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This movie definitely brings out the questions AND the tears. The ending when Samg Woo's Dad is on the air; never will I need to see those emotions as well as the pain and emotions emitted by both parents throughout the movie. This is definitely not a movie that would attract everyone to see. But I must say it was a GREAT movie!!
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The acting was pretty good. I love Matsuda Shota, and haven't been disappointed with his portrayals in his dramas. So coming into this drama, I had high hopes of his performance and was quite pleased overall. As for the rest of the cast, there was no one else who I was really familiar with, but I did take a liking to Matsuoka Masahiro. He acted well and I enjoyed watching his portrayal of Terashima.. Same goes with Renbutsu Misako, I loved her portrayal of Kaori and how loyal and trusting of a character she was.
As for the music, I loved the drama's theme song. It was fitting for the drama and was upbeat and something anyone would enjoy. Overall, I liked this drama. It may not have been by favorite, but it definitely kept me guessing throughout all 10 episodes and was good in keeping up the suspension. I may watch this again one day, just not anytime soon. I recommend this drama for those who enjoy mystery/crime dramas, and if you're skeptical of starting this drama I suggest you really give it a shot. I personally enjoyed it, so hopefully you will too!
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A Faithful Live-Action Adaptation of Anime Magic
In the depths of "As Long As We Both Shall Live," we're beckoned into the heart-wrenching life of Saimori Miyo. She's a girl born from the chilly, loveless grip of an arranged marriage, and her existence takes a cruel twist after her mother's passing. Her father's mistress and her daughter, Kaya, step into the scene, relegating Miyo to a life of servitude. In her family's eyes, she's the daughter with no merit, bereft of the psychic abilities that bless her stepsister.Miyo's journey is one of pain, a painful marriage born from a painful upbringing. Her betrothal to Kudo Kiyoka, a military captain known for his rumored cruelty, seems like a sentence to torment. But here, expectations take a drastic turn. Miyo's new husband defies the grim rumors, revealing a heart brimming with kindness. What follows is a marriage drenched in joy and eternal bliss, defying the dire predictions.
"In As Long As We Both Shall Live," I discovered a transcendent live-action adaptation of the anime world that resides so deeply in my heart. It's a meticulous mirror, near perfectly reflecting the source material. As I ventured into this cinematic realm, it felt uncannily familiar. Lines and scenes from the anime echoed in my memory, etched as if with indelible ink.
The movie's pacing is an art form in itself. The anime's early episodes delve deeply into Miyo's life, her struggles, and her lack of psychic gifts. It carefully constructs her world and the emotional maelstrom that surrounds her, revealing supernatural aspects later on, around the fifth or sixth episode. The movie, however, unveils these wonders from the start, a clever dance that balances Miyo's quiet existence and her inner demons with the revelation of a gifted world.
Music is the movie's beating heart. It weaves seamlessly with pivotal action scenes, enhancing their emotional impact, and eases into gentle melodies during the blossoming romance between Saimori Miyo and Kudo Kiyoka. The score is more than a soundtrack; it's a guiding force, leading us into the depths of their evolving relationship.
The movie is a symphony of masterfully filmed scenes, each a visual masterpiece, leaving you entranced by their sheer beauty. Attention to detail is awe-inspiring, capturing the anime's essence and translating it into breathtaking cinematic art.
From the very first frame, the movie bewitches your senses. It's a mesmerizing dance of music and visuals, drawing you into its tender embrace. The scenes are meticulously chosen and sequenced, submerging you into the narrative's profound depths.
The storytelling in "As Long As We Both Shall Live" is a precision symphony. Action sequences, woven seamlessly into the gradual growth of a profound connection, add layers of depth to the characters. I'd love to delve into more detail, but spoilers are best left avoided.
The live-action adaptation leaves no room for doubt. The cast is impeccably chosen, embodying their characters to the core. The film's dedication to the anime is visible in every frame, transforming it into a cinematic journey that feels like a masterful recreation, in the best possible way.
