Reviews

People are not white and black, we are gray

Any kind of love rivalry is a very common theme in all sorts of works of fiction. Even love triangle and brothers going against each other, be it for love or other things. This means that the plot and story must be really good for the series to do well, for the series to really shine. Sadly, the plot and storyline are where Double Savage falls short.

Korn: His father hates him and is abusive towards him while his mother enables him to do so. I know she is supposed to really love him, but the fact that she just stood by and did nothing? Yeah, doesn’t really make her a good character in my books. His two siblings do try, but they cannot really do much unless they want the same treatment. He is an incredibly strong, smart and independent character, but his family obligations and love know no limits. Even at his own expenses. Ohm did exceptionally, he truly shined in the role of Korn. The action scenes were great, yes, but the emotional ones? He really portrayed so many emotions through his eyes. Him being calm and mad at the same time was done so well.

Win: I really wanted to like him, and I did at the start of the series. And after that, it all went downhill. I don’t even know if I can believe that he at some point truly loved Korn as a brother should. His actions in the second part of the series show his true colors and they make me question everything I have thought about him. I think his upbringing as the golden child of the family really showed. He felt the pressure his father put on him, yes, but he was also led by the idea of being better than everyone. Perth played Win so well. The scenes where Win and Korn are going against one another had be on the edge of my seat. Especially the way Perth played Win.

Rung: The girl has absolutely no redeeming qualities. She made playing the victim her whole personality. She messed things up for everyone, multiple times, and caused troubles for herself and even more to others, yet she went and blamed everyone else but herself. Boo-hoo, go cry in the corner and see if anyone cares. She was manipulative and selfish, and she only truly cared about herself. I must give it to Film, it’s hard to make me hate a character this much, but she did a great job. I really loved how she controlled her emotions and her micro expressions in many scenes.

The whole love triangle between the two brothers and Rung was done very poorly. The way brotherly rivalry was written into the plot was not exactly great either. As I said, this is a very popular trope, so it really needs to be done well. Which it wasn’t. It made very little sense how extreme Win’s reactions were at certain scenes, especially after the later revelations. And his double standards for Korn and everyone else? I am disappointed with how they decided to resolve all of this in the end too. Especially the whole Rung situation.

Li was probably my favorite character in the whole series. She truly loved her brothers, equally and unconditionally. Even when they were acting like idiots, she stood by them and supported them in any way she could. She is brave and loyal, she is caring and supportive. I could really relate to her.

I also really liked both Ah and Mek as well. The two might have been criminals, but they had good hearts. They cared not only about themselves but about everyone around them and their whole community. Even if their community turned their backs on them on certain occasions. I even liked uncle Wit. I really enjoyed how calm Korn seemed when he was around him. He is truly at peace while around him.

The rival gang – who were they? Where did they come from? What did they want? What was their end goal? No one knows because they showed up and left with no explanation. Which is another plot hole.

There were some plot twists that I did not expect. While some made sense and really fit into the story, there was also a lot of them that just didn’t make any sense. Or really lacked background information that would make us understand them better.

I think the acting was the only thing that saved this series for me. I think all the actors did an amazing job in the roles they were given. And yes, even those who played characters I disliked. I hated the characters, not the actors. The plot was… what even was the plot? I feel like the reasons behind what happened were not solid or made clear. Another thing is the ending… why? Just why? Redemption arc is something that should be given to characters who deserve it. And not everyone does.

If there is one thing that the series showed well is how people are not white and black, we are gray. No one is completely good, and no one is completely bad, but we are a mix of good and bad.

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I've finally completed Wong Kar-wai's "Informal Trilogy" in such a weird sequence: In the Mood for Love, 2046 and now Days of Being Wild.

If I've said that In The Mood for Love will make you feel exactly just that and 2046 would make you in the mood for heartbreaks then Days of Being Wild will give you the mood to be just that—wild.

Days of Being Wild is only Kar-wai's second film and it both shows his infancy but also how he shaped his identity as a director as well as his characters, some of which have regularly appeared throughout the Informal Trilogy.

Leslie Cheung plays the young and charismatic but emotionally unstable, York who is a womanizer. Cheung, whom I have seen in Happy Together with Tony Leung is really a charismatic character. He embodies a sexiness that's untamed and draws you in as a viewer. It's no wonder that two of his flames are so madly in love with him. Much like in his character in said film, Cheung here is also on the verge of self-destruction further heightened by his familial identity.

