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Acting/Cast: All veteran actors and actresses. No complains in this department. Despite all his wacky styles, JGS is definitely a more solid actor that many idol actors in the industry. He just need to select his script more carefully and really test his strength in acting by moving away from the cliche type idol dramas. In Pretty Boy/Bel Ami, he somewhat redeemed himself after so many not so high ranking idol dramas since You're Beautiful. This is again, thanks to the change in drama direction halfway through towards a more melo type drama.
Rewatch value: I am not in a hurry to rewatch this. The story and acting is good but the drama has so many twists and revelation that watching it the second time will take away some of the impact of why it is good.
Overall: A solid 8/10. Definitely worth watching but if you are expecting something that will take your breath away and stick to you mind for years after that will turn you into a rewatch maniac, this is not it. Nevertheless, it stands out as a worthy entertainment amongst all the mediocre KDrama offerings from 2013.
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A Beautiful Step Back in Time
From episode one, watching Memoir of Rati felt like stepping into a beautiful old dream. 🌙 I love period dramas, no phones, no rush, just peaceful, quiet moments. The early 1900s setting is absolutely stunning, every outfit, every little detail feels authentic. 🕰️🧵 It’s clear so much care went into bringing this world to life.My two handsome princes, GreatInn are back, and AouBoom are just as charming as ever. 👑💫 Twelve weeks of this story ahead, I’m ready for every second. 💖📺
I was honestly shocked by Thee and Rati’s relationship. I expected rejection from the mother, especially given that same-sex relationships were illegal in 1915 CE. Instead, she embraced them with warmth and understanding. That scene genuinely moved me. What an incredible mother, so open-hearted and ahead of her time.
The cast is stunning, the scenery gorgeous. It’s not a perfect series, some episodes are a bit slow, the plot simple, and nothing extraordinary happens at times. But overall, it’s a beautifully crafted BL that’s well worth watching.
Here is a poem I wrote about the second couple
What is wrong with Dech’s father?
Each time he appears, my heart sinks.
He belittles Rati in the classroom,
humiliating him with every word.
He scorns Rati’s mother for being a kitchen maid,
as if honest work were a sin.
And now, he goes further still,
ordering men to strike Mek,
stripping him of his dignity,
leaving him jobless and broken,
all because he is poor,
all because he dared to stand beside his son.
Yet even through this cruelty, love flickers.
Mek loves Dech. Dech loves Mek.
Two hearts that beat in silence,
but cannot meet in the open.
Mek cannot accept Dech’s open heart,
for the world has made him believe
that he is worthless,
that his love is forbidden,
that a father’s pride is stronger than their bond.
What could be more tragic?
And then the bridge…
that bridge destroyed me.
It was no longer just wood and rope.
It was the space between them,
a fragile line stretched across despair.
Dech reached forward with trembling hope,
Mek stepped back with silent pain.
He pushed away the only light he had,
not because he did not love,
but because he was taught he did not deserve love.
In that moment,
the river carried away more than reflections.
It carried away their hope,
their chance,
their tomorrow.
Dech’s father is the cruelest villain of all.
His arrogance poisons everything it touches.
And I pray, I beg, that karma finds him,
because people like him
turn love into tragedy,
and watching it unfold
brings tears I cannot hold back.
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When the snow fell, you came... breaking my lucid dream to pull me into yours
~~~***~~~"Because letting go is the best choice for memories~"
PLOT:
A broken vase of porcelain is always regarded as a bad omen. The shattered bits on the floor are often discarded. But what if this broken vase is her unconfirmed future? You can’t throw it, you can’t keep it. But isn’t what’s gone, gone forever?
She is a person who dwells in the dream like past unknown of the ways to mend it. At the same time, she is scared to be unbothered and let go. The heart can’t get away unscathed. She was left with questions unanswered and her probable future hanging on a cliff fighting to either survive or fall. I was reminded of 'Kintsugi’ while watching this drama. 'Kintsugi’ is the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with gold. Now what’s broken is repaired, even more beautifully so… That is to sum up this story.
Jiang Xuening, a girl with a twisted fate right from her childhood, originally happy-go-lucky, helpful and an enough kind-hearted little girl is raised with an ambitious brain. She does what she can to achieve her aim. In the process, she lost herself. She lost the ones she loved, she lost the ones who loved her as well. Karma is a boomerang. It comes back to you the with the same momentum. She rose, she fell- as ugly as she went up, she came down. But, the writer of her fate has other plans- “give her a chance”. It’s not like she received none, she did- most often used for the wrong purposes but now she was given a chance in her full state of mind; when she was still HER- her 18 year old self.
