Honestly, this is one of my new favorite dramas. The acting, direcing, writing, sets, costumes-- all stunning. We finally got a few REAL kiss scenes from Bie (who's a great kisser) and Esther (who's a good kisser compared to just about every other Thai actress).
STORY: Amazing. The storytelling was consistent, thoughtful, and heartfelt. I usually find melodramas cheesy (let's face it, You're My Destiny is a melodrama), but this one was able to make me laugh and cry without overdoing anything. I especially loved the character development in the last four episodes; it's obvious that both Wanida and Pawut changed, but they were still fundamentally the same people. The family values were sweet, and Taya was totally hot (poor second lead...). And no NANG RAI!!!! Thank goodness, everyone in this drama were logical, NORMAL people and not crazy psychopaths!
The story was a little out-there, but that's the point of You're My Destiny; Pawut and Wanida were brought together by fate.
The only complaint I have was with the ending. Sure, everything was satisfactorily wrapped up, aside from the aunt and her son (I'm not really even sure why they were in the drama... even the other characters seemed to forget about them), but the way it was wrapped up felt very abrupt. They should have split some of the wrap-ups between the last two episodes instead of spending three episodes being completely unproductive story-wise.
ACTING/CAST: I mean, Bie's cute, but I honestly think Esther and Taya were the standouts in this drama. Esther often plays the innocent pushover role, but when she transformed into the later Wanida who wasn't a pushover and who was willing to fight for her man, that's when her acting really shone. Taya was adorable and hot for one, but he also did a very good job of portraying his one-sided love for Wanida. You could tell he had feelings for her just by the way he looked at Nid. And his abs...
MUSIC: Lots of variety to this soundtrack, great OST by Bie. I especially loved the "Smile" song that Bie sang in English... that one made me bawl my eyes out when they played it at the end of episode 13, which is a first for me.
REWATCH VALUE: I would definitely rewatch this one, in spite of the slightly disappointing ending. The acting, directing, and story are just too good to limit to one watch.
I HIGHLY recommend this drama for anyone who enjoys beautiful dramas that avoid the Thai drama stereotypes, and loves heartwarming stories with happy endings.
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This review may contain spoilers
I hate this
All is nothing like the novel. Kim dokja wants to save the world? The heck. He was fucking happy that this happened. And kim dokja's mom was the most important part of his life and he blamed his mother for his father's death but the director changed that. And my girl yoo sang ah being the typical cliche type of a healer is what disgusted me the most. Like bro, she is the opposite of what healer does. And they making my queen jung huiwon have not the original backstory speaks volume to me about the director bro.Was this review helpful to you?
Story: We know it & love it. Season 2 is coming in 2014(hopefully)! Yeah!!!! :) I've seen all the versions! The manga, It Started with a Kiss, They Kiss Again(ISWAK 2), Playful Kiss & this one. There is supposed to be a Chinese version of this story, Say that you love me, but it's very loosely based on Itazura na Kiss story(very very). So yeah! Huge fan of the story & series. Part of this series was a tiny bit dragging, but got over it
Acting: Miki is great as Kotoko! She made Kotoko more lovable than ever. Miki makes Kotoko like what a real girl could be like when it comes to liking someone. Yuki Furukawa was amazing a Naoki. He was cold & stoic, but not as "evil" as the other version of Naoki were. Yuki Yamada did a great job as Kin-chan. This drama made Kin-chan not annoying all the way through! I feel that Kin-chan was a little more mature in this version than the other. Like Kin-chan loves Kotoko, but will do anything to make her happy, even if it means letting go of Kotoko.
Music: Not very memorable at all, but theme songs cute.
Rewatch Value: I watched this as I was airing & I rewatched each episodes more than 3 times before the next episode aired! I truely was addicted to this drama from start to finish.
Watch this drama if you are a fan of:
The Itazura na Kiss Story. . .
The Comedy. . .
The Romance . . .
And The Friendship aspect. . .
