silent_whispers
Dramaland
That said the instant the movie started up it only took me a few moments to be utterly disappointed. Of course I then immediately got why it was popular. Disappointed, but I got it.
Visually . . . that was probably my biggest disappointment. Because after reading the synopsis for the movie, I anticipated that this would be kind of standard old school plot for a rom com in the Asian market. What would make it great was the visuals of the mermaids. Well it was bad. China has some of the top graphics out there. They've been doing high tech stuff well before Disney asked them to make their bubbles for The Little Mermaid. So I figured China's mermaids would look stunning. Well I found the tails and one octopus man to look horrible CGI fake. Not to mention the action scenes. I've become spoiled with my affects and it took me a while to adjust. Even then there were so many awkward movie graphics that would still catch me by surprise. (Though I do believe the grandma mermaid was stunning. Especially in the fight at the end.)
As I've said the story was nothing new. It was pretty typical. Characters who hate/want to kill someone and have them fall in love, that's so dramas! What made it stand out was the message behind it. I'm sure you can guess it's an environmental one, but it's a message always worth repeating. I won't lie I had a good time. Even my dad (yes once I rented it and realized there were dubs I made my mom and dad sit through it with me) laughed at the antics. Whether it was from genuine laughter at it's cleverness, or the cop-actor who knocked it out of the park, or the sheer painfulness from some of the more awkward bits we laughed.
The actors were pretty good. I think the stand out performance was by one of the cops at the police station. (When he's first on screen he's the one on the right. Sorry I had a really tough time finding information.) Even both my parents commented on him. Liu Xuan would be my second choice, his character really came to life. He was so awkward and suave, even creepy. Strangely enough my heart gave a little jump when he spoke his cheesy lines to Shan (AKA THE mermaid). Shan and Liu Xuan where cute together. I think both leading ladies brought great energy to their roles. Though considering I'm more interested in finding out who played the cop, it had it's limits.
Music was fun, but not a style I particular care for. Most of the time I didn't think it fit the movie. (Since I keep mentioning my parents I reveal they didn't care for it at all!) No, I won't be seeking this particular OST out.
Rewatch? Oh, you betcha I will! This was one of those over the top movies that will make me laugh off any funky mood. Heck, I'll probably rewatch it with unsuspecting friends just to watch their reactions.
When the credits started rolling my dad turned and looked at me saying, "The Chinese have a lot to learn about movies." To which I said, "But they know! They make amazing movies, this is just on the campy side." The kind that a lot of US viewers stereotype Asian films to. Despite many already seeing some of the more serious ones. (Come on Crouching Tiger anyone?) Newbies to foreign films, especially the Asian stuff, should be warned. For the rest of us just know that it's way over the top. Personally I'm happy I watched it. It put a smile on my face and my parents will be making "plucking" jokes for many months to come.
(Oh, and in all fairness I have seen way crazier films come out in the US. To which my dad conceded the creepy clown movie we just watched last week and many others.)
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Il Mare is not a romantic comedy. In fact, I don't think I cracked a smile the whole movie. No parts were humorous--though I'm sure some might laugh at one or two of them. Which is probably what contributes to why the movie feels slow. The movie feels monotone. Monochromatic. Mono . . . well you get it. It's got one speed and feeling throughout the whole thing. (The US version had many flavors and is probably the only reason I like it just a tad more.)
This is a classic romantic film. It's sweet, and the time travel aspect is handled beautifully. Some might find it strange that the time travel is never really figured out, or that the characters don't truly question it. Probably that wonderment and belief is what makes these two such wonderful characters, and why they're love can happen.
In the end I think Il Mare is a one of a kind love story. Time travel romances have always been one of my favorites, and Il Mare's story easily stands on its own. Keep in mind you're going to want to watch this when you have patience. This is for a cold winter, or rainy, night that you're just planning to have a glass of wine and stay warm on the inside and out.
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This was an excellent crime thriller! Probably one of the better titles I've seen in a while. In fact, I'm going to be bold enough to say that this is what I've been waiting for to come out of Hollywood. Sure it was a bit of a slow begining, but it ended up being a really smart and slick korean version of The Italian Job--completely stands on its own. Really enjoyable and I got into it and loved all the sub plots.
