Reviews

A more mature story on school bullying, albeit a bit green and cliche around the edges.

My curiosity was peaked by the mention of a male student enduring school bullying as I'm used to seeing more of a damsel in distress-type situation play out in Korean television with the male savior trope a little too played out. It was refreshing to see the roles switched, and I was interested to see it unfold onscreen. I'm not familiar with GOT7 excluding Jinyoung from The Devil Judge, and only because I saw the "IDOL" hashtag and realized he was a band member after the fact. I think he's a fantastic actor and has a beautiful cry face (lol). That said, I only realized Youngjae was a member because of the other reviews here exalting his performance as "perfect" and "amazing." I expected him to blow me away based on their reviews and honestly, had I just watched the show without first seeing their comments, I probably would have had a much higher rating for him. Be that as it may, I came out of the mini-drama fully understanding that he is very green still and thought he did well considering.

The show itself threw me off quite a bit in the first few episodes. It starts off very silly and like a cliche-rom-com with the FL a bit too bubbly and smiley and the music too simplistic and designed for comedic effect. As the series goes on and we're introduced to the antagonists, the tone of the show becomes a bit more serious, and the music shifts into mostly calm and melodic piano. The leader of the bullies was a little over the top and felt more like an evil caricature, and I was more scared by the unhinged ex-girlfriend because of her instability and reactionary anger. The climax of the series was definitely dark (with her slicing at Youngjae's neck) and I thought that scene was excellently done. It caused the hair on my arms to stand on end, and my jaw dropped. I wish the resolution had been given more breathing room, and I thought the time-skip at the end was an overused cop-out. Overall, I wouldn't watch this series again, but I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy it. While Youngjae is certainly green around the edges (and not quite ready for heavy emotional scenes as was evidenced by his pleading scene at the end of Episode 9), I do think he has a bright future in acting ahead of him and will only improve with time and experience with his peers.

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If you haven't watched this, you're missing out.

This is my first cdrama, and it did not disappoint at all. I had stopped watching any series because I struggled to finish them, but this one pulled me right back into binge-watching. I even subscribed and got VIP access just to watch the latest episodes!

The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers trope is perfectly portrayed by Liu Yuning and Song Zuer. Their insane chemistry will have you blushing during their scenes. We love a strong man who can fight, but we love even more a woman who's brilliant with strategy.

Great pairing and an engaging storyline. The ending felt a bit rushed, probably due to some scenes being cut, but overall, it's definitely worth a rewatch.

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I think this is not only the first drama I have skipped so many parts of, but the first drama where I was disappointed and bummed out by the main characters being together. Dong Joo is way too good for Soo Wan. She was always whining and crying and making Dong Joo chase her all over to prove how much he loved her over and over again. Everything with her was drama and misery. I wouldn't recommend this drama to anyone and you couldn't pay me to sit through it again. Very little action and suspense, episodes seemed to drag on and be repetitive, and I don't think I've disliked many characters the way I disliked Soo Wan. The only interesting parts of the drama were with Teddy (though his manner of speaking by adding 'u' to everything was annoying) and with Ji Woo. Awful drama. It started off so well too and had such promise. Shame.

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"All of this fighting...what's the point?"

This drama picks up at the conclusion of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Those that survived the war are trying their best to get on with their lives and hoping for a bit of normalcy to return to their lives. Anyone with even a cursory bit of knowledge in regards to China and Japan's relations, knows that their relationship was extremely tense/strained during this time period and that's probably putting it lightly. So you can imagine the scenario when a Chinese family rescues a Japanese and welcomes her into their family. Duohe and the Chinese family have both lost family members as a direct result of the war and it would be understandable if they held onto deep resentment towards one another because of that. Instead, everyone acknowledges that even though it was Japan that invaded China, innocent civilians from both countries suffered greatly because of the war. With that in mind, the involved parties, try their best to coexist peacefully with another. I liked that even though China and Japan have their own distinct cultures, customs and traditions, the drama never portrayed the differences as being bad and Duohe only needed to appear more "Chinese" in order to blend in so that other people would't find out.

Without spoiling anything, Duohe's arrival into the family and her place in the family brings its own set of baggage. Baggage that entails a lot of complex, contradicting and conflicting emotions. Her presence in the family is certainly a complicated one but over the course of the drama we gradually see their relationship and bond grow as they endure and persevere through many hardships. The overwhelming amount of understanding, empathy and compassion shown throughout this drama was really touching to me.

