Quality of acting = 10.0

*outline*
What could've been a simple love story was successfully turned into something much more interesting. Rather than making the cliche rich x poor, smart x dumb, popular x i-don't-even-know-what, much more fantasy was given to a basic plot. Plus, the level of imagination this must've required...


*analysis*
STORY : The story continuously remained unique from the beginning to the end. Because it's not one of those stereotypical takes playwrights usually take, I never knew what was going to happen next. HIStory have really done well for themselves; be it the actors, the director(s), the playwright(s), etc. The whole team clearly worked really hard on this drama so I'm proud to be able to say I finally got around to watching it. I pre-judged the drama because it was an old HIStory but I was so wrong. The pacing was amazing, we never fell off track from the original goal in the drama. The confession and kiss was just timed so perfectly, my heart was practically in my throat by trying to keep my BL-lover screams down from excitement at like... 5 am. The visual fx and production were also done very well, so credits to editors too. Because there's also some straight-ness to this drama, it's a family friendly watch too. (Except for maybe the kiss, but of course that depends on you.) I really don't understand what's so confusing to understand about this drama but I saw another review that said they couldn't keep up with the story. How? It's so simple... but oh well. Everyone has different opinions and takes on each story.

ACTING/CAST : More than anything, as soon as Lan Xi possessed Gu Si Ren's body, I fell in love with Yun Lin Jiang's acting. Imagine how difficult it must've been to act like you've been possessed by someone of the opposite sex, especially as a male (no sexism intended). Yun Lin Jiang was truly the highlight of the entire drama for me. Aaron Lai's character was a little ambiguous which sort of drew me to him. I don't know if ambiguity is his general persona or it was part of his role but either way I liked it. Funny thing actually, Yun Lin Jiang had more focus throughout the whole story so I ended up forgetting Aaron Lai has a main role in this drama, not a supporting role.

MUSIC : There was one track that was played here and there that I didn't see fit in some of the scenes, but other than that, the rest of the tracks were quite nice to listen to and suited the themes of the scenes. Especially the theme song.

REWATCH VALUE : I don't know if I'd personally come back to this drama so I gave it a 9.5 but I assure you there are other people who definitely will. A lot of people, actually. Especially because this doesn't only focus on BL, but also a straight couple so it's a drama that is open for everyone to watch. Weird but yeah. If you don't follow too well with the story, which somehow some people don't, then you should probably rewatch it. It just means that the possession stuff hasn't sunk in so you need to rewatch it to fully understand, or you were distracted but I think it was probably the latter.


*recommendations*
Literally, the rest of the HIStory dramas. You have to watch them. Especially 'Crossing the Line' and 'Trapped'. They've been rated the best ones out of the whole lot too and it's really no surprise why.

And :
Visit my Asian BLs Custom List to see some more of my watches and ratings !! ^.^ Including: Korean, Taiwanese, Japanese and Thai !
Also, please vote to show your view on other dramas :)

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A subtle watch, despite the climax

*outline*
This drama was surprisingly so calm. I mean, sure, seeing the poster and title I did expect it to be something of like a spring-type nature. Of course, I got fooled for the 632925274th time. I should really stop assuming what a drama or movie is gonna be like based on the poster, title, and description. Even the trailers fool me. I didn't even read the description before watching it because I decided I wanted to watch the drama with a fresh mind. But I read the description right now and WTH. It's like a summary, they don't even hint at the depth of the amazing-ness of this drama. (not a word, ik)
{LINK TO DRAMA IN THE COMMENTS}


*analysis*
STORY : From the beginning, you'd naturally assume that the drama would take very cliche turns and twists but that really isn't a case. Actually, I didn't even know what I wanted to happen at each step in the story but it all happened. The director made me dream come true and I didn't even KNOW I had those wishes about them. Boomer. The pacing was amazing from the very start and no scene was wasted, it was clearly all building up until the very end. The confession was everything and nothing. I just wish there was a more finite ending. The kiss was worth the wait, especially after being teased so much by the playwright. A Season 2 would feel so good to watch, especially if it has the same quality of production, acting, story, OST and visual fx. It really was simply amazing from the beginning. Color Rush has been my favorite release so far, but this definitely topped it. I was really holding this one off for some reason too, so that just... disappoints me. How could I ever !! Also, despite the teasing, we got nothing even at the end ! Where's the skinship, y'all? This is why they seemed more like friends throughout the whole damn thing. Fudge.

ACTING/CAST : Okay, the one who confessed first was the one I was least expecting. I really expected the other one to confess. And no spoilers. You really gotta watch it yourself. I'm telling you, it's amazing. Both actors- no- all actors did amazing. We all know Jang Eui Soo is an amazing actor anyways. He's only ever played in hits and it shouldn't even be questionable why. Please tell me this drama got at least one award? The 10 rating was well-deserved. Tsk, Han Gi Chan. I want to see more of him already even though he only made his acting debut with this drama. We've all also seen Jeon Jae Yeong. The guy is one of the few kdrama comedians that shape the whole story. If it weren't for him, damn, this drama just- I can't even explain it. Yeah, he ended up making mistakes (he always does in his dramas anyways, except for those that he acts as a CEO-or-something in) but c'mon ! Why is he so good in his roles? Ngl, they're all a little similar... sigh- there's a reason he's stuck to his comedy roles, he just fits so well.

