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Last Twilight
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
gen 27, 2024
12 di 12 episodi visti
Completo 4
Generale 7.0
Storia 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Musica 8.0
Valutazione del Rewatch 6.5
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Perfect, except the ending

I was completely captivated by this drama from the very beginning — the plot of two people both in the darkest time of their lives finding each other and healing is always so beautiful, and I think Last Twilight sets it up perfectly. You can see very easily how Mokh and Day’s clashes actually bring out honesty and clarity for each other, and the theme of acceptance and treating people with disabilities as equals are both really powerful. I also just love the fact that there aren’t any villains; everyone, even the side characters, have their subplots, their motivations, and their development.

And there’s the beautiful episode 9 ending scene, which really stole my heart and made me shed tears. It was one of the most cathartic moments I’ve ever watched and the OST, particularly the main theme by William, perfectly ties everything together emotionally.

I continued enjoying the show until the penultimate episode and I was immeasurably disappointed to be hit with the last-minute break-up trope, and even more disappointed that the reasoning behind the break-up was something that had come up in the story before but had never been an issue. It felt way too fast and out of left field.

And then the final episode came and my jaw dropped when we were suddenly hit with a three year time jump. It’s another one of my least favorite tropes, and it just feels so many things had changed in the lives of our main characters and yet we were supposed to also believe that they didn’t change that much and were able to pick up exactly where they left off without extended conversations about what kind of people they had become. We got a little bit of them addressing their situations, but I felt like the “I’m sorry for feeling pity for you” resolution felt really shallow and didn’t at all capture how much depth was in their relationship before.

There were also additional plot developments that felt so random and rushed — such as Day getting his eyesight back at the last minute. There’s the argument that it’s okay because he’s already grown to accept himself either way, but it still felt really disingenuous to the disability theme to show that he needed his eyesight back for it to be considered a happy ending. Part of this is also just because it all happened so fast it felt thrown in.

I felt like I really emotionally checked out for that last episode — there was just such a huge gap between who I was seeing on screen and the characters I’d grown to love from the previous episodes. For me, that’s the consequence of time-skips, and I’m sad because this was on its way to becoming one of my favorites before it.

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Y- Destiny
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
lug 6, 2021
15 di 15 episodi visti
Completo 3
Generale 7.0
Storia 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Musica 7.5
Valutazione del Rewatch 6.5

Please watch it for EP 9 &10

While this more an anthology than a full-length drama, Y Destiny is a wild bunch of everything.

From boring to Hell (Ep 5&6), to cute but not outstanding (Ep3&4) to an actually interesting story (ep11&12) all stories are more or less mediocre and nothing memorable at all.

But fortunately this one also contains one of the Highlights of the BLs this year so far.
Ep 9&10 are just outstanding.Because it is realistic( when you change the setting from a college to a gay bar), modern and the emotional scenes are just heartbreaking.
Even though it's a love triangle, all the characters are relatable and sympathetic.

Also how sexuality is handled here, I like it very much, because it seems very natural and not so strange and cringey as in the other BLs.
All in all, it is actually a further development in the BL genre, since here the typical clichés were dispensed with.

Conclusion: Y-Destiny is far from being an outstanding series but these two hours are among the best the BL genre has to offer in 2021.

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I Feel You Linger in the Air: Uncut Version
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
nov 9, 2023
12 di 12 episodi visti
Completo 2
Generale 9.5
Storia 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Musica 9.0
Valutazione del Rewatch 10
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It's Not For Everyone But Who Cares?

This review is coming from someone who previously worked in the film industry. I have plenty of things to say but I’ll make it brief and neutral as possible, without throwing industry jargons so everyone will understand.

Cinematography, lights, editing, and music, are all remarkable. It is obvious that the drama has sumptuous amount of budget allotted in the production. The blurry technique they did in the shots is clever, it’s as if we are watching a historic event right in front of us. The consistency use of old Thai language in the show is makes me feel that we are indeed in that period.

Though it is already predictable that Jom will eventually leave that period and return to the present day, it didn’t stop me from watching. As someone who loves heavy drama, I like that they slowly burn and agonized the viewers of the impending doom of their relationship. Yes, their romance is fluffy, and alluring as if I’m watching a classic love story, but it is also depressing to think that at the end of everything, they will be separated. The discomfort of the impending doom is felt throughout the show and it makes the overall tone of the drama serious and melancholic.

