Reviews

High expectations are the key to disappointment

This is going to be a rant/review with the length of an essay, so friendly reminder that this is my personal opinion. I intended to make this spoiler-free, but I just had to mention a few scenes that made me roll my eyes in the plot/characters and directing part of my review.

Remember 15 was one of my most anticipated series of the year and it did disappoint me in almost all aspects possible. Before ranting, I want to mention the two things that I liked about it.

Promotion: I want to applaud the team that was responsible for the promotion of this series. The posters, especially the first one, were some of the best I have ever seen. The official teaser prepared the viewer for a suspenseful, gory series that would also focus on the characters and their stories and it was very well edited.

Acting: The portrayal of the characters from their respective actors was probably the best thing this series had to offer. They all did a decent job, taking into consideration the fact that the characters were not that well-written.

Now to the rant:

Directing: I usually don't pay that much attention to the directing, since in most series it is neither praise-worthy nor rant-worthy. However, in this case things are different. If someone told me, they changed the director after the first two-three episodes I would probably believe them. Even though it felt like it got improved in some way (not that it was good, but not as bad) the way they shot the first few episodes was amateurish at best. There were some shaky camera movements, even in scenes that there was no reason for the camera to be shaky (basically scenes where they were just standing and not running). Some unneeded (and shaky) close-ups, that not only did not create the atmosphere they aimed for, but also made the scene look even more ridiculous. Some outrageous shots that were filmed badly - worse than when I was filming a commercial for school-. There is this one scene where two characters are face to face and it is supposed to be intense, but the camera angle allows the viewer to see half of the face of one of the characters and not even that well, because her hair was getting in the way. And let’s not forget the scene when Fone lost her eye from the branch of a tree. That branch went so deep that it should have destroyed her eye completely, yet someone thought ‘’let’s make the screen red, to show that Fone is seeing red from the blood that she lost'', when she is not supposed to see anything, because her eye is gone!

Make-up: After watching the teaser of the series, I expected a decent amount of gory scenes and there were some, but the way they did the make-up was pretty bad in many of the cases. As a result it felt fake and it ruined the gore aspect that was supposed to be one of the main themes of Remember 15. Frankly, there are many times that I, and probably many other viewers, have seen some pretty bad CGI or some pretty bad make-up scenes (with a very recent example being Under the Skin). However, unlike those dramas, Remember 15 should have some realistic gory scenes to make the plot and the atmosphere work.

Plot/Characters: I wouldn’t mind that much if the plot was perfect and all the other aspects were lacking, but even the script was not well-written. The series has basically two timelines, one happening in the past and one taking place in the island. As a viewer, I anticipated some suspenseful scenes in the events happening in the island, but unexpectedly, the past of the characters was much more interesting to watch. Generally, the majority of the plot and the actions of the characters made no sense. I know I should throw my brain out of the window, when I have to, so I can enjoy a series, but this one was so outrageously stupid at some points that it was hilarious and a bit insulting to watch. The characters' reactions made no sense. Everything worked as a plot tool to make the story develop -if I can call that development-.
Everyone is so emotionless and their reactions (or to be more precise the lack of them) make no sense. People are dying and everyone is so calm! In one of the scenes Bozo (or another male character, I don’t remember) finds Bew with blood on his hands and with a dead body near him (that probably has no head left, because Bew smashed it with a rock) and he looks calmer than when I am having a walk in the park. People get severely injured, but they survive and can function properly, when the script says so, but others with less serious injuries can’t even walk straight. The characters' reactions are very fake and the way they act changes so drastically, in a way that it feels like they change their whole personalities. Therefore no matter what they do, you don't really feel anything about them. Some of them are okay, but the majority is just bland, the kind of 'I don't care even if they die' kind of bland.

The pace: Unfortunately the pacing of the series was another huge problem. I could call the first half of the series a guilty pleasure, but after some point it became very draggy. The thing is, that when you are making a slow paced series, you must know how to handle everything to make the viewer interested in what is taking place on the small screen. In this one, they apparently didn’t know how to do that. There are many scenes that last minutes, even though they don’t add anything to the atmosphere or to the plot and the sole purpose of their existence is to make the episode last longer.
Remember 15 could easily be a movie or a short five-episode series. I felt like they wanted to make this deep, emotional and at the same time engaging and suspenseful, but it ended up being extremely boring. As a result I watched the second part of the series in double speed and I felt like I was watching it in its regular pace.