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This review may contain spoilers
Cute, suspenseful, touching series with social critique
Don’t be fooled by the title or the light-hearted music in the opening credits. The Miracle of Teddy Bear may at first seem to be BL fluff. But while it does give us all the BL fluff we want, it gives us so much more. There is a lot of cuteness, but there is suspense that is deftly sustained, there are touching subplots (beyond just the romance but quite seamlessly integrated with the BL story) and there is even a critique of the BL industry and the state of LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. It ventures where most Thai BL series avoid–the fact that the LGBTQ+ community is not respected and its rights not formalized in what is arguably the BL capital of the world where drama series are concerned.To be sure, the series has its imperfections. It is so ambitious that it is bound to fall short in some aspects at some points. I could comment on how the social critique is a little lacking in subtlety in some scenes (such as one in which many of the characters are seated together, with one blatantly showing her homophobia). But I won't say there are serious flaws.
Despite the minor flaws here and there, the series is first and foremost seriously engaging. It starts with the fantastical – an already sentient teddy, Tofu, is suddenly transformed into a human being (and he himself doesn’t know how he gained sentience or transformed). He ends up being taken in by Nut, the owner of the teddy bear who knows nothing about the transformation. There is, however, a sense of mystery and suspense that is sustained — and it is not just about Tofu’s transformation. The plot is actually rather complex, with several different threads gradually and cleverly woven together.
We may notice quite early on that Tofu’s sentience and transformation is linked to Tatarn, who is in a coma after being viciously attacked. However, the connection between Tatarn and the other characters is unclear at first. What I find pretty amazing is that the multiple narrative threads do not feel out of place even before they become clearly intertwined. The story moves from one narrative thread to another (Tofu’s transformation, the assault on Tatarn, the college days of Nut, Nut’s scriptwriting work (he’s writing the script for a BL series based on his own experiences), and the past of Nut’s mother) naturally before weaving them together. Without a good production team, the different narrative threads would be a disaster even before they come together.
The characterization is also strikingly complex. Many viewers are appalled by Nut’s behavior towards Tofu and his mother, but this is not a weakness of the series as it does not make Nut’s behavior seem acceptable. It is just that Nut is ultimately a good person by nature and his past experiences have caused him to behave badly. His experience with homophobia and bullying have made him distrustful of Tofu and resentful towards his mother – we see the destructiveness of homophobia in the character, and he is not romanticized as a perfect boyfriend or son. (His best friend, Gen, services as a nice foil to him. Unlike Nut, who has a homophobic father, Gen’s parents accept him for who he is and they are eager to see him getting a boyfriend–Gen has turned out to be a pretty much well adjusted person.)
We do have to give the characters and the relationships between them time to be developed, however. Don’t assume or pass judgment too quickly. Initially, it may seem that the female characters are one-dimensional. Prib may seem to be no more than one of those typical BL female characters who are in love with the male leads, but there is more to her. The most impressively complex female character (maybe we can take out the word ‘female) is Nut’s mother. The nuances in the portrayal of Song’s (one half of the side couple) relationship with his father is also impressively done. The acting is generally excellent, with the actors and actresses playing different points in the characters’ lives impressively well.
(Personally, I really like the pairing of the actors for Tofu and Nut. It’s not often the case that I find both the actors playing a couple cute, and this is one of those instances.)
With many BL series nowadays, the ending is predictable–the leads end up together happily, we want them to, and we more or less know they will. But with The Miracle of Teddy Bear, we are kept wondering from the start–will Tofu turn back into a teddy bear or lose consciousness? This has kept me watching the series, and I hope the miracle includes a happy ending.
Update -- A note on the ending:
It's not a sad ending, it's not an open-ended ambiguous ending either, and yet I won't consider it a happy ending. I can accept an ending with Tofu dying/disappearing and Tatarn waking up with Tofu's death--this has been hinted at early in the series. But the ending, which is a bit of a compromised happy ending, ends up with quite depressing.
