26
49
9
AthenaTheStorierX
United States
A Nostalgic Air and Familiar Faces
This was such a cute film about friendship. It had this air of nostalgia to it that really found a way to touch my heart, even as we breezed through plot developments. The characters were admittedly pretty flat: the protective one, the resourceful one, the romantic one. But that turned out okay, because the focus wasn't on who the characters were, or what they were going through separately, but rather on the unconditional friendship that they shared with each other. And the ending was just so heartwarming.All 3 of these actresses have made quite a name for themselves, and I think fans of Thai dramas would really like seeing their familiar faces in such a piece.
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Run-of-the-mill, but quite cute. Especially being a GL first.
This is actually my second time watching this film. I am rewatching not because I particularly liked it or because it had a high rewatch value, but simply because I couldn't remember it. Which, coming from me, already speaks about its memorability.Filled with microaggression homophobia, this roommates-to-lovers tale reminded of a less-problematic version of the BL TharnType and several early BLs. Some of the same annoyances (i.e. girl who can't take a hint, a main lead who can't read a ridiculously obvious room). Some of the same tropes (i.e. coy back-and-forwards with almost-confessions). And some of the same cute moments (i.e. taking care of each other, supporter reactions). It feels very run-of-the-mill as far as queer content goes, even more so many years after its release. But, this is often considered the first full-length Thai GL movie, in the midst of a still prominent lack of GL stories, so I don't think we should necessarily put it down for this.
However, my biggest gripe story-wise is how much time we spend in the homophobia stage. It makes the attraction from Pie's end seem quite sudden. Just showing her jealousy was not enough for me to be convinced of the depth of her feelings.
Several songs were quite childish in vocal quality, which annoyed me as a viewer. But there was a song towards the end that I liked enough to instantly download, so it boosted up my music score some.
I watched officially on GagaOOlala, who also has the whole franchise (PSA: there's a couple missing subtitles here and there, but they aren't particularly plot-relevant).
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And while all the actors sold their individual characters very well, the chemistry between FL and ML didn't feel consistent. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not, but I was never quite sold on their couple performances.
The things that made me keep watching (and boosted up my rating):
-The female lead's hidden past and personality was quite enjoyable to watch. Even more so when it would leak into her present life. Especially when her friends came more to the forefront. They are a HOOT when they are all together.
-That poor contract worker. He just wants to get his job done. But the ML keeps presenting him with difficult work. Making him have to keep changing his job afterwards. That made me laugh more than it probably should have.
-Also, you KNOW you're an adult when you get as excited as the FL at the prospect of winning a household appliance. I just love her expressions in these scenes. They pretty much guarantee that you're gonna like what comes next.
-THE MUSIC. You can just leave out the dialogue please - just the music and character actions are enough to please me.
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The main cast and characters SHINED without stupidity and romance, everyone else... not so much.
The casting was spectacular. This was actually my first work where I really liked Seo In Guk's character. I can definitely see why he has so many fans. And all the cast played their characters so convincingly well. The situational and relatively mild humor was great. I was really expecting more of the usual stupid-funny that comes with the action-comedy genre cross. We didn't get that here, for which I am thankful. I think my favorite instance of this was the epic getaway scenes. Perfection. This was purely a suspenseful crime movie. Comedy added rather than subtracted. There was no romance to make things messy.My one and only problem, which is a pretty big one, is the antagonist and support cast are all idiots. There was no logic. No defense. I found myself wanting to hit them upside the head more to knock sense into them rather than because of them impeding our mains.
Also, as a fan of heist stories, I wish a tad more of the suspense was related to the heist rather than the violence.