This is trying to be a character-driven horror series with some social commentaries here and there, but it is failing miserably in all aspects. After having watched the WeTV Thai original series After Dark, I expected a similar atmosphere as that one. If you have watched that series, you will know what a disturbing atmosphere really means. It managed to balance good acting, chilling atmosphere and also make some social commentary, while this one just wanted to do so and never achieved it. Is this horror? No and I don’t know If they really aimed for it.

All in all, Remember 15 had an interesting concept, but the execution lacked in almost all aspects and for me, it does not deserve your time, especially if you are looking for a horror series. Try After Dark or some other Thai series with a similar theme, like The stranded.

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Let me start by saying that for the first few episodes I loved this drama. The child actors were phenomenal and they were well rounded and believable from the very start. However,things changed when the characters grew up. In fact, I found that my biggest problem with the show was Zoey. I am a huge Eun Hye fan but I am sorry to say that the character Zoey fell short. While I did sympathize with her, as a character Zoey was a little boring. On the other hand, Harry Borrison made the second half of the show more than worth it. He was the one character that actually got MORE interesting as they aged. Even better, you'll never see anyone work a cane the way he does. Second lead syndrome was a real issue in this show. Overall, the story was interesting for the most part, but it does get a little boring and drawn out at times.

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Underrated

I understand the reason why some might dislike this drama. Yes, the soul swapping with a grandfather is a bit iffy but if you can get passed that in a similar way to a 1000 year vampire, a 3000 year goblin, then this might be enjoyable for you. Although you might still be a bit disappointed. The drama certainly kept me guessing.

I enjoy these types of genres so it was quite a fun ride. The writers did have me worried though. I wasn't sure if they would be able to give a reasonably good finale but it was quite heart-warming with lots of sweet moments. I found myself tearing up at times and smiling at other moments.

Looking back Martin Wong delivered a really good performance. I liked the two distinct versions that he played and he pulled it off quite well. The other cast members were great as well. I might even do a rewatch now that the show has finally concluded.

The OST is also quite enjoyable!

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This started as such a fun drama, it felt like watching an anime in real life, with the silliness of his masochistic tendencies. I liked her strength, and they had okay chemistry, nothing amazing but there were at least a little? Episode after episode I kept waiting for an advancement in their relationship but got nothing. He turned into a complete and utter, creepy stalker and she sort of floated, like instead of falling in love she just accepted the harassment. It's a shame, what could've been a funny, quirky show about a secret sadist and a masochist turned into a show about, it's okay to stalk someone if we categorise it as romance.

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JohanNorth Forever

Personally, I loved this couple when I read the books and was thrilled to see the actors bring their characters to justice!
I believe it made a huge difference that the author Howlsairy was the screenwriter and made this episode based on the extra side story from the book North: How much is your love?

The plot: Simple and basic, nothing much. But you do see the growth in their relationship, which made the entire plot an eye candy for people who adored this pair!

The Music: I prefer the original soundtrack more but that is just a personal preference.

The Acting: Maxky and Bas deserve all the love and applause. Not only did they bring the book characters to life, but they also added their own charm to it. It was refreshing to see the softer side of Johan which we only got glimpses of in Fourever You. North's dedication to making the relationship a smooth sailing was so adorable! You see their effort and how much they both were trying to keep eachother healthy and happy. It was amazing to see how balanced their relationship looked. Also a small detail I noticed was mentioning North being close to Arthit which we will be able to relate in the upcoming season since North plays an important Friend role for all the couples to come. Till then, JohanNorth, you will be missed, you are the best! P.S: I would definitely love to watch Maxky and Bas act again on some other project as well!

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Ruined it at the end

This drama contains everything that I love: historical romance, justice, noble values and amazing romance. It started off as one of the best shows I have ever watched. However, they completed ruined it episode 14 onwards. The king literally leads to the death of the ML's sister and then they are calling each other "friends". Yoo Ji-Sun just suffers needlessly, without any ending given for him. The FL leaving for three years makes no sense either. Killing the ML's sister was just not needed. So disappointed towards the way that it panned out.

The actors did a wonderful job throughout. Really wish there are more historical dramas that explore the theme of justice, without ruining it like this one.

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This was an outstanding story, it keeps you interested the 24 chapters
The acting of all the cast members and the chemestry between the main actor and actress was great. You can feel deep love between them in every moment. Even if this story made me cry almost the 24 chapters, I loved it and loved the ending.
The OST of this drama is one of the best I've ever heard in all the dramas I've seen.
I don't like too mich to rewatch dramas, but sometimes I do.
I really Like Korean dramas, and I find this drama one of the best I've seen. Give it a try you will Love , you can find it in good drama.

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CONSENT?!?!?!? where..?