It seems for a while that Nut loves Tofu too much to get back with his ex, Tatarn, even after Tofu "dies". And perhaps this was intended at first except that perhaps there was pressure to make the ending a little happier. But it becomes more depressing because Nut ends up going back to Tatarn, admitting that he does miss his ex after all. And the "happy" side of the ending is that Tofu doesn't die but is transformed back into a sentient teddy bear. But this is actually seriously depressing. Everyone thinks that Tofu has died, but he is transformed into a teddy bear and is taken back to Nut's house. So we have this sentient teddy bear, who is still very much in love with Nut, but is unable to say anything to Nut ever again. And this poor teddy bear has to witness Nut going back to his ex. He is supposedly able to accept all of this, but it's a situation that is very depressing and disturbing too. It's a well written story, but I this is one of the times when I wish the ending had been a more conventionally sad one.
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This review may contain spoilers
Confusing, Critical, Cringe, and Comedy!
I was genuinely interested in this movie because of the summary. To confess, I have not read the manga and watched the anime. I am not a fujoshi but I kinda knew what I was getting myself into.Confusing - Now I really can't get the point of the movie, is it fanservice? is it the message that fat chicks can't get hot guys? I can't take away any point from this movie. It was purely filler content to pass away some 90 minutes of my life.
Critical- I do agree that being slender grabs eyeballs but making that a criteria for dating felt derogatory. Anyway, I'm placated by the ending given to the MC. Also, well, it could have been a fat princess in the school drama segment instead but that would miss the point of this movie.
Cringe- Can't separate cringe from these type of themed musicals. What really was biggest cringe is the exaggerated weight loss scenes and the fangirling scenes.
Comedy- It was the only good point of this movie given that the quality of production was low, acting was amateurish, story felt random. I laughed hard many times.
"Boys! Please Kiss Him, Instead of Me" is something utterly absurd movie to watch when you are utterly bored and even if you don't, you wouldn't have missed anything.
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The film is subtle, has an unmistakable lightness, no nudity and sex scenes, just a few kisses and hugs. That is the idea behind "Yes or No" to make it understand if it impacts, introduce an opinion without being invasive, the protagonists are incredible, the chemistry in the cameras freight was the best.
"Yes or No" talks more about this journey to meet, first love, among other things. The plot is not so unique for this type of film, but that's how the story is told, in ways that are curious and exciting.
It's funny, but throughout your mood there is a very big prejudice of acceptance on the part, and humor is just a way of trying to make people understand that we are different and because of that our choices are also. The film is not set in a happy fantasy world where a homosexual statement is found with open arms. He manages to address several issues affecting lesbian youth, but mostly with a subtle and light touch. Highlights for them, Aom Sucharat Manaying (as Pie) and newcomer Tina Supanard Jittaleela (as Kim). Highly recommend!
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Story: This season it's focusing on Tsukasa's love for Makino and how they are meant to be together forever. Honestly the breaking-up/getting back together was starting to get on my nerves a little by the end, but it all proves that they are destiny. I especially loved the side plot with Yuki and Sojiro but this version didn't let them get as far as the Kdrama version which kinda sucks. I like that couple. I actually can stand Rui in this version. I feel really bad for him and I think that he deserves a great girl. Also I like how this story develops the other 2 boys of the F4 more than the other versions. The fourth F4 member in the Kdrama version was hardly ever present and didn't really get much characterization. But in this version I understand him and his character. All the girls who were after Tsukasa were annoying though. But I like Shigeru, when she wasn't after Tsukasa. She was a fun character.
