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It just keeps gets better and better
Aren't you already watching this if you claim to be a Namgoong Min fan? Do you even need more of a reason to watch it? Well, if you're indecisive on whether you should start this or not, then this is your sign to give it a try!Before I go any further, I'd just like to mention, although I might be biased when saying this, but The Veil shouldn't be binged. I think it loses a lot of value this way. I binged 7 episodes in one sitting, and it seemed rather average in terms of its plot. In retrospect, waiting every week for episodes is probably what the makers intended. So yes, I'd recommend watching this at a leisurely pace for the best experience (unless you're dying to know what happens next ^^). AND for those of you wondering if there's any romance... No there isn't, but it's still amazing without any of that, plus there is some chemistry.
Namgoong Min is just astonishing, as always - he is, in my opinion, one of the best Korean actors, I mean the extreme length he went to get jacked up for the role is incredible on its own (hey Alexa play Megan Thee Stallion's BODY ODY ODY ODY). He has officially become an all time favourite actor of mine. Kim Ji Eun! I've only ever seen her play small roles like in Strangers From Hell, so it was refreshing to see her as a main. My biggest question for this drama casting is how what when why is Park Ha Sun considered a main when she featured for probably only 10 minutes in the whole show?!? She's more like a guest role than anything else :( Despite her lack of screen time, she is still amazing, both her and Namgoong Min embodied their characters very well.
Disregarding the fact that the writers keep adding 2 to 4 new characters each episode (that it's a bit hard to keep up with the actual plot), it's well paced, not being too fast to the point of confusion nor is it too slow to the point of getting bored and irritated. The script is well written in terms of how little portions of Han Ji Hyuk's memory are revealed and eventually all explained, leaving room for enough speculation by the viewer, to how the pieces of information build a bigger picture. And yayy plot twists. They leave you a bit annoyed but also keen for the next episode.
I gave it an 8 because it's a genre I love and overall I really enjoyed watching this! If I were to choose my favourite aspect, it'd be the action, I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of it and those scenes as a whole were entertaining to watch.
It's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like a good mystery action packed drama about NIS, then this is worth checking out!
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This review may contain spoilers
****BEWARE ENDING SPOILERS BELOW*****
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The drama started off decently. I had a major case of 2nd Male Lead Syndrome after the first few episodes though.
At first it was a really decent storyline with some complicated and interesting characters.
I was really enjoying it & the romance was cute.
Then... things went a bit south.
This show should have ended in 12 episodes TOPS.
The guy who was in debt to the mafia went WAY over board.
The last 6 episodes were filled with stuff that didn't matter and side plots that weighed down the story majorly.
THEN we see the BFF get not only forgiven immediately, but, also get to live VERY well, and even better than the FML who had been through so much. I mean, she at least got to LIVE and have a HEA, right? -_-
And then the ending. Him dying. Not a shocker.
BUUUUT her getting randomly crushed by a rockslide to "reunite" with him????
NOPE. That was out of place and over the top.
Not to mention... wouldn't she be reunited with her original true love and not the guy who happen to have his heart?
MEH.
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Best Group ❤️
The best healing variety show , which shows the importance of farming. Its shown how hard it is, yet its outcome is how much it makes you happy.They were like children who started learning from the start and kept on learning new things about farming.They cutely interact with people ❤️big respect to farmers.It's not an easy job,and proud of them how much hardwork they had done, it just makes me sad that they only had nine episodes.I wish we would get season 2 in future.I just love their bonding❣️Was this review helpful to you?
Things that i Liked:
- The actors were able to truly convey their feelings towards the viewer/audience exceptionally well.(Especially to me T.T)
- Although the music is sad and painful it really is amazing to listen and fell how well it matches with this film.
Things that I hated:
- Being a war movie don't expect it to be all smiles and kisses. Be prepared! (I know I wasn't T.T)
Overall Taegukgi is truly amazing and it is a must watch for anyone that enjoys watching movies. This film will make you a different person. If not then you will get very emotional T^T
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Another thing I liked about this drama was the little details the writer gave that make the world feel more lived-in. Without spoiling much, there is an early episode where the characters are told a story about a ghost haunting a building. Although, played for laughs, this story later plays a somewhat important part to the main story. It's little details like this and others that eventually add up and have repercussions on the characters and their decisions and actions so you'll get more out of this drama if you pay attention to all the fine details. Beyond the theme of love, this drama also touches on the subject of regrets/second chances, independence/freedom and fate/locus of control.