She now has the chance to resurrect the broken porcelain with the gold in her hand, and more so- carve it even better. She does it! For she had experienced the price of an act. She does her best, like she has to- to begin with. Forming relationships of heart instead of her aim. Tasting the glory of love than power. She weaves this story like a grandma weaving a sweater for her grandchildren- with love and patience, overcoming the hurdles of the inevitable and slowly weaving into a pleasing garment that saves her loved ones from the cold of misfortune. Ning’er weaves and saves, hugs and safeguards everyone!
I hate palace politics. I always skip scenes with the palace drama. All the schemings, conspirations, plan-hatchings are not my forte. BUTTTTTTTTT I was interested in every palace-noise of this drama. It was interesting, not boring and also not too heavy. I love my manipulative Xie Wei and foresighted Ning playing things on their fingers.
A promising plot that wasn't let down.
~~~***~~~
“I really want to ask you, why?
In the plots we missed, was there any sincerity?”~
CAST:
Bai Lu as Jiang Xuening. Bai lu’s acting skills will never be a let down. I can bet on to buy a theatre of tickets, as her expressions sell out every single time. Being the one who remembers the future while being able to re-live a different past, she expresses her every fear, every trauma, every love, every hate, every collusion, every dilemma, every wit, every guilt, every irk, every loyalty, every thankfulness, every togetherness, every naughtiness, every incivility, every pain, every joy with grace and finesse. The story revolves around her, so she naturally has so much responsibility shouldered upon and she doesn’t disappoint a second. Her feelings are evident, her wit is ushered. She still cries making me cry with her, she still laughs making me laugh with her. The villainy side was villainous as it should be, her innocence was innocent likewise. Ask of balance in acting while juggling a whole bunch of different characters in one drama, you can’t find a better cast than her. I saw Jiang Xuening the rise, Jiang Xuening the fall; Jiang Xuening the Empress, Jiang Xuening the Second Lady; Jiang Xuening the forest girl, Jiang Xuening the capitalist; Jiang Xuening the seductress, Jiang Xuening the untouchable; Jiang Xuening the friend, Jiang Xuening the foe; Jiang Xuening the love and Jiang Xuening the regret. I saw Bai Lu as Jiang Xuening.
Ling He as Xie Wei. I saw every minute emotion in his beautiful expressive wide face. That of hate, that of resilience; that of love, that of innocence; that of a human, that of an evil; that of torture, that of patience; that of kindness, that of remorselessness. As Xie Wei, he spew what ran in his brain, at the same time hid his plans monotonously as well. He expressed his valour but also his modesty. Xie Wei is a very wise man who can outwit anyone. He pre-plans. He is quick witted. He thinks, he strides. It’s difficult for a quintessentially fit man like Ling He to seem more brainy than muscular and he nailed it. He looked like an intellectual in every angle, yet seamlessly hiding his monstrous bigger half. His eyebrow lifts were a treat to watch. He expressed his suffering in one scene and in the same scene he switches to show his boiling anger. And in the same scene he acts pitiful while conveying his mountain of love. He despises in the same scene and appreciates as well. In that very scene he daunts his fear while flaunting his courage. He switched his expression accordingly with every line of the same paragraph in the script. Ling he nailed Xie Wei.
Wang Xing Yue as Zhang Zhe. I'm a huge Bai Lu fan, I saw all of her dramas and if you do too, we've already witnessed Xing Yue's phenomenal acting prowess through "One and Only". That was just a trailer! He performed very well here too. He fits like a glove for Zhang Zhe. Zhang Zhe is silent and judicious. He is brave enough to tell what is the truth in a palace full of manipulative liars. He dares to pay the price for sincerity if it requires. A righteous man like a lotus in a dirt pond. Xing Yue did justice.
Zhao Jun Wei as Yan Lin. My favourite! I fell in love with him. Boy looks naughty being a hottie. When he was slaying with his armour on as the Viscount, I could not take my eyes off him. At the same time, when he expressed his love towards Ning Ning not only through his words but also his eyes, I was like- "Ning bae, if you won't have him, I shall^_~" I was squeaking with coy. He legit made me blush. I love his character more than anyone else's. GEM. GEM. GEM.
