Potential Ruined By Bad Writing

LIKES:
Cinematography
Location shots
Acting
Chemistry between FL & ML
The student X storyline
First few episodes had good: pacing, intrigue, chemistry, rebellious teens, everything a good high school drama should have
Music was okay.
Nothing that needed FX.
The friendships: between FL and supporting female friend (they grew apart but talked things through to reconcile), etc.
How they showed the FL trying to deal with her phobia at the end. [Attempt at character growth.]

DISLIKES:
PRODUCTION:
Shaky camera syndrome, no film stabilizer used.
Director failed with some of the pacing, to the point there was a lot of boring parts.
Pacing was bad, to the point I used fast forward to other scenes. Mostly done during the “plotting” of doing bad things by the adults.
WRITING: So much potential ruined by bad writing.
Over done on the sh!tty school that uses and abuses the students.
Didn’t handle the issues of bullying, study pressures, corruption of the school system, classism, etc., in a productive way
Unfinished storylines of the supporting characters (her best friend and who became her boyfriend; the idol or the guitar player)
No kisses, just teasing, holding hands and hugging: they are seniors by that point they would’ve had a few kisses at least.
Romance of the second ML and his girlfriend, was barely even a friendship, the writer at the end tried to fix it, but without any impact.
Big reveal of who Student X was, failed to have impact. And was way too easy to guess in the beginning.
Not as good as the other School series.
Usual trope of rich bad boy likes poor good girl
Character growth was missing, but they did show a little of it with the supporting characters.

ACTING/CAST:
The Educational Director (ML’s dad) couldn’t pull off the evil character at all.
Overdone Principle as bad character.
The students all looked like they were at least college age and not still in high school

OVERALL:
Quick easy watch, good for someone just starting out watching high school dramas.
I wont watch it again.

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Friends to BF/GF

LIKES:
Music was decent, although the same violin bits became less impactful, because of how often it was shown.
Scenery and Cinematography were great.
Chemistry of FL Kitagawa Keiko & ML Yamashita Tomohisa, could be felt by the viewer, especially during the friendship phaze.
The great physique shots: The shirtless basketball guys didn't disappoint.
Them showing how much training the guys who play basketball do. Also the action part was good with the basketball games and the parts trying to beat the buzzer. It was interesting and not over done, so the games were never boring.
2nd romance of Mai (Kanjiya Shihori) and Shuji (Mizobata Junpei) was decent.
Good character development between FL & ML, no other characters seemed to have growth, but that’s because they were so under developed.
Acting done by FL & ML and the 2 couple of Mai & Shuji, were spot on.

DISLIKES
The male chauvinistic moments were over the top.
Production, some scenes were so obviously cut by editing. Also lots of shaking camera moments, which didn’t add drama and were just annoying, especially when it was a basketball game moment.
The last few episodes seem thrown together to complete the story and supporting actor storylines. There were moments throughout the show, where too much time was spent on things that weren’t needed and not enough time on what was (romance aspect)
No character growth other than FL & ML
A little more romance or at least kissing could’ve happened between the main couples, especially since they’re 23 and older, it was way less than even teen/ high school dramas
Love triangles for FL & ML; FL and the coach was cringe worthy. ML and Cheerleading Squad Captain , was okay, but Director didn't do the reveal moment with enough impact.

OVERALL:
I won’t rewatch except maybe a few scenes from FL & ML, but hopefully someone does a clip montage on youtube, so I don’t have to find the episodes I liked. If you like basketball or sports dramas and child like romance, then I do recommend you watch it.

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Had Potential But Became Lame

LIKES:
Decent cinematography
The acting by the younger generation was better than the older actors/actresses
The best acting was done by Jeong Ji So as Baek So Jin.
Production was okay.
Special FXs on Jeong Ji So were good and for the twisted ones.
Music didn't stand out or wasn't memorable, but worked throughout each scene.

DISLIKES:
- very slow paced, had to push myself to finish watching it.
- the ending we could figure out after the 5th episode, it was so obvious
- the whole FOREST thing was super lame
- Was Jin Her and the cop dating, a couple or married? They seemed more like friends, but even barely that
- the writers got lost in their own story, then tried to throw together an ending and failed to make it have any impact.
- the director too, had the actors wasting time and not showing enough emotion when it was needed.
- It wasn’t scary or a thriller, because there was no real plot twist

OVERALL:
I don't recommend it, was a waste of time. I wont rewatch it at all. I might check out other shows/movies by actress Jeong Ji So. Mostly it was just boring. Barely made it as a 5/10.

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Lee Joon is Awesomely Brilliant acting as a Psychopath, the rest not so much.