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Good drama if you love main leads ❤️
I'm truly a big fan of drama especially Korea, so i just give overview, firstly it's interesting at the beginning but after 15 episodes you will find it a little bit annoying and just a waste of time. for me last 5 episode was boring so i skipped almost all 5 episodes 😁😁😁(it's just my. view)
Also support characters are good especially maids of princess and Kui Mulan
Devils are a stupid i think
especially when they defeated by main leads
good point i love female lead when they have power, i think Princess Qi Pa just did what she wanted and said what she wanted, i look forward to her next dramas ( I've already fallen in love with Kui Mulan)
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A New Age Wuxia
Unlike wuxia by Jin Yong and his contemporaries, this is a nontraditional wuxia drama. Though still embodies the basic wuxia elements of chivalry in social and moral codes, its heavy use of CGI in depicting the exaggerated inner energy and superpower with people flying like birds, has rendered it more like, rather, feel like a xianxia drama. And that makes this drama stand out from the other wuxia dramas.There are a lot of firework displays in the fighting scenes with characters showcasing their powers and prowess, zipping through buildings and landscape, moving mountains and dividing seas. More serious wuxia buffs may not appreciate such exaggerations, but the story and the characters are captivating.
Like most wuxia stories, there are many characters here and together with their criss-crossing relationships, it can be confusing. Some characters can also have multiple shifus (teachers) with different skills. On top of that, some characters may appear at the beginning episodes, never reappear until at very much later episodes. Therefore, watching with a character map can help greatly if spoilers are acceptable, at the same time, take notes.
All the characters are complex, interesting and lovable, and the selection of actors is spot on. I love Li Hongyi’s indifferent demeanor which is just perfect for the role as Xiao Se who has lost all his strength and doesn't seem to care a bit even if the sky is falling. Liu Xueyi’s cheekiness and funny aura are ideal as the hilarious Wu Xin the monk who makes me laugh whenever he opens his mouth. Ao Ruipeng looks and acts like a big baby, and fits seamlessly as the innocent and chivalrous Lei Wujie who has a terrible sense of direction. Every other character matches its actor, giving viewers a convincing performance. The dialogs are unexpected but logical and humorous.
The story spans from the initial episodes of adventure, meeting people and making friends, to later episodes of intense palace politics with deadly scheming and assassinations. There are several characters whom I like a lot but they either die early or never appear again. Thanks goodness there's no romance between the main leads, though there is some subtle love interest.
My Verdict
Fast moving, intense, humorous, captivating, lovely characters, great acting, superb directing, editing and production. Indeed kudos to the new and refreshing way of telling a wuxia story.
A must-watch. Two thumbs up! BRAVO!
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This review may contain spoilers
Regret. That's what I felt after wasting more than 3 precious days of my life binge watching this hot mess. But if you asked me how I felt, say, 28 episodes or so in, I would've gushed loudly and happily, rambling on about the great chemistry, suspenseful story and amazing atmosphere. Sure, I would've admitted to plot holes and glaringly obvious breaks of logic, but my love for the passionate romance would have made me gladly overlook the negatives.
What went wrong, then? What made me go from giving this show a solid 7.5 (or even an 8) to giving a measly 5 (which I have given very reluctantly, considering how I actually want to give it a 4)?
To start off, I'll say this: The female lead is utter bullcrap. I have never, in ANY of the dramas I've watched, seen such a fickle, pushy, entitled and naive female lead- she's about as frail and intelligent as a dandelion. There is a limit to how dumb you can be, but this heroine surprises me every time. I can't say anything without spoiling the show for you (if, you know, you're still adamant to watch the show), but she acts VERY immature and heartless sometimes.
She's beauty,
She's grace,
She's a COMPLETE waste of space.
The male lead is dense. There's no other way of saying it. He constantly pushes around the female lead, directly or indirectly dictating her life and clings like a vine. I get it, you like her (for reasons beyond my understanding), but, sheesh, get yourself under control, man. But I'd take him over her moody ass any day; he was at least likeable.
But despite the problems I had with the characters, the story was engaging. It made me stay up till 3:30 in the morning on weekdays, desperately trying to find out what happened next...
...which is probably what made the shit that went down after (maybe) the 30th episode feel almost like betrayal.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The heroine chooses, CHOOSES, to believe some random seedy looking dude she just met over the male lead (who she, by this time, already hooked up with and has his bun in her oven) that he killed her parents. She doesn't bother to confirm what she heard or to even ASK the male lead on if it's true or not. No, she just packs up and LEAVES.
