Foremost, this series is likely not for everyone. Although there is much less opera scenes than expected, this type of music/performance may not sit well with those less open-minded. Having been born and raised in the US, my exposure to Chinese opera has been minimal but fortunately being a first-gen, I still heard and saw enough through the media played by family members. So I'm really happy that there is a 2020 series that is looking to bring this wonderful art into display. Even for someone like myself who speaks conversational Chinese, the opera lyrics are still difficult to understand so I love that English subtitles are available. It's like listening to rap or other genres for the first time. Only if there is enough exposure, does one start to really begin to understand it. Now with that aspect out of the way:

The series was a solid 9.0 until around episode 30. This is when the plot takes a turn down soap opera lane a bit. They tried too hard to link everyone into having some type of familial relationship with one another which made it unrealistic with no added value. The other lesser negative is the unrealistic gun fight scenes and the unnecessary slow-motion effects during the other fight scenes. Otherwise, the action blend could have shone more.

Nevertheless, I was drawn in mainly by our two male leads from the very first episode. The contrast and underlying similarities between them created a chemistry that was addictive and fun. Cheng Feng Tai, is the true star here. He was able to portray the complexity of having to transition into multiple faces very well (and admittedly, his dimpled smile is too good). Shang Xi Rui comes as a close runner-up and I really adore the both of them on screen. There were also plenty of witty supporting characters such as Cao Gui Xiu and Du Qi who only added to the charm of the series.

There is a good surface attempt to explain the life route of opera singers, the royal family having fallen, and when Japan began its invasion. But for me personally, having read and seen many films and books that really dive hard into these events, these are just a backdrop to the ultimate love story in this series. And although I can't forgive the suffering Japan caused (read The Rape of Nanking or watch the documentary), I do appreciate that they didn't portray all the people of Japan as willing enemies.

There are some flaws that can't be overlooked with some parts of the plot and some loose ends that were never explained but everything else was done really well including the design set and outfits for the era and the incorporation of a bit of just everything. If there were some physical touch present between the leads (even if just hand-holding), I think it would have upped it by a notch. Although I took off some points for the mentioned factors, let's just say this is one of the series I made the effort to download for keeps.

Read More

Indeed a very satisfying series. I went into this one with minimal expectations. Figured it was going to be similar to some of the other j-dramas in this genre where there was going to be the over-acting backed by gloom. Although there still was some of that, this one was tightly put together.

Although I typically don't lean toward the staccato flow of story lines (which has been my experience so far with j-dramas), it worked really well here. Sure, you won't be hand-held with details or be fed with long emotional scenes and some character introductions may seem abrupt. But it gets to the point and gives you just that right amount where you as the viewer will actually be able to use your imagination to fill in the blanks. Seriously, I have a newfound appreciation for this type of directing.

Highlights:

- Most episodes are somewhat episodic while still connected to the underlying arc.
- The juxtaposition of our four leads' characters between fulfilling their contracts and just living normal live.
- The number of times I've smiled. Who knew there would be any smiling with such a dark atmosphere?
- There is much more action than just flaying tattooed skin and it took away from the initial dread of repetitiveness.

This isn't one you watch if you're looking for an in-depth, psychological theme. There really isn't much camera panning on the actual gory actions, but there is just enough imagery with good sound effects. However, this isn't just a shallow slash and hack either. Nicely well-rounded for such a "rapid" series.

Read More

This one is a rough one. I was considering dropping it after the first few episodes because of our leads. This is no fault to the actors themselves but the male lead just didn't quite fit the role he played though it's still passable. The female lead's role was (yet again) written as a cutesy character who's obsessed with the "cold bad boy" but is just incompetent and unprofessional if you pay attention to what value she brings supposedly as a cop of a special team. Sigh to the Asian draw towards having to incorporate the "cute" even when it doesn't work for the genre, but at least she doesn't wear high heels on the job.

The blend of the crime and romance aspects of the series feels forced/confused as if they didn't know which one to focus on. Then the humor and lightheartedness that was sprinkled on would have worked if it wasn't sometimes done with bad timing. There also wasn't too much chemistry between the two leads and the number of times they made him lean flirtatiously into her face to apparently make her feel uncomfortable (try counting the times) just became an irritating thing to watch. What is also up with the male lead and his alternating of two hairstyles? At first I thought they were attempting to use it to differentiate between the past and the current, but no. Choosing just one or the other would have worked a lot better for the purpose of the character.