When Jom was literally dispersing into the thin air, I have to commend the visual FX, the sorrowful emotions of the separation transcends through the screen. And Yai’s mourning aftermath really solidifies the heart wrenching drama that I’m looking for.
The series proves that magic happens when you cast actors who know how to act in the exemplary level. The eye-works of Nonkul and Bright showcases that they are indeed great actors and gave justice to their roles. I read online that few people cringe with their acting and I don’t understand why. But who cares? As someone who worked in film industry, I would say that they deserve an acting award in their performance.

My only concern was the ending as it left us with too many unanswered questions. It is confusing for people who didn’t read the novel. ((THIS PART IS SPOILER)) I have to check online the explanation for me to understand that it is the present day incarnation of Yai that Jom meets in the old house, he's not Jom's imagination and definitely not a ghost. The reunion is sweet, but I hope they spend at least a minute to explain what is happening. It appears that they are planning to adapt the second part of the novel for the second season, but the production company is uncertain about it due to budget constrains that’s why they fast-track the last scene similar to the end of the second novel.

Regardless, the show is excellent in all levels. As much as I’m looking forward in seeing a second season, I won’t expect that it will happen anytime soon. As I’ve said this was an expensive show to begin with. It also doesn't have those cringe product placement that we usually see in Thai series so I have no idea where they will get money in funding the sequel.

Do I recommend watching the drama? ABSOLUTELY YES! Rewatch Value I have to give 10/10 especially it is the type of heavy romantic drama that I prefer.

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Midnight
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
da Quitas
set 13, 2021
Completo 0
Generale 6.0
Storia 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Musica 7.0
Valutazione del Rewatch 1.0
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The idea it's great, as well the atmosphere. The acting was also amazing. However there's so many little stupid mistakes.

1. Like when she was screaming to call him (to save the other girl), how did no one heard her? There were so many houses near by.
2. The last fight in the alley, how did no one saw it?? There were so many noise and so many people!!!
3. The police officer didn't deserve that happy ending, sorry, I get it that you are worried about your sister, but you didn't need him to find her, the deaf girl knew where she was, you could just search that area, since this is all in one night, the killer couldn't move. (and it was also inhuman). Also why didn't he ask for backup?
4. The mother could have done better in the police station, like push the suitcase to make noise and show the tools (but well she was too shocked to do something, what is understandable) , but how tf there's no cameras there?? And the police just saw a fight and let everyone go home??? bruh
5. And yeah lets let two people (covered in blood) running by the road.

But I'm not going to say, that I hated it. I love this fast thrillers movies. So I enjoy it for it.

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Personal Taste
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
da firiel
ago 12, 2012
16 di 16 episodi visti
Completo 0
Generale 9.0
Storia 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Musica 6.0
Valutazione del Rewatch 8.0
I started to watch this drama because of Lee Min Ho who's my favourite actor but I needed to watch only one episode to come to like Park Gae In a lot. Maybe the story wasn't a masterpiece but I think it wasn't bad- I had a lot of fun while I was watching this drama. The actors were good- especially Lee Min Ho. I must admit I do not pay attention to music in films and dramas- I can't recall even a fragment of any song from this drama so it makes me feel sure the music wasn't outstanding but on the other hand I remember it wasn't annoying. I like this drama quite a lot so maybe I'll watch it again although I'm not a person who re-watches films or dramas really often. In general 9- ?? ?? :D

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Il mio nome è Loh Kiwan
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
mar 1, 2024
Completo 0
Generale 10
Storia 10
Acting/Cast 10
Musica 10
Valutazione del Rewatch 10

Incredibly Fantastic ! EMOTIONAL, EVOCATIVE and POIGNANTE !!!

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST MOVIE OF 2024 !!!

My Name Is Loh Kiwan is an emotional rollercoaster romantic thriller that takes you on a thrill-filled journey in Belgium. The story runs smoothly from sadness to action-romance-beyond realism the harsh reality of refugees. The plot is well-paced, with the main characters developing progressively the dark tone of rom element keeps the audience entertained. Every one character's actions are legitimate and dependable on eachother, running with Loh Kiwan and Marie story, it represents story between Father-daughter, Mother-son. My Name is Loh Kiwan carries a wide range of all genres that can be really liked by anyone ( watchers). The cast of every character truly symbolizes their specific roles, delivering how the characters feel to life. Loh Kiwan triggers an indication on other cinematic brilliant works of the Korean film industry.

