Iqiyi

When story is written with with overly victimized lead character that runs 3/4 of episodes long, it gets tiring and exhausting. The romance and triumphs were overshadowed by excessive degradation of the lead character and couple of other female characters.
It would have been nice if there was a balance but mostly the story from beginning evolves around the lead character being put down, degraded, humiliated, hurt, set aside, bullied, plotted against, etc. Gets exhausting to watch something like this even when the ending is in positive good light.
The lead female doesnt seem to fit the character. I was not content with her portrayal of a victimized person that only knows how to be nice and sweet to get through the abuse. There were a few situations wherein by speaking up she could have avoided the chaos but it was written to produce chaos to solve.

The male lead was convincing with his portrayal.
The wardrobe dept did a great job. Production obviously put a lot of work on details.
There's light humor that if you dont pay attention, youll miss. Many scenes that were unnecessary.

All artists were excellent in portraying their roles. Its the way the story was written that exhausted me emotionally.

I am seriously wondering why the writer didnt consider writing this story in a way that showed a much stronger character for the female lead.
At any rate, for me, I prefer to be entertained not be irritated consistently enduing 45 episodes of consecutive bullying, plotting, chaos and problems.
I probably wod have not fast forward a lot if theres a hook of triumps & accomplishment for every 10 degradation, bullying, and abuse but its a continuous negativity and suffering for the female lead and other female characters that i got exhausted and frustrated.

The ending is good but just like anything positive ornrewarding it was short and glossed over.

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Hidden Light Drama

I didnt hear nor read anything about this series and just happen to ckme across it in iQIYI.
First off, it has a cute & charming casts. The story plot is charmjng, stable and consistent. Its short 8 episodes that can be a weekend night binge. The cast were good in portraying their roles and if there is anything that viewers might notice, it'll be extras on the background here and there looking awkward. Wardrobe was also slightly off. Aside from those, its a relaxing series to watch.
Keep in mind that they concised the story so a lot of background stories were left out like how they ended up living together-this was pretty much explained in one sentence. First lead's family background is totally missing. Friend who is part of their band owns a bar but story added scenes of having to have a place for band practice which left me questioning it. 🤔 overall it is a good one to watch.

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Typical & Nice Costume Drama

I enjoy Neo's work as an actor (especially in Hutong with Zhao Lusi) and there was a good hype for this series that I gave it a try even paying for a month subscription for it just to satisfy my curiosity.
This is a fantasy, costume series. As a typical costume series, it started from the very beginning with a poor, starving soul then came across the hero with unsettled heart that then healed by the poor soul.
Costume is magnificent in this series for everyone even the extras. Production is awesome. Beautifully crafted and done with obvious dedication showing in every small details.
The entire cast work harmoniously together but I will avoid saying that there's this magical chemistry. I am unable to see that even from the lead characters. The actor who was casted as the Dark Phantom didnt work for me either. Its lacking the face and look of the most powerful evil being.

The story evolved but mainly focused on the dragon's affairs affecting the lead female's life. Many side stories before it got to the highlight of the story.
I enjoyed it while watching but it wasnt one of those where I anticipated for the next episode or excited to see how it will turn out. It was 👍 👌
Worth watching, though as someone who paid subscription for this, I would suggest not to do that and find it to watch for free. Theses another series i paid for a subscription in another platform and that one I am very thankful I did because it is so worth the payment.

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Don't expect the title to be explained

So much hype on this during promotion that I added on my watch list.
The start isn't going to hook you to watch, tho I continued giving it the chance. Few episodes later, i wanted to drop because it dragged and became chaotic. The writer seemed to have used the license to do whatever whenever to the male lead character.
I did say it dragged .... this serirs could have been done in 8 episodes if directed well enough. So many senseless scenes that didnt make sense as to why it was even added. So many scenes came kn without any explanation as to what it is about.
Overall, I felt I wasted my time on this series. FEMALE LEAD character looking just regular and not beautiful anymore was mentioned so many times that it reflected Korea's culture of valuing physical appearances more than humanity.
Last, this series ended without clear explanation of the abyss. It said what it does but why how when were not answered. I wonder why even title it Abyss when the series was a mystery/murder/romance plot.

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Don't Miss Watching this Series!

This started slow for me but right after episode 3, I cant stop watching and binged all the way to season 2. I personally think season 1 is better but dont get me wrong, they both kept me glued on the screen and anticipating.
It is an excellent drama tbat is welk directed. The story smokthly flowed and every character played a vital role, connected to the story.
I would have missed this show if not for Netflix. I am not sure it is available in other pkatform but if you have the chance, don't skip watchibg this show and stick past the first two episodes.
The way season 2 ended, I am strongly hoping they will have a season 3.

