2
PickyMcpickleton
Convoluted plots and too many side characters take away from the plot.
This is a show that to preface my review could have easily been great, but was bogged down by too many characters and subplots and a pretty bland main story line with mediocre revelations and underwhelming scheming.The story centers around Zhou Zi Shu and Wen Ke Xing. The story is unapologetic about the relationship between these two leads who have a deep and profound connection. It does not make attempts to stray from trying to show their connection which surprised me as I watched the show.
Unfortunately, other than the relationship between the two leads, they don’t particularly captivate me. The story introduces multiple different characters, and different subplots that really make the plot not as cohesive. They don’t particularly drive the story and ultimately just make it unnecessarily convoluted. As different subplots fought for my attention, I found myself caring less and less about the leads. There are different people fighting for power and this leads to some glaring plot holes and just underwhelming revelations. The main plot line never really captures my interest as it’s got too many elements involved that on deeper reflection just don’t make sense.
If you’re not accustomed to wuxia/xianxia dramas, the bad CGI and mediocre fight scenes are glaring. The sets are not particularly good, and a lot of the scenes are not set in a way that immerses you into them. I’m accustomed to the genre in terms of both dramas and the novels, so I know what to expect, but for those who don’t, the mediocre production does stick out. The fight scenes for me are also bizarre in that the canon fodder characters have better choreographed fight scenes than the leads. There’s genuinely so much slow motion fighting one can take. To this day, the most memorable fight scene in this drama for me does not involve the leads.
Where this drama shines is in its power to strangely tug at your heart strings. It could have easily gotten a far better grade if I’d cared about the characters a little more, but because there were too many convoluted subplots, I felt strangely apathetic towards the main characters. However, even if you can predict the emotional scenes, they do a great job at biting at your heart. There were many times I was tempted to drop this but I hang on due to some stellar emotional scenes. The problem of course is the memorable scenes for me do not involve the leads who are what should be driving the story.
Overall, a drama that could have shined if it had ironed out the main plot better, focused on the leads more and erased some of the complicated subplots that don’t add anything to the actual storyline.
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What makes Goblin good is it's featuring. It stars longing looks, teary-eyed longing looks, bromance, ignoring that he is 800 years old, trying to pretend you are not watching this because of the bromance and good looking leads and KES's obligatory three good episodes towards the end that makes you think this is so good. It also stars a very good performance by Lee Dong Wook. I'd like to say the rest of the cast were just as good, but I'd be lying. Gong Yoo is someone, I watch because he is in good movies (The Crucible/Silenced, etc) but not because he gives an actual good performance. He's like a Brad Pitt type in that regard. I was quite surprised by LDW as I find him heavily attractive and have for a long time but I've admitted he's a terrible actor. Suddenly he is Matthew McConaughaying me. The female lead is literally a copy paste of all rom-coms. Especially from this writer.
The intro of this drama is unique and creates what has the potential to be a very good plot, but ultimately this is a meandering slow stream of a journey that I heavily recommend you skip some episodes. Yes, skip from ep 5 to 13 and you'll miss very little. The juicy parts of the plot are thrown aside for a slew of teary-eyed longing looks and cliché romantic scenes that at ep 4, I started to wonder when they were actually going to focus on the juicy premise.
Character wise, the bromance sells this stale plot as personally, the romance between the male and female lead just looks awkward. I should be gushing at romantic scenes but they look as uncomfortable as I do and when Gong Yoo pats her head, he at times feels like her father. The drama has a lot of potential but the writer didn't seem to know what to do with it and I feel like a traitor who deserves to be hanged for saying this, but as a huge lover of bromance, dare I say it, I actually got bored of the bromance. I started tuning in to cast longing looks at Lee Dong Wook. My obsession made me run out into the street and jump in front of a car, but I heavily recommend you don't do that as the Grim Reaper never appeared and now I'm writing this in the afterlife.
The writer here also inserts her I suckered you into thinking this was good by having her obligatory three good episodes that make me think, Oh this has potential. It's always towards the end too. Melancholic episodes with good editing that make me wonder where was this for the previous ten episodes? I feel the drama is a seven at best as in, I would be very generous to give it a 7. It has its good melancholic and humorous scenes but it ultimately never quite gets its pacing right and never seems to know what to focus on making this really not as good as it could be.
PS. I also urge you to cast aside any logical questions you might have especially towards the end. They will not be answered.
