It has a special place in my heart

To be honest I waited quiet a while before writing this review because it's completely: 1-to get over it, 2- to only point out some things. So here is my confused review that can't express half of what I could say:

First, the story is about so much more than love. Their is friendship of course, with a group of friends I really laughed with with all their adventures and stories;
the passion of the main character for her sport and the tension they could create in matches, we felt her passion, her despair, her pure joy, she lived her sport and we lived through her, being excited and anxious with her;
the feel of the 80-90's period and all the historical events being brought up, really adding something. We can feel the world changing and the characters growing with it, a coming-of age story where we see the evolution and different path the chance can push you to take, it was both refreshing and melancholic in a certain way.
Also of course (but I'll still say it) all of the characters were so lovable and everything kept you interested. It's not one of those drama were you only wait for the characters you like to get screen time, nor one of those were the second lead is only here to revitalize the story when the lead couple becomes boring, no. Here, at least for me, all the characters had something to add and we were happy to see all of them on screen. They also had a good development so we were watching them live and accomplish, not only be the same with an objective that had to fulfill (being the best friend, having a heartbreak, being poor, things like that that doesn't define a person but are sometimes used as the sole characterization of characters)
Do I need to say the chemistry was perfect and the moments between the leads both cute and funny? Well they were, and the main reason is because it is slow burn. REAL slow burn. Meaning they don't have a reason to be together and fake their live until they make it. Here it's more about getting to know each other perfectly, feeling fluttery bit by bit then this sensations growing into live, the love kept secret, etc, all the steps for the spectator to really enjoy every bit of their story. After getting really close and even after becoming a couple, it didn't become flat and lose the cuteness of the beginning. I followed every step with the up most attention and investment. They unquestionably became one of my favourite couple.
However, even though I found the end obviously good and even poetic in a certain aspect it broke me. I was so moved after finishing the series because I was so invested in it. I really feel like I watched something great and I have this emptiness not only from having finished a series I love and missing the feels and atmosphere but also the quite realistic anxiety that I may not feel so much with other drama because 25 21 was objectively incredibly good.
(Well I ended up writing a lot haha)
Anyway if you haven't had a chance yet or hesitate to watch it, do it. You will not regret it :)

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The end was not it

I have really mixed feelings about this series so I'll go by positive then negative points (it will be long I'm sorry):

+
The beginning was really good. I remember being so excited during the first episodes and waiting impatiently for the next week.
The story is not just about love, far from it as the plot has a lot of mysteries. It is a really interesting mafia story which has not being done before I think (except by HIStory 3: trapped which I love, but not at this extent)
Therefore I feel it really paves the way for future more serious and dark series not only happening in school
All the couple's had a really cool dynamic and chemistry and I craved for every moments of the side couples
The soundtrack is really good. I usually don't notice it that much but the musics were totally on point and adding something to the scenes.
Tankhun. I loved him, he is not just the basic dorky character which I expected the first time he was introduced, he is the most empathetic, funny and intelligent (in the sens where he catches things quickly) character of the show and the actor gave a wonderful performance. That's why he deserves a good point by himself.
Talking about that, the acting was really on point, at the beginning I found that even though it was funny, Apo did a bit too much with his expressions but his progresses are really visible throughout the series. All actors were really good which highlighted some scenes to the point we're they were memorable because of it.
I liked the message of the end, Kinn's dad is an awesome villain ("the story is written by the victor" quote was incredible) and I liked how the characters weren't presented as black and white but full of nuances and secrets.
The scenning: the light and execution of some scenes were just beautiful, the best exemples are the sex scenes where we could almost feel fingers touch skins, the tension and beauty in it were great.