[ 10/10 !!!! ]

Outstanding Soundtrack, top quality Cinematography (Loh Kiwan Close-up shots are good) Visually amazing every scene by setting dark tone; the film displays beautiful atmospheres that reflect each character's existential experience.

[ SONG JOONG-KI ]

Song Joong-ki's physical appearance conversion, and emotionally charged makeover are certainly the film's standout paths. His physical appearance is the centerpiece that allows ourselves to emotionally. engage with the story in a deeper way. He again shown the versatility of his acting with this movie. Giving a chance to Debute director is really a good challenge. He took the challenge and deleveried his acting in new way proficiently. Song Joong-ki as Kiwan has won the hearts of the audience. His versatility is beyond words and after you’ve seen his other projects, it is proved how easily he molds himself as per the requirements of his role.

[ LEAD ACTORS ]

Loh Ki-wan's transformation from at risk to strength is prominent, while Marie's struggles with addictions and issues with her family throw depth to her character. Their on-screen chemistry surpasses geographical boundaries, and their love story narrates overwhelming feeling of mutual suffering and redemption that connects to watchers. As i expected the climax made me cry, especially Choi Sung Eun acting like suffering from outside circumstances and dealing with her own emotions Loh Kiwan feelings will make everyone emotional. And Song Joong-ki classic in climax leave good impression on his character development.

[ DIRECTION - WRITTING ]

Debute movie of Director Kim Hee-jin, she utilised her cast perfectly within the small looking big story, i really appreciate her work of Loh Kiwan, because it's her first movie and cast like Song Joong-ki Choi Sung Eun so I doubted there's a some pressure on her but after watching the movie I understand I was worng.
She carried masterfully every scene. Although it's an adaptation the movie writer brilliantly delivered the script with heart touching lines. Loh Kiwan standout with unique mix of traditional story telling with amazing scenes that make you enjoy and emotional feel in every moment.The performances of supporting actors such as Lee Sang-hee, Kim Sung-ryeong, and Cho Han-chul are also excellent.

[ Finally ]
South Korean Film makers never fail to deliver a movie from Intense battles to emotional tales, and western entertainment media appreciate Korean Film Makers as " South Korea is a goldmine of original ideas and storytelling talents ". And we can saw it from Loh Kiwan.

Definitely one of the most memorable films I've seen. This movie may inspire, sometimes horrify, or send you into an existential crisis, but it will make you think about something new by the time you finish it. Despite its dark underlying themes, the film ultimately delivers an appealing message of hope and endurance, leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction and emotional ride..



brought by -- Shinnosuke_Lee

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Great Men Academy
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
da MsMia
mar 27, 2019
8 di 8 episodi visti
Completo 3
Generale 9.5
Storia 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Musica 9.5
Valutazione del Rewatch 10
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OMG OMG OMG. Most Happy and Best Fantasy drama ever that I have watched in recent times.
I was not so sure whether to watch it or not when it started. It started a little bit weird and ended up satisfying almost all of the fans I guess.
This show is just around 6 guys of the great men academy and a girl who accidentally join them by body transformation.
I was not very much interested on the female actress who played 'Love'. But the show slowly started to pickup and made me wait for every wednesday till today and finally I am so sad that this show ended too soon. Please Nadao Bangkok, consider international fans and provide subs for further shows. Anyhow I would like to thank the subbers who had helped fans like us to watch such a great show.
Coming to the characters.
Love - James just nailed and stole the show from the start. How much craze she had on the ML and decided to move in to a college of guys just for him. James was full of love and emotions through out. And he was so clear what he wants and made a right decision at last.
Vier - He was good in his role and all the time the ML need not be the hero, sometimes he can even be an anti-hero. This drama was an exception. We all know that he doesnt deserve someone like love and I felt so happy that he didnt get Love's love. I am not still used Ice's acting even after watching In Family we Trust.
Tangmo - Probably, Jayler's fan base is gonna get increased after this show I guess. Many times we might the second ML was great than the first ML. But this show did a justice for Tangmo's greatness and fans love towards him. He was a perfect boyfriend material and was just totally in love with love and he was the perfect gentleman out of all.
Nuclear - Nothing much to say, but was he was alright.
Good - Such a gooooood brother he was.
Menn - How cute he was.
Sean/Rose - I felt I was not so okay with this character. Bur for captain, ofcourse he was as usual stealing hearts.