Liu Xie Ning as the Princess. My sweetieeeeee, my cutieeeeeee... I shall call her with all adorable names cuz she was A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. She was the apple of my eye like Ning's. She looked like a Swan bro. Beautiful as hellll! From a bratty Princess to a reliable friend and a responsible royal kin, she transitioned like water. Was I watching Barbie in any case? I guess. I'm fanning more than a fan (┬┬﹏┬┬).
The whole cast was a tailored pick meticulously embroidered to create a masterpiece.
~~~***~~~
“The abyss is in front of me,
I know I’ll be smashed to pieces if I jump in.
How could I go for it knowing this?” Ning’er pitches
“What if I jump in?” Xie Wei replies.
BONDS:
The chemistry between the mains is lit! Like as soon as you see Bai Lu and Ling He side by side, you see two incredibly pretty people looking like a match of the cupid. They do not need a script to look hot together. Though I was like- "bruhhhhh... I'm sailing the wrong ship" in the beginning, the ship overturns and we sail the right ship. Yeahhhh! LOL. I was not just having a treat, I was having an unlimited buffet seeing them together. The romance starts very slowly but as it starts, the heat is felt!
The friendships are my treasured part of this drama. Ning'er being the center and these awesomesauce friendships she forms around her were UwU. Not just the leads, the whole effin cast has sizzling chemistry duh! I live for these bonds! Especially, Yan Lin-Ning Ning and Princess-Ning stole my heart.
~~~***~~~
"The reflection of light will one day swallow you and me~"
APPRAISAL:
I know that the story is that way but I can’t fathom characters vanishing for half of the drama and then suddenly appearing. It’s like they serve a purpose, but like to talk that they serve a purpose than actually show the purpose they serve. So one moment you feel like a character is no longer important but the very same character pops on screen being the need of the hour. I do like the use of all these many characters but at the end of the day I feel few of them appear so okay-ishhhhh to me.
However great job with the main characters in hand. I love the dynamics, the friendships, the relationships. I love how complex they are, yet have a light airy calmness.
The camera angles were okay. Sometimes though they felt like they focused the wrong things, when I observed it better I see why that happens. This added a lot of depth to the scenes in my opinion. However, sometimes the cuts during the scenes to show different angles were not smoothly videographed. It feels kinda raw. For the time Kunning had in between the filming and release, a lot could’ve been perfected. The transitions were okay. They are not over the top minding that it’s not a high budget god-demon realm fantasy Xianxia.
I really love the makeup. I always feel so triggered with c-drama makeup which only aims towards whitewashing the actors which most of the times make them look pale and that often overshadows the acting and the little expressions that the actors try to make it appear on the camera. In Kunning, I see that the makeup nicely helps in bringing the features of all the actors at the same time being very subtle and minimalistic to go with the theme. There were also scenes and characters that required heavy makeup- like Bai lu in the empress era to show her cruelty or viciousness. Also when Xie Wei wilds out in the snow, a devilish kinda cold makeup is given with a nice red eye shadow to differentiate his emotions better. I not only love the character development arcs but also the makeup transition game that is evident in the drama. It’s nice and clear in the Princess’ case. Her makeup becomes mature as her character does. All those beautiful faces of a starry cast and not one face disappointed either with their expressions or their makeup.
The costumes are so-so. The styling is so-so. There is nothing new and nothing you see for the first time in a historical drama like this one. However I still appreciate the intricacy and the nice jewellery which went well with the theme. A job done is still a job done. I appreciate that it was nowhere seen underdone. Nevertheless, not a high on costume and jewellery drama. There’s nothing that goes par or under par your expectations.
The sets were fine too. Won’t say mediocre as they served the purpose. It doesn’t feel like there was no effort put in as the story doesn’t call out for huge settings. So again, no disappointment.
~~~***~~~
"Looking at the sky
anxiously waiting for winter
reminiscing my memories
I forgot that my four seasons don't have you~"
OST
How to even express my satisfaction that I received through the OSTs? Melodious music with eloquent lyrics paired with worthwhile voices stringing into a harmonious enticement. I heard it for the first time and I guarantee that there will never be a last time.
