kath
United States
The plot is heavy so I did doubt if the writers could wrap this up well. And oh boy they did. Every problem was taken care of and they really did give justice to every character. I was only planning to watch this until the main guy figures out that she’s not the real Lookaew (because as I’ve said, I’m not ready for too much drama). But guess who got hooked and can’t stop instead???
What I like about this the most is how we got a super smart lead who literally talks about everything to his dad (this is something we don’t usually see in a drama, because parents tend to be those villains who contradicts their children). I like the dad-son combo and how they teamed up to connect all the puzzles together. There’s so many twists that I can’t even predict what’s going to happen next.
Overall, Nakark Kaew is an addicting masterpiece that you can’t stop watching. This drama hits all the good parts. Just when I thought something's going to happen next, it continued to surprise me and gave me a better scenario instead. I must say the plot is EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD! Yes, it has a heavyyyyy plot but I love how everything fits together and how it got solved in the end. I am usually for the romance, but in this one, I got hooked with both the storyline and romance. I didn’t even skip one bit and towards the end, I was always at the edge of my seat. Highly Recommended!!
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One of my favourite contemporary dramas
Rising With The Wind explicitly presents the reality in both the investment and manufacturing industries, and the unruliness that comes with it. It explores the conflict of interest that arises as two people with different nature collides, and also exhibits the difficulty of keeping business and personal life separately.The script writing is compelling. I thoroughly found the dialogues refreshing, and the variety of flawed (or rather dynamic) characters make for a more interesting viewing. The plot knows its theme well and did not go astray into any unnecessary tropes. It gave perfect balance between the following genre: business, romance, and life. The business aspect was intriguing and got me emotionally invested throughout. I enjoyed the flirty banters that the leads had from the beginning, the friendship that they formed while being business partners, and ultimately their seamless progression into being in a relationship. I like the chemistry between the leads, but I had to admit that their relationship was not ideal given their career situation.
What I like most about this show was our heroine (Jiang Hu) and her resiliency. She’s smart, capable, passionate about her work, and true to what she believes in. She’s not someone who puts romance first. She sets her priorities straight and someone who could quickly come back up again after every obstacle. SHE’S A QUEEN!
The performance of the cast was exceptional. I had a bit of a prejudice with Gong Jun after watching him in The Love Equations. But this drama made me a big fan! He nailed his acting as the ruthless investor from BaoXing, while on the other hand giving out the most loving expressions after falling in love with Jiang Hu. The portrayal of Chu Xi as Jiang Hu was also amazing -- her natural acting as a fallen heiress was perfect and made me sympathize with her character throughout.
I love the friendships that were interwoven with the main characters. These supporting characters were not just there to take up some of the screen time. You could see how they were used as emotional support in multiple ways. Not often do we see such healthy family/friendship/platonic relationships be presented in dramaland, so yes this is very much appreciated.
The production quality was above average, and the only problem I had with it (as always with the censorship) was how certain scenes had to be cut, which eventually resulted into awkward scene transitions.
Overall, this has been an addicting watch and 40 episodes seemed like nothing! I could see myself rewatching this again some time in the future.
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I started watching this with only one episode out and have been waiting patiently since then until it finished. I was busy catching up w/ its updates on weibo and twitter that watching GGS alone is already taking too much of my time lol. I mean that totally says a lot on how much i love this drama right???
The casts are well-chosen for their characters and gave justice to their roles. No offence but I don't see any c-actor who could pull off HSY like how Li Xian did it! He slays that frown facial expression without trying hard too much. I have always been a fan of Yang Zi since Battle of Changsha and Ashes of Love, and so I love how she nailed her character here again. A lot of people are complaining about her clothes but I wasn't bothered at all. I guess her bright and baggy clothes are there to constantly remind us of the characters' age difference.
The chemistry between the leads is so natural and cute that you can't help but ship them in real life too. I love the transition of their relationship from being awkward to being able to communicate well with each other - that just gives us a realistic feel of what really happens in the real world. Their seemingly natural interactions and chemistry are what made this drama one of my all-time top faves.