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My lovely Sam Soon has stood the test of time. It is over the top, at times ridiculous but still a funny, raw and engaging story with some of the most refreshing characters that would still shine even today.
Sam Soon is the center of the story, a not attractive, frizzy haired, slightly chubby girl with some horrendous table manners. She yells, she burps, she does it all and stands the test of time as the most realest female lead you will get.
What makes Sam Soon an engaging character is the little details that fully realize her character. She often imagines herself in scenarios far braver than she is and it's a quality that rings true in all of us. She's bold yet also insecure, she is so perfectly imperfect and little details like her constantly frizzy hair and awkward habits make her very relatable.
The other characters are definitely just as well done. We have a second female lead who seems so stereotypical at first, but as her side of the story is revealed she evokes sympathy and understanding. It's a drama that truly makes you torn as you start to understand all the parties involved.
The writers did a great job blending humorous and serious topics without changing the characters. I for one am very glad, there was no makeover involved in Sam Soon's character. Sam Soon definitely sells this plot though as a loud, at times awkward yet not clumsy female lead. She breaks all the stereotypes that we've grown accustomed to, so much so that surprisingly, when I was watching this, there were numerous comments about her unsightly appearance and habits. It made me realize we've been beaten into accepting beautiful, female leads that wake up perfectly with not a hair out of place. Funny thing is we all realize we're not like this.
An 8.5 this gets for me for just being a refreshing rom com that I would recommend to anyone.
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I stand to rate this movie independently from its other content. Which by the way is far more beneficial because I AM NOT A RUROUNI KENSHIN fan, I found the original story in my teen years to be ridiculous and very annoying. Hence, I ventured into this solely because of a comment saying this would stray from the original content.
So if you are venturing into Rurouni Kenshin, allow me to prepare you for what to expect. It's a samurai movie heavily based on the barely there fighting sequences hence plot is rather sacrificed to put some focus on the action.
The plot features fight sequences triggered by Damsels in Distress and Kenshin being well just a regular dude contemplating the shittiness of his past life. If you come into this movie expecting lots of slayage, 3/4 of this movie lacks this hence where I should not dock points, I did. If a movie with a badass sword fighter spends a majority of its time trying to build a lazy plot then I am going to have to take the plot into consideration.
The plot revolves around Kenshin, a swordsman whose alter ego everyone pronounces like it's sacrilegious. Known as Battousai the Manslayer, Kenshin spends most of this movie doing none of that, having sworn never to kill anyone else. We are given dishes of his past which I found thoroughly underwhelming and just not very original. The story also focuses in splices on other characters which means nothing is ever really developed. We in the end have a black and white scenario of the self-righteous good guys vs the baddy bad guys.
The worst part is that in a movie where the main character's name is in the title, he's by far not even the most interesting character. Badass villains are featured here with intriguing personalities but in the end they are merely bad guys who do bad guy things and act crazy. Funny enough though, learn all your life lessons from the bad guys. Not kidding here, the bad guys here have got all the most realistic quotes you need. Because the good guys are all "we're samurais who will not kill" like are you kidding me?
The movie definitely did not need the length that it had. It dragged yet offered nothing that really aided the plot. The climax is an underwhelming stereotypical good guy getting beaten up only to recover
I don't know if I've edited too much video but some of the fight scenes relied heavily on cuts making the sequences feel haphazard though overall, they aren't bad though. There's a level of fluidity that makes them somewhat fun to watch. Not enough to carry the movie though.
If perchance you're thinking, I am not a fan of the genre, I assure you I've read the likes of Vagabond, Blade of the immortal and even read the Mushashi novel by Eiji Yoshikawa. Samurai tales were my obsession for quite a while which is precisely why the lackluster tale of Rurouni Kenshin has never appealed not when its philosophical and better written counterparts exist.
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In the way that almost all characters in Korean entertainment meet, this one does not stray from the formula as no sooner have the two main characters met, they immediately bicker with each other. Of course this merely serves as the formulaic introduction to characters whom you know will be at the center of this plot.
The Flu features almost all your infectious disease apocalyptic type of characters.
1.) A heroic male lead who's abilities far extend his profession
2.) A mother with a cute daughter which will serve as emotional bait.
3.) A friend
4.) Bad guys who do bad guy things.
5.) Terrible politicians but rumor has it there are no good ones.
