Another Generic Xianxia Romance - Mid-Season Review

As an FL-centric drama, TLP meets the criteria of the genre perfectly. FL has 50% of the screen time, the story unfolds around her goals, her development and her love story. ZY is not a combination of a spoiled princess and a feminist who not only fights for the right of equality, but also constantly rescues our ML, who despite being one of the most powerful cultivators in history can't handle three assassins. Fortunately, Ren Min is a talented actress and plays her role superbly. She is 100% believable. My impression is spoiled by the dubbing, but ZY is played great.

Even better is Priest SY, where Xiao Zhan again proves that he can bring history and realism to any character he plays. His eyes, as usual, are so vivid, able to bring joy to watching his character. Unfortunately, the script is not in favor of his character. His plot is completely focused on a love conflict. True, it's mentioned that he should come down from the Mountain and save the kingdom, which is in crisis, but the drama didn't show us a single scene of suffering citizens or any real threat to them (the epidemic scene doesn't count, it's a generic local incident serving only to strengthen the ties between FL and ML). This brings us to two interconnected points.

"Show, don't tell" and "stakes." Drama is a visual medium in which we should learn about events not from the characters telling us about it but from the scenes shown on the screen. We constantly hear that the kingdom is in danger, but we don't see it, making it have virtually no stakes, no real internal conflict for ML. Why would he come down from the Mountain and rescue people who don't need help? There are no refugees from war-torn regions. There are no pogroms of civilians. There is nothing. The existence of the prince, who committed the crime of lying to the emperor and hiding his identity for about 7 years, is suddenly revealed to the world and... nothing. No one wants to bring him to justice. The father does not crave revenge nor is he moved to see his son. His reaction is simply bland. So what was the point of hiding? Why was there a need to expose SY identity when exposure changed nothing? There were no stakes, no point that could engage the viewer in the ML story. All we got was solely his dilemmas about the love affair.

Visually, the drama makes a very good impression. You can see that adequate funds and efforts went into it. The music, however, is dull, flat, bland. It fails to raise the adrenaline in a fight scene. It doesn't support the touching aspect in tragic scenes. It does not portray anything that is not a sweet romance. Thus, it fails to fulfill its primary function.

In conclusion, this drama perfectly fulfills the requirements of a generic xianxia romance and nothing else. It beautifully depicts romantic scenes and nothing more. Good visuals are offset by painfully bland music. The excellent pair of actors Xiao Zhan and Ren Min clearly stand apart from the insipid plot and the utterly ordinary, downright bland acting of the rest of the cast. After six episodes, my rating was 7.5, and after every two episodes watched, where absolutely nothing happened but sugarcoating the romance, my rating dropped. After 20 episodes, it ranks at 3.5. More of this drama cannot be saved by the pair of main actors.

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Asia, including China, produces dozens of programs annually in which its winners receive a contract and a chance to debut. After months of struggling with competitors and murderous work to be better and better, young artists finally make their debut, record a music video, two, appear in several reality shows and ... Well, "what next?" Because of great competition and poor management, many of these teams only exist by name, while in reality everyone is struggling to earn a living separately. However, most of these people still feel part of their band and dream about returning to the stage with their friends. "We Are Blazing" is a chance for them to return.

"We Are Blazing" is a program recorded without an audience, with precautions due to covid-19. For this reason, its form is different than the one we are used to and the program seems a bit sad. However, we can see great young artists in it, full of determination to survive in the music industry as a group. For them it is a chance to show themselves to the viewers and learn something new, for the viewer - to meet great groups who, due to bad advertising, went unnoticed. These people really do their best, so their performances are really good.

