26/01/2024

In brief, it is more or less a story around a POW camp in Korea in 1950 and a black American soldier forming a tap dance team to perform.

Some parts are really cheesy whether trying to pull off humour or not. Also, some of the actors were like B or C grade so something about it was kind of a hit and miss because of these noticeable flaws yet the parts that were solid were really really solid.

The main Korean ML was totally awesome as was the character - M. Jackson. The tap dance team were quite cool too as individuals and as a team.

This could have been absolutely brilliant had the English speaking actors been better excluding the guy that acted as M Jackson, also, if it had been directed and produced a bit differently maybe.

Using David Bowie's Modern Love song for the time period wasn't probably the greatest call, but it was indeed a wonderful tribute to him and did go well with the dance scene for it.

This really could have been an A grade film!

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Young Ones Had More Going For Them!

20/01/2024

Watched this back to back with another one called: My Father Is Strange.

I actually prefer MFIS over WHTMF like 70% more! WHTMF wasn't perfect either, but something about it kept the flow going and it wasn't as silly.

With WHTMF it is at the best of times cheesy so I ended up skipping though certain characters and scenes like the Director and Secretary Cha or the Director's father and his new wife. Couldn't stomach Doctor Cha's newly wed wife either or her parents nor him at times as he always wore the same poker face expression.

I liked the younger cast members except maybe the character of the country bumpkin girl as she was exactly the same as she is in Shopping King Louie (?) ...yawn, yawn and another yawn. The younger ones being the youngest Cha son, Se Weoul, and the CEO of the restaurant although Se Weoul was the one that annoyed me.

I didn't mind Miss Go either.

What was good in this series was when the lawsuit was put into action and that really is when it improved a bit, but that doesn't happen to either mid way through - before episode 30.

What I didn't like was how it took a serious illness to make the oldest son change his attitude towards his father and I suppose the daughter too.

I don't think it should have taken a lawsuit or serious illness for guilt to kick in and make a person act better towards another. His father shouldn't have had to beg or do things just because his son was ashamed or to protect everyone's so called pride and keep a happy balance.

And that is the other thing - ashamed of what?!

There is no shame in anyone running a little store and raising a family with minimal money and lots of love and kindness.

The shame is with those that look down their noses at others or society's unrealistic expectations of the do haves, don't haves and you will never have unless you marry well, cut certain ties and do as you say!

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Kim Moo Yeong!

18/01/2024

Not a typical rom com cliched hashed out drama and am so thankful for that!

Kim Moo Yeong:

I really like the character of Kim Moo Yeong regardless of how flawed he is - maybe not his thrill of danger and living on the edge, but because he doesn't care about anything or anyone and calls a spade a spade. He also sees things that others don't and can sum a person up in a matter of moments, but in seeing what he sees he tends to use it as a part of his game playing and pranks to humour his dark sociopathic side. He is intriguing. However, he would have been much better had he been able to fight, do martial arts - something to fit the bad side of his character.

I think everyone should be more like him - as in not caring or getting so emotionally connected to people or situations because that in itself is pure freedom with no guilt to be had whatsoever.

It is a good series so far (on episode 10), but I really don't see the build up or development between the ML and FL - not really. Am also still guessing what happened in the past that connects them in some way or what really happened as to why he is the way he is - I think I've guessed, but am not going to give any spoilers.

I am aware that this has a really sad ending which is why I have put it off for well over a year

Yoo Jin Kang:

I really like Jung So Min in Alchemy of Souls and she is fine in this except her character is far too hot and cold. For example, moping and upset when she doesn't know where KMY is and then when he appears gives him the cold shoulder and tells him they should never see each other again. She does this more often than not

I don't know what he sees in her!!!

He is so simple and straight forward yet she is not easy to please and continuosly over complicates things.

For me a realistic rapport isn't really there so far as nothing about her is so extraordinary that it would blind sight a person like him - especially as he is supposed to be emotionally detached, lacking remorse with no feelings and is unhinged in some ways. It seems somewhat "forced" .... so what if she has a scar, was in a house fire and is an orphan like him, well - there are 5 million of her out there somewhere.