The main four leads varied from good-great with Summer Meng and Huang Wei Ting being the standouts to me. Summer Meng and Nick Chou should be commended for selling the fact that they were close friends with a shared history together. The glances the two shared as the other pursued other love interests definitely were effective in portraying the love they had for one another. Johnny Yang and Blue Lan were also good in supporting roles that provided some levity during some of the more "serious" moments.
The OST was great with Let Go, My Turn to Love and Could Still Embrace standing out for me. There were some technical/sound mixing issues when songs were used sometimes but that is a minor nitpick.
I would definitely rewatch this drama as many of themes touched upon in this drama are right up my alley and I became invested in watching these characters change and grow. Ultimately, I felt like this drama set out to explore the theme of love, which means showing both the joy you get out of it and also the pain it can also bring. How we learn to endure the pain part of it makes the joy part of it that much better. For my money's worth, the drama succeeded in conveying this while also tackling other themes to great effect. As a result, I believe this is one of the more overlooked dramas of 2017 and feel it deserves your attention and time if you want a drama that has loftier ambitions than simply who the characters will end up with.
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To me this drama was really about second chances. When a second chance happens is a miracle, and you have to use it wisely! Because you never know if that chance is your last. That chance can and will change your life forever. And that is what they got, a miracle. A miracle that not only changed their marriage, but what they expected of each other.
With time we lose the sight of what is important. But what is important? What is important is the love we give and receive. The happy memories that we create with the people we love. The happiness and sometimes even the tears. Sometimes we don’t say what we feel or think. We break our relationship with our heart and lose the road that takes us to that happiness that we long so much… That is what Hae Chang and Kang Young forgot why they fall in love to begin with? During their time dealing with Hae Chang’s amnesia, Kang Young found the woman he fall in love with. He found those happy memories and those mementos that took his breath away. Those eyes that only looked at him…and those naughty smirks that were just the beginning of a love story…his own love story. For Hae Chang was a journey to find herself and rediscover the girl she once forgot. She was so lost in “being there” for Kang Young that she loses herself. Kang Young even said once that “she was the one who make him who he is”.
That is why I love this drama so much. I love that they have a second chance, a chance to find themselves, a chance to fall in love again. A chance to start over…No many of us has that opportunity!!
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The Story is Good
The story and characters of this web drama inspired me to read the Manhwa, which is something I've never done before.I liked the actual story, and the characters enough to keep watching this, but this is a no-budget production and it shows.
Don't watch this if you are looking for good production quality. Everything including the actual script is sub-par at best. Acting is a solid OK, though the actresses playing young Ye Mu as well as older Ye Mu are both gorgeous, in a natural and unostentatious way, and they suited their character perfectly. The actors playing the ML and SML fit their roles as well, but they weren't given much to work with appart from the typical handsome stoic male role.
Anyway, I read my first Manhwa because of this web drama, which is something I thought I would never do (I haven't read a comic book since childhood).
Oh! By the way, why not just read the Manhwa if you want to know what happens next? The c drama follows the manhwa well. Here's a link to the Manhwa:
https://mangagg.com/comic/raising-the-enemy-only-brings-trouble-series/
And the episode that picks up the story after the final c drama cliff hanger is: Chapter 25. There you go, you have all the info you need now.
Because of the interesting story, I'm giving it a generous 7.5 severed tongues out of ten.
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This review may contain spoilers
First and foremost I would say that I did watch "Itazura na Kiss" and I didn't like it. Unfortunately, I didn't know that this show was an adaptation because I definitely wouldn't have watched this.This is my opinion so you are not obligated to agree with me.
Xiao Xi- as a high school student being weepy, clingy and immature makes sense but even as adult there is no growth. She cries all the time and doesn't learn from her mistakes. She is a complete submissive. In the end it seemed like she has a little strength but that bubble was busted really quickly when she saw a little bit of tears in his eyes. "Did you forget all of the tears you shed for him on the second leads shoulder?"