MUSIC : I didn't even have to think twice about rating this a 10. The different tracks in this album were played at the end of each episode, so they didn't even distract us from the plot. And a harsh pat on the back for that, dear editor and director. You did so well.
{LINK TO OSTs IN THE COMMENTS}

REWATCH VALUE : I would definitely rewatch this. I would always miss the characters despite the fact I didn't get much physical bromance, but rather emotional bromance. I don't even know how much the whole story line just distracted me from wanting some BL skinship anyways. I have no doubt this will be remembered and cherished by all.


*recommendations*
'To My Star' for a similar take on a popular and his friend(-ish).


Visit my Custom List "Asian BLs" which includes Korean, Thai, and Taiwanese BLs to see some of my watches. I don't actually give very low ratings because I believe every love has its own story. Check them out if you'd like some recommendations !! ^.^

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Confusing till the very end

*outline*
Honestly, the title of the movie really didn't fit. Even looking at it metaphorically, I couldn't see any link between the movie and its title. The movie isn't even as sweet or as blissful as the thought of transitions between seasons. It's probably the exact opposite. The title and the poster really had me fooled. However, in one way the story did fit the title. The transitions and skips will tell you how.


*analysis*
STORY : I have never rated the story lower than everything else, no- anything else, in any drama or movie before. However, the mass amount of time skips going back and forth just confused the heck out of me. The skips explained what was happening and all but it wasn't even clear that a skip in time had happened until I noticed some things that seemed weird and out of order. If only the skips hadn't confused me so much, maybe the story rating would've been a ten. The overall story was really good too, and definitely well-written if you ignore the time skips.

ACTING/CAST : The actors did so well in playing their own parts. That is one of the things I'm most confident of. No scene was over dramatized and it really felt like the main leads knew what they were doing and how they were meant to play out their characters. Usually BLs in Korea aren't 'normal' or, at least, what you'd find everyday. Especially because it isn't widely excepted yet like it may be in the West. But everything between them felt real, except for the parts where they seemed more like friends rather than lovers. There was only one scene which made me realize they are actually in love but that can't be blamed on the characters. That was really all on the director or the playwright.

MUSIC : The two tracks I remember were so good. The fact that they were very subtly placed into the movie was so well done. It's just really unfortunate I couldn't actually find the tracks but I'm sure if I looked hard enough I might be able to.

REWATCH VALUE : Because of the large amount of confusion still playing in my head about the movie, I was wondering whether to give it a high rewatch rating. However, it was definitely worth the first watch and rewatching it would definitely explain each scene must better so I gave it a 9.5 anyways.


*recommendations*
I personally think Thai BLs about couples in college and stuff would be a good watch but that totally depends on your own liking. Visit my Custom List "Asian BLs" which includes Korean, Thai, and Taiwanese BLs to see some of my watches. I don't actually give very low ratings because I believe every story has a moral and that every love is shown in its own way which may be what romance directors attempt to portray. If you're like me then definitely check them out !! ^.^

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Very Unexpected

*outline*
I wasn't expecting to like this drama as much as I did. The fact that the story has so many twists and turns not only makes the series more dramatic, but also adds a perfect amount of heartbreak, shock/surprise, and love. I felt empathetic and sympathetic throughout, something to credit the actors for. The pacing was perfect till the very end.


*thorough*
STORY : Having a screenwriter write up a story based around North Korea was quite innovative, so it really caught my eye when it was introduced to me. This gave us a break from the cliche Korean story lines we usually find, not that they're any bad but I felt refreshed. The whole drama up until the last episode were really good. My emotions were being played with, which is a good thing of course. However, that sort of changed in the last episode. Episode 16 didn't exactly live up to my expectations which were slowly being built throughout. It's almost as though the screenwriter and Director got tired of the drama and just wanted it to finish quickly. But that's my own take on things... I just feel that the ending should've been a little different. In conclusion, the pacing was off for Episode 16.

ACTING/CAST : I found myself being hit by various moods and emotions because of the actors. They portrayed their roles perfectly. I felt all the love, heartbreak, shock, and even the war. The best played out role was definitely the antagonists. You'll only realize when he's defeated, just how much of a lonely life he's lived. Unlike other antagonists, he didn't use this as an excuse (maybe to even reform), it just showed how deserving of his end was.

MUSIC : Okay, I'm sorry, but I hated CLOY's OSTs. From the very beginning. Literally. It did nothing for me, definitely not set the mood. I only remember two songs now that I think about it... Is that all there were? Meh, not like I'm gonna look for them anyways. The intro was the most disappointing one for me, so I just skipped all of them on the first beat. The other OST I remember was the one that was played during every sad scene (or love scene? or both?). It was decent enough to be able to listen to, and it even set some of the scenes.

