Reviews

I actually had to watch this for ib lit (my fav course ever ??) and had only one night to complete it, so I watched it on 3x speed (definitely ruined the cinematic experience for myself).
From the casual movie viewer facet of me, this was honestly a pretty boring watch.
However, from the super critical, analytical deep thinker facet of me, I loved it. To be fair, I love analyzing even the smallest details in literature, so if you’re a fan of literary classics, I’m sure you would absolutely love this drama.

(I’d actually watched this movie a few years ago back when it was super hyped up, but dropped it after the 15 minute mark because I hate movies with manipulative protagonists no matter how warranted or justified their behavior may be. But I mean the title is literally PARASITE for god’s sake, so what was I expecting?)

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I so enjoyed watching this show! The plot was fantastic and I was intrigued until the very end. The acting was pretty solid, especially the emotional scenes. The main leads had really great chemistry and I enjoyed the progression of their relationship. The fact that we didn't know how Phob died until later in the show was great because it allowed the watcher to try to figure out what happened to him and be suspicious towards a lot of the side characters. I was not expecting to cry, but cry I did. The play episode was really special and I really felt emotionally invested in Phob and Ben's relationship, which is a true testament to the script as well as the actors because I think they only had like two episodes together. The last episode was absolutely fantastic and had be BAWLING like the last 20 minutes.

The ONLY reason this show wasn't a 10/10 was because of the whole unexplained mystery light thing. Was it aliens? Was it a spirit? I guess we'll never know. It was an interesting concept, just wished they had followed through.

I 100% recommend this drama!

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Episode 9; A beautiful end for

EP.9 was truly beautiful, it compelled me to write a review about it. The episode started off with such a fun filled journey to the wedding with them trying different vehicles to get to their destination and the beach and beach night party, them getting to know each other a bit more.
Then came the wedding of the cute couple and then Day & Mhok perfect dance..the perfect blend of song and their pretty dance steps made it so gorgeous, I could not keep my eyes off of them.
and then the trip after the wedding to the mountain meanwhile also covering Day's family past relation with his dad and present relation with his brother and their emotions and his own personal feelings, gosh it was beautiful.
And then the beautiful scenes of Day and Mhok becoming one and it was not in a beautiful place but its their presence with each other that made it all perfect and worth it; it was so lovely and precious.
Then journey to the mountaintop, came the moment when they were finally at the top of the mountain with Not the pretty Sunlight warming the mountains which they originally wanted to witness but a cloudy day and not so satisfying ending of Mee...but then as they looked further and opened their hearts and soul, they could finally see that beautiful Last Twilight and the pretty sunlight and the rainbow and everything shining the brightest. They could finally understand why Mee became a statue and gazed forever at tha twilight: Such a precious moment in life that you could spend forever in it.

It was so beautiful, the way they were describing it first that I could also see that scenery even before the cinematography showed it in the drama and I was already crying when they were describing it.
And finally the last and the most precious image of Day seeing his beloved the last time and Mhok finally breaking down, realizing it. And they just accepting it and hugging each other with that beautiful Last Twilight. It was beautiful end for Mee and could be for Day as well.

This episode could have been the best last episode among GMM's series. I'm looking forward to what the other 3 episode have in store for us but I have a feeling they won't be able to beat this EP.

Overall drama is also best, I love the fact that they didn't jump on each other from the start like most other BLs. Day and Mhok took their pretty time getting to know each other, the bad and the good, their past and present and the important people in their lives. They took the time and then finally accepted it that yes this is the person they had fallen in love with.
The drama of Day relation with his badminton buddy kinda made me sad and mad about it but I was glad how it turned out and that it ended soon.