If the following characters haven't prepared you for the plot then simply put. An illegal smuggling shipping container finds itself in Korea, which triggers the spread of a highly infectious, toxic flu. Panic ensues and obviously, the government isn't prepared for this despite previous warnings.
In the theme of it's predecessors, the Flu takes absolutely no original route in delivering its story.
So prepare for.
A sick child
A hero who will save the day
A discovered cure in limited quantities
Everything to be safe at the end of the day.
By these standards this movie shouldn't warrant anything more than a five. However, it is a relatively stellar narrative that while melodramatic at times, delivers good entertainment and evokes emotion. Ultimately what you have is a mildly enjoyable story that doesn't imprint itself in memory due to its stereotypical undertakings. However, it's one that is a decent popcorn grabber.
There's not much to say about it, no lengthy review to entice you with this one. It's a cookie cutter one that is merely an easy watch.
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If you were to ask me what I liked about this drama, I would be brutally honest in saying, Oguri Shun's deep voice, Oguri Shun occasionally topless, Oguri Shun's terrible glasses that still make my heart flutter and lastly Oguri shun's double “kabe don” which is a word I just learned recently and he can double “kabe-don” me any time. Nothing else though because I'm not a creeper.
So what about the drama? This drama is a very mildly loveable mess that was borderline an annoyance at times. It gathers a really cool and quite decent cast and pretty much flings the dog shit that is the script at them. This script is so messy and at times just borderline stupid. It's got themes of cheesy speeches, saintly characters, feel good nonsense and the stereotypical Japanese and dorama cliches packaged into a rather nonsensical plot.
Supposedly intelligent characters behave in such irrational ways making me find them irrevocably stupid. There is very little intelligent planning and don't let the convoluted dialogue full you as the revelations are tame if not illogical and the end result from most sequences is often, very avoidable injuries. Suspense is developed in very soap opera like fashion and boy did that make me cringe.
This is one of the few scripts where the leads do not evade bullets because people are still clinging to that scarface theme but hold the applause, because they could hike mount kilimanjaro with bullet wounds in them. Did I mention they recover from bullet wounds quicker than the common cold. One minute Oguri Shun is limping, the next, you wouldn't even know he was shot in the leg. However, these little illogical inconsistencies were not what really brought this down.
The plot simply could not keep track of itself and there were random revelations that revealed plot holes that just made you question this. The whole vengeance theme is super loose and ultimately features numerous clichés that were hard to overlook such as:
A very inflexible female lead. Oh did I mention how absolutely annoying she is. She is the very definition of wishy washy and completely unrealistic especially for a detective!
Invincible leads who have been left alive for twenty years for reasons no one knows. Oh yeah, that's right, we need them to conveniently be skilled so we can have a plot. Expect very convenient situations.
A convoluted plot with a horrific yet totally nonsense revelation.
A rushed ending with soap opera like theatrics that made me roll my eyes.
Overall cheesy speeches and preceding dialogues and speeches when someone is about to kill someone. Seriously, I don't know why they have to give five minute speeches before they kill someone.
Oh yes, speeches before big revelations and someone eventually dies halfway during this speech leaving very little valuable information. I thought I was watching a telenovela. You know how when someone is about to reveal who the father is on their deathbed and they cough and wheeze for a good 10 minutes before dying by uttering one syllable. “It was am---” DEAD.
Cliche suspense music. The only way it could be worse is if they put the tom and jerry theme.
Oh, this drama also features terrible parents.
I do feel my rating is on the generous side although some may not agree but I halfway commented that this drama would be very lucky to get a five from me.
Overall, a convoluted and nonsensical mess that misuses its cast.
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I genuinely didn't think I'd finish this but here we are, at the end. I finished yet another Chinese drama with over 40 episodes, my gosh, I think I need a drama doctor.
I don't think I've ever struggled to figure out a rating as with this drama, It could very well be an 7 and also a mere 6, so I settled for an in-between that I am only moderately content with
The drama thrusts you into what I presume is 1940s China under Japanese imperialism. This isn't your typical flowy dress historical as at this point, from the setting and clothing in the drama, there seems to be a huge western influence in China. We're talking guns, suits, music and that iffy shade of green army wear. The story focuses on the Ming family and the role they come to play in liberating China.
Let's start by making this clear in that I really gave the writers the benefit of the doubt as intricate plots are interwoven with nauseatingly cliché scenes that as I cringed and wondered what in the world was happening, I came to the conclusions the writers were to some extent really playing with this genre.
