Cute Gnome
Philippines
This review may contain spoilers
Satisfyingly Done!
Writing this review an hour before midnight because I can't let this day pass by without sharing how this series satisfied my cravings...STORY: I gave the story a rating of 8.0/10 because of the lame reason why the romance they deserved took 10 years to conceive. If the reason was grave---to the point where you can't take sides because both suffered, I could've given a rating of 10. Still, an 8 is a good rating because it's forgivable. Achi even said that they were young back then and that they let simple misunderstanding took away 10 years of their supposedly romantic relationship. Another thing that I liked with the story is the occupation of both leads. I know that a doctor as a lead is a common thing but an Orthopedic surgeon to be specific is not. He look too young to be a surgeon though but it is fine since Ji has a baby face. Achi on the other hand was lucky to have a non-toxic celebrity ex and an understanding manager. The positivity that that character structure has. brought peace to the story and made the viewers focused on what's going on with the MLs more than minding those extras. I want to see more romance of the second leads though, they're quite cute.
ACTING/CAST: I have no issues with the casting because both did well. Fluke (Ji) with his cute dimples made me forget those small areas of concerns. Junior (Achi) is good looking and his "superstar" role suited him visually but he's so stiff in the rehearsal scenes and even on the finale where he had a concert---that area needs polishing but it's forgettable hahaha. The best scene where their acting really caught my attention was the AV scene. You can really feel the tension while watching at their body movements and the need of heat. Correct me if I am wrong but that scene has no kissing on the lips but that was hot.
MUSIC: The intro music which was used in the actual story was good as well especially the meaning but not to the point of me singing it on repeat like how the OST of Theory of Love which was entitled Fake Protagonist became my anthem for an entire year.
REWATCH VALUE: Some scenes maybe but not the entire series.
OVERALL: The series was satisfyingly good. 8 episodes are not to less nor too much. No unnecessary storyline. Though we were given a second lead storyline----it didn't diverted us from the storyline of the MLs actually it made me crave for a more developed storyline for the second leads. How the story ended was reasonable and impressive as well. Though the last part looks like congested because of the things which happened after and was only shown as short clips it was still well presented because it was edited in the way that it would look like a flashback while the song is being played on the background.
In short, this series deserves a good review.
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This review may contain spoilers
AI's ai (Robot's Love)
I've been debating for quite sometime if I should watch the series given it's scifi-AI storyline so I've read reviews and waited for the released of all the episodes before watching it.Music: This is what I loved most in this series especially the opening song. I'm someone who love singing and the first time I watch any series I will let the entire opening song play without skipping and listen on it. If I found it beautiful I won't skip it every time I watch the episodes of the series but if it's not that outstanding then the forward button will become my dear friend.
Acting/cast: The casts and their skill is giving. I can see the chemistry just not the compound one. Not that chemistry which will make you look forward for the next scenes and which will make you giddy. There eyes alone conveys emotional conversation which transcends beyond the screen and that's amazingly however...
Storyline: however, I was reminded that the other ML is a robot. I have nothing against an AI and a human relationship but it is something that is quite different or should I say unsound? At least in a long run. I know, that many people may argue and say that... "we are now able to accept a relationship between man and man and of any kind so why not a robot and a human?" It may sound silly but it is not appealing, at least to me. I could've accepted it if the robot was unsalvageable an he accepted the fact that the love between him and the robot is not something that lasts but nope that's not what happened...some people may hate this but it is really not romantic for me... Thus, I created my own finale... (I imagined my own finale)
Instead of fixing the robot for their romance to continue why not make the robot permanently damage. Then, reveal to the ML that the reason why the robot act like a human is because someone is operating them and the robot was modeled after that person. Thus, having a person that has the same appearance with the robot. Then, the ML will come in contact with that person... the person who looks like the will deny that he knew the ML but the ML will insist in knowing him. Then that person will start to show actions or answers that the ML only revealed to the robot. Then the truth will surface...that that person is someone who controlled the robot. He is the one who chooses on how the robot should react and respond resonating his emotion through the robot. That way, the issue of the ML being unable to socialize will be resolved and he won't have a robot as his partner but a human. This plot sounds better right?