All the actors are enjoyable to watch and it was hard realizing that The Thieves wasn't afraid to kill them off. This is an adrenaline rush of revenge, redemption, laughs, and cool thieving. Truly-totally-awesome fun movie!
If you're any type of foreign film fan, you've got to try this! There's some romantic elements, but for the most part it's all about the mystery, dazzle, and--poof--the heist. There are many layers to The Thieves and you're going to want to pay attention. Because when you think it's all over, it's not.
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My main issues with a lot of Rom Coms they tend to over do the nudity and sexual humor to a point where it's almost painful to watch. For those worried there's only two brief "breast shots" and that's the entirety of the nudity. This movie is definitely for mature audiences. I love the realistic take on Phone Sex, and why it can be so hot! To a bunch of friends just hanging around talking about sex and random things. What I love more is how Hyun Seung and Yoon Jung come to a point where they're so comfortable with each other they can truthfully talk about sex as well as personal things beyond that. Especially the long running question of Yoon Jung's panties!
A wrong number for a PS call made me thing this movie would be cute, but not much else. What can I say I'm a judgemental movie viewer. (Plus none of the synopsis do this movie justice!) Not only was that PS call sexy as heck, and funny, The resulting chemistry was amazing. Hyun Seung and Yoon Jung go from being angry at each other to being life lines. Hyun Seung finds help to move on past his breakup and realizes that no one is really at fault. There are good and bad times that lead up to the "end". In life you keep growing, sometimes you grow apart. Yoon Jung starts to become herself again. Realizing that she's been putting herself down, Hyun Seung helps her to love herself again. Friendship turning into an honest love. What I love the most is that it takes them a while to get to each point. Love isn't straight forward. It's hard to move on and get past your own fears.
Me likey a sexy movie that still makes me laugh! The humor is exactly how I like my sexual humor, meaning I don't want to poke my own ears and eyes out by the absurdity. Kim Ah Joong has been a fave for me after seeing her in 200 Pound Beauty, this girl is so fun to watch and I love her being in a more adult show. This is my first time watching Ji Sung, but he is an amazing actor and I look forward to drinking him up in other works. My PS Partner is easily one of my new fave Rom Com shows. In fact, this is probably a great movie to start a non-drama fan on.
Now if you'll excuse me, "Tell me about your panties!
Show me your panties.
Show me the color."
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Monster Hunt isn't just gimmicks, I'll give it that. In fact, I have to point out that it actually swaps gender stereotypes. The lead girl is the brave and fierce monster hunter. While the male lead sews, cooks, and is treated like how the female leads are treated by the male leads. Basically like inferior crap. It was hilarious. At one point the male lead is even pregnant! Holy, cow!
The reality is that Monster Haven has a lot of great ideas, but then they writers/directors just over did it. There's musical number, odd plot changes, over the top side stories. Sure it's a lot of fun and most of the movie I spent smiling and laughing. It was still too much and I think it could have been a bit more polished.
However, I think any movie fan--especially of foreign works--should see this one. It's fun and you'll laugh. Sometimes that's all you need and in that retrospect I can see why this was such a huge success. The end clearly leaves an opening for a sequel, which I see they're planning for 2018. I'm excited and will definitely tune in.
On that note I loved how this movie explores the concept of picking your own family, and what makes a family. Many times I was moved. It brings up big questions about different race and the misconceptions one might have to make their side "right".
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Hajimete Koi wo Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi
6 people found this review helpful
Weird adult.
That is the main theme of this drama. In fact, it's the main theme behind love, happiness, and not falling prey to just being normal. This all led to a very quirky and fun drama. For a bit.
I was addicted by HKwSHnYH's quirkiness. The amazing chemistry of Harumi and Yuri. Not to mention the awesome Yamashita, the bad boy turned teacher! Man that man had swagger! *shivers* Masashi (yes a cousin it's normal in Japan and actually many countries) was a lovable lead who was an annoying doormat who eventual kind of won you over. Characters actually had real relationships! Such as Harumi and Miwa! Miwa is Harumi's best friend. A bold and strong woman who loves Harumi and supports her no matter what. I how how she just wanted to wake Harumi up and help her find love. Because Miwa is a weird adult! In fact, Miwa was my favorite character and also had the best romance of the entire show! Which I will not spoil, but I will say Miwa's romance was my everything at the end. Because I had become so involved, and because Harumi's romance took a turn for the boring.