The acting was amazing by the entire cast but I have to single out Sun Li's performance. This was the first drama I had watched with Sun Li and she certainly made a huge impression on me solely with her eyes. When she first enters the family, Duohe's eyes look on with curiosity and horror as she sees Erhe's father hitting him, wondering why a parent would hit their own child. Later on, her eyes express great sorrow as she recounts how she lost her family members. Despite everything she has gone though, there is also kindness in her eyes. Duohe believes in the goodness of humanity because Erhe's family saves her and sees her as part of the family despite the fact that she is Japanese/not related by blood.  She also witnesses countless amount of people offering help and support even if the situation is risky or they won't receive any benefits from doing so. They do so because they are helping out a member of their community, a fellow countrymen, a fellow human being. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

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This is a very different kind of Kdrama. It's written by Noh Hee Kyung who also wrote It's Okay It's Love as well as Padam Padam, That Winter the Wind Blows, Worlds Within, and others. It was directed by Ki Min Soo (Good Doctor, Ojakyo Brothers) and Hwang In Hyuk (Assembly, Sungkyunkwan Scandal).

Solo is very much a character driven drama. The story itself takes second seat to the characters we get to know as the drama progresses. Bit by bit, episode by episode, layer by layer, each person's lives and secret selves are exposed. No one is who you think they are, or they become more than you think they are in the beginning. These people are friends, relatives, neighbors, all the everyday people that surround the central cast of characters. However, who is central changes constantly and that is part of the joy of this drama.

There are favorites in the cast that you will grow attached to. But there isn't a wasted one and who you like best will change too. Everyone has a purpose for being there and the story wouldn't be what it is without them. My favorite is absolutely Bae Chong-Ok. I've seen her in so many things, (most recently the mom in Bubblegum, the mom in Spy, the mom in Wonderful Mama, etc) but here she is remarkable. Kim Min Hee as Mi Ri and Lee Jae-Ryong as her gangster boyfriend Ho-Chul almost steal the show. Na Moon Hee barely speaks a word but conveys her unconditional love with ease using just her face and body movements. There is also Lee Han (who later changed his name to Kim Nam Gil) For the first half of the show you would think he's just there to be the third point on the triangle, but much of the story is actually centered around him.

I loved this drama. A Lot! By the time the 9th or 10th episode came around I was clicking on the next episode as fast as I could get to it. If I'd had to stay up all night to finish I would have! The drama is not well known nor did it get good ratings. But it is as cliche free as a drama can be and that probably accounts for a lot of that. This is not a drama for everyone. It proceeds much like an indie film, but with enough passion and angst that it should satisfy that appetite too. For me, the weakest part of this drama was the romance. I could not get invested in it. It was an interference in the lives of these people, a painful experience that created angst and separation for people I had grown to care about and whom I did not want to have hurt any more than they were already. The resolution was forgone, but not satisfying...FOR ME. You may totally disagree!

I give it an 8.5 for brilliant writing, terrific acting, wonderful chemistry and, most of all, innovative and unique presentation. What a cast! I hope you love it too. ( I would have given it a 9...but that romance thing.....)

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A Masterpiece and A Game-Changer in Thai BL Industry

-- Story --

The story is closely-adapted from a novel, thus I cannot really criticise the story in the series. It is closely-tied to Thai culture with many symbolisms that may look weird or even rude in other culture's perspective. For example, Phupha pushing Tian away for Tian's own greater good. It can be perceived as a good and a bad thing; depends on the perspective. You can find many discussions about this in the comment section on both YouTube and MDL.

I must say that the series has a better ending than the novel. In the novel, Tian cancelled his plan to study in US to return to the village. In the series, Tian still went to US and came back to the village two years after that. It made the scene when Phupha got to see Tian again more romantic.

But the ending in the series (Ep 10) was too fast-paced. It is predictable though since the climax (Tian's confession and/or Phupha's getting shot) happened in Ep 8-9. The ending was crammed in just one episode and I think that is not enough.

My only complain is Phupha's appearance in the cliff in the last episode. He came alone to there after getting a RED ALERT notice. That was basically suicide.

Oh, and the scene when Phupha and Tian returned to the village from the hospital in Ep 9. Phupha drived the car using one hand. I am still finding the reasoning behind his ability to do that.


-- Acting/Cast --

Near perfect.

Earth is the right actor to perform Phupha. His micro-expression was out of the world. I really like how Phupha sighed before talking to Tian. It really showed the struggle of an old man when talking to a young man. And the beard, it's legendary lol.

Mix did an excellent job in his first time as an actor. There was something in his eyes that could make me feel what Tian felt. Some of the crying scenes looks too forced though. Compared to Gun ATP's crying scenes in Theory of Love, Mix's crying scenes are still behind. But that is actually a compliment because I compare him to Gun ATP. Nobody beats that man in the crying department.

