I stumbled across this drama never thinking I would really like it that much I had read the synopsis in MDL & was intrigued, anyway I was hooked from the first episode (which is rare). The main actors played their roles really well sweet without being saccharine.
What I liked best about it was the story yes its a a makjang & if you don't like that then steer clear, I personally love makjangs :D
The story had twists & turns & always kept you glued to your seat breathless with anticipation as to what would happen next. I found myself shouting at the screen at the near misses/missed opportunities for the protagonists & I am sure you will as well.
The whole look of the drama looks a little dated (fashion wise) as it is from 2004 but that didn't really phase me.
I have given a low score to the music simply because it wasn't particularly memorable to me.
Also a low re-watch score as I rarely re-watch dramas as I have too many to watch on my Plan To Watch List.
If you like dramatic, fast-paced storylines with lots of cliff hangers & good acting then this is the drama for you.
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Deserves More Love!
Week after week, I would check the rating here on MDL to see if other people were seeing what I was seeing, yet the rating remains consistently poor. If you've come down to the review section out of curiosity, please don't let the low average rating scare you away! This is a beautiful show that gets better the more you engage with it as a viewer.I think the thing that might be throwing many people is actually the thing I also like most: namely, that this series is more like a stage play than a TV show. There are a limited number of sets, a relatively small cast of characters, and high dialogue to action ratio. This ties in with the main character's profession as a play actor and also serves in a metacontextual way of engaging with the act of storytelling in a rather novel way. Not only does this show have a main plot and a few subplots, but everything about it is also a love letter to the very notion of storytelling itself. Characters serve as stand-ins for the audience, the chorus, and even the storyteller in turns. It's a fun device that really adds to the depth of each and every shot, line of dialogue, and character choice made along the way.
I also have to applaud the way that this show handles religion and spirituality and the supernatural. It's also a deep dive into grief and loss. Honestly, there's so much to this show! Also, Jared is adorable and it's worth watching for each of his appearances onscreen alone.
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Missing: This Drama
OVERVIEW:1-10 Episodes; Super
11th Episode; Misses Small Spark
12th Episode; Perfect Finish
Likes:
1)Soul Connecting Stories
2)Connecting Characters
3)Acting
4)Writing
5)Atmosphere
6)Cinematography
Dislikes:
1)NONE
OVERALL:
Don't MISS This Drama
*****************************************
OVERVIEW:
1-10 Episodes; Super
11th Episode; Misses Small Spark
12th Episode; Perfect Finish
Likes:
1)Soul Connecting Stories
2)Connecting Characters
3)Acting
4)Writing
5)Atmosphere
6)Cinematography
Dislikes:
1)NONE
OVERALL:
Don't MISS This Drama
*****************************************
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I'd recommend watching both the series and the movie, it's worth it!
There are just a few points in which they differ from each other:1. The Inner Monologues:
What the movie didn't include are the inner monologues of Gook and Taejoo, which I really loved in the series. But what surprised me was, that even tho they left them out everything still works perfectly fine, just because of the amazing acting. You'll notice that even without words you can just read everything from their faces and that's honestly so impressive.
2. The Music:
The movie gives of a different vibe mostly due to the different soundtrack.
In my opinion it was a bit more intense and emphasized the emotions of the characters better in some scenes.
What made me a bit sad was, that the part of the soundtrack which I personally love the most wasn't present in the movie as much as it was in the series (I'm talking about 'Light' by KEUM JO). In the series it was playing at the end of every episode and I loved it so frickin much!!
3. The Transitions/Cuts:
The transitions were different cuz (obviously) they can't just mash everything together and call it a movie.
Some scenes where cut short while some were a little longer than in the series. And it honestly didn't bother me at all!
I think everyone can see how much thought they've put into how to assemble every cut/transition.
Everything just works together very well
I myself watched the movie after the series but I guess the order doesn't really matter! Both versions have their charm and are definitely worth watching!
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A good one-time watch.