-
KinnPorshe hah too much screen time. Once they got together the side couples should have appeared more to keep it as interesting. It was good when we followed the development of their relationship because we wanted to see what happens, the tension, the hiding, the teasing..., but once they got together, it wasn't the same anymore. Don't misunderstand me, they were still cute and I loved to see their happy lovey-dovey and every day life moments but it ended up boring me because I was interested in the other couples more than them but they still got 80% of the screen time until the very end. That's too much.
Which leads to my second point, the side couples. VegasPete was luckier than KimPorshay who literally disappeared at one point without completing their storyline but it still felt rushed. They lacked time, both couples did. KimPorshay was my favourite couple but they barely where there and didn't have a proper ending (it wasn't even rushed, it wasn't there). It would have been great if KinnPorshe had slowly got less screen time (with still cute scenes and mafia business to make the story advance of course) to give more time to the other couples. Overall it felt really unbalanced and I waited for the next week always hoping the same: please let it have more KimPorshay (and VegasPete)
If at least the time accorded to the plot (and main couple) was well used then I would be less disappointed but all of it for that much unanswered questions and inconsistencies feel so spoiled. The 14th episode was a huge disappointment, in the extent that it made me mad. I forced myself to not fast advance some parts.
And please don't say it's for the second season to prepare, I know that some questions had to be left unanswered. It still doesn't excuse how poorly the story developed at the end.
First, there was too many twists. I think that at one point they made twists just to try to fit the image of a psychological serious series but forgot the sense. It felt like they tried to be an American blockbuster (for real at one moment a guy is shot, tries to get up, is shot against, that repeated 3 times, then he is not dead and lights up a cigarette?? Like why? Sorry I laughed). It was really good until it became a joke.
Even a season 2 can't explain that, you can create suspense, unresolved things etc, but it's just messy. This last episode felt really rushed.
Not 14th episode inherent bad points now: The characters are sometimes really dumb. For example when Pete got kidnapped, it only took a message of him saying he will take vacations for them not to suspect a thing....the best bodyguard sent to the enemy and dedicated to his job would not do that. Also when Kinn learned his father may not be the angel he is he still follows his orders blindly, even when it implies lying or getting in the way of Porsche. You could say is because he is loyal and loves his dad, I say it's too much. He never questions him, to the point I wondered if he had free will or was just a good dog to his dad (I'm sorry it sounds harsh). But the most raging and incoherent thing is how Porsche still trusts and falls for Kinn's dad manipulative schemes even though he lied to him SO MANY TIMES. I'm sorry but in the 14th episode it got to the point where it was ridiculous. We got 6 different versions of the death of his parents...4 of them are in this last episode, in a laps of 15 minutes at most! All of it to accept the final truth told by Kinn's dad and take the responsibility of becoming the head of the minor family 2 minutes after his mother collapsed in his arms and he told Kinn's dad not to touch her? Come on. It makes the "I'm not on anyone's side" empty. I loved the resolution of Kinn's dad being manipulative until the end but the poor execution spoiled it in part.
Finally, Porsche was one of my favourite at first for being so funny and caring of everyone but he became really unlovable over the episodes; He doesn't care about Pete: was never worried of him when he stopped hearing about him, even when he learned by Tankhun he probably was tortured and maybe dead he was depicted as founding that Thankhun was being over dramatic. That coupled to the fact that when Pete comes back, covered in blood, with hit marks and not wanting to tell, seeming afraid, he still has no problem to pretty much sell him to Vegas in exchange of information for his own interest. It could have put him in danger (Porsche had no clues telling him Pete loved Vegas as his refusal to give his name could have been by fear of reprisal or trauma). They were supposed to have become best friends so it really doesn't sit right with me. But more generally after getting together in Kinn he seems to loose interest in everyone else. Unlike the beginning where Porsche and Porschay seemed really close, they progressively grow totally appart. He doesn't know what his brother is doing and probably don't even know where he is most of the time...


I know that after all I said you could think I didn't like it but despite all that I really think the series is worth it.

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Such a charm to it

To begin with, I watched it quite a long time ago now, so I surely forgot lot of reasons why I loved this title so much. All you have to know is that I waited every week impatiently for episodes to come out and had my heart to flutter for each episode, I liked all episodes and have not been bothered by any of them.

