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Completed
Secret Royal Inspector
3 people found this review helpful
by sobak
Feb 10, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

A solid, worthwhile watch

What a fun little show. Don't expect anything deep or profound. It is about characters who are forced to go on missions together. They first start working together reluctantly, but eventually grow into a bickering, adorable team. Missions are straightforward and deal with taking down corrupt officials. Plot is mostly fast paced; cases aren't dragged out. There is a bit of romance, but show doesn't get bogged down by it. The meh parts involve the side characters, but not enough to make me stop watching. Overall, a solid show. Give it a try!
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Completed
Put Your Head on My Shoulder
2 people found this review helpful
by sobak
May 14, 2020
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 7.0
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

Only for the Main OTP

If you are looking for a light show with a great main couple, this is worth checking out. Cohabitation is one of my favorite tropes, and this show definitely made full use of it. Don't expect a plot-driven show though. This show is slice of life; it's all about the (main) characters and their daily lives. Also, make sure to watch the special episode on YouTube for more cute couple moments.

First of all, I skipped everything with the second couple. If I had watched their scenes too, I think my overall ratings would be much lower. I hated Fu Pei from episode 1, and never looked back. I did check out a few of his last few scenes, and yeah I think I made the right decision to skip him.

The progression of the main characters' relationship from nobody -> friend -> lover makes sense, and their chemistry grows along with it. I understand why they end up together, which adds to how much I love them as a couple. There are no annoying obstacles or stupid misunderstandings in their way, and if there is a problem, it's resolved pretty quickly. Their relationship isn't perfect, but they work through their issues, and are there for each other 110%. Also, the show does a good job of making it believable that they are each others' firsts (albeit I do wish they didn't do that haha I don't mind when characters are super pro in relationships right off the bat ;))

The high rating for Acting/Cast is purely because I adored the main couple. Su Ti Mo is adorably spunky, but not annoying. She is pretty much a normal college student with goals, and she works hard to figure out what she wants in life. Also, I loved how straightforward she was about her thoughts and feelings. I really grew to love the actress, so will see if there are any other watchable shows with her.

Gu Wei Yi is an awkward dork genius, who doesn't have the best social skills, but is an honest and good person. The actor is stiffer, but he does show some improvements. To be honest, his face is not my type, but he's super tall with wide shoulders, so that evened things out for me.

There were scenes I enjoyed that were not just main lead focused such as lab team scenes (esp when Wei Yi is still trying to pursue Su Ti Mo LOL I had a soft spot for Senior Xiu as well) and the beach getaway. The beach getaway is a key episode for the main OTP as well, and is one of my favorites.

The music is okay. The sound effects were a tad overused, but when used well, it worked and I found myself laughing. For the most part, nothing stood out in a bad way.


*SPOILER ENDING*
The ending did have a bit of a rushed feel to it. I did not really like that he surprised her with a wedding. A small wedding totally makes sense for the couple. But surprise wedding in Germany where they don't have any memories together? Meh. Also, the unnecessary foreign actors who sucked? SO VERY UNNECESSARY!! Wasted scenes that could have been used on the main leads. I did appreciate the closure for Senior Xiu though. I liked her as a character, and wish her all the happiness. If it were another drama, I would be rooting for her and Wei Yi.
*SPOILER ENDING*

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Completed
Wait, My Youth
1 people found this review helpful
by sobak
May 12, 2020
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Just what I was looking for

I think My Youth was just perfect for what I was looking for hence the high overall rating. Objectively, it is not an 8 more of a 6. However, the drama worked for me. There is romance, but there is also some focus on one's dreams and friendships.

The acting is very green, but I grew to love every character which is why the rating is high. I actually wanted to know what happened to everyone, which is not an easy task for a drama. The editing can feel choppy and writing is not always smooth. The last few episodes were the most disappointing part because we needed more time with the characters as adults. It felt rushed.

