Reviews

"Everyone's dissatisfied"

Ozu explored the family life of a cog in a wheel salaryman. Sugiyama Shoji personified the endless, hopeless life of the literally white collared worker who made just enough to live on but not enough to get ahead, much less dream of something different.

Shoji and Masako have been married for a number of years but after the death of their baby son have drifted apart emotionally. Shoji's family is now primarily populated by the people he works with, ex-army buddies, and mahjong companions. Masako has a widow neighbor and a jaded mother she can turn to. Due to Shoji's nighttime habits of mahjong and drinking, the couple are behind in their rent. The disaffected worker is about to knock Ozu's ubiquitous train off the tracks when he begins an affair with a younger woman named Goldfish.

Aside from A Hen in the Wind's male lead, Shoji was one of the most unsympathetic leads in an Ozu film that I've seen so far. He frittered away the family money, barely spoke to his wife and treated her like a maid. He brought drunk friends home to sleep it off and walked out one evening when he surprisingly came home early and dinner wasn't ready yet. To top it all off he scarcely covered up his affair which seemed cruel. His wife did all the laundry and he didn't think she'd notice the lipstick faithlessly adorning his clothing? He didn't think she would smell another woman on him when he sauntered in after having sex with Goldfish? When she finally did confront him, he tried to gaslight her and lied like a five-year-old. With the exception of one woman who told her to stick to her guns, others, including her mother, convinced her to apologize for her part in the marital estrangement and go back to her husband. Thankfully, Shoji did finally apologize to her, however with all the emotional depth of apologizing to someone you'd accidentally bumped into. As the husband in Hen in the Wind did, he wrapped up the story with a "let's start all over again" happy ending. Ozu banged on about how disillusioned salarymen were and largely blaming Shoji's infidelity on his employment dissatisfaction. Where was the insight into the grief Masako was obviously still dealing with and her loneliness? Where was the compassion for a lonely woman with a husband who spent most of his time away from home? Why did she have to apologize for her husband sleeping with another woman?

Ozu's composition and framing were as exquisite as ever. There were the typical scenes in an Ozu film with singing and game playing, occasionally both at the same time. The 2 hours and 24 minutes film dragged badly in places. How many drinking and singing scenes were truly necessary? The waxing on about the meaninglessness of a salaryman's life became repetitious. Over and over again, Shoji was shown spending time with just about anyone but his wife which began to wear thin. It was doubly painful because Shoji never mentioned loving his wife whereas numerous characters commented on Masako's love for Shoji. At no point did Ozu show the reason Shoji decided to turn his marriage around other than for convenience's sake which made the decision emotionally hollow.

Ozu's insight into the long hours and drudgery of death by overwork was stinging. The commentary on women with unfaithful husbands was disheartening. The nicest comment about wives was Shoji's older friend played by Ozu regular, Ryu Chishu. "No one is more dependable than a wife." Sounds like something you would say about a brand of tires or dishwasher. I didn't find the unfaithful and cold Shoji a compelling or sympathetic character. He was an irresponsible husband who did nothing to earn his wife's forgiveness. Ozu made many meaningful films, for me, this wasn't one of them.

8/29/23

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Had to watch twice to digest.

The first time i watched this I was really expecting a love story, so i was let down rapidly from the first episode.

You know? I really loved Hira's character, not only because how well played we was by the actor, but because i kinda feel him in some ways too. I feel like im just as much of a misfit as he does and i want to be just as invisible as he wants, so him being bossed around and straight up bullied made me feel an intense pity for him.

I wanted him to end with the other guy. The guy who helped him when he needed, the guy who told him not to apologise properly, a guy who genuinely cared for him. But i had to watch this show twice to understand that that's not what Hira wanted.

Even with how toxic their dynamic is, Hira and Kiyoi seem to be perfect fot each other, and they're happy too, so whatever. It's a show anyway.

It is pretty interesting to watch, outside the real life parameters of healthy relationship I recommend. I'm just concerned with the many people that truly believe this is a beautiful love story.

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I'm giving it an '8', but I didn't like it.

I'm torn on this one. It's well-written, exquisitely filmed, well-directed and pretty much excellent in every technical way.

I usually defend shorter works, but in this case, it's too short for the material it covered. Not plot-wise - all the story arcs conclude and while I wouldn't say it's a blissfully happy ending, it is realistic and convincing. It's in the emotions. It's bleak for too long with an awful person dominating the story, and there's only 3 minutes of relief.

I may be missing something, but I didn't see how the two stories were connected or how they complimented each other - it felt like two entirely different stories stapled together, and while the color grading and other skillful 'tricks' made it very clear what were flashbacks, the jumping around made the story feel even more disjointed.

