, who in doing was able to stay alive more than half a century. In this way, King Jeongjo succeeded in the 24 years of his reign between 1776 and 1800 in building the Hwaseong Fortress as the center of his reign, in advancing education and science, in optimizing national defense and in creating the Royal National Library of Gyujanggak. However, he could never be sure of his life... at least seven assassination attempts alone during his first year in power are historically recorded. ... A striking reflection of the massive resistance against the attempted modernization of thinking in Yangban circles.
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When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.
Qin Dynasty Epic, the fourth and final installment of the highly regarded Qin Dynasty series, is about how Yin Zheng fulfilled "Heaven's Mandate" to unify the Warring States (475-221 BC) and became the first emperor of China at age 38 in 221 BC. Such a monumental task was not achieved without the vision and dedication of many great talents from brilliant tacticians, crafty spies, talented engineers and powerful generals. These characters that made it all possible and how they were pitted against wily and determined opponents from six rival kingdoms is magnificently and vividly brought to life in this stunning production.The production values are very high and there is extraordinary, game of thrones worthy battle footage against some truly breathless backdrops that convey the epic vastness and splendor of the empire. In-depth research and meticulous attention to detail are evident in the costumes, the weapons, the sets and the authentic portrayal of military strategies, diplomacy, espionage, the economics of funding prolonged warfare, the evolution of a common script, immigration and the consequent racial frictions and the conflict between meritocracy and legacy. These themes are seamlessly woven into the visual storytelling in a way that you cannot miss the natural, impenetrable mountain fortress that is Hangu Pass and the Qin life size battle map that further reinforces the topological and geographical advantages of the Qin state.
This is a historical drama but if you are not familiar with Qin history, then be warned that there are mild spoilers in the paragraphs ahead.
Duan Yihong's delicious portrayal of Lv Buwei, venal merchant turned kingmaker and indisputably one of history's great adventurers anchors well over half the drama. His economic reforms and policies paved the way for the eventual unification of the Warring States well before Ying Zheng's conquests began. This is the best written and best acted role in the drama that literally steals the show. This wonderfully grey character that was so inspired by a vision bigger than himself that he actively recruited and promoted the best talent even against his own nature and interest, notably in the case of Li Si. Their scheming both as rivals and allies and mutual respect despite their differences is one of the most complex and riveting portrayals in this drama. I find Li Si the character insufferable and while Li Naiwen's acting is good, it is not quite on par with that of Duan Yihong. Even though I think the drama ends at the right place, it is a pity we don't get to see the irony that Li Si whose life work was Qin's unification may have brought about Qin's rapid downfall with his cruel interference in Ying Zheng's succession. I love that this drama properly credits both Lv Buwei and Li Si with many of the lasting reforms made during Ying Zheng's reign; indeed many (not all) were well underway while he was still a powerless boy king.
The most slanderous and malicious accusation in Sima Qian's Shiji (史记 or Records of the Grand Historian) is that Ying Zheng was in fact Lv Buwei's son; that his former concubine Zhao Ji was already pregnant when she married Ying Yiren. Current historians are rightly skeptical as that would have been a 12 month pregnancy but the drama raises the question head on and leaves room for viewers to decide for themselves. It is likely no accident however, that they cast two actors that bear a strong resemblance to each other as Ying Yiren and Ying Zheng; both in terms of stature and elongated, elegant facial features and in sharp contrast to both Zhao Ji and Lv Buwei's more common rounded features. The desire to put both actors side by side results in the drama's biggest judgement error of having a 40 year old man play the 13-year old Ying Zheng. This is a tall ask of any actor and Zhang Luyi did the best he could but it isn't until well over halfway through the drama that the character's age catches up with that of the actor. In a misguided attempt to make Ying Zheng more relatable, we suffer through some unfathomable cringe dialogues as the obviously middle aged Zhang Luyi plays an adolescent Ying Zheng who is bullied, questions his legitimacy, experiences infatuation and grapples with his mommy issues.
In an attempt to appeal to broad audiences, the drama over-indulges in the salacious Lao Ai/Zhao Ji arc. Zhao Ji is mercilessly portrayed as the wanton, shallow, selfish, reckless and easily manipulated harlot who likely turned Ying Zheng into a misogynist whose women were all anonymous. And while Lao Ai's allegedly majestic physical attributes can never be disproven, he definitely had a peanut sized brain and his attempted coup was puny and nowhere near the scale the drama suggests. Although scandal holds timeless appeal, I am here to watch the first emperor of China, not the first gigolo of China. The time would have been better spent building up characters who become prominent after Lv Buwei's exit and indeed the immediate next 1-2 episodes feel like one hand clapping.