And then, through some miracle of god, somehow ends up joining a group of rebels whose aim is to drive away the Japanese from Shanghai (and possibly, China). Yes, this chick, who has never held a gun in her life, got magically chosen to train with an elite group of rebels, who just happen to have the support of high-ranking officials in Shanghai, such as our male lead. Not only her, even the pissy and spoilt second male lead who just smells of bad decisions manages to snag a top spot with the group.
But maybe she's actually good? Maybe she actually learned some moves? WRONG! In the first fight we see her participate in, she comes in an expensive coat, loose hair and heels. HEELS! Not even practical block heels, but freaking 3-4 inch pencil heels!
Alas, somehow, I'm not even surprised at this point.
Final thoughts: Skip. Escape. This should go to the dustbin of Chinese drama history, where it should never rear its pitiful head again.
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Mukai Osamu is really adorable and his acting isn't bad either. I like how his character George seems to be comfortable with himself and makes the people around him comfortable. Kitagawa Keiko as Yukari (Caroline...lol) was just beautiful and I really felt the character's struggle to find herself. Did I mention she is gorgeous??? The other actors were great also especially Igarashi Shunji as Isabella. I absolutely adore Isabella.
The music is really good too.
I will probably rewatch this at some point.
I recommend this to everyone. :-)
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To those seeking answers if it's worth watching, what is it about or what can you expect. How is it? Well, it's lighthearted moments are fantastic and drama moments too. Sadly the writing, motivations of villains and overall frustration is something that you have to overlook to move on. Writers and villains will do everything in their power to make the drama frustrating just for the sake of frustration. The main cast tries to do everything but the GOD of this drama just plays with you and will frustrate you from the beginning till the end. Even the "redemption arc" is not enough to redeem these villains. Their actions and their writing is unacceptable. There was potential because you can see that people are actually mentally ill and should do something about it but you get only few mentions and nobody takes it seriously.
If you are looking for something where the main cast gets through the trouble by the first half and then will have happy moments, look somewhere else. People will be together and people will fight. Tears will be shed and blood shall be spilled (oh wait... I don't remember this part about blood being in the drama). The progress is really fast and mature and with that sadly comes the decision to make it frustrating even sacrificing some sanity and common sense. The frustration lasts till the end and it's not even frustration over the characters but more like frustration over writing stuff that will make you scream "how is this happening AGAIN! WHY! But you know what, I still have to say if you can watch some quality acting and magnificent chemistry, go for it and skip the parts you want to skip. You can sit through the hours of frustration and angst and unreasonable WTH moments and take it all in or you can just take parts of it and enjoy it by your standards.
Story: Feels like watching torture and degradation of main cast waiting for happy moments of insanely good chemistry and funny interaction.
Acting: Absolutely amazing. You might love some characters. You might despise some characters with passion. You might hate the writers but these people can act. Despite very questionable reasons, decisions, twists and whatsoever, these actors can act.
- If you hate angst, stupid decisions and don't want to be frustrated or don't like arrogant (and often rude) but strong female lead - avoid it.
- If you want just some sweet romance and skinship with good chemistry - avoid it or watch it and skip the parts you want to skip - make it your own experience.
- If you want to watch people burn - Go for it
- If you want some mature experience and are able to get through the frustration or are ok with skipping some parts - Go for it
- If you are a fan of one of the two main actors - Go for it.
Despite all my criticism here or down in the comment section, I had a blast. Maybe it was the acting, maybe it was the mature feeling. Maybe it was all of it and more. As I am writing this, only a few people on this site actually watched it and I wish these "hidden gems" could get more recognition.
More info and spoilers in the comment section.
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To be honest, at first i didn't really get it but then wow... so glad i choose to rewatch it. believe me, the time you spend watching this won't be for nothing. surely it will trully make your mood goes up and down!!!
Give it a try and you'll be so happy with yourself for doing so. :)
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1A rollercoaster of emotions
This is by far, my favoutite bl series of all time.To My Shore is a series that really stuck with me like no other bl series ever did. Not because it made me feel good by watching it, but because it showed me something you don’t see very often. I saw two people who are so different, yet somehow share so much. And their common ground isn’t pretty, it’s pain, scars, and the walls they’ve built to survive.
