Bittersweet-romance type (tissues!)

'On Your Wedding Day', 'Classic Again', and a little bit of 'Twenty-five, Twenty-one'. This film gave me all of that. It has that same bittersweet taste of love that just lingers around as we hope and pray for a happy end.

STORY: The writing was great. I was expecting a lot of clichés and twists, but instead, the movie felt like a pure piece, like it was written off experience. The realism in how the story developed felt oddly satisfying and simply left me awestruck. Of course, I know for a fact that tons of people head to watch movies and shows for comfort (and not to be disappointed) and I, too, watched this for that. Instead, it left me hanging. Watching Zhou Can text Jiaoyang he was getting married felt like a blow to the face. Until the end I wanted to deny it, hope it wasn't real and that they were going to end up together. After so many years? I wanted to get angry, cry, and protest but then realized that Jiaoyang must have felt the same inside. But that's life. And it just goes on. Wanting to stay frozen in sadness will only make you lag behind, and before you know it, you'll be left alone.

>>(SPOILER ALERT!! EDIT: I personally think the ending wasn't Can's choice. During the wedding, we could see both his parents at the front seats, and his mom cheering for them excitedly while Can doesn't look as happy as he would if it was with Jiaoyang. From the beginning, Can's mom didn't approve of Jiaoyang, even just as Can's friend, so what more could it have been when they were dating? I don't know, it just feels unreal that Can would have moved on so quickly in a span of two years after what happened last with them. And the fact that he let her know about it low-key gave me a feeling that he was hesitant. From the get-go, I think the wedding was his mother's decision. Just my opinion though, or I could still be in denial of the sad ending. 🥹💔)

ACTING/CAST: Prior to watching this, I've never seen a film or show with neither of the leads, so this is a first for me. At the beginning of the film, I thought that the acting performance would just be so-so, but as the story progressed, the chemistry grew to be something I admire them for (it actually felt like it was THEIR story, not them ACTING a random story). The casting was just superb -- sometimes it's obvious and clear that the actors are 'acting', but this is one of the rare ones where the actors are 'living and embodying' their characters. Both of them, especially as they processed Jiaoyang's grandmother's passing, showed emotions that were so real and hurting. Props to them, really.

MUSIC: Hands down, the music was unbelievably made the scenes come to life. Especially the scene where Jiaoyang and Can meet again after Jiaoyang moved away, when she ran to hug him in the middle of the highway overpass -- that scene was heart-shattering. The music just made it worse (in a good way).

REWATCH VALUE: Personally, I wouldn't want to watch this film again because of its ending. But truthfully, I would, for how their relationship went before they decided to give it up. But I wouldn't want to get hurt again by watching it, so I guess I'll watch it every year on Valentines. (😭💀)

OVERALL: It's a wonderful film. Some people say its similar to 20th Century Girl, but I think this is quite different, on its own. None of the leads passed away mysteriously, nor did they disappear without saying. Instead they were there, but denied their feelings and gave in to their pent-up emotions instead of dealing with it -- leading to their fall. Ugh, I should watch this movie again right now 🥹!

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Bad Critic Reviews ≠ Bad Movie

Before you start looking for reviews, especially the negative, I advise you to watch the movie first. Before I watched it, so many people told me it wasn't any good, boring, confusing -- you know the drill. I particularly love the cast, so I didn't let it bother me much, and when I did watch it, I absolutely loved the film. It's so intricately detailed and truly entertaining to watch.

I understand why some would say that it's confusing, but I believe that actually being interested/curious about the story would be more than enough to make it understandable. Sometimes we're already prejudiced with opinions from others that we unconsciously refuse to appreciate something as it is. I think this is the same for this film.

Moreover, Alienoid is truly an entertaining movie. It's a new sensation that I haven't seen anywhere, and the director (Choi Dong-hoon) really outdid himself with this one. Although mixing historical elements (and guns!), fantasy, modern settings, time travel, and aliens wouldn't be so much of an inviting idea to many, it surely made my jaw drop for most of the movie. There was just the right amount of action, comedic relief, and plot in it that you won't realize it's coming to an end. I also loved how there was a vast range of characters that corresponded to each timeline -- especially the two mages!