I must mention that Zhang Lu Yi redeems himself with his characterization of the mature Ying Zheng. I was riveted by how he howled like his heart was torn from him when he "fulfilled" Zhao Yan's abominable request only to be overcome with remorse and cowardice when faced with the real thing years later. His portrayal of Ying Zheng's encounter with Jing Ke is also exceptional. That said, I have mixed feelings about how this larger than life figure was written, it somewhat diminishes him. While I like that they humanized him and gave him a benevolent side that is at odds with countless other depictions, I wish they went with a bolder, more controversial interpretation by balancing that out with some vices and a more ruthless, darker side as well. I didn't need to see him cook scholars but even how he dealt with Lao Ai's kids was just glossed over, not to mention his legendary harem and his intense superstition. The real Ying Zheng is probably turning in his undisturbed tomb at this millenial, tree hugging, touchy feely characterization that robs him of the requisite ruthlessness to do great and hard things.
While there are many epic battle scenes the unification wars were fought just as much behind the scenes as on the front lines as all warfare is based on deception. By the time Yin Zheng took over, the six kingdoms appeared to be largely sitting ducks but nonetheless, they put up a really good fight. While the conquest of the remaining kingdoms after Zhao (especially Chu) feels a bit rushed, all the important moments are there. I really felt for the vanquished in this show, was moved by their desperate causes and teared up at their inevitable defeats. The sense of loss experienced by the de-throned young Zhao king with his mother and uncle as regent could have well have been the young Ying Zheng. Under resourced, out smarted, undermined by their own and with the odds against them, Li Mu, Prince Fei and Prince Dan still fought bravely and valiantly. But when you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.
One of my favourite Cantonese expressions is 七国咁乱 which roughly means as chaotic as the warring states. I always find making sense of that messy, turbulent period of Chinese history so mind boggling that I cannot praise enough the clean, smart way this drama's narrative navigates the multitude of important events and characters that lead to the unification of China under Qin and the reforms and contributions that lasted thousands of years. Yes, there are some flaws, some missed opportunities and digressions that do not detract much from this sumptuous and enveloping historical drama that makes this a very solid 9.0 for me.
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This drama deals with serious matters such as divorce, remarriage, single parenthood, family problems and so on, however everything is told in a really peaceful way and it's what makes this drama so interesting and appealing in my opinion, I kept thinking and questioning myself about all those issues that are generally hard to talk about and more importantly to handle. I always appreciate when a drama doesn't only give me entertainment but also intellectual nourishments.
Obviously what truly made me love this drama was the deep and powerful friendship between Luo Zi Jun and Tang Jing and also the growth of characters and they all evolved either from bad to good or good to bad, it was truly convicing and realistic.
Regarding Zi Jun/Tang Jing's friendship, I absolutely loved their poised, calm and mature personalities, they truly complement each other, Tang Jing is more emotive and full of pride while Zi Jun is more calm and strict but when they're together, they look so happy, jovial and relaxed. I have to say that Tang Jing left a big impression on me, she's such a true, selfless and sincere friend and she would absolutely do anything for her friend in need, she doesn't care about what others may think , she just does what she thinks is the best for Zi Jun, and always helps her even when she's extremely busy, that's how good she is. Their friendship to me feels so real and friends like Tang Jing are rare, it's just sad she's too proud. And this quote tells how Tang Jing in Zi Jun's heart means everything "I don't know what character or abilities I have that bestowed me such a great friend, who shares my happiness with me, carries my troubles for me. If in this world there are others who I can't be unworthy of, who I can't disappoint, then Tang Jing is certainly the most important one of all", it truly moved me.