Whilst writing this its been about a month since I actually watched the show so bare with me if some timings are wrong but you should over all get the gist anyway. I use a lot of swearing for this so buckle up and triggers for SA and r*pe

Okay so this show is such a shambles honestly, like if you minus the consent issues and its weird obsession with sexual assault then this shows premise could have been at least a little promising. Like the whole illegal racing, like racer x innocent civilian or whatever is a great trope and I've read many fanfictions that have depicted this trope really nicely but this show... its like they use this trope only occasionally and its mainly forgotten after the first episode. The only time its brought back really is either; the FLASHBACK to that first episode or its for that one racing episode later on.

Phayu x Rain
Okay so I would say this relationship was probably a little more sane than the other relationship (Prapai x Sky, which I'll mention later) but these two still have major issues. Starting off, when they first meet in the rain and all that I was really excited to see where this show would go as that whole scene was so cute and so promising. BUT OH BOY DOES IT GO DOWNHILL REAL FAST. To be honest that restaurant scene or whatever it was felt like a fever dream so I don't remember it that well but I definitely remember the next bit, when Phayu allows Rain to stay the night. First off, Phayu trying to kiss and do weird shit with Rain was a big nono and the fact the Rain LITERALLY SAID NO and Phayu continued made me real uncomfy. Like you've invited this man to your house and you are now sexually assaulting him. Peak romance huh. Like first of all you can DEFINITELY tell Rain is very uncomfortable and even tries to leave, secondly YOU HAVE JUST MET THIS MAN. Like doing that stuff in an already established relationship is most of the time bad anyway (unless you've asked consent from your partner) but then doing it to a literal stranger is a CRIMEEEEEEEE. If I was Rain I would have 100% called the police and put this man on a list. Later on, throughout the show they obviously get along blah blah blah romance shit but then Rain gets kidnapped and Phayu is about the risk his life for a man HE JUST MET!!! like not just just met, like the just met I referenced earlier, but being real you guys have been in a relationship for about one or two months and Phayu really gonna risk his life and status just like that. Also him getting kidnapped was low-key funny cause it was so out of nowhere. This couple overall had a lot of potential and if you were to look over the SA then it was alright at best. I like that Phayu helps with homework and whatever and blah blah blah there dynamic was kinda boring though. The only redeeming factor was the portrayal of intimacy, specifically the first instance. I thought that first moment felt quite special and it wasn't really cringe or made me turn away. Overall, this was definitely the better couple of the two.

Prapai x Sky
HERE WE FUCKING GO. I hate these two so much, first off PRAPAI IS HIGHKEY A STALKER FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP. THIS MAN WILL GO TO CRAZY FUCKING LENGTHS TO MESSAGE, INTERACT WITH SKY, TO LIKE A DISGUSTING POINT. Multiple times Sky blocks Prapai's number to stop him from constantly spam calling and messaging him but this man is bloody persistent, because every time he's block he whips out a new sim card and continues to HARASS poor old sky. Like Sky is a student he can't be dealing with this stalker behaviour. IF I WAS SKY I WOULD HAVE CALLED THE POLICE FOR A POTENTIAL STALKER!!!!!! AS WELL LATER ON HE SAID HE JUST WANTED TO GET WITH HIM INITIALLY JUST BECAUSE 'the sex was good' LIKE!?!>?!?!
Eventually Sky lets the stalker in (BAD MOVE BRO) and they romance for a little bit. Then PARTY SCENE!!!!!!!!!!!! god rubbish puke gross ugh. Unsurprisingly, Prapai has to cheat on Sky real quick cause he's a plAyeR. This random hookup you had before is 'hugging' you and you let him like how can he later on just tell Sky that was a hug and then Sky believing him. LIKE HE WAS FULL ON FEELING UP HIS titty ON THE SOFA AND YOU LET HIM DO THAT YOU DISGUSTING MAN. Then Sky crying in the car was heartbreaking, him getting them traumatic flashbacks was real sad. I hate how Sky rightfully so hated him and then after a couple words of 'oh i didnt cheat' and 'it was just a hug' magically you forgive him. YOU SAW THE TITTY TOUCH MAN!! (they weren't direct quotes btw). god I hate Prapai.
Last episode of the show was 100% the worst. This is the episode where SKY LITERALLY GETS R*PPED?!?!?!? like why is that a plot line?!??! I was full on expecting him to ALMOST get to that point but then the gang saves the day beats up Gun and it would all be over, see how I said expected? BECAUSE THIS SHOW LITERALLY SHOWS HIM ACTUALLY GETTING R*PPED?!? Thank god it was penetrative but still Gun has, at this point, tied Sky up and done some horrible shit. I still can't believe this show just fully showed that, so uncomfortable and DISGUSTING!!! As well WHERE ARE THE POLICE?!?!?!? you have this offenders name, surely you can get him locked up no? You have multiple witnesses!!!
Anyway later Prapai tries to comfort him and when he does Sky seems to be magically cured from years of trauma after one single conversation with a man you've known for about two to three months. God. Overall there is no redeeming qualities of these two being real like even there intimacy was rushed and boring.