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Cheesy and Easy Watch, Even W/O the Drama
Based on many of the top reviews and several comments, from viewers who watched the drama first, I was really expecting this to be confusing as someone who hadn't watched the drama first. Boy was that a wrong assumption. This was extremely easy to understand. Do I wish some things were fleshed out more? Absolutely. But it didn't detract from the experience at all. This was incredibly straightforward. A little cheesy and kinda fast-paced, but enjoyable. The characters were consistent all the way through. And like most esports dramas, the team dynamics are incredibly fun to watch.My major problem though, like most Chinese titles, is that I really wish that the antagonists got more consequences for their actions. It wasn't like the leads weren't capable of doing it.
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A New Favorite: Love Triangle and Meaning of Love Done Right
It wasn't groundbreaking or fresh or anything like that. But it is definitely a favorite now. The acting was spectacular, especially when we got into heavier/deeper emotions. I was laughing and crying and holding my breath right alongside the leads. And the way that the story handled the love triangle was excellently done. No despicable villains here. And we didn't just watch as the leads fell in love, we watched as the female lead learned about self-love as well. It's a precious story. And I was sold on it for every minute (except for few instances of second-hand embarrassment that is). My camera is also now filled with pictures from the movie. And I have downloaded several songs as well (my favorite is Di Mo Inakala by Juris).If I have 1 complaint, it's that the film seems to have tried too hard at being "trendy" with all the acronyms. I've never seen a film try to use so many before. But, they did mention what each of them meant, and you don't have to commit any to memory. So while it was a bit clunky, it didn't get in the way much.
I will also admit that there is a sizable focus on appearances throughout the film. So if that's a subject matter that's sensitive for you, I don't think this film will work out.
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A More Than Capable Story, Lacking in Bite
From the onset of this movie, I was struck by how very 2000s it was. The visuals. The wardrobe. The music. The comparatively muted tone. What I did not expect from a 2000s lesbian film though was the sexual content - especially towards the end. Not that it's a bad thing or that it was poorly done - just a bit surprising.The story also took me by surprise in some ways. I loved the communication between the leads. I loved how natural the ensemble of LGBT+ characters are. And how each of these instances and characters bring something new to the perspective the story is telling - without ever once feeling preachy. Whether it be about stereotypes, family, acceptance, coming out, loneliness, or even questioning identities. It seems like a lot to touch on that would subtract from the story - but it really doesn't. Because it's told in a simple organic way that comes out of the plots themselves. But most of all, I loved how the different plots interweaved together. I didn't particularly like the female leads (didn't particularly hate them either) for a while, but the growth and development that both of them got as a result of the interweaved plot lines were really well done.
However, there were a few moments that I don't think should have been as muted they were. I deserved to feel a little bit more emotion. And that complaint exists because of a few factors: music choice (or lack there of), lack of consistent chemistry (not just romantically, but the ability for the characters to bounce off of each other on the screen), and the ease at which certain topics were moved on from in the script.
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Like watching through a window
My one and only problem with this film: I don't feel like I know the characters.The premise is great. And it was portrayed very realistically. Nothing feels overdone or excessive. I can easily see why this film has been used in classrooms as social commentary material. And there are small details that made for a compelling story that is quite memorable. But I don't feel like I know who the characters are. I don't know their motivations. I don't know the source of their concerns. Instead, we see the plot unfolding - but without access to the "whys" and even a couple "whats."
But when all is said and done, many details were mastered. And I found myself going back to watch all of the characters' reactions. Of course, part of this might have been because of the lack of character focus, but the fact that there were details there that appeared to have meaning upon a rewatch, as well as the remaining urge to do so upon completing the film in the first place, is worth some credit.
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Nonetheless, it was a pretty powerful story. The female lead, disabled and reclusive, finds solace from life in books. So much so, that she will tell the tales she's read as if she's actually lived them. Which, in her mind and with her imagination - i suppose you could say she did, in a way. This was definitely a comfort mechanism - given the fact that she hadn't been able to live and explore much in her life. And that's why some of the most powerful and memorable moments in the film were when she lived in the moment. When she realizes that she's living her own story right now. And she actively works to make them count and reminisce on them.