Anyways, just so you know. I won't be watching the series again. I even played latter episodes in 2.0x speed just to know what happened and to finish watching it because I lost the interest in watching it when I had the hunch that they will pursue the AIxHuman tandem.
That's all.
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It reminded me of how much I don't like romance ?
I saw a clip somewhere, it portrays an idol healing a fan. I'm intrigued. Why? Because I'm into supernatural/fantasy storyline so I read the synopsis and watched the first episode.Did I liked it? I think, I did. I like the base of the story. A cleric from a different realm who can heal transmigrated into a modern Kpop idol. The premise was quite good. The acting was sufficiently good and the characters and how they were played was on point.
Cinematographically, the drama was able to portray the fantasy side of the drama and I'm satisfied in that aspect. The effects are spotless or should I say, I haven't observed any weird effects --- maybe except that part where the deity of the Afterlife opened the door through her breath hahaha.
Musically, it didn't impacted me or none of the songs they've used really gave that nostalgic feeling given the premise of the drama where they are supposedly singing a lot and dancing since they're idols.
What I don't like the most in this drama was the ROMANCE! Why? I watched the first few episodes prayerfully, sometimes I replay some parts to observe it properly but in the latter part I can't count the times I fast forwarded it. The pontifex and the manager better had a professional relationship or a friendly relationship than lovers. When the story started to sway on the romantic side I was furious and was on the verge of dropping it but then again I was halted when she said that she don't like him and that he is a cleric but I'm a fool to believe that it will end that way. Grrrrr. So cringy. I don't really see that chemistry. I am not into romance but if the leads resonate a feeling of comfortableness and charisma I tend to watch it but please not a Romance in a Fantasy drama PLEASE! The romance overshadowed the fantasy storyline and the dumbness of the Heroine trying to shoulder all the blame I hate that. She's too imposing or should I say her role is too imposing. I really want to leave a review just to voice out this. Hahaha.
Anyways, aside from that the drama was good. However, I ended up watching it on a 2.0x speed because of the cheesiness on the later episodes.
That's all.
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CREPPY in a SPECTACULAR WAY
I am not an avid fan of gore films and series but I already prepared myself of the possible things that I may see in the movie given the title since I already have an idea of what the title means. I will give my review in relation to the ratings that I have given above.STORY:
The story is quite interesting. An idea of an exclusive conservatory and somehow juvenile students and the thing they do. What's lacking on that part was the WHY of every character. Why they were sent or why they went there? Answering that question will help us understand the personality of the characters but in some way not answering that question added to the suspense value of the story since we don't know the backgrounds of each character and the things that they can. Another thing to be applauded with the story is the illusion it portrays. Since they are an acting club we can't deduct nor tell at first glance if what partakes in the story are all an act or reality.
ACTING/CAST:
To begin with, hahaha seems like I have a thing with Komiya, the one who played as Itsuki. After watching his series entitled ETERNAL YESTERDAY, I was so stars truck with him. From his looks to his acting skills but I'll try to be objective in this review. Acting with such topic or scenes is difficult. You should convinced the audience that you are terrified or afraid for them to believe you and that cast did a great job in that part. I so love the several touch of BL being a BL lover those scenes are like a breath of fresh air hehehe.
MUSIC:
Without a doubt the music has added to the suspense or thrill of the movie. That part should be understandable and agreeable.
REWATCH VALUE:
Will watch part of it especially the BL scenes but not the gore ones. I am not that person who easily lost his/her appetite while watching gore films, in fact I can eat while watching those gut slicing with exposures of intestines. I don't really mind but it's not my thing.
