If I've said that In The Mood for Love will make you feel exactly just that and 2046 would make you in the mood for heartbreaks then Days of Being Wild will give you the mood to be just that—wild.
Days of Being Wild is only Kar-wai's second film and it both shows his infancy but also how he shaped his identity as a director as well as his characters, some of which have regularly appeared throughout the Informal Trilogy.
Leslie Cheung plays the young and charismatic but emotionally unstable, York who is a womanizer. Cheung, whom I have seen in Happy Together with Tony Leung is really a charismatic character. He embodies a sexiness that's untamed and draws you in as a viewer. It's no wonder that two of his flames are so madly in love with him. Much like in his character in said film, Cheung here is also on the verge of self-destruction further heightened by his familial identity.
But Kar-wai doesn't just focus on Cheung. He also gives us Maggie Cheung's Su Li Shen, Carina Lau's Mimi and to an extent, Andy Lau's Tide perspectives—all of whom are grappled with their own frustrations that ultimately involves York. It's York's own biological identity that shapes his relationship with women and eventually, how he lives. He is damaged but it is not romanticized. Kar-wai isn't a pessimist, he is just showing rawness.
Kar-wai traits also plague the screen: cramped spaces that seem to emit suffocation, unusual angles highlighting the characters and their interactions, dark and damp and nostalgic setting—all embody Kar-wai's consistency as a director and how his filmmaking drives his story as much as character even if it's lack of a strong plot.
There is so much tension in this film, so much dramatic build-up and so much longing. How much does Li Shen long for York? How much does Mimi long for York? How much does York long for his mother? How much does Tide long for Li Shen? Each minute is made with beauty, each glimpse, each touch feels like it's consuming you. Just like Li Shen and York's memorable 1 minute, Days of Being Wild has been another memorable beauty of a film.
This film, itself, is about identity. Who is York to his biological parents? Who is Li Shen without York? Who is Mimi when she is not Mimi? Who is Tide as a sailor? Every fleeting seconds matter in discovering who we are and how each person in our life shape us.
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Why did I watch it? Because after I watched Legal High, I began to like Masato Sakai, so I try it. And after one episode, I just love it.
Why do I love it? Because when I watched it I can’t skip it (I usually skip the part I don’t like), and I can’t skip it cause it’s too good to be skip. (The script writer must be a genius)
The story is kind a serious one, it’s about Hanzawa Naoki, an employee of a bank. He is a good brilliant employee but when someone wants to shift blame to him. He simply cannot forgive everybody that involve in it. And the brilliant story begins.
The cast is just amazing!!! And Masato Sakai is maybe born to be an actor, he just awesome.
And what’s the best is the story. You’ll really love Hanzawa Naoki although he’s a serious character, and his wife is funny, so the characters are well written.
If you want a well made Japanese drama, bored with romantic comedy and want something worth your time THAN you must watch Hanzawa Naoki.
And you’ll not be disappointed.
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Not just one, but two!!!
Falling for two insane people is so wild. Daon does deserve a Ju Sunghyun lol but seriously tho, I was kind of shocked how far they took it with those two. And there I was at the beginning thinking, it's gonna be one of those where you struggle who's to ship, you end up rooting for a poly 😂. This was wild. Those two are wild. I wish the writing was better for sure. I do relate with Daon in some ways aka falling for people who are kind to me lol but I really wanted more from his character in the end there. I want him to be mad. HE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE MAD. I wanted a big monologue or big confrontation where he calls out how physically abusive and violent those two have been to him. And I never got it. I wasn't satisfied with that.The romance was alright. I think Daon and Sunghyun are cute but I wish they developed their story better. Just a little more scenes here and there to make me believe they have this really strong connection. I mean, with all the wild things happening outside of their storyline, I feel like the romance should have matched that energy. It also kind of got irritating at the end there when they had a bit of miscommunication. I'm used to the miscommunication trope but if it was like that where one person just simply didn't let the other talk, I'm like????? Nevertheless, I bought the chemistry between the two actors, it's fine.