There were no draggy scenes (well, for me atleast) and I have watched 41 episodes with ease. I initially hated the flashbacks but later on realized how helpful they were with getting to know more of HSY and his strong determination to reach his dreams. I found the K&K boys adorable and funny, that it gave perfect balance to the romance. I loooveeee the second couple and craved for their scenes. Moreover, the more episodes I watch, the more I get attached to the old Team Solo. I love how even though they are already in two separate teams, they are still there to support each other (huhu true friendship indeed!)
Watching the last scene made me so emotional because I was just not ready for this series to end yet T___T. It has been such a good ride and I grew attached to all the characters.
I liked a bunch of dramas but there were only a few that I truly loved - the ones that i got really attached to and wouldn't get tired to rewatch despite the passing of time... And I could definitely say that GGS is the new addition to that list. I can see myself rewatching this from time to time whenever I need a mood booster.
Overall, I love this drama so much and would totally recommend this to anyone. Although it focused on the romance, it also centred around the characters' pursuit to their dreams that will surely motivate and inspire everyone.
PS. THE OSTs FOR THIS DRAMA ARE THE BEST !!!
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Hands down, THE BEST.
Unmet – perhaps the best drama I’ve watched – is a poetic, moving piece based on a character’s journey to self-discovery. It is heart wrenching yet beautifully written. It reminds us of the essence and priceless value of life, evoking emotions that could resonate for most of us. It shows that not everything can be explained in scientific terms, as such that there are some things that the heart remembers when the brain does not.Every episode is a work of art, crafted carefully for the viewers to relish every minute of it. The entire staff, including the actors, spent an incredible amount of time to make this drama authentic by brainstorming ideas together and adding ad libs whenever necessary. The lighting, sound, and camera work has been set up meticulously to convey the tone for each scene.
This drama explores the human intricacies and the compassion that goes with it. Some incidents are not necessarily sad and yet you find yourself crying by the end of it. You cry because of the moments, the heartwarming relationships, the storytelling, and ultimately, the dialogues that are so moving. The featured stories for each patient will struck a chord in your heart. The comradery of the people in the hospital has been amazing to watch; everyone cares for each other like family.
Miyabi was introduced as an amnesiac character who does not remember the past 2 years of her life and would now only retain her memories for a day. She does not remember her past, so does the viewers. And as the story progresses, the audience (along with the heroine) would also get hints of her past. Some characters may seem to be the villain in the beginning, but in reality, they are not. Every episode is like opening a pandora box, giving a revelation which made it interesting and thrilling throughout.
The casting is immaculate. The actors who played their respective roles have been brilliant with expressing their intended message beyond just words. In one interview, Sugisaki Hana mentioned that one of the best things about their drama is that: it trusts their audience. Sugisaki Hana’s portrayal as Miyabi has been nothing short of perfection. Same thing for Wakabi Ryuya’s portrayal as Sanpei. Their acting is top-notch and you can feel every bit of emotions of their characters without them even saying a single word. There are moments where the camera would zoom into their face without any dialogues, and you will just find yourself shedding a tear. Their persuasive and heartfelt performances conveyed the feeling of loss, exhaustion, the longing, the ‘what could have been’. You cry because you feel the the utter depth of sentiment from the lost memories. Sanpei and Miyabi’s love for each other is subtle and yet the chemistry between the two is undeniably strong.
I could go on and on, but nothing could encapsulate my love for this drama in a nutshell. One has to watch every bit of it to get the compelling viewing experience.
Overall, 10/10. One of the best dramas – if not the best – I’ve watched.
