Reviews

First Impression: My Stand-In

Overall: the first episode was interesting if a bit choppy. Very similar aesthetics to KinnPorsche which makes sense because it shares a director and screenwriter. It was adapted from the novel "Professional Body Double" by Shui Qiang Cheng which I haven't read and I'll base the series on its own merits. 12 episodes about an hour each. Airing uncut on iQIYI. First episode link: https://www.iq.com/play/my-stand-in-uncut-episode-1-1iwuiu9rlww?lang=en_us The production company also produced I Feel You Linger In The Air.

Content Warnings: a major one that is complicated but I'm keeping this spoiler free

What I Liked
- the premise
- showed a condom and discussed sexual position preferences
- production value (some really nice camera shots)

Room For Improvement
- a voice over with exposition dumps
- felt choppy at times, a lot of time jumps though they were clear
- some of the music didn't seem to fit the tone
- wish a character hadn't been shown as extremely drunk at the end of episode 1

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Not Bad As Perceived By Many

Just like maybe a few lot of watchers, I also gave up watching this drama after two episodes. I couldn’t stand the business jargons and I somehow grew tired of hearing it. So I placed this drama on my “watch later list”. I decided to give this drama another try and watched this after all episodes have done airing. I lowered my expectation and didn’t watch or read on spoilers.

Not bad as perceived. Not the worst drama in my checklist. This drama was an easy watch and in fact, I binged watch this drama. I even could stand the FL’s acting amidst negative reactions from watchers. The planning was great I mean I couldn’t even predict Han Taeoh’s next course of action. Even with his unfortunate circumstance in the middle episodes, I thought was part of the plan. I was wrong! So somehow I was entertained in the end.

Ending. So, Korean dramas have their share of substandard endings. Fortunately, this drama didn’t fall under that category. I think they wrapped this up in the best way they could. Although the ending was a bit too slow for me or like they could have done a better job at keeping us on our toes and in keeping the excitement of a bitter-sweet ending.

Would I recommend this drama? Yes for fans of Lee Jae Wook and if you are a fan of stories and vibe like Reborn Rich.

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당신이 좋은 이유? 그저 그 사람이라서. 바로 너라서.

I started this first part of the Reply family hoping to get to the bottom of the odious goat bleating sound effect that all the three dramas were riddled with. Needless to mention I didn't find its origins. It just exists. But I was very surprised to stumble upon a respectful representation of gay character Joon Hee. It would probably be a lot to ask for a happy ending of his love line in 2013, but at least there were no mocking or deliberately "awkward" situations to make fun of his feelings.

The main nostalgic attraction point of the drama is the first wave of K-pop with H.O.T. and SECHSKIES and cultivated insanity of K-pop fandoms. The female lead Shi Won spends a considerable amount of runtime in lines to concerts and fan meetings and makes it a part of her personality. The male lead Yoon Jae though spends most of the time struggling to confess his feelings to Shi Won, and by the end it gets quite annoying and stagnant. There is a lot of charm from the supporting characters because the writers don't shy away from portraying teenage awkwardness in relationships and "inappropriate" obsessions like porn tapes that influence their perception of dating.

I cannot leave out a giant walking screaming red flag that the teacher Yoon Tae Woong is. All the drama he is almost grooming Shi Won and buys her attention with expensive gifts so she, a high school student, would agree to date him, a rich adult man working at her school because Tae Woong's previous girlfriend was Shi Won's older sister who died. It's fucked up. And you know, it's obvious why Shi Won is susceptible to his grooming. Her own father is so crazy entitled that he finds it appropriate to tell his daughter she looks awful and to shave her hair for any "wrongdoing", and the boys in the drama agree with him. The grooming is portrayed as romantic and totally normal behavior while the dad's repulsive character is portrayed as humorous and caring. No, thank you, don't drag this shit to the next generation of K-dramas please.

If I had to rate the Reply series, it would go like this:
1. Reply 1988
2. Reply 1997
3. Reply 1994
If you have watched 1988 you don't have to look into the other ones as they're on absolutely incomparable levels of quality and you won't find anything new. But Reply 1997 is much more laid-back and gives you the vibes of both 2013 and 1997. It's a double nostalgia shot.