The acting was just okay from everybody. No one really stood out to me. A little awkward and very deer in the headlights vibes at times but not the worst I've seen.
Yeah, this was very different from the other korean BLs I've seen but that's just it, the shock factor. Just a little different as there's not just one but two questionable crazy characters. Didn't really blow me away but it did make me curious every episode where they'd take it so it was engaging in that sense.
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Cupid strikes but the arrow misses.
Is this the season for experimental BLs? Given the releases we've had in 2021 and 22 (until now), the answer is a yes. Whether it was the groundbreaking portrayal of frenemies to lovers in Bad Buddy or exploring vampirism in Kissable Lips or the soft anti-heroes of Not Me, it's delightful to see BLs leave the greener pastures of college romance to venture into the wonderland lurking just beyond. Cupid's Last Wish is another such attempt in how it's a road-trip BL and for the most part, it delivers without being too didactic.Once unraveled, the plot of CLW is quite routine. But being set against a rustic backdrop with an interesting set of main characters, suitable music (barring the segment that induces delirious dancing), the little moments of epilogue at the end of each episode, the relevant flashbacks, and the charm EarthMix carry forward from ATOTS, elevate CLW onto another level. Jan's Lin playing Win is another advantage. It's not often we see a clingy and huggy female character who does not whine and act spoiled at the same time. She's just someone who likes to be physical. As Win, she also kicks some butt and goes into Super Dino Mode- Aggressive but one wishes she did that as herself as well. Body swap in dramas almost inevitably includes periods and is usually nauseatingly cringey but CLW treats the subject with due care. It is intelligently incorporated as a plot device with some timely situational humour that gives us an insight into the characters as well. Seeing Mix in that role is both hilarious and endearing. I almost wanted to give him a painkiller.
Then we very obviously have to talk about the swap that happens and the apparent misrepresentation in the show. To me at least, it didn't exist. Korn recognises Win from the moment he wakes up and he keeps addressing him as such and though we see Mix as Win on screen, Korn is actually looking at Lin as Win. The Win he loves may have changed bodies but his love for Win remains the same. Right from the beginning, the whole point of collecting the holy water was only to be a means to an end. The monks' questions and advice are nothing profound or new; they are just the exact set of words that we (and Win) needed to hear to change. These important interactions are disappointingly short but they are to the point and do not take away the real personal growth that the show intended to portray through the journey of 7 days.
When almost nothing was going wrong for the series, the finale arrived with a bang. From what I took as a cue in the first episode regarding how the monk is informed of the car accident, I expected the reason behind the writing of will to be the last wish of the real cupid of the show. Maybe we'd discover a hidden letter from Win's father explaining his actions? As it turns out, the ultimate plot twist is so nonsensical that it is shocking. Absolute zero rationale. Win's aunt and uncle have no real purpose and they might have as well not been a part of the drama for all that they were present and made themselves useful. Non is bright, but there's not much for him to do. While these may exactly not hinder the drama, they do stand out as eye sores.
Who Cupid is and what his last wish is are two questions that remain unanswered but truthfully, Cupid's Last Wish is really about EarthMix fluff. Need any more reasons to watch it?
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This review may contain spoilers
REVENGE, ANGER, MORAL CHALLENGES , and KICK ASS FIGHTING
What a jewel of a find!!! I love Shaolin storylines - dramas and movies and when I saw the title GREATEST SHAOLIN on YT while scanning through clickbait shorts I had to explore. This drama must be a recent English translation release because I could not find it anywhere - except YT. The actual name of the drama is Shaolin Wendao.The story -- 4 loyal childhood friends (3 boys and 1 girl) are now adults and have explosive and devasting experiences that lead to life-transforming conflicts and emotional rollercoasters. The actors' Zhou Yi Wei (Trials and Empires: Storm of Prophecy and the Rebel Princess) and Guo Jin Fei maintained one of the most toxic "brotherhood" I have ever viewed in a drama. The lust for revenge versus what is good and right becomes major themes mixed with Buddism and Filial piety. I have no desire to reveal spoilers because this is a drama worthy of all 38 episodes.