The writers could have done a better job to make me believe that something about her really caught his attention - her character and scar just aren't enough.

It might have been better had she given him an ultimatum and played mind games so as to teach him a lesson or two. Something more creative than a burn scar and few interactive glances to set the tone of a strong bonded connection with no development.

Just adding:

I watched a few more episodes and feel it is wrong for Yoo Jin Kang to be interested in her best friend's "so called love interest" especially after what Kim Moo Yeong put in to action just to teach the CEO a lesson - not to mention the CEO's sister who matches KMJ to a tee except she comes from money and he doesn't.

Between the brother of YJK and the sister of the CEO the future is looking rather bleak for KMJ.

Some lessons can never be undone!

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Great tv series from start to finish!

Yet to get to the end, but with this one I am sure I won't be disappointed or set up to be let down.

It is more or less about a Professor and young woman being brought together because of her father and a hair accessory that attaches an evil spirit to her. In turn, they are trying to work out the when, why, what and who from the present to past.

I am really enjoying this drama series - just as much as The Glory and Bloodhounds as it is quick paced and well written.

Have to say I really like the OS music in this, like some of the upbeat R&B/Pop songs that just hit the spot for me when it comes to sound, rhythm and melody.

It took me a little while to recognise the actor that acted in It's Okay Not To Be Okay (?)- he is that good! All the cast are great, actually.

I would rewatch this again no problem!

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In The Next Life...

16/05/2023

I don't usually think sad stories are re-watchable because of the emotional toll they have, however, this one would be an exception.

I'd revisit this series because it has a beautiful story to it even though it is a real tear jerker.

This drama revolves around a love song that is written and submitted anonymously only the copyrights for it can't be located so a search begins which leads to the story of K and Cream.

A sad tragic love story, but a beautiful one!

When it comes to dying, each person copes differently, and sometimes the decisions made aren't always so straight forward nor do they make sense.

In this series we have K and Cream brought together through tragic circumstances connected to them both (teen years) and together they are very happy as a makeshift family.

Prior to then being a makeshift family K is diagnosed with Leukaemia and chooses to keep it from Cream because he has a debt he feel he owes her. A bit later on when he knows he has limited time left he still choses to keep it to himself because he doesn't want it to devastate her nor for her to feel abandoned when he dies. Instead he makes it his mission to make sure Cream is taken care of so that she isn't left to fend for herself when he is gone - his mission is to find her a partner to marry.

K sacrifices his love for her so that she will be happy even though for him it is difficult and painful setting everything in motion knowing what he can't have and wants more than anything which is to live and be with her until they grow old.

There is a bit of a twist to the story, so in order to find out what that twist is, you will need to watch it.

K does pass away so the twist has nothing to with a miracle cure, but it does have everything to do with both of them in one way or another.

I really liked it when Cream asked him to reserve his next life for her - it wasn't the only time she brought it up either.

Love doesn't always keep people together especially when a life threatening disease or health condition is involved, but love doesn't cease to exist either and can transcend over time and in different dimensions.

On a side note, there is another parallel story going on involving one of the music teams young son - a different kind of love story, but just as sad and touching.

The most memorable moments for me in this series was how K and Cream came to be family, what K's mother chose to do, the pre-marriage photo scene, the secret wedding and the couch scene in which the very last photo was taken of K and Cream together.

Sometimes when two people are so deeply in love death isn't enough to seperate them either.

I highly recommend watching this A+ grade drama!

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"Jasmine - Gift From God."

10/05/2023

It is a sad movie and one that will pull at your heart strings.

I think movies like this are hard to re-watch as they need boxes of tissues.

Coming to terms with something like cancer is difficult at any age especially when it is aggressive with no mercy whatsoever and it cuts your time short.

Taigi Asano despite being a true fighter had real fears and questioned why he was the target - he wanted to live, like most of us, only that was taken away from him at the age of twenty.