And the teacher was so lovely.

Many shows, we see even though the ML dont deserve, they end up so happily after all evil schemes. But thank god and bless the director for giving the most wanted ending and deserving ending rather than usual cliches.

I strongly recommend to watch it and definitely it will put a smile.





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D.P. Season 2
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
da Ce Re
lug 28, 2023
6 di 6 episodi visti
Completo 2
Generale 10
Storia 10
Acting/Cast 10
Musica 10
Valutazione del Rewatch 10

Discipline, Punishment, Morality and Art

What do I even say cause I am left speechless by the brilliance behind season 2. While season 1's entire premise is moral chastatization of the individual and their place within a systemic cycle of abuse and revenge, season 2 does the brilliant thing of not brow beating it's audience into submission and cutting all that sanctimonious nonsense. It **BRILLIANTLY** highlights that the issue ***IS SYSTEMIC*** and not individual. Such an sentiment I'd like to say in retrospect was undergirding the brilliance of season 1 with season 2 bringing it forth and flourishing it into existence.
DP's artistic direction is another thing worth noting. Too often I feel like K-dramas are retreading old ground and it's easy to feel like you've seen every plot line and every trope and every character archetype but goddamn do I have an immense respect for the directors and writers direction with this. An actual critique of the pejorative system facilitating the our society and the military industrial complex. From the Anton Chekhov story line to the gothic horror of EP 4 every single thing is a breath of fresh air. Artistically wonderful with a narrative that is spiritually animating.
This isn't a shallow over exaggerated look at things. From the opening soundtrack and film that shows the gradual fall into disillusionment and nihilism of the world as Jun Ho looks at you dead inside to Nina's determination, hopes, and dreams being crushed by the system just like how a seagull is shot down in Anton Chekhov's play, it's all wonderful. An interplay of art, politics, love, morality, and responsibility.

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Love Letter
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
ott 26, 2012
Completo 0
Generale 10
Storia 10
Acting/Cast 10
Musica 10
Valutazione del Rewatch 10
‘Love Letter’ is in my top romantic movies list. This is a movie that makes you think about it long after it's over. The best thing about this movie is you’d like fall in love after finishing it.

Love Letter is an unconventional love story. Many people say it has slow pace but in my opinion it is perfectly paced. It seems boring first (I didn't find any part of it boring) but when story starts to unfolds it won’t seem boring. Unfolding of story is great. The storyline can be a bit confusing at first but stick with it and you will be amazed by it. It is touching and sometimes it is very funny also. You can feel the true love from this film.

Nakayama Miho is wonderful in double role. Sometimes I got confused between her double roles.
Its soundtrack is melodic and perfect.

Highly recommended!! Love Letter is an earnest, pure, sentimental, and undeniably moving film. In addition you can see really beautiful sceneries of Japan.

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Algernon Ni Hanataba O
42 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
da Akki
ago 22, 2015
10 di 10 episodi visti
Completo 0
Generale 10
Storia 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Musica 8.5
Valutazione del Rewatch 9.0
The purpose of this review is, first of all, to encourage the sub team to finish what they started, for the sake of those who can't see the last 3 episodes without subs, and second, to let everyone know how beautiful and emotional this show is.
I'm writing this few moments after finishing the last episode, while crying still, so forgive me if I'm not 100% rational and non biased. I can say for sure that this is one of the most emotional dramas I've ever seen. It's a beautiful story about friendship, love, human value, ethics and morals.
Although it's a sci-fi show, it totally reflects reality and behavior of human beings under certain circumstances and shows pretty realistic relationships between 'non equal' humans. For those who like psychology, there is a great deal of it in this show as well. For those who like character development, strong emotions, all mixed together, this drama is 100% must see.
I have no heart to criticize anything about this show at the moment, because I feel like I just got off the roller coaster of emotions I will never forget. Good points are too strong to let me pay attention to the minor flaws, so I'll just finish positively, like I started.