Other really powerful scenes are when the male lead introduces her to google maps so that she can explore the world, right at her fingertips. Not just from her imagination and words on the page, but in front of her eyes. I think this was also a form of therapy for him as well. He appears to feel trapped by circumstances and gives in readily with the whims of others for any sort of comfort. So helping the FL was very much helping himself in a way too.
This is, above all else, a slow-paced character-driven story focused on personal growth. These 3 components are the key factors in determining whether this film is for you or not.
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I say "they" because it is made ABUNDENTLY clear that Wan Ting did not want to physically transition and has a hard time accepting the reality of it. But, at this particular segment of their story, we can't be sure if it's mere dysmorphia because of being back amongst people they interacted with while identifying as a female, or if they still internally feel as such (although, I personally lean towards the latter based on their behaviors).
I loved how the MC is not faced with bullying because of them being intersex (the bullying tag is quite unrelated, as well as brief/mild). I loved the friendship between all of the leads, especially after the MC's return. It's so supportive, even in the face of their own troubles and their own difficulty in seeing the MC's transition. And the moments when reality hit for each of them during various moments were really poignant. I could feel my heart drop.
I know some people are upset with the ending. But personally I saw it coming from a mile away. And while it did leave us with unanswered questions that I would love to have answered - that wasn't the focus of this story. This film is solely about the MC coming to terms with being intersex, having to transition, and finding their new place amongst those who have never left their heart. Everything that comes after that is a whole other story. I'm happy with how it ended - even if I do see it as unnecessary. Who knows, perhaps they were hoping to spur enough interest to expand on this idea either as a sequel of another adaptation.
The part that I particularly dislike is the beginning. There were so many components to the beginning part of the story that had no point and with little to no follow-through. Furthermore, I really disliked the MC's best friend for quite a bit. It set a really negative tone to the character - that was inconsistent with her character throughout the rest of the film. I was so close to dropping in the beginning. If they had only kept the parts that were relevant and consistent with the rest of the film, they could have had several minutes to either explore MC's actual transition/treatment period or (as others advocated) add to the ending more.
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Classic indeed. They don't make them like this anymore.
I can easily see why this was a hit with western audiences at the time of it's release, and is considered a classic masterpiece. The story is very reminiscent of some favorite western fantasy films being released around the time (DragonHeart being a personal favorite of mine), as well as having all the characteristics of a Wuxia production.The story is simple but action-filled. The motivations for the conflicts went beyond greed - instead erring towards the desire for a better future and justice for the past. It allowed the characters to have ample depth. Even when you were wholeheartedly against them, you could understand where they were coming from. And the action sequences were gorgeously choreographed and told stories beyond just "this is the characters fighting." There were some things that were not explained, as they would in several modern wuxia dramas, but it didn't make the story hard to understand. I wish modern wuxias would do similar, so that we are not bogged down by explanations, world-building monologues, and character introductions all at once.
Even the ending was well-done. It was very true to the story being told. And the one unanswered question being left open like it was makes it a perfect ending for divided watchers.
It's a perfect starter wuxia. A classic if you will. That even long-standing fans may go back to for the actor performances and exquisite fighting sequences (which are numerous).
The only reason why this didn't get a 10 from me is because of the lack of one subplot that deserved a few more minutes of attention.
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The toxic ML destroys an otherwise emotional movie
I wish we could have gotten to see the growth of true Chinese BL screen adaptations so that this isn't the legacy they are left with. Look, even with the poor image quality of the version I found, you could tell these actors were doing a great job portraying their characters. You could hear everything in their voices. Glee. Reservation. Relief. And you can definitely feel bad for the plight they are in, but it's way too fast-paced to really connect with the characters and feel impacted by the story (without the associations and emotions lingering from other productions with similar plots that is, or without the personal experiences being attached to their plight). The pace very much feels like it belongs to a collection of short films, rather than one full-length one, or characteristic of multiple unannounced time skips.Furthermore, it's just really really hard to root for Lu Feng. Their relationship is so incredibly toxic and harmful. He's headstrong, aggressive, authoritative, and immature. And grand gestures simply can't fix everything. And you'd think that, considering they know the plight they are in, that they would be more careful about their actions in public.