1. Borrowing Dreams sung by Zhou Shen. All Bai Lu and Keep Running fans are well aware of Zhou Shen and his amazing vocals. Why would this song be an exception? What makes it sweeter to me is the fact that they are good friends in real life too and Bai Lu personally thanked Zhou Shen in Keep Running for lending his voice to this masterpiece in her drama. This is also the closing song of the drama and also my favourite from the list. "Take a willingness to lose to exchange for my other half" is my most favourite part. Whether it played during their romance scenes in the drama or during the end credits, this song didn't fail to make me sing even though I sang it in gibberish due to the language barrier. And the song break where Zhou Shen harmonizes "HaaAAaaaaaaaa... HaaAAaaaaaaaa" .... man, I always transport to the Kunning world.
2. Snow Season sung by Bai Lu. Talk of a multi-talented queen who can act, dance, sing so beautifully! Snow season is a lullaby to the soul. Its like a sweet dessert that satisfies the soul after a scrumptious meal. Bai Lu sang "Entering A Dream" in Arsenal Military Academy along with Xu Kai and I got its vibes with this. I'm telling you, when Bai Lu sings such melodious slow songs, its the end of the world for me. I still couldn't take Entering A Dream out of my mind, now this adds to the list. Not kidding, the moment I listened to her sweet voice, I cried. IT IS SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
3. Three Thousand Worlds Not Meeting You sung by Jing Long. A breath of fresh air. I think this music and Jing Long's vocals drift from the typical Xianxia music to slightly the current R&B side and it's such a refreshing transpose. Yet, it still feels to be within the theme adding to its ambiguity. The main chorus is very catchy and ran in my mind 24/7 during the whole period I watched SoKP.
Honorary mention: Like a Dream sung by Zhou Jun Wei (We hail a multi-talented king too.)
Other OST include: With Love sung by Jane Zhang
~~~***~~~
REWATCH VALUE:
I'm really satisfied. Definitely re-watchable. It has a calm feel to this drama (idk), I'll definitely re-watch.
~~~***~~~
RECOMMENDATION:
“Mr. Xie, your ambitions are high
as the clouds in the sky
While I’m shallow and short-sighted
like the mud on the ground.
The sparrow will not know the will of a swan.
A miner’s lady is stranger to the sea.
A mortal hopes for nothing else
but to live peacefully.
Mr. Xie, please have mercy on me.”
⁃ Jiang Xuening to Xie Wei
could Xuening really live peacefully? You gottu watch!
Just watch it y'all. It's worth giving a try. But go with no expectations, you'll enjoy it better.
Also folks, do not miss "As You Wish: Story of Kunning Palace" with few of the cast of this drama. I gushed at every episode with the sultry chemistry between the leads and lovely rapport with the whole cast. It's worth your time.
~~~***~~~
P.S: Was I writing a review or a whole new story? I'm tired X﹏X
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What's the point of all of this?
I think it was cute and all, but also so boring! I had to push myself to finish it because it was just so boringggg... and at some point there was just nothing happening.The main characters relationship was so forced! They had no chemistry at all (which surprised me because in bts they seemed really close), and their kissing scenes where so cringy and weird.
The other two characters also didn't had any chemestry.
I was a little disappointed overall, Hwang In Yeop is one of my fav actors and i felt that in this one he forgot how to act, im sorry...
6/10 because i've seen worse, i just had high hopes for this one :/
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This review may contain spoilers
Great Acting, Nice Mysteries, Where Was ZQL at the End?
This was on my watchlist. I just didn't expect it to literally come out of nowhere. The acting was top-notch, even though the choppy editing could've been done without. I was very impressed with DYX and his Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde switches on a dime. But everyone in general in the lead cast even the creepy antagonist did a good job. The costumes, the stunts and wire work, the CGI including the monsters and things, sets and OST's were great.I feel this was a domino effect story they started off with these two adopted brothers who went to solve mysteries after being made official members of the archives from the mysterious Zhang family. So this was a combo of Mystic Nine and The Lost Tomb series from what I understood. I'm not as many people know a source material reader so to me it's just coming in as a viewer. But ZHL made the colossal mistake of being arrogant and spilling some secrets which caused the domino effect of the archives being discovered, and people within the archives being hunted and killed by the warlord. I think the story is incredibly engaging, especially toward the end when you find out that absolutely everything is connected from that very first case of twilight grass to what the warlord was really after or who rather. I feel insanely bad for ZHX because he was sort of like the sacrificial lamb in the entire thing, and even though he faked his death, he still didn't know the entire truth that the thing was a poison, and that the second part would erode his mind and turned him into Mr. Hyde, and he fought the bloodlust to the end. I still blame to an extent ZHQ for not telling ZHX the entire truth of the fake death and also keeping a lot of secrets from ZHL. But as ZQJ said at the end, "it's the one that's left that suffers the most" though I think given everything it's not the last we have seen of ZHX and ZHL knows it.