LIKES:
Lee Joon's acting in this crime drama is superb. He became a psychopath and even gave me chills a few times. I liked Tae-oh and Jiwool's moments together. She was naive and compassionated with Tae-oh, but utterly stupid around Mad monk. When the drama focused on Lee Joon's character, especially in the beginning episodes, it was really good. I like that the show focused on murderer's psyche and not so much on the victims. The music was okay too and the FXs were decent. The cast was well selected for their roles. I liked seeing Jiwool's webtoon.

DISLIKES:
The writer failed on so many levels; plot holes, unbelievable moments, etc. [See end of review for Spoiler of one of the biggest writing fails.] Production was good in some parts, but total crap in other ways. They had a bad case of shaky camera syndrome going on in each episode. Sometimes it was so bad it gave me a headache. Mad Monk got to be very annoying , but out of all the police seemed to be the least stupid, but towards the end of the drama his storyline became idiotic [See end of review for Spoiler]. Throughout the drama the police were made out to be morons. Maria, aka Dr. Oh was another moron and there were a lot of conflict of interest moments, that the writers failed so bad. She also contradicts herself and makes her profession seem ridiculous. Some parts the story gets boring and they repeat scenes over and over, which is unnecessary and lengthened the number of episodes. The plot twist wasn't too surprising, but was okay for a "who done it" drama. The ending was very rushed and seemed to be slapped together, it was disappointing how they "resolved" the crime drama.

OVERALL: Watch this for Lee Joon's acting!!! This is his best drama ever. I liked Tae-oh and Jiwool's interactions the most, so much so I wrote an alternate ending fan fiction (Gap Dong: Chosen By The Beast). I do recommend watching this and I did rewatch it (and bought the DVD).



SPOILERS:
Moo-yeom's brain injury portion of the show was stupid, didn't add to the story and seemed an easy way out for the writers.
In the scene were we see Tae-oh as a child, where Moo-yeom tells him that the person who killed Tae-oh's father was Gap Dong. The writer failed, because the murder scene is still being investigated by police, the body is there with all the blood and yet, no officer stops the kid from entering the area, contaminating the scene (his foot touches the blood) and seeing the body. Ridiculous! Maria Oh as a psychiatrist is stupid because she's still traumatized by having been a victim of Gap Dong the original. Same reason why she sucks as a profiler. Ji-wool is the perfect person to show how manipulative psychopaths can be, especially Tae-oh .

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Typical Shojou Troupe But Easy Watch

LIKES:
Good FX, especially the makeup and "poisonous mushroom" moments. FL was more honest and supportive of her friends, than expected. In her pursuit of love, she didn't use dirty tricks. FL & ML had personal growth. I finished the drama because I really like how Miura Ryosuke delivered FL's Aunt Fuwari as the cross-dresser (aka transvestite). [Mirua Ryosuke was good in Rurouni Kenshin: the final, but was superb in this show.]. The cinematography was good too and the OST was decent, that damn violin for the sorrow or sad moments nailed it. There were subtle messages throughout the drama: love begins with yourself, you're only beautiful if it's inside too & not just visual appearance and communication & trust is what builds lasting relationships.

DISLIKES:
Typical shojou troupe and story of ugly duckling. The FL was a bit over the top and came across as idiotic, always running away from situations. The "news" report scenes were stupid and unnecessary filler. They really annoyed me. Some of the flashback moments, especially in the last episode went on for too long. The "incident" with the ML was plopped into the last episode and again was a stupid way to bring about his realization. It was so thrown-in-there, that it was laughable. I hate Shaky Camera syndrome and this rom-com had a lot of it. Did they suddenly forget how to use a video stabilizer? Also some very alarming behaviour from the character Naru: jealousy, double standard and manipulation, to name a few. The writers made all of this two acceptable. ML & FL's connection at the end felt rushed and there was no chemistry. They needed another 5 or so episodes to establish that. They felt like soulmates or best friends, throughout drama and even last episode. Truthfully I almost dropped this drama after the first two episodes, but I hung on because of being a fan of Kamio Fuju and Miura Ryosuke.

SIDE NOTE: The school roof top scenes where the ML & FL usually ate lunch together, was the same roof used in Scum's Wish.

OVERALL: If you like shojou troupe rom-coms then this is for you. It's an easy watch, but was annoying quite often. Some outstanding acting and others (like FL) over the top ridiculous. I won't be rewatching this show.

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Too Short For Good Depth

LIKES:
The cast was good and Takeru Sato as always played his role to perfection. He's good at playing a brooding character. Also I liked his chemistry with the FL, which helped with the emotional scenes. I like the production and cinematography. The scene after the credits finished, felt tacked on, but was needed to not have the viewers revolt. LOL. The songs were okay enough that I didn't have to mute them. I didn't notice any special effects.

