Mother Wife, Truly A Woman Of Substance

I have been binge watching chinese dramas of late focusing on love, romance and hardship faced during China republican era of 1912-1949. There are many things that I find intriguing of life and cultures during that time. Even the clothes, fashion and styles are interesting to watch. The actor that really portray this era well to me is Harwick Lau. I have been binge watching his dramas of late and I picked this drama Mother Wife because of it's interesting title. From what I have read, male children from rich families in that era were often betrothed at a young age (some even from babies) for business purpose, to ensure obedient daughter-in-laws, maintain friendships and lots more. Therefore, roles of girls/young ladies become demeaning and powerless as they are being forced into loveless marriages.

Crystal Zhang Yu Yuan, veteran of bitter sweet dramas plays the doomed Qiu Ju. Married off at 18 to 8 years old Yao Zong (played by the cute Leo Wu). His mother was dying, and wanted a Wife who also will carry the role of a Mother to her son, protecting his position and wealth from her husband's devious second wife. Qiu Ju had to endeavor a lot of torture, pain and hardship until she found happiness at 80 years old!!! Truly a woman of substance and Crystal Zhang was perfect in her role.

Harwick was also very good in depicting Yao Zong as a bitter, revengeful, ambitious young adult who went through extremes to get what he wants. He made the role really hateful and yet at times he could make us feel his warmth and love for Qiu Ju. A man caught in his own devious plans and in the end forced to walk that route of guilt and regret.

Wow, all 38 episodes of a full on drama worth watching even though it was released in 2009. The drama is not perfect and can get really angsty. However, I am just glad that I watched something a little different from the norm where the overall entertainment value is at 8 for me.

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A Brilliant Movie With A Surprising Ending

For new fans of Leo Wu, this is one of the movies you can watch with ease and enjoy a really good performance by him in his teens. As Leo started young as a child actor, I enjoyed watching his natural talent of every decade and in Upcoming Summer, Leo's portrayal of teenager 'Zheng Yu Xing' with Zhang Zi Feng's 'Chen Chen' was endearing. Both had to stay back in High School when they failed their college entrance exam because of personal issues. Through this journey studying for their entrance exam again, they were somewhat bound together, found friendship through a kindred spirit. The two main leads made the roles their own and their emotions were well shared when it comes to first loves, un-requited love, secret admiration and the lessons experienced by teenagers. However, what truly hits you is the truth at the end of the movie. The director did such a brilliant job, I almost missed the truth until I watched the ending again. I kept wondering why he could not love her back.
I enjoyed this movie very much and is highly recommended.

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Korea's Modern Day Judges Adversities Well Depicted

I took a break from my favorite romance dramas and thought I would delve into a bit of adversities and real life drama on judges and their work in modern day Korea. The title Hammurabi was interesting enough and when I looked up it's meaning, the dictionary says - "Hammurabi was a king of ancient Mesopotamia, known for putting the laws of his country into a formal legal code". Therefore, Go Ara was selected to play the role of Judge Park who is the Hammurabi of sorts in modern times.
Passionate and idealistic rookie judge who stays by her beliefs and stands for justice.

The drama shares stories about the lives of ordinary people, their real life struggles and social issues in modern day Korea. Also, behind the courtroom shares the story of the life of judges, gossips and drama that takes place with more stories of it's own with lots of disputes, arrogance, old school thinking and more.

To bring about change and broader judgement sensory, Judge Park has the support and admiration from Judge Im (Kim Myung Soo "L") who happens to be Judge Park's crush from high school. Together they face challenges and are ridiculed as they stand up for their rights. However, the character that stood out strongest for me is Judge Han (played by veteran actor Sung Dong-il) an experienced chief judge who understands the harsh realities of life and is a righteous leader and mentor to both Judge Park and Judge Im.

The romance and love story in this drama were from very light to almost none. The chemistry between the two main leads were 'friendly' and not more. Well, I did ask for a break from romance dramas, so this drama was it. Lots of good legal cases and up-lifting orchestra music when there is a win or victory over the bad. Hmmm.....back to romance drama for me...

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Such A Romantic Hate To Love Drama

Muey lives in the same house with her crush, Thien, for over seven years, growing up together. As the years go by her feelings for him turns to love. But Thien hardly notice her and when he does, he often teases and bully her. He is completely oblivious to her feelings. Therefore, she resigns herself to loving him from a distance until one day, a scandal happens and Thien's mother rushes him to make Muey his wife. He is not interested, but had no choice. Whilst he dislikes her at the beginning. Muey who is beautiful, smart and intelligent takes the opportunity in the marriage to show him what her love is all about. The entire love journey between the two of them is delightful to watch.

This is such a good romance love story from hate to love in an arranged marriage. Mark Prin is one of my favorite Thai actor and his chemistry with Mew Nittha is super comfortable and sizzles in some places. If you are a die-hard romantic, this is one drama you must not miss. I am watching this drama for the second time and seem to appreciate it more than the first time I watched it. Love it!