For a remake/adaptation of a Japanese movie, the thriller component has been exhibited in a much better way. I've watched both the movies and this remake was definitely an upgrade. The actors acted well, but there was scope to juice out better scenes from them which could've looked way more intense.As a thriller movie it lacked the maniacal intensity a tad bit. Watching it the first time was a decent experience. It made for a nice watch while having dinner. But I don't think I'd rewatch it.
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There were subtle doses of humor sprinkled throughout. From the cliche situational comedy with our leads, to the caring but disgruntled "forever-alone" best friend who was stuck in an ongoing cycle of on-again, off-again with his off-screen boyfriend.
The kiss scenes were built up to pretty well, but generally lacked in the proportional execution for the build-up. I enjoyed it nonetheless though.
What I did not enjoy is how poorly constructed and inconsistent the plot was, even for a character-driven drama. It seemed to want to be a food drama, but lacked the proper attention and care for the food aspect to really warrant the title.
Even with Korean alcohol culture in mind, Jiyu could be interpreted as at least on the cusp of alcoholism for the majority of the drama (before someone comes at me with the most common rebuttal: it's been over half a year since the break up). Meanwhile, Kihoon's reason for not liking alcohol, that we seemed to have been building up tension to for so long, was too flatly delivered to have impact. Not to mention, the pacing from him being angry about the prospect of being around alcohol to selling it to openly drinking it with the rest of the characters was enough to give whiplash. Not to mention the fact that this same man who passed out after one shot is now able to drink multiple glasses with ease in the span of MAYBE a few months...
And then there were other areas of tension that were introduced and resolved too quickly. Or even an area of tension that was consistently put into subtext from beginning to end, but never resolved (the fact that Jiyu's superiors all seem to think poorly of him, resulting in a palpable lack of confidence in their presence).
I liked the ending messages though:
-The prospect of everyone liking the same dish, but liking it prepared in different ways. This same message isn't exactly uncommon with food dramas, and even dramas that only have minor focus on food (Moonlight Chicken for example).
-Food and drinks are best enjoyed in the presence of friendly company and tastes best when celebrating.
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This review may contain spoilers
About prince Wang So of Goryeo. A love story with wit, charm & affection. Makjang alert. Toxic, too
First of all: "Shine or Go Crazy" is a love story from head to toe with all the trimmings. Nevertheless, it is also about the dazzling historical figure of Wang So - King Gwangjong from the early hours of the Goryeo era. Thus it is a beautiful character study about the young prince, who at last became king, but who had by far not been the preferred prince of choice as far as the future throne was concerned. How did HE happen to become not only king but such an outstanding one as well - one who is NOT automatically (as so often) a jumping jack for his ministers, eunuchs and palace ladies? Who or what motivated and inspired his rather grounded, almost visionary, innovative, citizen-oriented policies?This KDrama offers a (possible) answer to history, as well as an epic love story, playfully sprinkling disguise of origin and confusion of gender.
----------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Wang So, 4th son of Goryeo King Wang Geon, and later King Gwangjong
During his 26-year reign at the end of the first millennium, King Gwangjong laid solid foundations for the next four centuries. To this end, he introduced some popular reforms for the common people (yet unpopular among the nobility). Above all, these concerned slavery. Additionally he instituted the national civil service exam, which allowed people to serve the country according to their ability. Introduced during his reign, too, were so-called "Daebi-won" - medical centers for the free care of the poor. Finally, he secured the borders of the empire with military measures. Throughout, he consistently had to deal with opponing noblemen ... and eliminated them uncompromisingly. "Shine or Go Crazy" is a dignified multimedia monument to his rulership, that in general rather focused on the needs of his ordinary citizens than aristocracy.