Despite all the above however and while the crime aspect wasn't amazing, there is an interesting overall mystery with the male lead's backstory and where it leads. The rest of the supporting cast did a really good job to keep me focused so I quite enjoyed it while skipping the majority of screen time of the female lead.

The concept of society blaming and looking down on (in hypocrisy) the "monsters" they've created themselves is quite evident here which I love. Nothing to do with the actual plot. but let's say a group of children were raised in an environment where murder was as normal and natural as eating a meal, would it be moral to blame the children for living in the same fashion? Then let's say, a few of those children were fortunate enough to later be placed into a gentler and warmer environment, and learned they can feel and live a different way. Would it be moral to punish them for their past deeds from their prior environment? And then to add to the complexity, what if some of those children were just born and wired a certain way?

The strange empathy you may feel for what should be the "monsters" in this is what hits the spot. Who's the one who's really ignorant? Who's moral and who's self-justifying on their own learned morals?

It is definitely very unfortunate that outside of a great underlying plot, the series couldn't pull it off better.

Read More

Tried really hard to finish this series, even if just to unravel the obvious reveal of mysteries in the latter episodes and maybe even a twist.

I appreciate the attempt to bring to light various forms of abuse and its various lasting effects through adulthood no matter how stable one's life turns out. Also appreciate the highlighting that not all victims are saints themselves as everyone has their own type of sin.

However, while I'm not one who minds the slower-paced type of series/movies. This one just felt like a slow-pacing in circles over and over again. The actors were awfully bland even for a somber setting. Making it through over half of the episodes (with lots of fast-forwarding), there is pretty much zero character development. The female lead's character feels so one-note that I've grown annoyed by her screen time. Despite the trauma she's apparently gone through, she is really just selfish and self-righteous underneath her overbearing gentleness and occasional rage. For a child psychologist, she really doesn't have much empathy. It would have been fine if she was given any type of personality growth by now in the series. If the expressions on the majority of the actors didn't feel like permanent Botox, it might have worked better. The only actor that pushed the episodes along was really the main detective.

Read More

This is a classy series. It may seem like an odd word to describe a crime-based genre, but for me, it is a fitting description. This one doesn't have the type of melodrama infusion that is sometimes typical (no intense cliffhangers at the end of each episode) but is instead, a steady captivation. Because of its pacing, it really hones in on the gradual evolution of the relationships, unfolding of linkages, and the peeling back of butterfly effect layers that were caused by a multitude of events.

At the same time, although there really isn't a glaring lull, the first half of the series was particularly prolonged and the flashbacks bordered excessive. I did find myself fast-forwarding every so often but not in the way where it deterred too much from the enjoyment. Instead of repeat flashbacks, providing more background on some of the supporting characters would have taken this up a notch.

Nevertheless, would recommend it for the days when you're in the right mood for its pacing.

Read More

Even though I completed the series, it would have been dropped mid-way if I didn't end up getting distracted with other tasks and ended up watching this casually instead.

The narrative starts off pretty well but the overall plot declines steadily thereafter. The crime-solving aspect of the series is subpar and there's pretty much no character development. Based off the camera work, it has a low budget feel, which wouldn't matter as much if all else was done well. But it's as if they tried to take all the ingredients that are successful in other crime series and mashed it all together hoping for a well-done dish. All the characters remained one-noted and you don't get attached to any of them. I thought the concept of helping the dead would have been one of the highlights but they also don't have much value. Unfortunately, it didn't cut it in the entertainment or emotional triggering areas.

Read More

This series has always been a memorable one, particularly the beginning of the story where it starts with the father. His character was heartwarming, intriguing, and inspiring. While some series revolve around one main revenge arc, this one takes you on a ride through multiple injustices which keeps the overall theme less repetitive. It has everything you'd want in a well-rounded plot when it comes to politics, underdogs, vengeance, romance, and a dab of the supernatural. All with a bit of a Robin Hood undertone.