But Kar-wai doesn't just focus on Cheung. He also gives us Maggie Cheung's Su Li Shen, Carina Lau's Mimi and to an extent, Andy Lau's Tide perspectives—all of whom are grappled with their own frustrations that ultimately involves York. It's York's own biological identity that shapes his relationship with women and eventually, how he lives. He is damaged but it is not romanticized. Kar-wai isn't a pessimist, he is just showing rawness.

Kar-wai traits also plague the screen: cramped spaces that seem to emit suffocation, unusual angles highlighting the characters and their interactions, dark and damp and nostalgic setting—all embody Kar-wai's consistency as a director and how his filmmaking drives his story as much as character even if it's lack of a strong plot.

There is so much tension in this film, so much dramatic build-up and so much longing. How much does Li Shen long for York? How much does Mimi long for York? How much does York long for his mother? How much does Tide long for Li Shen? Each minute is made with beauty, each glimpse, each touch feels like it's consuming you. Just like Li Shen and York's memorable 1 minute, Days of Being Wild has been another memorable beauty of a film.

This film, itself, is about identity. Who is York to his biological parents? Who is Li Shen without York? Who is Mimi when she is not Mimi? Who is Tide as a sailor? Every fleeting seconds matter in discovering who we are and how each person in our life shape us.

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At first I read the synopsis and I’m not even made it my plan to watch.
Why did I watch it? Because after I watched Legal High, I began to like Masato Sakai, so I try it. And after one episode, I just love it.
Why do I love it? Because when I watched it I can’t skip it (I usually skip the part I don’t like), and I can’t skip it cause it’s too good to be skip. (The script writer must be a genius)
The story is kind a serious one, it’s about Hanzawa Naoki, an employee of a bank. He is a good brilliant employee but when someone wants to shift blame to him. He simply cannot forgive everybody that involve in it. And the brilliant story begins.
The cast is just amazing!!! And Masato Sakai is maybe born to be an actor, he just awesome.
And what’s the best is the story. You’ll really love Hanzawa Naoki although he’s a serious character, and his wife is funny, so the characters are well written.
If you want a well made Japanese drama, bored with romantic comedy and want something worth your time THAN you must watch Hanzawa Naoki.
And you’ll not be disappointed.

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Cupid strikes but the arrow misses.

Is this the season for experimental BLs? Given the releases we've had in 2021 and 22 (until now), the answer is a yes. Whether it was the groundbreaking portrayal of frenemies to lovers in Bad Buddy or exploring vampirism in Kissable Lips or the soft anti-heroes of Not Me, it's delightful to see BLs leave the greener pastures of college romance to venture into the wonderland lurking just beyond. Cupid's Last Wish is another such attempt in how it's a road-trip BL and for the most part, it delivers without being too didactic.

Once unraveled, the plot of CLW is quite routine. But being set against a rustic backdrop with an interesting set of main characters, suitable music (barring the segment that induces delirious dancing), the little moments of epilogue at the end of each episode, the relevant flashbacks, and the charm EarthMix carry forward from ATOTS, elevate CLW onto another level. Jan's Lin playing Win is another advantage. It's not often we see a clingy and huggy female character who does not whine and act spoiled at the same time. She's just someone who likes to be physical. As Win, she also kicks some butt and goes into Super Dino Mode- Aggressive but one wishes she did that as herself as well. Body swap in dramas almost inevitably includes periods and is usually nauseatingly cringey but CLW treats the subject with due care. It is intelligently incorporated as a plot device with some timely situational humour that gives us an insight into the characters as well. Seeing Mix in that role is both hilarious and endearing. I almost wanted to give him a painkiller.

Then we very obviously have to talk about the swap that happens and the apparent misrepresentation in the show. To me at least, it didn't exist. Korn recognises Win from the moment he wakes up and he keeps addressing him as such and though we see Mix as Win on screen, Korn is actually looking at Lin as Win. The Win he loves may have changed bodies but his love for Win remains the same. Right from the beginning, the whole point of collecting the holy water was only to be a means to an end. The monks' questions and advice are nothing profound or new; they are just the exact set of words that we (and Win) needed to hear to change. These important interactions are disappointingly short but they are to the point and do not take away the real personal growth that the show intended to portray through the journey of 7 days.