Acting: I will be super honest here. I NEVER thought JimmySea could pull off such a drama to made me cry and write a review about it. I knew Jimmy was before and loved him. But when his ship partner was finally revealed to be Sea I was not really excited but I was excited for Vice Versa and then it came out and many people said how it was not good and their ship was also not that good, I was so disappointed. I also saw clips of Vice Versa and was not satisfied that the drama was not exciting enough in further episodes and their chemistry was also not that chemistrying with each other so never watches Vice Versa.
Then I saw them in Our Sky 2 special episodes and it was so adorable that I quite liked them both, I was finally accepting their ship and since then I liked Sea as well.
When Last Twilight first trailer came out, I was soooo excited cuz I absolutely loved this concept, I was afraid to be disappointed again like Vice Versa but still having faith cuz that trailer was awesome.
And now that its airing I wait every single feakin week for the episodes, only few dramas have made me wait for them like this. I usually binge watch it once its fully release but only sometimes some dramas force me to watch them as soon as the EP is released and this is one of those dramas for me. Their acting have goooonne uppp so high can't believe its really JimmySea. Its top notch acting. I have seen Jimmy acting before so I know he is good though he has improved a lot in this drama and I keep on looking at Sea trying to find flaws in his acting as a blind person but I can't seem to find it. So I will give an applause to Sea for doing this character so good. Mark and Namtan is also doing such a good job, as well as all the other side actors, they are good at their characters.

Story: I absolutely love this blind main character concept so not arguing on that, I love it. And I love the story of Mhok's character as well. So its always a 10 watch for me.

Rewatch value: gave it 6 cuz no series is as good as the first time. Can watch this one again as its really lovely but like I said at the start, Day and Mhok took their time understanding each other & I love it but we can have patience only the first time while watching such series, second and after times watching is only good for the exciting and cute and thrill parts only.

Music: its really good as well, I'm a kpop and music lover so I have known more best Osts and songs then this ones have but its still above average compared to other Thai series Osts..its more nice cuz they have put the perfect songs at the perfect times. I loved that song when they were dancing in Ep.9.

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The powerful and bad-ass wuxia couple of the 2023!!!❤️

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : A Journey to Love – 2023 (Complete 40 Episode)
Personal Rating : 9.5/10

The powerful and bad-ass wuxia couple of the 2023!!!❤️

Ren Ru Yi / Ren Xin (Liu Shi Shi) is a beautiful, smart and the best female assassin of AN State. She is also the former Scarlet Guard Left Emissary.

Ning Yuan Zhou (Played by Liu Yu Ning) is the smart and powerful leader of the WU State's Liu Dao Hall. He was the former deputy chief of Liu Dao Hall till he was imprisoned and framed by the other Liu Dao Hall leader.
This drama is about Ren Ru Yi and Ning Yuan Zhou falling in love while in a journey from WU State to AN State.
It started when the Emperor of WU State was lost in the war due to his mis planning and underestimating the enemy. The Wu Emperor was taken as a hostage by the AN State and AN state is asking for a ransom, but it should be given/envoy by WU Prince. Princess Yang Ying volunteer to be the envoy and pretended to be a prince. The princess was promised to be given something in return if she fulfilled her mission.

Upon knowing that Princess Yang Ying volunteer to be the envoy and the Heaven Path guards died without dignity and called as traitor, Ning Yuan Zhou re-join the Liu Dao Hall as the Chief. He will escort Princess Yang Ying who she treated as his own little sister and bring the Emperor back to WU state so he can announce that Heaven Path guards are loyal, brave and died at the line of duty. He started his journey by forming his own team of guards from the Liu Dao Hall. ( Delegation Team )
(Yu Shi San – Asura Path , Yuan Lu – Hungry Ghost Path , Qian Zhao – Heaven Path , Sun Lang – Human Path)
Ren Ru Yi was on his way to AN state to revenge the death of the Empress of AN (she treated as mother) and to know who killed all the White Sparrow guards in WU State branch. On her way to AN State, she was asked by Ning Yuan Zhou to assist Princess Yang Ying regarding all information about AN State and on return, Ning Yuan Zhou will help her to get all the information on who killed the Empress of AN. She joined the Delegation Team and has one more wish to fulfill (wish by Empress of AN - to have a child), she wanted to have a child with Ning Yuan Zhou.