As with every action, suspense, shooter type of film, bullets will never hit the leads. The leads here in fact, rarely ever run for cover and when they do, it's rather comical because they've evaded hoards of bullets being shot at them out of sheer protagonistness (no, that's not a word). They of course can shoot bullets to nowhere and I swear those bullets will manage to hit someone. The gun usage is indeed your stereotypical action shooter gun usage.
We are also for a modest part of this, given a frustrating female character who constantly needs rescue and made the initial eight episodes of this a very painful experience but for once, I listened to the voices in drama land urging me to stick it out as she becomes quite the character. Nicely done, drama land.
Amidst this, romance is thrown in and my toes curled as an actor hurled sweet nonsense lines along the cringe worthiness level of “you are my sugar plum” and I questioned reality as these lines were so excruciatingly cheesy, I just can't imagine the writers not being aware of this. It seemed cliché scenes were thrown in here to help nurse the uber macho and high paced scene and also honestly, I just can't get over this *writer's f**king with us* feeling.
The main reason for a good rating is when this drama picks up, it genuinely picks up and becomes an enjoyable ride. Take the genre as it is and this drama is quite addictive. It has it's moments of suspense and brilliance although albeit sometimes the plot was far too convoluted. Amidst this is well fitted splashes of humor and heart warming scenes that just made even the most cynical side of me annoyingly melt. The Ming family have some of the best interactions and I was screaming, “adopt me with my mother's permission please.”
There is just quite the solid plot in here that really grounds this drama and it makes the genre really feel like the writers wanted to absolutely play with it yet also create a strong plot.
I do think the drama could have ended four episodes earlier than it did. The last four episodes milked the this plot like a saharan camel. I don't know if there was some broadcasting requirement in regards to that but it really pulled the screw out of this machine and made the drama feel quite loose.
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This drama was found randomly. Bored on a Saturday, haven’t touched a drama in a year, I decided to go back to my masochistic ways of torturing myself with plots I never finish. My dropped list speaks volumes. Signed on to viki, laughed at the corny name and thought this would be a parody but boy was I wrong!
This drama has wrecked everything. I have never watched a drama like this. I am the fickle and picky type who even if there’s a drama I like, interest wanes at around the ten episode mark as dramas recede to known formulas as they run out of ideas. This drama I reached episode 30 in feverish captivation, 5 AM, episode 15, forcing myself awake and splashing water on my face. At work it was blood shot eyes, yawns and excuses of not sleeping well. Not of course that a Chinese drama has taken over my life that I don’t answer phone calls.
Now that I’ve rambled, here’s the review.
This is just so expletively interesting and catered to my tastes that this drama is at this point is probably the best drama I’ve ever watched. The story at the surface is a battle for the throne but it is layered with well complemented sub plots and revelations that shook me.
The story is of a political nature and so well-crafted it’s almost disgusting. I tell you, two guys talking politics has never been so interesting. The central character of this storyline is Mei Chang Su. A brilliant and ailing strategist with a hidden agenda that unfolds throughout the story. He is the most realistic hero we’re possibly ever going to get. He’s caring but also a realist. Ready and willing to recognize that sacrifices have to be made in order to fulfill his goal. He’s adorable, arrogant, and brilliant yet also such a devastating character. He’s main goal is to make one of the prince’s the emperor, his reasons, you’ll have to watch to know.
The antagonists in this story truly elevate this plot. There will be different antagonists as this is a fight for the throne. However, each antagonist is different and just as well done as the main hero. The villains in this tale also have their own stories, their own agendas and ambitions which at times captivates you. They’re not in this story solely to antagonize the hero for some mundane reasons. There are also these emotional moments where we are forced into sympathy for some of these villains, forced to understand them and it’s frighteningly delightful.
Other than the antagonists, the supporting characters definitely brighten and add to this drama. In a lot of dramas, a lot of the supporting characters are fodder, but in this, they induce humor or simple bitter sweet moments that make you remember them. Female characters are also a bonus that is done well.
I swear if all political dramas were this well crafted, I would be a happy gal. It's the perfect blend of well thought out strategies and my gosh, when was the last time you watched a drama with a well thought out strategy? I'll start by saying none even match up to this.