OVERALL:
As BL, a bit but not with the standards. I gave it a 10 because of the story quality, acting and cinematography. If you are someone who is not into gore films. You won't really like. For some who can tolerate but don't really love gore scenes you may come to appreciate it like me and for some who are into gore file this might be for you. In short, people will surely have different perspective with this films bit in order to like it you must prepare yourself for what you may see but don't set a particular standard in your mind before watching do. That way, you may get to enjoy the film.
In the end, this film made me love Komiya Rio better!!!
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EMOTIONS...
I've read the reviews and there are lots of em and you see I understand why there are so many reviews with low ratings...they might have expected for the series to be entirely a BL series but if you'll look at it on a different perspective, you'll come to realize the beauty of the series.NOSTALGIC. In the sense that, the timeline of the story is parallel to my personal timeline. And as an Asian I was able to relate to the story on a different level. The passing of time is so nostalgic that's why I understand the slow pacing of the story given the long timeline and number of casts with different stories. With so many stories to share building it up would really take some time but I like parts of it. Just some less satisfying parts but it is fine.
CASTING. Fair enough. Not a big fan of Ja and First but they did great. The one who played Champ really did well. The emotion that he conveyed on his scenes are so realistic. Among all casts the one who played Em portrayed a remarkable charisma for me. He's pleasing to watch.
OST is a LULLABY. I spent so much time listening to the OST of this series. I don't understand Thai but I felt the "music has no boundaries" impact while listening to it. I'm closing my eyes while I listen to the song everytime it is played and it feels like I'm traveling to the past and it would make me cry.
More than BL. This is more like a coming of age life journey story of not just members of LGBTQ but of all sexes. If you'll watch this series with this kind of attitude you will surely like it the way how I liked it.
Overall, great series. So relatable and heartwarming.
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Korean BL made me fall in love once again
Korean BL are getting stronger with their short series film.Well, after reading the synopsis I kinda have a vague picture of what the ending could be given the plot of the story but I still gave the drama a little bit of hope for a fairytale finale. The storyline was great not new but fresh, maybe because of the location and the premise. New faces for casts and that's a plus. There's chemistry and acting wise they're good. Eight Episodes are just enough too many episodes will surely kill the flow so it is fine. Music scoring is good as well. Korean dramas are now starting to use English songs so it's a plus.
Worth the watch? Yes. Will you like it? Depends on your taste. Will watch it again? Possibly yes.
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The province boi got lost in the city. Super Loss.
Checked the reviews posted under this series and seems like this review of mine could be a little different from theirs.Anyways...I like the first season. Truly. The simplicity of the story was the reason of that fondness. This is also the reason why I watched the second season.
This season for me feels like a downgrade.
We are already there, the base story itself is good. A province boi trying his luck in the province and got to meet the friends he got to meet in the province sounds promising. But the acting scenes brought my spirit down. I won't review the components of this series like the cinematography, the music and the like which I usually do. I'll just say what I want.
As what I have said the base story is so promising. It started strong but it slowly gotten weak as the story progresses. There are some awkward scenes and even some dead scenes. I understand the level of budget for this mini series but this season is far more inferior than the previous one. Can't appreciate the settings in this season because of the limited spaces and location. Can't review that music scoring as well. Thus, your attention will surely direct to the color grading and the acting skills. Which I ended up doing and I was, well not disappointed but grrrr, the term is "sayang" (there's no equivalent english word for this) but it is a pity because I know that they could've done better.
I appreciate the effort and the time that they gave in producing the series though. Am truly thankful.
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: From a Filipino Perspective
Hey!Yes, You who is checking reviews on this page trying to collect any insights regarding the series... this is for you.
First of all "Thank you for showing interest in Filipino series like this." As a Filipino myself I can never be more happy seeing the number of viewers of any Filipino produced series increase and is being made available to many.
Secondly, this review will not mention any scenes nor give any summaries which you can see in the series for sure if you'll watch it. Instead, I will be sharing my perspective as a Filipino regarding this series.
Lastly, this review might contain prejudice against the show - the cringe - when you see your kind being represented and the bias thoughts for being a Filipino but I'll try to be as objective as I can be.
CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Kind of so-so to me. Mainly because of the story and how the setting should bend to cope up with this kind of story. There are scenes that are really good, camera wise and the color grading, but there are are some that are barely passable. In my standard... remember the cringe? Because I have an idea of the capacity of the entertainment industry in my country when it comes to filming but I see improvements.
CASTING:
I'll give a good mark in this angle. Filipinos in general are somehow emotional people, in a good way, and this series portray some acting skills in this series. The main lead is not a neophyte in the industry. I've seen his previous works and I can attest that he is good. Filipinos are really good in drama. So good that almost all movies and series rotates in that aspect or will always have that ingredient in every production. Some scenes tend to be more wordy though.
MUSIC:
I am a lover of our original pinoy music (OPM) and this series never failed to showcase a good one.
STORYLINE:
This is the least thing that I like in this series. The story is so superficial which made me second guess if I should watch the series or not. But my "being so supportive" self convinced me to give it a try and ended up finishing it while dragging my feet in the process.
OVERALL:
The series is an edible dish if liken to a food. Not that delicious which will you remember even after your next meal and not too bad for you to spit it. It has some good parts and some opposite of it. There are also some unnecessary scenes but I'm not going to be stingy about it since there are only 9 episodes in this series.
If you are someone who is fine with this kind of story line then go for it. That's what can I say.
Don't be bothered with some of my opinion because as what I have said I got the "cringe feeling" watching it because it was produced by my fellowmen. And I can't disregard that feeling while watching it. On the other hand, I am happy and proud because of this series because slowly and surely people will come to like this kind of genre and will start to look at things like this as something ordinary.
SupportLokal.
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Lurking in the dark is but a story of LOVE and TRAGEDY
I don't really know where to start but let me start this review by saying, "this movie was beautifully and wonderfully sewed in the dark"The beginning of the movie bears lots of promises. A promise of a wild yet perfect cinematography, a promise to touch your innocence with an invitation to enjoy the darkness and a promise of a BL story. Because for all I know if not all there's someone who decided to watch this movie because of the BL ingredient on it.
Anyways let's go down to the business...
MUSICALITY. Obviously as what the title implies this movie will surely involves singing or music in general. For those who enjoys rap, free speech composition with a raw touch of feeling and emotions surely this movie is for you. You'll come to appreciate the unbounded power of music but for those who are not into such kind of genre you'll surely find yourself trying to understand and enjoy it. For me, I'll give it a pass. I'm not so fond of rap but I love writing thus the compositions strike me the most in those scenes than the rap.
CINEMATOGRAPHY. The movie is more likely produced with an indie film touch on it which contains the raw beauty of reality. The color grading is true to its natural form. The settings, location are well thought of except the forest scene. That's the last place for me to do such act. ?
CASTING. The main leads nailed it all. Their roles are really suitable to their visuals, get up and background. The main leads are drop dead gorgeous especially sensie. I would fall for him if I were there for sure. They're just too perfect.
STORY. This made the movie worth a penny. The storyline. The movie tackled issues that do not usually happen but do happen and how someone's life could change because of it. The story of survival, slavery - on a different level, story of motivations, inspirations and brotherhood. In all honesty I could say lots of good things about the movie when it comes to the story because for me this is the cream of the crop of this film.
BL? Uhmmm. It depends on how you see BL. If you see BL as a lovey dovey story of both men then this movie is not BL. If you see BL as love between both men regardless of how the story goes and ended well this could be BL. So it is really up to you.
NOT SO FAVOURITE PARTS. I don't like the scene before it ended. Don't really like such ending because the story started dark. I do understand that the story mirrors the cruel reality of our world but I'm this kind of person who see films, movies and dramas as an escape to what I am used to. Thus, I don't fantasized such direction for the finale other than that some parts are quite acceptable.
This is but a great movie. ?