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This review may contain spoilers
I have no words on how much I truly enjoyed this drama. I have been meaning to watch this upon seeing the trailer, mostly because I have been a fan of Leon Zhang since V Love days and this will be the first drama I'll be watching with him as the main lead. He already had a few dramas with him as the main but sadly those are not subbed at all. Hence I thought this wont be subbed either and temporarily put it on the side. Thankfully though, it got completely subbed and I ended up binge watching this in two days lol. The chemistry between the two leads is off the charts and is definitely the main reason on why this drama quickly became one of my favourite cdramas this year. Their interactions and conversations are realistically convincing and amusing that I just want to squeal every time I see them on screen together. Their continuous bickering is just too funny to watch. And even though they did not become a couple till later in the drama, I still enjoyed watching their banters and flirty acts lol. No offence but Leon and Eleanor have done their roles so well that I don't think anyone could have pulled it off the same way.
The story is simple and does not have a lot of angst. I found the ocean research stuff interesting, as well as the Poseidon and Amphitrite backstory. Although I may get how not a lot of people will be interested with this and might find it boring (y'all can get away with skipping those parts tho lol). It did drag a bit in the middle, but I would say still manageable because of the two leads. The chemistry is truly the driving force of this drama I must say.
I loveeee the character of Ye Hai so much - how he's goofy most of the time but could also be serious and responsible when it needs to be. Although An Fei did not like him at first, he tried really hard and continued to show how much he likes her despite her indifference towards him. Ugh Ye Hai is just a boyfriend material alright?? I also like how they justified the actions of the characters - how they aren't really evil without a reason and how most of them changed towards the good in the end. I truly appreciate the writers for that.
The ending is a bit lacking but atleast it's a happy ending. As an avid fan of cdramas, I'm already thankful that the two leads ended up together in the end cos I honestly don't know what to do if they didn't T___T
Overall, I enjoyed this drama so much and would totally recommend it.
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This review may contain spoilers
FAVE WUXIA THIS YEAR
Compelling from the very beginning, Love a Lifetime hits all the good parts for me. It sticks to its core plot and does not move away from its theme. The writing nor the editing may not be the best, but its unpredictability and the way it set up the characters truly gives this drama an edge.Wuxia has never been my genre because I tend to lose interest halfway through. But that is not the case at all for this drama. I was intrigued from the start, wondered about the main lead’s identity and was quite confused about the plot which motivated me to keep going. The pace is neither fast nor slow, but rather just enough for the necessary events to occur.
It has less frustrating scenes than the usual Chinese historicals and has taken on quite a few fresh tropes. One, it is filled with multi-dimensional characters. It leaves you thinking what the characters' next action will be. A character may seem to be bad, but they could also have a bit of humanity in them. Secondly, misunderstandings that could have easily been developed from the leads' family conflict did not happen. The trust between the main couple is amazing and did not cause a lot of hiccups in the plot. Yes they doubted each other at some point, but overall? They were solid! I definitely salute Rong Hua’s unwavering trust to Nalan Yue. There were many instances that tested their relationship, but they stood strong, which made this a really good one to watch. Third, there is no third party. Initially i thought the fiancée would cause a problem, but nope! She turned out to be good (even helpful) until the end. This drama also did an amazing job with exhibiting different meanings of love. It could be selfless love towards your lover, your own family, or your power.
Its unpredictability is commendable. It took me along with every character, brought me along with their struggles and somehow felt their pain and dilemma. In short, it made me empathize with them. And so eventually, i get to witness how their characters changed because of certain events. I grew to care for the villain that I initially disliked, but also learned to hate a character that I used to love in the beginning. I got to love Dragon Howl City and even hoped for its survival when they faced some threats. And before I knew it, I was already cheering for another sect halfway through.
Let's also not forget how clever the female characters are presented here, most especially Rong Hua. She may not have the best martial art skills but she's smart enough to execute a plan that has always been helpful/successful. She may look fragile, but she's more than that. She knows how to pick herself up against adversity and think of ways to fight her problems.
Acting wise, everyone did not disappoint. Ren Jia Lun's acting has got to be the best thing here. He did a good job, regardless if it's a funny or a dramatic scene. The fighting scenes are also very gratifying to watch. Even the OSTs are amazing !!! They even get better as you watch more episodes lol.