The thing to remember is that this story evolves around a woman who spent her whole youth studying. Then she gets a job as a cram school teacher and spends her whole adult life studying. Which is fine, that's her thing and joy! For a while you can feel her love growing back for it and you can't help but feel excited with her. There's a fine line with that type of material. The first hint was in episode 5 when the studying aspects took over. Then episode 6 and 7 were such wonderful episodes. Sadly after that HKwSHnYH's burned out. Focusing too much on studying and not balancing out the real story. Losing all the hot romance between Yuri and Harumi. It broke my heart. Because this is what the drama was supposed to be about! It can be argued that HEA ended on a happy note, but it was waste to. Because after being deprived of the fire of Yuri and Harumi's romance I wanted to see glimpses of them as weird adult together. Instead the writing takes pains to ruin that. (My review of episode 10 really delves into it.)
Maybe the writers thought they couldn't keep things innocent if they kept it up? I don't know. The things that made HKwSHnYH so wonderful and joyful got lost. They drug out heavy ideas and stories. Such as the tension behind Harumi and her mother, only to waste time and then rush the resolution any way.
Harumi is the most willful oblivious person I've watched in a drama in a long while. Which soon bogs down the last episodes and leads to a rushed and disappointing last episode. Yes, I got a HEA! With an amazing confession and proposal by Harumi. The fire I had grown to love. Not the stupid actions and fears she has in how she handled many other parts of the final episode.
The music of HKwSHnYH is really fun and fits well. The actors do a wonderful job! I mean it! The way they play off each other is wonderful. Especially since they're a quirky group of weird adults. Props need to be given to the actors of Yuri and Yamashita. Not only were they bringing their A game in the pursuit of Harumi, when allowed, they played off each other in such amazing ways. Honestly their scenes together were my favorite. This was comedic timing and reactions at it's best here.
The first 7 episodes were such fun. I can't regret that! I enjoyed myself so much and had a joyful smile on my face during that time. Sure the writers lost their way and the fire of Yuri/Harumi, but despite all that it was a satisfying enough ending. I'm greedy and I loath it when I'm denied what could have been a truly A-mazing drama. I realized that I had wanted to see the passion continue with Yuri and Harumi, duh. Things were rushed wrong and then not rushed right to show us glimpses of Yuri and Harumi as weird adult couple. I did get a wonderful side couple that made me happy, and technically another one. The HEA did bring back the Harumi that made me, and our three male love interests, love her so much. It was one heck of a HEA scene to make up for the whimper that Hajimete Koi wo Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi sadly went out on.
Also, I will never regret this drama for Yuri's hair. Who knew pink hair could be so sexy! Every lighting and scene was magic just to see him rocking it. Bravo. Bravo.
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The first few episodes were really weak. But as a drama fan I've learned that you need to stick around for at least 3 to 5 episodes before you make any hasty decisions. (Most of the time.) The show was iffy up to episode 5. And then it kept yo-yoing me back and forth! There were some magical episodes there, but then suddenly the next one or so would flop! You're All Surrounded really hits it's stride at 10 and then settles in at 11.
Now I said writing was an issue. And it's true the first episode was soooooo heavy handed that I guessed everything then and there. As it progressed I had to assume the writers knew it was too obvious, so even the twist wasn't that much of a surprise. The biggest problem is that this show is supposed to be a comedy. But I wasn't laughing until after episode 5, and even then the humor seemed so out of place. Because this is a drama about a boy trying to find the murderer of his mother. The writers had no balance. Many an overly wrought drama have been able to make some dark and scary plots seem humorous. Yet You're All Surrounded could barely put any comedy in, balance it with the Masan School Nurse mystery that was the whole purpose of the show, doing tiny cases to show the newbies learning the ropes, and all the other stuff that was tossed in.