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It is a story of a group of people performing exorcism to those victims possessed by demons. There was an event happend eight years ago from the present time which made the main characters struggle for their survival against the unwelcome entity. But this series does not solely talks about the way how the Catholic Church treat demons, in this series, the perspective of those people under the field of medicine was greatly discussed as well.
I can't really tell you guys by details the contents of the story. Why? Because, I, myself was shocked of how the story was presented as well. What I can assure you is that, this series was produced with proper research. They used facts in presenting the story especially on the perspective of the Catholic Church regarding such topic.
Honestly, this series is one of a kind. You can't really expect the great twist which they have done. By the way, the series is not the typical horror stories that you are usually watching. Scenes where demons appeared are not that horrifying, that's base on my tolerance though. :-) I even watched it at night????.
Yeah, seriously speaking. The plot made this series outstanding.
I'll give it an 8.5/10 rating. Enjoy watching!
Different Beliefs / In / One Faith
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A certain educational system exists in one of the top school in the country. The highest level or section that a student can attain is the section which they call "The Gifted". But not all students can be on that level or section for some extraordinary reasons. The story begins after the students who has extraordinary "potentials" passed the exam to become one of "The Gifted" students. And after a student from the lowest section made it to "The Gifted" class.
Personal Reaction:
I was hoping actually that this series contains stories of extraordinary powers like the most common one which is telekinesis because the series's trailer did not give away any hint of some supernatural powers or something on it. What I thought is that, maybe, the students were just insanely intelligent for them to be called gifted. And when I watched it, I realized that, hoping is a good thing, especially when you get what you hoped for because the series is a story of students who have supernatural powers which they called "potentials". And I found myself enjoying while watching it. :-)
I knew most of the casts, that is why I am more accustomed watching them act. I even call them on names which they used on some of their other TV series or movies because I was used to it. Watching a film where you knew the actors and actresses is really much comfortable than watching films and series with alien artists. :-)
Anyways, what made this series wonderful, for me, are the following:
1. The storyline is great. Woooo! It reminds me of "Spirits" (a Philippine series where the leads are teens who has supernatural powers). But I found this idea refreshing though it was not my first time watching a series or a film with persons who has supernatural powers.
2. The special effects were spotless. I can somehow say that Thailand's film industry is now getting more advance.
3. Of course, the acting skills. Though I still can't get over of their roles in some of their series and films, I still enjoyed their performance.
4. The music! Especially the introduction music. It reminds me of carnivals where magic shows are being performed. :-)
5. And that ending gave me chills! I was not expecting for that kind of ending. I kept on picturing a different kind of ending where the lead won instead of losing but it did not happen, instead, they gave me a jaw dropping ending. Wooooow! Just wow.!
What made me don't like this series is that, it made me like it more but actually I don't really like it (what?????). ☺ I ♥ it.
So if you are going to ask me what would be my rating after watching it, uhmmm, and since I'm generous I think I'll give it a 6 if it's over 5. ???????? Hehehehe and 11 if it's over 10. :-) Sorry, but I just like series and films with this kind of storyline. :-)
A must watch TV Series. It's available in YouTube by the way. :-)
Enjoy watching.
We Don't Need / Superpowers / To Change The World
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GOOD POINTS:
1. Good acting skills especially the lead actress. The tears during the first few minutes of the film is not a joke. You can clearly see the tears forming in her eyes and then flowing downwards on her cheeks. Never doubted her skills here. Credit to Ann Curtis.
2. The basic plot of the film is good which was not shown in the trailer which is another good point.
3. The mystery factor which I guess the reason why, according to some reviews, many were convinced to watch the film. You can't say what the while story all about by just it's title and not even after watching it's movie trailer.
4. The location was beautiful. I guess it was filmed in Batanes because of the stone formations. And I definitely saw a vakul which is a traditional head dress or head protector something from Batanes.
5. The quality of the film was great as well or maybe the cinema where I watched the film just added a good factor on it? Hehehe we watched it on a VIP Theater that is why plus the air-conditioning was so cold, super cold.