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One of the best sci-fi

Science fiction is not an easy genre to write or show. Some filmmakers tend to flatten the topics covered in order to entertain the masses who don't want to think. "Three Bodies" does not do that. Brilliantly handling images and sound, it creates a somewhat dark and very mysterious atmosphere combining the solving of a great mystery with a story about the human condition and humanity. It does this in an intriguing and interesting way. From the very first episode, the viewer is made curious about the story and the fate of the main character - a somewhat cowardly, shy middle-aged scientist through no fault of his own embroiled in a great mystery that threatens his life and that of all humanity. Wang Miao was brilliantly played. His character does not have great emotional scenes, nevertheless Edward Zhang's acting artistry is evident. The series builds tension brilliantly and keeps it where it belongs, but also gives moments of respite. The Panama Canal scene, although I had seen it before in the American version and knew what it was about, sent shivers down my spine. One of the best sci-fi I've seen, and I've seen a lot of them, because I love the genre. Definitely 10/10.

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When I feel like watching a well-directed drama with interesting action and a gripping protagonist, I return to Swallow the Sun.

The plot revolves around a young thug from Jeju who is trying to grab a chance at a better life. Only it's not so easy. A series of unpleasant events litter his world, and meanwhile in his heart is the painful realization that his birth was the cause of sadness, not joy.

The script is written really well. It allows you to get involved in the turbulent fate of the protagonist. Ji Sung perfectly portrayed ML making him completely natural, as if we were really watching not a drama but a slice of someone's life. Great music from before the era of ubiquitous k-pop, so it may be too retro for young viewers, but it holds the atmosphere perfectly. Add to that the fact that the drama was filmed on Jeju, in the States and in Africa, which even now doesn't happen often and gives it an unusual character. It's a story told on a grand scale but with attention to the characters and the coherence of the plot. I'm just watching it for the fifth or sixth time, and I heartily recommend it to those who like well-blown action, romance and revenge

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"Hero" is a very specific drama with an even more specific shooting style. Sometimes we see the image from a camera placed on the ceiling, sometimes from a camera mounted in the wall. It gives a very original effect, which may not be to everyone's liking, but it certainly makes this drama visually not trivial. Additionally, there is a distinct sense of humor and all the characters are clearly flawed, which gives them a specific, slightly sarcastic charm. In terms of plot, "Hero" quite subtly touches on a lot of important issues whether through its criminal cases or through the lives of its characters, which makes the drama interesting and varied. I appreciate this drama precisely for its wisdom presented in such an original way and for its specific humor. However, I have to admit that when I watch it again years later, it doesn't have the charm it had when I first watched it.
Good cast, music ok.

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Absolutely gorgeous costumes, sets, cinematography, music, the whole atmosphere of the drama. A feast for the eyes. However, the plot is a bit heavy and may be difficult for viewers who are not familiar with the intricacies of relationships in the Chinese courts. I remember a few years ago I didn't understand much, but the drama fascinated me. Now I watched it a second time, already with understanding and also with fascination. The story is interesting and well written, but...
I really don't like stupid FL. Intelligence and knowledge is not wisdom. Zhi Wei is one of the dumbest FLs I've met. But the actress is great.
ML is an interesting character, I don't like the actor's acting though. He's too theatrical, too over-the-top, he gave me an unpleasant impression of theatrical insanity from the beginning. I would prefer Ning Yi to be played in a more subtle way, where the viewer is able to sense his emotions instead of being whacked over the head with them.
I don't like the ending. To me it is, um, too theatrical. It's logical, it follows the plot, it makes pretty good sense, but it didn't give me satisfaction.
All in all, this is a very good drama, well made, definitely worth recommending and watching. It kept me up all night. However, it's an intellectual drama, not an entertaining one, so it's not a title that's easy to watch and sometimes it can be tiring. 8/10

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Great drama to watch again

Great drama to watch again and again, and again...
I come back to this drama on average once a year, because it has a well-written story, nice characters, it is very well played and the music perfectly reflects the nature of the scenes. This drama has elements of comedy and tragedy, romance and sensation - so it is a typical good k-drama, but also has a lot of warmth and positive energy, so even if a sensitive viewer sheds a tear or two at times, the overall impression is very positive. I give 9.5 not 10 because this drama is great, but not absolutely brilliant. There were some annoying elements that subtracted 0.5 points. But only 0.5 points.