Now I'll move on to the characters and I have to say they were all superbly beautifully presented, there are some I disliked obviously and they infuriated me so much but the actors did such an amazing job portraying them, I mostly think of Ling Ling, and JunSheng (though he wasn't really detestable) for example and anyway without them the drama wouldn't be this much stimulating and engaging. I can only praise all of them, I must admit that what got me truly interested in the drama was the atypical synopsis and the title really caught my attention too, but also seeing that Jin Dong was one of the leads was a great plus for me as I do really admire him as an actor, he was outstanding as always but I wasn't too fond of his character "He Han" though He Han is always full of great advice, so smart and rational, and someone we can rely on, but apart from that I didn't feel much for him but still it was another breathtaking performance by Jin Dong. However my revelations with this cast were Yuan Quan and Ma Yi Li and "The First Half of My Life" was my first drama with them and will definitely not be the last. They both played two fascinating characters but Zi Jun is the one that had a bigger impact on me, it was so beautiful seeing the Luo Zi Jun from the beginning who's a naive, frivolous, insecure, vulnerable woman growing into a responsible, independent and calm woman and at that a woman who doesn't show any of her insecurities/shortcomings in front of strangers and what I liked is that she knows how to seperate her private from her professional life. Ma Yi Li was simply mind-blowing as Zi Jun, truly gorgeous, classy and ravishing; such a delight *.*.
I'll briefly mention one character that made me smile a lot, I know that Zi Jun's mother is a little bit too nosy and annoying, I just couldn't help but like her, she's a pure bundle of energy and I think we do need people like her in our life, someone who'll cheer for us and bring only positive energy when we are so down, that's why I liked her so so much. The rest of the cast was nice as well, I particularly liked the interactions between Old Zhuo, the Jiang Zi's owner and He Han but I have nothing much to add about the rest, though they all had significant roles.
I won't add much about the drama nor the several topics it deals with as I think it's better to watch to see for yourself but one thing I loved in this drama is the realisation, it's so gorgeous and realistic and I particularly loved the flashbacks in black and white which in my opinion intensify some of the most powerful and touching scenes, the settings and sceneries (aaaw that Jiang Zi restaurant *.*) were also beautiful and I truly enjoy watching these dramas that take place in Shanghai, the views are always stunning.
A drama I fully recommend to everyone even to non Cdrama lovers as it deals with actual topics that might be interesting to others who are looking for something more realistic with a touch of slice of life.
As for the rating to be honest I was really hesitating between an 8.5 and a 9 because eventhough I loved this drama and I consider it to be the best drama of 2017 until now and definitely in my top 3 best Chinese modern dramas I was expecting something a little bit different for the second part of the drama but the ending was so satisfying that I decided to go for a 9 and anyway it was such a great show, seriously I already miss all of them, especially Zi Jun.
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First let me start with saying that this drama is not perfect, it has its flaws, but the awesomeness will make you forget about anything else. It has an amazing cast, engaging story, and it just the right amount of romance and comedy to keep you glued to the screen.
THE CAST
You'll fall in love with the sassy, witty, and intelligent FL. She'll make you want to strangle her at times because she's just too curious and reckless at times and keeps getting into these dangerous situations. BUT in her defense she's an archaeology student who suddenly finds herself transported back in time to her favorite time period, as a history nerd myself I cannot judge.
The ML omg how can I describe this ball of fluff. He's just so precious, she drives him to the brink of madness and back but he can't just stay angry at her. His love is the purest thing.
There's is just too much to say about the supportive cast, second leads included. One thing for sure is that the acting is top-notch and this drama would not be half as good as it is without these amazing actors.
The main antagonist is not evil as portrayed by most dramas, that give you a Disney-like villain that is bad because that's just his only character trait. This guy has so many layers. He loves, he hates, he can be honest, he lies, he can be sweet, and he's pitiful. His major flaw is his greediness, though.
THE STORY
Not much to say besides that you'll learn a ton of Thai history. The drama setting is in a real time period with real characters that lived 300 years ago. This is the reason why the drama gets a little political at times but it's never overwhelming which often happens with Cdramas and Kdramas with historical setting. One thing I greatly appreciated is that the FL did not interfere with history. She let the events take their natural course, even if it broke her heart because some things were just sad but inevitable.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Watch this drama when you have time to binge it because it will suck you in. It is 15 episodes but they are 2 hours long which is 30 hours. I completed it in less than 3 days. It's 9:30 am right now and I haven't slept xD but it's oh so worth it.
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It feels like I was listening to a lovely song
This has been one of my most anticipated Korean movies ever since I saw the Cast line-up. So, I finally watched it and this totally reached my expectations. Infact, I feel empty now. I wanted more of this!A Year End Medley is simple yet overwhelms us with a bitter-sweet pleasure.