Overall, this has to be one of the better wuxias out there and a personal favourite of mine despite its flaws. I'm the kind of person who values and loves a fresh plot + multi-dimensional characters, hence i think this drama worked really well for me. It successfully kept my interest and I don't think i even got bored at some point.
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A game of chess that is masterfully crafted
Admittingly, grasping this drama could be a tad bit difficult to achieve. It is like hanging on a fast train. Multiple characters will be thrown and their role on the show will perplex the viewers at first. Should they be trusted or not? Who are the villains? Who is the third person? The rebellion that happened in the past – which obviously is the driving force for the motivation of most characters -- will not be explained in detail and therefore adds more confusion to the viewers. BUT FEAR NOT, because once you get your footing of everyone and everything, you are in for a good ride. Now you are welcomed to a rather fun (or distressing) game of chess.This drama is full of characters that have so much depth. From the main to supporting leads, you will gain a better understanding of the reason for their actions. Redundant or useless characters are nonexistent. Everyone will be used as a pawn and will contribute to the game. Every move will put your brain on a gutter, trying to figure out what their next step would be. This brings us to what I love most about this show – unpredictability. The plan of the other would create a ripple effect and would, at most times, ruin the initial plan of the other. One decision or action could elevate to a bigger event which makes it even more interesting.
Even though the romance is not the focus, the tandem of the main leads is commendable. No skinship is even necessary, their joint venture to team up and knock down the eunuch faction is more than enough. Their utmost trust between each other throughout the drama did not falter. The loyalty that Ruo Yu have towards Qi Yan is admirable. No annoying misunderstandings are present as even though the male lead has continuously pushed the female lead away multiple times, she stood by her purpose – and that is to protect the emperor no matter what it takes. I love how both leads are smart and attempts not to bring their emotions to spoil their plans. The drama did a good job with displaying how much the emperor cares about his love, and yet he does not treat her as someone who is always in constant need of his protection. He trusts her by letting her go and have full confidence that she will get the job done. The female lead may be naïve at times, but she is strong and is someone that the emperor could greatly confide into.
The acting is brilliant and the heartbreaking scenes are beautifully captured. In fact, this is the first drama of Yu Xi that I have been truly impressed by her performance. Cheng Yi’s acting is already a given, and he indeed shined the brightest here. But flowers should also be given to other supporting casts (Yu Xi, Xuan Lu, etc.) whose crying scenes have broke my heart many many times.
Overall, this is one of the best palace dramas I’ve watched. It is fast paced with all the intriguing movements from every character. It did not drag at all as it kept my interest from beginning until the end. An emotional roller coaster ride that is worth every second. You will cry, smile, empathize, and lastly, gain a deeper understanding of everyone as the story progresses.
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This review may contain spoilers
I was very skeptical about this drama after watching the first few episodes because i found it too cringey for my taste. However the more episodes i watch, the more i get lured into the story. Okay, this drama has its flaws. It is not perfect. It is cliche at times. You will get frustrated with some characters that you just end up screaming in front of your laptop because of how stupid they are. You will probably have a love-hate relationship with the main characters. But I guess that's what makes this drama really addicting. It gave me different kinds of emotions and will make you think if you should empathize with some characters or not. Midway on the drama and I was already rewatching some episodes. And now that I finally finished it, I am back with rewatching my favourite parts again lmao.
The chemistry between GJ and YZ is no joke omg. Their love story is one hell of a ride but the end made it all worth it T_T The acting is also sooo good, most especially Zhang Ming En. I fell in love with his portrayal of YZ - how he nailed being a sweet boyfriend to GJ and how he acted as a jerk in the latter part. I felt his pain when he thought GJ betrayed him. I also love the character development that is very much present in the drama and how it walked us through the characters' journey to forgiveness.