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A Highly Recommended Drama

The drama starts with intense scenes played out in Italy. Yan Xing Cheng is on a mission to regain his mother's rightful place in the Zhuang family back in China. And to help him, he has gotten Shen Man Ning to replace Zhuang Xin Yan (who died in a car accident) as his fiance, as Man Ning looks exactly like Xin Yan, Hence, the plot begins....... The relationship between the two did not start out well as Man Ning is thrown into a role unknown to her in the takeover of LH Group. This occasionally frustrates Xing Cheng who is so focused in getting his plans done right.

However, as Xing Cheng guides and grooms her, her confidence grows and in turn Xing Cheng's feelings for her also grows. This pairing of Xing Cheng and Man Ning is mind-blowing natural and totally believable. Their body language, when it comes to love gets you hot and flushed and this is consistently found throughout the drama. I found the lead actor handsome, sultry and cool in every way, and the female Man Ning character beautiful, bold and forward, which is refreshing to watch.

The OST, the songs are still lingering in my head. The lyrics matched scenes and moods really well. It was also a nice change to see a triangle love relationship going on for the 2nd leads. Lots and lots of other interesting characters to be found in this drama and every role was very well acted out. A talented cast indeed.

As for the story, not perfect, but good. The mystery that lingers, makes one glued to every episode. There were many twists in the plots and I found them all done tastefully and necessary to keep the audience on their toes. The director did a good job in building the pace as the truth un-veils. And he kept pushing to the very end... which kept me interested and satisfied with the show.

What more can I say, except to watch it with an open mind to reap it's full value.

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This Thai Version Is Really Good

I chanced upon this drama whilst looking around for Tre Porapat who was impressive in the recent 2022, The Love Proposal. I have watched the Korean version of You're My Destiny (Fated To Love You) where the main character was played by the intensive and enigmatic Jang Hyuk. Not sure where the Thai version would have led me. I just completed the drama and I must say, it did not disappoint. Bie Sukrit did a really good job portraying Pawut, which is not an easy character to play. His warm heart, right down to his quirkiness, going from laughter to seriousness and passionate emotions all out there for us to feel and experience. I found this drama gave me the overall comfort and entertainment value that I was looking for.

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Only For Fans

I am a sucker for 'pretend couples' who begin with dis-like and then slowly falling in love dramas. The idea of a chirpy, positive Bei Er Duo and the gloomy, not so friendly Ye Shu Wei relationship appealed to me. She is keen to save enough money to further her education in Japan and he, through losing a bet with his nephew, got caught up with her in a Dating Game Show. As expected, they have to try to make the relationship look as good as possible so as to make the program successful for the sake of Er Duo's best friend Tang Li and Shu Wei's nephew Yu Sheng, who are producers of this Dating Show.

As it goes, such story line is as old as time. I held on and managed to complete the drama for the cuteness of Zhao Lu Si (Bei Er Duo) and Riley Wang's (Ye Shu Wei) dimples. Other than that, the drama lacked the depth, excitement and memorable moments that is needed. Only recommended for Lu Si and Riley's fans.

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Hmmm.....

Interestingly cute drama, not a very exciting storyline. However, if you are interested in light and easy entertainment, this could be the show for you to watch. Two people drawn into an arranged marriage without the female lead (Rong Er) knowing who the groom is. In line with her predicament and intention of divorcing the groom, General Yin Sishen, she then runs off to another city to set up a match-making company in Boqing Inn which provides for investigation into messy marriages followed by divorce arrangements. Her husband General Yin Sishen follows suit, under the guise of Lu Ting Xiao.

In this journey, another friend by the name of Fang Xian Xun also appears in Rong Er's life, fancies her and becomes suitor for her heart, to the angst of Lu Ting Xiao (husband General Yin).

The marriage cases and the mystery behind Fang Xian Xun did not manage to hold my attention throughout, but what kept me watching was the delectable chemistry between Rong Er and General Yin (Jing and Lu Ting Xiao). Really good and the kissing scenes made their characters look so comfortable and in love. One of the nicest chemistry in a Chinese period costume drama.

The ending suggests a part two in the horizons.

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DON'T Miss Out On This

If you are not wanting a boring moment, like some magic, enjoy some fantasy, action, boy crush for Noona, action pack fighting and really hard to kill baddies, then this is the drama to watch.

There is a job for those who do not die, but in a state of 'coma', are brought back by the heavens to live. They are then gifted by special skills like increased fighting strength, healing, hearing through distance and walls. This job is called a "Counter". Counters catch dead people who refuses to cross to the "other side", stay as evil spirits. Whilst roaming earth, they kill humans, literally 'suck' the life out of them to give themselves a longer life and also gain higher level of strength. Once the Counters catch them, they pull out the evil spirits and sends them to hell, perished forever.

