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
Was this review helpful to you?
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 (:
Was this review helpful to you?
I ended up falling love with every main and supporting character, and becoming invested in every subplot running throughout the show. Every storyline is strong without convoluting the overarching story or making it clunky. The interwoven relationships in this story take precedence but the eventual main conflict is career-based with a dash of social commentary; the fact that their work also takes part of the centre focus is exactly what made it more than just a romantic melodrama.
Most of all, the conclusions that are drawn in the end are both realistic and satisfying, which is normally such a hard balance to strike. Every character, even the main antagonist, is done justly without oversimplifying the end of their respective arcs.
Ishitachi no Renai Jijou is by no means a flawless drama - it has its own tendencies to fall into the regular Japanese drama tropes at times - but overall it's clever, modern, presents us with complex characters and a refreshing outlook on love and work without being too preachy.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
An epic love story meets time travel and destiny
A multilayer love story like this truly breathtaking. A modern man, Shen Buyan, is transported back to Ancient Sheng and watches the death of Demon Queen Lu Yuan, hated by the commoners but loved by her adopted son the Emperor. Upon her death, a jade pendant is smashed into five parts, each part giving Shen Buyan the opportunity to relive a different part of Lu Yuan's life. He quickly realizes history is not what was written and she is a woman motivated to protect her country, even at this risk of her own life and love.What's really unique about this is the freshness of the romance storyline. When Lu Yuan loves Shen Buyan the most, he treats her like a stranger. By the time Shen Buyan can't leave her and chose to protect her silently, she no longer remembers him. They symbolically layer flashbacks, mementos, and music to heighten the bittersweet love story. On rewatch, I bet more of these hidden nuggets will surface.
Although a low budget drama, the costumes, production quality, and cinematography were impeccable. The acting of Zhang Ya Qin as Lu Yuan was phenomenal - she played across a 30 year lifespan and somehow played each age convincingly. The ML started off a little weak but by the end, I was fully bought in to his role as a time traveling historian who fell utterly in love with a young peasant girl destined to be queen. Every lesson he taught pushed her closer to her destiny, despite his intention to merely protecting her from harm. Each time he travels he re-learns that he cannot change history and Lu Yuan will always chose protecting her country over her life and love.
Was this review helpful to you?
What Does Life Truly Mean?
In this compelling story of "Fake It Till You Make It ", we embark on a profound journey to unravel the essence of life itself. Is it akin to a meticulously scripted movie where every piece effortlessly falls into place? Or do we navigate its twists and turns while relentlessly pursuing our desires? Our story delves into the myriad relationships and perspectives of a group of industrious young individuals from diverse professions. Even within the cocoon of love, there exist two distinct vantage points, each held by the parties involved.In the pursuit of dreams and desires within the relentless rat race of our world, we often wear masks of pretense. We mold ourselves into someone we believe will garner admiration from others, for we reside in a world where pretense is the norm. We toil relentlessly, pushing our boundaries, sometimes sacrificing relationships, health, and happiness along the way. And then, at the culmination of it all, we find ourselves asking the ultimate question: Is it all worth it? Does it carry meaning?
Our story explores the very essence of falling in love, the significance of marriage, and the enigmatic nature of attraction between people. Should we surrender to the whims of fate, letting life take its course, or should we seize control and fight for our desires?
Throughout the story, we witness multiple examples that illuminate the diverse relationships and perspectives of our characters. Tang Ying, haunted by past heartache, yearns for a new relationship but fears rejection. Xu Ziquan, a flamboyant individual, shies away from committing to a lasting relationship. When their paths cross, burdened by their respective baggage and consumed by their careers, they struggle to prioritize their love. Eventually, they come to a realization: they must take a leap of faith, committing to each other wholeheartedly, regardless of the outcome, as long as they give it their all.
Lin Xinzi has always sought the perfect love, envisioning it with a man who embodies ideal looks, status, and wealth. Yet, when she believes she's found the one, she discovers herself suffocating in the suffocating embrace of Xu Jiabai's obsessiveness. After parting ways with Xu Jiabai and meeting Xia Tian, she learns that relationships need not adhere to a script, and life rarely unfolds as planned.
Every character depicted here exudes a striking realism. Encounters with individuals akin to Xu Ziquan, who shy away from commitment, are a common occurrence in our lives. Simultaneously, we often encounter characters like Tang Ying who crave reassurance and commitment at the same time also keeping an eye out for potentially better partners. While the Xu Jiabai character may be toxic, it undeniably mirrors a prevalent archetype in society. This dynamic is a familiar facet of the human experience. The value of this drama lies in its effort to delineate the characteristics of such individuals, enabling viewers to recognize them in real-life scenarios and make informed choices when navigating such relationships.