Now I'm going to list a few resons for why I loved this series (sorry it won't be a well organized review):
-The characters are extremly loveable. I felt attached to the four main of course (Hands down to Hashimoto-san who is my favorite character, so cute and funny, I lowkey want to marry her) but also to others like the side couple doing fun things or the mother of Ida. The relationtions between all of them are well written and I especially liked the building of a real friendship between Aoki and Hashimoto, this is such an iconic duo. And for once the girl is truly kind and, even more rare, she is not at all a threat to the development of romance. At every interaction it was a pleasure to see.
-The series is funny and cute. A lt of scenes were pure amazment, Ida and Aoki had adorable scenes that were so romantic and beautiful to see because of the setting. It was also the case for the side couple whom love story was really well-developed and whose story I was deeply invested in. BUT the interest of this series also relies on the comedy aspect. I already talked about the great comic-relief duo that is Aoki-Hashimoto but a lot of scenes also are funny by themselves. I laughed out loud at some moments.
-serious subject were also talked about, and not only the usual way. What I mean by that homphobia is shown from an interseting aspect: hidden, not only frontal (if it makes sense). Whether it be by jokes meant for no harm or a character that seemed nice but ends up having prejudices. And it's all the more important to show that homophobia can have many forms is that we can see characters really hurt by those situations but kind of "gaslighting" themselves because they deem them as not being "that important".
-To end this up with, one of my favorite point: the mature relation of Aoki and Ida, they communicate! Share their worries, show to the other they're here for support, care for their partner, etc. I loved to see them evolve in a really cute and healthy way :)

To sum it up: a really cute and fun story that still have important subject treated. To see and see again.

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Beautiful

I just loved every second of it.
Let me say first that it's not a typicall love story so if you like that, leave. For all of you who stayed, bear this review with me.
To begin with, there is really this beauty overall the serie, whether it be with the scenes, the lights, all the setting is wonderful or Kiyoi, that is literally to etherally beautiful. A lot of times I just thought "whoah, how can someone be so beautiful" and that is because all the camera work is really intimate and concentrate on the emotions of the characters, the close-up plans feel like we see through Hida's eyes. And to Hida, Kiyoi is magnificently pretty.
All of it creates this peculiar atmosphere, as complex as the relation of the carachters. It contributes to creates this ambiance, I honestly wouldn't know how to explain it, every week I waited craving for every other minute with them, I liked the pace of the show, not too fast, but effective in its saying, everything was calculated for it to create a bubble between them, we have all their story but it still seems so intimate. Indeed, there is not much characters besides them, it's about them, centered on them, about this peculiar yet beautiful relation.
One of the main themes surely is desire, Hida is not that confident and one day, Kiyoi appears and light up his world, becoming the center of it. Hida venerates him and it feels like he loves and desires him from all his heart but doesn't give to hiself this right. That is really an interesting dynamic to follow. After all, it's almost like if the character wanted to cross a wall he only had put himself. Kiyoi also is a character I really loved, unlike Hida that is very honest and can have no shame, Kiyoi is complex, we don't know what he's thinking for the main part and I really loved to discover the facets of his character. There has been no time I got bored, because the characters are so different and seing them interact neerly is magical.
The actors are also flawless in this show to me. I saw Kiyoi and Hida, not people acting, I believed in what they interpreted and all emotions, expressions, reactions felt genuine. I won't spoil but in one of the last scenes, Yagi Yusei (Kiyoi) really amazed me, and it was such a powerful moment(If you saw the series, hope you know what I'm talking about). And Hagiwara Riku (Hida) wasn't feeling awkward playing a shy, self-conscious character, it didn't feel like someone imitating a discret and timid person but something natural. And I say it again, sory for repeating myself, but the passion and desire that is conveyed through his eyes is perfect.
To sum up: I loved the atmosphere, the cinematography and the peculiar love story between two really intersting characters, following this series was really a pleasure and I don't doubt I'll go rewatch it someday. My days will feel empty without waiting for new episodes haha.
Anyway, go watch it.

