PastelRose
United States
The Story picks up a couple of years after where we left off in part one. Here most of the drama is about bringing the two back together, or even finding him. We find that she has been waiting for him all this time, yet he never comes, until finally she is told that he abandoned her. We see the relationship develop between the Takeuchi and Nanami, developing even further into that story plot. We also go through another tragicomic experience of Yano.
A lot happens in this film, and just shows that splitting it up into two parts was a good decision.
Acting/Casting: 9.5
As I said in the first film review, I think they should have casted different actors for the school and for this film. In this film, the casting seemed to be more appropriate towards college age and young adulthood. So compared to the first film, the cast was better suited, which is why I think they were casted in the first place, for this film instead of the first.
Music: 8.0
Just as in the first film, I didn’t really notice the music. So I do not feel like I can give a review on it, in words. Though the fact that I didn’t notice the music says a lot.
Rewatch Value: 7.5
Again, the rewatch value is a little lower than I would normally give it, mostly because a lot of drama happens in this 2 hours. It might not necessarily be a good film to rewatch all the time, but it still is a good sequel and wraps things up at the end.
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I actually enjoyed the storyline. I also enjoyed where they ended the first part of the film series. It was a really fitting ending, and made you want to see the next film. I thought For me the storyline never dragged. I do wish that they would expand a little on the happy times that they went through instead of relying on the drama. I thought the build up to the romance was very well executed.
I have not read the Manga nor have I watched the anime. I found this storyline with no context to either, still very enjoyable and definitely a recommendation to future viewers.
Acting/Casting: 8.5
I have to be honest, at first, I didn’t like the male lead. To me, he wasn’t as handsome as the second male lead, and he did not look he should be in high school. It bothered me slightly that they didn’t recast for the second film, because both leads didn’t quite look like they belonged, given their style. But he grew on me throughout the film, mostly just because he did a fantastic job. Dealing with these type of moody characters is typical in Japanese drama’s, but I liked the complexity of emotions he had throughout. One particular scene for him stood out, when they were looking at his ex-girlfriend’s photo.
The female lead was okay as well. I thought they could have gone with a slightly better lead, in terms of choices, but I find her characterization simple. Which a complex storyline, that was kind of what the role called for.
For casting choices, I thought they should have chosen younger actors for the first film, then used the leads only in the second part. It would have made the impact, For me a little bit better.
Music: 8.0
The music never bothered me. I didn’t particularly take any interest in this film, listening to music wise. I do feel like silence would have been more impactful at some turns, but it worked okay with in this film.
Rewatch Value: 7.0
The reason why this isn’t a highly rewatch value, is mostly just because it has a lot of drama and deals with the significance of death and how it affects those still living. Though it may not be a tough situation for some, others may find it hard to rewatch. Especially ones who have lost loves. Though overall it is a extremely great film, and I recommend it to first time watchers of Japanese romance-school films.
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Story: 8.0
With the overall story, I thought it was very well perceived. A young woman freshly out of college gets a job at a very famous company. She finds out she got in because of her blood type this “panda” blood. The CEO, the brother of the women she helped save, falls for her innocence and naive personality, while later stays in love when he realizes how strong she is underneath it all. They break up, or “on a break” get back together, happy ending. It's a typical romantic comedy. With some exceptions, in the end you are happy for the female rival, and happy that they become good friends. The male lead goes after her instead of the other way around. And the family dynamic that is present in a lot of rich boy, poor girl, is missing.
Though I enjoyed the journey and loved watching it, I found myself slightly disappointed that it gave into some of the typical cliches that dramas tend to do, such as the misunderstood because he hides things from her. The women being nice to her face, but secretly going behind her back on everything. The long drawn out story arc’s that could have been solved in relatively two episodes instead of five.
I liked the last little bump they had to go through in order to get together. I think it should have been a bigger story plot than it was, because it made you happy to see Shan Shan achieve the success she did.
I think what would have improved this for me, is if the cousin’s Liu Liu’s love story started earlier, instead of in the last two episodes. Everyone else's was so drawn out, that hers just seemed to be rushed and unplanned.
Overall the story is interesting and isn’t boring what’s so ever, just a few things I personally didn’t quite care for, but that doesn’t mean it was portrayed badly in any given circumstances.