The difference with his story compared to what I've experienced, seen or heard about in my time is Taigi Asano didn't really come to grips with dying, and that to me was the saddest part because he would have been so scared in his final moments, and that shouldn't have been so.

There are stages that a person goes through when dying or that we go through when someone dies and for some reason he didn't seem to accept what was going to happen.

In some countries, like the UK, there are dedicated counsellors to assist those that are dying so that they are psychologically prepared. So, I'm wondering what does Japan have these days because 20 years ago if someone was diagnosed with a terminal disease families had the right to keep that from the person if they wanted.

In fact, there is this one brief scene where Taigi's sister has bought a cake for him and says lightheartedly to her mother more or less: "We can do cake again next year..." I don't think she knew the seriousness of his condition compared to his parents and him. Not at all!

I also want to mention that turning twenty in Japan is quite a special time and significant for all young people that age as it means they can drink and gamble - it is celebrated on the second Monday of January every year where they dress up in kimonos or smart attire and have the best time ever!

Unfortunately, Taigi Asano died a few days after it was celebrated so never had that opportunity.

The reason I mention it is because his girlfriend acknowledged him making it to that age in one small scene and I felt it really underplayed the significance of it, however, he wouldn't have been able to celebrate the "Coming of Age Day " even if he wanted to as he would have been too sick.

I wish he had been able to do that at least.

Anyhow, Taigi Asano composed a few musical pieces in high school and university with "Jasmine" being one that he wrote and completed not long before he died and the other being a short anthem for his high school which is full of vigor with an upbeat drum intro. Maybe others too - not sure.

At the end of the movie you will hear the song "Jasmine" sung in English by Kenta Dedachi and there is a real photo of Taigi Asano attached to it before it finishes.

The song in English comes across a bit like a love song so I'm not sure if it quite fits in with how Taigi meant it to be with some of the lyrics, but it is a beautifully written song to what was just a musical composition.

Asano composed "Jasmine" as "Jasmine" means "Gift from God".

For him, each day waking up was a "gift from god" and he really wished that his "tomorrow" "the gods would grant his wish" to "let him live" not make forever "memories". Being alive each day, having good moments rather than bad, seeing butterflies flying around and his hopes was what the song was all about and to not disappear.

He wanted to live!

"Jasmine"
良かったらどうぞ。自分なりの和訳も加えてみました。(YouTube)

Do you hear the song?
Quiet melody
Ringing in the hallway still
When you feel
Like you’re falling behind
Be still
And hear your heart

Treasure your heart
Wherever you go

Say you’ll remember
Every moment together
You are my forever
My gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my soul for you
Tonight…


You’re the one I want
In my memories
If I could only have one wish
When I couldn’t fight fear
You cheered me in tears
And you’re still
Standing here with me

We’re only at the beginning

Say you’ll remember
Every moment together
You are my forever
My gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my soul for you
Tonight…

Every night I pray to God in bed
In spite of the pain I thank you for the light
in my life
Here’s to another day

Don’t wait ’til tomorrow
If you know you’re not over
You are my jasmine
My gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my all my soul…

Say you’ll remember
Every moment together
You are my forever
My gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my soul for you

If there is tomorrow
Let go of your sorrow
Remember the rainbow
That gift from above
I’ll never let you go
If you never let me go
I’ll give my soul for you
Tonight…

その歌が聞こえますか？
静かなメロディーが
廊下で今でも鳴っている
あなたが取り残されていると感じたら
静かに心の声を聞いてね

たとえ何処に行こうとも
あなたの心を大切にしてね

すべての瞬間を一緒に心に留めようと言って
あなたは私の永遠で
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
今宵は…

あなたは、私の思い出の中で望む唯一の人です
もし私が1つだけ願いを持つことができたならば
恐怖に打ち勝つことができなかったとき
あなたは涙を流して私を励ましてくれた
そしてあなたは今でも私とここに立っている

私たちはまだ始まりに過ぎない

すべての瞬間を一緒に心に留めようと言って
あなたは私の永遠で
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
今宵は…
毎晩ベッドで神様に祈っています
苦しみにも負けず私は人生の希望の光に感謝します
今日も一日頑張ろう