The KDrama "Shine or Go Crazy" (as well as "Moon Lovers" who deals with King Gwangjong, too), offers a conclusive explanation for this King´s particular career. Whether this is historically justified by sources, I could not find out yet. In any case, Prince Wang So becomes tangible and understandable with the help of this fictional setting: The KDramas tell his story as at a young age being banished from the palace and sent to the mountains - thus hopefully avoiding a bloody prophesy from coming true. There he lived a life beyond the palace intrigues, yet close to nature and its existential everyday struggles for survival. Like that, his everyday life inevitably came quite a bit closer to that of the ordinary people of his time. This socialization in 'freedom' and largely grounded normality shaped him in a completely different way than his (numerous) direct and indirect siblings within the palace walls and thus makes him a resolute and popular monarchical free spirit. At the same time, this lays the right foundation for placing a completely unorthodox, unexpected and inspiring commoner´s love at his emotional side. Like that the fictional K-Drama helps to on the one hand understand the sharp edges of his disappointment because of parental rejection as well as his self-doubt due to his curse. On the other hand, however, this is balanced by down-to-earth experience of authentic affection and love. Historically true or not, the extrordinary historic personality of prince Wang So is painted in an impressively tangible, comprehensible way.
------------------- SIDE NOTE --- Trading at the time ---
An aspect of historical detail that's (in general rarely) brought into focus in "Shine or Go Crazy", too, is the importance of thriving international trade at the end of the first millennium. Throughout Korean history, life on the peninsula (not only, but also in KDrama) is rather isolated and self-centered. In this story, at least, business relationships with the immediate neighbors and with the rest of the world are given some space, at least to some extent.
-------------------- SIDE NOTE --- Balhae / Late Balhae
Also rarely a topic in the focus of KDrama is the Korean history BEFORE Goryeo - the time of the three kingdoms Silla, Goguryeo and Baekje. In "Shine or Go Crazy," the female protagonist is a princess from the Late Balhae Kingdom in what is now Manchuria. This dates back to one of five kingdoms that in 37 BC united to form the kingdom of Goguryeo. The first Goryeo King Wang Geon (posthumously Taejo) at his time attempted to reconquer the former territories of the original Goguryeo Empire and thus set his kingdom on proven, solid ground. Balhae being one of them, had previously fallen victim to the Para-Mongolian Kitan. Some (many) Koreans from ancient Goguryeo, who formed the ruling Balhaen elite, escaped to Goryeo - with the crown prince, the nobles and parts of the population. The female lead is set in this context (and also personally associated with an alarming (fictitious) prophecy regarding the future of her people.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to the (love) story between the 4th son of Goryeo King Wang Geon and the Balhaean princess, who is an independent prosperous business woman.
In proven KDrama style, there are subplots with their own stories and characters with their own motives, who courageously get involved in the (love) life of Prince Wang So. The political stage is intransigently characterized by malevolent power intrigues. There aren´t any scruples anywhere. Upright people hardly exist, loyalty and dependence being mixed up and confused. There's a lot of bad stuff going on everywhere. It gets pretty ´toxic´, too.
Set in this context is the affectionately and also humourously told relationship of young prince Wang So with a smart, proficient, quite self-confident lady in a double role in disguise as young man. These encounters inspire and enhance Wang So´s pragmatic world view. The dynamic between them is fun to watch - with wit and charm, since his queen of hearts is sometimes hidden behind a veil and sometimes in men's clothes. At times, Wang So has to seriously doubt his gender orientation (... not that this would have deterred him...).
Ah. Yes. The ending... Reviews I had read often blamed the ending. I was ready for the worst. Probably that was a good thing. Like that I was pleasantly surprised as I had expected even worse. In fact, whether I liked it or not, the ending made quite a lot of sense to me. (After all, this is about a historical character - the prince becomes king and has an archetypal task that is greater than himself - during his reign, Gwangjong sets the course for future generations.) Nevertheless, KDrama land even got us a little candy at the very end, too.
My criticism, however, refers to the soundtrack! Unfortunately, this is the first time I definitely have to complain! Shallow songs can have their time, I don´t mind. But in this case (at least in my acustic sound system) as soon as romantic vibes gently started to develop, an inappropriately dull, meaningless song (in my perception) acustically dominated the scene and thus insensitively destroyed each and every moment (again and again). A real shame! (I would like to hope, that this was just due to my technical device...)
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*Story (10/10)
This drama has done a wondrous job keeping faithful to the original story while incorporating parts of its spinoff "The Pillow Book" about the secondary lead pairing.The Chinese title of this drama is "Three Lives Three Worlds: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms" and like its name suggests, tells the story of Ye Hua and Bai Qian - gods who are separated yet bounded by fate to find each other in their lives again throughout the course of three arcs, for a memorable journey of emotional highs and lows balanced with good action and drama. Though there are 58 episodes, it is filled with plots to leave one consistently guessing what the next development is from beginning to end.
