Mixed feelings

It would have been better if this drama was not marketed as romance. To realize some episodes later that it is more of a family/life drama left me with a lesser impression by that time because the matriarch figure already annoyed me to no end by that time. I would say it is also partly my own fault; however when I started paying more attention to the credits song and understood the lyrics, it made more sense.

Honestly the “leads’” pairing kept me (barely) invested. I started watching because I wanted to see the Xu Kai/Yang Zi pairing. Jokes on me…The real leads are Yang Zi and He Sai Fei (the latter played the matriarch figure). Some episodes (many..) it felt like He Sai Fei is the only lead, especially the last few.

He Sai Fei’s character was overbearing, over-meddling, could be seen as self-centred at times but it also hit too close to home for many who could identify many traits in one of their parents. This could only turn out to be a disaster watch or some good drama.

At times, it felt like there was too much manufactured angst, especially towards the end.

If you noticed, I only mentioned Xu Kai once..this was by design, I thought the character he played felt like a prop at times, it was a real waste.

I added 1/2 star to the rating for the whiff of romance between the two “leads”.

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Have faith

Well-paced, intriguing, no holds barred drama with a very solid cast. With Wang Yibo, Li Qin and Wang Yang as leads, this drama draws me in from the very first minute and never lets up. Beautiful cinematography sets each scene, ready to impress me, and impress me it did. The production quality of War of Faith is top notch.

Ideals woven into subplots, this drama makes you rethink your red line and humanity. Characters that come from different backgrounds may converge if their beliefs and faith meet..or not.

Wang Yang is debonair, exuding such confidence into his character. He is new to me and I’m impressed. Li Qin is an accomplished actress, portraying Shen Jinzhen superbly. Wang Yibo continues to soar to new heights, worthy of every accolade given by industry peers.

If you have any doubts about starting this drama, I urge you to simply give it a try before forming any preconceived judgment, it may surprise you.

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So much more than a dance movie

One and Only is packed with inspirational people and moments. It is explosive dance battles, aesthetic scenes, and beautiful cinematography. It is people living their lives the best they can, and then some. It is pushing boundaries, making hard decisions, grabbing opportunities for better or for worse.

Let’s start with Chen Shuo who is kind, filial, hard-working, lovable, unintentionally funny, the list goes on. He loves and protects his family fiercely, always lending a helping hand, stretches his precious moments thin, finding time to dedicate to his love of dance.

Wang Yibo is made for dancing, he inspires such joy and pleasure when he dances.

Even Ding Lei’s life can provide teachable moments of human conditions and circumstances. The E-Mark dance crew is loyal to a fault, great to see familiar faces if you have watched a season or two of Street Dance of China.

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Frustrating

I would have given up halfway if not for my favourite het CP. Luo Yunxi and Bailu’s undeniable chemistry kept me watching.

It felt like storyteller said let’s take all the suffering every character has ever gone through and give it to Tantai Jin. He endured and endured and endured but the universes said, “Umm, not enough.” Also, “Let’s give the antagonist every misunderstanding we could ever conjure up because Tantai Jin must suffer more. We must break him.” I thought I had seen it so bad when it came to these two themes but this drama set out to decimate my belief.

By the time some things started to come to fruition, I was already exhausted. Angst does not even begin to describe TTEOTM.

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Passion takes flight and soars

This movie is overflowing with heart, passion, and dedication. The unsung people known as test pilots are so under appreciated. Born to Fly highlights their spirit and determination in their chosen profession, taking on risks to ensure their air force have the best possible equipment to go about their duties.

I love how the director tried to keep it as real as possible (from what I heard in interviews), incorporating anecdotes from real test pilots, showing us glimpses and sacrifices of their lives.

The aerial scenes are breathtaking, so vivid and mesmerizing. I also love how the story takes us through the conditioning and training one would go through to even be considered for a test pilot position in China.

Lei Yu is an eager beaver, going through life fueled by his love of the air. He can be spontaneous to a fault however he more than makes up for it with his intelligence, love of problem solving and drive to succeed. Wang Yibo plays Lei Yu to perfection, injecting his brand of 100% dedication to his chosen craft.

I love the camaraderie between the team and personnel, everyone understood their assignment, gave their all.

This movie is well casted, I especially loved Hu Jun’s role as Zhang Ting, he inspires such loyalty.

You will laugh, cry, cheer but most of all, overflow with admiration for a team of dedicated people at the end of this movie.

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What a fulfilling movie this was - gorgeous cinematography, top notch cast and crew, brilliant storytelling and amazingly filmed.

Leung Chiu Wai never compromises on his acting quality. He is unrelenting as the indomitable Mr. He. He exudes total professionalism. When you see his name in the cast, you can be assured of stellar performances.

Wang Yibo, where do I even begin? Acting opposite a veteran, gold standard actor like Leung Chiu Wai can intimidate some young actors but not Wang Yibo. He more than held his own, he is the king of micro expressions but I never had a doubt about him since I first discovered him in The Untamed. His Mr. Ye is a force to be reckoned with, he is steel yet shows his completely vulnerable side. Every single expression is not wasted, translating his thoughts and channeling his intentions, present or future. Wang Yibo’s future is now, he never stops improving even when he’s already so good. He shone so brightly in this movie and I am so looking forward to his other upcoming movies this year. May I also say his multi-lingualism is so satisfying.

The fight scene between the two leads was breathtaking and just A+! Brilliantly sequenced, nicely done.

The ladies are just phenomenal, Zhou Xun as Ms. Chen is queen, she’s grace and beauty. Zhang Jingyi as Ms. Fang had small but impactful scenes, already loved her acting since Lighter and Princess. Jiang Shuying is gorgeousness herself.