This drama features 3 Counters who recruits the teen-age So Mun to replace a 4th partner who dies during a fight with one of the evil spirits. So Mun whose parents died in a car accident when he was young, is brought up by his beloved grandparents, is terribly bullied at school and has nothing much to look forward to in life. Two of the 3 Counters were initially hesitant to accept him, and So Mun was not keen too. However, through a series of events all 4 Counters combined, found strong teamwork and comradery between them, working towards a common goal, to catch and destroy as many evil spirits as possible.

In the process, it is also realized that So Mun is a special Counter. He is the only Counter who was not in a state of coma, when he received his 'heavenly' gifts. His fighting skills are also way more powerful than his partners. Furthermore, there is another layer of truth as to what really happened to his parents, eventually discovered to the horror of So Mun.

So many plots, so much action, unable to stop at the end of each episode as one is eager to know more in the next episode.

Don't miss out on this truly memorable drama!

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A Really Entertaining Rom-Com Drama, Arranged Marriage Gone Right!

Hmmm.... what can I say. Well, let's just say that the overall drama was really entertaining to me. It's because I like this kind of rom-com, from dislike to love, arranged marriages drama, provided the main leads had the right chemistry. I liked the main lead, Tim Pei's role of Wen Jin Chen. Disliking 'Yue Yue' (played by Li Nuo) at first but slowly falling in love with her. He was consistent in his love for her, protective, caring and can never seem to get enough of the woman he loves. I warmed to his character throughout the drama. However, I cannot say the same for FL though. Her character appeared too young and somehow just did not match ML's aura. But, I guess, it goes to show, love is love, and one need not understand nor read so much into where the attraction lies, as long as it brings out the best in each other. That is where love thrives.

Other than this, the second lead of Wen Jin Chen male assistant and Yue Yue's lawyer friend was delightful and was so fun to watch. The entire cast did a really good job and I watched the entire 24 episodes with ease, giggling, laughing, frustrated at times. The build up of the story and drama got better with each episode, to a strong ending.

So again, if you are game to watch a rom-com about arrange marriage, from dislike to love, controlling grandfather, a struggling/un-acknowledged step brother and a really good man who found innocent love, with lots of kissing, hugging, heart flutters, this would be a really entertaining drama to watch.

Cheers!

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A Very Good Melo-Drama!

I am watching this drama for the 3rd time and it never fails to amaze me. This is one of the best dramas with Seo In Guk. Roles like this does not come by often and it sits well with Seo In Guk as he made "Moo Young" so believable.

The love story between Moo Young and Jin Kang (played by Jung So Min) immersed well with mystery and suspense. I liked how the director placed the plot with all the twist in the right places, and yet allowed the innocence of love shine at the right time. Even then, every minute of the frustration and suspense was felt....right up till the very end.

Yes, I enjoyed this drama very much. To-date, I have yet to see Seo In Guk surpass this role in all his other endeavors, but I am still keeping an eye on him, for he is a very good actor.

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The Original And Classic F4

This drama, was the first of all F4 Meteor Garden (Taiwan). Remakes and various versions from Japan, Thailand etc. is truly beyond comparison to this original classic. Watching again now (for more than 10 times already), the drama looks dated and production, simple in it's 2001 release, but the actors and the story to me is still the BEST version.

The Taiwan F4 selection for this original cast were equal in height, compatible in looks and persona, the aura magnificent and un-conditional brotherhood/friendship is both natural and warm to our hearts. One can not help but agree that the roles were a perfect fit for the entire cast. Jerry Yan's portrayal of Dao Ming Si can never be replaced. His arrogance, pride, coupled with a heart of gold that is loyal and determined in pursuing his first love Shan Cai, carried us from the start of the drama to it's much anticipated happy ending. In completion, one could not help but feel so happy for him, for he deserved it so.

.....(sigh)..... yes, I will watch this drama again, whenever I miss the many memorable moment and scenes. The entire album, OST and songs are also very good.

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Slow Drama With Memorable Moments

For those who enjoy watching high school dramas dealing with teenagers growing pain, "Moment At 18" was an interesting show for me to watch. This drama takes a more mature and deeper view into each of it's characters journey which is memorable.

However, I struggled with the mood and tone of the Director's cut, as the drama truly took it's time to develop. It became a long 16 episodes watch for me.

The only thing that kept me going was to see the very quiet and gentle "Jun Woo" slowly become strong, confident and standing up for himself. Kang Ki Young who played "Han Gyul" was VERY GOOD in his role as the dedicated and invested teacher, that guided and stood firmly when it came to students matters. However, the MAJOR performance did come from Shin Seung Ho "Hwi Young", YES, the baddie student. He portrayed his mean guy role so well, my heart went out to him.

So, if not for the 'slow' mood of the drama, I found it got better towards later episodes where there were many moments that pulled at my heartstrings, I could not hold back my tears.

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