Throughout the entirety of the second half (Prapai x Sky half), its like Phayu and Sky were completely forgotten and vanished as they only really show up together once or twice. The second half of this drama feels like a completely separate drama on its own. The end was also anti-climatic, as I was at least expecting some sort of double date or some feature of Phayu and Rain to show closure to their relationship, but NOOO it was some boring office scene. I know there is a movie sequel to this but I hated this drama so much I just know it would be excruciating to watch the movie.

I feel as though many people rate this show highly only due to the fact that; the actors are attractive and that there is heavy sexual intimacy and kinky shit. Like the plot of this show is so boring because of how fast they get all lovey-dovey and the fact they missed out on a really good plot line (illegal racing) to be fully incorporated. Like I mentioned earlier, I've read fanfiction that have pulled this off really well and honestly all of them were written better than this trainwreck.

Sorry for that rant there but I just hate this show so much! Near the end there I'm not sure if much of that made sense LMAO. I might of gotten some areas a bit muddled through that, as I mentioned I did watch this about a month ago but I hope this was still readable. but yeah enjoy this fun little word vomit anyway lol

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not like I expected

When I found out there was special episode about this drama I already so happy because I really hope they continue their story or at least give explanation about what happen with Shi Yi after he went abroad. But turn out this like almost any other special episode where only listed clip from director cut. It's just like scene that consider not important in the drama & when put it there will gonna be like too long or not important. So they cut it from original drama but don't want to delete it too & they put it all here.

The scene still funny but yeah not important & not explaining anything. But yeah this just short clip you can watch to remembering the drama again

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must watch

let's start by the cast, they could not have picked a better cast. their chemistry was just wonderful. they did so well. i felt so many things while watching the movie and the first ceremony scene gave me chills all over... so so good! i love how the had comedy (dark humor) all over, for example when mr. almost died and he said he was ready to go but then he thought oh my daughter's marriage. i was tearing up and that just cracked me up hahaha. every character did such an amazing job, and of course... kim goeun and lee dohyun never dissapoint. the ending was good but made wonder if there will be a sequel because of their unfinished business (their flashbacks etc.) either way, im satisfied with it. please, go and watch it if you have time and if your city is playing it. i feel like a movie theater experience will be even better.

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You won't even know what hit you

NLMG is not only backed by a compelling storyline (romance or otherwise), great characters, and exceptional BL chemistry – it’s also beautifully produced. With plenty of aesthetically-pleasing shots soaked in warm tones, it’s reminiscent of a doomed summer romance.

The obvious main conflict in the show stems from external danger – the threat posed to the Kittrakulmethee family in the midst of a power struggle. But the second, more understated conflict is the power imbalance between Neung and Palm’s family that takes on a class dimension. This is where NLMG proved to be different from other bodyguard storylines.

In NLMG, character development is most pronounced for the young heir forced to grow up in treacherous times. Neung initially comes off as a typical, sheltered (maybe even bratty at times) rich kid but the later episodes will draw out the best of his character. Even on his worst days, Neung is constructed to be likeable and painfully human through it all.

The relationship between Palm and Neung develops at an even pace, with both parties falling (and falling hard) over the course of several delightful episodes. They also have a wonderful chemistry and compatibility – the both of them are fighters at heart; Palm with his fists, and Neung with his wits and spirit.

I enjoyed this show because it was a beautiful, beautiful emotional trip. Some particularly heartwrenching sequences from Pond and Phuwin hit me with some profound emotions that my words cannot adequately capture.

Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/02/28/never-let-me-go-2022-bl-review/

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All alone in a foreign land, I am twice as homesick on this day. / Fear not the lack...