The movie starts from a full festive vibe where Seo Kang Joon is singing the Christmas song "Jingle bells, jingle bells… jingle all the way…" and everything is in like a happy to go state. Everyone can be seen gearing up for Christmas and finally when Christmas comes, we come across the other side of the coin. When most of the people are excited for Christmas and New Year with their friends or families, there are yet many people who have their own problems and loneliness to deal with… that's when this takes us on a "little" deeper ride but as the year finally ends, gladly everyone finds a "New Hope" in their life. It's like inspiring us to keep going on.
There are actually 5 different stories which are intermingled to each other. All characters were lovable. Yes! No negative or annoying character which makes this such a light watch. My favorite character was "Sang Hoon" (acted by Lee Kwang Soo) ~ a selfless, dedicated manager who supported a singer when he was in his down, he could have left him and signed up someone else but he became his pillar and made him a big star, when he was really popular, he didn't even try stoping him from signing into a bigger company so that he can get more opportunities. I loved how selfless and caring he was. They had a brother like bond which was truly precious to see. Infact, all 5 stories were special in their own way.
The Cast was the major factor that attracted me here and they all did a great job acting their own parts especially the Old duo – Lee Hye Young ( as Katherine ) and Jung Jin Young ( as Sang Gyu ) were great presenting a touching love story. It was the top notch acting that made this movie more memorable.
The best part of this movie is that it made us experience so many wide emotions in just two hours. All 5 stories gave me something. Then, the OST. Beautiful songs that match the situations. I didn't even realize how fast my two hours went and I was already done watching this movie. It's like a smooth ride perfect for a evening watch. I watched it alone this time but I would like to rewatch this with my family later…
Overall, just a bunch of ordinary stories wrapped up in colourful flavours which should be watched at least once.
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MR.EMPEROR PENGUIN
I beg beg begggggg, you to NOT judge this drama by it's initial ratings, pleaseeeeee...I don't know what pleasure people get from down-rating a drama...If you're not into such dramas, you shouldn't have started it after watching the trailer, why would you intentionally come here just to give bad ratings.But, if you're into silly and lovely dramas that'll have you screaming in your pillow, giggling and curling your toes, THEN THIS IS A PERFECT DRAMA FOR YOU....I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE CAST... IT'S A PERFECTLY PACED STORY and cherry on top is ML's voice>>>>> sir sir sir....🙆🔥
ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED WITH TAEGOO AND SUNHWA😌❤
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This review may contain spoilers
No No No No La La No
WTF!!!!!!!!!If someone I loved pretended to be dead for 5 yrs and suddenly appeared in front of me, I wouldn't even want to look at their face.
The grief from death isn't the same as the grief from a breakup.
The writer had been playing with this since the beginning by giving the doctor a case of pills to carry everywhere. Writers should stop trying to make the audience cry. At this point they just seem like the bad teacher that hits you so you become better. This is not a healthy way of creating emotions in people.
The last few 4 or so episodes seemed like fillers with lots of throwbacks and nonsensical plot lines.
It's ok to make dramas shorter. If a story can be told better in fewer episodes, do it! It's better than spoiling a story that was good to begin with.
This idea of going through hard times alone even if you have loved ones is an Asian ideal that I can't really understand and I believe it's so damaging considering the mental health and suicide issues that are so prevalent there. Especially in South Korea. We've seen so many idols die to suicide. Pushing this idea that you have to endure hardships alone and come back to your loved ones when you're "not broken anymore" and not cause them "trouble" is something that might make this issue worse.
I can't stand by this drama anymore. The ending message is very damaging to those suffering from any sort of illness.
I'm not even going to speculate about the ending. It doesn't matter. It is what it is. And it doesn't do it for me.
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This review may contain spoilers
Korea once again delivered.
The poster captivated me into watching this and I couldn’t find the right words to describe the series as a whole – it was not perfect but far from bad. I do not know why but it feels like something is missing throughout watching. I wasn't that hooked up, unlike the other ones that I've watched. One thing is for sure, Korea served us one great plot.For the story, I do not have anything much to say. It was cute and somehow fluffy. Once again, I like to point how most Korean BLs including this one stays away from a school setting. I love how each series produced by Korea explores or tackles a unique plotline. Far from cliches and third parties whatsoever. And given that Korea or most Koreans are conservative, I loved how they didn’t incorporate the idea of homophobia throughout the series, it felt like they were in a world without judgement. The story is cohesive.