I don't know if I will be rewatching this, it feels like I won't forget it so soon, so maybe sometime in the future, and I'm sure I will equally enjoy it.
Once again, I hope the subs will be done soon, because it's a shame not to let everyone enjoy this amazing show till the end. Subs for Algernon, he deserves it <3

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Plot Love
41 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
apr 27, 2021
24 di 24 episodi visti
Completo 1
Generale 7.5
Storia 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Musica 9.0
Valutazione del Rewatch 1.5
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People jealous of the female lead

Thank God this drama is just 24 eps! 24 eps was pushing it for me! There's way too much going on and too many people in this drama.

Su Bei ( FL) is a fashion designer gets framed for plagiarism. Also her mentor? mysterious jumps off the bridge. She goes to Italy for seven years and finally comes back to investigate what happen. She is married to Lun Nan ( ML) who is the CEO of a fashion corp. He doesn't remember his wife because he had an accident, which left him 5 years in a coma.

Su Bei has a bitchy younger sister who's a model. She's a model under Lu Nan's company. Lu nan doesn't buy into her schemes. Lu Nan is a rich, smart and cold businessman. He wants to divorce his wife but somehow ends up being in a contracted marriage to save the image of this company. Thus beginning from what was hate towards his wife to finally falling in love with her. They have some cute moments and pretty steamy kisses.

The annoying part was too many freaking side characters, like Lu nan's adoptive sister. She basically liked her brother and didnt want him and Su bei to be together. She did a lot of things to sabotage their relationship.
2) Su Bei's sister. She's annoying as hell, stuck up, trying drug her sister's husband......Also tried running her sister over with a car.
3) Evil guy - he had a complicated backstory,...He was basically behind it all. He was a wolf in sheep skin. He is the illegtimate son of the Gu family. Gu family is the other major contendor in the fashion industry.
4) Su Bei's so called sister (not blood related but related to her mentor). She ends up being with the evil Gu guy and like betraying her. Like her part of the story is so freaking random and out of place...

Characters I liked
1) ML AND FL 'S SON. He's like the cutest little thing ever, smart, cute and talks a lot.
2)FL'S best friend- she is very faithful to female lead and helps her a lot
2) ML's right hand hand- He's very supportive of the male lead , helping him out.

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Mad Dog
53 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
dic 1, 2017
16 di 16 episodi visti
Completo 0
Generale 10
Storia 10
Acting/Cast 10
Musica 10
Valutazione del Rewatch 10
Honestly, I started this drama only because of Woo Do Hwan. I didn't looked at the cast, I didn't looked at the plot. I just saw him and put it in my plant to watch list.
Best thing I did that month.Because I didn't knew anything about the drama, I didn't had much expectation but that was a  good thing. Because it blew me away. It completely took me by surprise.
Though I really really enjoyed it, it might not be every-ones cup of tea. It's heavy on the crime part of the plot and there are some jaggersons or technical words- which are hard to understand.  But once you get past that part it's all gold.
The story.  It's a crime story. The good guys taking on the bad.  There are some plot holes - like every other stories. But beauty of this drama is that you can never guess what's gonna happen next. Every time I thought 'oh, i know whats gonna happen next' nothing like that happen. Sometimes I had no idea what was going on, until ten minute later.
And it doesn't resolve around the good guys. It shows the 'evil' peoples side too, their reasoning, their plan. A side to their story. I really like that.
This isn't heavy on the romance which I was ok with it, because it isn't a romance story, the lack of that romance tag says it all. But Min Joon and Ha Ri's chemistry was a bit to ....hot. I was screaming ship, ship from the moment I saw them.  Another slow romance couple is in there but I'm not going to spoil it. Same is the bromance. It's more on to the brotherly-love bromance and that goes perfect with the story line. Makes more sense.And I really really really liked the ending.  
The cast is amazing. There is no point on saying how great they were, because we all know that. I am not going to take a single person apart and talk about them, because I liked all of them. I loved how Woo Do Hwan played Min Joon. I liked Jang ha Ri and Ryu Hwa Young's attitude just made her ten times more sassy. I liked Yoo Ji Tea playing Choi Kang Woo, he brings a different set of emotion to the table. This is also the first time I saw him and I am going to check on his other dramas. Then there is Jo Jea Yun playing soft hearted, ex-gangster cheetah-shi and Kim Hye Sung playing Noo Ri.  And Cho Won Young playing JH. He is a really versatile actor. I really liked his last scene.

There are three songs in this drama. All of them are so so good! NiiHwa's song is my jam!!
Totally gonna re-watch it. Have to.

Again I am not gonna tell you that you have to watch it. But if you give it a try it will win you over on its own.  So do try it!