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It was quite boring...

The first few episodes were not so bad because of the construct of the relationships so it was not too cliche but just a moment after I couldn't bear it.
Let me explain why:
The actors are not so good at playing, Gun (Sky) especially, I can't take him seriously I'm sorry, it was also kinda the same at some moments with Sugus (playing Pitch) who tended to overdo it but his play got better over the episodes.
We can see they were on low budget and some scenes just weren't believable but it wouldn't have been a problem if the main couple worked. For me they didn't.
The story for the main couple went too fast, they were in love way too early and did so much couple things, being sometimes too cheesy (even for me) from the beginning but are not a couple until the end? I can't believe it. Because of that, the story became really boring later on as they got so much screen time.
Maybe my opinion won't be shared by some but I think the main couple didn't have any chemistry so romantic scenes were just too long with awkward silence.
I really liked the girls in the first episodes, especially Toktang but they just became love interest after that (literally every of their scene is to talk about their love interest or being an obstacle to the ship), too bad...

However!!
I think the strong point of this drama really is the second couple: BankPitch.
I loved their story line! It evolved step by step and we really could see the relation develop naturally.
They also had some good chemistry! It's such a shame they couldn't get more screen time because they just stole the show completely. I had a great time watching them bickering, being cute, being sassy. They were really fun characters and I honestly continued the show just for them (advancing twice faster in the scenes they weren't there at some point.)
They really deserve their own series!

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Better than the first season for me

I was one of the few that didn't fell totally in love with the first season I think, it was good but not that good. However this second season seems better to me, the story is interesting and all the cast did an amazing job! Sam and Yu of course, were stunning with their heartbreaking crying scenes but also their chemistry but I also want to point out the acting of Yu Zhen Xuan's actor, he really was touching and I loved all of his scenes. His pairing with Pei Shou Yi was great and I loved to follow their story as second lead.
The main problem is in fact that it's too short to develop well and not feel rushed, when I watched all episode I still couldn't believe it was finished because the side couples didn't have any proper conclusion which I found unfortunate. I still don't understand the relationship status of Pei Shou Yi and Yu Zhen Xuan: we see them all happy at the end but for me it didn't make sens because Pei Shou Yi's last sentence to him was 'you can manage it yourself" or something like that when talking about Yu Zhen Xuan's box of souvenirs he brought him back...It wasn't convincing and I doubt his feeling. Also the third couple almost didn't have any screen time and still got engaged, I just can't feel involved as there was no sweet scenes between them.
To sum it up it's too sad it didn't develop more because I was really interested in all storylines but it was still good to watch overall.

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A love story from China!

I don't know where to begin so let's just say I really liked it.

The love story of the two main characters was beautiful and in fact quite explicit, there is also a lot of details and symbols throughout the series to express their love in a subtle way. The chemistry between WKX and ZZS makes us really believe in their affection towards each other. Someone made a video on YouTube about those details if you want to know more about it but in the comment section of the episodes on Youtube there is also people explaining. I think it really adds something to know about those details. That is one of the reasons the censorship couldn't censor their love and obvious relation.
One other is that the actors emotions and expressions are truly mastered, all of them really played perfectly but I'd like to emphasize Simon Gong (Wen Ke Xing)'s acting as I was really touched by all his scene and it was said that people were worried about his ability to act. It turns out they were SO wrong.
Also the ost were beautiful and OMG the costumes! That was beautiful and both pleasant to ears and eyes.

The only default is the story in itself: it was interesting and all but I really felt struggle to comprehend it. It was difficult for me to know who was who and who was who's allies (it's a lot of who). Maybe if there was more episodes it would have been easier for me...