Overall, this is one of the best Wuxia dramas for me. I can give it a 10/10 but the ending is so sad, so I gave it 9.5/10. Don't get me wrong it should be 10/10 even it has a sad ending but because they died separately and didn't see each other till their last moment that's why I gave it a 9.5.?

The story was superb, the actors & actresses embodied characters so well. Each character is unique. I love the brotherhood of the Luidao hall guards. They respect, understand, trust, and support each other till death. (LITERALLY TILL DEATH!) ??
I love the couple too because even though they are both powerful they can still protect each other. Both can rest assured that they have each other’s back, and they can understand each other since they are both leaders. They treat each other as partners/equals.

Honestly, I hate sad and tragic endings but A Journey to Love is different. It was a hell of rollercoaster emotions. I cried a bucket like a baby and laughed a lot throughout the episodes. I recommend it to all the Wuxia drama lovers. Don't mind the negativity because you will missed a GEM. The actions scenes are top notch. I kept on repeating it. Hahahaha! The ending could be better but still it is one of the best for me. ? This is my first drama of both the LEAD now I am a fan. ?
P.S – I was a bit lost about the ending, I read and asked some viewers about their understanding about the ending. So, I’ll go with this – Maybe it is just coincidence that both kids are named REN LU & NING SHISAN because they are named after famous heroes. (REN RU YI , YUAN LU) & (NING YUAN ZHOU , YU SHISAN).

GENRE – Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Political

OST -- Offer by Liu Yu Ning (Got me hooked and heartbroken at the same time whenever I listen to it)

LEAD CAST – Liu Yu Ning , Liu Shi Shi

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I love crime. I love mystery. And it’s set in the 1900s?

This was the first drama I’d completed since 2 years ago, and it was definitely a nice reintroduction back into kdrama watching for me. I’m seriously a sucker for crime/mystery set in the 20th century, and this drama certainly didn’t disappoint. As with many of these types of thriller dramas, there was some deus ex machina, but it wasn’t as in the face, if you will, compared to other thriller/action dramas. I’m certainly no movie critic by any means, but as a casual viewer, I really loved the pacing and the sudden cuts between the more comedic scenes and action scenes. There were a few plot holes of note, but I assume they’ll be explained by whatever happens in the second season. I’m so stoked for season 2!

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remake of the THAILAND hit movie/film Crazy Little Thing Called Love (2010)

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : A Little Thing Called First Love – 2019 (Complete 36 Episode)
Personal Rating : 7.5/10

Liang You Nian ( played by Lai Kuan Lin) is Xia Miao Miao's senior, a grade higher than her. While preparing for his national exam, he always takes out time to help Miao Miao with her math. Afterward, he graduated in the first place and successfully enters Hai Cheng University.

Xia Miao Miao (Played by Zhao Jin Mai) is a girl who looks normal, has normal grades, and has not that many friends. But then this normal girl falls in love with the amazing, intelligent, and good-looking senior, Liang You Nian. Although she likes him, she always thought she was too ugly and not good enough for him. Later on, she works hard and gets into Hai Cheng University as an architecture student.

This drama is a remake of the THAILAND hit movie/film Crazy Little Thing Called Love (2010). It is a story of an ordinary girl who falls head over heels for the most popular guy in school. Xia Miao Miao is a shy, artistic student who develops a crush on a handsome, talented senior in her school and embarks on a journey of self-discovery through college. Because of Liang You Nian, Xia Miao Miao decides to make a change. Through the help of her friends, she starts to learn about fashion, join school clubs, and study hard to raise her grades. Her ordinary life becomes more colorful by the day.

Hmmm… since I watched the Crazy Little Thing Called Love Thai version, I already know the plot. Hahaha.? They are almost same, but this drama is more in depth and the Thai version was better for me.? This is a typical school youth drama where the FL follows his crush from high school days to university days. But she is not the annoying type, she is a cute shy type of girl. And the FL slowly progressed to become better at everything and to achieve her goals while loving the ML.
Overall, it is okay for me. The ML is handsome and the FL is cute.? Their chemistry is okay also since I haven't watched any of their dramas yet. It is light, pure, comedy, romantic school drama with happy ending. It is 7.5 for me because I think the episodes are dragged to make it longer. It can be over in 24 episodes, but it was dragged to 36 episodes, so some parts are boring for me.