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Could have been really good if directed better

I like Ruipeng Ao in Blood of Youth since he did a good role portrayal in that series. I watched this because of him. Its weird that if you search for Ruipeng Ao, this series isnt even listed under his list of drama.
I can't say for sure whats not clocking here but my points are mainly for the effort, costumes, and plot.
Based on my perspective, its not directed well. The scene transition is not smooth. Theres scenes that wod come up out of nowhere thats not related and i wondered what was it and why that was shown. The editing could have been better.
I started wondering at first if this is a semi BL the way it started.
The chemistry is not there. The Female Lead (FL)' portrayal of her role is a bit irritating. The beauty of the male leads didn't seem to jive with hers.
The acting for most artists are good except for few that to me overdid it with their facial expression.
The good part is the story. Its good enough to watch but i did fast forward a lot.

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Short, deep & impressive

I am surprised that this series is underrated here but each of us have our own free thoughts and I’ll share mine.

It is a short series that could have been well developed into a 12 series. Saying this, it contributed to the somewhat vague discussions, confusing start, and the feeling of needing more. It felt like “it’s so good why rushed the storytelling” kind of feeling.

The actors seriously did excellently with the portrayal of their roles, evoking emotions and towards the end, I had to reach out for the box of tissue. Ending was good but lacked clarity as to how it got there, but still acceptable.

Romance is just a fraction of the story, it also talks about the hardship of being blackballed in the industry when you decide to voice your unpopular opinion even if it is right. It also showed how good intentions may not always work as a right answer. This is a mixture of human thinking, feelings and society’s impact on life.

It is confusing in the beginning, the way editing was done but it’s not bad enough to drop it. There’s recap that I find unnecessary and could have just been replaced by story explaining things that led to situations.

The BGM is good and perfect for the series.

The entire production is good, artists all did excellently, and editing is the only thing that could have improved.
Overall, it is a good short series to invest time. I hope you give it a chance and see for yourself.

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UNCONVENTIONAL ROMANCE ?

Eien No Kinou

This is an unconventional romance series based on a novel. You can tell cinematography is simple but grasped the mellow mood of a tragic romance between two young students.

I find this to be soft, quirky, emotional, and at times, low-key comical series.

The BGM blended wonderfully with the mood of the scenes without causing any distraction

support cast did their job of moving the story forward, and unlike many romantic shows where a side character upstages the protagonists, in this series they are all interconnected and contributed to the story. The series could’ve had an extra episode or two, because the climax leaves you feeling a little empty, like we deserved some more.

If you are a crier, grab some tissues and be prepared for a heart-breaking wistful ending.

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Tho it’s a remake of the 1960 film, this boast adaptation to the current social ground. I think it is unique, decidedly sensual, risky pleasures, subtle, mysterious, thrilling.
Admirable acting from the artists, and exemplary production work is visible.

This film gives out a surreal sense of deranged domestic privilege with added mystery and subtle chaos.
The graphic sex scenes radiate an uncommon heat that is not typical for Korean film work.

The ending scene is similar to David Lynchland, won’t leave you breathless, tho it delivers a consistently odd angle.

This series may not be deserving of a 10 rating but definitely not deserving of anything less than a 5 in my opinion.

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Fluffy, adorable, light & sweet

Enjoyed this short series. Just enough to make you see pink bubbles. Nothing heavy to give you a roller coaster of emotion. It’s just a relaxing treat for your Friday or Saturday night.

Given that most artists here are newbies and still raw with their acting skills, it’s very obvious that they put a lot of effort to do their best. With more projects, I am sure these young men will honed their acting skills to produce excellent work.

I love the music for this series. It’s perfect for the series: light and sweet.

I understand what some review meant with multiple focus. For a 24 minute per episode and only 8 episodes, this series tackled two relationships plus other life issues of each character. I see it as the Director being a genius with his craft to accomplish this.

By the end of the series it’s that “Awwww, I want more” expression.

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Jackie Chan & Yang Yang can’t go wrong

What I love:
The cast and their character portrayal
No mushy romance & love story
Action packed but not gruesome
Filmed in Middle East - remote locations in telling a story is always a plus for viewers
Story is pretty simple but the way action was executed, it made the story exciting.
Love they did alternatives in using animals in filming and made it obvious they are not real to avoid animal rights complaints. I rather they did it this way than go through all the trouble so No, this is seen by others as a negative But I see it as a plus. Entire filming were excellent that small flaw like this (which avoided any issue with activist so it served the production well) can be overshadowed by the action packed movie.

What I didn’t care for:
I think the international actors could have been chosen better. Mediocre in acting.
That’s it!
☺️
P.S. Yang Yang is so handsome in films like this and period drama. He can be the Asian James Bond♥️

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Box of Tissue Required

This started gloomy then became fun then ended in so much tears.
I’m recommending that if you haven’t seen this series, 20 episodes is not too much to invest time on. You either like it or you don’t. Hang in there til episode 5 at least if the beginning is too slow for you. It gets better and then you’ll be hooked.

The ending left me bewildered and maybe someone can explain: she came back to the future and for a year have been dreaming of Goryo adventure. She sells perfume and the guy who looked like the Goryo astronomer came to her telling her what her last name means in Goryo time. Came across the museum and then realized she’s a reincarnation. Started crying. It ended with The portrait transitioning to Goryo period. That’s it. It’s not a happy ending folks, confusing ending to me.
Overall it is an excellent film - so enjoy.

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