What really makes this one great however, is how all the actors do a fantastic job in their roles and the chemistry between them is what will trigger emotions. Character developments were also on point. They do a decent job with showing empathy for both sides as well as the hypocrisy of those who only know how to feel sorry for themselves, cry victim when they get a taste of their own medicine, and those who cry about life but do nothing except to hope others will take care of it for them.

The only flaw that is difficult to describe is that while the story itself flowed well, the actual transitions felt blotchy at times so it didn't feel natural. This also impacted the romance aspect which wasn't that impressive to me personally but Lee Ha Nee is still one of my favorite actresses. This is why I labeled the review as straightforward. Even though they tried to keep the viewers in suspense at times, it doesn't require much thought process and there's no deeper meaning to have to uncover. You just kick back and enjoy the ride.

Read More

"You are the protagonist of your life."

When I first saw this years ago available for stream on Netflix when they still used the star system, I kept avoiding it. The title and the cover did not appeal to me at all. But after exhausting the other high-starred foreign films and enjoying them, I finally caved on this one. Ultimately, the concept of don't judge a book by its cover came into play once again.

This slice-of-life was really well put together rand had that magical ability to make you laugh, smile, and cry. For me, one who is far from her teen years, it also instigated self-reflection and a look-back on how much has changed since then.

The plot is seemingly simplistic- a reunion of a group of women who knew one another in high school. It sounds a little bland and a little predictable but it really is much more than that. If you're like me who isn't usually interested in these types of plots, you may also be pleasantly surprised at how much you'll enjoy it.

This is one of the main ones I have recommended to many as an intro into Korean films, all of whom have varying preferences in genres, and I've only ever received positive feedback from them.

Read More

It's really unfortunate classic series like this one will likely never have subtitles. Of all the countless remakes of the Ji Gong, no one (at least for me) has ever been able to replace You Benchang's (the first eight episodes) portrayal of him. Interestingly, it seems he became a real monk in his later life.

This chronicle of Ji Gong's deeds/travels was still as fun to watch today as it was so many years ago. It is on par with the classic version of Journey to the West and I was ecstatic to find the series on YouTube.

It's worth a search on the internet for the history of this legendary rebellious monk who goes around helping people in need while tricking others out of hurting others. He offends other monks with his ways but is also admired by them. Sad that even those in my generation, particularly those born in the US, likely never even heard of him.

There is also another 20-episode Ji Gong series starring You Benchang in 1998 as well, where he continues to work his magic. It's not necessary a direct sequel, but I considered it as one for this particular actor.

Read More

What a lovely gem that was both hilarious and heart-warming. I've been looking to get my fill of an "assisting spirits" story-line and after many fails, finally came across this one. Another one where its audience score was less than 8.0, but for me, it surpassed many of those that were rated significantly higher.

When I read about the "pink rabbit" in the synopsis, it lowered expectations initially. But I loved it- it added that special element.

Despite the humorous over-exaggeration and the simplistic feel, they managed to incorporate some depth with every personal story. The supernatural aspect was also done much better than many of the more mainstream series in its genre as they didn't attempt to dramatize or glamorize it. And those subtle aspects where they somehow managed to cast actors that actually resemble one another between their youth and later years was also really appreciated. All the characters were likeable in a natural way and the actors fit really well in their roles.

Read More

This is one of those special movies that did a fantastic job with layering out the plot. I especially appreciate how they introduced your characters in the beginning. It is my second time watching this (over a span of time) and it still made me feel anxious, laugh out loud, and shed tears through various points.

All of the actors were a brilliant combination and the little girl was not only adorable but amazingly emotive.

No matter what genre you usually prefer, this is one of the few that will cater to most. Don't expect hardcore prisoners, sob stories, exploitation of the handicap, or anything else that is heavy in theme. It isn't trying to be anything. Only for you to follow a turning point in an accused man's life who loves his daughter and experience the impact these two will have on those around them, including you as the viewer.

Read More

Does this entail your typical k-drama love story where a wealthy man meets your average woman and fall in love? Yes, yes it does. However, I was still swayed by its charm.