The only thing I didn't really understand was why ZQL only popped up when pretty much everything was over and why he didn't step in to help when he knew so many people were essentially dying due to things that he could get rid of or control and it didn't need to necessarily be a monster until the very last episode with the meteorite and those Kraken looking tentacles that came out of it. At least he brought ZHQ back to life, which is what essentially they were looking for but again why wait so long?
Given what Wu Xie said at the end and the note from Xiao Ge about “working together before” plus that snake that followed both bros around inside the hypnosis and finding out about the meteorite through that hypothetical 3 way convo, this makes a ton of sense more than the stab and done. ZHX who went through so much to just die like that, when I watched it that morning (after not sleeping all night) even then it didn’t make sense to me. I don’t believe he’s dead either; I think he’s in that suspended animation state waiting for a cure. Furthermore, just like ZHL said all adopted orphans into the family are special because their hearts are on the right side, not the left and when he stabbed ZHX, he stabbed his left side. Even at the very end of them fighting ZHL through words and actions let ZHX know he hadn’t given up on him (as he had explained to the two with him and the snake charmer dude as well as continuing with what ZQS had told him that we had the flashback too in episode 29. Though he wasn’t acting like everything was normal, he now understood the why and treated him like two different ppl sharing a body). Because of the world they’re in that’s where my head’s at plus I think Shifu knows it too. The all knowing look she gave ZHL on that boat at the end was a bit too obvious. The medicine formula dark shrimp burned wasn’t the real one (flashback was twice to drive the point home) and she either has it or memorized it as we know she’s good at that so other than Zhang blood they need the other ingredients. Whether we’ll actually see it or not is a different matter. Though the writer did leave a lot of little cryptic notes saying that there will be a possible season two I just hope it's with the same actors.
Would I recommend it? I 100% would recommend this if you love this franchise and universe despite the choppy editing and sadness for the life of ZHX I think it was executed very well and he did it very well. I don't want to tell the entire story because then what's the point of watching? I'm sure there are other reviews that have done that and mine are a lot shorter now so please watch and make up your minds for yourselves.
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DISAPPOINTMENT
You don't even need to watch it, if you want to see a masterpiece, read the manhwa or novel. People who watch and like it are either bots or viewers who have no knowledge of the real story, so I don't think there is a single person who knows the novel and manhwa and will like this series. The biggest reasons for this series' success will be the wrong actors and the wrong interventions made in the scenario.Was this review helpful to you?
pleasantly surprised
I started watching the drama solely for Jin Ki Joo and the time travel aspect of the plot. But sci-fi dramas, especially when it's around time travel, tend to fall apart pretty quicky so I decided not to get my hopes up. Which might be why I'm left with this warm feeling while finishing up with the last episode.The relationships between the characters' past versions and the leads were really interesting to see develop, and the murder mystery was entertaining enough to stay engaged in the story.
I loved the fact that the romance wasn't at the front, but rather developed in the background, although I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two. I felt the same way Find Me In Your Memory, and I think I'm just having a hard time getting used to Kim Dong Wook's acting.
There were a few things left out at the end that I would've liked to have an answer to, but overall I was surprised with how solid the story was compared to what I thought at first.
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Coming of Age
This is a great series exploring coming of age. Who am I? And what is my goal in life? If you look at this as a stricktly romance series I can understand that you miss a lot of the interesting underlying plot lines. I personally love how strings and crumbs were given in episode 1 and with a red thread throughout the episodes became clear how each character had multiple hidden agendas with their actions and experiences.The series explore self-awareness into adulthood, how ties to family changes from childhood into young adulthood and romantical connections. How past experiences are carried with us and impact our future decisions and reactions in various situations.
Personally I loved how Dunk’s acting showed parrallels in scenes from the beginning of the series to the same scenes happening at the end of the series and you can clearly see his character growth. (Zo is supposed to be an awkward character in the beginning before he grows into himself over the couse of the series. We see Joke grow and learn more about himself as a person and how to approach his friends, family and situations.
The side couple wasnt showed much, but Aou and Boom did amazing in the few scenes they were present. And gave the perfect counter-balance to Dunk and Joongs characters.
Also, we cannot deny that Joong and Dunks chemistry carried in the low plot parts of the series.
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This review may contain spoilers
That was a BIG disappointment!