What hit me the most is that both of them carry really heavy pasts. Each in their own way, but both have learned to live with their pain. One tries to control things so he won’t lose, the other endures so he won’t fall apart. And somewhere in the middle, they meet.
The love in this series isn’t healthy, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s twisted, suffocating, full of dependence and fear. It’s a romance nothing like I’ve seen before, it’s not safe, not balanced. But it’s intense and real. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
I never felt like the series was telling me “this is right.” Instead, it showed me what happens when two wounded people try to love each other without having healed themselves first. Sometimes I felt uncomfortable, sometimes angry, sometimes just sad to the bone. But I couldn’t stop watching.
To My Shore isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who can handle seeing love without filters, without sugarcoating. For those who understand that love isn’t always salvation, sometimes it’s a mirror. And this mirror, in this series, shows things that stick with you long after it’s over.
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Better read the novel, better life
At this point, everyone has already said everything. I'm gonna say the director shouldn't have messed with the original novel. Original storyline was far more better than the movie. Changing that only made the novel fans angry. The fans were hopeful that their favourite novel was getting an adaption. I was excited too. To see all my fav actors in my fav novel. But it all went in vain. They acted as if it was their first time acting. Why did they have to acte like that? Does this look like a zombie apocalypes??? They shouldv'e declined the role if they were not confident. Money hungry basta....Was this review helpful to you?
Story:
The story is nothing special. It is quite "safe" - a basic love story with predictable high and low notes. My biggest qualm was the attempt to boost the melodrama in the latter part of the drama by the characters making illogical decisions.
Acting/Cast:
Krystal and Rain were an okay couple, but their chemistry was lacking. Also probably due to their huge age gap the drama kept their skinship to a minimum and this further made their chemistry and romance lukewarm. Krystal is extremely young and although she did portray most of the emotions well, I still felt her character was less real compared to Rain´s. All in all the cast was okay, but most of the characters seemed hollow and not very interesting.
Music:
This drama is mostly about music so you would think they would pull out all the stops to push the music, but I only liked one of the songs in the drama. The worst song in the drama was unfortunately the one they played every time something romantic was going on. Of course music is very personal and someone else might enjoy the songs in the drama, but they just weren't for me.
Rewatch Value:
I don´t think I will be watching this drama again. There were no epic love scenes in the drama, nothing especially memorable or exciting.
Review Summary:
I gave this drama 7.5, because it was okay, but it didn't offer anything new. I would recommend this drama to anyone who really watches a LOT of dramas and enjoys either Krystal or Rain. This drama is also a good newbie drama, because it has most of the drama clichés, but it isn't too over the top and it doesn't delve into Korean culture as it feels very global and generic.
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Warm family time
The excerpt truly summarizes this drama perfectly. It is the exact plot of the drama. Nothing extra happens.This drama is a multi-starrer. I'm sure, every once in while watching those thrilling leads give their all of their love stories, we wonder what happened to the people around them, their friends and family? Like a running joke of where the parents are in all those young adult save the world novels. If you are one of those people, you would love this series. It is centered around romance, but with the context of marriage. There are 5 (and some extra) romance plot lines.
Every parent worries about what would happen to their children when they eventually pass away. Who would accompany them, care about them with sincerity when they are no longer around? Mrs. Li also has the same worries. Truly a tigress raising her children, while single handedly fending off packs of wolves. All of her precious 5 girls are domineering, far from the delicate traditionally feminine, 'demure' behavior that is generally deemed as acceptable then (even now). They're famously called the "The 6 Fierce Li Ladies from Louyang". The drama, essentially follows the Li family's daughters as they find a suitable partner, a perfect match to peacefully live life well.
Each Li lady as her own personality, her own attitude and quirks, and the story follows how they find a groom, marry, and then get settled into family life. There were some concerns about the ML being red flags, and while they arent unfounded, The story gives each one of them a redemption arc of sorts. The drama's idea of a perfect match is that ML and FL have complimentary personalities, so even the borderline red flag behaviors of the ML is kind of directed towards only outsiders, to protect the family (their + Lis). There is an element of FL 'taming' the ML. The FL are written to be extra fierce to make up for the naturally unbalanced misogynistic power gradient due to the nature of the historic setting. An important feature to note, almost all ML have a close female family member influence - a single mother, a dear sister, a grandmother. It was very lowkey tho, idk if it was intentional or to send a message to audience.
