The acting was incredible. I have never seen anything of Lee Jin Wook's, so I was kind of weary on how well he'd deliver, but I gotta say I was both surprised and pleased with his performance. Same goes for Jo Yoon Hee.. I didn't think she'd be as good as she was, since the only drama I've seen her in was "Lie To Me" and she wasn't one that stuck out, in my opinion. Even the 1992 counterparts played their roles well, so as far as acting goes this was a really well chosen cast that I must commend whoever's in charge of casting, because it's good to see that some people don't rely on just the most well-known actors to get good ratings, and actually focus on the particular actor's skills performance. As for the music... Nothing that really stuck out to me. A few good OST's here and there, but nothing too special.
Overall, I had to give this drama a 10. Just looking at the story plot and acting was enough on it's own, nothing else mattered. Although I probably wouldn't rewatch this as soon as I could, since every episode was like added stress that I had to agonize over for a week, but definitely a drama I highly recommend you check out! Especially if you too like those deeper meaning endings... I mean I don't know what it is, but they make me so happy I can't explain it. This drama sucks you in from the get-go, so I hope you all give this one a chance!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
We’re all familiar with the Japanese sense of creativity that knows no limits and this film falls under that category. Takeshi Miike is surely a genius director but he comes up with pretty crazy films sometimes, that’s why I understand people who think of this as unwatchable and I also relate to those who consider it another creative work. What’s for sure is that this film isn’t directed for everyone.
This is basically a school film; one of those J-films where there are lots of delinquents and a badass male lead and of course, there’s a little romantic interest as a spice. But then things get ultimately awkward and irritating when they add singing and dancing to those elements. I don’t know what this film’s makers were thinking about when they did that. I thought that they were trying to imitate a Disney musical or something but if that was the case, then this was a drastic failure. I believe that the film would’ve been more enjoyable if they excluded the meaningless singing and dancing, I had to skip those parts to be able to follow the story and that was somehow successful. But then again, you can’t consider this as a pure delinquent film since it was interrupted with pointless romance without any chemistry that grabs your intention.
The acting was pretty alright. I mean there’s Satoshi as the male lead and let’s not forget other good actors such as Sakura and Ihara who were quite good as actors but I can’t say the same about any character in this film, most of them were all over the place especially the female lead who was utterly annoying and badly written. So you can guess that this is a film where you have to set a thin barrier between acting and characters; even though the former was quite good, the latter was a hot mess.
The music department was extremely bad, I do believe that it ruined the whole film no matter how much you try to ignore it; it will pop out in front of you out of nowhere to destroy any sort of entertainment you expect from this film. I think this is the worst musical film (if that what the makers were trying to accomplish) ever made.
Taken as a whole, I wouldn’t dare to recommend this to anyone because I am sure that most people would hate the frustrating singing and dancing but if you can disregard those elements and watch this as another weird school/delinquent J-film mixed up with some romance then this could be to your liking. However, remember not to have any expectations for this one or else, you will end up awfully disappointed.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Kaseifu no mita is a really cool family drama. I really don’t like family dramas a whole lot but this one was pretty good. A creepy, robotic, Nanny McFee character is the housekeeper who of course teaches the family valuable lessons, and unifies the family all while learning one herself. The main reason I don’t like most family dramas is because they are really unrealistic. However this one really touches on a dark side of life. Not all smiles and happy times, this drama delves into teenage sex, infidelity, suicide, longing, angst, anger and tragedy. Looking at how a family fell apart and was unconsciously mended back together through individual choices made me want to see each episode. I wanted to know whose turn was it to get “fixed”, and how/where was it gonna happen.
Nanako Matsushima was awesome!! She was not only totally believable but she was the character, and it was played to perfection. Other outstanding actors were Shiori Kutsuna who really did bring out the troubled teenager she was playing.
What I didn’t like was the ridiculous concept that the housekeeper never getting into trouble doing what she did. If they were going to be realistic and dark they should have gone all the way. I found the youngest kid annoying (I think that’s what they were aiming for) and a lot of her parts I fast forwarded through. I really wanted one of the kids to become a yankee but ***** no spoilers here****. The grumpy grandfather never became loveable to me and for some reason I found the longing of the aunt (urara played by Aibu saki) annoying and unnecessary. Each time the kids asked Mita (housekeeper) what to do, she answered the exact same thing, that drove me crazy because they kept looking like she would say something different.