I gave it a go, as I loved SI1&SI2 - how could the producers put this as season three?!Nothing worked for me.
Cast - largely boring and shallow characters - both women and men. In previous years we had a great mix of ages, professions and personalities. This time on women’s side these was team Miss Korea vs one basketball player (who were the rest of the men again?)
Location - in season 1&2 the participants had much more space - I appreciate it’s the inferno but turning it into Bog Brother is not very interesting for me. The hotel was not that nice as the ones before - had a tiny tab and they had to eat around a coffee table…something just didn’t add up..
Stories - generally very bitty; the only story I kind of liked was cafe owner&young model. The basketball player triangle was centre of all proceedings out of desperation for me - I’m sure that should there have been more interesting men characters, this would have not happened! He was portrayed as shallow, unconvincing and unreliable man - what got omitted from the edits that is SO charming about you?!
I’m not sure if the editing was bad or this season was generally just boring, but there was no much really interesting relationships. For the first time I actually rewarded forward a programme just to see key moments..and these extremely long pauses - who needs that many and that long?!
The best thing - although painful to watch sometimes - was the studio team who was commenting..
Bring them back!
What a disappointment!
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El Oh El...why do y'all grade this so high?
To be honest, this drama was not meant to be some kind of high-budget blockbuster...and they didn't try to be either. So they had that going on for them. Production-wise, the set, cast, decor, and costumes were up-to-par. It wasn't one of those dramas where you could clearly see the fresh silver or gold paint peeling off the very obvious plastic armor or swords. The dresses weren't pretty per se, but I really liked the hairstyles. They felt different from what we are usually "served". Loved that for them.The acting was ok because there were plenty of industry veterans cast in it. Not the A-rated kind, mind you, but the kind that could deliver their lines in ways good enough for me to believe them most of the time. Well...except for the main actress and her ridiculous plotline. I got tired of her antics very quickly because they kept making the same "jokes" about her character over and over again. Like, we get it. You're a "sick, young lady", wink wink. Can we move on now?
And then she spent the whole drama over-powdering her face ghostly white. Meanwhile, her neck was a whole different shade of light paper bag brown. A mess! I think they did it for the plot...but these actresses are known to go heavy on the bleaching creams, so who knows.
Anyways, she was supposed to be strong, intelligent, a fighter, and a strategist in disguise and we literally got to see her fight 2 times and it wasn't even that good. They did a really bad job of transposing the actors and their double because you could clearly see that it wasn't the actors anymore. Additionally, the fight scenes were really badly choreographed.
My next bone to pick is more with Jeremy Tsui than his character. Jeremy Tsui is weird lol (not as a person, cause I don't know him like that but as an actor). For an actor of his background and caliber. This man has been in the industry playing main for a long time now. So, you expect his dramas to gradually get better and to be good...but somehow most of his projects always fail to deliver. This one included. I don't know who keeps casting him to play the "cold young prince/general/CEO/popular actor..." turn simp in those B-rated idol dramas, but they need to quit it. This man would be so much better as a villain or an antihero in a serious drama in my opinion. Something about him is very...ahjussi even though he is only 37.
And what kills it for me every time is that his other male counterparts look decades younger than him playing his older brother. Nasty work, I tell ya! He has an "old face" and clearly cannot pull the "young prince" character anymore, so why do they keep casting him in those young roles? The female actress could have pulled 18 (not really, but whatever) but trying to pass Jeremy with a face that looks blatantly "stretched" from all of his plastic surgeries and Botox...is not the move. He makes the dramas feel "dated" like we're still watching a drama from the early 2010s. He is coming off as one of those "idol actors" who never transitioned to serious roles. Like he failed to launch or something. Can you imagine Wu Lei still playing an 18-year-old young hero 20 years from now? His team needs to let Jeremy age physically and career-wise. I could say a lot more...but I don't want to be too mean, and my mama raised me right lol.
If you're bored and there is nothing else to watch...I would still not recommend this lol. But you don't gotta listen to me lol. Watch whatever, they are you 22 hours to waste and you may be like me a nd like to watch bad dramas anyway. So...go crazy!
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I felt seen...
I felt like I could belong. This series not only help me realize what kind of F*d up world we live in, It also helped see understand myself and Love myself.I just read a comment saying how the male lead is effeminate and creepy and they just dropped the series because of it. I'd like to say to that person, good riddance. Because how people react watching this series is literally shows how society also treats these characters that are based on real people that exist.