Watch this drama if:
1. You like Multi starrer, family drama
2. The brides family doesnt abandon her in any way. As long as their daughter is alive, she is welcome at home. Even if she comes sobbing on her wedding night. Even when shes a widow. Li family doesnt abandon their daughters.
3. Ladies making it big (living well) in a mans world. Fighting against the general ridicule and malicious attacks of people who deem them as a weak spot. They're able to fend them off by themselves, and later with more ease by help of the MLs.
4. Dutiful ML- The MLs stand for and are concerned about their wives family. They willingly actively participate in family meetings and help in major decisions. Its shown that its to get brownie points for their wives, but thats not the whole reason, they are really sincere.
5. Hilarious Li family Husband alliance - little bit of bromance (tiny bit). A support group of sorts.
6. Matraich family
7. Monogamy- MLs swear that in case of death of wife, shall mourn for atleast 3 years before marrying again, (or in one case, even follow to die). Shall not take any other woman while married to wife.
8. Crash course on how not to get bullied and preventing your daughter/ sister from getting bullied/ harassed after marriage.
9. All marriage problems and discord are solved by the interference of the Li family (not unwelcome - only when asked). Li daughters arent spoiled, they are scolded also, for being to harsh on their husband (in one case). All FL, and other ML give advice on how to solve situation without compromising on self's dignity.
Dont watch this drama if:
1. I seriously cant think of a reason.
2. All the usual c drama trigger warnings apply, but no cannon fodder. No side character dies.
3. I may have forgotten since i was watching this while airing.
4. Maybe if you dont like imperfect, borderline red flag (pre - redemption arc) ML. (Every ML becomes better except the 2nd)
5. If you watched this drama for Wang Xing Yue his role is quite little (cameo like) since this is a multi-starrer. I think it was strategically placed to seemed like he is solo ML, so that by the time 3rd couple is settled, we are grasped by Li Family and no longer care about Chai An (played by Wang Xing Yue).
Possible spoilers below. Recommended read at own risk if ur concerned about red flag MLs:
I'll briefly summarise the themes around romance of each Li daughter (by order of birth):
1. Age gap, substitution marriage, poor grounded ML, mature gentle FL. Mature romance. FL 2nd marriage. Older FL. Distant to close bond transformation.
2. this was the most bland and bleh. Ig fool- naive ML (sorry). But he means well at least. (He doesnt grow up)
3. Scheming ML and FL, battle of the wits, scheming to marry each other by tricks, misunderstandings - chemistry, rich- poor gradient.
4. Upright gentle stern (green forest) ML, gentle cute yet quietish FL. Flash Marriage. Aiding other through injury- strengthening bond. Older ML. Distant to close bond transformation.
5. Rich bratty ML (very bratty - red flag, but surprisingly has a turnaround with story arc), Domineering FL (red flag - beats everyone- husband beater). Out of all, has the most 'taming' element. Bride Kidnapping. ML supporting FL against in-laws. FL standing upto in-laws. FL beating up in-laws. FL straightening out ML to inspire him to become better person. ML becoming decent man for FL.
Idk if i missed out on anything 'cause i was watching this while it aired.
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Good drama and would recommend
The ost is one of my favorite parts of the drama and the chemistry among the cast is pretty good ,romantically and non romantically. The characters and overall drama is funny. The ML and FL were good characters and I really like FL. Her reactions are valid for the most part ,in the situations she's put in. Their facial expressions are on point, especially FL , and ML is good with face expressions especially his eyes. They look pretty natural in a way and it looks like they're not acting when they are with each other. Would watch againWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Don't like the ending at all!!!
This drama was great at the beginning but in my opinion she was really mean to him, and in the end he always came back to her i think she was really narcissistic and thinks only on her and not on hyuk feelings for my it wasn't fair or gain at all , and she only said that she loves him in the last episode when all he did for her from the beginning was love .They deserve better ending, the secondary leads had better ending than theirs this was a complete disappointment for me because it was a great drama.
For me was more gain than love , for the secondary actors than them .
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