All the characters are meticulously crafted and portrayed, evolving authentically throughout their journeys. Elvis Han portrays Xu Ziquan's character with a familiarity that resonates with many viewers, while Elvira Cai's Tang Ying is captivating and utterly believable.
As the author poetically observes, "The city never stops; it won't pause for anyone, just like our lives. When we reflect upon the people we encounter, we realize that from the outset, we all strive to move forward and upward. Between pretense and reality, let's offer ourselves some soulful nourishment. Superiors, subordinates, rivals, friends - we often find ourselves trapped in various roles. We say what must be said and do what must be done, staunchly believing that this is life. However, as if scripted, just as pretense reaches its zenith, we stumble upon a universal truth -- prosperity, success, and happiness - these elements are never meticulously planned but are derived from our actual experiences."
"The city has introduced us to countless souls, each revealing the vastness of the world, beyond our wildest imagination. The path we choose should be uniquely ours; discard the well-crafted script. Through struggle and determination, seek a life that truly belongs to us. It's alright if we falter, and it's perfectly fine if we lose our way. What matters most is living in accordance with our heart's desires, for that is the essence of true freedom."
My Verdict
In our relentless pursuit of life's ambitions, there often comes a price. Tang Ying pays with her health, Xu Ziquan carries the weight of a broken relationship. As viewers, we too navigate life's labyrinth, occasionally finding ourselves adrift, much like Tang Ying and Xu Ziquan. However, if we view the lowest moments as transformative phases, we may eventually find our way, just as they do. Above all, let us approach life with expectations, appreciating the occasional moments of reaping its rewards, for therein lies the true essence of our existence, as the author puts it, "常常期待 有時收獲"
This captivating drama unfolds as a rich tapestry of life's profound lessons. It comes highly recommended for those seeking inspiration and introspection.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I picked this drama without expecting too much, since the long synopsis already outlines the drama plot. But once I started I kept wanting to watch the next scene or episode, curious to know what the leads were going to do. Unlike other voluntary time-altering dramas that the protagonists fix the past problems, this drama gives freedom for the three male leads (who initiate the time altering) to do whatever they want to do to follow their hearts. I am also surprised that it is not like a typical Thai drama/lakorn, and definitely free of slap/kiss, attempted sexual assault scenes, or other overly dramatic plot. Also, no mean villains or 'in-laws', and not much of elders involvement. Although as the story goes it gets darker, but I feel like this drama is aimed towards young adults viewers, because of the casual advice given on how to choose wise decisions and no presentation of severe punishments of what they have done.About the ending. Along the drama, there were discussions in GMMTV official Youtube channel (where the English subbed drama was aired) until the final episode on who should end up with who or if someone should end up happily or not. I think the ending is more like a fan-service with satisfying ending, for this drama I am okay if the ending was different than what was presented.
Now the technical stuff. I think the director Dan did a decent job directing this drama with multiple main characters/couples and multiple stories. Lol, even if he did not do a good job there will be a Second Chance beer he can take (a cameo appearance of the director in the closing scene). Also to say the editing is not bad although the viewers are left with some confusions to figure out whether the scene we saw is the reality, the future, or just the dream or wish of the characters. Perhaps some confusing scenes were purposely done to leave the mysterious vibe of the drama.
Some acting are good as all main actors/actress are not newcomers. Some viewers commented that actors/actresses like Nanon, Singto, and Puimek have improved their acting skills in this drama, but since I have not watched lots or any of their works I cannot really judge them. The only thing that I like that some characterization are ambiguous, who can be villains and characters that you may hate at some point in this drama. I am glad that Tor character is remained mysterious: is he just a bar owner, a moonshiner who invented a secret beer recipe, a tarot card fortune teller, an angel, or God?
Whatever Tor is, I applauded Singto Numchok (who played as Tor) as a singer and musician, since the OST song "Second Chance" he wrote and sang is so catchy, a nice sing-a-long song with Caribbean tone. Here is the official MV link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWxjrGM_3WM
Rewatch value? Not really, since you already know how the leads decisions end then the magic is gone. The only thing I may want to rewatch is the OST music video.
Was this review helpful to you?