Anyways, I loved the main three's (Kim Tae-Ri, Ryu Jun-Yeol, Kim Woo-Bin) characters so much! I can't wait to see more of them in the second installment. It's actually really funny how KTR and RJY's dynamic in Little Forest is so contrasting to them in here! (Plus, Thunder (KWB) in the pink suit absolutely slayed!)

The film duration is quite long (2h22m), but the story made use of it perfectly. The pacing is also good, which makes it seem like it's not even two hours.

Great movie to watch with friends and/or family!

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First, But Definitely Not the Best

I watched this solely because I'm a huge fan of the Itazura na Kiss franchise and I had high hopes for this one since it was regarded as the first adaptation. Generally, I approached the series with an open-minded perspective even after I've read the bad reviews. To break it down:

1. Casting was a bit of a 50-50. Takashi Kashiwabara is probably the best and most unique version of Irie Naoki in all of the adaptations. However, Aiko Sato delivered a version of Kotoko that didn't stick well with me. As the series drew closer to the end, it seemed to me that all Kotoko did was scream and yell. Appearance wise, they're both very good choices, though.

2. Music was nice, gave off a very retro vibe that I loved.

3. I didn't like some of the relationships of the characters, it was kind of uncomfortable to watch. (e.g. Shigeo and Machiko, Irie's teacher).

4. The story pacing was sort of all over the place. The ending seemed very rushed.

All in all, I don't recommend this as the first adaptation of ItaKiss to watch. I think it is a nice watch for those who want to dig around for the roots of the franchise, though.

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If Only My High School Love Story Ended Like This Too

- Movie contains slight explicit scene, but no nudity.

STORY: Personally, I loved the story. I loved how it ended too. Maybe because I experienced something similar when I was in school? Anyways, I really liked how heartwarming this movie was. I wouldn't say it was a rollercoaster of emotions, but rather a slow-burning car ride. I didn't know how it would end, but I was definitely rooting for them. Just like life, you know? You don't know how it ends but you hope for the best. And as you wait, it just reveals to an ending fitting for you. It's the same for this film. Li Ran and Jianxia's story would be something most of us would hope to happen to us. When we fall in love with someone, and a sudden event leads us to be separated from them, most of the time we'd hope to see them again. And some of us would also wish that whatever we had would be revived, no matter how many years have passed. This film perfectly captures that feeling, and it's reflected so clearly in Jianxia's character. Most of all, I love how both of them developed. Yes, Jianxia may be your typical female lead, and Li Ran is most definitely the ideal man out there -- someone that waits for you (over 12 years!) and would still love you no matter how much you try to push him away. Very dreamy, really. In my opinion, this film could be seen as an 'escape from reality', as it ended so beautifully (I was smiling, grinning even, from ear to ear when Li Ran said that Jianxia should pay for their honeymoon), and gives us space to reflect on our own love stories. In life, it can end one way or another. And this film somewhat created a feeling that encapsulated the concept of getting the best outcome, the one we all want.

Another thing I liked was that aside from it's ideal romance, it sheds light on problems that occur in real life too. Take Jianxia's relationship with her family. Being born as the eldest (and as a girl nonetheless) is a tough job. On top of that, she's constantly compared to her 'good-for-nothing' little brother, who is clearly adored more because he's... well, he's a boy. No matter how much she strives for excellence, her family, especially her mother, will always have something snarky to say. Even in the present day, when she comes back home due to her father's declining health, the home setting is structured to make her feel like a guest and not an actual family member. When Susu frames her and spreads a malicious rumor that she and Li Ran slept together in the hotel, her mother blames everything on her, and is not willing to trust her, let alone listen to her side of the story. Growing up with that kind of environment has been suffocating her, making her a bit more spiky on the outside.