Just as one score settles, another rises.
Characters are fleshed out and although the main couple gets the bulk of the focus, secondary characters and their relationships are not cheated out of a good storyline either.
*Acting/Cast: (9/10)
Yang Mi's Bai Qian may be the protagonist, but Mark Chao is the highlight. To express so much with so little is what Mark does wonderfully, and his ability to portray two similar characters (Ye Hua & Mo Yuan) so differently with their set of own characteristics, mannerisms and reactions is impressive. As for Yang Mi overall she did well portraying the different personalities of her characters - from playful,mischievous Si Yin to naive and innocent Su Su and finally the aloof with an attitude Bai Qian - by far her best performance. Together these two produce the chemistry to keep audiences thrilled and satisfied. Overall the cast is well put together with several other memorable faces (Zhang Bin Bin, Dilraba etc) making the drama that much more enjoyable
*Last thoughts?
- All the sets, props, scenery and people are simply eye-catching, which keeps one visually interested all the way through.
- Aside from the visual fest and story, Mark Chao is another reason to rewatch
It's been a while since I enjoyed a romance-fantasy genre this much, this will be going straight into my archive of favorites. No doubt one of the best Chinese dramas have to offer
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Honestly beside Huo Wallace I did not know any of these actors and I have to admit that they were all doing a great job and their portrayals were so convincing and natural.
I'm not going to dwell on the synopsis cause it already says the most important but we surely all know the damages Wars cause(d) and I think it's interesting to see how Chinese people were living during those terrible times and what they had to go through. The drama focuses on the Hu Family and their son in-law Xue Jun Shan, how they coped with the constant Japanese attacks in their Changsha town. And even if my knowledge about the Sino-Japanese wars is weak I think this drama was really well done even the music here fitted perfectly with the general atmosphere.
Many things crossed my mind when I was watching the drama, first I said it earlier but I have to repeat myself everything was realistic and that was my very first thought, I loved to see that even if the Hu family was living a pretty good life (without being super rich either) but they did not wear extravagant and exquisite clothes they simply lived in harmony , enjoying their life in their house all together, eating, working, taking care of each other etc.
Frankly speaking the character that surprised me the most was Xue JunShan, he seemed to be very harsh with his in-laws but actually that was the opposite he cared for them he protected them, he loved them to the point to sacrifice his life for them, he considered them as the most precious things in his life and that is the reason why I loved him so much and why he is my favorite character + I have to say it, I have a thing for older men I found something very appealing about them and that is the case for him too <3
Now it's time to say a few words about the Hu family, Xiang Xiang was my favorite especially the way she evolves throughout the drama and I think that war would change everyone and according to me she's the one who changed the most, she became an outstanding and respectable woman, I have nothing bad to say about her, definitely lovely, bright, cute and very strong but she has a weakness and that is her twin brother I mean their sibling bond is so deep and unwavering, at least that's how I perceived them and I guess that is probably the same with almost all twins of the world.
I loved rhe other characters too especially Gu QingMing( I seriously fell in love with Huo Wallace in this drama, I liked him before but this time he blew me away <3), the grandma, XiangJun, Liu Minghan Xiu Xiu and the rest( I will stop here so if you want to find out why they are fabulous people just watch the drama you'll surely like it as much as I did ). I can't even count the tears I shed for all of these characters, I felt like I was part of their family, that's why Battle of Changsha broke my heart even more than other dramas.
As for the theme song ''I'll remember you'' it is a pure delight, Yang Zi's voice blends so well with Huo Wallace's that we can't stop listening to it and we want more and more. Too bad I can't seem to find it anywhere ! Please If you know where I can download it, tell me :D
I would recommend this drama to everyone even if you're not into this genre because that is not my case and still I enjoyed every minute of this wonderful show. Furthermore this is definitely one of the best Family drama I've ever watched. Just only one thing you must know if you plan to watch it: the last four eps are not subbed and so you would have no choice but to watch it raw or wait but for how long?!