For instance the romance lost some of it's time here. They created some pretty cute ones with plenty of cues. It's fine that You're All Surrounded isn't one, I just hate that they setup all these ideas and places to go then take it no where. In the end I was happy with the romance, it was sweet. But the chemistry wasn't happening until later and then it would be forgotten.
This show couldn't multi task all of the plots for the story. Which is a true shame. And a lot of things were added into the mix, but then never explored and simply forgotten. The big twist didn't come until the last two episodes! Leaving some big questions for characters. Which in that time could never be answered. Not to mention the drama about Detective Seok! While moving it was not comedic, it was sad and heavy.
Another thing is the shooting of the show was awkward. The director was trying some new view points, but it didn't always work out. Fight scenes had this glass effect and even the most tenderest romantic scene had it. Where the camera was moving behind what seemed to be glass and there was a seam that would glare. It was distracting.
Also I feel like the STELLAR cast that I have been talking about was limited. Or more correctly held back by the director/writing. Most noticeably Lee Seung Gi's. I understand that his character became cold because of his mission and such. But as I watched Lee I felt like he was trying to add more, but couldn't until the end. Which is a shame because I ended up not liking his character for half the show. He was given dramatic fist clenches, angry shirt grabs, single tears, boring dramatic stares, and limited smiles. It was painful to watch. Thankfully his character developed in the other half.
The actors here are impressive ones. Which despite the limitations that seemed to be put on the characters, they shined. Even the newbies! Which I'm looking forward to seeing in other dramas. (Ahn Jae Hyeon, yeah. He rocked.) Cha Seung Won was noticeably the best.
Maybe it was because Cha Seung Won's character, Seo Pan Seok, was given the most development and growth. It was crazy because he was this annoying and depressing boss telling these kids they would never become detectives. He would do everything he could to make them quit! Then once they earned his grudging respect he did a 180! He became overly moody, with a tragic past! So tragic that he tosses himself on the ground a lot. Strangest thing is that he became the comedic relief. Which was good considering all of his painful scenes. Cha made me feel his pain and then laugh at his goofiness. And I've never seen Cha so freaking cute. No really. So cute. Adorable even.
The music was excellent. The OST is probably what definitely helps You're Under Arrests likeability. Good music can make a lot of things better, especially when well placed.
You're All Surrounded is definitely a rush. For being 20 episodes it flew by! Especially after the first 5 were behind. Only a few scenes got drug out, but then the rest was a breeze. Which is probably why the bad plotting, predictability, and inability for this show to blend its multitude of ideas together didn't seem quite that bad. It's fun, and when it finally actually had some comedy the laughs were great. Especially the ending scenes. The amazing talent of the actors here made the most shallow of characters interesting and it's a shame the show couldn't develop them and the links they all had more. It was fun.
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A story of first love, moving on from old loves, loss, and responsibility. Yes responsibility. That last one is something movie viewers probably find the least bit interesting, and I appreciate it when a movie says, "Hey, you made a life altering mistake. You can't just shrug that kind of thing off. Take responsibility." The different kinds of love portrayed in Love 911 are complex and so real. From the devotions of friendship and comradeship to unrequited love, love lost and creating new love. It's a lot of love, and I enjoyed it.
You can tell that the cast had a great time filming this and it came into the movie so beautifully. This story isn't just about a lead man and woman and their love story. It's about the people around them and how their lives touch and shape others. To me an enjoyable story includes side characters that you can care about. Speaking of the lead man and woman, they have great characters with back story that makes both of them so believable. (Don't worry about it bogging down the story it's all paced well enough.)
However, like I said this is a comedy so you'll get plenty of laughs! It's a wonderful combination of humor, life lessons, and a great romance. Any romantic comedy fan is going to have a blast with this movie. That's not to say there aren't some plot flaws. (One questionable plot "twist" that is left open ended. Which I assume the writers a assumed the viewers would fill in the blank.) There are some predictable plot twists here, but there's enough originality to forgive all that. Plus, come on Firemen? How can you say no to that.
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Now for the review.