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Love every second of this

This was such a great show.

It was a family drama and watching this family grow from where they stated to where they finished was such great entertainment. The whole cast was amazing.

The mother was so annoying in the start but you came to understand her and her story by the end. Every character grew so much from the first episode. I just loved every minute of this. I loved all the storey beats although I do feel there was a LOT happens in the last 10 or so episodes, they could have stretched it out. Who am I kidding I just want more of this show.

One gripe is I would have really loved to see a proposal scene between Chenghuan and Zhiming, that was the only thing that felt unfinished. I want my romantic proposal!! lol. Even better if it had been Chenghuan proposing to Zhiming. But alas, it didnt happenthefore it was docked 0.5. :)

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Well done adaptation, should have been a series not a movie

Not gonna lie, my fav thing about this movie was Lord Kudo's glorious hair. And his uniform.

I jest but if you are looking for a quick watch with a bit of romance then this hits the spot. If you have read the manga/watched the anime, just watch it for the hair and don't care about the MASSIVE pieces of story missing from this. I understand that while condensing this into a 90 min movie give or take , you would have to cut some things, I feel they cut way too much and because of that, I didn't really care about any of it, I just sat there, thinking ' Yeah, I would fall in love with that hair too, girl'. Because so much was cut, there were so many payoffs that didn't land. The step mother and sisters comeuppance was a one line throw away voice over. And it didn't matter cause cause you didn't really see the absolute depth of Miyo's mistreatment and bulling by this family. Or the extent of her PTSD.

It was all just not there. I can't imagine what watching this having not read the manga or seen the anime would be like as I felt it was so disjointed. The only thing I enjoyed that perhaps not present in the other forms of this was the absolutely creepy, chilling vibe the film had.

I'm making it sound like this film was bad. It wasn't but it is not as amazing as other reviews on here would have you believe. It was always going to be hard to adapt this into movie. The story really demands more time and it shows. The actors and all the team were done dirty in my opinion. Go watch the anime. Its got much more in it.

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It's a fun-to-watch action film.

The film begins with Ryo and his colleague investigating a case in which a gorgeous girl mysteriously disappears, maybe as a result of some strange happenings in the city. While researching what occurred, Ryo and his partner become entangled in something deadly that could cost them their lives.

There are many adaptations, so we already know ML's characteristics: he is brilliant, charming, has excellent communication skills, and, ultimately, he is proficient in martial arts. There is no doubt about Suzuki Ryotei's acting skills, his lines, facial expressions, and body language are exceptional. While Kaori, I'm not invested in her character at all because she is a little bit annoying.

I felt a little bit frustrated about the plot because it lacked some intense scenes, character development, and emotional scenes that make you blend and invest in the character's story, but after all this movie is worth watching because of its humor and relaxation.

Lastly, I thought it was a mini-series at first though.

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Engaging but not as good as expected

Story:
In my opinion, the story of this drama felt little bit flat. The strong point is the characters. The main characters personality is very strong, both of them and they are very likeable. They are powerful, dominant yet vulnerable at the same time. I found the conflict in this drama is rather absurd, was not developed well enough. And the ending... though I craved more romantic scenes, the ending felt more like an extra than a part of the whole story.

Acting:
Although the chemistry between Zanillia Zhao and Lin Gengxin is cute and addictive (their look also give a huge reason why I shipped them so much), I think their acting in this drama are little awkward. Too many blank stare at each other. I haven't watched their other dramas except Princess Agents which they also collaborated as main characters, but I thought the chemistry in that drama was better than this. Maybe the blank stares are supposed to make the romantic scene more dramatic, however too much portion make this drama feel dragged. I never read the source novel, but I guess this drama supposed to be a fantasy romance drama. Yet in the romantic scenes, somehow I felt the two lead actors were holding their emotions. Zanillia's "eyes acting" need more improvement.

Music:
I love the music, it gave the scenes more depth either in the battle scenes or the romantic scenes.

Overall:
I enjoyed this drama so much but not loved it. I also thought this drama is a quiet satisfying answer for Princess Agents's couple shipper since it has the ending. I wish they will collaborate again in the future, either in costume drama or modern one.