And because there is rarely any context to what's going on, it's hard to figure out. Why were Archie and Kelvin at a high school at the end of the series? My guess was that Archie now teaches there and Kelvin found out and went there to find him, but then he was surprised that Archie had been there, which was just confusing. I may have all that totally wrong, but that would only amplify my point.

Anyway, I understand this is being made into a long series, which would be welcome if it's the same production crew, but I hope they find a better way to handle Archie & Kelvin's story than have a horrible, evil female character that sucks the desire to watch this out of me. It could be more nuanced with societal and family pressures driving Kelvin's decisions - making him get trapped and have no choice just makes him pathetic, and if I were Archie I wouldn't touch him with a 100' pole - he brutally dumped me once for her, why should I believe he won't do it again?

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Good series

I enjoyed this series. It was a bit slow and redundant in a few places but it got really interesting later into it. I liked the main characters and watched it mainly to see Deng Wei whom I really like his acting. Dylan Wang was great too. This has some good twists and turns to the storyline. I would recommend it too. I also like the girl who played the little bird character as she was very interesting in her role. I think Deng is getting some challenging roles after see him in Lost You Forever. This role was equally challenging as he was really quite different. I liked all the people chosen for these roles. Well acted in general.

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Half-boiled plot Hard-boiled fun

Double is at it's best when the Narumi Detective Office is solving problems around the city of Futo. Monster of the week really works for the premise if you're into that. The writers have captured the feel of a small town really well using reccuring characters and a fun, and memorable supporting cast. Despite saying that, the latter half of the series' more serious plot is arguably the weakest part of the show in my opinion. Regardless the series remains good throughout it's run, I was sad to be leaving Futo when it was all over.
Give it a try if you like the sound of that, or if you just think Double's suit is cool. You won't be dissapointed.

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A Good Drama that with some flaws

Start-Up is a a really interest drama that across the board that plays well into the concept of start up tech companies and the different troubles and trials that they face, that special unique concept was enough for me to start up this drama. It starts off pretty well with the drama moving along the story pretty well at a good pace but quite a few issues arise in the middle of the drama which really hamper the overall story of the drama.

The very first episode does a great job in establishing the entire drama's main cast backstories like Dal Mi, In Jae, Do San, and Ji Pyung which allows you to get to know each character's personally. The following first few episodes do a great job in building upon those characters while introducing new characters. However the drama suffers from a really bad midseason slump where some episodes seem to drag on and some characters make some quite annoying decisions. However the show is able to regain its focus in the last two episodes which help put things back together which finish off the drama in a good way.

The two main characters, Dal Mi and Do San were portrayed perfectly by Suzy and Nam Joo Hyuk, with Nam Joo Hyuk putting on an absolutely fantastic performance, probably one of the best performances I have seen from a male lead ever. However Ji Pyung's character despite how much the drama tries to make the viewer sympathize with him, all the actions and the way he acts comes off completely sociopathic some times. Han Na plays a perfect ice cold business woman with her character In Jae, with her character growing immensely at the end, its a shame the drama didn't have more scenes with In Jae. The rest of the cast was great with the Samsan Tech crew all being portrayed perfectly. Also I very special mention for Kim Hae Sook, she did a perfect job with her portrayal of her character's disability, as someone who also has a grandmother who has lost a good portion of her eyesight, the portrayal was spot on.

The cinematography was great, the production did really fantastic job all around with the presentation of the drama. The locations were perfect and felt just right for the story. The soundtrack itself was great with the theme song being easily one of the best drama theme songs ever in my opinion. Future by Red Velvet was a fantastic song and the rest of the OST was great as well.

Overall, a good drama that I would recommend people to watch but warn about the midseason slump.

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Mature and beautiful and so very relaxing

My favorite dramas are the ones I can watch with minimal eye-rolling and this one definitely fit the bill. Here’s why:

—I think this is one of the few dramas I’ve watched where the characters feel real and the adults behave like they’re actual adults.
—The drama tropes are kept to a minimum and the interpersonal drama is realistic and never lasts more than an episode.
—A’Yao and Hongdou are such beautiful people with their respective struggles and strengths and their journey of coming together is so fun to watch. The attraction, the teasing, the PINING. The complete comfort these two have around each other really sells the relationship and the slightest expression had me grinning like a fool. Definitely a solid slow-burn
—The villagers could very easily get lost in the shuffle of side characters. But the aunties and the grannies and uncles and kids were so memorable and though there were moments I would get confused, it was pretty easy to keep them straight. A’Yao’s A’Nai was my favorite and a particular scene with her towards the end made me laugh so very hard.
—Yunnan province’s scenery is so beautiful. The “product” placement definitely did its job. Every scene was gorgeous to watch and the cinematography that made Yunnan look so bright and calming and gentle was such a perfect contrast to Beijing’s dim lighting and dark shadows.
—THE MUSIC oh my gosh. Most, if not all, of the OST immediately joined my spotify playlists and i’ve been listening to 日日 on repeat.