To be quite honest I bumped my rating up from 6 to 7 for story. Why? Because there is something super key here that most dramas do not have. Amazing women characters. Not just one! Three! Fei Fei our time traveling lead. The betrothed Lady to the Emperor/lead male, Yu Ran . The tomboy General, Sheng Nan. Who all break out of their stereotypes and actually become friends! Especially Yu Ran and Fei Fei. Because in a normal drama they'd be rivals looking to off each other. Well at least Yu Ran's character would be ready to off Fei Fei. Not here! Even when a common trope is brought in to ruin Fei Fei and Yu Ran's friendship it couldn't touch it. Because once Yu Ran calmed down she realized that Fei Fei is such a good friend she'd never betray her. That said I wanted to give this drama an 8 for story due to the amazing women and their friendships. Not to mention many stereotypes Oh! My Emperor breaks! Sadly it took a while for this drama to find it's footing.
Especially where Fei Fei was concerned. The first episodes were so focused on showing every character, their name, and Constellation title that it missed the mark completely on introducing characters. It was telling us without really imparting true information to the world. Fei Fei was used for the butt of every joke for a while. As the drama tried to find it's footing. Because without well established characters jokes and humor can't truly be established. So no other character could be made fun of or fool. Fei Fei took the brunt of it. So for 9 episodes she was—for the majority of it—the fool. They made her unlikable as a stupid/clumsy lead. Never establishing when she realized she had time traveled or her reaction to it. I mean suddenly viewers are like "Oh, so she has realized it's not a movie she has time traveled". At this time most of the other cast were developed. Then all of a sudden at episode 10 WHAM! THE BEST HUMOROUS NATURAL COMEDIC THINGS BEGAN TO HAPPEN. No really it was brilliant. Because despite it all Oh! My Emperor had broken molds and finally started to develop it's characters. IT WAS GLORIOUS. GLORIOUS. Soon this drama was rich with beautiful comedic timing and character chemistry.
Despite all that Oh! My Emperor missed it's mark on developing the world. If you're not familiar with Chinese lore and the constellations you're gonna be very confused. Do a quick google/wiki search to help feel in some blanks. Even then it's not enough. There's back history that is never mentioned or even hinted at until the final episodes. The goal of any story whether magical or modern, time travel, historical or present day/future day is to establish it's world. Pretend every viewer who is gonna watch it will not understand the time, world, lore, and it's people until it is explained. So on. Due to this and many places where I had to actually speed things up. (I normally don't speed up or skip!) Such as boring fights that lost there edge or gimmick due to the length of them. Many scenes that shouldn't have been cut, but others that should have been cut and weren't. Still Oh! My Emperor did have a decent flow and a fun world.
Overall I truly loved the cast and the actors are all brilliant. Right down to the cheesy crazed mobs! No really all of the leads and constellation holders were great. Once they were allowed to interact with each other and build rapport it was amazing. Especially episode 10!!!!! Oh, and 19! Of course other scenes throughout the series, but those to are my all time faves!
The music got super annoying. There was some fun light songs to fit this fun light drama. However, there were some super generic background music that I swear were pulled from other bad C-dramas I've tried to watch in the past. Which is fine not every drama can afford a decent music budget. It's just it was looped so poorly and so long sometimes I wanted to bang my head against my computer desk!!
Rewatch? You betcha! I'll probably be even more liberal with my fast forward and just focus on the good stuff, but this drama is definitely worth more than one viewing.
Overall this is a super light and fluffy drama! Charming! Time Travel Romantic Comedies are a favorite of mine. Especially since China basically owns this genre! The best part is that enough tropes aren't leaned into. Like what have could annoyingly turned into a love square was only a triangle. The female lead being allowed to have male friends and that's all they are. While looking out for each other. Not to mention women friends! Female characters that in a lesser drama would be enemies were buddies. I actually would even dare say a budding WOMANCE that must be explored in the next season. Most might not like the slow build up for the romance, but I like a well developed romance that builds up to the emotions. Not to mention a very engaging side romance, and I hope another side romance on the way! It must be said that the final episode troped it up so bad that I'm very annoyed. I feel like Fei Fei should not forgive and maybe get some righteous revenge. Because her actions should have spoken the loudest. I truly believe this series is definitely worth a look into. Especially if you're a fan of the genre! Or if you just need a break from *drama* and need some lighthearted laughs. Happy emotions on the way!