The thing that amazes me the most is how Earth and Mix shows the love Phupha and Tian had towards each other without even saying "I love you" and "Will you be my boyfriend?" at all. Their actions alone were powerful enough to convey the message. This is the first time I see this in my 20 years watching gay-themed films/series. Truly a game-changer.

The selfie scene in Ep 10 could have been done better though. No way Tian could take a selfie with +30 people. When I watched it, my eyes were focused on the three girls behind. I am so sorry for them.


-- Music --

I fall in love with the main soundtrack Ni Taan Pan Dao. I am going to listen to it everyday.

The music suits the theme and the setting of the series. It is a perfect match. The khlui (Thai flute) sound made me feel like I was really there, in the village, experiencing the story unfolds. The lyrics is perfect for the story. And the timing of its appearance throughout the series is impeccable.


-- Rewatch Value --

This series is highly recommended even for non-BL-enthusiasts. This series is not perfect, but it is no doubt one of the best (if not the best) gay-themed films/series I have ever watched.

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Why in the world did I wait so long to watch this drama???

This drama is definitely a must see drama. I really enjoyed the whole story. Its crazy what people would do for money, power, and vengeance.

The four leads play amazing roles. Jung Ryeo Won and Lee Bum Soo, my two favorite were hilarious and acted well together. Jung Ryeo Won (Baek Yeo Chi)has a serious cursing problem (beware it might me contagious lol).

Music OMG this drama has diversity!!! From Guns n Roses to Beyonce to Super Junior....just love it!!!

Really recommend anyone to watch this awesome drama. It will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even want to slap or kill someone lol jk :P

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Whilst going through a Yoo Ah In stalking stage, I decided that I wanted to go ahead and watch all of the movies and dramas that he has been in. So, naturally this was one of the movies I came across.

So, yes. Initially, I watched it because I wanted to fangirl over the person I'd fallen in love with in Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Although, my reasons were a bit shallow for watching the movie, I actually ended up really liking it. The movie itself isn't what I'd call flashy or thrilling but it was slightly quirky and really silly at times. As I got further into the movie, I kept seeing parallels to the American movie, Little Miss Sunshine. So, if you liked Little Miss Sunshine, there's a possibility that you just might like this movie.

Now, I'm not going to pretend that this movie was the best thing that I've ever seen because it wasn't but it was very entertaining and was a nice movie about family. So, if you're in the mood for a non-intense movie that will make you laugh at times then I recommend that you go ahead and give it a try. :) It's a quirky movie about a quirky family, what's there not to love about it?

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Over dubbing not for me...

I did not like the overdubbing at all but that is really about the only thing i didn't like. The story itself was cute. I do feel like there was probably some things lost in translation and culture.

It won't be one i watch again due to how much the overdubbing annoyed me. I thought of dropping it several times but I wanted to see if the story panned out. If they do a second season as hinted at I mist likely won't watch it.

Hint: Read P'Thod's actors biography on Dramalist before the last episode. There is a joke in the end pertaining to his real life.

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Immature plot

I’m sorry to say this but the plot idea was so immature and if maybe it was possibly done so on purpose to cater to a younger audience then that would make much more sense as to why the tone was so different from the parent story.
One thing I did like was the music since it’s the same one from the parent story. However in my opinion the music is too sophisticated for the plot and doesn’t match at all.
It was also nice to see the King and Ying Lu interact with each other again. She honestly stole the show in the sequel tooo! Impressive acting on Wu Jin Yan’s part.

***********Spoilers below*******
Honestly I’m baffled by the princess idea of revenge and how easily she was willing to forgive and even encourage the person who approached her with sinister motives. Definitely not like her mother at all.

The whole thing just reads teenage high school drama. Could have just put everything into a movie and saved me the anticipation.

There were so many major plot holes which basically confused the whole ending and the progression of the story made no sense.
The male lead who hates someone with her personality fell for her in a matter of 3 days? Or maybe he fell for her because she rejected him? Second ML I don’t understand when he fell for her because the whole time he was taking pleasure in conspiring against her.
Tbh Fu Heng’s not so biological son got off unbelievably easy for someone who put the life and well being of a princess at risk and calling a noble consort by name in front of a lot of servants when in the first season Wei Ying Lou couldn’t even say her sisters real name because part of the name was the same as some consort’s name.

Thoroughly disappointed.

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Truly Unique

Low Life is a truly unique drama in a time where uniqueness is hard to come by. I thoroughly enjoyed the first nine episodes of this drama, with the final two episodes still great, but the direction felt a little... off? Honestly, this drama could have at been at least 16 episodes, but by episode 10, it felt like the writers were told that they only had two more episodes left instead of seven, so they decided to cram seven episodes worth of story into the final two - this is the only reason why I haven't rated this drama a perfect ten!

