Aryael
Twenty steps away from the toilet and just around the corner from the stairs.
Acting/Cast: It is no secret that I enjoy watching Wallace act in historical dramas. Acting-wise, he's a veteran. Tang Yan is also another seasoned actress. Both Wallace and Tang Yan managed to pull off a believable chemistry. I mean.... who could resist Wallace's mysterious and sexy stare... you know, the kind that makes you wonder what he's thinking but feel as if he is devouring you whole! With that kind of look, it is not too hard to pull off a chemistry that can melt the hearts of females everywhere! The rest of the cast are all good as well. No complains in the acting department. The costumes are colourful and excellent (though I doubt ppl of that time actually wear such fashionable clothes)!
Music: The ending theme song is my favourite. It has a rather sad tone to it and the lyrics are meaningful. It's stuck in my head and I suspect it will be there for a while unti I find another new song to replace it. Some might find the light OST by Della Ding and Wallace Huo something they might like but me being me... I like the darker melodies over the light-hearted ones. It's all personal preference.
Rewatch value: There are 45 episodes and unless you have lots of time at hand, you might not be wanting to re-watch this anytime soon. That said... there are many scenes in this drama; mostly those involving the main couple, that you would like to forward to.
Overall: This is a worth-while entertainment. True to Tong Hua's (the author of the novel where this drama gets its storyline from) style of writing, the main story focuses on the romance between the two main characters. There are some palace conflict going on but that part of the story did not overwhelm the main love story between the leads. So, if you are a romantic at heart, you might want to check this historical romance out.
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The story is fairly simplistic as in most action movie. Mother and father met, they had some 'happy times' together, she was conceived and father got kicked out of the scene. So, she was born autistic and raised by her mum alone. Growing up, she is fixated with Thai kickboxing and all forms of martial arts. Being autistic, she learned all of these martial arts very quickly. One day, mum got sick and she found a list of names of some very dodgy people owing her mum some money.... hence the action begins!
For those of you action freaks out there, this is a MUST WATCH. When this movie first came out, it made history with Jacky Chan himself caught saying he would like to collaborate with Yanin (the female lead) to film an action movie together! We sure hope that would happen soon!
Overall, an 8.5/10. Dig in, peeps!
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Story: It is a vampiric love story and where storyline goes, it actually has a better storyline than the Hollywood produced Twilight saga! If only it has the budget of Twilight, the filming technologies, the directing expertise, the believable props and CGI effects - it would have beaten Twilight hands down!
Acting/Cast: This is the lakorn that added Dome into my list of men in my harem. He makes a very dashing vampire conflicted with his human sentiments and feelings for a very annoying human female. When I say annoying.. I really mean ANNOYING! The female lead's character is that of a persistent, chatty and irritating person. When she is not complaining, she is whining and when she is not whining, she is shouting! It took considerable patience to overlook such acting to buy into the story of this lakorn. In the end, the story won and I am glad I stuck with it to the end.
Music: Nothing worth mentioning here. The OSTs are appropriate to the mood of the lakorn but they are not impressive enough to find their way into your iPod and bathroom karaoke.
Rewatch value: There is something about this lakorn that made me re-watch it twice. Of course, adequate time had passed between viewing. I am not adversed to re-visit it since there are a number of pretty interesting scenes in it but I would not re-watch it entirely either. Fast fowarding it to the important scenes is the method I would recommend you to re-watch this lakorn.
Overall: Where vampiric love stories go, this one is not too bad. I give it a 7.5/10.
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Story: Storyline is the strength of this lakorn - hands down. Perhaps this has to do with how the lakorn is based on a best selling novel; so it does come with twists and turns, plots and sub-plots and a love story between a high school girl with an IQ of a genius and a cold and calculative mafia boss. There are many shootings, killings and people running and hiding in this lakorn. The props are poorly done like in a low budget film/drama but if you can look past that, the story is quite addictive. I will not elaborate more on the story without giving it away. It's the sort that makes you stay up just to find out what is going to happen next despite the poor acting, directing and props! Serious!
Acting/Cast: The best actor in here is the main female lead - the high school girl! I find the main male lead too stiff in his acting to appeal to my taste. Sure, his role is that of a cold and calculating mafia boss, but that does not mean his body language should come across awkward as well! Add to that the fact that I have to fast forward too many unneccessary scenes where ppl pretty much just stare at each other for long periods of time, the acting and directing of this lakorn is really its downfall. The use of poor "Chinese" props and customs (such as the fist to palm greeting that no modern Chinese alive will be caught using!) and a few other boo-hoos provide either comical relief or a frown of annoyance.