I feel like director, Cheng Er didn’t waste any scene, everything has meaning or impact. The food scenes gave a lot of insight into the overall plot. The non-linear narrative was not confusing at all. The end tied everything up nicely. Lastly, if you haven’t heard the theme song sung by Wang Yibo, please do check it out, it totally suits the movie’s noir vibes.

Am already planning to watch it again, truly time well-spent the first time around!

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Gripping and intense

This drama really dished out the gritty police world as they try to wipe out drug trafficking in Yunhe (and subsequently to other parts of the country).

Beautiful cinematography that leaves everything to be desired, makes it seem like one long movie spanning 32 episodes. So well-done as it really adds to the mystique of the story and sublime plots.

I love the blend of young blood and veterans in the acting cast, I came for Wang Yibo and stayed for everyone. I had already seen Chen Xiao in A Dream of Splendor so I know he has the acting chops.

The trio of Chen Yu, An Ran and Yang Yi are bold, fearless and eager to perform their duties. Wang Yibo especially is always passionate in everything he takes on, he was already excellent in Chen Qing Ling and he was also excellent in this drama. His transformation from an eager beaver police officer to a passionate person trying to uphold law and order is wonderful to watch.

I especially love all the bits of Yibo’s screen time with Chen Xiao, the push and pull in their relationship is interesting.

The world can be ugly out there especially in Yunhe but you can trust the police force to try their utmost best.

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Worth the time investment

This was my most anticipated drama of 2021 and it didn’t disappoint at all.

I appreciated the budget spent on the cast and production. All leads delivered, I wasn’t surprised with Wang Yibo’s calibre but I hadn’t watched Huang Xuan and Song Qian in any role before. I liked both especially Huang Xuan. He was Gao Bingzhu in essence and spirit, such a strong character. Song Qian was also good, she didn’t overact and I appreciated how she made Siyue into a multi-dimensional character, with soft edges. Wang Yibo continues to improve and soar higher and higher, taking on different roles each time. So proud of him giving his all to every project he takes on.

This drama has so many things going on; intrigue, suspense, some side romance (just enough to not overshadow), palace politics, history, and most of all, facets of humanity seen from different classes of the citizens.

The music is good, especially the end credits song (I need to find the title) which is haunting and, depending on when it was bgm, could be either heartbreaking or inspiring.

Congrats to the cast and crew of Luoyang, you’ve left a positive mark in the cdrama world, imho.

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Leads carried the whole drama

Absolute kudos to Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu. Their explosive chemistry MADE the whole drama. I wasn’t even concerned with a few things here and there (except..see below). They truly connected as co-stars on a whole new level, it felt so natural. Their interactions were addictive, they overshadowed everyone else.

I loved the pace of YS and JJ’s relationship, their verbal sparring was all kinds of adorable. Once they met up again after so many years, time wasn’t wasted on any long, drawn out misunderstandings or conflicts. Each one showed patience and maturity when it mattered. I honestly dislike dramas where couples go on long breaks for ridiculous stuff.

The con of this drama was the second couple’s “relationship.” It was like whatever didn’t go wrong with the first couple’s relationship was just randomly thrown into this one. However, I wasn’t too distracted because, once again, the main couple absolutely RULED.

There were some dramatic stuff as well but not over-the-top. Fluff was absolutely necessary between YS and JJ and I lived for them!

I know there are 2 more months to the end of this year but I can safely say this is my favourite contemporary cdrama of 2020.

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Adrenaline on max

A few random thoughts:

1. This is the most ridiculous Asian show, be it drama or movie, I’ve ever watched. Everything is beyond over-the-top, the OTT train basically went off the cliff.

2. Talking in normal tones is not allowed, one must scream or shout AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE otherwise nothing is taken seriously.

3. There’s a lot of sacrifice in this drama, you’re not worthy if you’re not willing to sacrifice, be it your dignity, love, pride, time, you get the gist.

4. The boss is SUPER CREEPY.

5. have no idea how Haruta went through life without any sense.

6. Maki, Maki, MAKI is the best thing in this drama. He’s purposeful, firm, loving, he brightens the whole show.

7. I can finally rest my ears.

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I’m as confused as the male lead

The story is cute, male leads have a strong bromance that is enjoyable to watch. Backdrop of the pet shop is refreshing and unusual. There are also many outdoor/different scenes that showcase how comfortable the leads are with each other and how their relationship progress.

I like how Hang Hang knows what he wants and bides his time (mostly). Liang Ze working out his own feelings is the real challenge. Alan Luo channels this in an adorable yet frustrating way. His immaturity often shows and Hang Hang needs to rein in his impatience. As cute as this couple is, I also want to pull out my hair at times.

Might rewatch parts only.

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Emotional

Warning- these are ramblings..

I had to deal with many raw emotions while watching.

Why did I rate this higher than the prequel? This movie didn’t shy away from many of the issues that exist in dealing with a closed-minded society. Nagisa’s self-deprecation that resulted in a spiral that in turn hurt so many people wasn’t sugarcoated. His family/personal issues/insecurities were in fact examined and flayed open, his actions had devastating consequences.

Yet, this movie also showed kindness: in an ex, in the rural town Shun lived in, in how people closed ranks because they didn’t judge, acceptance, forgiveness, family. Through Sora’s role, it showed how such innocence could simplify one’s prejudices and priorities.

I’ll put it plainly: Nagisa did many stupid things, *I* wouldn’t have forgiven him for a long time. But I’m not Shun and not his ex. It’s challenging enough for them to accept love is love (Please, I urge you to watch the sweet prequel) and we as audience, didn’t see the ups and downs they went through in their relationship. Shun felt deeply, and I commend the lead actor for this.

All in all, it’s the ugly side of love: loving, wanting, taking, forgiving, accepting, believing.

“Live proudly.”

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