REWATCH VALUE : This drama was way too long to sit through. If there were more episodes which were also shorter in time length, maybe I'd be willing to rewatch it. But I doubt that's going to happen. And even in the ending, the Yoon Se Ri and Ri Jung Hyuk aren't that memorable as a couple. Apparently they're dating in real life, but I find it hard to believe how they must act in real life because the love really wasn't portrayed. I 'aw'ed at the love scenes because of the innocence to it, despite them both being quite... erm- well, older than average Korean actors and actresses today. However, it felt very dry otherwise...


*p.s.*
I would definitely recommend this to someone, even if they've been watching K-dramas for a while. It's an amazing drama and it definitely deserves its high ratings. I really vibed with the drama and it was continuously interesting.


*recommendations*
'What's Wrong With Secretary Kim' if you're looking for more rom-com

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*outline*
I watched this series twice already and I really wasn't expecting to like the series even more this time than I did before. Before it made me feel a little bland, like there was nothing much there. So I definitely have to say you'll have to rewatch it to really like it. It takes time and patience, rather than being in a hurry to finish it off. And concentration also needs to be given to this series.


*analysis*
STORY : The continuous pace and buildup of emotions was amazing. I was kept on my toes during almost every scene (despite the fact I had already watched this before). Sure, I knew what was coming but the way the scenes I was waiting for especially came to be was just amazing. I did get a little confused in the middle (it had been a while since I last watched it) about Xia Yu Hao's character's actions, but it got explained after. However, this doesn't change the fact that the story felt a little irregular to me halfway through. It felt like waking up to snow in July for me, and then being told by the weatherman a week late that there was a storm or something. Though, I do have to say the production was a little better than HIStory2: Right or Wrong. But Right or Wrong's story line was much better. Definitely worth the watch for that particular one. And the side couple's buildup was quite nice to watch too - almost like HIStory: Stay Away From Me. If the director was trying to remind us of the other stories for some reminiscing then it truly worked. While watching this, I felt like going back to some of the other HIStory stories. But the side couple's story was my favorite, even better than the main couple at some points (or more). The kiss, confession, and wait for the main couple to form was just beautiful. Especially because we finally got the ending to the couple that we deserved, with all the sweet moments that I couldn't even keep count of. However, I feel the last episode should have been a little longer so we could get a more finished ending.

ACTING/CAST : Hands down, He Cheng En and Wang Zhen Wen were my favorite characters. He Cheng En and Qiu Zi Xuan's friendship thrived. They were hilarious together, and acted like a married couple throughout the whole series. Their comedy was one of the best I've ever seen in BLs. He Cheng En was perfect as a supporting role / friend to the main leads; he left me speechless one second and rolling on the floor laughing the next. I really liked their teacher too (He Zhong Zhong). She did pretty well as a significant character that actually ended up playing more importance. This is something that I only realized the second time I watched it. She didn't show up much but she actually really helped the story line shape up to how it is now. If all/any of these roles were given to anyone else, I don't think HIStory2: Crossing the Line would come out as well as it did. Wang Zhen Wen's character were rather deep as compared to the rest. Throughout the entire series he showed me that he was: naturally lovable, sweet, caring, cuddly, funny, innocent, selfless (basically a 9-year-old (in a nice way)) but also the one friend who'd smile despite the pain he'd have constantly swirling around inside him. He kept suffering by himself but never broke. His character was actually pretty inspiring but I didn't support the fact he didn't tell anyone about his fears and such. The main actors were actually really sweet throughout, so nothing much could be said about them. They were just such realistic characters that you'd find in the modern world. Everyone followed the script really well, even the background actors. Even Chen Jia Jun's character was formed really well, he's meant to be the villain but I didn't find him to be much of a heartbreaker.

MUSIC : The music was actually perfect, especially during the funny scenes. The instrumentals fit so well. In fact, they're some of my favorite but of course they'd be hard to find. The outro instrumental was very sweet to the ears too. Though, I do have to admit I was more interested in binge-watching the whole series as quickly as I could so I didn't really listen to the whole outro at most times.

REWATCH VALUE : Sure, I have rewatched this before but I rewatched it only because I was in the mood of binge-watching an entire series and all the HIStory's just seemed perfect to do so (and they are so overall, I'd rate the rewatch value of the entire series a big 10/10). However, I didn't really ever see myself going back to his series. The rewatch might've been a little higher if the side couple showed up a little more, and the ending of the series was a little more complete. In fact, the side couple should probably get their own HIStory series, and definitely with the same characters.


*recommendations*
Literally, the rest of the HIStory dramas. You have to watch them. Especially 'Crossing the Line' and 'Trapped'. They've been rated the best ones out of the whole lot too and it's really no surprise why.

And :
Visit my Asian BLs Custom List to see some more of my watches and ratings !! ^.^ Including: Korean, Taiwanese, Japanese and Thai !
Also, please vote to show your view on other dramas :)

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