There are numerous individual fight scenes that are unforgettable and bloody, there are battles with groups and there is a war with Japanese pirates. The childhood female friend is forced into prostitution although a princess prior to her being labeled treason - solely by being a family member. Her character is a catalyst for moving this drama from one degree of average entertainment to challenging the viewer as to her culpability and sanity. ACTION ACTION ACTION!!!
Life in a Shaolin Temple, commitment, vows, and hierarchy was shared which was a bonus. Visually stunning watching the training and inner conflicts which can develop and their resolutions.
Every actor brought their A-game to the drama and the casting director picked quality actors for all of the roles. No letdowns or weak performances.
The music was the perfect accompaniment to the pace of the drama and did not overwhelm or underwhelm the scenes which I always note when music seems to be overdone and annoying. None of this happened throughout.
A must watch -- the quality of this drama in 2017 when it was apparently first released without English translations would have put this one of many top 10 or top 20 at the minimum.
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Is ethics for nerds only?
So many are sleeping on this drama and it is pity. No wonder, there is not enough content in TV, the net, cinema, SOCIETY talking about ethical things... well it needs thinking and for the majority of modern people it is "painful". Anyway, when I found out there would be a jdrama about ethics in schools I needed to watch it.I must to say I enjoyed this drama and plan to read also manga in the future. Why? Because as a person with a philosophy, pedagogy, and ethics degree I know a thing or two about this beautiful and for most people "useless" science" called ethics. I was really curious how they would manage to put ethics into a Japanese high school setting.
Actually, so many things were poorly explained but only real scholars would get it. The majority of the audience won't get it anyway but might find it interesting. Ethics in Japan is of course is practiced, seen, and done differently than in Europe. All in all, drama touched a rather wide range of representatives and their works which were included in modern students' life and troubles they had to face. * SPOILER * One thing which ruined a feeling of the whole drama for me was the unnecessary "student-teacher confession". Like can they stop promoting this kind of fetish? It was totally out of context and it left a bland taste of the whole drama. *END OF SPOILER * So, not great, not terrible, this show had more potential if it was longer and scriptwriters had done their ethical research done more thoughtfully.
Ok now let me continue with acting - great choice of young actors/actresses, so nice to see fresh talented faces. The kids really did a great job. And Yuki was brilliant as mysterious ethics sensei. My only dissatisfaction was the length of each ep. Just 20 min was not enough to fully explain and deeply involve the attentive viewers in the stories of the students. So many things were unsaid but ok I understand the manga is still ongoing.
Alsooo, want to say a few words about Takayanagi sensei. He is not the happy-go-lucky overly hyped annoying nosy teacher. On the contrary him being deep, enigmatic, introvert, observer, philosoph with a cynical view of the world and people. Even though he is broken he empathically helps people when needed and gives his students much more than just empty useless words. Actually, he inspired me too. Definitely, he showed introverts can make more capable teachers and mentors than his extroverted colleagues. I indeed learned a lot from his role which I want to keep to myself only.
I recommend this drama mainly to philosophy geeks or people who want to get a bit view of how (not so real) ethical classes are. It is not a drama that attracts many people, some might find it boring but some might found new inspiring ideas and get interested in ethics.
PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas even if I like them. Also, there was not much music to rate. And I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.
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Fresh and a unique plot!
I was lucky enough to be able to catch the movie premiere of this show in my country, I've just gotten home, opened up my computer and here I am.[Alert: The movie has quite a few sexual references [7/10 spicy] so do take note!]