Overall, there's never a dull moment watching this drama and I believe they wrapped everything up in the end. Definitely recommended if you're a sucker for romance like me. But even if you're not, it is still a good watch as it offers you some life lessons along the way (which is for you to find out *winks*)
PS. Also the OSTs make the drama even better huhu
PS2: So I have read other reviews about this drama and to be very honest, I enjoyed this more than Because Of You. I guess it's really a hit or miss. Try watching a few episodes atleast and see if you'll like it.
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Selfless love, action, "damsel in distress" trope - it has all the elements that i want in a drama so you could say i'm a little bit biased with my rating. When I read the synopsis, I already started preparing myself for a tragic ending. I mean, if i put myself on the FL's shoes, i don't think I could ever forgive someone who killed my family - regardless of the circumstances. Who would anyway?? However those are just my initial thoughts and everything has changed since then.Most of my sympathy goes to the ML (Kawin/Nai Noi), which was odd because I thought I would pity the FL (Chalita/Bell) more. The guilt he had to experience as a child and the lengths that he could do for the FL will truly melt your heart. The chemistry between the two leads is one of the best I've seen. The acting is amazing, most especially Alek. One look in his eyes and you could already see the love that he has for the FL. The kind of love that is not possessive, the one that seeks for FL's happiness more than anything. He loves her and yet there's that boundary that he could not cross because of the guilt. Oh I tell you, the scenes where he looks at the FL with his endearing eyes is heart-rending - because even if I (badly) want them to end up together already, I just can't bring myself to do so. The character that I also pity the most is Chakrit. It's kinda funny because I used to hate him in the beginning, but towards the end, I just want him to find the happiness he seeks.
There were TONS of times where the ML will save the FL so if you don't want that, well I guess this drama ain't for you. The FL is innocent and grew up in such a peaceful community (after the tragedy), so it's just understandable that she would find the fighting appalling. As a matter of fact, I love how the ML will do literally ANYTHING just to keep the FL safe. I think the only one thing that is annoying with the FL is how she easily comes with Chakrit and ends up being in danger in the end :---) But i guess, again, it's because she's innocent and was just really determined to find out who Nai Noi is. In any case, I must say that the FL is a pretty likeable character compared to other lakorns - how she could be smart and bold where it needs to be. She does not act on impulse and very much examines the situation carefully.
Most importantly, I love how the drama highlights the importance of forgiveness and acceptance. Let me quote what Nai Noi said in the end: "Don't let the bad past ruin the good time in the present. We might be upset, but must be upset with understanding. Accept it, and continue to move forward." This has really struck a chord in me and probably one of the few things that this drama has taught me. I could never stress enough how understanding and forgiving the FL is. She doesn't get mad easily, but is rather willing to forgive, accept, and cherish the present. Huhu both leads really deserve each other. They are wayyyyy too kind-hearted.
Overall, I would recommend this drama. It has a good solid beginning and has consistently kept my interest and suspense until the end.
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What makes it addictive in my opinion is the chemistry and acting of Mone and Takeru. I have been following their interviews and behind-the-scenes and they really did a good job with portraying their characters. Most especially Takeru!!! He has done some scenes that are out of the script, which only shows how well he knows his character.
I came in to this drama thinking it'll be similar to Itazura na Kiss. BUT I WAS WRONG! I loved Itazura, but that might have also been influenced by my love for the manga or its taiwanese counterpart. For Koi Wa, on the other hand, introduces a similar setup of a doctor-nurse couple but with a slightly different vibe. Hard to explain but Tendo is a bit nicer and shows more emotions towards his colleagues. I wouldn't really compare this to Itazura because IT IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT (JUST WATCH AND SEE LMAO). Sakura's contagious smile will never fail to make you smile :'') You will see how Sakura is very much deserving of Tendo's love. She has such a bright personality + a good heart too.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this drama. It presents a simple yet addictive story. No unnecessary drama and some conflicts got resolved quite quickly (which i loved!!!). IT NEVER LOST ITS SPARK THROUGHOUT THE 10 EPISODES, which definitely puts it on one of my fave dramas this year, and MY MOST FAVE JDRAMA TO DATE. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
PS. THE OST IS A BOMB TOO
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