Music: Obviously they did not invest much on the OSTs. Nothing worth mentioning here.
Rewatch value: This is one of those lakorns where once you had watched it and know the twists, you will not want to watch it again... at least not in the near future! The value of this lakorn lies on its interesting and addictive storyline but once that storyline is known, all the other weaknesses of this lakorn puts you off re-watching it again.
Overall: I give it a 7.5/10 thanks to the saving grace of its rather unique and addictive storyline. I can see why the novel sells well. What I would like to see is either Taiwan or China adopting this into a T or C Drama. The storyline is certainly worth investing in. Put to it the better filming technologies, use of props and funding in Taiwan and China, this story may be given the essential life for it to be a highly rated drama since most of the characters in this story are supposed to be Chinese! I would also like to see Korea adapt this storyline to apply to Korean gangsters and filmed in Korean contexts. In summary, I feel that some Chinese, Taiwanese or Korean director or producer out there should be alerted to this novel and the potential it can bring if produced properly!
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Story: The story follows the basic story as per the Korean original Full House, but with much better credibility and elaboration of story sequences. More is invested in exploring the development of relationships - be it between the main leads, between the male lead and his family, between the leads and the second leads and so on. Everyone has their story told adequately which made each scene progress with better logic. The ending is so much better too - well explained and not rushed. Of all of the Full House versions, I must say (to my utmost surprise since I would never expect this of a Thai lakorn!) that this Thai version of Full House is the best ever made to date!
Acting/Cast: Perfect cast and better acting all around. When I say 'better', I refer to comparisons with the original Korean Full House. Although this Thai version uses young Thai idols, I must say that they can act better than many Korean idols out there who only relied on their looks to pull through their stiff acting! There can be no better combination of leads as these two leads in here. Super cute, super sweet and very compatible! The chemistry is so much more believable than the chemistry between Rain and Song Hye Kyo! Plus the female lead in this one is so adorable and definitely not annoying like Song Hye Kyo's character in the original Full House! And the kissing scenes (especially the ones involving a certain ice cream!) will change the way you view an ice cream forever! I also like how they cleverly incorporated Korea into the drama; thus acknowledging the story's origins. The sceneries in Korea featured in this lakorn are also beautifully filmed.
Music: Melodic and sung by the male & female leads. I am no fan of Thai music, so I gave this a 6/10. I know many young women/fans out there who will be rating the music as 10/10. It's all a matter of preference.
Rewatch value: Extremely high. This lakorn thrives on funny, sweet and scenic scenes that you'd love to re-wind to again and again, and because it is such a light story to watch, it does not require much brain power to just sit back, relax and fall in love all over again.
Overall: For a light romantic comedy, it is a great honour for it to be able to achieve anything from 8 and above from me as I am very picky when it comes to storylines and the dramas/movies that get high scores from me have very good storylines. Since the storyline of this lakorn is to-some-extent-, a "recycling" or "re-telling" from the original one, I gave it a 8.5/10. I really enjoyed this lakorn.
Lastly, I would like to appeal to the powers that be in MDL to please include more Thai Lakorns in here. There are a couple more lakorns that I can think of from the top of my head that have very good ratings, besides the Thai Full House. I am more than happy to write reviews on them. :)
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Acting/Cast: All experienced actors and actresses. Directing wonderfully done. Movie well paced with no obvious gaps in the story-telling. Also - who can say no to a suave, handsome, mysterious and at times, brooding looking Wang Leehom? I'll like to see you try!
Music: Nice & sweet. Music suits the movie but nothing that will be a big hit anytime soon.
Rewatch value: This is one of those easy to watch movie that will find its way to your collections of DVDs/Blu-Rays. Certainly a high re-watch value.
Overall: Highly recommended. An excellent weekend or holiday movie that will live up to its promise to entertain.
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Acting/Cast: Full marks for acting. All veteran actors and actresses; so you can expect mature and professional acting.
Music: Sombre, sweet but most times, reminiscence of love won and lost. The music reflects nicely the feel of this movie.
Rewatch value: Personally, I am the sort of romatic who would go for comedy romance as I love to de-stress while watching a movie or drama. This movie is a wonderful movie; the re-watch value simply reflects my personal preference for only re-watching something that is light and sweet that helps me to relax. This movie makes me cry out like a baby; so I won't be re-watching it anytime soon. However, for those of you who loves tragic romance type of movie, this one here is a winner for you!
Overall: A good movie. Certainly worth the recommendation. However, I would include my recommendation with a warning for keeping a box of tissue next to you before you hit the play button. Trust me - you'll need it!