PS:be sure to watch the epilogue as it is really changing the ending and is essential.

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Didn't thought I'd fall in love

I do not like bromances usually, I hate the fact that in those stories, their is only too subtle insinuation and no kisses or anything but I almost do not consider The Untamed not being one, here's why:
The chemistry and acting of the actors are insane, you can truly feel the love between them, there is so much signs they love each other, especially Lan Zhan (with his headband for exemple).
Also the story is really good and I didn't see time pass during the 50 episodes, even though I usually have difficulties to finish series and also with this genra.
The costumes and settings are also stunning, I loved it! The theme songs are wonderful too and add so real immersion and emotions to the series.
The only sad point is that I watched it on Viki after seeing the traductions seemed more understandable for me than with the YouTube translation but ho god what a mistake. I had heard of the "soulmate scene' where Wei Wuxiang tells Lan Zhang who he is for him but it was transformed into "very good friend" in the Viki translation and I only realized at the end so I was waiting for it when it already had passed...Poor me, the real translation is much more meaningful so don't do the same mistake as me.

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I loved it so much!

I started this series because I was bored and the least I can say: I wasn't disappointed ! It clearly took place in my top 2 (still can't decide if it's 1st or 2nd).

The filming was beautiful, all scenes had beautiful lighting and construction and I have to emphasize the fact that I loved the background music as I usually don't notice it.

The story is beautiful, every tiny detail is brought and makes sense so that we understand the evolution of their feelings for each other without the need to express it by words. Talking about their relation, it is one of the best constructed I saw: a natural evolution with the slow discovery of their feelings for each other and then a seduction game from both side. Their chemistry was incredible too. All of this has been carried by two amazing actors. The both conveyed emotions so well! I could truly feel the inner hesitations, trouble, quest for self acceptance, desires and pain of the characters...I believed as much in the electric tension as in the fluffy romanticism.

This is a very intimate story so the side characters aren't developed that much but I don't consider it as a problem since it reinforce the feeling of them living something special, secret, that only belongs to them, as if they was in their bubble away, from the world. It brings a true charme, an atmosphere that I really felt beautiful. The story really go in that sense of a romantic and intimate love story but also self discovery and acceptance that's why I could really believe in it: this seems realistic. In general, the problems they face aren't superficial and we understand why they struggle since a lot of teenagers have those.

Also, what is interesting is that the characters have different point of view on some things but as they are so well depicted and developed, we can sympathize on both sides. I talked before about the side characters, I must say albeit they were not a central part of the story, they were still really lovable and touching, I especially liked the love interests as they were both sweet creams. It is really refreshing to not see the cliché of the annoying girl.

You will not regret it I swear so if you haven't seen it and hesitate, just go.

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Beautiful story

First of all, the filming and especially the lighting are gorgeous, it adds so much beauty to all the scenes to see the light perfectly embrace the faces of the characters.
Then, the story is really original and cute, the evolution of the romance is natural and mature. Seing Phuppa who was so reserved slowly opening to Tian was the cutest thing. Plus, the storyline with the vilains is interesting and adds suspense.
I really loved the acting of EarthMix, I can't believe it's Mix's first role because he is delivering all those emotions so well! I'll definitely look more in what he is doing in the future. Also I'm usually not a fan of Earth because I always found he was too plain and didn't express well his character but omg it is totally not the case here: we can perfectly feel the emotions he is conveying.
All the characters were really interesting, their development was well brought and especially the search of Tians' for the meaning of his new life. The side characters were truly lovable and I had a soft spot for Torfun, she is amazing.
In bref, this drama is a must-see so go without hesitation.