I want to stop everything… just to be with you
I was getting a lot of A Tale Of Thousand Stars vibes from the series when it started. And I was here for it, I absolutely loved ATOS. But I am also extremely glad that Sky In Your Heart took a different direction. I think the locations were beautiful. I love how we really get to see two extremes of the world in the two Star & Sky series – the sea and the mountains. I think it was a smart play on things from the perspective of creating the series.Fah & Prince: I didn’t want Fah to see Prince just as a rebound from his ex that he was still not really over. So as their relationship developed, I was glad that Prince was shown to be much more to Fah than just a rebound. Fah was taking things slow, and I do appreciate his reasoning behind it – their lives on the mountain are far from reality, so taking things slow is what they both needed. I like the sass that Prince threw at Fah. He might come from money, but he is a surprisingly down to earth person that cares deeply about everyone around him. And while he did appear to be afraid of letting people get too close too quickly, it does make a lot of sense why. I really like that the two had good communications (most of the time), which helped their relationship move forward nicely. Another thing I liked about the two is that just because they are opening to each other and getting closer, their fears and past experiences don’t just disappear. They are still valid, and they still have an impact on both. I like that while some things were shown in a romanticized version, we also saw some very realistic portrayals of situation. One that sticks with me is Fah’s personal live vs. work life dilemma that seems to be a constant struggle for him. Just like it often is for doctors in real life.
Kluen & Dao: The little clips of the two in each episode are adorable. Fah overprotectiveness might be a bit too much at times, but I like it how Kluen doesn’t really look too bothered by it. Actually, he is, but he doesn’t let it dictate his and Dao’s relationship. And the fact that Dao saw through Fah the moment he used the “I have a friend who…” lines was so funny. We all know that the friend is the person asking, but we don’t often see others calling people out for that silliness.
Other side characters were a lot of fun too. I am not really sure why Mesa and JJ had to be on the mountain as well, they weren’t driving, but at least Fah had some help when it came to dealing with his feelings. Even if they were not always helpful. Prince’s mom is an absolute icon! She had me fooled for a bit, even if it didn’t make much sense in relation to how Prince acts and who he is. The chief, the kids, Yayah and the rest of the villagers were a nice addition as well. I do admit Yayah was my favorite of them all. Sincere is basically Typhoon 2.0. I really wanted to hate him, but his actions do make a lot of sense. He loves Prince and he wanted the best for him. He failed to realize that Prince might be the one who knows what is the best for himself.
Was this review helpful to you?
The story is about our titular character forming a class with chosen students to conduct an experiment. With that we meet his students, the class 2-A and the problems caused that he and other teachers have to deal with. It takes us quite a while to find out what the experiment is about but it does add a bit of a mystery to keep your attention close to whats going on. What is most interesting in what is addressed here is trying to define maturity. Society has set up a certain age to it but from the beginning onwards we do observe how maturity varies from one person to another. Suzuki Sensei's mindset, like most teachers, is not ideal that's for sure, but what distinguishes him from others is his awareness of middle schooler's intelligence and maturity, and his ability to treat them seriously.
On the acting department, oh boy isn't it stunning. It is Hiroki Hasegawa's best role, from his expressions when we hear his thoughts, to his composure when addressing a problem. What's most impressive though are the students. Karin Ono, Honoka Miki, Kaoru Fujiwara, Takumi Kitamura, Yukito Nishii, and Tao Tsuchiya to name a few. That generation sure has a bright future if given the chance. On the teachers side Yasuko Tomita sure was impressive, but generally all did a very decent job.
This drama isn't only for those who enjoy school dramas, it's for everyone. We all can relate to it because we all went through similar phases and looked for a safe place to express our thoughts. Maybe we are all looking for a similar place even now that we grew older so we join clubs or online sites such as MDL for that reason as well. What is discussed here are things that left me thinking about even after watching each episode. It isn't preachy at all and doesn't give us a definite answer which is the beauty of it. The characters and the acting makes it most entertaining to watch.
;)
Was this review helpful to you?
The scent of blooming sakura
Yae no Sakura is the 52nd NHK taiga drama that was aired in 2013. It is a biographical depiction of Niijima Yae, also known as Yamamoto Yaeko, famed for her exceptional gunnery skills which she applied to great effect in defending the Aizu Domain during the Boshin War. This momentous event during the late Endo period forever immortalised her as “Jeanne d'Arc of Bakumatsu”. Subsequently during the Meiji era, she then became renowned for helping establish the prestigious Doshisha University in Kyoto, together with her husband Joseph Hardy Neesima.Released in 50 episodes, this drama is epic in every single aspect. The screenplay is written by 3 screenwriters while 5 directors were engaged to helm this mammoth production. Starring a stellar ensemble led by the charismatic Ayase Haruka who is superbly supported by the likes of Odagiri Joe, Hasegawa Hiroki, and Nishijima Hidetoshi among many other supporting and guest actors.