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Bad script

Honestly, I started this drama because of Lusi and Hong Li but the script is a mess. The story showed promised but otherwise a flop. Like,
1. You fall down a clift, you end up in a magical place, kidnapp by a giant bird and accidently eat a magical fruit and you dont have any question about where you are? She isn't even confused
2. You find out that people want you dead because you ate the magical fruit, and you just ignore everything?
3. You are overly friendly with a stranger that saved your life (ok this is relatively normal) and you accept to teach him about the modern world but you try to get rid of him as soon as possible.
I mean, this girl doesn't care at all about anything around her, isn't she curious about the magical world she just discover, the powers she just obtained?

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The gong/seme strives to recover his shou/uke by repenting of his mistakes

What is reincarnation? According to its definition, reincarnation is the belief that the individual essence of people begins a new life in a different body or physical form after biological death. That is, it is the belief that, after dying, each of us will begin a new life in a new body.
Of course, in both film and television, this idea, this belief, has been explored from all angles: horror, comedy, suspense and also romance.
When we talk about reincarnation, this possibility of living a new life in a new body after death, is presented to the stuntman named Joe (Poom Phuripan Sapsangsawat - 'Bake Me Please', 2023; 'Saneha Stories Season 4: Saiyai Saneha', 2022), who, after a fatal accident, in a trick of fate, suddenly comes back to life but in the body of another person of the same name who had suffered an accident on the same day.
The LGBT+ themed romantic drama 'My Stand-In' (ตัวนาย ตัวแทน/Tua Nai Tua Thaen) revolves around Joe's new life after his reincarnation. When he wakes up, Joe finds himself immersed in what seems to be the same world he has just left, with the same people around him and the same destiny as before, since both his professional career and personal life remain identical: he is the substitute by the young and famous actor Tong (Mek Jirakit Thawornwong - 'Star and Sky: Sky in Your Heart', 'Star and Sky: Star in My Mind', both 2022; 'Kiss Me Again, 2018').
With the possibility of accessing the memories and knowledge of his past life, Joe meets Ming again (Up Poompat Iam-samang - 'Lovely Writer', 2021; 'Club Sapan Fine Season 2', 2022), with whom he had a relationship. deep relationship in the afterlife. Joe will remember that his death is the result of an accident during filming that took place after discovering that Ming has always considered him as his second choice. After learning this painful truth, Joe is forced to work on a film set abroad where tragedy occurs.
However, in this life, Ming wants Joe to return to his side like before and Joe doesn't know why, because the relationship they both had was always toxic and suffocating. Ming, who has retained all his memories of old Joe, tries to find the truth about his new life to finally offer him the explanation he was never able to give him.
Now, in a new existence full of uncertainties, Joe will have the opportunity to reflect on himself and his place in the world, which has never been free of the shadow of being a stuntman.
Will Joe escape his tragic destiny as a substitute? Will Ming manage to rekindle the love between the two through a plan as crazy as it is imaginative? Can Ming redeem himself for the suffering caused to Joe in the afterlife through repentance and rectification? Will the relationship between the two have, like Joe with his reincarnation, a second chance?
From directors Khom Kongkiat Khomsiri ('KinnPorsche', 2022, 'The Promise', 2023) and Pepzi Banchorn Vorasataree ('Dark Blue Kiss', 2019, 'KinnPorsche'), the series 'My Stand-In' is the Thai adaptation from the popular novel "Professional Body Double" (职业替身), by Chinese writer Shui Qian Cheng.
If someone asked me: what is so special about the series?, I would answer:
- The captivating story of romance, fantasy, mystery and the power of love throughout lives.
- The idea of twists of fate and the possibility of second chances.
- 'My Stand-In' talks about memories and memories are never presented in a linear way. Neither do thoughts. In the series, time is separated in two, giving rise to a multiplicity of universes, which are open to all kinds of interpretations.
- Revitalizing the theme of reincarnation not only in the concept that the protagonist reincarnates, but also that he can access the memories and knowledge of his past lives. This helps in character and story development.
- The structure of the series, which does not respond to Western narrative linearity.
- Reincarnation as a concept or idea that, after death, we can return and get a second chance, takes the vertigo away from the finitude of human life.
- Addressing an attractive and complex topic such as reincarnation, which oscillates between the fun suggestions of the fantastic imagination and the sacredness of Eastern religions.
- Be adapted from a novel of the danmei genre which in turn is based on the "scum gong/crematorium" dynamic, in which gong is a term used to identify the seme, and crematorium means "crying for the lover who is gone ". In this perspective, when the gong/seme realizes his mistakes too late and has to make an effort to recover the person he loves, that is, his shou/uke, at any cost.