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Acting: All good and seasoned actors and actresses - no complains in this department. Certainly a plus watching Choi Jin Hyuk as the lead actor in a romance drama after capturing so many hearts worldwide as the mysteriously handsome and dashing 'Father Gumiho' in Gu Family Book.
Music: Ok but nothing to go gushing about.
Rewatch value: Personally for me, this drama has a low rewatch value simply because of its mediocre storyline.
Overall: If you do not have an "OMG! You gotta watch this or you are missing out bigtime" drama to watch, this drama is a sufficient offering to while the time away. It is a safe bet for debuting Jin Hyuk's career as lead actor but it is no where near the "OMG!" worthiness of dramas that had carved legendary status such as Secret Garden and the like. So while Emergency Couple is good, it is not excellent. Certainly worth watching if you are Choi Jin Hyuk or/and Song Ji Hyo (of Running Man fame)'s fan.
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Acting/Cast: No complaints whatsoever in this department. Aesthetic wise...I thought the female lead could have been a prettier actress but having said that, the male lead is no flower boy either... so, I suppose, that's ok.
Music: Sweet OSTs. Makes you wanna snuggle up to your loved one.
Rewatch value: I actually think this one here has a pretty decent re-watch value. It is not a difficult or complicated watch. It has plentiful of sweet moments and moments of tension between those involved in a triangular love situation. I certainly can see myself kicking back on the sofa with popcorn and coke in hand for a relaxing holiday re-watching this.
Overall: If you are looking to find that love feeling again - that sweet fluterring of your heart and that soft sigh that brings a smile to your face, try watching this. It has a mature storyline that does not bore. With INR 3, the INR writers redeemed themselves after a rather disappointing INR 2 that could not rival INR. I give this drama nine sweet potatoes out of ten! :)
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Story: A masterpiece! Although 18 episodes long, the story was told at a nice pace- you will nto realise 18 eps had come and gone! What I like to the storyline is the multiple layers it has. What I meant by 'multiple layers' is the writer & director's ability to incorporate a few storylines into one episode. There are many detective/investigative/law type dramas created and most of them follow a typical "one case per episode" line. This drama follows this time old formula but to a less obvious degree. It incorporates a few storylines happening simultaneously. There are also instances where the main characters need to deal with more than one case per episode while dealing with their personal issues. I love it when a story is able to pull off such complexity without confusing the audience or killing the main storyline in the process. The comic relief throughout the drama is a welcomed addition. It is tastefully done without unneccessary exaggeration. The characters' reactions and rationale are very believable & realistic. It is a mature and well thought off story! One of the best and natural ending from a drama. You will not be left with a rushed ending or feeling as if something is missing. In other words, a complete drama! Therefore, I give the story a very solid 10/10! My heartfelt congratulations to the writer & director!
Acting/Cast: All good actors & actresses. No complains in this department.
Music: A couple of ear & save-worthy OSTs.
Rewatch value: Whilst it is very addictive in the first watch, I doubt I would re-visit this drama again in the near future. The thrill is in the finding out but once you already know what happens and the ending, it will not be as addictive. Unlike purely romantic dramas, this one do not have many memorable scenes you would like to rewind to....unless you get kicks out of re-watching verbal courtroom battles or ppl acting out the crime. This drama is more of a whole package thing. The most memorable quotes (and repeated throughout) is one from the female lead's mother about "an eye for an eye; if you live that way, then the whole world will be blind..." (something along those lines). The main impact of this drama for me is the moral learning (or reminders) that it gives to the audience. I love it when a drama teaches ppl good things!
Overall: If I am to rate this based on story and acting, it is a solid 10/10. However, considering its lower re-watch value, I'd decided on a 9/10. If you had not watch this piece of gem, I HIGHLY recommend that you do!
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Story: Simple, comical, romantic and to a point - mature. Love the 4 dudes and their antics. If "I Need Romance" is the female equivalent of "Sex & the City", then this here is the male equivalent of "101 ways of how to get under a woman's skirt - the blokey guide".... minus the emphasis on sex, of course. I love the little 'prologues' at the beginning of each episode. They are proof that men are just overgrown boys and they will always be up to something naughty! A well put together drama that ends well for everyone.
Acting/Cast: Whatdaya expect from veteran actors & actresses? Quality and believable acting of course! Even the young idol actors are not too stiff, but I must say that I am very relieved that they are not the main focus of this drama. They add a comical dimension to the drama without looking as if the writer was trying too hard on the comedy part of things. Well done!