ただじっと明日を待つことをしないで
終わっていないと分かるならば
あなたは私の｢ジャスミン｣だから
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ

すべての瞬間を一緒に心に留めようと言って
あなたは私の永遠で
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
今宵は…

明日がそこにあるのなら
悲しみなんて捨てて
虹を思い浮かべよう
天上からの贈り物
私はあなたを決して手放さない
もしあなたが手放さずにいてくれたら
魂をあなたのために捧げるよ
今宵は…

It is a touching tribute to a young male that really loved music - he still lives on because of the pieces he composed.

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Giant, World Star & The Clown ...?

All I will say is that although there is alot of lounging around, sleeping and eating which is boring, I understood completely, so didn't mind.

When you live a busy life and are restricted by world tours or making tv series/movies it is a luxury to relax.

The bonding and friendship between all five guys is sweet and I would love to be hanging out with them given half a chance only not in the middle of Winter.

What I didn't like was the deep sea fishing part of it as it seemed like a lot of what was caught was simply dumped on the floor of the sea vessel with no care or consideration whatsoever.

THROW THE SMALL ONES BACK DUDES AND LEARN TO TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED!

Yet to watch the last two episodes, but am in no rush.

I think their main cook needs my assistance with his version of mashed potatoes as it wouldn't have been creamy I reckon. In fact, I'd teach him how to make this one potato dish that goes with steak that is way better than mashed potatoes unless those mashed potatoes are done in a certain way of course.

Is it re-watchable?

If you are a faithful fan of any of them - yes!

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15/03/2023

Am so glad this wasn't 70% romance, 20% fillers and 10% story.

Won't go into any details except to say that it is true that one unjustified word or one malicious act from someone can cause irreparable damage to a single person or an entire family - for life.

I enjoyed this K DRAMA for about 10 to 17 episodes although at times the crying scenes were a bit too much and I felt the main female actor over acted her role quite a bit. Also, the same dyed hair colour for all leads by the end seemed unnatural and superficial.

For me, 16 episodes would have been enough with less emotional drama and angst - especially the last few episodes.

This series would have been excellent if the focus had remained on the main story line of two young brothers seeking revenge, separately, for the injustice done to their family by a ruthless female reporter. No romance or 10% would have sufficed.

Overall, it is a fantastic story, it has a great cast, perfect music and there are moments that are truly heartfelt and tissue worthy.

I actually came to write about something quite trivial, but it was what I noticed over time and just had to say something about it...

The Piggy Banks.

The piggy banks in Dai Po's room (family apartment) went from a group of piggy banks to about two over some episodes after his "dad" kept raiding them for the money inside.

Hilarious! To me that seemed quite funny.

Not sure why that stood out above everything else with it not really being a funny drama 90% of the time, but maybe for me through the seriousness of it all that provided some comic relief or a bit of needed diversion.

A KDrama worth watching despite the angst or if you can tolerate it!

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I actually didn't mind this series, but prefer high school aged individuals going on to adulthood and beyond so this type of "slice of life" isn't something I'd get into on a regular basis.

What is great in this drama are all the antics, the school environment and pressures that go with it, the strong bonded friendships and the stories connected to some of those individuals.

Hua Biao is a genius that lives with his grandmother and is poor yet does the best that he can to make things work and is always optimistic, thoughtful and kind. He never really tells anyone his problems or asks for anything if it can be avoided yet will listen to others woes and help if he can.

Yang Xi is not as clever and is long distance runner with "two secret admirers" including her childhood friend, Li Yu, and Hua Biao.

Li Yu is a straight A student who lives above Yang Xi - they both share the same birthdate and year. He is kind, considerate and will help his friends without them even asking plus keep it in confidence with no questions asked. He is also like another son to the Xi's.

Situ Er Tiao is from a wealthy family only is not into exams or school plus can be a bit mischief, but is loyal to his friends and will go the extra mile if he has to to help any of them.