GENRE – Modern, Comedy, Romance, Youth, Drama

LEAD CAST – Lai Kuan Lin , Zhao Jin Mai

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Gu Jin / Quan Yi is the most selfless man. ?❤️

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : The Last Immortal – 2024 (Complete 40 Episode)
Personal Rating : 10/10
*Long post and reaction ahead*

Gu Jin / Quan Yi is the most selfless man. ?❤️

A Yin / Feng Yin (played Zhao Lusi) A Yin is a water demon beast with healing internal core which can cure any immortal or make them powerful. And Feng Yin is a Phoenix Queen and the spirit beast of True God.
Gu Jin / Yuan Qi (Played Wang Anyu) is the son of True God Di Juan and True Goddess Yi He. For some unknown reason Yuan Qi lost his God power when he was young and his mother sent him down to the Lower Three realm to gain experience as Gu Jin with the help of Daze Mountain Sect and cover his true identity.

The story revolves around the complex relationship of A Yin and Gu Jin while retrieving the immortal spirit of Feng Yin which was scattered in the three realms because of an incident cause by Gu Jin. While retrieving the spirits and roaming around the three realm they met their 2 best friend Hong Yi and Yan Shuang. In the midst of chaos (due to Immortals & devils greediness) and collecting of Feng Yin immortal spirit A Yin and Gu Jin fell in love with each other. A Yin fell first but Gu Jin fell harder. Rest was history.

I think most of us have high expectations on The Last Immortal that is why some of the people are already disappointed from the beginning and it is somehow connected to the Ancient Love Poetry that is why they can’t stop comparing it. Personally, I dropped Ancient Love Poetry three times so I thought I would not understand the TLI since they said it’s a sequel but so far, I understand it and I am enjoying it. I think of it as a stand-alone drama like any other drama to enjoy it.
In my opinion, the earlier episodes was understandable. Gu Jin and Ayin act like a kid and immature because they are still young according to their immortal age. Gu Jin is currently 210 years old only. He is inexperience, he is pampered by the disciple around him, he is not even a junior immortal (he is not powerful yet that is why he have the umbrella thingy to protect him) and A Yin just transformed to human form 6 months after hatching so she doesn’t know much. She is still learning. They are young immortals like babies that’s why they act like that, not unlike matured immortals who are 1000+ years of age. They are both exploring and learning.

Some viewers said the Yuan Qi is very weak for a true God when he already got his God power and spirit. Yeah! I got you! I feel the same way too but there is a reason why he is weak which they show in the last episodes. When Yuan Qi got his true God power and spirit the first thing he did was to retrieve the Daze Mountain sect and its disciples. He used his 9/10 God spirit to retrieve them that’s why he is weak and remember he even used half of his God power to make the Elixir for A Yin. From the beginning of this true God accession Yuan Qi already exhausted his powers and spirits. And let me remind you he is YOUNG true God ( he is just turning 1200 years old ). He doesn’t even know how long he will live that’s why he is like that to A Yin too. He wants to confine A Yin in Qinchi Palace because that is the only way he can protect her due to his lack of power. The last 1/10 of his God spirit was used to revive A Yin immortal spirit through Blood Lotus. From then on Yuan Qi is just sustaining his power from the chaotic power of the spirit sword that’s why he is disappearing. He didnt tell anyone the reason of his weakness. And the last straw of his act of selfless is when he sacrifice his chaos origin to seal the abyss prison. As the God of chaos, his Godhood can’t exist without his origin. It means he can’t come back.

Well that’s it! Joke! He came baccccckkkk!!!!! He was revived by the 1/10 of his God spirit that is with in A Yin, together with the devil origin of Devil God and Goddess Yi He power of chaos.
What I love more about this drama is the friendship of the 4 of them. It was genuine and without any judgement. They always protect and willing to sacrifice everything because of their friendship. They trust and listen to each other despite of the other realms separating them because of their positions and realms. And I love how the three realms tried their best to bring Yuan Qi back.