Acting: I honestly love the acting of this one a lot more than the Kdrama version. Oguri Shun gives Rui more depth than Kim Hyun Joong did, also by the end I was thinking that Oguri SHun is a bit more handsome than Kim Hyun Joong (Don't kill me, you're a still a super hottie KHJ). I love Masumoto's acting, I really felt like he portrayed Tsukasa really well. Inoue Mao it goes without saying is a much much much better actress than Goo Hye Sun. I though she really bought her character to life. I was really invested in the characters, and they made me believe that this was real.
Music: I really liked the Arigato song. Though it was played a little bit too much I like the melody. The only problem I had with the music overall was at some points the music was inappropriate for the scene. But other than great!
Rewatch: Definitely to watch again when I'm in the mood for a great romance drama. Maybe in a few months because I don't think I can go through the emotional roller-coaster again.
Overall: It gets a 10 since I liked this season more than the first season and I gave the first season a 10.
I still have to watch the Tdrama version of this drama and I plan on watching it in a few months. I don't think I'll be able to watch Meteor Garden without comparing it to this one if I watch it right away. Even with Hana Yori Dango I was hesitant to watch it because I had tried watching it right after watching Boys Before Flowers (Kdrama)and the anime, and I couldn't because I was bored of the story already. Again I question why I ever thought Boys Before Flowers was a good version of this story. I think even if I watch Meteor Garden Hana Yori Dango will still be the best version.
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Doctor John separates itself from every other medical drama due to its willingness to address an issue that is more social than it is medical and/or political. Euthanasia is an extremely risky question because there is no single correct answer. One color to describe this drama’s dealings with euthanasia: gray. Very gray. As a human being, you probably have a preconceived opinion about it before you begin watching. And, amazingly, no matter what opinion that may be, it's more than likely that there is a character in this show that shares it. This show consists of the interactions between all different sides of the debate and how each is a combination of "wrong" or "right," depending on the context. Through these characters' actions and thoughts, Doctor John does the job of telling you that it is extremely dangerous hold one opinion as true across all situations.
That was one of my favorite parts about watching Doctor John. It doesn’t constantly preach one single answer and try to brainwash you into agreeing. It always shows you the multiple facets of every conflict. Whether it be through witnessing the physical and mental pain of terminal patients or the emotional turmoil of those close to them and their doctors, the writers create a bond between you and the characters. Once you begin empathizing (and with characters of different opinions!), the issues of life and death become less and less easy to decipher.
For me, the one peeve I have with plot comes in towards the end. It's one part of the umbrella issue that I like to call K-drama Syndrome, in which something about the latter episodes of a show seems to have an inner need to stray from the original conflict. I get it: it’s hard to continuously talk about something as sensitive like euthanasia without feeling like a piece of propaganda. But there’s a difference between quietly shifting focus and doing a screeching turn onto some unpaved path in the middle of a forest. Fine, this metaphor is an exaggeration—it was more like a kind-of-loud turn onto some unpaved path in the middle of a forest. Euthanasia becomes less prominent of a topic as the plot moves away from patients' stories and more toward less emotional conflicts. It isn’t quite enough to damage my positive opinion of the story, but I did spend the last hours of the ride with a tiny inkling that we might’ve gone in a weird direction.
The cast was lovely to watch. Some of the characters could have done with far more development, but amidst all the chaos of a hospital setting and the constant ins-and-outs of patients, it’s impressive that each character possesses as much individuality as they do. I feel like it’s insulting to him that I even have to explicitly say so, but Ji Sung is fantastic. Cha Yo Han is the right balance of mysterious and endearing; and he’s intelligent, yet not annoyingly so. It’s hard to match Ji Sung’s level, but Lee Se Young did a great job at depicting a capable but scarred young doctor. These two actors have a fantastic dynamic and the ability to simultaneously counter and support one another’s characters without being overwhelmingly cheesy. The romance between them is okay—I didn't care for it, but I also didn't mind it. It just isn’t as interesting as what the rest of the show presents; but luckily, it isn't too much of a main focus, either.