When almost nothing was going wrong for the series, the finale arrived with a bang. From what I took as a cue in the first episode regarding how the monk is informed of the car accident, I expected the reason behind the writing of will to be the last wish of the real cupid of the show. Maybe we'd discover a hidden letter from Win's father explaining his actions? As it turns out, the ultimate plot twist is so nonsensical that it is shocking. Absolute zero rationale. Win's aunt and uncle have no real purpose and they might have as well not been a part of the drama for all that they were present and made themselves useful. Non is bright, but there's not much for him to do. While these may exactly not hinder the drama, they do stand out as eye sores.

Who Cupid is and what his last wish is are two questions that remain unanswered but truthfully, Cupid's Last Wish is really about EarthMix fluff. Need any more reasons to watch it?

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REVENGE, ANGER, MORAL CHALLENGES , and KICK ASS FIGHTING

What a jewel of a find!!! I love Shaolin storylines - dramas and movies and when I saw the title GREATEST SHAOLIN on YT while scanning through clickbait shorts I had to explore. This drama must be a recent English translation release because I could not find it anywhere - except YT. The actual name of the drama is Shaolin Wendao.

The story -- 4 loyal childhood friends (3 boys and 1 girl) are now adults and have explosive and devasting experiences that lead to life-transforming conflicts and emotional rollercoasters. The actors' Zhou Yi Wei (Trials and Empires: Storm of Prophecy and the Rebel Princess) and Guo Jin Fei maintained one of the most toxic "brotherhood" I have ever viewed in a drama. The lust for revenge versus what is good and right becomes major themes mixed with Buddism and Filial piety. I have no desire to reveal spoilers because this is a drama worthy of all 38 episodes.

There are numerous individual fight scenes that are unforgettable and bloody, there are battles with groups and there is a war with Japanese pirates. The childhood female friend is forced into prostitution although a princess prior to her being labeled treason - solely by being a family member. Her character is a catalyst for moving this drama from one degree of average entertainment to challenging the viewer as to her culpability and sanity. ACTION ACTION ACTION!!!

Life in a Shaolin Temple, commitment, vows, and hierarchy was shared which was a bonus. Visually stunning watching the training and inner conflicts which can develop and their resolutions.

Every actor brought their A-game to the drama and the casting director picked quality actors for all of the roles. No letdowns or weak performances.

The music was the perfect accompaniment to the pace of the drama and did not overwhelm or underwhelm the scenes which I always note when music seems to be overdone and annoying. None of this happened throughout.

A must watch -- the quality of this drama in 2017 when it was apparently first released without English translations would have put this one of many top 10 or top 20 at the minimum.

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Is ethics for nerds only?

So many are sleeping on this drama and it is pity. No wonder, there is not enough content in TV, the net, cinema, SOCIETY talking about ethical things... well it needs thinking and for the majority of modern people it is "painful". Anyway, when I found out there would be a jdrama about ethics in schools I needed to watch it.

I must to say I enjoyed this drama and plan to read also manga in the future. Why? Because as a person with a philosophy, pedagogy, and ethics degree I know a thing or two about this beautiful and for most people "useless" science" called ethics. I was really curious how they would manage to put ethics into a Japanese high school setting.

Actually, so many things were poorly explained but only real scholars would get it. The majority of the audience won't get it anyway but might find it interesting. Ethics in Japan is of course is practiced, seen, and done differently than in Europe. All in all, drama touched a rather wide range of representatives and their works which were included in modern students' life and troubles they had to face. * SPOILER * One thing which ruined a feeling of the whole drama for me was the unnecessary "student-teacher confession". Like can they stop promoting this kind of fetish? It was totally out of context and it left a bland taste of the whole drama. *END OF SPOILER * So, not great, not terrible, this show had more potential if it was longer and scriptwriters had done their ethical research done more thoughtfully.

Ok now let me continue with acting - great choice of young actors/actresses, so nice to see fresh talented faces. The kids really did a great job. And Yuki was brilliant as mysterious ethics sensei. My only dissatisfaction was the length of each ep. Just 20 min was not enough to fully explain and deeply involve the attentive viewers in the stories of the students. So many things were unsaid but ok I understand the manga is still ongoing.