6. Nice try on the editing and the special effects. :-)
7. The music was very suitable for the film. Nice choice of music.
NOT SO GOOD POINTS
1. I guess, the Philippine movie industry is not that yet ready for this big and grandiose production. Nice try with the effects and editing but we are still far behind if compared to some of our neighboring countries. But then again, as they say, big strides started from a small single step, maybe somebody we will reach that professional level. :-)
2. As what I've said the base story was great, about the remains of those who died in a shipwreck but the climax part was kind of unorganized or disorganized? Something like that. The part where I don't really understand what's going on already.
3. This film is not actually the best but its worth watching for.
PS. Since I haven't watched the trailer before watching the film so I don't have any ideas if it was a horror film or a thriller kind of film right before watching the movie but even after watching the film I still can't say if it's a horror film or a thrilling film. Maybe both. :-)
You Will / Find Your / Way Home
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I will not dig into further about the details of the story because the plot twist and and the way they tell the story even made it more beautiful. So, just decide it for yourself if you are going to watch it after reading my reaction. :-)
This TV series talks about second chances that not all of us can experience, forgiveness, importance of family, the effects of our decisions towards others, relationships (romantic relationship, family, community and relationship to everyone), importance of LIFE and etc. etc... The story itself will made you think of so many what ifs but the plot twist, instead of answering your what ifs will make you ask why and what happened.
The acting skill of the casts were superb, though I'm not that surprised because I already saw them somewhere (maybe, one of the move or TV series that I've watched). Actually, one of the reason why I watched this TV series is because I know some of the casts, especially the leads. Ah, by the way, I haven't mentioned in the brief summary that the main female lead (Tharmnam) has a boyfriend who is now a superstar. He's quite famous in Thailand in real life as well.
Lesson wise, this story made an amazing job. This series suits very well to those persons who have suicidal tendencies and anxieties in life. It's a super dramatic TV series. Full of crying, but I never cried hahahaha (LIES!).
Anyways, I recommend this TV series for everyone whether you have a suicidal tendency or not because this series also talks about family which obviously all of us have. Enjoy watching. :-)
My personal rating is 8/10.
Second Chances / Is Not / For Everyone
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What is the film all about?
The movie talks about misunderstandings among siblings. So, this film was obviously a family oriented film and it contains a pinch of love story as well.
The story line was great but what made me love the movie were actually the casts :-) . The main female lead was played by Yaya from the TV series "Life Waves". I don't know what's the name of the main male lead but he looks familiar to me. I'm pretty sure that I've seen him in some of the Thai movies and TV series that I've watched. The other male lead was Nichkhun, a member of the Korean boy band 2PM and was dubbed as the "Prince of Thailand". I already saw his acting skills in the film "Seven Something" but I found him adorable in this film because he played as a half Thai - half Japanese boyfriend of Yaya. I don't know why but he got this charm that I can only see when he is playing a role of a Japanese like when he played as Terrence something (sorry I already forgot his name) in the live action film "Ouran High". I think, he's better off playing the role of a Japanese instead of a Thai. :-)
Honestly, the film was great. You will come to appreciate this film if you have a sibling whom you love to fight with from time to time.
Family / Is / Love
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Warning ⚠!
This film can be rated already as a porn movie, the only difference is the absence of genitals in the sex scenes. So if you are the innocent type of person, this movie is not for you. I'm already telling you ahead of time.
Details regarding the movie:
The film gave a different perspective regarding prostitutes/call boy and the women who seeks pleasure by hiring those paid for pleasure persons to satisfy their various desires. The movie showed how different every woman from each other and it also showed the sad reality of life, the existence of this pleasure seeking addiction.
No matter how I tried to understand their situation, I still can't comprehend why they keep on doing such act. But I've learned some lessons as well while watching the film. One of them is CONTROL, which is easier to say than being done.
For once in a while we should at least watch this kind of film because avoiding such topic will not change the fact that such thing is already happening in our world today.
Resistance / Of The / Strongest
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