This is a movie which beautifully relies on simplicity to tell an emotional tale. It's a quiet tale, full of feeling, full of longing. It's a deeply felt journey.
The gist of it is simple: China, 80s, the moutains of Hunan. A son is taking over the postman position of his father, who is forced to retirement due to arthritis. And for his first time doing it the father walks along, to teach him. The job is fairly simple: Walk a certain designated route, dropping mail in villages. But it's not that simple, because the postman must understand the villagers- and their hearts and the relationships among them.
It is a story of a father and son- and the understanding that passes between them of how much sacrifice this job entails. The son already kknows this and yet the journey together, the journey of passage for one and initiation for another- brings them to a point of transition and deeper understanding. This journey becomes a touchstone of both of their lives. It is a story of mutual appreciation, and of strenghtening the father-son bond but also increasing the love for the heart of the family, the mother, and her own sacrifices.
For anyone who knows and identifies with the joy but at the same time heartbreak of solitude and/or who enjoys solitary walks in the moutains, this movie may just prove a beautiful sight. For anyone who knows the separation from family for a long time due to a sense of duty or because of job, this may also be something to identify with.
It may not be a film for everyone, for it is slow, perhaps too slow, deliberate and reflective and lets feelings unfold on screen, though it speaks through facts and situations. It's a story of a father and son, the story of inheritance, the story of a journey of initiation and of sacrifice. It is accompanied with beautiful scenery and calming music- at times soaring with nostalgia which pierced right through me, beautiful cinematography, breathtaking at times, as we witness the wide expanses of the great moutains, the significane of the job in such a rural area becomes even more pronouces, as is the sacrifice. There is also some very intimate camera work at times.
It may seem very dated to some, however.
The acting is very sensitive and restrained from both actors and their bond feels very real; there is good character development as they learn more about each other The dog is also very prominent. The Chinese title of the film is "Those Mountains, Those People, That Dog", where the dog refers to the dog that accompanies our postmen on the way, a trusted companion, almost the second son, in the solitude of the long path that takes the postman away from home for many long weeks.
It's a thoroughly beautiful piece, which very much affected me the first time I saw it. I was very much taken by the painting the film created. For that reason alone, this movie will always be special for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
So, I adored the story line.. It had real character building (even though it's a movie) and all the small stories that were featured were heartbreakingly moving in a beautiful way. This is a bit of a cry movie, but in a sweet way (and you actually feel happy about crying).
The acting was good, nothing to be amazed about. She did a great job, he did it a bit less (but that was due to the very tiny character building on the male lead side) but the lovely thing in this movie were all the suporting role, they made the movie sweet and fun to watch.
However, for Running Man fans... get ready to grin your face off... Lee Kwang Soo has a super fun suporting role (and there are cameo's of his RM colleagues)
Well, because of the important role of music in the movie (she's a radio DJ and ex-idol and all) you would expect an outstanding Original Soundtrack... That was not really the case, but if you watch the movie you'll get why I gave a 10 for music.
All in all, the movie gives a good vibe and message about how people sacrifice themselves to help others and the importance of loved-ones
Definitely a rewatch
p.s. can be watched in any mood. Really, any mood.
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the Best BL
I almost waited for this BL for more than a year and finally, I am sad that today is the last episode.It's the best BL I ever watched. First I started this for Earth but Mix's acting skill blow me away. Because of his acting skill, you can feel it more and more into it. I like the fact that this is not related to any college love story as is a completely different story altogether. I really don't want to make any spoiler here but it's definitely worth watching this series and will recommend this too.
Was this review helpful to you?
adorable and heartwarming
overall this was an adorable movie that showed us a the anxiety and determination that comes with liking someone and attempting to date them.I really was pleastly surprised with this one. there isn’t a lot of angst, it’s more the struggle of getting to that first step. both MCs were great and you could really feel how they both wanted to progress but were nervous. and I LOVED the co-worker. she was their number one supporter, and girl, same.
this is honestly a heartwarming, wonderful, story.
Was this review helpful to you?
If you're expecting "Oh look! A zombie! KILL IT! OMNOMNOM" for an hour and a half then this may not be your cup of tea.
This film is a collection of different stories ranging from the beginning of the "infection" to the world after a cure is found and zombies have had the effects reversed.
It's very different from your traditional zombie movie in a sense that it doesn't just focus on the mindless beasts that eat everything and the buff guys that appear to shoot them - it focuses on the relationships, the philosophical and ethical aspects of zombiedom and post zombiedom.
A few things could've been developed a bit more, but overall it was a very satisfying watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
There was nothing that took you by surprise so I don't think it's re watch value is very high. That said I really enjoyed it while it lasted.
The episodes only last 15mins as it is a Web drama and there are only 8 of them. So if you are looking for a filler while you wait for your hair dye to take, or if you are sat waiting for the bus then this is the drama for you.
Happy Viewing
Was this review helpful to you?
By the way,i also plan to watch the 2008 version of "Ngao Asoke" starring Pong and Peung and will probably skip the 2016 version starring Sean and Eshter,not many people enjoyed it as much.
Ekarat Sarasuk plays as the good-natured and noble rich heir Monthai who thinks that his heroine the gentle angel-alike beauty Beechat (played by Ae Isariya Saisanan) is a gold-digging impostor of his girlfriends who he haven`t seen for 8 years since his depart to Australia.What he doesn`t know is that Beechat is the real woman who wrote him all the letters of love over all these years.Even not knowing this...he still can`t resist his heart that pulls him towards her.
Was this review helpful to you?
Surprisingly entertaining short web drama
Completed - 4/15/2022MangoTV has been churning out these short web dramas that are surprisingly entertaining. I am not sure why this drama is called "The Killer is Also Romantic" as the Chinese title is the combination of the leads names, Nian Nian Wu Ming. It could be loosely translated as Missing/Thinking of Wu Ming.