I like how they incorporated dancing into the story. The character’s lives were completely opposite but they found the right spot to meet in the middle and change each other. The pacing was quite good given that the length of the whole series is just like a movie. They didn’t put unnecessary scenes as fillers to make it longer and they maximized the time they have to deliver a considerably good series.
The actors fit their roles, not to mention their visuals. But in terms of skills, they were able to portray their character nicely, I am satisfied with how they executed emotional scenes, it didn’t feel awkward at all. It seemed natural.
I do not have any comments about cinematography, camera angles, OSTs, and other technical aspects, they were okay to me.
Overall, this is a good watch if you do not have anything much to do. Korea once again delivered a good one. The title really fits the story because they do make each other’s heart dance.
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Okay..now on to the substance: The other day at work I was describing to a friend the premise of this show. She does not watch any Asian Drama...but now she wants to watch Love Shuffle. I haven't seen a premise where 4 people meet, discussing love and its woes then decide to play a game where they shuffle partners. All of these people are pretty flawed, some way more than others. Each has their own motive for participating; some reasons are benign, some...not so much. Each character is written slightly off from normal which made them seem more real. Does that make sense?
It was fun watching the partners switch and wondering who would end up forming connections. Each partnership and how people related to each other kept me interested all through the drama's run. This show is unconventional which just gives me the warm fuzzies.
At 10 episodes the great thing about Love Shuffle is the story is tight. No room for filler and fluff.. 10 is all you get and the writer and director did a good job of making 10 all you need.
Watch Love Shuffle. It's grown up, it's silly, it's quirky and strange...And those are the elements that make it pretty Kick Butt!
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ONE OF THE WARMEST KDRAMA EVER
NAVILLERA will remain one of the warmest Korean Drama ever for all the nostalgic & happy vibes it gave through out the entire thing.Struggling with your age, when you're on the edge of your life and winning over all the obstacles with hard work and determination to soar within your dream and turning it into a gift, is the greatest message that the drama offers to us.
Such a wholesome and overwhelming drama to witness when you're seeking some comfort in your life. Character development of all the characters have been shown in very short yet in very handsome way. Hats off to Song Kang & Park In Hwan for delivering such a beautiful & graceful chemistry through out the show.
Portraying ballet, a form of art, and explaining life through it, is the major theme of this drama. You will smile widely, laugh, and cry from time to time. It indeed tugs your heartstring with its essence.
Apart from the final performance titled Navillera, the scene that touched my heart was when they hug each other for 1st time before the sepration The last scene was the most beautiful for me when Song Kang and Park In Hwan meet across the label crossing and greet each other through theor ballerina style.
Words might fall short but you will never be able to stop describing how beautiful a drama can be.
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1Is there A REASON not TO WATCH IT????
First of all, talking about the story of this drama, it is nothing special, you might have already come across this kind of story trope - but what makes it so special is - we all know it is Lin Pei Yu's novel based drama. Her writings may not be unique(my opinion....no offense LOL) but the way she portrays the story makes it more interesting and gives you a feeling that this is the first time that you have come across something like this. Aslo, the character development.......oh! tell me about it......I can talk about it the whole day hahahaha. Each and every character is given its own importance. She defines every character to be so adorable.So yeah, If you like Lin Pei Yu's previous works(We Best Love 1 & 2, My Tooth Your Love, Few of HIStory series) then have no second thoughts, watch it you will definitely love it!!!
Now, coming to the acting. I feel that the actors have done a good job but I felt like they can do even better. According to me, the actor who portrayed Ai Di's character slayed it!!! He stood out the most because his character is the most mature character I have come across even though he was just 18. OMG!! he understands when to make a move and when to not....so mature.
Also, at one point of time I thought the story is not progressing at all but at another point of time I felt that the story is just going fast paced. Yeah! The stability and the balance in the flow of the episodes is not well maintained(acc to me). If you are binge watching it you might not feel this way tho. But I have no complaints nevertheless.
I felt that the leads(main leads and the second leads) have great chemistry and the team tried their best to portray it. But my only concern is that the chemistry could have much more better. Still a big kudos to the team and actors for giving us this enjoyable show.
You can just understand the gist of the story if you watch the trailer. Maybe not the entire story but you can know the genre and the elements like what you can expect from this drama. Even if you think few elements are not your type like the Memory Loss stuff or the Time Skip stuff, I still suggest you watch this drama because this drama is more that what you think it is...So Give it a shot!!
PS - Have no Second Thoughts. It is worth your time. Go WATCH It!!!!
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