**SPOILER**I think the main couple needed more time to miss and want each other. Their reunion felt too rushed, and the years they spend apart did not feel all the painful. I love angst when it is used properly, and this felt like a wasted opportunity to incorporate some. **SPOILER**

However, I did like that the ending wasn't necessarily about the couple getting together. Yes, romance is a big part of the drama, but that wasn't the only message in it. Personally, the best part for me was the friendships.

Recommended if you enjoy youth cdramas. Want something quick and easy to watch. Attractive and young cast (female lead does take some time to get used to, but I liked her in the end). Quite a lot of (slightly awkward, but still loved every moment) skinship especially for a cdrama (though I think the male lead was a bit rough in some scenes...I think that's still something cdramas overall need to improve on)

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Completed
The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity
2 people found this review helpful
by sobak
Feb 6, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

Not a groundbreaking story, but the visuals are top quality

Visuals visuals visuals. This is a gorgeous film to watch. The plot was fun and epic, but some parts unexplained or confusing. Unfortunately, the main characters and their relationship felt underdeveloped so the final impact was not as strong. Shame since I enjoyed the two actors, but they didn't have a lot to work with. Also, I went in expecting more about brotherhood, fighting demons, waking up the guardians, but got way more love story than I asked for. Probably a movie that would've been cooler to watch in a theater. I would recommend if you are a fan of the cast or like fantasy.

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Completed
Once Upon a Time
0 people found this review helpful
by sobak
Jun 11, 2020
Completed 0
Overall 3.0
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 3.0
Rewatch Value 5.5

Qualitatively terrible, but I don't regret it

Movie is qualitatively one of the worst ones I have watched, but I don't hate it. Also, surprisingly, I don't regret watching it. I went in knowing absolutely nothing about the story.

First of all, horrible, horrible writing and editing. The way the story is told is very choppy and jumpy, and it feels like you need to know about the story before watching it. Even if I knew about the story though, the way the scenes are put together and the way they end so abruptly...terrible. The first half was difficult to get through, and I took a pause.

I think the second half is more watchable because there is more action. The movie gets better after that fight with the monster. Also, as the backstory is revealed (albeit still in very choppy ways), the leads develop chemistry-ish. I think I was able to convince myself through sheer willpower and the pretty.

CG is okay since I've seen worse. Everything is very bright colored and fairy tale-esque. I may have seen some of the worst costumes and makeup ever in a production in this movie though lol

Oh, but wtf was the ending? Was there supposed to be a second movie? Also, what was up with the frozen master guy?

Overall, consider watching if you are fan of the leads (not a must) and may be curious about the drama.

Is it worth watching for Yang Yang? I think it was for me.
Does he cry very prettily? Yes.
Has he improved since Love O2O? I think he has a bit in here. He goes from robot to robot that cries pretty.
Bonus: great kiss scenes (rewatch just for those)

If anything, this movie has got me interested in trying out the drama. (Looks wise I prefer Yang Yang, but the drama version definitely has the better actors. Also, this story is more suited for longer format production - drama or multiple movies.)

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Completed
Ashes of Love
0 people found this review helpful
by sobak
May 23, 2020
63 of 63 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 7.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers
The drama was cute/fun in the beginning, draggy in the middle (took a break around episode 37), then rushed at the end. Everything is gorgeous, and the CG is mostly good. I love the cast (minus some caricature/meh acting). I really liked the ending OST. Editing is wonky and lots of the same shots are used lol but that seems typical of Chinese dramas. Not too crazy about all those zoomed in eye shots. I can see myself rewatching scenes with Xu Feng & Jin Mi, and some of Run Yu's emotional scenes.

The best parts are:
- Xu Feng falling for Jin Mi while she actually just wants more energy/power
- Demon Realm Visit to Kill the Beast (forgot the name)
- Mortal Realm Challenge
- Xu Feng and Jin Mi confirming love for each other
- Run Yu remembering his past
- Heavenly Wedding

I also enjoyed everything after Xu Feng is reborn and becomes Demon Lord. However, that portion really feels rushed and like I was watching a summary of events. (on a shallow note, Deng Lun looked amazing in black)

The ending was a huge letdown to be honest. However, it did end up making me rewatch my favorite scenes...maybe that was the intent. I just feel like overall the main leads don't get too many scenes together after they confirm their love for one another. Such a waste of great chemistry and cast.