Summary:
FUNNY, CUTE, LOVELY, AND A TEAR JERKER. WORTH THE WATCH! AND IM GONNA WATCH IT AGAIN KEKE
PS: These scene description are not considered as spoilers. Its just briefly how the movie starts and how it will start developing
This is the MOST unique and newest storyline I have ever watched! There are ML, FL [Pinky] and FL [XiaoMi/XM]. Before death, ML and XM were the best of friends for years and yay they got into a relationship, and engaged just for a short while before his death. When he was down in the underworld, and after some "You're Dead" process, he decided to be tested to be the God of Love, Yue Lao [an actual god in history and also the chinese name of the movie] and ding ding ding, he passed! And shockers! His partner is Pinky! I wont talk about their past or the major spoilers but wow if I wasnt watching the movie with my mum, I WOULD BE BAWLING!! The romance line was SUPER WELL WRITTEN!! Visual Effects were done SO WELL that they won an award at the Golden Horse Film Awards alongside with other segments. I can't describe much about the movie because theres content and new information every minute and of course it wasn't draggy at all, it grabbed your attention every second and every minute. Other than the romance line, there's a evil plot as well but again, it isnt like what we expect, not your typical stupid revenge plot. Really worth the watch!! Even the after credits scenes were like "OH WHAT?" I am definitely going back to the cinema for this movie soon after its public screening! 10/10 superb!
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This drama was very suspenseful, and I found it very hard to put off because I was always left wondering what would happen next after every episode. And lets just say, I was practically bawling when it finally ended. I would rewatch this a million times if I could! Although dramas are always best the first time cause if you rewatch it you'll already know what happens at the end and it's not as suspenseful... but if I wanted to, I would rewatch this again. So, that being said, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this drama. I guarantee you won't not like it, and it could possibly become one of your favorites!
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Beautiful storyline
This was a series that tugged at my heart because as a mother i would have been devastated by my childs sudden death...Yoon Oh and Peach were friends that became more than friends after his death and they made the best of their short time together beautifully in synch.
It just reminds the rest of us here on earth to try and appreciate what you have before you lose it to whatever circumstances life throws at you.
Those of you that try and analyze the the storyline too much....stop wasting your negative time by dissing this series and try living in the positives...
Well done to the production crew for a beautiful story and hoping for SEASON 2 PLEASE 🙏🙏🙏💙
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This review may contain spoilers
Students Fight For Their Lives Inside Of A School Overrun By Zombies
From the moment the series begins, All of Us Are Dead hooks viewers with its intense atmosphere and deeply emotional narrative. It’s more than just another zombie drama; it’s a layered story that delves into the harsh realities of adolescence, social pressures, and human resilience, all set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse.The show wastes no time immersing us in the daily struggles faced by its young protagonists. The South Korean educational system, infamous for its relentless academic demands, becomes the stage for a gripping tale of survival. The series sheds light on the emotional toll these pressures take, with bullying, mental health struggles, and societal neglect forming the core of the characters’ pre-apocalypse lives. This grounded realism elevates the story, making the characters’ fight for survival all the more impactful.
One of the show’s standout elements is its exploration of relationships. Each character brings unique perspectives and motives, and their interactions—whether strained, supportive, or heart-wrenching—add layers of depth to the narrative. The camaraderie, conflicts, and sacrifices they share make them feel incredibly real. You can't help but root for their survival, mourn their losses, and celebrate their small victories.
Thematically, All of Us Are Dead shines by addressing societal issues faced by youth, not just in South Korea but globally. The narrative doesn't shy away from heavy subjects like bullying, depression, and the unforgiving pressures of academic excellence. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a poignant reflection on the struggles of modern youth.
As the zombie outbreak takes hold, the series shifts into an adrenaline-fueled thriller. The chaos, desperation, and heartbreak of the students’ fight for survival are depicted with unrelenting intensity. The relentless pace, paired with exceptional storytelling, keeps you glued to the screen.
The parallels to the Covid-19 pandemic are impossible to miss. From quarantine measures to the fear of infection and the divide between personal concerns and societal demands, the series captures the uncertainty and tension of living through a global crisis. This connection makes the story even more resonant, as viewers are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of community and hope.