I could relate to the hours of studying and sitting for exams and how, as friends, we rallied around one another and supported each other through thick or thin. So, I can remember being just like the students in this drama only we didn't exactly clean pools or sell dumplings nor did we really eat alot at each others homes. Also, none of the girls I knew were as whimsical or babyish as what I see in some these drama whether young or old.

We didn't cheat like how the whole class cheated in one episode which was really cool I might add, but we did sometimes have answers written on our wrists/arms or on rulers and erasers.

Brings back some fun memories!

What I don't relate to or agree with at all in WWWY is the mentioning of "forgetting teachers faces" or "teachers names" as time passes even if "teachers remember students after years." However, in that one episode, it was in reference to one teacher only.

I feel it is so untrue!

Like our parents, teachers have just as much influence and impact on our lives as we grow and develop from kindergarten through to university, so they aren't forgettable nor should they be.

I still remember my first day of primary school plus my very first teacher right through to middle school and high school.

Some of us don't forget our teachers no matter how much time goes by!

Hou Minghao did a fantastic job of his character as did the others and especially the old woman that acted as the grandmother.

I've read about the ending being "bittersweet" elsewhere, but I reckon it was quite realistic. After we graduate from high school we either go on to university, work or have a gap year so all the teens going their own ways seemed normal although it was all done in the last 15 to 20 minutes of the last episode. So, a bit rushed I suppose and not tied up in a way that would have been more acceptable for some.

This isn't something I'd re-watch over and over again, but am sure for some it will be the best drama ever!

In fact, it is a good drama only it is a bit on the young side for me.

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RomCom With No Real Drama!

20/01/2023

If you are after something light and not too heavy then this romcom is for you!

We more or less have a cute couple brought together through a written script...oooops...through fate - trying to kill one another off only to fall in love after a few misunderstandings and compromises in a city where women are the reigning rulers.

I actually kept coming back to watch this over a week or so rather than binge watch it as for me it was good to pass the time, but wasn't really my kind of drama.

And it wasn't because the female was a screaming hyena, damsel in distress, baby voiced Miss Cuteness or serial killing Psychopath, but rather because there was nothing about the series that made it outstanding for me. In fact, some of it was plain stupid like the martial arts challenge which I found embarrassing as it degraded such a fine sport.

What I did like was the initial banter between the two main characters in the parallel world and the continuous interactions between the two throughout each episode as well as both of their man servants as the man servants were quite funny!

It's an okay enough series to pass the time as it is light with no heavy angst or melodramatic scenarios, but isn't one that would be in my top 200.

Highly recommended for those that don't want to go through an entire box of tissues or over exert themselves thinking too much.

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Top 5 - Si Feng All The Way!

This is in my Top 5 Chinese Dramas!!!

As written elsewhere: Love Between Fairy and The Devil awakened me, Ashes of Love totally broke me and Love and Redemption brought me much needed relief and healing.

From Viki:

"The leader of the Shao Yang clan hosts a magic and martial arts tournament for young apprentices. His daughter Chu Xuan Ji (Crystal Yuan), who has been deprived of the use of her senses, has been entered in the competition – even though her skills are far from advanced.

Also taking part in the competition is the Lize Palace’s star student Yu Si Feng (Cheng Yi).

Students are forbidden from embarking on romantic relationships with one another. But when the two meet, they first become firm friends…and then start to develop much deeper feelings for one another."

From me:

The "magic and martial arts" tournament is actually held every four years and there are five "human" sects that participate each and every time. On or around their 16th birthdays (same day) Chu Xuan Ji and Yu Si Feng meet by accident just before the tournament and later become friends, however, it is Yu Si Feng that starts to fall in love with Xuan Ji first as she has lost a number of senses so doesn't know how to love.

In their world, demons are not really accepted and are seen as evil, so the sects are meant to protect everyone from demons even if it means killing demons off. However, there is a secret the Lize palace keeps that could undo the allegiance of all five sects.

The real story, if the truth be known, is about a demon god being punished for 1000 years by being sent to the human realm to repent and get rid of all that pent up anger even though that God was actually wronged. However, that God isn't the only one made to endure those 1000 years as there is one other made to suffer through it too...