To recap. This is a great palate cleanser drama, a relaxer drama, a drama to watch with a cup of tea and a blanket, a break from the excessive tropes and over the top acting that gets old after a few episodes. I’ve never watched a drama like this before, but I hope more are made like it. This one shot to my favorites list and I hope to rewatch it again in the future.

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Trapped...yes they trapped my heart

I must say that a few first eps i was skeptical because of obsessing over chasing that mafia guy. But i was so wrong.
The story is great its well written the characters are written so well there is so much chemistry and tension and the plot is kinda predicteble but still not.
I must say i fall in love with side couple... they were incredible here i wish they would have their own series cuz so good.
The main couple started off a bit awkward but lazer their became smth great.
The OST was good.
I liked this HIstory sm that i wish there would be so2.
I really recommend watching it.
Rewatching it is makes me so emotional and happy.

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A soild good drama

When i started watching i put the drama on hold for like a year than i came back and i wished i watched it sooner.
The reason why i didnt watch it sooner is because of unrealistic and not very good quality of the fight where FL beats gangsters.
So yes the reason is boring.
Anyways i really like the story cuz its uniqe and its good from start to end.
I must say the cast was picked so well. They had this good energy and the chemistry between them was amazing.
FL and ML gave me butterflies many many times the acting was so good. Also i am happy they are (were idk) dating in real life cuz their personalities match so well.
Also there was a second lead sydrome of police officer he did a really good job too.
Talking about the OST the music was great too. If i listen to it now i recall all those funny sad moments.
Talking about sad scenes they are a few and they brought my tears out.
The ending is also very nice.
I recommend the drama and i really liked it.

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Magnum Opus!

Sheer perfection. Without exception, this is one of the best acted and most talented ensembled cast of actors/actresses I have seen in a long time, perhaps ever. This is a love story between two young men. I know it comes from mainland China and it is not supported to be a love story let alone a BL, but it is, and they know it is. It is way too obvious to be otherwise. It is a story of love from the beginning. Sure, it ebbs and flows like a river, but the one constant is, like any river, it flows in one direction. And that direction is always towards a deeper and more profound love not only for each other but for life in general. You cannot possibly summarize this series that would not equal the length of this series. All you can do is try, inadequately, to capture its impact on you. But surprisingly, it is not so easy to do. Yes, it is pure artistry, but it also has a magical quality about it in the sense that it makes these characters come to life. Every single one of them. You feel them. You sense them. You ARE them.
To read my full review, pleas go to BLBliss.com.

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I wanna start by saying that THERE IS NOOOO WAY people call this bromance. There's just no way. It was subtle, but all the hints and signs were there. It's like you're watching a drama with a straight couple in it and you see all the slow motion, chemistry, and kisses on the cheek and say it's FRIENDSHIP, c'mon don't be dishonest.

The chemistry between the leads is unreal. I knew the actor who plays Su Yu, but I never really paid attention to him, in this drama he shines, same with Wu Bi.

The story is soft and cute, and I loved everything about it, I just felt like they could've kissed I KNOW WHY IT DIDN'T HAPPEN, but I was just rooting for it every single moment. But even though it was disappointing, didn't affect the story or how I viewed their romantic relationship.

I'm happy to know that there's gonna be a season 2, can't wait.

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this drama makes u feel happy,joyful with a beautiful love stry like we dream about our love life

some people really acted like silly and giving bad comment ...when this dramas plot r made for love and fun...all things are their is fictional...so we don't have to be serious bt enjoy it and get entertainment...tbh...I loved it very much...lee jun hui and I'm Yoon ah companionship is very beautiful...they were so natural that's make me feel it's real...all comedy scenes specially Arab prince scene was horrible..I laughed so much...and other scene were amazing ?...and this drama s ost also good to listen...over all it's the best romcom drama of 2k23 that gave us the vibe of 2016..

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Must Watch

First and foremost, let's get one thing straight: "Stay With Me" is in a league of its own and should not be compared to "Addicted." If you insist on drawing parallels, know that "Stay With Me" far surpasses "Addicted" in every aspect. The series masterfully strikes a balance between heart-wrenching drama and tender moments, making it a must-watch.

What sets this show apart is its portrayal of genuinely healthy relationships, a refreshing departure if you've been disheartened by the toxic dynamics in "Addicted." This series had me riveted, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout its entire run.

The announcement of a confirmed second season moved me to tears, a reaction I've never had for any show's renewal. Yes, you read that right—the contract for season two is signed and sealed.

To add to the excitement, there's buzz about an uncensored version being released in the near future. I'm eagerly awaiting that, fingers crossed.

Lastly, let's dispel the notion that this is a mere "bromance." The romantic undertones are far from subtle; this is a love story, plain and simple.

If you have even a passing interest in boyslove, "Stay With Me" is an absolute must-watch.

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