To end this, I confess, I know nothing of the actors and don't really ever venture into Chinese dramas (I've held the opinion they are pretty terrible...) yet weirdly, two of my favorite historical dramas (This and Scarlet heart) have come from China.
As my name suggests, here is a picky musing that doesn't really change anything about this drama.
Passage of time – I swear winter lasted about thirty episodes even though about only half a year had passed. It’s not particularly jarring but at times, I do wonder how much time has passed as it’s somewhat ambiguous but the drama cleverly lets you know when characters interact. It’s actually brilliantly done. Simple lines like “It’s been half a year since you came to the capital.” Nonetheless, I feel like this whole drama passed in the winter, with a splice of summer but my strongest memories are the puffs of air from the characters.
I'm definitely giving this a masterpiece rating because this marks the first time I have ever watched this many episodes of any drama period. Plus, I can't think of anything significant that stopped me from enjoying this plot.
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The biggest reason being that this movie at times felt a touch too muddled in what it was trying to convey. It deeply explores an issue very well but yet not deeply enough. Deep issues are at times downplayed due to very stereotypical assumptions, and the end for me felt like a cop out. I admit, that viewpoint can be countered but I felt in the grand scheme of things, it allowed the audience to still retain their view of "normalcy". However, this isn't what made me dock points largely.
This movie deals with a topic that I rarely see and as a review mentioned, where a man trying to become a woman isn't the butt of a joke. Here, there is no laughter, little room for it. This movie cleverly approaches the topic as it takes this Herculean and manly guy who isn't happy with himself. He wants to become a woman. It creates an interesting and refreshing dichotomy as here is a guy who can easily fight any man and easily conquer a horde of attacking gangs yet he wants to be a woman.
The strong point is definitely Cha Seung Won's character (Ji Wook) and he carries this movie for me. The rest of the plot for me is kind of fodder as are a bunch of the characters. There were certain characters in here that for me had no legitimate reason to be here or to be included in the story as they were. Mainly because they muddle vs aid the story. There are other characters though I recognize their importance because they add to Cha Seung Won's character. For example, the antagonist here the sub-leader of a gang and while I find his character to add very little in terms of plot, he brings out Ji Wook's character. What I mean is that most of the action sequences come from the interaction between the two which allows for the story to cement the manly image that Ji Wook has. However, while a good portion of the action scenes are relevant, I have to pick a bone with a good number of them. I feel this way about a lot of movies and dramas that bring to the table an unsettling topic or a very intelligent topic. There are always dramatic actions sequences involved. Yes, it's a way for the director to sell the plot but it would be nice to just directly approach the topic. In this case, the topic is interesting enough to be the sole focus. I just feel that the action sequences at times distract from the main topic.
On a personal note, there were quite a few things in this movie I wish I could alter. I also wish I could make this movie go hard in terms of really exploring this theme. I feel like this movie should have shocked the viewer more than it did. It makes it feel a little regrettable in that regard. Nonetheless, definitely one to watch.
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This movie doesn't take itself seriously and neither should you. It is packaged silliness that is entertaining. However, it is merely that. The movie is a sequences of shoot outs and explosions in different settings, nothing more. The plot is a warped mess that merely serves to package these repetitive shoot outs. While it doesn't take itself seriously, it would still be a far better film if they packaged it better. Heck, the directing cannot keep up with these shoot outs. Also, bullets are solely reserved for everyone else that is not the lead and that's to be expected but sometimes, the leads just shoot in a general direction and the bullets magically fly to a destination and hit somebody.
Nonetheless, this is still entertaining with hints of cheesiness that pay homage to classic westerns. The characters really carry this and despite some repetitiveness, it's still fun to watch. Song Kang Ho for me is the stand out of this as his character helps shape this movie. There are some decent action sequences and despite the muddled plot, it's fun to watch the interactions the main characters have with each other.
Overall, hugely entertaining, a messy plot beyond the satirical nature of this but one to watch.
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For one, I believe there is one specific moment that makes viewers uncomfortable but really is a moment that also makes you re-evaluate your beliefs. Is he wrong? Is having a fantasy without acting on it a flaw? It also shows you that Suzuki sensei isn't perfect. This drama opens up room for debate about different topics. For instance, Is the fantasy wrong if you don't act on it? These are opinions though that I rarely publicize because as the drama portrays constantly, people are so rooted in their beliefs they leave very little leeway for discussion. Yet at the same time, you have to acknowledge that you are also one of those people rooted in their own beliefs and values.