Acting/Casting: 9.5
I think the thing that makes this story so well done, is the acting. The casting was perfect, though I might have gone for someone different to play Wang Pin Ruo, just because she didn’t really seem fit for me. But it was such a minor character, she served her purpose well that I didn’t think much of it until after the show ended.
The two leads chemistry is what kept me coming back towards the middle where the story started to slow down in pace. The breaking out of the stern rich man character was very well portrayed, while Shan Shan’s innocence was portrayed in a way that gave people hope instead of hating the character. You saw her happiness diminish as she struggled to go through the ups and downs of being connected to such a big power. Overall the acting and casting was very done, which I believe makes this one of the main reasons people recommend this drama.
Music: 9.5
One thing I would change about the music is the use of English lyrics. It's only thing because I found myself slightly distracted by the english lyrics, I found that what they were saying fit with the tone that they were trying to do, but with them speaking over it, it was hard to concentrate. But everything was fantastic. They knew when to play music, when not. When to play dramatic instrumental, the happy moments, the cute moments. It was really a good example of what to do with background music, in my opinion.
Rewatch Value: 8.5
I found this drama not hard to watch and very easy to follow. This is one that you would rewatch while watching something that is overly sad. When you want to have a happy ending and watch someone’s personal growth through work, love, and self-esteem.
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I enjoyed the story completely. Based on a manga, this talks about two people are forced to room together, and slowly fall in love. Though it's cliche as it is, I think it handles itself very well. Do I think the last couple of episodes were necessary? Not completely, but I did enjoy them noneless. It's’ not a long drama, with only 17 episodes, but sometimes you wish to see more.
Acting/Casting: 10.0
As far as casting goes, this one is very well casted in the female lead as well as the male lead. Both could portray the emotions needed in the circumstances. I think this drama especially showed Fukuhara Haruka to play the complicated emotions of masking someone’s sadness in the eyes of others until alone. She did a wonderful job, and I don’t think I could find someone else to play her as well as she did.
Music: 9.0
The music matched well with the drama or rather the lack of music at points. It set the mood for the future parts of the episodes, and made some scenes funner, at least for me. Though some of the tones where just a little high pitched for me, but that is completely objective.
Rewatch Value: 8.5
I think like every teen drama this is completely one of those one that most people decided if they like or not in order to rewatch. Unlike some that you may love on the first time, but hate the second, this one can withstand years of viewing. So for this the rewatch value I think would be high as compared to other teen dramas.
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This review may contain spoilers
Story: 7.0A fifty shades of grey, with a pg-13 rating. I don’t know how else to describe it, other then it wants to be more but it just isn’t. The storyline is easy to follow, in terms of it making sense, plotwise, there is no transition in between points, so it’s kind of difficult until you get in the flow of things. One episodes shes getting a job, the next she’s getting stalked, the next she’s moving in with him.
It’s fast pace, and one that is trying to cover at least 5 volumes worth of context in a little under 10, 25 minute episodes. If you are used to cheesy quick Japanese dramas, this one isn’t that bad compared to some others.
For this storyline, you also have to suspend your viewpoints and realize this scenario can only ever happen in dramaland and no where else. If this happened in real life, the lead character would probably be the police’s most wanted list. And the female lead would definitely have been dead by now.
Acting/cast: 8.5
I don’t think with this plotline you could get better actors. The script is cheesy, and the two leads have chemistry which makes it work, but the overall script is a little wonky. This type of genre goody-two shoes is right up Fukuhara Haruka’s ally, so she pulls it off well. And anyone who thought she should have ended up with the second male lead in Good Morning call, He just happens to be the lead in this one!
Music: 10.0
I honestly thought the background music was fantastic. It was well placed and matched the mood of each scene. I have no qualms with the music throughout and I have had the theme song stuck in my head all day! It’s catchy and I find myself dancing to it, when it comes on.
Rewatch Value 8.5
Each episode is only 25 minutes long. The plotline isn’t hard to follow at all, it’s a corky kind of drama, so it’s short, sweet, with some laughs. Something you can easily watch in a bored afternoon not knowing what to do.
Overall: 7.5
Just don’t think too hard on it, come in with zero expectations and you got yourself a relaxing afternoon.