On the other hand, Li Ran's family isn't doing too well either. He is constantly abused by his father, and when Jianxia's mother met up with Li Ran's stepmother at school because of the rumored incident, it is seen that his stepmother could care less for his own good. Despite being born into wealth, there's no particular safe place for Li Ran aside from his grandfather (who soon passes), and being beside Jianxia. And in the present day, Li Ran is now in debt. This part reminded me of the fact that we really do not have full control of what may happen in the future. Yes, you may be rich now, but you could lose all of that overnight. The scene where Li Ran reluctantly downed the glass of alcohol while Jianxia holds his hand was painful to watch. Nonetheless, I loved the fact that he never stopped loving her. His dialogues touched me deeply, and it made me wish that my own high school love story would have ended like it.

ACTING/CAST: Acting was superb. Appearance-wise, I liked the fact that both actors naturally embodied their parts. Their acting was beautiful too. I loved the selection of the cast too. Jianxia's family, especially her mother, also gave life to the truth girls face in families like hers. Every one in the cast served.

MUSIC: The music didn't really affect me, but the main theme was so fitting for the movie! It was like the cherry on top, and made the film even better. It just gave the exact feeling of seeing an old friend-turned-lover after so many years, or the same feeling of being with someone after a long time of ups-and-downs that just make up a really foggy future. I love it.

REWATCH VALUE: Personally, I do love a good story that stems from youth to adulthood (like the Reply Series). It's endearing, heartwarming, and comforting to see these dramas, since we all go through those stages. I like watching these and reflect on my own journey in life afterwards.

OVERALL: I highly recommend this film. I think it's become one of my comfort films now. I still can't get over the confession scene in the end.. God, when is it my turn? 😫😭

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Painful But Beautiful Watch

I've held off watching this drama for a while now, mostly because I didn't catch it while it was airing. Then I kept wondering all this time if it actually lives up to the hype or is it just because of the cast. Truth be told, it's definitely worth the hype. It's beautifully made -- from the story to the acting, it was just perfect. I've actually read the first few chapters of Weak Hero on webtoon way before the drama came out, so my expectations were really high. Boy, did they jump over my expectations.

Now, let's get down to the review. The story was just made so realistically. Normally, I don't necessarily resonate with negatively developed characters, but Beom Seok's character touched my heart deeply. I know, he's like the most hated character because of what he did, but I completely understand where he's coming from. Although immoral actions are inexcusable, his story is truly one of a kind. I say this as I've also been in his position before -- the 'leftover' friend with no one to turn to. It's suffocating, especially when you'd just transferred schools. I've been there. When he tried to look for different 'friends', I understood it all too well. Everyone, if they were in his place, would do the same thing. The people you thought were your friends made you feel like a lost dog tagging along every time. Yes, they might not have meant it, but to Beom Seok, it was. Considering that he was bullied heavily to the point he had to receive therapy, it must have been so painful to see yourself be 'replaced' by someone else in your friend group. Just like what Si Eun had said, Beom Seok was feeling lonely. But to put it into Suho's perspective, it was also something to be angry about. I think what had to be done was for Beom Seok to explain what he truly felt to them, because clearly the other two saw him as a friend they treasured. However, that's totally easier said than done. The scene where Beom Seok hid in his closet, surrounded by children's toys was heartbreaking. It's like we could see that he never really got to escape his childhood trauma from his father's abuse and to the school bullying.

Aside from Beom Seok, I loved Si Eun's character a lot. He went from being an emotionless block that cared about his academic performance to a fearless person that loved his friends more than anything else, despite what they have done. Ji Hoon outdid himself with this one, truly. I was actually expecting an average performance from him, since he's an idol that trainedmore on performing rather than acting. The scene where he first attacked Yeong Bin was jaw-dropping. And even more so for the scene when he punched the glass window in the last episode. He truly embodied his character, not just acted as Si Eun, but really became him. It was like I wasn't seeing the cute member from WANNA ONE, but a student that had gone through so much. I'm looking forward to his acting in the second season!
Choi Hyunwook did well too. His character was static, in my opinion, though. There wasn't any development, but he was a catalyst for both of his friends' development. I loved the trio.

I really think this drama was very well made. It was very painful, especially the ending. I think there should've been a better closure, especially for Beom Seok, but I guess that'll have to wait for the next season.

I highly recommend this drama. Aside from the violence and foul language, it's an excellent drama that holds true life lessons.

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