I absolutely adored the music though. And there were some really memorable scenes. Such as the custom couple rings done at the beginning of the movie - that I really wish we see more of in other productions. The surprisingly good amount of communication (not enough to even begin to contradict all that's wrong in their relationship, but it is there). And there were a couple of scenes that remind of my much beloved scenes from Skam and Semantic Error.
Honestly, it could have been a great movie (sequel events aside), if only Lu Feng wasn't so incredibly toxic. But alas, I do understand that it's probably MEANT to be toxic (from what I know about the sequel). I don't think we're supposed to think it's romantic.
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A Fluffy Teen Romance Surrounded by Adult Pressures
I think this is a story that anybody who has grown up with strict parents can relate to. And it was acted so well that I found myself wanting to cry along with Guang - in part because of what he was going through, and in part because of my own memories with those emotions and fears.Thankfully, the romance served as a counterbalance and reprieve to these tough topics, rather than a further source of angst. And it felt natural and easy for them to get together.
The music also served this purpose and was quite enjoyable. But, there were only a couple of songs so after a while it didn’t really do much.
The second couple (and the individual characters of the couple) felt really underdeveloped. I dont think the main storyline should be cut at all, so perhaps they should’ve left the second couple out altogether, had them established from the beginning, or left us with mere teasing breadcrumbs. Because what we got just didn’t consistently hit the right notes. There were several other elements that felt underdeveloped and/or rushed as well.
Although an absolutely terrific story with a great cast, this really wasnt suited for just 8 20-minute episodes. And it’s to its detriment.
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Romance in the aftermath of a Korean "Dont Say Gay" education
This short film told its story perfectly in the time frame it had. You can easily understand all the dilemmas going through the main character's head about being closeted and the insecurities that her school had instilled in her for being a lesbian (not cool school, not cool - but also incredibly relevant given the Don't Say Gay bill getting traction in the United States). But it still gave us a cute, happy, and compelling romance to root for and smile at.However, I do still wish some things were more directly said between the characters to really feel as if everything is resolved. And there is definitely room story-wise to make a longer production.
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Understanding the characters is crucial to understanding the ending
I get the disappointment; honestly, I do. It was an ambitious short series. Its primary focus was definitely on character development and interactions, rather than the plot's events. But doing such a thing can be quite tricky, especially in shorter series. It was a task that required more screentime, fewer flashback montages, a little less character background for our MC, and/or adding flashbacks into certain events in which decisions were made. If this had the chance to be a full series, it could have been a masterpiece.There were several elements that kept reoccurring, thus implying significance - but were never explained, elaborated on, or answered. I believe this was mainly because they tried to develop Yeong Woo's background too much for what the screentime allowed.
But an explanation for the events leading up to the end are actually present in the story (spoiler potential explanations can be seen in one of my comment responses below) - they just require reading between the lines. Conversations, especially reoccurring ones, are CRUCIAL to understanding what happened (because the characters do not outright announce their decisions, nor do we see the moments in which those decisions are made - you need to know what they were thinking leading up to the decisions). For viewers who want to give this series a try, but to whom reading between the lines does not come naturally, a binge watch or re-watch may be beneficial.
But for anyone who doesn't mind a little more analysis when watching - I highly recommend this series. The actors do a great job showing the various nuances to their characters. And I believe the overarching message of dreams, hard work, and confidence is really relevant to viewers. Furthermore, ending analysis aside, its a light, short, and easy watch in which the main plot conflict doesn't feel as heavy as most series (something that I know personally can wear me out). Plus, such heavily character-driven stories, especially ones that ask you, as an audience, to understand the character in order to understand the plot, are not common to come by. It was refreshing.
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