The story was great but I felt like the revelations at the end were rushed and unnatural, almost as if the writers didn’t realize it was time for the drama to end. I would have liked the drama to focus a bit more on the housekeeper throughout and not just at the last 15 minutes. Dot get me wrong the ending was still nice and sweet , but it could have been better. The story itself seemed as if midway they needed new material. Like they ran out of problems within the family to tackle so they moved to the unnecessary neighbors. Still it looked like they have this one primed for a second season and I would watch that one too. However in the next family maybe they could make the family less annoying, because in some episodes 4 whiny, selfish, nosy brats and a spinelessa, cry-baby father were too much to take. Although it doesn't suck you in, and make you a part of the family, this one is an interesting watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
JoongDunk chemistry never disappoints
Yes this was not perfect and the hidden agenda was not a big deal at all, I expected more. But I enjoyed this. It was a simple BL and I absolutely love JoongDunk, so I had to finish this. As always they look so good together with overflowing chemistry.They improved a lot and the kissing scene were so much better than in star in my mind.
It was interesting the issues that were addressed with like the relationship with their families, the pressure…
I also like the second couple, wish we had seen more of them.
Don’t know why add this stupid problems in the last episode, Zo annoyed me here. Joke is such a good boyfriend, I didn’t like how Zo treated him sometimes. Also, it would have been interesting to explore more Joke story about his relationship with his family.
For me, it’s not as bad as people are saying it is, you don’t always need a big or complicated plot.
Was this review helpful to you?
I began watching this movie because of Okada Masaki, an actor whom caught my attention by being brilliant in most of his roles (He has a minor role in this movie but still managed to get an acting nominee for best supporting role). What made me keep watching was the thrilling story, something I did not expect (I didn't even read the synopsis before I began watching), the dark feeling and the overall fantastic actors. One would not think that 37 middle school students can create such an atmosphere. The woman who played the main character, Takako Matsu, was amazing in her role. But, let me quote "let's not forget the amazing ensemble cast of young Japanese actors who ultimately steal the show from Matsu's cold as ice teacher with their riveting performances as existential youth gone wrong".
This masterpiece was completed by their use of Radiohead's Last Flowers.
All I can say is: "Watch and be amazed" because this will mess with you.
Was this review helpful to you?
The storyline was pretty simple
Love triangle, best friends liking the same guy.
Their scenes are funny and adorable. It was a sweet teen romance until the ending. I mean why they decide to end it that way?
The acting was great. The cinematography is really beautiful. The music fits the mood.
But because of the ending i probably would not rewatch it ㅠㅠ
Was this review helpful to you?
Fascinating Study of an Antihero Demon and the Heroic Immortal
Wow, this blew me away with how good it is so far even though I'm not a Xianxia die hard. This is no fluffy youth drama and even the romance is not really emphasized in the initial episodes. It's high budget with big name stars that live up to its expectations of an engaging storyline that is a complex character study of the ML. The relationship between the ML and FL is also complicated as she needs to save him to prevent future calamity even though he had harmed her immortal family and sect. The storyline, plotting, and pacing are done fairly well and my hope is the quality will be maintained for future episodes.The initial episodes are dedicated to examining how the Antihero ML was bullied, was considered an outcast and a harbinger of bad omens. He is shunned and tossed off by his father who is the king of the Jing Kingdom and becomes a hostage prince in the Sheng Kingdom. I've seen the ML in Love like Ashes and he knocks his role out of the park with this one. He fits the Bryonic antihero character like a glove. His mannerisms and facial expressions reflecting the darkness, moodiness and the numbness from the betrayals and lack of love in his life. The morally grey leanings and his pale physical appearance of being emaciated paves the path for his eventual rise to become the Demon Lord. I've also been impressed with Bai Lu the FL, she seems to have picked some good projects in the last few years (one or two bad ones) with storylines that have depth and are not conventional (Arsenal Military Academy, Beautiful Bones).