Jiang Chen- I do not understand if its bad acting skills or the character is a robot. His expression never changes whether expressing love, anger, despair or happiness. He dominant and manipulative. He thinks very highly of himself and treats everyone -especially the woman he loves- as trash. Basically, I haven't found a single quality that I like about him. In college they were in a relationship but it felt more like only she was in a relationship. At the end when they get back together, he is totally taking advantage. He is the only one benefiting from that relationship and she is the only one comprising in the relationship. He doesn't care about her at all especially not about her happiness. When you love someone their tears hurt you more than it hurts them.
There is almost no character development in any of the main characters. I wouldn't want to promote this culture (the main male leads attitude) for the next generation.
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The love that Natsuo had not only for his brother and sister but also for his sister's boyfriend is portrayed very well here. The absolute love for Yuki was amazing to watch as a slowly grew. The diving sequences were also well filmed. This was my first time seeing Domoto Tsuyoshi. Even though he was new to acting at the time this was filmed, his portrayal of Natsuo will be cemented to your mind. Hirosue Ryoko as Yuki was also a treat as I'd seen her before but again both actors did a hell of a job. Last but not least is the surprise of seeing an extremely young Oguri Shun! Such an accomplished actor he was even back then!
If there is one thing I can tell you, make sure you watch through the credits as the story continues and what ever sadness is left after the end, will be wiped away. This is why I feel Japanese dramas do an excellent job in making you feel better even with a sad ending.
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Anyway I just finished watching EAMR. What a fun, enjoyable and happy show! and after a long time I might add. Either its a heavy melo which frustrates and depresses you or so stupid you give up.
Who ever did the casting, did a wonderful and perfect job. The actors were so perfect for their characters, down to the ones with the smallest parts. The main couple was just adorable. There were no evil and kill joys to spoil this show, even the reporter girl who is supposed to be annoying is quite likable.
Finally, if you want to watch a light fun romantic show, this is the one for you!!No pretty boys or deep dark drama, just pure entertainment.
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Ximen Lichen + Bo Wang = Ling Shi Jin
I’ve been waiting for this to be in MDL for F O R E V E R and it’s finally here! I’m currently in a Zhao Zhendong binge and when I saw him with Zhang Shan, I instantly looked for it (and boy it was so hard to find).LIKES:
1. ML - this is my kind of Zhao Zhendong roles. The flirty, shameless kind who will do anything for the person he loves. Like what I wrote in the headline, Ling Shi Jin has Ximen Lichen’s shamelessness when clinging onto the female lead and he also has Bo Wang ruthlessness when dealing punishments to others and even towards himself. You’ll see this when watch the scene of him dealing with the antagonist and when he was proving his love for FL.
What I also like about his character is even when he hated FL for leaving him, he never really hurt her. BUT FL did say that he was a controlling bastard when she and him used to be together so if that was shown then I wouldn’t have liked him as much. On the bright side, after FL came back to him, he learned to compromise and let FL be her own person so yay growth.
2. FL - I liked that even when Jian Cheng hated ML, she will side with him against others. Also, never really gave in to ML until he learned to compromise. She used to be ML’s canary/kept lover and when she ran away, she was forced to become independent since ML was hunting her. And when they reunited, you could still see the familiarity of two people growing up together even when they spent years apart. I also like that she’s not afraid of getting her hands dirty. Like the scene where ML’s assistant asked FL to persuade ML to hold back in dealing his revenge and she’s like “why should i?” Queen behavior. Zhang Shan’s pulled off the independent, playful and dark vibe which matched well with her character.
3. Chemistry - It’s not as spicy as his drama with Han Jia Hui BUT there’s something very natural about his chemistry with Zhang Shan. Like friends to lovers kind of chemistry and it just established more the idea of their characters growing up together that they know each other very well. There’s one scene where ML was punishing himself and FL immediately freed him even when ML is yelling at her to leave him alone. PLUS, I’ve read somewhere that some of the bts/bloopers were actually put in the drama. Off cam chemistry was so great it made into the final cut.
4. Story - I’ve always been a sucker for husband chasing wife trope. I was a bit worried since there’s usually abuse involved with the “i hate you for leaving me so this is my payback” but surprise surprise there’s none. Even ML found out the secret FL kept from him, it just showed that he was more hurt than angry. The plot itself was not unique but I like that their backstory was shown through dialogues. Like the grandpa dropping off the bomb that FL was taken in by their family and she even used to call ML “little uncle”. I was like “?? That trope is also included??” To be fair, I don’t think the age gap is too big but it wasn’t confirmed so just use your imagination.