Alsooo, want to say a few words about Takayanagi sensei. He is not the happy-go-lucky overly hyped annoying nosy teacher. On the contrary him being deep, enigmatic, introvert, observer, philosoph with a cynical view of the world and people. Even though he is broken he empathically helps people when needed and gives his students much more than just empty useless words. Actually, he inspired me too. Definitely, he showed introverts can make more capable teachers and mentors than his extroverted colleagues. I indeed learned a lot from his role which I want to keep to myself only.

I recommend this drama mainly to philosophy geeks or people who want to get a bit view of how (not so real) ethical classes are. It is not a drama that attracts many people, some might find it boring but some might found new inspiring ideas and get interested in ethics.

PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas even if I like them. Also, there was not much music to rate. And I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.

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Fresh and a unique plot!

I was lucky enough to be able to catch the movie premiere of this show in my country, I've just gotten home, opened up my computer and here I am.
[Alert: The movie has quite a few sexual references [7/10 spicy] so do take note!]
Summary:
FUNNY, CUTE, LOVELY, AND A TEAR JERKER. WORTH THE WATCH! AND IM GONNA WATCH IT AGAIN KEKE

PS: These scene description are not considered as spoilers. Its just briefly how the movie starts and how it will start developing

This is the MOST unique and newest storyline I have ever watched! There are ML, FL [Pinky] and FL [XiaoMi/XM]. Before death, ML and XM were the best of friends for years and yay they got into a relationship, and engaged just for a short while before his death. When he was down in the underworld, and after some "You're Dead" process, he decided to be tested to be the God of Love, Yue Lao [an actual god in history and also the chinese name of the movie] and ding ding ding, he passed! And shockers! His partner is Pinky! I wont talk about their past or the major spoilers but wow if I wasnt watching the movie with my mum, I WOULD BE BAWLING!! The romance line was SUPER WELL WRITTEN!! Visual Effects were done SO WELL that they won an award at the Golden Horse Film Awards alongside with other segments. I can't describe much about the movie because theres content and new information every minute and of course it wasn't draggy at all, it grabbed your attention every second and every minute. Other than the romance line, there's a evil plot as well but again, it isnt like what we expect, not your typical stupid revenge plot. Really worth the watch!! Even the after credits scenes were like "OH WHAT?" I am definitely going back to the cinema for this movie soon after its public screening! 10/10 superb!

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I can honestly say that this is the best drama I've ever seen. I usually watch a lot of rom-com's, but I happened to stumble upon this one one day and I'm so happy I did. It left such an impression on me that I was left with wanting so much more, but if you've watched it, or when you finally watch it and finish it, you'll know a second season would be impossible. I applaud Ohno Satoshi and Ikuta Toma's acting. In fact, I would bow to them both if I ever saw them. I never realized how amazing they were at acting until I watched this... Mostly because I hadn't seen any of Ohno's dramas before, and the only one's I'd seen of Toma's were Hana Kimi and Hanamizuki. But I will definitely be watching more of their dramas now that I know their skills.

This drama was very suspenseful, and I found it very hard to put off because I was always left wondering what would happen next after every episode. And lets just say, I was practically bawling when it finally ended. I would rewatch this a million times if I could! Although dramas are always best the first time cause if you rewatch it you'll already know what happens at the end and it's not as suspenseful... but if I wanted to, I would rewatch this again. So, that being said, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this drama. I guarantee you won't not like it, and it could possibly become one of your favorites!

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Beautiful storyline

This was a series that tugged at my heart because as a mother i would have been devastated by my childs sudden death...
Yoon Oh and Peach were friends that became more than friends after his death and they made the best of their short time together beautifully in synch.
It just reminds the rest of us here on earth to try and appreciate what you have before you lose it to whatever circumstances life throws at you.
Those of you that try and analyze the the storyline too much....stop wasting your negative time by dissing this series and try living in the positives...
Well done to the production crew for a beautiful story and hoping for SEASON 2 PLEASE 🙏🙏🙏💙

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The Realities of Growing Up

Honestly, Always Home is one of those dramas that completely surprised me. It’s not your typical youth romance, it’s so much more than that. The emotional depth in this show hits different, and I think it’s one of those stories that will stick with me for a while.
One of the things I loved most was the friendship between Song Cong, Jing Qi Chi, and Huan Er. These three just felt so real to me. Their bond is so natural, it’s not forced, and it feels like something we all wish we had while growing up. Whether they’re laughing together or supporting each other through tough times, their friendship felt so genuine. It’s rare to see that kind of connection portrayed well in dramas, and this one nailed it.