DISLIKES:
Distortion on the songs, as if bad editing. It was very noticeable when the girl was singing and very bad during the song that played while the credits of the movie rolled. Not enough development of the storyline during the movie, this should’ve been a series of episodes. That also caused a lack of character depth and made everything seem rushed. Because of the lack of screen time for ML and FL, the heartbreaking moments fell flat, as there was no real connection to show the viewer the depth of their relationship. Maybe that’s why they added an extra moment after the end of the credits, but it felt slapped on like an after-thought. Could've just been bad editing. The writing seemed mashed together, because some of the dialog was lacking. The South Korean version of this movie of the same name, was done in 16 episodes that were 60 minutes each. That show gave enough time for character development, depth and growth, plus a better timed plot and completed storyline. This Japanese version as a movie had so much potential and failed. Not even Takeru Satoh could save this and he's mostly the reason I gave it even a 5/10 rating.

OVERALL:
It's an easy watch and we get to see Takeru Satoh kiss, lol. For someone who never read the manga or seen the 2017 S. Korean version, it could be enjoyable. I wont rewatch it, and am on the fence about recommending it too.

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Mostly Fun with a bit of Stupid

LIKES:
Normally I don't like Zombie shows or movies, but this one had a new take on the whole thing. In particular I loved the beginning episodes when ML realizes how slow he moves and other little quirks of his new condition. Some parts I laughed a lot. For the make-up FX on him it was really well done and when ML's eyes changed. ML's acting was really good, FL did okay. Great character development for ML. Production for the most part was well done, [except some times on the zoom-ins they should've used a video stabilizer and also not to zoom-in so close]. I did like the storyline and it kept me watching until the end, so I just powered through it all until the end.

DISLIKES Didn't like the music at all. The writer or maybe it was the Director's fault, but the FL was made to be dumb and would also take way too long to react.
[Spoiler Alert]
The CGI wild boar was so terrible.
The attempt for a love triangle between FL, ML (Zombie) and the Poiliceman, was dumb and their "love" wasn't resolved in the end only the cop got some closure there. ML and FL didn't have "that kind" of chemistry anyway. As crime partners yes, anything romantic no.
Episode 21/22 was stupid and just plain crap. The make-up FX of the vet were terrible, as if one of the mice painted his face. FL takes way too long to react to untie the boss and other two detectives. The rabbit turned zombie when it's eyes went red, would've attacked the vet because of the need to eat flesh, but it did nothing. The vet would've known not to inject the green liquid by stabbing the center of the fluid in the IV bag, because the puncture would cause the liquid to come out and the IV has a spot to inject fluids without making holes in the bag. Also the cop would've called for backup before entering the vet clinic, instead of rushing in. It was the se two episodes were the worst.

Overall I liked how the individual cases were all linked and helped us understand the ML Zombie and his growth. I enjoyed the humour, action and detective work. The ML carried the entire show, his acting was the best too. I would re-watch it and recommend it. A solid 6.5/10.

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Typical High School Rom-Com

LIKES: The FXs (especially the one where FL head pops open and confetti sprays out) were really well done and funny. [I wish it was kept up the whole movie]. Kento did well in this role and the FL was okay too. She was a bit crazy, but not annoyingly so. I enjoyed the music too. The story is cliche if not typical, but it's a formula that works for an easy watch. Beautiful sky shots and scenery too, as well as locations picked.

DISLIKES: Production issues: Zooming in they didn't use a film stabilizer, so it was unnecessarily shaky. No real character growth in any of them, including supporting cast, except maybe the 2ML. I wish his story had been better developed. This movie would've been better as a short drama or series. They tried to tackle deep issues like depression, but it fell flat.

Overall an easy watch, best not to have any expectations for a real engaging drama. Solid 5/10.

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Friendship & Regrets

LIKES: The main message of living without regrets and taking action even if the outcome of others doesn't change. ML Yamazaki Kento did a great job acting for his character Naruse Kakeru. The supporting cast also did a great job acting. Production was smooth, with no camera shakes and good scene transitions. Directing was okay too. Music I liked and for the most part didn't overpower the dialog of the characters. No FX that I noticed, unless that's the fireworks, lol. LOVED all the scenery shots, especially the cherry blossoms! The focus on how friendship is important and can help someone who is depressed, feeling isolated and suicidal. I also liked how they showed that sometimes what we think is going on, isn't the truth and running away from it, solves nothing. They showed us how important communication is in all relationships; friends, family, loved ones, etc.

DISLIKES: FL (Tsuchiya Tao) as Takamiya Naho, her voice was annoying in that it was very whispery or breathy (as if she was always running a marathon and then tried to talk).. The director failed when it came to this character too, as her reactions to situations were WAY TOO SLOW. So instead of making her seem shy and indecisive, they made her seem mentally handicapped. It became very frustrating to watch her scenes when alone with the ML. There still didn't seem like FL had any character growth, where as the ML did have moments of growth. The way ML depression was handled towards the end, seemed a little too quick or rushed.