This world makes us think that we need to fit in somewhere and do things how they want us to do. But in reality, this world is made for the entitled, elite that made all these society rules and those of us who recognize it and never succumb to fitting in know how difficult it is to be ones self but at the same time, how empowering it is to say "This is Me, I was born this way and if no-one comes into my life loving me for myself, then I dont want it". This series was exactly that.
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Honestly just read the Novel.
Its honestly disappointing. It disrespected the original source material to the very point where it's completely unrecognizable and different from its source, from even the overall messages and symbolism that ORV tried to convey, everything had been completely butchered. But by peeling and stripping away everything to adhere to the general audience's expectations, there won't be anything left to love. for all I could say it's quite disappointing and unimpressive to say the least. This is setting a supremacy for future and prospective Live action adaptations to completely mess up a beloved story by extracting all the aspects that make it great in the first place. You can't even call it an adaptation, it fails in every aspect. the cinematography is incompetent, Additionally some actors with major supporting roles are just completely sidelined for no appropriate reason. This exactly isn't a matter of an "accurate adaptation and depiction" anymore.Was this review helpful to you?
Lets face it its not great but its not bad either. ( lots of flims out there that are not great but perfectly fine to watch)
I was reading the other reviews...i question the scores....either they are being bais or i just have compelety diffrent view.
I'm scoring this based what i saw ...
Comedy: It was enjoyable, It was fuuny. i laughed :D
STORY: It seems simple..but quite the twsit you face at the end. The story was meant to be one of those that you laugh through the goffiness then bam! you realise what was really happening . HOWEVER .....I think it wasn't told in the best way. the end i thought was rushed. i was left totally confused with everything being revealed at once with not enough time to comprehend. I suggest rewatching the end.
ACTING: JJ i would say did a great job. i'm impresssed.lol maybe his got personal experience...SJH however...did not do a good job with her character . can't say i understood her very well.(acting aside..she was super cute)
MUSIC:(IN THE MOVIE) the songs themselves are fine. However the way that they are pesented was just...chessy(?)..it felt forced.
Would i rewatch?
No. not really maybe cuts from it..there were some funny bits i would rewatch.
Overall-
Not the best MADE film. The actors were fine nothing horrible. it was more of a for the fansmovies... so if you love JJ or SJH or both..GO FOR IT....all others hmm if you have time.
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卧虎藏龙 Crouching Tigers and Hidden Dragons – Witty, Humorous, Philosophical
I love this story. It is inundated with hidden talents that are unexpected, mysterious, interesting, complex and contrasting. Each character has distinct characteristics and is unforgettable. Adapted from a very popular web novel by the talented script writer Wang Juan who has also written for Joy of Life and Young Blood, this drama has a very similar vibe as Joy of Life which was also played by Zhang Ruo Yun as the main lead. Together with Hu Jun, this drama gives the viewers an unusual wuxia story with modern vibes.Within the first episode, my interest was piqued: Why is the heir to the King (Lord) of Bei Liang displaced? He is like a beggar, dirty in rags, stealing food. Why are there assassination attempts on his life? In fact, seemingly insignificant, how would anyone know he’s the heir and track his whereabout? Why does his old hag of a horse servant run faster than him but not fending him when they are being chased? Why does he want everyone to think that he’s a good-for-nothing idiot? Why is his fearsome father so fearful of him? All these questions, and more, pop up in my head and urge me to continue.
Xu Fengnian (played by Zhang Ruoyun) is well known to be the number one useless playboy in the world. That’s what he wants others to think. Those who know him, including his own father, know he’s the most compassionate, intelligent and strategic person around. For Xu Fengnian, his philosophy of 不取舍, 不妥协 (Bù qǔshě, bù tuǒxié) -- never abandon (as in sacrificing), and never compromise -- brings him a fortunate stroke of serendipity with friends and followers that vow to protect him with their lives. It is this uncompromising conviction that his father, the fearsome General Xu Xiao (played by Hu Jun), thinks his son too naïve and need to be exposed to the reality and darkness of life. During Xu Fengnian’s quest, his father exposes his track to his enemies, at the same time, sends diehard top warriors to protect him. The actions are both ironic and hilarious.