5. Supporting characters - they also need recognition especially ML’s brother, assistant and the kid. ML’s brother was the villain. Characterization was average but his acting on the confrontation part was phenomenal. Him provoking Zhao Zhendong’s character and slowly realizing what ML would actually do was A M A Z I N G. He matched Zhao Zhendong’s energy so well. ML’s assistant was hilarious. He fits all the qualities of cdrama assistants. The long suffering yet still loyal and willing to serve ML. The kid was also great. I felt sad and proud for his character since he matured so quickly. Like kids shouldn’t be too understanding. It’s good that when ML and FL got together, he finally acted his age.
DISLIKE:
I wished they gave more details on how FL ended up in ML’s family. Or maybe it’s in the drama and the subs failed me.
FAVE SCENE (so many):
- confrontation between ML and brother
- FL protecting and comforting ML when he had a breakdown
- ML: I punished both his legs // FL: isn’t he lame on his right leg? // ML: baby, don’t you know men have three legs (LMAO)
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This review may contain spoilers
I Loved This Until I Didn't
Burnout Syndrome follows the same, formulaic sequence that all GMMTV series have: I love it (episode 1-5), okay, something is dipping (6-8) what am I watching for (9-10). Burnout Syndrome felt like this series that could be GMMTV's anomaly, and yet, it unfortunately was not. Some of the best performances I have seen out of all of these established actors, so it sucks that the story cannot say the same thing.Let's Dive In.
Let's get one thing straight; this is the best work I've seen out of Off and Gun. I was worried with Off's portrayal as the lonely and stoic Koh, but we see the very intricate details he placed into his character, and by the end, we see a dramatic disposition turned truly beautiful from him. Gun is Gun. Gun could literally never do anything bad. His performance as Jira is heartbreaking and poignant and I loved it dearly. Dew as a new comer (for me) surprised the hell out of me. I did not think I was going to go into this loving him and his character as much as I did. I was expecting him to be treated as a throw-off second love interest, and instead, they might've told his story the best.
The problem? This series ends with zero morals. Jira throughout this series rejects and criticizes Koh's utilization of AI. Even after his art is used like some lab rat for Koh's new technology, he still ends up with him. What. the. fuck. So what is the moral of the story? Deal with it? Deal with what's going on? Oh well?
If BL Thailand didn't have some stringent rules of pairings and couples, Jira and Pheem would've ended up together, no questions asked. While Pheem has his own list of problems, he's agitated with how much he cares for Jira, and is even more upset with himself that he let himself get so attached. He tries his best at helping Jira, and nothing works, less because of Jira, and more because Koh is the walking, living, breathing devil.
This worked so well because it felt so different than another other series, cinematography-wise, pacing, the story, the way intimacy through nudity and art is shown. And then they completely fumbled the ball in the end, which is just such a let down.
If I was rating the first half of this, I would've told you 10s across the board. I cannot believe that I didn't end up loving this like I was so sure that I would.
Rating:
Story: 7.5/10 - Excellent story, a new, intimate story we haven't seen out of GMMTV yet, but they completely ruined it by the end. The audio was also some of the worst that I've heard it be in a while.
Acting: 9/10 - Every one does beautiful, even Emi, even AJ.
Music: 6/10 - Didn't pay much attention to it.
Recommendation Value: 7/10 - I think the first half of this deserves every audience it can get. The second half, I have no words.
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- I give it a 2.5 out of 5 for how much I cried for this drama is mainly because I'M a emotional/sensitive person and most the times when I cried for this drama, it was because I felt bad for the main girl character Tian Sanqi
Wow this drama was so gooodddd! I would 100% recommend. Not only this is a quick and short type Chinese drama, but also the storyline was definitely an interesting one. I love the many plot twists that were apart of this story. The plot twist were what got me on my feet this whole drama.
I really thought I wasn't going to like this drama but because I was in quarantine and I needed a new drama to watch, I was like okay I'm going to watch this drama because I kept seeing clips of it on Youtube and trailer teasers as ads. Not gonna lie the first-two episodes definitely were the best, I was laughing so loud; my mom had to quite me down because I was watching this at night lol.