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Now that I've gone over the ending, I have to say starting Sungkyunkwan Scandal didn't go well for me. I tried starting it twice, and only got about 30 min into it. Then I gave up. Finally a year later after someone told me it was the best gender bender ever, I decided to try again. However, the most important thing was that this time I went in knowing this is a romance. A romantic comedy. The thing was when I had started it up I had only watched serious historicals, so Sungkyunkwan Scandal kind of blindsided me.
After I got two episode 2 on my third attempt at watching, I was finally swept off my feet. Finally! I was ready for the blend of gender bender, comedy, political intrigue, romance, and historical bundled in the best package ever. With a cute little bow on top! So if you have issues just push for episode 2.
Right up front I'm going to have to say it: It's not accurate or realistic!
Gasp, that's right! But we're drama viewers, we know this. It's part of the charm. To be honest SS does a fairly good job reminding viewers that Kim Yoon Hee (called Kim Yoon Shik most of the show) in this time period could be killed for impersonating a man. Yes, there are some unrealistic aspects and some stupid moves by Yoon Hee that could have gotten her dead fast. However, this is a light romantic comedy and it stays that way. But it still shows the oppression of caste systems, sexism, the importance of knowledge and the power of learning, and even tosses in the hope of a brighter society. It puts in so many amazing messages with it's heart warming romance and gender bending hijinks.
There are 3 males for fans to drool over. I loved that not all of the males were in love with Yoon Hee. Better yet, there are bromances! It's so sweet watching friendships budding between the scholars. The romance is crafted enough that the build up is perfect. No one just suddenly falls in love with someone. Characters fall in love with the actions and personalities of their significant other. It's so refreshing. For once despite my love for the "third wheel" in the love triangle, the main love interest was so well crafted (and human!) that I fell in love with right along with Yoon Hee.
What's more is not everyone knows right away that Yoon Hee is a girl. Even better is that the main love interest doesn't know that she's a girl for quite a while. He even starts to accept that he's in love with a boy. Which moved me to no end. That's always been a weakness: love that transcends everything.
Of course there are some issues with Sungkyunkwan Scandal, there always are with dramas. (Which is funny that I saw some complaints about it from viewers.) Yoon Hee is an amazing female lead. While some of her actions contradiction her smarts, she's still amazing and it was so nice coming across her. It helps that that all the other elements are excellent! Even if characters aren't leads they're all so interesting and the multiple plot lines are wonderfully done. Side romances, dirty deeds, and political drama it's a fantastic blend. At no point did any of the episodes turn into fillers. The writers did an excellent job. The soundtrack is well worth the buy. Basically Sungkyunkwan Scandal is the perfect combination. It's no wonder this is such a popular show with fans.
In the end I know I'll be rewatching this again. Solid comfort food.
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At this point I can't remember which Police Story got me into the franchise. (Pretty sure it was number 1 or 2.) However, I remember New Police Story with the fondness. Not only for feeding my love of this series and Jackie! But for introducing me to full blown man candy obsession (AKA Asian dream boat) through Tse Necholas as Frank. Wowza!
That aside it also brought the franchise on pare to the level of the current action movies world wide at the time. The graphics were decent enough, but it ruled over the practical effects making it a real treat as stunt doubles and cheap computer effects become more prolific in American stuff. (Practical effects are where it's at if you didn't notice my franchises of choice.)
The story may be over the top, but at least it tried! Don't you miss that? When action movies knew they were clichés, but still always tried for something new and unique!!?
Now I will address the female side characters sins of the action movie that, while I ignored them, need to be addressed. The female lead's love interest was a damsel, it is balanced out by herself sacrificing . . . but she's there to be a hostage. The police girl is cute and fun--yes I enjoyed her. But she's in the role of computer tech nerd . . . that doesn't get to do much. The villainess lead is of course the weak link and there to show us just how evil the main villain is. I was so disappointed by how and where her character ended up.
That said it's a ton of fun! The hero becomes the underdog and has to go up against the world. Of course despite everyone blaming him and breaking his pride, they truly support him. The action is Jackie great and as always I love seeing the bloopers at the end. (When that glass case fell on him prematurely I couldn't believe it. If his costar hadn't caught it things could have gone really bad.) A typical plot, but with fun new hijinks.