Hence, this proved a quirky and thought provoking drama with one of the freshest approaches to teaching. Furthermore, it really requires a certain type of maturity from the viewer to really absorb the discussion. Did Suzuki sensei creep me out at times? Yes and that is a testament to my values. Well, to get down to this review.
This story centers around Suzuki sensei. A teacher with a very unconventional teaching method. He must tackle difficult issues that surround his middle school class all while encouraging them to grow. The story is loaded with mature topics that provoke the viewer. It might make you uncomfortable yet also change you. The acting is also strongly believable and while there are some slight exaggerations in regards to the characters and topics, the show retains a rather mundane theme. There are no excessive speeches and exaggerated acting for the most part, which creates a slice of life type of atmosphere that makes it easier to absorb the content. I strongly recommend this, definitely one of the best.
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I don't even know if I have to explain the genre because if you're familiar with the whole delinquents becomes good because of a teacher trend, well, this is it. However, this is more focused on baseball. These delinquents will face a lot of trials in order to not only gain acceptance but rescind their mistakes.
Where Rookies excels for me is the relationships they have with each other. They are all friends chasing a dream that seems impossible. Their teacher is a beacon of light who believes in them no matter what. Man, this guy is more open-armed than the christ the redeemer statue. He believes in his students no matter what. Unfortunately, it is this belief that gives birth to a repetitive slew of motivational speeches that just make me wish he'd shut up. Almost every episode has at least five feel good speeches.
As such, these rambles take the place of action. I would have liked to see more baseball games and more introduction of other characters who rival the club. However, there are some good emotionally moving parts that make you feel all warm and fuzzy and really make you root for this team. I also like how rough around the edges the characters are as it creates some hilarious yet warm moments.
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If you find yourself a person who is logical and analytical about dramas then you must really follow that rule in order to enjoy this. This is one of those types of shows you enjoy solely for entertainment purposes. You aren't looking for things to make sense but simply to be entertained.
With that said, welcome to this story. Four men escape prison motivated by different things. They initially work together because they are motivated by the same goal, then later, simply because they are all saintly beings who would shame even the Mother Theresa. I assume they're far more good at being saints because these are the worst fugitives on the planet. I ask you to think of really bad fugitives, then think of something worse, then think of these guys.
However, what's worse than really crappy fugitives? Well, welcome to the most incompetent police force on the planet. They give the guys in I hear Your Voice a run for their money. This police force that cannot catch a bunch of fugitives who are tweeting their locations and running away with a seven year old girl. Yes, a seven year old girl can outrun this bunch. These fugitives constantly call their significant others, utilize cell phones and payphones to call people, visit their significant others and the cops can't track them nor catch them. In fact, most of the chase scenes involve the cops accidentally bumping into this bunch. This gives birth to a repetitive sequence of Tom and Jerry.
However, this drama has its strengths. For one, I think the main focus is what is motivating these fugitives. They all have different and touching stories that motivate them to break out of jail. It's these stories that manage to somewhat solidify this mess. The main focus is especially on Ataru. He initiates the jail break because his daughter is dying; he wants to save her at all costs. In between this is a sub plot that is steeped in mystery.
Strangely enough, this drama surprisingly captures something I don't quite think it was even trying to focus on, which is politics in the police force. It really gives a glimpse on how the people in power can disregard corruption in the police force in order to not tarnish the reputation of the police. I doubt the script writers intended the person watching to note this but this was the one thing, they oddly manage to do well.
Unfortunately, every fugitive show cliche is featured here. From making quick escapes to doors being opened only to find our fugitives are not there. Unlike many, this for me was not a nail biting experience, there were great twists when it mattered but it quickly became obvious that this crew was practically invincible, it really becomes Tom and Jerry or Wile E Coyote and the Road Runner if you prefer. Furthermore, your typical cliche prevented this from being the jittery experience some reviews promised. Especially, not if you've watched just about any fugitive show that's aired. At one point, apathy began to set in and I just could not be emotionally moved.
Furthermore, themes intermingle so strangely making me question my feelings. It's at times humorous, cute, ridiculous, heart warming, ghastly and even comedic. It's a blend of strange themes that work yet don't. Almost like a bizarre concoction of food.