A must watch in 2023 for Xianxia Cdrama fans who like dark storylines.
Was this review helpful to you?
There's nothing to say much about the cast, they played their characters perfectly to the point where it was easy to get irritated, to laugh, cry along with them. Each and every actor brought their characters to life in style and color.
The Music was just a perfect match to each of the situation they were supposed to be matched with.
I would totally recommend this drama if you are looking for a well adjusted drama about life that's clean funny and relaxing. Even if you are not in your 40's this drama is written so beautifully that it's easy for anybody to actually relate to and be like "oh that could so totally be me."
SO in clear if you are looking for a funny well adjusted and well written drama there you have it try this one just take a sit back and be charmed by all those oppas who are going to make you feel like life is just oh so well good ...
Was this review helpful to you?
I watched Reply 1997, the first installment of the franchise, and loved it. I also saw positive reviews of 1988 so I came in expecting to be entertained. But I've always believed that first installments, whether a movie or a book or a show, are the best so I didn't expect too much. And so from episode 1 to 20, I kept on being surprised and impressed because not only was 1988 a good drama -- it was also better than 1997 and definitely one of the best, if not the best, 2015 kdramas.
Like its predecessors, Reply 1988 is an ode to youth, a tribute to a time long gone. I think this installment was more nostalgic because the era was the oldest. 88 stood out though because it focused less on romance and the typical Reply franchise trope of husband hunting but more on youth, friendship, and family. First loves and romance also played a part but it took a back seat, which was both a good and bad thing.
88 had a strong cast and I love that even though Duk Seon was the lead, each of the cast got their own shining moments. They were so fleshed out that it felt like I knew them in real life. The strength of this show lies in its characters and the way they interacted with each other. The camaraderie and rapport not only among the younger characters but also among the parents was so heartwarming. And the conflicts presented in each episode were real-life problems. This kept the show real, relatable, and deeply engrossing.
Reply 1988's most touching moments were the ones centered on family and friendship. I swear, there wasn't an episode where I didn't shed tears and during the latter part of the show I was crying multiple times per episode. The dynamics between Bora and her dad, for instance, broke my heart to pieces, as well as the friendship of the three ahjummas. I also loved moments between Jung Hwan and her mom, and Taek and his dad.
The romance, at first, seemed predictable. From the pilot episode, I was so sure who Duk Seon will end up with. Up until the 18th episode I was confident of my guess. And then the opposite happened and I was shocked. Viewers were shocked. I did not see that coming at all and if you watched, you'd know that one of the guys was painted as the typical male lead so it was a real surprise when he wasn't chosen. This is not to say that it wasn't justified. The guy Duk Seon ends up with truly deserved her because be was braver and more determined to get the girl. Since both guys are good, I was okay with either one and I couldn't choose. I just felt a little played because of the unexpected twist. I wonder if this was the original plan of the writer or if it was changed midway.
I only wish more attention was given to the romance. Since it took a back seat, there wasn't a clear narrative on how Duk Seon fell for the guy. Other than that, I have no complaints.
Reply 1994 is next on my to-watch list but I'm not expecting much since it has not-so-positive reviews. Plus, it would be hard to top Reply 1988. I'm still reeling from the hole it left in my heart.
Was this review helpful to you?
This Drama, is really one ofthe best Dramas ever! It is a Drama, that makes you worry, tremble and cry rivers! There isn´t a single Episode that is boring, you always wonder what will happen next. You think about how it is going to continue, you think you finally found the perfect Scenario, just to be surprised again and again!
Story: A Story that is very awesome, and well written! Through the whole Drama, you think how it will end, just to see that it isn´t going as you expected, AT ALL! You think you finally found the murderer, it is all legit, and the Drama Comes around the Corner and "BOO", it scares the sh** out of you!
Acting/Cast: It is perfect acting and perfect cast!! I know Lee Bo Young fom I Hear Your Voice which is one of my best-ever-Dramas, but Cho Seung Woo has been totally new to me! And man, this is a guy! Everybody in this Drama Show top-notch acing skills but Cho Seung Woo - he was better than them all (although only a slight bit, they were all awesome).