We, the viewers, come in on the demon God's last life in which one chance remains to get it right...

I really enjoyed Love and Redemption because it was one massive adventure all the way!

It is full of action, great story telling and well paced plus it is Si Feng (Cheng Yi) and most of his male friends that make this series happen!
Also, silver snake, the monkey spirit and lord flying snake.

I didn't think too much of Crystal Yuan although she was tolerable in the first 20 or so episodes, but after that she became someone some of us would have liked to slap if they could and readily step in to find a more suitable love replacement for Si Feng who was deserving of a better equal.

However, despite all that, this drama was truly outstanding with the story, plot, cast, costumes, thematics, music and cinematography.

It will remain in my top 5 for a very long time to come not to mention I watched it back to back twice in a row.

Highly recommended!

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17/01/2023

This is more or less about a faceless King in hiding and a peasant that wants vengeance for the death of his best friend.

All inside the kingdom of Silla that has no place for the poor.

Both, it seems, want the same thing as in a unified Silla with fair treatment and no rank system or anyone starving or resorting to theft. However, the Queen and one other have other plans and the King in hiding turns out to be the peasant's target of revenge.

Under the Queen, Hwarang is formed in order to train elite fighters from high class families of Silla to support the Royal family, only among those training are the peasant and the King so their story and all involved unfolds from there...

The peasant is not just an ordinary peasant and his real story comes to light eventually as well.

I actually enjoyed this drama and watched it in two days.

In some places I read that there were a lot of plot holes and unanswered questions, but I liked it for what it was which was light, likeable and well paced with a decent cast.

The bromance in this was quite good to watch and the humour was funny throughout most of it. Not all, but most.

The female lead's character, A- Ro, was a bit irritating after some time with all the crying and emotional outbursts, but all the males whether mains or support were solid.

Park Hyung-sik was a good fit for the King as was Park Seo Joon as the peasant, Moo Myung.

I will say that some of the fight scenes in this were not as good as some of the ones I have seen in Chinese Dramas - no where as good!!! Like the angles were not caught right, the speed was wrong and they weren't captured in a way that it was a wow factor for me. They weren't as spectacular like the ones, for example, in The Long Ballad or Ever Night S1 and S2.

Overall, this is a fairly decent drama and is something I'd watch again once a year no problem.

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Epic Fight Scenes & Story!

16/01/2023

From Google search:

"When his family is unjustly massacred by a great general, Ning Que escapes and rescues an abandoned baby girl he names Sang Sang; together they have many adventures while Ning Que carries the burden of exacting revenge for his friends and family."

If looking for full on romance then this is a slow burn one that goes deep into season 2 before it is well and truly established.

There are about 15-20 episodes that Ning Que and Sang Sang aren't together in this 60 episode drama starting from around episode 30. Also, the first kiss, if you can call it that, happens in episode 55.

However, I was in it for the story and fight scenes so was fine with it all!

My favourite characters are: Ning Que, Jun Mo and Chen Pi Pi - a few others as well.

The best fight scenes for me were in episodes 6 and 7, also, episode 60 which was epic. Others too!

Most episodes are full of drama, action, and adventure, but with it being 60 episodes there are most definitely draggy parts and parts that could have been omitted like the boring unnecessary conversations. Not all, but some!

This, however, doesn't lessen the value of this drama because it is well worth watching!

I actually liked Arthur Chen more when I found out afterwards he was 18 years old when he took on the role of Ning Que - impressive indeed.

This series has a great cast, music, cinematography, costumes and is thematic plus it has a good story line and is full of action, adventure or drama.

It isn't perfect because it does have its slow moments, but overall is is entertaining and decent as dramas go.

It is highly recommended to watch and is in my top 50!

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Exceeded My Expectations!

15/01/2023

Loved season one, but season two for me was full on go go go except maybe for the very last episode!!!

Although the character of Arisu is that beacon of hope for all - it is Chesiya that brings such life to this series because of his cold character, intelligence and rather impactful words that make us think.