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The Captive
53 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
apr 15, 2023
25 di 25 episodi visti
Completo 3
Generale 8.5
Storia 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Musica 7.0
Valutazione del Rewatch 8.0

FOR REVENGE- WHATEVER IT TAKES

This is a revenge based drama, with a 80's vibe to it. The heroine is ready to do whatever it takes even if it means seducing and becoming the concubine of the ML's father.

LOW- budget, SHORT, the CHEMISTRY is mind-blowing, the PLOT is phenomenal, OST is quite catchy, NO green tea bitch/2nd female lead drama, surprisingly it is HILARIOUS as well, ENDING is thrilling and dramatic

The chemistry between the main leads is EXPLOSIVE, it oozes SEXUAL TENSION!! I mean when they are in a scene together you sit on the edge of your seat thinking are they gonna kiss? like you cant take your eyes off them!!
Though they just had 1 kiss, i swear i wont be forgetting about it for a long long time.

THEY BOTH HAVE SECRETS AND THEY BOTH SEE BEHIND EACH OTHER'S MASK THE MOMENT THEY MEET!!
The FL is strong, she has her vulnerable moments but its only Infront of the ML, She shows the power and passion for both love and revenge.
Girl didn't come to play, she came to conquer, by whatever means it may take.
The ML, is just PERFECTION in a 3 piece suit. That man is sexy, intelligent and intriguing. Something about his aura pulls you towards him, maybe its the sense of mystery that he has around him or the way he doesn't get fooled!!
From day 1 he knew the FL was unto something, when no one could see past her façade he was the one pulling away her cover.

THE Cinematography, OST, Camera angle is BEAUTIFUL!! I am not kidding when i say it surpasses some of the most high budget chinese drama. The shots taken are beautiful!!

It is SHORT and that's a pity but those 13 minute episode do such wonders in conveying the story that sometimes 40 episode long C-drama cant do. Due to the less time the story FOCUS ONLY ON THE PLOT, no necessary filler, just the main plotline.

OVERALL. IT WAS FANTASTIC and i would really recommend it!! Believe me its worst every minute.

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Unchained Love
53 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
mar 2, 2023
36 di 36 episodi visti
Completo 0
Generale 10
Storia 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Musica 9.5
Valutazione del Rewatch 10

Contrary to naysayers, the story is intact. Brave and noble, too.

If you're looking for a fluffy, bubble-gum drama that would not require you to think, or if you just want to see Dylan Wang's kissing scenes and are not in the least bit curious about the title of the drama, take note - only by firing up some brain cells would you fully appreciate this.

Unchained Love tells the love story of Xiao Duo, a mysterious eunuch who is the second most powerful man in the empire next only to the emperor, and Bu Yinlou, a young concubine-born noblewoman who is swindled by her father's legal wife to become one of the aged emperor's concubines. Before Yinlou meets the emperor, he dies, leaving her to become one of his childless widows who are to be sacrificed as tribute ladies to accompany him in the afterlife. Xiao Duo saves Yinlou from this cruel fate, starting a collusion between two intelligent, cunning and passionate characters that develops into friendship and eventually love.

Dylan Wang is perfectly cast as Xiao Duo, the head of an imperial bureau that enforces peace and order in the empire. Six years ago, he entered the Imperial City then used his martial arts skills and charms to gain a powerful position that would enable him to investigate the murder of his younger brother. Yuqi Chen shows exceptional acting skills as Bu Yinlou, the illegitimate daughter of a noble family who pretends to be stupid and lazy to hide her intelligence and wit, refusing to participate in palace power games.

The rest of the cast is as remarkable and three-dimensional, notably Peter Ho as the new emperor who is obsessed with Yinlou, and Zeng Li as the previous emperor's empress who is obsessed with Xiao Duo. The emperor's and ex-empress's oppressive desires to possess the objects of their obsession contrast with the unchained love between Xiao Duo and Yinlou that seeks the beloved's survival, freedom and happiness.

The title of the novel on which the drama is based, Fu Tu Ta, refers to the tower where tribute ladies are sacrificed to join newly-deceased emperors. It is thus a symbol of oppression that brought about such inhumane practices as requiring newly widowed imperial concubines to either become tribute ladies or attend to their dead husbands' remains in the Imperial Mausoleum for the rest of their lives. Another oppressive law forces male palace workers to give up their manhood, that is, become eunuchs. Oppression is also manifested in the new emperor's obsession with Yinlou and the ex-empress's obsession with Xiao Duo.