Overall, it is 10/10 for me. I want more of it. More of them. I love Yuan Qi! His selfless character. It is a breath of fresh air for me since the ML is weaker that the FL. Zhao Lusi and Wang Anu chemistry is one of the best. They are very comfortable with each other. Wang Anyu’s acting was so good. He literally act weak to the point that it irritates some viewers because that is what his character is. I just can’t move on from Yuan Qi’ selflessness and love for A Yin! ??????
??? salute to all the cast and crew!

GENRE – Costume, Xianxia , Romantic , Comedy.

OST – Hidden Heart by Zhao Lusi

LEAD CAST – Zhao Lusi , Wang Anyu

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Love is sweeter the second time around.❤️

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : The Love You Give Me – 2023 (Complete 28 Episode)
Personal Rating : 8.5/10

Love is sweeter the second time around.❤️

Xin Qi ( played Wang Zi Qi) is a handsome young CEO of an investment company with life-threatening heart condition.
Min Hui (Played Wang Yu Wen) is a smart single mother and R&D assistant to one of the directors at a tech firm.
This drama is about love on the second time around. Five years ago, a young woman named Min Hui accidentally fell for a young man named Xin Qi. But things between them were complicated because Min Hui was pretending to be Xin Qi’s long lost childhood friend in a misguided way to help the friend who had died suddenly. Furthermore, Xin Qi suffered from a dangerous and potentially life-threatening heart condition, and Min Hui now desperately in love, didn't want to see him suffer. It didn't help matters that each time she tried to tell him the truth, he would cut her off, not believe her, or his heart condition would relapse. When he finally learned the entire truth, he cut all ties with her.

Now, five years later, they are reunited at a business event in the most uncomfortable of situations. Min Hui has risen to become an R&D assistant to one of the directors at a tech firm and Xin Qi has also made a name for himself as the CEO of an investment firm. Deciding that “fate” has brought them back into contact for a reason, Xin Qi decides to take all of his previous anger and betrayal out on Min Hui. But "fate" also reveals that Min Hui has a son, who is suffering from the same exact heart condition as Xin Qi making him realize through a series of events that he's the father--much to the adorable boy's delight.
Overall, this drama is a slice of life romantic comedy drama. It is funny, cute, and light. I watched this drama two times I think and it really makes me smile every time I watch it. I love how strong Min Hui is terms of taking care for her son with heart condition. She is very mature and independent (even in the way she dressed). And I love Xin Qi for doing everything he can for them (Min Hui & Min Quan Quan) to make up for the times that he was not there for them. Some people have this kind of situation and I think they delivered it well. Min Quan Quan is so cute and adorable. The chemistry of the Lead couple is so good and natural. Their acting is so genuine, and they are very comfortable with each other. I recommend this one if you need a break from heavy, scheming political dramas.

GENRE – Modern, Comedy, Romance

LEAD CAST – Wang Zi Qi , Wang Yu Wen

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"Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu" - The Complexity of Love and Betrayal

Introduction:
"Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu," a Thai romance drama, tackles the intricate dynamics of love and betrayal. Despite perceptions of a stubborn and nonsensical storyline, this series stands out as an underrated gem for its mature narrative and exploration of adult themes.

Plot Summary:
The series revolves around two couples with contrasting motives—one driven by love and the other fueled by greed. Prai and Yuanta embody the facade of perfection, but underlying materialism complicates their relationship. Jom and the optimistic Prae face the consequences of an ambitious marriage built on financial gains. Love triangles ensue, emphasizing the significance of trust and the repercussions of broken marriages.

Character Analysis:
Prae and Prai emerge as standout characters, opting for an unconventional path as allies rather than seeking revenge or succumbing to infidelity. The gradual development of their connection adds depth to the narrative. However, Prae's character, while intriguing, occasionally suffers from stiffness in acting.

Acting:
The performances are a mixed bag. While Prae and Prai deliver decent portrayals, the true standouts are the characters of Yuanta and Jom. Despite being disliked by the audience, the actors skillfully bring depth to their roles, eliciting both empathy and disdain.