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If you like murder mysterious and twists and turns that you necessary wouldn’t be able to predict, this is the drama for you! Though I have some things that I didn’t like, about the plot, mostly that at times, it seemed they added one or two things that were slightly irrelevant or didn’t tie up as nicely as I would have wanted, that doesn't mean I didn’t enjoy the ride. It is well worth a watch.
Acting/Cast 10.0
Everyone in this drama was perfectly casted for me. I wouldn’t change anything when it came to casting choices. If you want to see a drama that is very well acted, you should definitely check this drama out. I don’t think people quite understand how changeling and hard it is, to play someone like Si-mok, and have others interact around that type of character. As someone who understands the field and challenges of acting, I thought it was very well done, and if you had gone for someone else, odds are you they wouldn't have been able to pull it off.
It was really nice for me to see Bae Doona in a roll that wasn’t as serious or at least she smiled and had acted goofy in this more than what I have seen her do. Her ability to change between the two is, really wonderful and very well executed in this role.
Music 10.0
The music for this show was very well placed and very well chosen. There wasn’t any over dramatic song choices that didn’t fit the concept as far as the OST goes. The music was subtle at points that it needed to be. I have no problems with the music, in fact, ti made some moments even more intense for me.
Rewatch Value: 2.0
I found the story topic and the overall surprises, wouldn’t be good for a rewatch to me. Because I know all the twist and turns once watching it, I don’t believe there series would be as exciting the second time. Acting wise, the drama would be enjoyable to watch an episode every once in awhile. But if the sequel does happen, you better be sure I will be watching it.
Overall Episode Average Score: 9.28
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This story made me wish I had a sister. The plot wasn’t very complicated which I enjoyed, and its a simple 10 episode drama that you can binge in a day/night. The story had me laughing and crying all at the sametime. This drama is a definite for anyone who likes a strong female cast, and enjoys the family dynamic that comes with sisterhood.
Acting/Casting: 10.0
This was so well casted! I can not tell you how much I enjoyed the two female leads in this. The only question I would have had would the casting choice of Sakuraba Soichiro just because he seemed a lot older than I thought he was supposed to be. The overall acting kept me wanting to click to the next episode. I truly have become a fan of both leads, their bond between the two showed on screen.
Music: 10.0
The music in this fit perfectly. It kept me into the story and didn’t take me out once. The intro song was very well with the drama. I’m not a music expert, but it was really well done, and they knew when to not play any music.
Rewatch Value: 10
I wouldn’t hesitate to rewatch this the moment I feel lonely because it left me feeling happy and appreciative of the family I do have. This is truly a jem and added to my favorite list of dramas.
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Overall, I enjoyed watching the series because it was short and cute. Could I watch hour long dramas based on these characters, storylines, & Acting. No. The storylines were chessy and over done, but for this cute little concept I enjoyed it. Each episode was only about 15 minutes long. My favorite storylines was the last two, the Part B series. I enjoyed the emotional aspect of them as compared to the first two.
Story: 9.0
The overall premise of picking your own story based on your favorite character, is actually a great idea for a drama lover. No second male lead syndrome, no wishing you could imagine the lead with the other. Every loose love interest loophole is tied down. I really like the story premise, that life is full of choices, pick yours and you can change the outcome. That life isn’t so simple after all. That I did like, and I did enjoy the cliche moments. What can I say, I’m a romantic at heart. (I would pick the ex-boyfriend)
Acting/Casting: 6.5
I didn’t take this as serious as I would an actual drama. The acting was tolerable, but I could see need for improvement with all the leads. The lead actress is an Idol/Actress from the girl Group AOA, by the same name. According to My Drama list this is her first time starring as the Lead in a drama (although a web drama), and I would like to see her improve a lot more, maybe with a different subject matter. The role didn’t seem to really fit her all to well. This is also coming from someone who actually likes Idol Actors/Actresses. She has the emotional moments down, I just think she didn’t fit for this role. The male leads are all from the group SF9, before they debuted as idols. There were FNC Entertainment Trainees at the time. The male lead of Cha-ni, the actor by the same name, has actually been acting since 2009. I can see need for improvement. I can also understand that we didn’t really have much character depth with such a short time period of knowing the characters and the writing of the quick drama series.
Music: 9.0
THe music fit for the teenage web drama that this series is. I thought it was great, and didn’t take me out of the moment. It wasn’t over the top with anyones group vocals, and was purely about just moving the plot along with each new story.