In a little over 3 hours, this drama is able to tell a funny and interesting story about a couple who each has a hidden identity. The fun is when each of the leads tries to hide their real identity and personality, and of course, we want to find out what happens when the secrets are out. As another reviewer said, it's like the Chinese historical version of Mr & Mrs Smith. Coming into this, I have pretty low expectations, just like the other MangoTV drama "Emperor or Boss", which has the same male lead, Yang Ze. The plot is simple, but the chemistry and acting are decent. For a low budget web drama, I am pleased to see that nothing seems cheap. There is no annoying character, two smart and capable leads and we got some decent kisses (and many almost kisses).
If you need a palate cleanser from a serious drama and got a few hours to kill, this is perfect.
Was this review helpful to you?
Sometimes, a happy couple not always ending as a happy marriage. All of kindness in relationship can change when someone play with heart. When you cheat at your spouse, everythings never be the same.
but don'tt worry, there's a rainbow after the rain :)
Overall... I love this movie. Worth to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Best Wuxia movie I've watched this year!
Idk what the reviewers are talking about. I got hooked by this movie because of trailers. Hollywood made a ton of shitty trailers, DONT FOLLOW THEM! Anyhoo, I admit the martial arts in this movie were a bit flashy, ppl flying off a horse, lots of jumping and flying kick...... BUT THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD. The cinematic fight scenes did help to make you glued to the screen. While they make the plot so simple : guarding an important figure to chang'an but giving the backstory of the MC and his enemies. Also HOW IS NIC TSE STILL LOOK THE SAME LIKE 20 YEARS AGO? HE'S 52! costume wise, it's in a desert, so the tone is earthy colour. There's one scene remind me of Mad Max lol. Overall if you're looking for a wuxia movie, you can try this one.Was this review helpful to you?
Yui and Abe’s acting skills are impeccable and the way they play off each other is captivating! Actually, everyone was really great, such natural and organic scenes which were composed mostly of dialog, GREAT dialog which grew and simmered like real conversations… so realistic, at times if seemed like I was watching a hidden camera video recording of some family’s life!
Watching this has really reinforced my Yui Natsukawa love, man…she was so doggone pretty and delicate in this one, not at all like the tough realist Natsumi Hayakawa (her character in Kekkon Dekinai Otoko), but both really great characters. And of course, no matter who she plays, her characters always have those signature dimples, and in fact, there's a scene where Mother (played excellently by the awesome Kiki Kirin) even comments, "Oh, you have cute dimples!" LOLOL
PS. Was really cool to realize the line “Aruitemo, Aruitemo” used as the title of this movie came from none other than the immensely gorgeous Japan chanteuse Ayumi Ishida’s song “Blue Light Yokohama”, how cool is THAT!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
First and foremost, this production is well-made, well-cast and well-acted. The leads are capable and play their roles with class and conviction. The villains, oh my, they made me grit my teeth and ball my fists throughout three-quarters of the show but it’s all thanks to the brilliance of Wu You as the contemptible Wu Xin and her dorky, shameless mother, Wang Ai Yu. The duo gets away with witchery, spinning lies over the course of 17 years.
Amidst this human sorcery, life goes on blissfully for Zhang Guo Guo, growing up not knowing her fate as the heiress to an esteemed embroidery powerhouse. But truth and destiny will prevail as the power of the plot and amazing acting tie every event together in a journey worth our patience.
Very much a melodrama, with all the angst and tears you’d expect from this genre, Guo Guo and Yun Kai’s sweet and uncomplicated love for each other is secondary only to the main storyline— Guo Guo returning to her roots. Also entwined in all the sub-plots is the enduring message of maternal and paternal love - biological or adoptive, it can be likewise powerful or destructive.
Stellar, stellar cast including little Le Tong. What an ensemble of perfection. Well worth the angst!
Was this review helpful to you?
sweet & charming innocence
the story feels like a prequel to a love story but it does so in a cute and charming way. went into this not sure what to expect due to such a wildly mixed bag of opinions, but I found myself laughing a lot throughout the episodes. loved seeing winny and satang in this too, they both added so much to the already great story. in fact, the supporting cast were all amazing, this felt really well in terms of their performance together.this is lighthearted, with a great representation of fearful, timid, yet entirely sweet dancing around with the idea of confessing. thoroughly enjoyed all of this.
my only subtraction to my score is having to see joong be so serious for most of this. would’ve loved to see him act cutely more lol
Was this review helpful to you?
Anyway, there is no question as to how well KMM portrayed his role. I feel bad though that "Jeon Ji Won's "(JYH) character was not completely fleshed out. I enjoyed listening to the two arguing in court, not for the content but for their voices.
I may re-watch, perhaps, just to try and understand what al the talk was about.
This is not a drama for everyone unless you are KMM fan.
Was this review helpful to you?
Addictive murder mystery period drama with complex characters
This show had me hooked from the beginning! It had so many of my favorite TV elements: a slow reveal of characters' complex backstories, a murder mystery, glamorous period costumes, and a variety of badass female characters. Also, compared to Taiwan's normal campy, cutesy TV fare (which I do love, to be clear), Light the Night is a huge step up in production quality and story.The show revolves around Rose and Sue, two best friends and house mothers of a 1980s Taipei nightclub. As the episodes unfold, we learn about each of the supporting characters and the drama leading up to the pilot episode's murder. We don't learn the murder victim's identity until the very end, setting us up for Season 2 to investigate the murderer's identity.
I would highly recommend watching this show not just once but multiple times; it's definitely the type of show where you'll pick up subtle details during a rewatch. An artfully crafted story, superbly acted, scored, and production designed, I can't wait for Season 2!
Was this review helpful to you?