The plot has holes. Jackie's character was a bit unsympathetic to how he treated his fiancée. Plus, rich gamer kids? That's something different for villains! I applaud the writers for trying to make the dastardly villain have a backstory and relatability. Attempting to address physical and psychological abuse. It's affects on a person. Not to mention that moving little backstory and character connection.
That said the music didn't do much for me except the song in the credits. Visually it's great for its time. I have and will be rewatching this again.
Overall if you love classic action movies this is a great place to start. Technically you don't have to be familiar with the franchise because this has nothing to do with the first 4 movies. (As technically the 4th one as supposed to be part of the franchise.) Jackie plays a new character from the original. No longer is the Police Story comedic action. This one brought it into the era with grit and angst. I miss original concepts and ideas, but this was still brilliant. Jackie and his costars to great stunt work! The shots are ambitious and I'm impressed by the director. They couldn't bring May or the original concept back, so they took a risk. It paid off big time! Yeah!
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No really. I savored this thing. I started watching May 19, 2016 and dragged it out until November 10, 2016. Yes, Signal was so good that I did find myself binge watching episodes numerous times, but it was so fabulously wonderful that I would gain control of myself control so that I could savor.
The writing. Oh, my gosh the writing! Never have I given (especially now that I've got my rating scale down) a first episode a 10. Ever. Not even my favorite shows like Healer, Faith, I Hear Your voice, and etcetera. They've always had to work to lead up to that 10 rating. Signal nailed it on the first episode and I still have no words to describe that absolute bliss that accompanied such heights of writing. I don't think I'll ever be able to explain it. Though here is what I titled my episode one review: "One of the best first episodes I've ever seen."
The writer perfectly balanced the small arcs of crime cases to the larger arcs. We're introduced to the concept of these walkie-talkies (aka radios) connecting two cops through time. Using a seemingly inconsequential kidnapping case to pull them together and start them working together. There are some real life events pulled in and given their own twists. Most known is the famous Hwaseong serial murders, which I had heard would be the focus way back when word of the initial concept had dropped. So I was a bit baffled as to where the show would go, and stay strong, without the case. The writer is so confidant and amazing that the arc of the Hwaseong serial murders is epic! Holly cow amazing, but the other cases and the bigger arcs never falter after. In fact, the big arcs—sorry guys I'm trying not to spoil a thing especially if you haven't seen Frequency—are never far away. They're constantly being hinted and developed. So by the time its the forefront and focus of the show I was practically foaming at the mouth.
Even better is that the actions of the characters have consequences. Big ones. Even if they're willing and strong enough to try and change the past, lives are altered in the present and past. People who lived before die, others who died lived. Would that have happened if they hadn't intervened? There are many scary moments when you don't know if things will actually be changed, and moments of hope when you pray that they will be.
The actors did a wonderful job. Hands down some of the best acting I have seen in a drama and the proof of their abilities is in how many dramas these actors have landed since Signal. Performances by the leads and supporting characters never faltered. Their interactions are so real. Even the guest roles to play the victims and criminals did flawless work. If you asked me about any of the characters I'd probably have nothing but praise for them, even if it was the old lady collecting card board and garbage in one scene. All three leads did such an amazing job that I don't have words for them. They're just awesome.
The set designer and wardrobe/makeup people hit it on point. You didn't need the years flashed across the screen to know whether you were in the present day or the past. It was so consistent that I hope Signal wins tons of awards for that alone.
The music is well done and I really love the opening OST for the drama—even if it smacks heavily of another shows OST from America. Hey, it fit Signal perfectly. I thought the OST was well done and fit the show well. A nice balance for a show that spanned two time periods.
Signal's biggest ambition is that addresses the corruption of not just cops, but society. Addressing that those with power and money do get away with things, but if the people stay true and never give up justice can be served. There's many other topic addressed here as well. The blaming of rape victims, the emotions of the criminal and the victim. The consequences of actions and many more ideas.