... of friends as you go along! There cannot be a connoisseur not loving your song

These verses are all about the protagonist, Yang Ling, a salesman with great social skills, playful, funny and imperfect, but possessing a deep sense of justice and care for the people around him, projected (via video-game) in the isekai-fantasy Dafeng world, with a new identity: Xu Qi'an, a low constable and nephew of a middle-poor commoner Xu family, destined to progressively become the greatest hero of that empire. He has no time to dwell upon the new environment because he immediately finds himself in danger, imprisoned, facing the task to detect the truth behind the accusation of silver robbery with death sentence pending upon his uncle. A strong start (with excellent camera-work) for a highly engaging plot which will gradully depict the Dafeng, the relevant characters, build up relations (friendship, camaraderie, love and attachments...) and branch out interesting twists and subplots, while keeping you constantly at the edge of your seat or loughing like crazy.

The Dafeng world resembles the parallel universe of Joy of Life: Guardians of GotD and Overwatch Department from JOL have similar tasks and objectives (intelligence, investigation, keeping in check power undercurrents...). Its head Wei Gong develops a strong attachment with XQ, similar to Chen Pingping's towards Fan Xian. Although the genres of two dramas slightly differ (being GoD more isekai, more comedy and less angsty than JoL), Xu Qian and FX both basically "rise up the ranks" through merits/tasks they've accomplished. Heroic vibe is also highly similar (relaxed, not taken too seriously, with a lot of comedy). XQ and FX are both righteous (well, that's why they are heroes) but they also both possess certain "rebel" traits, because of their intollerance towards injustice. Finally, both heroes smartly use Chinese classical poetry, though this use serves also to strongly differentiate one from another: while Fan Xian is a poetry nerd, capable of reciting hundreds of them in just one night, XQ barely remembers two verses of each (as most of the people do, I assume), mixes them up (as he mixed the verses in the title: the melancholic Wang Wei's "Nostalgia for My Brothers on the Double Ninth Day" with encouraging Gao Shi's couplet from “Farewell to Dong Da” - wherever one goes, he/she will always find friends and people able to appreciate his/her value), flows that make this streetsmart, thoughtful, practical, perserverant and competitive character even more relatable.

The scriptwriting is excellent both on plot-development and characters-building side, and it skillfully interweave comic moments, deeper thoughts on human relations, magic and subplots into a (gradually, more) complex tapestry story. There are no dull moments and a viewer feels various pieces of the puzzle dropping at the right moment in the right place, hinting towards the shape of a "bigger picture". It isn't a 10, only because the last third of the drama feels slightly rushed (but this is due to the 40-episodes limit for C-productions) with a few things happening off-screen. Deng Ke's direction is a full 10 and many moments, actions and thoughts ("equivalent exchange", "take it slowly"...) will remain deeply impressed in your memory, inviting you to rewatch them (as well as wishing a S2!). The comprehensive aesthetics and (non invasive) music are also well chosen. All the actors deliver perfectly their characters with a few of them having a chance to stand out brilliantly, not only delivering but becoming the character they were performing.

I invite you also to rate this drama positively after watching it, if not for other reasons... as a (minimum) equivalent exchange for the wonder and lols it provided you. It will make you Dafengers and when you'll hear: "Do no wrong!", you'll be tempted to reply: "And fear no Guardians!"

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LOVE IS IN AIR...

This drama is very refreshing and light weight. it tells the story of a girl who has a crush on his brother's friend. How his crush devlops into love. Here u can see 👀how everyone one is moving forward in their life plus how it is very important to trust someone. Here the ML have some tragic past but FL fully trusts her and protect him. This drama also shows who always looks caring and good also have some inner sadness. ML is just not perfect💯. He started to become perfect because of his past to never be like his father.

In acting literally both the main actors have done the great 👍job. For me chen zheyuan was not new but I'm a big fan of our secret🤫. I loved his eye expression they are just superb. This was the first time i watch zhao lusi I liked her acting very, she really look liked a teenager and ahe was cute. All cast has done quite good job. I like the victor Ma's character the most.

The most beautiful osts for me was
1. I'm falling in love with u
2.i just want to secretly hide u.
3.Be ur light

I can't believe zhao lusi have such a soothing voice I loveed the intro and ending song

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I had so much expectations..

I read about the concept of the movie and was immediatelly very hyped. I enjoy most of the movies containing a stalker / psycho. But this one seems like an exception..

I still got to say that the soundtrack was very great during intense scenes ; the idea of the two FL being deaf / mute was very great in the context, which made it more thrilling. The plot was simple in my opnion and I expected a more twisted ending.. I have to be frank about the fact that it was weird for me to see the actor playing ML as a psycho when I watched him playing in more cheerful roles as in "Bad and Crazy" which, in my opinion, suits him better. (But that's subjective). Overall, this movie had a lot of potential, I saw it was very well rated, but I guess it's better to watch a movie without having much expectations before.

A great movie in the concept and a great soundtrack but it's a flop for me.

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