Rewatch Value: 9.0
It’s short, it’s cute, it’s cheesy. Rewatch value is always up to the beholder, but because this show did get a good couple of laughs out of me, the Rewatch value is high. This drama is only 15 minutes per episode and can easily be watched in less than 2 hours. Nothing to waste the day over, but enough to pass sometime. For that reason, the Re-watch value is high for me.
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Story: 7.5
The story features a shy lonely “Plain” girl, who attracts the attention of the most popular, handsome boy in town. Similar to Boys Over Flowers minus the raging confidence and good-girl persona. The story overall was simple and easy to follow, there was less drama, and more of, I don’t think I’m good enough to be near him type of situation. It was mostly just about inner growth and trust in a relationship that led the drama than actual drama. In reality, this story plot seems overdone with many different versions of the sorts, but it wasn’t a horrible attempt at the concept.
Acting/Casting: 4.5
The less than stellar cast was kind of a down fall for this film. The chemistry wasn't really all there, there were sparks, but I found myself wishing that they could have gone with different actors. The main lead girl was boring to watch, and terrible at getting the little emotions out, even though this role, a stoic bottled up girl, calls for an actress that can do those little hints that no one sees.
The second leads were even worse, with dialogue that didn’t quite read what the actors were trying to portray, I often found myself thinking how forced most it was. It felt like some of the actors took this film for a paycheck.
Music: 7.0
I didn’t notice the music throughout this film. So I can’t quite tell you whether or not it helped or not.
Rewatch Value: 2.5
I found myself wishing the film was over before the ending. I am reviewing this on my second watch, and I wished I was reviewing films on the first watch, because the second viewing I found myself bored and slightly upset over some of the concepts and acting.
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Story: 9.0
The premise of the story is suspended on disbelief that a woman in this century can let a complete stranger into her house without knowing anything. Take that aside, you have yourself a story plot that is simply a romance film or a ‘Chick flick’. I don’t like that term, so we are going to call it Romance Film.
If you enjoy light hearted films, that mostly just revolve around two people and their relationship, this one is for you. It’s quite simple story plot of a man moving in with a woman, wins her over by cooking, and breaks her heart only to make it up for in the end. Though I wish at the end they could have added more drama to how she reacts to seeing him again, I think compared to other Japanese films dealing with romance it was a nice change from the dark and dreary endings.
The thing that made me fall for this film was the simplicity of it all, yet had deep meaning behind every word, every action. It was simple, yet dealt with real mature emotions such as going through a heartache, dealing with falling in love, jealousy, and love. Easily in one of my top 10 favorite Japanese films.
Acting/Casting: 9.0
I think the casting for this drama was great when it came to the two leads. We didn’t really get to see so much the supporting characters, they were mostly just used as sub plots in order to show the feelings of the two leads. But the choice of leads for this drama for me was spot on. This film relies heavily on chemistry, for me, I could see it. It had me giggling and laughing, crying and wishing to see more. Both actors did a fantastic job, though this is the only film I have seen either of them in, I thought it was very well put together acting wise.
Music: 9.5
I really, really, really, loved the fact that they didn’t use lyrics during the film. They only waited till the end to add music with lyrics. I find lyrics slightly distracting when they don’t fit with the film, and something such as this would have ruined the moment. The instrumental music helped make the film flow, and keep emotions high for the audience. I enjoyed the soft tones of the piano, and the way it fit with the overall scheme of simplicity of the film.
Rewatch Value: 8.5
For myself, because I love pure romance films with happy endings, I could find myself watching this again on a afternoon, or introducing it to a friend who loves romance films. Its one of those films that leaves you with happiness and a completed storyline, that will make your toes curl and you smile. A feel good film that is worth re watching over and over again.
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Story: 10
The story was one of my favorites. For many reasons, but the number one reason was that it didn’t rely on traditional cliches. The two leads never got into a huge argument, they never broke up, then got back together, they were just two people who went well together and dated. I feel like if they did go the traditional route, of breaking up and getting back together or having misunderstandings there would be many plot holes in this drama just because of how the characters are actually described and portrayed. One reason this wouldn’t have worked and would have gone against the characters is that, both leads like to know all the facts before they jump to conclusions and makes decisions.
The other big story plot that I liked in this piece was that whenever someone tried to say she wasn’t good enough or she got there on her looks she would just nod, than prove them wrong silently with a quick attack, yet she was still portrayed with feminine qualities. (This of course is my own Opinion and others may differ).