Pacing and Structure:
Despite criticism for its slow-burning pace, the series effectively allows viewers to immerse themselves in each character's journey, unveiling motivations and flaws. The narrative structure enhances engagement, providing a well-rounded exploration of the characters.

Themes and Lessons:
"Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu" adeptly explores themes of trust, the consequences of broken marriages, and the exploitation of kindness. The series successfully communicates these themes, offering viewers relevant moral and emotional lessons.

Cinematography and Soundtrack:
Visual elements, including cinematography and set design, contribute to the series' appeal. The soundtrack complements the narrative, adding tension and emotion to each scene, heightening the overall viewing experience.

Final Verdict:
Despite perceived shortcomings, "Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu" is a hidden gem in Thai romance dramas. With a mature narrative, complex characters, and valuable lessons, it provides a departure from conventional sweetness, making it worth a watch for those seeking a more nuanced exploration of relationships.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Phleng Bin Bai Ngiu" skillfully weaves a complex tapestry of love and betrayal. The standout characters and performances, coupled with thoughtful exploration of themes, elevate this series beyond initial impressions. It is a compelling and underrated addition to the world of Thai romance dramas.

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Heartfelt, Meaningful, and Brutal— Featuring Some of The Most Insane Crossovers In Drama History

"Death‘s Game" is one of those shows you inadvertently stumble on, get hooked on the first episode, and end up devouring the entire plate in one sitting; greedily overwhelming your tastebuds with all those flavors all at once.

It’s also one of those really good shows that emerge once every six years or so and leaves you feeling like an entire different person after, like you’ve just lived a once-in-a-lifetime experience solely just by watching it. Everything from the casting, cinematography, storyline, and overall production, are brilliant. Not only did the drama do an excellent job at making a strong impression right at the get-go, it also manages to maintain your attention throughout the drama through its atmospheric setting.

Don’t underestimate those 8 episodes, as you’re going to experience a roller coaster of emotions for each one of them. At times, you’re going to feel like you’re watching a melodrama; at other times, you feel like you’re watching a gripping tale about revenge, or even a psychopathic thriller. I find that the most suitable word to describe the overall plot is by using the term "mixing-pot." now, throwing in a plethora of ingredients (in this case, genre’s) may sound like a call for disaster. However, it can also produce an extraordinary concoction— one that allows the taster to experience flavors of sweetness, bitterness, disgust, revolt, and numbness, and Death’s Game is just that!

Since I haven’t read the original work, I don’t have much of a day in regards to how faithful the adaptation was to its source material. However, Death’s Game was an incredible watch nonetheless. Cinematography, soundtrack, acting, and overall production were brilliant. No complaints there. Plot-wise, it has an original and unique premise, solid pacing, and manages to captivate the audiences attention throughout with its excellent plot execution. Just when you’re a sobbing mess, the plot hits you with some thrilling scenes that’ll leave you with your butt clinched. Sure, there might’ve been a few plot holes and worldbuilding could’ve been focused on a bit more (SPOILER: reincarnation is a difficult genre to tackle. In this case, more clarification was needed to explain where the original hosts souls go after it gets occupied by our main character’s). In addition, the ending didn’t really make any contextual sense and completely disregarded the drama’s worldbuilding. However, I can overlook the first two for the most part because the experience of watching it alone was so mind-blowing and completely destroyed me.

Not to mention, this drama features some of the most ICONIC and UNEXPECTED crossovers in ALL of kdrama history. If you’re a seasoned k-drama veteran like me, you’re going to have a lot of moments where you’re like: "Ariana, what are you doing here?" since you’re going to be seeing characters like (SPOILER) Baek Hee-Seong encountering Mo Tae-Gu and find yourself stumbling for a bit.

All in all, among the 2023-2024 drama lineup, Death’s Game definitely takes the spot for the most memorable, and will remain one of the most highly-regarded masterpieces in (possibly) all off k-drama history.