My biggest annoyance with the drama is the story did not spend enough time on the main leads. I'm not usually the type to gripe about screen time. However, I felt the drama was busy showing the past love lives of everyone else that they never bothered to focus on the main leads or their current relationship and especially no focus on why the male lead was so great and amazing. If they weren't going to show us Fire Immortal's background in the first half, the part where he comes back and decides to become Demon Lord would've been the perfect opportunity. Unfortunately, it was just he's perfect because everyone says he's done great things. I feel like we don't really get to know Xu Feng. I do love Xu Feng a lot more than I should though and its all thanks to Deng Lun. Deng Lun did great with the little he had especially when he's emotionally vulnerable, so so good. I've become his fan.

Jin Mi, the female lead. I grew to really like her in the drama. I was annoyed with her at first, but once you accept that she grew up super super sheltered and is more of a child, I think it was fine. Her obsession with gaining more power was fun. I was able to follow her growth and her pain at realizing her love for Xu Feng. Her emotional outburst at Run Yu was well done. My favorite version of Jin Mi was in the Mortal Realm. Next would be when she's doing everything she can to get Xu Feng back. I liked that she stayed true to herself throughout the show - honest and loyal. She made her decisions, accepted her consequences, and sought to right her wrongs. To be honest, she never really completely stopped doing stupid things, but I was able to mostly overlook.

I like the second male lead, Run Yu. Luo Yun Xi did a great job with the character and his spiraling down the revenge path. (He also did a great job acting as Mr. Puchi acting as Run Yu). I appreciate that they fleshed him out, and I rooted for his revenge. Still, I think they spent too much time on him. Also, I did not like how everyone just called him an evil person because his reasons for wanting revenge made sense and I thought more immortals would understand his side with how awful the Heavenly two were. However, I did start to really NOT like him AFTER his revenge. His continued path to darkness, actions towards Xu Feng, and most of all, the way he treated Jinmi was disgusting. He didn't know how to stop. His end was fitting, but at the same time, I did not want him to feel completely alone. I did want him to feel loved too.

I hated the Heavenly Emperor and Empress, and they deserved punishments. If anything, I was annoyed that Xu Feng kept being flippant with his parents' wrongdoings... I wanted to see him more torn over realizing how his parents were horrible people all along, and him making amends to right their wrongs. I feel like this drama should've given us a great brotherhood. They were good brothers to each other...it's just that their parents were horrible.

I skipped the demon couple. Their relationship really did not need all those scenes. Also, I did not need Heavenly Empress' past love story, but at least that was a quick short one. If anything, I really did not need all those scenes spent on the old Heavenly Emperor, Water Immortal, and Flower Immortal...I cared way more about the present and now.

I think the drama wanted to show too much, but ended up showing not enough of very important things especially the male lead and main leads. I think the writer probably liked everyone too much...if anything, the writer definitely loved Run Yu.

Sorry for the ramblings...but most importantly, CAN WE GET MORE XUFENG AND JINMI BEING HAPPY TOGETHER? I would actually be down for a Season 2 with this cast.

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Completed
Vagabond
0 people found this review helpful
by sobak
Feb 5, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

If you like action, it may be worth a watch

Finished the show in a week! It was an entertaining show, and I enjoyed the action sequences. I definitely don't buy that a stuntman is better than trained special forces and practically invincible, but this drama isn't about the realism anyways haha There are many twists and turns, but also a tad predictable if you are a fan of similar shows or movies. Mostly fun to watch, but not a show that will have me thinking about it for long afterwards.

Ending didn't anger me as much, but I was getting less invested as drama progressed and knew it would be open ending. What was annoying is final scenes were exactly the same as the beginning...felt lazy like was there really a need to start with those scenes? I think they should've shown less at the start for a more impactful ending.

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