PS: the big plus is that the actors's voices were not DUBBED, what a pleasure !
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Lukewarm.
Warm on a Cold Night is a fantasy historical investigative drama set in a fictional Qian kingdom. Qian is a rich kingdom that attracts immigration from the neighboring Qi kingdom. The Qian are more cerebral and capable administrators with strong legal frameworks and institutions. The Qi subsist in the cold and harsh Northern climate and are ridden with internal strife. They are more primitive shapeshifters with formidable and fantastical physical powers. A longstanding treaty enables Qi immigrants to better their lives in Qian defending the border and engaging in more physically demanding professions.A young Qian constable Su Jiuér questions a hot-blooded Qi suspect Han Zheng in connection with a serial murder case. She discovers that he has a strange ability to alleviate the incurable cold disease that afflicts her and latches on to him like a lifeline. They work together grudgingly after it turns out that Han Zheng is also after her suspect Mu Yan. They get off to a bickering start but predictably fall for each other as they investigate a series of mysterious cases that stoke tensions between the Qian and the Qi in the Qian capital. They are aided by friends in high places including Jiuér's admirer and budding playwright Prince Wen Jun, his brother Crown Prince Wen Ying, and the gorgeously spectacular Qi general Chi Lan.
The main romance is carried by Li Yitong's and Bi Wenjun's chemistry; their stunning visuals and incredible charisma. These compelling actors are short-changed by two-dimensional and inconsistent character designs and a frustrating script that is lacking in both character and relationship growth. Jiu'er is a smart and logical character, a keenly astute investigator of consequential crimes in Jiuxiao City. Except when she regresses into childhood, talks to herself in a whiny and high-pitched tone, and behaves like a complete nincompoop. I was dumbfounded at this exaggerated and shallow character interpretation. Still, Li Yitong is so innately likable that she successfully pulls off such a difficult character to connect with and invest in. Although Bi Wenjun delivers a more nuanced portrayal, Han Zheng as a character is equally exasperating. All this grumpy 60-year-old Qi shapeshifter seems to do is scowl, get jealous, lose his temper, and become reckless; rinse and repeat. This is a role with the potential to be interesting and multi-faceted but that is never realized. Initially, I was too busy marveling at how he makes a fanny pack and flowery kimono print robes look so hot. As I soak up his bold, expressive eyes, the high-tanned cheekbones, haughty nose, down to... dry, chapped full lips... wait... did they run out of money for lip balm? Ouch - hope they didn't need to do too many retakes of those kiss scenes. Fabulous visuals don't cut it for long - I was quickly left wanting more from these stagnant roles locked in a juvenile romance that moves at a snooze pace.
In sharp contrast are Chi Lan and Wen Ying's much more complex and interesting stories. Both personas were clearly written by a much more sophisticated and mature writer and they anchor the show. Chi Lan is an awesome female role; measured, analytical, poised, and as cool as a cucumber with a barely perceptible air of danger about her. This lady knows when her head is being turned but if it pleases her, she permits it anyway. And you don't want to mess with her because she makes for a deadly adversary on any battlefield. Her interactions with Wen Ying are laced with tension and have real depth and complexity. Wen Ying is her true equal, another fascinating and layered personality who is at the surface cultured and sincere yet incredibly difficult to get to really know. Theirs is the romance I cared about and they are the main reason I did not drop this drama. I would love to see their story continue down the road. He Ruixian proved to be the true star of this show with her incisive portrayal of a remarkable character.
In terms of world-building, this is a wildly imaginative one that is original and different but errs on the side of being overly far-fetched. The world's "rules" are not firmly established and seem to be made up along the way. This is especially true in terms of the many functions and effects of the cyborg like the Qi vitality stone stuck to the chests of these shapeshifters that are wolves until they become apes. The writer also unnecessarily creates insurmountable biological obstacles between the Qi and Qian races just to impress upon us the depth and endurance of the main love story. It smacks of the work of an immature and lazy writer who couldn't be bothered to show us that their love is epic instead of forcing it upon us. What I like best about the world is the Qi's superpowers and how they engage in combat. The fight scene choreography is amazing; energetic, hard-hitting, lethal, and thrilling. I especially enjoyed watching Chi Lan's badass and deadly grace in combat.