I’m content with Doctor John. Despite some rocky roads at the end, the high volume of tears that I shed and how it got the gears in my head turning are testaments to how attached I was to its story. Should you be in the mood for something thoughtful, emotional, and down-to-earth, Doctor John is a good way to go.
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This J-Drama/Romance was super adorable with a great storyline filled with wonderful actors. I enjoyed the entire movie and really wish it had been a series so I could have enjoyed it longer. Adorable. Relatable. And now one of my top favorite j-romances for SURE! If you love a sweet, romantic story, wonderful characters, and a romance that is believe-able and yet still swoon-worthy, then this show is for you.
Going to watch this one again at Christmas time!????
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I have no complaints about the cast at all. Viola Mi's character (Xiang Nan) was just beyond annoying as the antagonist but she is an amazing actress (this is the first drama I saw her in). Her emotional scenes were spot on and I could really feel her inner turmoil. Of course, many said Maggie Jiang was kind of cold and unemotional but I actually thought she nailed her role as a strong career woman and she had huge character development to change her previously cold exterior. Nothing needs to be said about Jerry. I always love him in dramas, but I thought this role fit him a lot more (he's really adorable when he acts immature). Last but not least, Ron Ng (I saw him in Cantonese movies before), but this is the first time I saw him in a drama, and unfortunately he was dubbed but anyone who has second lead syndrome would definitely fall in love with him. The rest of the cast were great as well. There are the accomplices, the hilarious (and gossipy) office staff, a supportive mother, a disapproving father, and two comedic reliefs in the form of Ban Jie and Da Luo!
Music was really nice, albeit a little repetitive. I liked how they used some of JJ Lin's old songs. That being said, I even downloaded the OST so I guess it's pretty catchy!
Overall, I really recommend it. Re-watch value is alright because at 42 episodes, it's long! However, maybe I would watch it again a few months later, but I would definitely re-watch some of my favorite episodes. If your taste is anything like mine (meaning you're used to 'draggy t-dramas'-see previous reviews) and you can stand that for the cute OTP, then you will definitely love this drama. Of course, if you're a Jerry fan like me, you can't miss out on this drama either! (9.25/8)
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I enjoyed the story of this drama and the writing script as well. The acting was ok, i love Maki's character the most and she did great here in my opinion, however, i got annoy by Yamada's character, i don't see a point to have this character in the drama at all. I think the script could be better because i have seen a drama about pilot before i think it was better than this one, however this one still a decent one to watch. There are some annoying part in the drama but still the acting of Maki help a lot and Kikuda' s character also help as well.
Even though, people want to see some romance in this drama but i don't think this inspiring kind of drama need the romance side within, if they are trying to push it in i think, it will lose it charm so this is reasonable to ditch some romance scene in this drama.
The music was great, i love the ending theme, it suits the drama.
The rewatch rate is low because this drama is one of those inspiring drama, you get those feeling right after you finish the drama, so you might need a break for a while to rewatch this kind of drama once again the get the same feeling. However, i think for a while it could possibly be inspiring once again for those who still cannot find a goal in your life yet, this drama could give you a way to find it and fight for it otherwise your life is such a waste.
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Welcome to the house of horrors
This drama is about Mio Meguro, who experiences an extremely bad turn in her life by being fired from her job, kicked out of her house, dumped by her boyfriend and harassed by debt collectors all at the same time. In the darkest moment of her life, she finds solace in a kind soul who offers her refuge in a quaint little traditional share house. But, not all is as it seems….As far as the usual J-Dorama eccentricity goes, this show is not even half as weird as most of the same genre. Although the premise centres around the “youkai” (mysterious creatures of Japanese myth and folklore), spiritual/ dark arts themes with (minimal) elements of horror, this is pretty much a light hearted, comedic and well-acted production.