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"Those who had feelings were caught in them"

Donnie Yen starred in and directed Sakra, a wuxia based on Jin Yong’s novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. As I haven’t read the book I’m only critiquing this movie as a stand-alone. Kiu Fung was a man who had to figure out who he was and what he stood for after tragedies and treacheries befell him.

The infant Kiu Fung was left on the doorstep of a Song couple and grew up to be a master in the infamous Beggar Gang. After rescuing a caged young man from turning into a sacrifice he returns home only to be accused of murdering a fellow Beggar by the man’s wife. The wife also produces a letter revealing that Kiu is actually a Khitan, the most hated of enemies. He’s not given a chance to refute the “evidence” and ends up turning in his Dog Beating Staff. It goes downhill from there for Kiu as the bodies begin to rack up with everyone blaming him for the deaths. During one of the angry mob scenes, he rescues an injured thief and romance blossoms.

This was one of those movies where it was hard to like any of the characters. Donnie’s Kiu was a masterful fighter but came across as not terribly bright. He was framed and double-crossed on a routine basis. And when it was his turn to communicate and seek the truth he reacted like the Beggar Gang, Shaolin monks, and townspeople had and jumped to an illogical conclusion which led to deadly consequences. The rescued thief, Ah Zhu, had only one job-to be carried around and make big puppy eyes at Kiu.

Parts of the story needed to be explained better. Kiu had stood up for the downtrodden, sought to be moral at all times and yet everyone believed he could murder the people close to him. Was it jealousy? Or were they all simply awful people who refused to hear Kiu’s side of the story? The romance fell flat, partly because of the development on screen but also because the 60-year-old Yen was twice as old as his costar. He came across more paternal or perhaps as a kung fu master to her. I could see him feeling sorry for Ah Zhu and she in turn hero worshipping him, but romance didn’t come across on the screen. And while I’m at it, why would he ever think he could pass for thirty?

There were numerous fights as the world took on Kiu. I understand Yen is 60 and his body has taken enormous abuse through the years. It would make perfect sense to rely on camera tricks and stuntmen to sell the fights. What ended up on the screen were ridiculously undercranked/sped up moves as if The Flash and Quicksilver went at it. When fights are repeatedly sped up in martial arts movies, it usually means the moves were slow or missing their targets. I don’t mind light body work with people leaping and skipping over rooftops, but they seemed rather awkward here. Wuxia “magic” doesn’t bother me either except how many times can you watch people being blown through walls or floors before it becomes exceedingly redundant? I would normally enjoy watching Donnie pummel his opponents but the exciting brawls were few and far between in this one. It didn’t help that before one long drawn out fight, he had to have a drink with anyone who wanted to take him on---which turned out to be everyone. The scene dragged on interminably.

Sakra was watchable, but at 2 long hours, just so. The natural scenery was gorgeous and a couple of fight sequences were entertaining. The rest of the time it was painful watching the hero be slow-witted in thought and artificially accelerated with his fists.

6 January 2024

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Drinking in the windy snow as the snow turns to ashes. Lamenting that seperation's are irrecovable

I don't understand the hate LYN got during the drama's airing. In my honest opinion, LYN did the character justice, he became NYZ. It might be his best character drama yet. From the past dramas I've watched from him, I can see his growth, and deserves lead roles. Won't lie at first, I started this drama because of FYL. And I fell in love with the cast.

Can we talk about the growth of Princess Yang Ying, you can't tell me she and LTG weren't Ruyi and NYZ's children.

The ost's and the sound effects. Killer.

Writer Jie...What kind of ending are you giving us? You didn't have to kill half of the squad. And the ending...I am still confused about how I'm supposed to interpret the ending of the drama. Is she dreaming? Did she die? Is it a what-if? Like even the supposed kid of our main leads showed up...

Anyway, a must-watch drama, and the cast was amazing. Now I'm going to wish for a modern drama with the same cast with a happy ending. No dying this time.?

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Korea should take notes

This Drama was sheer perfection. EVERYTHING was right about it: The tone, the length, the story arcs, the character development, the music - everything.