Bottom line: Do I recommend this? Bizarrely, yes. It's entertaining for what it's worth. It could be that I'm on a phase of perving over the lead, I still don't know his name but this does mark the third drama in a space of two days that I have decided to watch in order to enjoy his presence (Also, I am a sucker for a buzz cut). Perhaps, that made this more entertaining for me, but yeah, if you're looking for something action filled. To me this isn't really a thriller, go for it. It's entertaining for what it's worth.
Finally, I remind you to SUSPEND BELIEF!
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Just the introduction prepares you for a drama steeped in mystery. I've made up a term for this genre which is banana peelers. Clues unravel with each episode and leave you guessing until the end. Dark themes intermingle with the question of human existence. Despite the mystery here, the story seems to hone in on the brother Isao the most. With good reason, a Steppen wolf like character with no clear disposition. Considering this is Dostoevsky, there's bound to be a lot of philosophic themes that make this mystery breathtaking.
However, in certain dramas, there are characters that are simply show stealers and this is undeniably the father. I would normally fault this type of character for being a villain with no back story but frankly, he doesn't quite need one. There are simple and subtle moments about his character that prevent him from being that. For one, the moment where his youngest son is massaging his shoulders and he broods over whether or not anyone would cry when he dies. Nonetheless, he remains a character that you love to hate. A vile, despicable being that gets your blood boiling but really shapes this story. Ugh, but wow, the type of character where you applaud the actor simply because you really believe his performance. Boy, did I curse that dad. Never has a character been so loathsome.
Frankly, I am not very familiar with Dostoevsky's works other than reading a portion of Notes from the Underground from my existentialist philosophy book, hence I can't say how faithful this is to the novel as I haven't read The Brothers Karamazov (sat on my booklist for three years) . What this is for me is a well executed and chilling story that keeps me guessing.
On to why this is not a perfect ten, there are times when the music intrudes on the dialogue and doesn't really lend itself to the atmosphere. Furthermore, there are some moments that are not showcased but implied leaving me to at times question events and character emotions. For instance, some characters didn't really interact for long yet it seemed like there was a really deep connection there making me wonder when that formed.
Overall, a very stellar message that thoughtfully solves the philosophic question it creates. Themes are interwoven well to present a very good drama that I recommend.
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I want to get the unfortunates out of the way. As I pointed out with Hanzawa Naoki, theatrics are to be expected. Lofty declarations of friendship with some tear shedding moments and ferocious 1970s villain like roaring at the hero is to be expected 'I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!' *ROAR* . Does it make me cringe? Yes. Does it take away from the plot, not really... Can I do without it? Unfortunately, yes. I just can't get used to the whole eyeballs in your head roaring in an almost strange homoerotic fashion. A large portion of this is in the baseball story line so if manly tears and feel-good speeches aren’t your thing, this portion of the story may detract from the overall experience. It shouldn’t though as the baseball club provides some very heart palpitating and heart warming moments.
The story mainly follows Hosokawa, the not quite a hero in this story. He's the president of the Aoshima company who I must yet again steal the survivor logo, must outsmart, outplay and outlast. However, the baseball portion follows Okihara, a hard working pitcher with a killer arm. Unfortunately, I was more keen on the company storyline.
Ultimately, the script is freaking stellar and characters meld into their roles very well. You'll see a few familiar faces from Hanzawa Naoki, a big one being the son of a b**ch that is Kagawa Teruyuki. I say that affectionately as I really do like the guy and he really melds well into his villainous character well, eliciting plenty of curses from me. I can't help but despise yet be charmed by his character. However, he’s not the main antagonist in this bit. The antagonist in this case is the Utuwi company with their figurehead, Bando. He lusts after the highly skilled technology that Aoshima produces and will do anything in his power to ensure the Aoshima company is destroyed. Whether he succeeds or not is your key to embarking on this journey.
I proclaim that my review isn’t very strict because I had fun watching this drama. Often, well done dramas just let me relax and enjoy without strict criticism. I especially enjoyed the odd yet unnecessary little details like the president’s sweet tooth, the hardcore baseball fan who attends every game yet sits there jeering and the chairman’s relaxed attitude in all of this. I also constantly marveled at how the president doesn’t have ulcers from constantly being in a rock and a hard place. These little wonders brought me great joy as I good naturally cursed the characters “don’t trust that Son of a b**ch” “You brilliant son of a b**ch being a particular favorite.
The drama gets a favorable review for me for actually making me enjoy it.
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