Xu Xiao perhaps can be considered as an ideal father for any child: ruthless and fearsome for others but doting on, even to the extent of submissive to, his own children. He is like a tiger when facing his enemies, but immediately morphs into a little mouse when facing his own children. Unlike most ancient Chinese parents who demand absolute obedience, Xu Xiao doesn’t. In fact, seemingly letting Xu Fengnian having his own way, constantly Xu Xiao teaches him without the youngster even realizing it until very much later when things finally fall into place and reveal themselves. As a great chess player, Xu Xiao is always multiple steps ahead of everyone. Though disagree with the way his father handles things, Xu Fengnian comes to realize and respect his father for his foresightedness.
As romance is not the central theme to the story, as of season one anyway, nonetheless viewers do get a peek at Xu Fengnian’s possible love interest. As a princess of a by-gone kingdom which is conquered by Xu Xiao, Jiang Ni (played by Li Gengxi/Teresa Li) has a love-hate relationship with his family. On one hand, she understands that Xu Xiao has saved her, on the other, she is upset that Xu Xiao has taken her country and destroyed her family. She takes her torments out on Xu Fengnian by repeatedly assassinating him. Despite her continued laments that she is now a maid for Xu Fengnian, she is happy to dry his books for him under the sun.
Perhaps the most pitiful character is our antagonist, Zhao Kai (played by Liu Duanduan). His one-track mindedness to kill Xu Fengnian is both funny and pathetic.
Xu Fengnian’s relationship with all the characters has been very well developed, and from here, viewers can clearly see his values and baseline. He loves all his siblings and constantly want to protect them. He cares for all his people, including his maids and servants, and treat them like his own family.
Hu Jun has a commanding look. One look at him would conjure up images of ruthlessness, and in wrath, he could order to kill everyone that comes in his way. And yet, at a click of the fingers, Hu Jun can become the most affable grandfather any kids would love to cuddle up with. Hu Jun is simply amazing and has captured his character with flying colors. Zhang Ruoyun’s acting here is rather similar to that of Joy of Life with an apathetic look. His chemistry with Hu Jun is so great that most viewers do not have enough of their scenes together. Most of the criticism of choice of actors has perhaps fallen on Li Gengxi, who comparatively, is less attractive than the others and has less experience in acting. However, I find her acting acceptable and she has brought out the Jiang Ni character rather convincingly. Her chemistry with Zhang Ruoyun is good too.
My Verdict
This is not your normal kind of wuxia story. Every character has its story and each may carry a big mystery behind it. What each character says is not necessarily what it (the character) means, and its action not necessarily the actual motive. Everything is not what it seems and it is hard to fathom until the treacherous events brought forth to light.
Some of the actions can be illogical, and the logic can be so simple that it becomes illogical and unusual, making the whole thing hilarious. The use of analogies, double or hidden meaning in each sentence which consists of blunders layered on top of each other, making the dialogues extremely amusing. Every move and word from the characters is out of expectation. Though speaking with dialogues in ancient poetic verses, they are infused with modern vibes. The humors have come from the conflicting ideas and situations, in the satirical of human weaknesses. When it exaggerates, it doubles down. It is all these that make the whole story intriguing and captivating.
A lot of the criticism has come from viewers dissatisfy with the slow motion of martial art actions. Perhaps some viewers are expecting the type of martial art fighting scenes of the Hong Kong style of the old days when many of such actors were indeed martial art masters themselves. For me, I would have preferred the current style, as the director attempts very well to show the viewers the beauty of the fighters’ choreography and stance with hair flying and robes floating in the air. The current style of shooting emphasizes more on aesthetic values rather than the actual fighting itself. Therefore, this is a matter of taste, and should not be used to judge the quality of the drama.
Unlike the cliff hanger ending for Joy of Life, and despite the unresolved mysteries in this story, the ending here for season one is at a very appropriate point. This is a drama that makes you smile and feel warm from within.
Great drama! Recommended! Two thumbs up!
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TharnType Season 2 Special: The Wedding Day
19 people found this review helpful
Wrapped up fairly well
I really enjoyed how this episode revolves 90% around Thanrtype as it should. Their story was wrapped up with a bow on top. It was really emotional seeing them finally getting married after two seasons of watching them grow together. I usually don't cry from being too happy but seeing them finally saw their vows made me shed tears.I would have been very interested to know how Champ and the doctor's relationship were progressing, but it was nice to see them at least acknowledge the relationship. The only real letdown was how Khlui and Seo were treated completely as comic relief; I would have liked to see at least one serious conversation with each other rather than making everything a joke.
All in all, it was a very happy finish to this story, and although not everything was perfect, it was rewarding to watch.
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