Music: Nice OSTs worth downloading.
Rewatch value: High - simply because the episodes can be stand alones but they all contribute to the overall picture of the story. So, if there is a favourite episode or scene that you want to replay over and over again, you can! Furthermore, this drama gives off a nice relaxing feeling and a venue for women to nod their heads off in agreement at all the silly things and behaviour men engage in! Definitely a keeper!
Overall: Full marks. Highly recommended. Time to fall in love, people!... unrequitted, of course! ;)
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Acting/Cast: All veteran actors and actresses. No complains in this department. Despite all his wacky styles, JGS is definitely a more solid actor that many idol actors in the industry. He just need to select his script more carefully and really test his strength in acting by moving away from the cliche type idol dramas. In Pretty Boy/Bel Ami, he somewhat redeemed himself after so many not so high ranking idol dramas since You're Beautiful. This is again, thanks to the change in drama direction halfway through towards a more melo type drama.
Rewatch value: I am not in a hurry to rewatch this. The story and acting is good but the drama has so many twists and revelation that watching it the second time will take away some of the impact of why it is good.
Overall: A solid 8/10. Definitely worth watching but if you are expecting something that will take your breath away and stick to you mind for years after that will turn you into a rewatch maniac, this is not it. Nevertheless, it stands out as a worthy entertainment amongst all the mediocre KDrama offerings from 2013.
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Acting/Cast: 10/10 for the experienced cast and acting. Despite the language barrier, everyone did well with expressions and their acting. YSY is dubbed but there are times when they allowed his real voice come true when speaking in Korean is needed. There's also another character in the drama who is a Japanese and occassionally, they allowed his voice to come through too; for the Japanese speaking parts. Being a veteran in CDramas, I do not mind the dubbing and multi-lingual premise of the acting, though I can understand how some ppl might find the dubbing annoying. Second male lead's a hottie as well and I spotted a few more hotties in there (for those of you who value aesthetics). The female lead is pretty and contrary to the noisy annoying chinese actress syndrome, hers is a very solid, mature character- no unneccesary screaming and shouting.
Music: Mediocre but suited for each scene.
Rewatch value: The part that hold me back from giving it a high rewatch value is the sheer number of episodes this drama has. 40! It is not one for a quick rewatch. It does not have memorable scenes that you will want to keep rewatching as it is more of a WHOLE drama than a SNIPPETS drama. Although YSY is the male lead, everyone gets almost equal air time and their stories are told well.
Overall: This is somewhere between 7 and 8. I decided to give it an 8 because despite its often tauted image as being "same as Baker's King, only China version"; the storyline is actually quite different. Good on YSY for landing himself a good chinese drama! I love all the scenic places in Hanzhou.... makes me want to visit Hanzhou! The restaurant and houses were all so grand looking! All in all, an ok drama if you are in the mood for a family, pseudo-melo (at certain parts) type drama.
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Acting/Cast: Good acting from everyone.
Music: This is a movie. What can you expect?
Rewatch value: A good movie but not one that will score high in the rewatch value. Once you know the ending - the twist at the end, the movie will seem pretty mediocre at rewatch. Nevertheless, I will recommend this for those who had not watch this movie; just will not rewatch this myself.
Overall: A good movie and worth your time if you haven't watched it yet.
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Acting/Cast: No complains in this department. They are all wonderful and experienced cast. Kimura Takuya is brilliant in his double role as an android and a super-nerdy human scientist. These two roles are almost opposite of each other:- one a cool looking, killing machine with minimal expressions and conflicted in many ways (an adroid struggling with his identity and later his developing human emotions); another a shy, passionate nerd with numerous comical expressions who knew exactly what to do and what he wants. Kimura shone in this drama. Shibasaki Kou (the female lead), however - I cannot comment much on. Her role is adequate to pull through the story but limited due to the many premises the story aims to address. So, yeah - she's the female lead but her role is not over-powering that the main story did not come through. In short, she was... there. The rest of the cast - two thumbs up for them (Reiji style!) *grins*
Music: Love the theme OST. And btw, it's in English! :)
Rewatch value: In my opinion, a gem for rewatch. There are not many action, futuristic, romances out there and those who are available are either overrated, a manga live-action or lacked in the storytelling and action parts. In Ando Lloyd, you find a balance.
Overall: A solid 9/10. Highly recommended if you are like me who values storyline (NOT the typical love triangles type storyline that appeals to the young female audience!) and get your kicks out of seeing handsome men kick butts admist tonnes of special effects! Yes, I am referring to all you closet "Matrix-ees" out there! :)
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