Story; This story was a super light heart storyline, personally I got super confused whenever they would show the scenes from 8 years ago when they were 10 years old (I'm just going to leave it like that because I don't want to spoil anything) but it later all came together nicely. I love the chemistry between the two main leads, BUT I didn't like that for the first few episodes, how he mentions he was her friend and was going to protect her but then ends up bullying her. I felt so bad for her (thats kinda why I cried; out of feeling bad). On top of that I'm glad the second lead Bai Yifei got a happy ending with He Ruoyao instead of giving us second lead syndrome with the first main female lead. What really kept me going was the crime and investigating scenes, I love how Sanqi was this strong female lead who didn't care what anyone thought about her.
Characters; My favorite character 100% was the father lead who was Zhao Cuo's dad. He made me laugh so much during this drama. I love that he sticks up for Sanqi and didn't care that she wasn't from a a rich family but she was from a small village, I love how they respect and treat her well unlike the other dramas I've seen with the father lead wanting the son to marry a rich family's daughter.
Overall, I would 100% recommend this drama, if you're looking for a good laugh alongside a cute romance storyline but also with crime and mystery cases to be solved.
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Joseon's last days
This was a great telling of the factors leading to the decline of a 500-yrs old dynasty. Was it 100% accurate historically? No, but that's why it's a fictionalized account, not a documentary. I was delighted that this centered on history with a love story woven in, rather than a love story with a historical backdrop. This one had me researching Korean history after each episode.Fair treatment was given to the main players at that time, and very few were portrayed as "all good" or "all bad." Actual power resided in certain noble families, so family connection trumped capability and family interest trumped national interest. Jockeying for positions of power- Kim versus Jo, insider versus outsider- lies at the heart of this series. The means used to obtain that power were explicit, and clearly showed that at the end of the day, the welfare of a nation was secondary to the elites. Heungseon may have wanted to destroy the factional powers for a centralized government, but his own ambitions proved to be just as harmful to the people. Queen Min may have had a heart for the people, but her desire to topple her father-in-law to replace with her own influence, would add burdens on them. And hapless Gojong, as sad a figure in this series as he was in actuality.
Despite all this, the message I got was one of hope for the future of the Korean people. The foundations being laid to put value on a person's talents rather than geneology, value on education for all citizens, and value on being open to new ideas, as well as the idea of redemption, would see Korea through the years of darkness until her liberation in 1945. Sadly, the same issues that led to a divided Germany divided Korea in half. My hope is one day Korea, like Germany, will be united again.
The cast was amazing. Park Shi Hoo played Choi Chun Joong to perfection- inscrutable but with passion just below the surface. Jun Kwang Ryul was frightening with his changing persona. And Im Hyun Soo as Yeon Chi Sung made my heart ache for his utter devotion to any one who showed him he was valued.
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1Not your usual twisted thriller...
This is complete fantasy, not in the sense of a fantasy world, but fantasy as in phantasmagorical. It’s a sort of teenage dream sequence and I like it. (Thanks Skitc for the recommendation) It couples total teenage angst with savage violence. This isn’t about reality, but the balancing out of intense impulses, living at the extremes. An allegory for the raging torrent/torment of hormones that just about allows you to hang in there by your fingertips and survive, somehow appearing almost normal on the surface.Just don’t try and make rational sense of it. Don’t look for credible motives or realistic psychology, simply immerse yourself and enjoy the ride. There are lots of lol moments, gory moments, weird moments, surreal moments and, strangely, smile moments.
There are also clunky moments with the script and a few convenient tropes like the obligatory memory loss and some clumsy plot structure. It’s also pretty clear what’s going to happen in the end. But overall it holds up without being unnecessarily complicated, probably due to the short length.
I like the cinematography for the fight scenes, which is not coherent, but messy, just like the fights themselves. I also appreciated the soundtrack which doesn’t necessarily take the obvious path.
The best of it are the scenes between Park Se Won and Song Geon Hee as the central couple. They had a great dynamic and their relationship was the glue that held everything together. The other cast is quirky-weird with great performances by Yang Yang (Cha Joo Young ) and her sidekick Jang Hyeon Min (actor not listed on MDL, cast list needs filling out, sorry can’t do it don’t read hangul). Also in the mix is an OTT drug induced psychotic villain who twitches his way through the series and a creepy sadist who does, well, creepy sadist things. And yes, it’s pretty violent and twisted.
What my rating means: 8+ A great drama with interesting content and good writing, direction, acting, OST, cinematography. But didn’t quite have the requisite sparkle to bump it into my all-time fave list. Worth watching.
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