On the technical front, the series is a visual masterpiece. The cinematography captures both the beauty and the horror of the unfolding events. The special effects and makeup are stunning, particularly in portraying the terrifying transformation of infected individuals. Every frame feels deliberate, adding to the immersive experience.
Despite its brutal moments, the show never loses sight of its emotional core. The acts of love, friendship, and selflessness scattered throughout the series create a powerful contrast to the violence. These moments of humanity serve as the heart of the story, reminding us that even in the darkest times, compassion and connection endure.
The finale of All of Us Are Dead leaves a profound impact. Without giving away spoilers, it’s a conclusion that feels both devastating and hopeful, offering closure while leaving room for reflection. It’s a fitting end to a series that balances horror with heartfelt storytelling.
In summary, All of Us Are Dead is an unforgettable journey that combines action, emotion, and social commentary. It’s more than just a zombie drama—it’s a reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the complexities of growing up in a harsh world. This series is a must-watch, not only for fans of the genre but for anyone seeking a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
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This review may contain spoilers
✨Rebirth, Blood Magic & Vampire Aesthetics: A Love Letter to Peak C-Drama Chaos✨
Ok homies, this little chaos goblin of a mini-drama rolled up to my screen wearing a cloak of nostalgia, vampire cosplay, and the emotional bandwidth of a caffeinated squirrel… and somehow? It worked. It’s strangely familiar yet weirdly original, like the writers rummaged through a bargain bin of fantasy tropes, found pseudo-vampires, flower magic, and one extremely burgundy-flagged ML (that is secretly a devoted puppy), then said, “Yeah. This is dinner.”It starts off with your classic “I died, now watch me destroy everyone with a polite smile” rebirth setup, but shortly it mutates — like a butterfly dipped in glitter and trauma—into something that absolutely insists on being its own category.
The writing? Surprisingly competent.
The pacing? Shockingly coherent… until it isn’t.
The vibes? A fever dream but make it premium.
But let’s get to the heart of the chaos:
The romance is not fluffy. Not cozy. Not even borderline cute. This is two unhinged intellectual gremlins flirting through warfare. It’s “I hate you, but also if you died I would demolish the entire kingdom” energy.
He’s openly not nice.
She matches his freak without even blinking.
Their interactions feel like a speed chess match where both players are cheating. Absolutely enthralling. Buuuut, to be fair… for all the knives, chaos, and emotional warfare, they do grow into a surprisingly wholesome, strangely tender duo in the latter part. And the ML? That man has been secretly in love with her since before the plot even woke up. Dreamy, chaotic sigh.
The trio of main characters is deliciously messy. No cardboard NPCs here. The 2ML walked in giving me “vanilla villain starter pack,” but he unfolded nicely into a morally-seasoned, jaded mess. Growth!
Now, because the drama gods enjoy mischief:
The editing sometimes snaps like a glowstick at a rave. The FL oscillates between “I’m a brilliant mastermind” and “Oopsie I tripped over my last neuron.”
They also styled her like a youthful auntie, which made both MLs look like they were her mischievous nephews auditioning for mischief scholarships.
Second half? The plot said, “Let’s soap opera this b*tch,” and suddenly everyone’s IQ took a lunch break. The FL stabs the ML a millions times and he behaves like durability is a hobby. At this point he should genuinely be classified as artisanal Swiss cheese.
And LET’S TALK about that same cabin by the waterfall. I swear that place needs its own IMDb page. It’s in EVERY drama. That place is the Eiffel Tower of dramaland at this point.
But listen: despite it all—
this SLAPS.
They knew their lane and sped down it with rhinestoned sunglasses and no seatbelt.
This drama is an enthusiastic little creature—messy, dramatic, self-aware, and fully committed to its vibe. With limited budget but boundless confidence, it gives you revenge, magic, morally injured men, funky editing, unhinged chemistry, and enough entertainment to keep you glued to the screen, as well as a well wrapped up happy ending for the leads.