Music: BEST!!!!!!! The Drama OST´s fit the Drama perfectly. They make you cry and tremble even more! I definetely have every OST of it on my phone right now!
This is a Drama, that I loved from the very first second to the very last second. I cried in almost every Episode, enough to use it for a pool actually, and trembled so many times! There sure are a few characters I didn´t like, they have been so suspicious! If you really want a Drama to cry, to tremble and to shout at your Computer, then this is for you!
I really want to thank all the writers, the directors, the actors and overall all the staff that have been working on this masterpiece, they did a really awesome Job!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
that joyless place. I like to call; The last 11 episodes
"Whoa. Speculation reset. Just toss everything we thought we knew last week out" (2 months ago). My comment after episode 6 aired - where the line draws, and romance ends.Where, watchers thought maybe a great chemistry could climb out into the light toward freedom. A place, that hunted-young-couple would discover love and themselves in the process. But, that story-180, took our leads away from originality, and right back where they started.
Where, the rich can take your organs, ruin your life, kill your child, and force lust on you. While, clueless vengeance and misunderstandings loop repetitively. We all know that place, that joyless place. I like to call it; The last 11 episodes of this soap-opera.
That wonder of walking down a dirt road, in a crown of straw, with a pony-tailed man - With old nanny as witness to a wedding under a open sky. All fell to nothing, and in the end the house they built, meant even less. That couple; mundane, but rich; chemistry gone; wander the earth; to write five star hotel reviews in branded gear. What a difference, that time skip made.
There are better romances out there. This could have been something special, but, it isn't. Not recommended.
Was this review helpful to you?
I understand that this might not be to everyone's taste, so if you're looking for a Rom-Com or something light I suggest you watch something else.
On the other hand, even if it is titled as tragedy it's not THAT tragic in my opinion. Okay, maybe a little tragic, too, but not everyone-dies-in-the-end-tragic.
This show surprised me from the start, taking a direction I didn't expect, really making me wonder where we were going.
After watching the last episode I can say that the whole story was very well thought-out and in the end everything made sense.
It did a very good job at surprising once more in the end, when I already thought I had it all figured out.
I also realy liked the dark mood and the tension, especially in conversations between Mako/Satsuki and the detective.
Both Takei Emi and Kiritani Kenta did an awesome job. I have seen Takei Emi several times before, but each time it feels like a completely different character. This time she managed to play two characters at the same time in such a way that the audience is always able to tell the twins apart even when the line starts to blur.
Lastly, I set the rewatch value very low, because it's the kind of drama that won't be as interesting anymore if you know what will happen. It's the surprises that are catchy, but you won't be surprised the second time round.
Was this review helpful to you?
Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) Season 2
18 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Why?
Why would you take the time to write a drama that makes people want to fight you as the writer? Why? I know you can do better. Why in hell am I seeing a naked ghost pervert in the story line that has gone no where. I want Justice for the ladies and I don't see that happening and I am at episode 11 of season 2. At least season 2 is slightly better than season 1. What you doing? Why!!!!? The only reason I will stick with the drama with a lot of scrolling is because I want to see ending full of justice.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
WATERMELON SUGAR!!! ?✨
Ah, I’m sad I finished this show… The characters were so fun, to see the band practices and the friendship tighten throughout the show was just so 😎👍🏻. Eun Gyeol’s unconditional love for his parents and how he tried so hard to make their lives brighter💗. Personally, I think they focused too long on Yi Chan’s crush on “Se Kyeong” (even though eventually they strangely made it seem like he knew for a while that “Se Kyeong” actually liked Eun Gyeol – I wished we would have gotten more of Yi Chan and Cheong Ah). I also think that Eun Yu and Eun Gyeol should have found out about each other’s identities a little earlier. But overall, this show made me cry, laugh and was a lot of fun💞.Was this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
Who was your first?3 minutes ago -
WooJu Bakery Update - FYI not good news8 minutes ago -
BL Drama Lovers Club12 minutes ago -
What's the Last Anime Episode You Watched? #227 minutes ago -
What was the last song (non Asian) that you listened to? #228 minutes ago