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"Family."

This drama is reigned by emotions rather than a story and it's no fantasy either. There was some reality in every single character portrayed and it should be the reason alone to give 'Unknown' a chance.

It follows Wei Qian, the eldest brother who is forced to grow up and give up the frivolities of life in order to provide a safe space for his younger sibling, Wei Li, after his neglectful and abusive mother ruins their lives.
After taking up a shady job under a certain Lao Le’s gang, he stumbles across an abandoned, feral kid whom he then takes home. What follows next is a slice-of-life plot depicting how Qian finally gives up gang activities and grows up to become the ultimate ‘Da Ge’.
However, his little bubble, in which he is forever the parent to his siblings, is popped when Wei Zhi Yuan, the boy he had adopted, confesses his feelings.


Pretty sure that the title ‘Unknown’ is definitely meant for Wei Qian, the eponymous character of Da Ge by Priest from which this drama was adapted. He is the only one who doesn't know what exactly he was feeling until his younger brother took matters into his own hands. His own future is wholly dependent on making his loved one's be safe and happy.

The drama gave me all the warm fuzzies that I wanted and even moments of laughter at times - particularly with San Pang and the co-worker gang and Dr. Li. Also - when Zhi Yuan left Qian speechless with verbal/physical displays of affection. Though, in reality, I would've been the one to change countries had something like that happened to me.

The acting was top notch. Particularly, Wei Qian. I could understand his confusion the most and could literally feel his emotions and suffocation through the screen. Wei Zhi Yuan was not far behind – as someone who is poor in expressing emotions, this dude legit scared me with how open and honest he was.
San Pang, and the entire family together were wholesome and heartwarming to watch.
It's a well made story about a found family and everything that takes to hold them together.

The Soundtrack was beautiful. Particularly the opening song. There was nothing too much over-the-top about the production, either.

Pretty sure that I won't be rewatching this anytime, but it's definitely one of the more warm dramas out there.

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Not perfect, but memorable

I'll be upfront and admit I did not go into this with an open mind, AT ALL. I went into Deep Night fully expecting to find something cheap and surface-level that would make me cringe and regret hitting play. I'd probably end up rating it a 6-6.5/10 and say it was a tasteles eye-candy watch.

Well, you know what, shame on me!

This drama had glaring flaws, for certain. The main ones being the villain FL who screamed like a banshee for no reason and was just plain annoying/idiotic, loud and out-of place sound effects, and the central roadblock problem for everyone playing out in too similar a way each time.

But it also had highlights as bright as spotlights. And I'm not just talking about the amazing acrobatics, stunning performances, and intense chemistry between the MLs, oh no.

Quietly, a theme of breaking down prejudices and shifting perspectives unfolded, particularly on the part of Khem. He went on a long, difficult, growth-filled journey. From judging hosts, never wanting to be associated with the Deep Night club, and allowing his jealousy and lack of understanding of his boyfriend's career to overtake him to admiring the hosts and noticing their efforts, taking pride in Deep Night and working to make it succeed, and accepting and respecting his boyfriend's work to the point of feeling fully secure in his relationship and cheering him on without any reservations.

My own perspective shifted along with him as I found myself feeling emotional near the end, wishing the best for everyone and wanting the club to do well, not wanting to let these characters that had wormed their way into my heart go.

I wish I could explain in better detail just why I found this so worthwhile. All I can say is that I think you should give Deep Night a chance, it might just surprise you.

Note: .5 out of my score is extra just because, I really wound up loving it, dammit!

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