Another thing that story had was the slow build up that actually worked and showed how trust was built between characters, that that trust isn’t actually easily broken, unless communication doesn’t happen. There are some things about the relationship that slightly bothered me, but the story plot showed a open and honest relationship between two people that was built over a length of time.
On a last note on the story, if you have read the novel, it sticks to the script of the original piece (the novel) perfectly. This was a good interpretation of the already good original piece. I fully enjoyed the ride and wasn’t disappointed in the least.
Acting/Casting: 10
I know some people had some issues with the casting of the female lead, and I understand why, but for me, her acting was phenomenal as the role. I have watched both the movie and the Show as well as read an English translation of the novel, and this actress was more close to the original text than Angela baby was. Yes I thought Angela Baby didn’t a great job, but I’m not a huge fan of the movie.
Now that has been said, I think the casting for this film was done to a perfect ‘T’. The male lead, Yang Yang, was mysterious and handsome and played the little innuendos perfectly. The female lead, as said before worked the best with him, and in my opinion I thought their chemistry was what really sold me on the acting.
The supporting characters such as Er Xi and Cao Cuong, I wasn’t the biggest fan of in the beginning, but I slowly warmed up to them. Although it did take me re-watching the show to actually like Er Xi’s character in the slightest and this time around I could understand better why she was angry. The complexity of human emotions of getting your heart hurt by everyone only to find out they were hurting her, because of your best friend was really well done. I appreciated the acting more on this note the second time around.
The ‘villains’ were perfect and I liked how the weren’t actually labeled just bad guys that they all were redeemed in some sort of way except for the few who weren’t supposed to be.
To end on a good note, I fell in loved with most of the characters and the ones I didn’t (excluding two) I felt some form of Empathy for that made me enjoy the show even more.
Music: 9.5
I thought the music for this drama was one of the best for teen drama. It was very well placed, the instrumental background music helped established the mood of each scene, the heartache scenes, as well as help build the tension. Even sad mood scenes, instrumental wise that are usually are reserved for the leads or protagonists were also used for the ‘villains’ in the story during their sad moments. It helped expand the characterization of each, even though sometimes characters appeared to be two dimensional.
Rewatch Value: 9.0
I gave the rewatch value a 9.0 because this is one of those dramas that people will love to rewatch if they enjoyed the first watch. Its one of those that when you are tired of other dramas, you want something fresh again, I would come back to this. But I do understand that’s it's not everyone's cup of tea, the leads don’t fight, the drama is slightly mediocre and it's mostly just watching of a build of a relationship that relies heavily on chemistry between actors. So I would highly recommend this for a rewatch value and to keep on your list of dramas to watch on a saturday or sunday afternoon, with the knowledge that not everyone likes Fluffy things.
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Acting wise, I thought the female lead was casted perfectly. The male lead, maybe not so much, but I think that was due to the slight lack of chemistry. Through it was there, it just wasn't there in the sense that I had seen with a pervious movie the lead actress had done. But overall I thought it was well casted in some parts and others maybe should have gone with a different choice. (Not the best friend, love her). [8.0]
Music wise, the male lead has a singer part, though I don't think hes a bad singer, I do think they could have chosen someone better. (Still can sing me under the table), but that is just my own personal thoughts on the matter. The background didn't really bother or take me out of the movie, so it was pretty good. [7/5]
Rewatch value I give about a 50/50 due to, I wouldn't mind rewatching but its not on my must see again list. So, maybe? [5.0]
Overall score is 7.0
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This review may contain spoilers
Story: 5.0Real quick rehash: The story follows the Elric brothers, Alchemists, as they try and get their original bodies back after trying (and failing) to bring their dead mother back to life.
But the story of FMA is so much more then that in the long scheme of things that they don’t really go very deep into in the film. Such as blind patriotism, Authoritative governments, & a discussion on whether ‘just because we can, does it mean we should?’ sentiments. The Ishvalan war is a major theme that they kind of minimized in this film. Scar isn’t present at all & some character arcs have merged into others. Leaving me confused on who is supposed be what from the original story line.
When viewing it the first time, I remember thinking how it felt like they were trying to write a book report on a book they read years ago and were having trouble remembering how it went without looking at the source material. On a second watch, I could understand the flow a little bit better, but it still falls flat in terms of how I, a fan of the series since I was 15, would have liked to seen it done.