Koshiba Fuka plays the FL, Mio Meguro and her performance fits the role to a tee. Much like her previous role in Tokusatsu Gagaga, she is adept at playing the shy, timid, soft spoken and unassuming character that makes you want to protect this poor unfortunate soul who gets trampled on by unscrupulous boyfriends, bosses, and basically all other bullies. In addition to the fragile wimpiness, she projects the perfect blend of dramatic acting and comedic timing, thus making her well-suited to such humorous roles.
The supporting cast of the various Youkai are equally fun and entertaining, with the fantastic monster makeup and get-up, which comes across as more adorable than terrifying, during the transformation segment of every episode. This motley crew comprises monsters from tales as old as time, with Oiwa-san, Shutendoji, Zaishikiwarashi, and Nurarihyon as the primary share house occupants. Guest appearances by their comrades in arms come in the form of Okiku, Yomotsushikome, Yamauba and Amabie. Witnessing each of them with their uniquely strange and awesome powers truly is hilarious and mind-blowing.
The OST is provided by Miwa (who guest stars as herself in the final episode) who composed the distinctive J-rock piece, Daitan (check out the MV, which was produced with a unique “Youkai” concept).
I was honestly caught by surprise at how entertaining this show was. The ending was astonishing but hugely satisfying as well. Youkai Sharehouse is a light and easy watch if you’re in the mood for some laughter and fun, with the added insight into traditional Japanese folklore and myth of how the Youkai came into being. Running at only 8 episodes, it won't take too much of your time to indulge and you'll be positively relishing every moment of it.
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Feeds your craving for chaebol drama and mess!
This show most definitely will not fail to intrigue it's viewers. I've already watched Sky Castle, The World Of The Married, and I'm waiting on Penthouse 3 to premiere, so you already have an idea of my taste in kdramas. I was waiting for another's drama like the ones mentioned above to come and my prayers were answered. This one is just as fascinating and with fleshed out characters to match. And a murder isn't a bad way to start off a show either.One thing I want to talk about is the overall feel of the show. It has an aura of mystery but one that affects how you view the characters and their actions. It's hard to articulate but it's like you know what's going on but at the same time you don't. Even if you think you grasp the characters and their motivations, there's this invisible fog that's clouding your judgement. That might've been purposeful on the writer's part but it only draws you in so you can find out more.
Each family member has secrets of their own and a storyline to go with them. The character I found most intriguing is Seo-hyun. She is the composed member of the family yet she is concealing the most damaging secret! Kang Ja Gyeong's backstory is crazy but the journey to finding out what led her to going up her son was really good. Hisoo is very likeable, which is good for dramas like this. In a world full of sinister characters you need someone to root for. My favorite storyline is that of Suhyeok and Yoo Yeon. They were quite minor but I'm a sucker for forbidden love and I just really found their dynamic interesting.
I definitely recommend this if you're a fan of the previously mentioned shows or if you just want to satisfy your craving for backstabbing rich families and dangerous secrets. 9/10
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This isn't really a horror movie or anything. You're able to see how two high schoolers who never spoken before discover they share the same interest. Death.
Story 10- The main characters unravels the mystery of a murder case in thier neighbourhood not to solve the case and catch the murderer, but to see the corpse themselves.
Acting 10- I thought the acting was brillient as I felt I could connect with the obession the characters have.
Music 9- The music genre fits wonderfully as it beats up the tension.
Rewatch 9- Again I enjoyed the movie, may have something to do with loving the manga so much.
Some people may not agree with me and I admit some parts were a little slow but it's definitely worth the watch. There isn't much blood, 'scary' disturbing scenes for a murder/crime movie, however overall I loved the movie.
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Basically, the drama follows a loving and warm family as they deal with the mother's illness and then her death and their life afterwards. Everything is handled quite delicately and the various storylines with all the many characters just mesh quite well together.
Kamiki Ryounosuke as Horo was a standout character in my opinion, as the narrator of the drama. His interactions with his family members and his friends were all so poignant.
Overall, a meaningful and deep family drama that addresses the depth of familial love.
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