The perfection of tone and length were closely related. Because the Drama was a perfect length, just 14 hours total runtime, the tone stayed sweet and positive throughout. I am a hardcore brony, who just LOVES a good romance Drama. In recent years, Korea has stopped producing any. Instead K Drama writers have decided that nothing says "romance" more than having a serial killer as a major part of every "romcom", or resorting to fantasy pairings like a girl with a demon, or a girl with Cupid, or a girl with a Reaper, etc. etc. etc.

What the writers of THIS Drama got write was in understanding that a simple, sweet, uncomplicated "girl meets boy and it's love at first sight" story is ALREADY pure fantasy, and doesn't need any other baggage thrown in. No need for dark scary psychopaths whose only real function is to pad out the overlong run time. No need for love triangles, stalker exes, or anything to spoil the short sweet fluff. Evefn the creepy, sleazy client was presented a brief a nod to reality and a setup for more OTP bonding.

This worked because the characters were well-written, and this leads me to the main reason why on my personal database, I scored this as 11/10. This Drama is very much in the model of Itazura Na Kiss and all its clones, but with one HUGE difference. From It Started With a Kiss to A Love So Beautiful and lots of similar Dramas in between, I have watched "cute ditzy girl falls for hunky brainiac" A LOT, and this is the VERY FIRST ONE EVER where the FL had an academic strength in which she excelled the ML and even taught him. That was ASTONISHING. My drop rate for C Dramas is high, more than 50% of the C Dramas I start I drop, and that's because of the toxic chauvinsitic misogyny rampant in modern C Dramasd especially. The heroes are good at EVERYTHING, the Fl good at nothing, except pehaps EQ. Not this one. To see an ML & FL tutoring each other and helping each other as true peers was beautiful.

This equality was openly expressed in the dialogue too. The scene where the ML defends the FL to her young cousin by telling him how good the FL is at English (sad we never hear her say a single word of it) was an example of the quality of the writing. Since I rely on subtitles, and since I know how VERY much is literally "lost in translation" whenever I see a Drama where I'm blown away by the quality of writing IN THE SEBS, I think about how awsome the actual dialog must be.

I loved the sensible, down to Earth forthrightness of the FL. She knew what she wanted and went for it, but she also grew as a person and was never passive or whiny. The ML was great too, a great example of a "damaged" ML who was NOT tsundere. His little speech at a product presentation he gave about the impact of the FL on his life was magnificent, as was his thoughtful, PRIVATE proposal.

Whenever I need a remider of why I fell in love with East Asian Dramas in the first place, and why when they get it right they are truly I magical, I will FLY TOWARDS this Drama for a rewatch

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A Charming Twist on Love: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"

Overview:
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" tenderly explores the nuances of first love, offering a heartwarming journey that resonates with viewers. Released in 2010, this Thai classic delicately captures the bittersweet essence of initial romantic experiences, combining humor, self-discovery, and an unexpected twist.

Plot:
At its core, the film beautifully tackles the heartbreaks associated with first love. Nam's journey, from her initial self-perceived 'ugliness' to the amusing attempts to catch Shone's eye, serves as a relatable and endearing narrative. The revelation of Shone's longstanding love for Nam adds a touching layer, turning the expected heartbreak into a tale of mutual affection and growth.

Performances:
Baifern and Mario Maurer's performances shine in portraying the vulnerability and authenticity of first love. Baifern, in her breakout role, adeptly conveys the emotional rollercoaster of initial heartbreak and self-discovery. Mario Maurer's portrayal of Shone is equally commendable, capturing the complexities of teenage emotions with charm and sincerity.

Music:
The music in "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative. While not groundbreaking, the soundtrack effectively complements the film's exploration of the highs and lows of first love, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

Final Verdict:
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is more than just a romantic comedy; it's a heartfelt exploration of the emotional landscape of first love. The film skillfully navigates the delicate balance between humor and heartbreak, leaving the audience with a warm and nostalgic feeling. It serves as a poignant reminder of the universal experiences associated with youth and the enduring nature of first love.

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