Overall it was okay to watch, even though pacing was sometimes too slow and other parts too fast. I did tear up in the end, so you might want a box of tissues handy. I wont rewatch it, but others may want to. A solid 6/10

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Episodes are all interesting

We've all heard about Robin Hood, seen similar shows and movies. This was the concept applied to the show, but in the most interesting way. Yamashita did a fantastic job as the main character/ML Kurosaki. Some of the Guest Roles didn't have the best acting, but each episode was very interesting.

I was completely annoyed with the FL, if you can call her that of Yoshikawa and her friend/ex-friend Mishima. They weren't needed at all, but at least the writers didn't try to force a romantic moment with ML and FL. Also the over acting of Detective Kashima was almost comical. The Information Master Katsuragi was well played by Yamazaki, but watching him eat and spit out food grossed me out. Theme song was fine, other music not anything that stands out.

For the most part production, directing, writing and FX were all good. A solid 7/10 but mostly that's thanks to Yamashita. Some parts are worth rewatching too. Definitely a good drama to watch.

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Decent start rest of it a FAIL

In the beginning the FL seemed like a self-reliant, smart and vivacious reporter, then she became overly cutesy and a crybaby. She did all the cliche things while becoming too dependant on the ML. So around Episode 5 or 6 the drama became ridiculous and boring. The intimacy and chemistry between FL and ML wasn't there at all, other than the first kiss, they mostly just hug or barely touch lips. The age difference wasn't noticeable because the FL was way too childish and the ML was the mature person. Even the 2nd ML didn't seem mature, but was better than FL. It was so unnoticeable that the script writer had to have supporting characters point out the age difference. Sub-plots and characters did nothing to add to the drama and was mostly wasted screen time and filler. The music wasn't impactful. No character growth at all for anyone in this kdrama.

The good thing was that production was okay and they didn't have the shaky camera problem that most dramas have.

Overall I wont re-watch this garbage, I don't recommend it, there are way better kdramas out there.

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Time Management Fail

The story had potential, but the writing wasn't executed well. Some parts dragged on and other parts needed more time for true character and storyline growth. There were parts that didn't even make sense (explained in the SPOILER ALERT). The reason for the high rating is all because of Takanori Iwata's superb acting and Ryoko Shinohara did well with her role too. Some of the sub-plots weren't needed at all, especially when there was limited scene time. The production was okay and the scenery of the film locations were beautiful (both in the fish shop and outside of it). Music was fine, but nothing that stood out. FX for Shinohara's character were okay, but could've been better. IF I rewatch any of this, it will be just Gun-chan's parts and maybe one of the other couples (the house wife that was a great cook and the young guy that was the husband's colleague). Hence the 7/10 rating.

SPOILER ALERT:
Most of the couples with their kissing scenes were gross. Were the guys trying to be fish? The director had the guys swallowing a lot of the woman's face and very WET kissing sounds. Seriously disgusting. But what truly irritated me was that Sakura left Haruto at the end, just to open the hair salons. She didn't have to stop being with him just to work at a new location. It made her character seem selfish and cruel, instead of having personal growth and maturity. The ending hinted at their continued connection, but after all the "intimacy" the show presented, it fell flat.

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Standard Hero Teacher of Bad Students

I didn't watch the first season and never read the manga, but I did enjoy this show. There were some completely over the top stupid moments, but for the most part it was okay. The genuine messages the FL (teacher of Class 3-D) were well delivered. It's a story of not giving up, even if the world judges you without knowing who you really are, it's about true friendship and even family. I don't think it's meant to be realistic at all, but to give a warm feeling.

The "students" actors all did well with their acting; anger, laughter, tears, regret, etc. The FX (makeup from the fights) sucked. The OST wasn't great, but the episode music was okay. Some fight scene choreography wasn't great production wise; so obvious.

The other teachers were ridiculous and same with the parents. I would've given it a better score, then just 6.5/10 overall, if the students (at least the 5 main guys) had at least once came to the aid of their teacher or even helped her with a love interest. There needed to be a little more depth between the teacher and those 5, to make her influence more impactful. They could've done that and taken out some of the "comedy" bits of the supporting characters from the teacher's "family."

Over all the handsome guys and a strong FL, made up for the short comings.

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Aogeba Toutoshi worth the watch

For me this was better than the American movie: Mr. Holland's Opus, which is also about at man who loves music and becomes a high school music teacher. There was drama, the feel good moments, action, and great character development. The message of believe in yourself and in others of like mind, was well portrayed. Friendship was a dominate theme too. I cried during the last episode, even though I knew what was coming. The acting was superb from the students and the teachers. The only reason I didn't give it a 10/10 is because they hinted at some girl/boy romance with certain students, that didn't go anywhere. Also at the end they could've shown a 10 yrs later where we get to see the students that were the main focus throughout each episode, as what they had become as adults. I will definitely rewatch this show.

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