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Loved it

I remember starving so much for the next week each time because the story is so addictive.
I loved the story and the concept it could bring, reading in minds permits to develop so much. I liked both love stories but I must say Tsuge really woke up my social anxiety at some moments. He could be so weird that I was afraid Minato would think he is awkward but luckily their relation is full of cuteness and acceptation and the moments I'm talking about were funny when I think about it.
Now Adachi and Kurosawa: I really appreciated to see their relation build up piece by piece and to see them being so considerate to each other BUT I have such a bitter sweet feeling about them because they didn't kiss at all during the entire series. It feels natural, couples kiss. That's why it was a bit weird because albeit their chemistry was really good, I couldn't convince myself it was plausible.
Bonus point to this couple for their healthy relationship.

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Beautiful

I really loved the originality of this story, it was also so poetic and romantic. The actor playing Go Yoo Han was so magnetic and attractive and Choi Yeon Woo's actor played so good, he can really make us feel his emotions. Both incarnated their characters so well and at some moments the atmosphere just went magical.
Some people thought the effects added were too much but I actually liked it, it is part of the charm I think.
The only bad point is the fact that episode 5 and 6 (I think?) were rushed and skipped important parts, I had to read the comments explaining some points to realize it made sense. After that, they managed to get back to a good rythme but because of that there was some inconsistencies.
Not all the story have been developed so I hope their will be a second season !

PS: It is so good to see korean industry getting interested in this genra because it is qualitative. Luckily, the episodes were longer than usually because it would have been impossible to keep fluidity otherwise.

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Problematic show

First of all, the background music is too sudden and makes tension scenes ridiculous. Plus, even though is can be funny at first, actors really accentuate their expressions and we can not feel invested in a serious scene. The show is overall disorganized and doesn't make sense sometimes like the homophobic dad that accept so easily his son, lmao it's just impossible regarding of the character.

Now all the problems:
-Tonhon is the definition of toxic masculinity, he takes Chon as granted and didn't feel sorry at all for cheating on Chon (TriNg To pROvE He Is a MaN) and even considered it would be easy to "win" him back because Chon has loved him for so many years, I still think Chon deserves better.
- Na have been used very rudely by his friends not considering his feelings
-Tonhon dad is transphobic, considers women only as wombs and homophobic but they still wanted to make him become the good dad at the end, it's just unrealistic
-BaiPai, who I loved, didn't hesitate to out Ai and Ni, it was not her job to tell his dad and it is not acceptable but make her a remarks about that
-How Miriam didn't have a character for herself, she was literally a hardcore fangirl (I hate this type of characters, fetishize homosexuals is wrong) and a comic resort but exists only through others.
-They slutshame a lot, Miriam is chosen to be the surrogate because she is a virgin by Ton's father, they consider it is a shameful condition and make fun of the girls there. Some are here because they do not have a choice and need money, others because they genuinely like it . In either case, it shouldn't be mocked
-The tentative of rape on Chon wasn't took seriously. Overall, Amp friend is really problematic, he forces himself on Chon by heavy flirt even though he can clearly see he was uncomfortable. He tries to rape him but this subject is taken lightly like if it wasn't cool but not that bad either.
- Also the actor playing Tonhon took off his shirt way too often. Don't get me wrong, he has a great body, but it was at such a point that it was getting annoying.

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Wonderful!

I loved it so much! Perfect series for me.
It may seems dramatic but I write this while I'm crying because this was so well done. I don't usually cry that much in front of a series but this is a masterpiece. The emotions are perfectly communicated through the actors and I felt so much in only 4 episodes. The actors performance was really good and their chemistry was so great (no awkward silences or looks and the kisses were natural)that I cried from joy several times. Plus, the story is really well written and original. The fact it's not just a teenage love but a long build up relationship was better, it gave more depth to the characters.
Some serious subjects were approached too which is really good because it seems more real. Also, it was clearly the most romantical love story I've ever seen.
Even the musics participated at the ambiance, the lyrics tell the story with such accuracy(it's rare I notify the musics).
Also, it's only 4 episodes so it should be a really pleasure to rewatch it!

One for all, if you still hesitate...WATCH IT NOW! It got into my top3 (it must be like 1 place ex aequo)and will definitely stay :3

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