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I love this drama, really. It is not perfect. It is sometimes hard, a bit boring, but it just gives it a specific atmosphere. The heroes are not great, idealized, they are full of vices, like any normal person. This adds realism to the drama. Some elements are unreal, others are exaggerated, but hey, this is a c-drama, you will find such elements in each of them.
History, although it has traces of banality, is not. The drama was created in 2014, when the topic of serial killers and psychopaths was not yet so widespread. Of course, a criminologist or psychologist would have some charges against this drama, but this is an entertainment series, fiction, not a documentary series.
Finally, I must say that the music is great. It really gives the right dark mood and lets you feel the atmosphere of the presented reality.
I have seen "Gab Dong" three or four times so far. I already know who the killer is and how the fate of the characters went, but the atmosphere of this story is really unique and can absorb the viewer.

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Like a Hollywood production in Soutk Korea

This drama is like a Hollywood production that, due to political correctness and several anti-government theories, was transferred to Korea without any concern for cultural or political realities. The drama is shot with a lot of panache and splendor - too much for my taste. It's nice that the action takes place in different places in the world, but it's a pity that the creators treated really different cultures very neglectfully. The idea for the story and ML - funny. Really, South Korea is not the US and moving Hollywood production to the other hemisphere without any adjustment is not for me. I watched this drama as an experiment, besides, I have a weakness for actors playing the main roles, and this drama made me feel bad. The scene when the Korean SWAT in downtown Seoul on a magically empty street starts shooting Korean citizens in broad daylight was the decisive moment for me, when I couldn't stand the drama's quirks anymore.

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ML i FL are the worst in this drama

I watched this drama a year ago and it's still difficult for me to judge it. Interesting plot, great acting, visually really good, interesting, original music, but - horribly irritating ML, totally unremarkable FL. It's not the actors' fault, it's the story. The heroes of the second and third plan are wonderful, each has its own interesting story and I want to know as much as possible about each of them, but I wanted to murder ML around the tenth episode and FL - as soon as she appeared. They are boring. She is bland, he has too much opinion of himself and everything comes too easy for him. I would like to throw them both out of the whole story and give it only to the characters of the second and further plans.
I have good memories of the humor. I had a lot of fun in places. When it comes to acting - daring in the performance of every actor, even for five minutes. Superb little Fan Xien. Is it worth watching again? Sure, even a few times, although I rewind some scenes. Unfortunately I rewind those with ML and FL.

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The sci-fi idea is great, but ...

The initial idea, L.U.C.A, is brilliant. I was intrigued by ML, which perfectly depicts the animal instincts instilled in it. The character is intriguing and I was interested in how it could actually exist in the human world and if it could exist at all? In the world we have now? If it had survived, would it have spawned a new species? I would give 10/10 for that, but:
FL is terrible. From the very first scene, she acts as if she was some kind of mutent herself (maybe she is, I haven't seen the ending). I understand childhood trauma can really turn a person into something strange, but at least she pretends to be a normal human being, a policewoman, and I can't like her in any way, even tolerate her.
What put me off was a crazy nun and a religious sect. Does it really have to be a sect in almost every drama I watch in recent times? It was interesting for the first three times, but it's the tenth time!
And really FL and ML must have a childhood bad destiny between them?
I really don't like this thread of the ex-soldier and the hand of one of them makes me sick. Besides, his whole character has such an influence on me.
The sci-fi thread is very interesting, but putting it in a standard k-drama with all standard schemes does not give me a sense of freshness or lack of creativity on the part of the creators.
I survived 6 episodes and I really don't want more.
I don't even remember the music, so it probably didn't bother me much.

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Review in response to the hype of the 2 first episodes - no, it's not so great

After watching four episodes with very mixed feelings, I saw three 10/10 reviews (written after watching 1-2 episodes or 12 when only 4 were shown) and decided, for contrast and balance, to add my own unfavorable ones.