Very much worth checking out—just bring an open mind, flexible expectations, and a sense of humor.
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Disappointing drama
Disappointing drama.Everything is present to make a beautiful love story. We are quickly attached to the story and the characters. But we can guess a little too easily what will happen next, despite a few twists that reinforce the plot. The sentimental hesitations are not convincing. One gets the impression that the writers have done little research on the love triangle when two brothers are in love with the same woman. In this story, the choice for Ye Ji seems obvious after a few episodes, but the writers have reduced the poor heroine to a pretty doll who spends her time hesitating, crying and running from the obvious.
The weight of Korean taboos and social codes weigh on the lives of the characters and the life choices they might make. Everyone seems to carry too much guilt to be believable. The screenwriters lacked a little freshness and audacity to make this unnecessarily maudlin story more original and modern.
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My all time favourite ❤️❤️❤️
This would be my top Chinese drama followed by love O2O. The storyline is so soothing and I feel calm and content watching it. The chemistry between the main leads are overflowing……😍😍😍. The acting is superb. The clothing is top notch….❤️🙌🏻. I really like how they did Chen Zheyuan’s ( Duan Jia Xu ) hair on this drama. I have seen him in other dramas and never thought that he’s much attractive. But with this hairstyle as well as the clothes he wore here I couldn’t take my eyes off him….!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ I’m so obsessed with this drama and I have already rewatched this multiple times. It’s a feel good drama for sure.Was this review helpful to you?
The film opens with a peculiar scene. Masanosuke (Seto Koji) gets home and realizes his shoes are wet. He accidently stepped into something disgusting with an off-putting smell. The next morning, he doesn't notice anything, however in the evening he can smell it again. He realizes something is rotten deep inside the house he was passing by. He can't clearly identify it.
We then follow three young men. One is driven by the old ways of thinking. He can't accept the upcoming change, and dreams of this heroic life probably similar to samurai stories he grew up listening to. He believes in his own grandeur and nothing else will move him. The second is all about revolution, change and movements. His mind and words are big, yet fails to capture anyone's attention. Finally there's the one indifferent to the cause, just following the tied, until he finds himself in something he can't comprehend, and with not enough resolve to follow through.
When the country is going through a state of uncertainty and distrust, those three representing different ends of the spectrum of the people in those times. So while it does represent Japan at this important time in history, but the story definitely transcends beyond its setting.
The acting doesn't disappoint, to say the least. Of course Yuuya Yagira dominates the screen in his strong presence, but the others came through when needed. Really enjoyed Okayama Amane's acting here. I'm not too familiar with Seto Koji, but he was perfect for the character he plays here. Odagiri Joe plays a supporting role but his presence was notable (& beautiful). Finally Kadowaki Mugi with her minimal presence manages to distinguish herself.
I also loved the direction and camera work. The colours used in the scenes, mostly dim, at times disturbing red, or the desolating blue, were effective in representing the mood and feeling of the characters and events. The shots were poingnant and gives us a perfect idea of the place of the characters in the whole picture. It's more symbolic than anything. In any case, the combination results in this painting full of hope and anguish. It's relentlessly beautiful.
There is so much I appreciate about this movie, but it definitely isn't one easy to recommend. I'd say if you are interested in, not that period of Japanese history, but the mental state it was in, you'll definitely enjoy it. If you're looking for a movie about extravagant heroism, this isn’t the movie for you. If you are a fan of any of the main cast, chances are you'll enjoy the movie for the acting at least, just set your expectations right. Happy Watching :D
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One thing that disappointed me a bit was the ending. Even though it would not fit Sawako's character very well if something big had happened, I wanted it to be more special.
Furthermore I wanted to know what happened between Ryuu and Chizuru afterwards. It would have been so nice to know ...
All in all I enjoyed this movie a lot maybe because I have not watched the anime yet and cannot compare. Anyway, I think the movie is worth watching and maybe I will rewatch it in a few weeks (:
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