The problems I had mostly with it, was how they decided to pace things out. Having watched the Anime and Read the Manga, I can see their viewpoint. I wished they would have stuck more to the timeline of the overall FMA instead of trying to condense so much into one. With FMA where there really is no clear “arcs” throughout the manga or Anime it just blends together and mixes like a fluid storyline, this would have been better paced out over 3 or 4 films.
I still found myself enjoying seeing characters I love brought to life in new and invented ways. The film was still an enjoyable watch and even though the storyline is kind of different in terms of how things progress and who is who, I still think it’s worth a watch. In terms of ranking, I would place it below Brotherhood and the Manga but better then the 2003 adaptation. So third overall in the series of my FMA Journey.
Acting/Casting: 9.0
I think this was really well casted in the actors they chose to play the roles. In terms of whether they should have actually casted it in terms of non-japanese actors, it was clear that this wasn’t a quote “hollywood” movie like Death Note (Thank God). This was a Japanese produced, Japanese Animated, & Japanese casted mainly for a Japanese Audience. Which clearly the backlash it got on twitter was stupid.
I remember my first time watching it took me a while to get used to the animation and Ed’s terrible hair, but the second time I realized how well casted the roles were. Though Winry can be more comical, Tsubasa Honda has very good chemistry with Ed, Ryosuke Yamada. I think for Al’s voice they should have gone with a voice actor that actual did anime and not someone who mainly appears on screen. It’s two different types of acting and I think they would have gotten more out of someone being more acting vocal wise. Dean Fujioka was great as Roy Mustang and had great chemistry with Misako Renbutus, Riza, & Ryuta Sato, Hughes.
Overall it was well acted compared to other Japanese dramas and films. Everyone was very good, fit their characters, and the style of the overall film.
I believe what a lot of people who don’t seem to like this film haven’t really watched Anime adaptions before. So some the characterization or mannerisms that I’m used to Japanese Dramas & films.
Music/Costume: 8.0
I finally decided to talk about music & Costumes, something I can actually talk about!
Music - So firstly the music throughout helped place me in the world of FMA. The little orchestra sounds helped me focus on whether they meant the scene to be more of a Joking vibe that FMA is famous for or the serious part. Just like other Japanese Dramas, this has a very lack of musical elements to it as well.
Costumes - what I have a degree in. I applaud them for trying to be true to anime/manga. They don’t take as much liberation in character design as I kind of wished they did on some aspects (Costume wise). For me what I found that made this feel low budget and almost too Cosplay like, instead of a big budget studio produced film, of the types of fabric used & wigs. These were heavy fabrics for the uniforms that gave it the almost cartoonish look rather than realistic. Some of the fabrics clashed with the real life background, making it feel slightly unnatural rather than more fluid and something you would find in this world. The wigs also threw me off with how fake they look. It’s the kind of wig level work I expect from people on a very low budget and people who have been taking care of wigs to be at conventions not films. I also think Al & Ed’s Arm and Leg shouldn’t have been animated in some instances. When Al & Ed are fighting, it makes sense, but when they are standing around talking or doing simple movements it wouldn’t have seem so out of place & unnatural. I believe the main reason it seemed out of place was how realistic everything else was in the background. (They literally shot it in Italy.)
Rewatch Value: 8.5
I’m reviewing it on a second watch. The story plotline isn’t hard to follow if you know FMA at all. It seems to keep more closely to FMA: brotherhood then the original anime (Which is a good thing). The weird little quirks that the show has for me, don’t hinder my viewing experience. It’s not that deep that it’s hard to rewatch over and over again. A solid movie I would again. Not the best anime to live action I have seen (That title will always be hold by Rurouni Kenshin), but not the words. *Cough* Death Note (2017) *Cough*
Note: After writing some of my review I found out that Warner Bros only bought the rights and didn’t really have any help in making the film. When I saw Warner Bros name attached I kind of thought this had a must higher budget and more of inter-country working film sort of like The Great Wall did with China and the US markets. That was not the case for this film. (most of this has to do with the animation & costume part)
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For me, this drama lands in my top 5 favorite South Korean Dramas, and probably my top 5 favorite dramas in general. This was a rollercoaster of a ride, that had complex story, yet three dimensional characters. The acting, the consistent plot, and the different emotions it portrays made this a hit drama in my eyes, one I would gladly watch over and over again.