The first season was ok, and what I liked most was the conflict of the young protagonist, where we had his goal and the difficulties standing in his way. We had good team building, and interpersonal relationships, the character of a caring mother, a strong but protective father, a strong, trustworthy older sister and an eccentric uncle. The characters were diverse, interesting and multi-faceted. We also had a strongly constructed main plot and equally interesting side plots that complemented each other neatly. In season two we have none of the above. Instead, we have a flattening of the characters and making them into overpowering buffoons who are not funny, they are instead pathetic. We have cheap visual effects straight out of She Hulk. We have overpower villains, generic to the point of being more so, and sh*tty humor, literally, since the four episodes so far revolve around a cow sh*t guy who can't talk about anything but sh*t.

Is the comedy funny? A matter of taste. Personally, I don't like it when serious characters are made into buffoons and talk about sh*t all the time. Are the stakes high? No. The stakes are artificially high. Am I still interested in the fate of the heroes? Not a bitt. How is the acting? It's like the actors got checks and just played their badly written roles. The second season doesn't stand a chance at all compared to the first, it's idiotic, empty, embarrassing, generic to the point of pain. It is simply weak.

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„Ever Night” to była moja pierwsza kostiumowa c-drama i zawładnęła moim sercem w ciągu kilku pierwszych minut. Może się wydawać, że opowieść, która zaczyna się od słów: „Dawno, dawno temu…” będzie niczym więcej jak naiwną bajką w stylu powłóczystych szat, lataniu na mieczach i wiecznie kwitnących drzewach brzoskwini, ale tutaj uderza realizm przedstawionego świata, kostiumów a przede wszystkim scen walk. Nieczęsto spotyka się taką dynamikę walk, gdzie zamiast z wdziękiem machać mieczami mamy do czynienia z prawdziwą, krwawą rąbanką.
Tak właśnie poznajemy głównego bohatera, Ning Que, któremu daleko do wszystkich przypominających wróżki nieśmiertelnych. Mamy tu człowieka z krwi i kości, który od lat boryka się z trudnościami życia. Chen Feiyu wcielił się w niego znakomicie dając widzom niezapomnianą kreację. Zresztą „Ever Night” obfituje we wspaniałe postaci wykreowane przez znakomitych aktorów starszego i młodszego pokolenia.
Drama jest pełna akcji i humoru. Znajda tutaj coś dla siebie miłośnicy przygody, wielkiej polityki, romansu i magii. Sceny walk trzymają w napięciu, prywatne wątki głównych bohaterów wzruszają a dialogi śmieszą. Mija drugi rok, a ja wciąż nie widziałam dramy, która mogłaby równać się z „Ever Night” tak fabułą, jak wykonaniem.
Nie mogę też zapomnieć o muzyce, która w absolutnie cudowny sposób nadaje nastrój dramie. Szczególnie piękne są piosenki, gdzie melodia walczy o lepsze z tekstem. Są one cudownym dopełnieniem znakomitej dramy.

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Interesting

The story is really interesting and really drew me in. Yes, it is a bit naive in places, but at least it is engaging. The characters are also interesting personalities. I'm not a fan of Lee Joon Gi, but for me this was his best role, really played brilliantly. I come back to this drama every year on average, and I usually have the same interesting time with it.
The criteria for rating given on MDL suggest that I give a rating of 9/10, but the criteria not included bring my rating down. FL is woefully stupid. She doesn't understand basic truths. Her selfish "I'm FL so I'm allowed" behavior with which she endangers the safety and lives of other people is outrageously stupid. FL gets 0/10 from me, which lowers the value of the whole series.
I recommend the series. This is the good old school of drama making, where caring about entertaining the viewer without making him a total idiot. Good action scenes - car chases, fights, even shootouts, which may not be very realistic, but are entertaining. It's worth spending time for this drama, as each episode is quite good

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This drama has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros: interesting concept, interesting characters headed by ML and the General, great secondary characters (ghosts) and a really funny sense of humor (at times). This is currently the only drama that piques my interest and I look forward to each episode with excitement. I have real fun watching it.
Cons: The reincarnation theme (watching it I feel like I'm listening to a broken record), scenes that just have to be in every k-drama (I'm really sick of them), a villain that doesn't smell like danger or horror at all despite doing very bad things. You just don't feel the atmosphere.
But overall this drama is great fun just sometimes boring :)

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