As for the mysteries, they run too long and while they are quite interesting, the only memorable one is the painting case. Their strength is not in the plot but in the wonderful job the production does humanizing the victims as people who lived, laughed, loved, and will be missed. They also tie in nicely with the main conspiracy which is well-conceived. While some of the villains are too obvious, the mastermind hides in plain sight and surfaces with a nice twist. Although I suspected them quite early on, the acting was so masterful I doubted myself until the reveal. As for the ending, it was a mixed bag - an epic showdown, a great escape, some noble idiocy, a bizarre reversal, a ruler is anointed and loose ends aplenty. All things considered, this drama is true to its hot and cold theme in leaving me lukewarm. I rate this 8.0/10.0 simply because of the mastermind twist, without which it was a solid 7.5 all the way for me.
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What I liked about the drama is that it was refreshing and very scandalous, dark, unlike the usual mainstream dramas. It got me hooked because it was dark, realistically dark, the chemistry of the main leads was awesome, and no matter what the guy did I could never seem to hate him too much to stop watching it. The Love was twisted, at certain angles pure, but truly deep. Heartbreaking but amazing!
I know a lot might resist watching it because certainly one would have to cry and get attached but that's the beauty of this drama. That is what makes it so good, the journey that both the characters had to go through, and the complicated misunderstanding, one after another, that when we're left to uncover each one, we get to see the real characters, why they acted the way they did.
So I dare you to take leap of Faith and try this drama.
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MUST WATCH DRAMA
I have watched and i have loved so many cdramas, but this one particularly has a special place in my heart.Every single episode its so unique,and the drama portrays the meaning of the family and friendship in such a good way. There were many episodes that i couldn't hold my tears as I could identify with the characters feelings. This one is definitely on the good acting skills. The cast may be young in age but their acting skills were on point. FL and ML had such a good chemistry that you could feel from the very first moment the strong friendship between them, the same goes for the other characters too. Also, it was very intersting to watch the parents of each child and how they were managing their families differently.I could keep writing about this drama forever, but i will stop and suggest you to watch it right away so you can understand how I feel haha .
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Awesome show with badass fl & sweetheart ml!
I just wanna say that till now ( i. e 12th April 2020) 9.5/10 is the highest rating I have given for a show and this is the only show I have given that rating to! This show is that awesome! :)If you don't mind grey characters (Everyone's grey here, including ML & FL) and love to watch a really good romance between a badass FL and a smart ML set in a shady legal world, then this drama is for you! :)
This drama had everything I ever hope for in a show:
1) Fast pacing of the scenes, no dragging or filler scenes whatsoever! I am just sad it wasn’t extended for few more episodes...
2) Strong FL (not just physically strong but most importantly, emotionally strong!). Jgj has entered into my list of all time fav heroines!
3) Smart ML who is willing to adapt to new ideas and is super witty on top of it! Did I mention he's super loyal too? <3 :) He makes you go "awwww" so many times that you will lose count! ;)
4) Smart opponents! Because the game will be boring if your opponents are complete pushovers...
5) Awesome BGM/ost that actually suit the narrative instead of hindering the flow of the scenes.
6) Beautiful set designs and cinematography for that added visual appeal.
7) Awesome set of actors, right from both the fantastic lead actors (I have become a fan of them both after this) to the equally entertaining supporting actors. It was a fab cast! Spl mention for the quirky secretary of our FL in the supporting cast, the show wouldn't have been the same without her! :)
8) Entertaining story. I wouldn't say that the story was something out of this world or anything, but it surely had a bit of everything for everyone... It had a good dose of romance and comedy with a decent amount of legal /investigation drama. It also had a generous peppering of feel good scenes between all the team members. And on top of it all, it has a really really satisfying ending too! :)
Plus it gave me the same feels I used to get while watching 'Castle', an US drama series. Especially the leads romance gave me CasKett feels! <3 So basically, highly recommended! :D
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