Story: 9.5
The story was something I have never really seen before in a way that portrays a woman as the superhero in my days of watching Asian dramas. I particularly liked the way that it was set up to follow a clear formated path. It took you down twists and turns of what was going to happen next, but it never, in my eyes, lost what it clearly was. A comedic story yet with a dramatic overtone.
The only issue I had with the story plot, was the sub-plot that seemed irrelevant in the long run, such as the one with the gang boss and the school gang. It just seemed like it was meant to fill up time in some areas. Though I enjoyed some of it, it just didn’t seem to be there except to help with comic relief. Which is a good thing for a story that is meant to be a comedy but going down a dark path.
I enjoyed mostly the romance between the two leads. It’s been awhile since I saw the man chasing after the girl portrayed in such a healthy way. Though whether or not a drama can ever portray a healthy relationship is another entire conversation for another day, that I’m not even sure of my own answer.
But this drama comes close it. The romance is what brought me in, but the action and comedy is what kept me.
Acting/Casting: 10.0
There wasn’t a moment where I thought that the cast was wrong. I thought every single person who was chosen for their character played it perfectly. This was in my opinion one of, if not the best casted Dramas I have seen in awhile. Though some of the sub-plots were boring to me, no one was out of character even in those tiny roles.
The Two main leads had chemistry with each other that skyrocketed through the roof since the first moment you see him lay his eyes on her. The chemistry between the secondary characters and the leads was perfect and didn’t feel disconnected.
But what I was pleased about with the acting was the subtle little hints that something was going in their head. The realization to go from a comedic moment to one of the most dramatic was what made this drama click for me. One of the scenes where you see the male lead in the hospital acting happy, but then that immediately goes away when his family comes into the picture. The backstory the character built up, showing plan view for others to read. The second lead who sees the world in black and white in the eyes of the law, struggles with his own feelings of denial, and the grey zone in between relationships.
The sudden switch of emotions of some of the acting, going from comedic to dramatic in a matter of seconds might be off putting to some, but for me, it truly showed the acting skills of the moment. The scene where she's drunk and brazen, yet vulnerable and sad hits me every time, because it's one of those moments you realize humans are more complex in their emotions than you believe. This characters were not two dimensional, and I can see that even in the ridiculous characters such as the gang boss, they two were also three dimensional.
Music: 9.0
I’m not really a music reviewer. So I tend to make this brief with a simple explanation. The music in this drama set what the moment was going to be. The comedic superhero entrance or the dramatic, tale of a serial kidnapper who ruins people's lives. The worst crime you could think of, against the funny, sometimes three stooges comedy that we're going to witness. Without the background music pushing the feelings, you honestly wouldn’t quite know who to feel. So overall, the music was good and well placed throughout.
Rewatch Value: 9.5
Re-watch value I believe is all up to the viewer. If you entirely enjoyed this drama as much as I have, you wouldn’t hesitate to make this re-watch value high. But if you have issues with it, you wouldn’t necessary add it to you must re-watch list. For me, it's a highly rated drama that is in my top 5 of Korean dramas I love. So I highly recommend re-watching it.
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I know people had their reservations about watching the drama because the actor is in his thirties and she is still in her teens, but for me, I didn't notice the age difference. Also this is a period piece, so the age difference here makes more sense, and in the story she's 16 and hes in his early to mid 20's which seems right. (Also if your used to Shakespeare plays the age difference isn't a huge thing.)
The music throughout this drama instrumental surprised and probably made this drama's feelings all the more real, its very well edited and very well placed.
Unfortunately the heaviness of this piece and horror filling of it, for rewatch value would be about a 50/50 for me. If I was in the mood, I would consider it, would I rewatch it with a friend if she/he asked? Yes, it wasn't terribly hard to get through nor was it difficult to watch.
Overall for me, I thought it was an outstanding in the acting, and outstanding in the cinematography of the piece. It was one of the most beautiful dramas I actually watched when it came to costumes, and the angles of the camera. Though the white wig was very well done, it only was messed up once or twice, and barely noticeable unless you look for it. I highly recommend this drama to anyone who isn't afraid of ghosts, witches, or dark spirits.
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