Much ado has been made about scenes that were cut due to censorship. In my opinion, only about six cut scenes had some significance but none affected the story. The absence of those steamy scenes doesn't matter as the intensity of Xiao Duo and Yinlou's passion still shines through and the remaining romantic scenes are more meaningful than the cut ones. In fact, I think the removal of some scenes served the story better. I would have been immediately turned off Yinlou had the scene of her tastelessly jumping on and kissing Xiao Duo at the start of their acquaintance not been cut.

It's rather amusing how the censored scenes provide a metaphor for Xiao Duo's manhood. Despite the cut scenes, the story is intact.

In a genre that glorifies revenge-killing, I applaud the bravery of this drama in showing how true love can rid the heart of the oppressive power of hatred that fuels the obsession for revenge. In a master stroke of storytelling, justice for his brother is served without Xiao Duo resorting to such a cowardly act as killing an unarmed man cold-bloodedly. Thus, I consider any alleged flaw, such as choppy editing due to a few censored-out scenes, more than offset by the uncharacteristic noble values espoused by this drama - love, peace, patience and forgiveness, among others.

Another thing I love about this drama is how humor that is mostly subtle and witty is injected every now and then. The ridiculous knock-on-the-wall communication, Yinlou outwitting kidnapping attempts and other hilarious situations and witticisms had me in stitches.

And yet another thing I love is the ending that is so loaded with symbolism it could occupy hours of discussions about oppression. About hope rising from its ashes. About love prevailing over its chains. That scene startled me that a Chinese drama could be that poetic, daring to disappoint fans hoping for a more explicit ending. It also gave me respect for low-budget cdramas that could dare to choose art over a crowd-pleasing happily-ever-after scene.

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Boys Planet
53 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
da Kate
apr 20, 2023
12 di 12 episodi visti
Completo 1
Generale 5.5
Storia 3.5
Acting/Cast 10
Musica 10
Valutazione del Rewatch 5.0

Mnet at its finest, delivering some manipulative editing.

I’m not gonna lie, this was a fascinating watch. Trying to see all the shady business and tactics Mnet delivered, seeing viewers' different reactions depending on their knowledge of the industry and how Mnet works. What a ride it was. And behind all that mess was a bunch of talented trainees who could not breathe in the wrong direction, or they will be evil edited till their elimination.

This is probably the worst survival show I have seen from the production standpoint. The editing was atrocious - they gave us 10 takes of the same 2 moments from different angles and different speeds, while completely cutting out most of the performances. How can we judge the stages and trainees skills when we see the same smile or wink just repeated countless times?

Then there is the issue of evil editing. I’m not saying just exaggerating existing issues, I’m saying complete lies, like using footage from two different interviews and making it seem like they were both filmed about the same situation. Translating what foreign trainees say in a vague and misleading way to frame it as them being disrespectful. Making it seem as if teams had massive disagreements in the episode, when we could see them work just fine during the practice lives.

And I don’t even want to talk about the G versus K trainees concept - that was dumb, since the plan was to debut a mixed group. Mnet framed it as rivalry so hard, I’m not surprised Koreans went so strongly voting for Korean trainees - it seemed like a matter of pride for them with how it was presented in the initial episodes. Showing G trainees in a bad light, only “promoting” G trainees that are either Koreans just living in different countries, or been in Korea for years…

What’s more? The legal rigging votes. they knew exactly what info should be released when to make people mass vote for specific trainees out of fear of them not debuting. Just naming the 2 or 3 k-trainees’ ranks that went down - panic voting from the audience. Only showing the 3 trainees ranks based on ONLY G votes - panic voting.

All that said, I loved the kids so much. While I am sad we did not get many strong rappers, and literally barely any in the finale, I’m still more than happy with overall skills presented. Yes, some got into the show as a joke to make the public laugh, but in their case, I could see they truly put in the effort and tried to grow from this experience. The level of talent was high and honestly, one could randomly pick 9 trainees from top 18 to make a team, and every variation of it would make a strong debut.

The trainees had amazing friendships and I loved to see them support and encourage each other. We could see the most honest versions of them in the additional behind the clips mnet uploaded on youtube, and for these I am grateful.

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