This is a highly addictive drama, nevertheless. The characters, honestly, spectacular. The supporting cast all felt like the main cast, and instead of two or three main characters, honestly, it felt like we had eight or nine, something so amazing and difficult to find (and executed superbly, I mean). I also really enjoyed the acting and everyone acted really well, and the chemistry between everyone felt amazing. Rivalries felt real, bromance felt genuinely special, and friendship felt golden.

The story, sensational. I have not watched a drama with this sub nautical/adventure/crime type of theme before, and it was really nice. I wish there were more. I loved the unpredictable story and some of the twists and turns were both predictable, and made logical sense! Even though relationships were complex alongside the story, I never felt confused and I could easily keep track of everyone and everything.

If you are not sure whether to watch this drama or not, I think you should definitely give it a try. Before watching, I also felt that way, but now I am so glad with myself that I made the decision to watch Low Life. Watch it!

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to start with, i don't have any expectations when i start watching. But because of the comedy, the unique characters, and dinners i keep on watching.

Tang Fan character is just my favorite kind, the clumsy, prodigy & eats a lot. Well his character got weakened somehow in last few episodes, which really bothers me, but at least it doesn't happen for too long.
Sui Zhou, the dubbing for his character bothers me the most. but i got used to it. I really like the bromance he had with Tang Fan. He's great leader, cook, and almost all the girls had crush on him (including me)
Wang Zhi, i can't take my eyes from him he's just really cute. He also got a good character development. At first i was confused by his actions, i can't really see which side he was on. But then, I was amazed by how loyal he is to the Emperor and Empress. His character wasn't even 20 and already that smart, i truly can't relate.

Case solving was really fun and it's connected one and another. The comedic timing is perfect, it's truly Jackie Chan's styled.
Side characters like Dong'Er, Pei Huai, DoEr La, was great too. their teamwork with the trio ML was great. My favorite scenes is when they all eating together and when Tang Fan goes undercover (i still can't get over it (≧▽≦))
There are no annoying character, beside the villains.

i really love the cinematography, i could see that they really put effort into it. The fighting scenes were nicely choreograph too! I didn't pay much attention to the music, but the ones in the intro and outro were good.

However the editing on first few episodes were a mess. The characters were still talking but it's suddenly cuts to outro. Also the episodes were incoherent, they're almost not connected at all. And the storyline got weakened during ep 20 to 30's, i guess that's inevitable since there's 48 episodes.

I really, really, love the ending.
I didn't cry, it just makes me crave for another season.

If you could tolerate plot holes and lots of eating scenes then i recommend you this drama.

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Best portrayal of Opposites attract

If you question the concept of opposites attract in a relationship, watch this lakorn . You will probably find the best available answer to it.

The main lead charcaters are just so impressive and inspiring . Despite Penneung being pressuried to be the best always , he grew up to be an amazing individual and Mata being broughtup among people who are mostly prejudiced by society has a positive perspective towards life. They just complete each other perfectly .
Him bringing discipline into her life and she filling his days with positivity and love.

The second half of this lakorn is what impressed me the most, initial episodes had few complicated medical terms ,me being a math student felt they were difficult to comprehend and had to skip , at times i felt those scenes took up lot of screen time but ya the sweet and cute moments of the leads made up for it.

This is among those rare dramas which maintained my attention even after the leads got together. I found Mata a little childish and silly at first but later she grew extremely positive and mature after watching how she handled few uncomfortable situations.Story had a lot of elements in it like toxic relations, unaccepting parents, painful past, cheating partner, therapy, busy life, positivity. Usually all added in one would seem a little messed up , but this lakorn had them executed perfectly. JUST LOVED IT!!

Ending commeng : Would have enjoyed it even more had there been a different and clearcut ending for Trai

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MASTERPIECE!!!!! FABULOUS!!!!! BEAUTIFULL!!!! wonderful movie indeed!! shown history of China in a most realistic manner...... It's an arthouse film and i recommend people to get some prerequisite knowledge regarding the history of China and most importing Pekking or Beijing Opera Culture so that you won't miss on any details, although you can yourself understand the history through movie but for that you must know something about visual storytelling and must notice dialogues & incidents with timeline, for e.g. Japanese colonization, Nationalist Party in power, emergence of Communist Party, Mao Zedong era, Cultural Revolution, Props, and so many minute details that i could tell you but it would be too much for here!! Social issues raised in the movie were way ahead of its time especially for a country like China.
If you could gather the brief information about the topics i mentioned it would be sufficient to understand the movie.

At last i would recommend this movie to everyone out there who has a bit of slight interest in such movies and i would be more than happy to help you out in clarifying the movie further :)

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