There is an inspirational backstory to the release of Yae no Sakura. It was chosen as the 2013 taiga drama as its central narrative of loss and hope was felt to be timely in the aftermath of the March 11, 2011 Tohoku earthquake.
Personally for me, I consider Yae no Sakura as one of the most endearing biopics that I’ve ever come across. From the profoundly colourful story filled with numerous illustrious historical figures, the intricate details of the events that unfolded amidst the traditions of the era, to the themes exploring in great depth the changing role of women in the new modern Japan, as championed by Niijima Yae.
This is a big budget and high quality production that features exemplary cinematography, elaborately authentic sets, exquisite costumes, decently-executed action choreography and battle scenes, as well as beautifully shot natural landscapes, among various other aspects. Principal photography took place at Aizu region of Fukushima prefecture and Tsuruga Castle, also known as Wakamatsu Castle, Aizuwakamatsu Castle, and Kurokawa Castle. In the drama it is translated as Aizu Castle. It is a Japanese castle located in Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture where the major battle between Aizu samurai warriors and government forces actually took place.
This drama is memorable for being the first production in 28 years since Haru no Hatou in 1985 where the actual person on which the main character is based remained alive until the Showa period. Additionally, it was the first time that a video footage of the actual main character of a taiga drama was used in the drama.
The performance of the entire cast is nothing short of remarkable where each of them gave a decent account of themselves. The real star of the show is undoubtedly Ayase Haruka. Her portrayal of Niijima Yae is testament to the immense talent and finesse that she possesses. Her captivating performance here garnered her the 10th TVnavi Drama of the Year 2013 leading actress award, adding to an already accomplished list of accolades. It’s worth mentioning the wonderful performance of the child actress Suzuki Rio, who played the younger version of Yamamoto Yaeko. She was both adorable and compelling in her depiction, despite the limited screen appearance that she had.
Special mention as well of the beautifully performed main theme of the drama, which was scored by the award-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, in what was the first time he had ever composed music for a taiga drama.
50 episodes represent massive viewing hours indeed, but for Yae no Sakura, it was utterly worth every second. This drama presents a truly compelling insight into Japan’s culture and history during the transitioning of the Edo period to the Meiji era. If you’re a fan of Japanese dramas, her beautiful culture and exciting history, I strongly urge you to give this production a watch. It will definitely be worth your time.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
What I loved most about Ji Sung's performance is that Dr. Cha is often very poker-faced and hard to read, and when he was emotional it was usually very subtle where just a simple look from him, or tap of his finger, could break my heart, or get me excited. He is matched with Lee Se Young as Dr. Kang Shi Yeong, who is pretty young in comparison, so I wasn't sure if they would match well or have any chemistry. I was definitely wrong about that and she was often great at matching his subtle intensity and definitely held her own in all of their scenes together. This is less of a cute romantic pairing and more about watching two people inspire each other to be better. I really enjoyed how they worked together and complimented each other.
As for the rest of the cast, there are supporting characters that I loved and others that were a little annoying. I absolutely loved the team of doctors in the Pain unit, especially Hwang Hee as Dr. Lee Yoo Joon (aka the poor man's Gong Yoo). It felt as if I was actually watching a team bond and come together. On the flip side, I was much less interested in characters like Nurse Chae and prosecutor Son Suk Ki. I thought their story was interesting and resolved well, and I did empathize with them initially, but eventually, their actions became way too repetitive for me to continue to care. A large part of the "mystery" in this story revolves around them and they became my least favorite part of the story. I did like how the story took its time in revealing what was happening, but I wished some parts weren't dragged out for so long once things were revealed, especially in the later episodes. The last few episodes were definitely the weakest.
What I surprisingly did like a lot were the random stories of patients. They were extremely interesting, and their diagnosis was like solving mini-mysteries. Some moments are a little graphic, but never without reason. Many of them also stuck to the show's main themes about what the role of doctors can/should be and the more controversial topic of euthanasia. All of the stories are handled with respect and without heavy-handed judgment, which I think is what makes this show so thought-provoking. Maybe that's why I liked it more than I usually like other hospital dramas.