Not someone who goes for the romance-heavy genre, but this one was fun and it tugged at the heart-strings. One of its main strengths here is we have a great lead-couple combination and a well-paced relationship development. The star for me is the male lead. I thoroughly enjoyed his micro-expressions, his way of speech, and never got tired of his get out of my face hand gestures. The female lead had the more obvious and emotional expressions which worked great alongside his. Both were pretty well-balanced in personalities. None of them were overly arrogance, overly kindhearted, etc. as you sometimes find with characters in the same genre. It felt natural and the straight-forwardness of their interactions is my cup of tea.

Initially in the early episodes, the female lead's clingy ways were a bit off-putting but given her situation, most people would likely be just as desperate. She won me over in due time.

The blanketing story of our lead female encountering ghosts and assisting them with their requests was done much better than expected. It is imperfect with its inconsistencies, such as the portrayal of them looking horrifying at times and them semi-normal at other times. There also isn't much explanations about their existence. But it isn't meant to be a horror genre and the blend of humor around it forgives this. Instead, it worked very well with the plot momentum and prevented it from having romance drag.

It definitely should be mentioned as well that one of my favorite things about this was the many hilarious statements in the script. One of the earlier ones that come to mind is "I didn't listen to you because I cared. I listened because I've got these ears attached to my head."

While the series has its scattered flaws with an imperfect pacing towards the end, it was one of the rare romance-heavy ones that I enjoyed in its entirety.

Read More

This series has a little bit of everything so difficult to describe. So let's just say it has a nice combination of that bit of everything when it comes to a crime drama. Nothing was overwhelmingly focused on so it kept my attention at each episode. The dynamics between all of the actors/characters was good and our main defendant did a wonderful job at his role. There wasn't any particular character that was just miraculously tough or continuously useless all the time which was nice.

My only negative comments would be the very slightly overly emotional aspect of our main defendant in certain scenes, but also realistic if one can even fathom being in his shoes. I would have appreciated a more brutal and prolonged punishment of our antagonist as he seemed to have been let off a bit too easy. This applies as well to the prosecutor who was supposed to have been a family friend who was apparently forgiven so easily. The guy couldn't properly play the good person or the bad person and only ended up making the choice he did when he realized he was losing. The comedy aspect was a bit off with timing occasionally but was still fun to watch.

Nevertheless, definitely recommend. It does justice to its plot summary.

Read More

Fast-forwarded through most of the romance scenes as unfortunately the women weren't too interesting. But there isn't an overwhelming romance aspect either and was fairly realistic in its development, which is great.

The main character was slightly bland but acceptable as that is part of his character. However, the prison guards and the prisoners which had the majority of screen time really made the drama worthwhile. There was a good blend of tearjerker moments and laugh out loud moments. There was a slight discomfort in the ending as I had hoped there would have been better follow-ups on the characters that grew on me, but wasn't bad enough to ruin the series as proven in many other series.

Read More

It's interesting the level of high scores this received and I wonder if it partially has to do with the exposure of being an original Netflix series. I'm still up in the air on firms like Netflix increasingly capitalizing on anime and the international sphere but eh.

You know the shows/movies where your eyes are glued to the set and you demand no interruptions? This one started off as such but then trails off a bit during the middle. The uniqueness of the plot is what really makes this one great but outside of it, it does still consist of the similar predictability you come across in many k-dramas. But also as with many k-dramas tropes, even while knowing the direction they're taking you in, you'll still give into the emotional roller-coaster.

In no way an expert in autism but the similar shortfalls found in the Good Doctor, was also evident here. While I love when anyone who is viewed as different in the world being celebrated for their differences and strengths, there feels to be a heavy hand in highlighting positives when convenient which causes inconsistencies through various scenarios. And maybe because it was only 10 episodes but the flow from switching focuses of your main characters didn't flow too naturally.

If you happen to be in emotional mood, prepare yourself with a tissue box. While it's not really as profound as it had the potential to have, it will still offer many viewers a good visualization of seeing things from a different perspective. It's worth the watch but hopefully they will follow up with a good continuation, particularly because of the ending where they tried to create some type of mystery but instead of creating anticipation, it felt out of place.

Read More