My top two favourite characters are Arisu and Chesiya, but Chesiya is the one I enjoy the most for some reason despite the fact he does what it takes to survive which means he has no problems betraying and double crossing.

If he had been taken out in season one or any of the earlier episodes of season two I would have stopped watching.

And I almost did around episode 7 I think - almost!

The games in this season are totally awesome and quite Psychological - they outdo the ones in season one.

In this series we get to see Chesiya in two top tier games without the others in which he has to use his intellect to see if he can outsmart the hosts. One is the "Jack of Hearts" game inside a prison and the other is with the "King of Diamonds" in a numbers game.

It is a joy watching Chesiya in action with his poker face, unemotional responses and highly intelligent mind. In addition, we finally get a glimpse of him and what he did in "real life" which is really cool - his backstory.

One of the most significant moments I reckon is when Chesiya more or less says to the King of Diamond's host that he suspects the "real winner is the host and that he himself, Chesiya, is the actual loser."

It is at this pivotal point that I feel he is starting to see the bigger picture and transitioning towards a different selfless perspective.

Arisu is still a great character to watch as well so I did enjoy the "King of Clubs" game he participated in as part of a team and what he learned in that time. It is probably one game we see from start to finish in full that plays out over two episodes.

My least favourite character this season was Usagi as she went from an independent woman that could hold her own to a damsel in distress. If she had been written out at any point I would not have shed a single tear!

But despite that - still binge worthy!

In this season we also learn why they are all there and ultimately what happens once the very last card is won. The last game is the "cherry on the top" of games as it goes into one's Psyche on a very deep level to the extent it brings a person down to their lowest point.

So, from season one where it is all about survival and trying to not die in all these games whilst working out the why and how the players are in a parallel world we are then taken into season two where the meaning of life and purpose is profoundly questioned and challenged that it no longer just about surviving anymore, but about whether or not some can live with their ideals based on everything they have done and chosen in life with their careers, friends, situations and families - even in the parallel world.

From episode one, two minutes in, it is all action and go for the next 5-6 episodes really.

Full on action all the way and so good that it is hard to stop watching episode after episode.

I would highly recommend watching ALICE IN BORDERLAND seasons one and two as it is an excellent series as well as rewatchable!

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Survival Of The Fittest & Smartest!

15/01/2023

In brief, this is about everyday people taken into a parallel world similar to their own only they have no idea why. In order to survive they must play all these games against playing card characters (E.g. Jack of Hearts/9 of clubs) to buy them time through visas as well as enable them to collect all 52 cards if they win the games.

Each game is a live or die situation and as each progresses it gets harder and harder to win as well as to stay alive.

Quite simply, if the hosts lose they die - if the players lose they die.

In addition, no one can really be trusted and outside of the games and set rules anything goes!

Once all 52 cards are collected the survivors don't know whether or not they get to return back to their own world or if something else is in store for them all together.

Expect alot of gore, death, intense adrenaline rushes and psychological moments throughout each action packed episode.

My favourite characters in this entire series are Arisu and Chesiya even though the main duo is Arisu and Usagi by the end of season one. Unfortunately, Chesiya isn't actually a main character like Arisu and Usagi, but still has a strong impact and presence throughout both seasons.

If Usagi had been taken out at all I wouldn't have cared.

Different story for Arisu and most definitely Chesiya.

To me Arisu is likeable because he represents hope, positivity, possiblities plus he's simply just a decent person (once he's evolved) that cares about everyone not just himself whereas Chesiya is a somewhat complex character that does what it takes to survive even if it means double crossing someone. He is indifferent, unemotional, doesn't care plus he has a very high IQ which makes him just that bit more interesting.

In fact, I like Chesiya a little more than Arisu despite Chesiya making some rather cut throat underhanded decisions on his part.

What is brilliant about this series is that the games just keep getting better and better throughout each episode with some of the best being in season two.

I am also a fan of SQUID GAME and want to say that I like SQUID GAME and ALICE IN BORDERLAND for different reasons.

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