Would I watch this again? Yes, I can see myself watching this again, although I may be tempted to just skip past a few parts. Some of the mystery would definitely be gone, but it's still entertaining enough to hold my interest. I also think the soundtrack generally complimented this drama well.
Overall, I think this is a great drama to watch, even if you're not into medically-based stories because the mystery element makes it all more entertaining. The love story feels real, although it may not satisfy fans who like a strong focus on romance. It's at times heartbreaking, and frustrating, but also inspiring. The patient's stories are strong enough to override the weak hospital rivalry stories, but overall the hospital atmosphere also felt very real. I am curious about the book this is loosely based on, but I think this drama definitely stands on its own. I also don't understand why Cha translates to "John" but no matter what you call him Ji Sung nailed the role! This is yet another drama that won't be added to my favorites list, but I can't deny what this drama does well and that I am glad I watched it. By the end, I felt good, without there being an extra cheesy feel-good resolution. If you don't think you have a high threshold for dramas like this, give this one a chance, and you may be surprised like I was. I prescribe at least 4 episodes of Dr. John before making a decision. Just like this drama's themes show repeatedly, you can't always go by your first impression, and Dr, John definitely deserves a chance to really be seen, especially if you are a Ji Sung fan. If you're not, I suspect you'll become one after watching!
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: It's based on a manga with the same name by Mizukami Wataru. But, even though it's based on a manga, I felt that it's original because I haven't seen any drama or movie with tumbling especially when it's about men tumbling. Some arcs are better than others, but not one of them was horrible.
Acting: The acting was amazing & top-notch. I was crying a least once in every episode. Everyone in the team have friendship chemistry. I've seen Seto Koji & Yamamoto Yusuke team up in Atashinchi no Danshi before this & they are great together. This would be a great bromance couple. In AND, they have comedic chemistry. In here, they still have that, but there are some scenes where they argued & I felt that. Some people acted better than others, but the plot saved that.
Music: I love the instrumentals. Not all the music was memorable, but it was still good.
Rewatch value: I have rewatched this drama 4 times already & I still love it.
Why watch?: the comedy, tumbling, the bromance galore & a heartfelt & feel good drama.
I have so many favorite scenes in this drama, but I can't spoil here, so this is where I stop. When you do watch it, you won't regret your tears or laughs or your time. It's one amazing Japanese drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
There were characters that were annoying and did questionable things, what looked like the antagonists weren't really antagonists because no one in this drama was really a "bad" person. They are just shown as human beings. The characters developed and changed for the better. There were a lot of really heartwarming moments and heartbreaking ones as well, a lot of heart in this drama. There were scenes and dialogues that were quite inspiring. I would say that if you are watching this for the romance then you better not stay for it because the romance wasn't the main focus, but character growth among the casts. And the cast did a great job playing the characters.
Was this review helpful to you?
I Felt Cheated, A Waste
The drama started with so much potential. At first I like the female lead coming from the country to the big city. She left her parents because they where forcing her to marry someone she did not liked. I thought WOW this will be a strong women character. I was fool. The lead character became a naïve innocent petty female who everyone's problem was on her shoulder and fell guilty about the wrong doing that everyone did. Even when people betrayed her and stab her in her back she still would take responsibility and trust them. Through all the episode the lead female character to me became pathetic and annoying. She had 3 men in her life that she said she love but showed very emotion. I even laugh that she sleep with the first 2 but with the 3rd, the leading male she had him sleep on the sofa. The friendship between the 3 leading female was also questionable. I really did not consider them friends. The leading male the only one that I fell gave us a good story was "Yang Ting Dong" who realized that the women he was chasing would never care fro him and allow someone else in his heart. The lead male was also annoying. He could not speak up and correct things and preferred for someone else take his love away. Instead he stay with the women he did not like and only wanted her as a friend. That was the 2nd lead female who would say one thing and do another. She never accepted "Yang Ting Dong" because they were friends and she would not want to break that friendship but like the "Xing Tian Ming" who was also her friend. Did she like him better because he had money. I did not feel he treated her that good for her to be in love with him. The worst is that the lead main characters do not get together until the last 2 episodes and then they still throw another problem that get s everything solve in the last 7 minutes. I wasted my time. This drama could have been shorter and a better script. I found episodes 9-35 boring with the same all thing. They leave everything for all the characters to be solve with in the last 5 episodes. The actors try their best for a good performance but the scrip stinks.Was this review helpful to you?