The emotional impact and cleverness of the Signal still astounds me looking back and I made sure before I even finished it that I owned it for future rewatching. Director Kim Won-Suk truly surprised me, and I look forward to future dramas. Writer Kim Eun-Hee is officially on my stalk list! Future dramas will be a must and I've already started looking into the older ones. Overall I would say that Signal is a drama everyone should see. Especially if you've been starved for something that isn't just another stereotypical K-drama. Even if you are one who only likes the stereotypical drama fodder, try this! Because Signal is not only one of the best dramas I've seen, it's one of the best TV shows I've seen.
My review/words will never be adequate enough to describe or praise Signal. But I had to try.
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This series no matter if it's this original live action adaptation of the anime Itazura na Kiss (AKA Mischievous Kiss), the Korean or Japanese. This story is well loved. As an anime fan it's outrageous popularity normally would have forced my hand into watching it. However, I read the synopsis and some of the gushing comments about it and I knew I would loath it. After many drama fans told me that I would adore the Taiwanese live action and that it was the "version to make any grumpy viewer like it" I went for it. Which is the only reason I pushed myself past episode 1. 5 episodes in was pushing it.
The main character Xiang Qin is everything I hate to see in a lead, especially when it all piles up. She's stupid, pretty much begs the jerk of a lead to keep abusing her, clumsy, is laughed and put down by everyone who knows her, and she's down right stupid. (Yeah, I know I said stupid already but it really needs to be said.) She's like this sad little puppy who keeps getting abused but still loves it master. The male lead is the worst of the awful and disdainfully rude male leads that over populate the Asian media market. If anyone has ever read Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling books, he is basically a Psy. But unlike those books he doesn't redeem himself. The problem is this is the series that Jiang Zhi Shu--the male lead--is more humanized! The relationship is mentally and verbally abusive.
On the positive side Xiang Qin is a good example of how you stick out, you'll get what you want in the end. The actors all do a pretty decent job in their roles. Even if I thought the story should have been about Xiang Qin smartening up and finding a wonderful guy--NOT THE MALE LEAD--and finding herself worth. I had hoped that it would happen in the 10 episodes that I forced myself to watch(the self worth part). But it never happens on a high enough degree to make up for this horrible story. I know I'm going to get a lot of boos from fans on this review. But I'm tired of how rude-jerky men and stupid female leads are being encouraged and glorified. Yes, I've enjoyed this type of story and plot before. Guilty. Usually those stories have great writing to over come it. The issue is both the leads are unrelatable. The lead is basically a robot. This is a lesson for me about going with your gut and quitting before you start bashing your head in.
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That said Windstruck is totally beautiful, I actually bawled. The raw power of loss and love really swept me away. The hope that more can come after, that those we love never truly leave us. That they will always love and want your happiness is a wonderful message.
There are a few elements that viewers might find sticky such as revenge and suicide, but I thought all of the elements were introduced amazingly. Every actor(tress) did an amazing job and no one should miss this title.
A friend who couldn't get through My Sassy Girl wanted to know if you had to watch it to get Windstruck. No. You don't have to. However, watching My Sassy Girl before makes the ending really deep.
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At times there were very realistic looks into the characters. Such as Mugi and Hanna being able to go . . . pretty far. Then Hanna realizes that just because they are both cursed to feel unrequited love they aren't really close. There's many layers, so many messed up characters. HOWEVER. The drama introduces them but never truly pushes the envelope to its fullest potential.
This drama is pretty dirty, at least dirtier than most K-drama viewers are going to be used to. So heads up. That said this isn't shockingly so if you have seen American TV.
Sometimes the acting was very cheesy. Others very potent. Yoshimoto Miyu as Hana often seemed off at first, but the more episodes past she was brilliant. Especially as she confronts herself in her mind about the choices she makes. Mugi seemed to be a pretty flat character, so I don't really think the actor had much to work with. Sarii Ikegami as Ebato was truly a surprise to me. She played it so well. Oh, and the Akane character was well done. Talk about creepy smiles. Yikes!
This drama captured my attention from episode 1. Sadly by the end it kind of took standard tropes to an (supposedly) unconventional tale, and instead of delivering the ending of shock. It petered up and wrapped things up pretty tamely. Which I won't lie, in the long run probably was the right choice for it.
In the end this drama was both thrilling and boring. A strange thing to find myself saying after all.
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