Then, there’s the family aspect. I can’t express enough how well the show handles each character’s family issues. It’s clear that these weren’t just background details thrown in; they’re woven into the plot in a way that actually adds to the characters’ development. You can see how their family struggles shape them, their decisions, and how they view the world. You get to understand where they are coming from, and it makes their journey all the more meaningful.

The pacing of the show overall was pretty good. It wasn’t rushed, and it gave time for the characters and their stories to develop. But if I’m being honest, I wish they’d given QiQi a bit less screentime. Don’t get me wrong, she’s important to the story, for the most part, and adds a different aspect to things, but her storyline kind of distracted me from what I really wanted to see, which was more of Song Cong and Duman finally getting their happy ending. It felt like they dragged it out too long with QiQi, and I really just wanted Song Cong to be with Duman and finally find some peace and a place to belong to.

With that being said, what really stood out for me was the relationship between Huan Er and Jing Xi Chi. Their chemistry was honestly so refreshing. From the moment they met, their connection was full of tension and these little sparks just made you want to root for them. They don’t have the typical fairytale romance, but instead, their relationship builds on mutual respect, understanding, and the way they help each other grow. It’s not always easy, and they make mistakes, but that’s what makes it feel real. They have their ups and downs, but watching them figure out their feelings for each other was one of the most rewarding parts of the drama.

Overall, Always Home is a beautiful, heartfelt drama that goes beyond the usual cliches. If you're looking for something that touches on friendship, love, and family with real emotional depth, this is definitely worth the watch. It’s a coming-of-age story with substance, and even though I wish the pacing had been a bit tighter, the emotional payoff makes it all worth it in the end.

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I loved this movie! I understand it won't appeal for everyone though. This isn't some sort of heroic story, nor doomed romance, nor about revolution. These themes are explored, but it's mainly and mostly about the state, the condition of the country at that point in time. It's about youth distortion and chaos.

The film opens with a peculiar scene. Masanosuke (Seto Koji) gets home and realizes his shoes are wet. He accidently stepped into something disgusting with an off-putting smell. The next morning, he doesn't notice anything, however in the evening he can smell it again. He realizes something is rotten deep inside the house he was passing by. He can't clearly identify it.

We then follow three young men. One is driven by the old ways of thinking. He can't accept the upcoming change, and dreams of this heroic life probably similar to samurai stories he grew up listening to. He believes in his own grandeur and nothing else will move him. The second is all about revolution, change and movements. His mind and words are big, yet fails to capture anyone's attention. Finally there's the one indifferent to the cause, just following the tied, until he finds himself in something he can't comprehend, and with not enough resolve to follow through.

When the country is going through a state of uncertainty and distrust, those three representing different ends of the spectrum of the people in those times. So while it does represent Japan at this important time in history, but the story definitely transcends beyond its setting.

The acting doesn't disappoint, to say the least. Of course Yuuya Yagira dominates the screen in his strong presence, but the others came through when needed. Really enjoyed Okayama Amane's acting here. I'm not too familiar with Seto Koji, but he was perfect for the character he plays here. Odagiri Joe plays a supporting role but his presence was notable (& beautiful). Finally Kadowaki Mugi with her minimal presence manages to distinguish herself.

I also loved the direction and camera work. The colours used in the scenes, mostly dim, at times disturbing red, or the desolating blue, were effective in representing the mood and feeling of the characters and events. The shots were poingnant and gives us a perfect idea of the place of the characters in the whole picture. It's more symbolic than anything. In any case, the combination results in this painting full of hope and anguish. It's relentlessly beautiful.

There is so much I appreciate about this movie, but it definitely isn't one easy to recommend. I'd say if you are interested in, not that period of Japanese history, but the mental state it was in, you'll definitely enjoy it. If you're looking for a movie about extravagant heroism, this isn’t the movie for you. If you are a fan of any of the main cast, chances are you'll enjoy the movie for the acting at least, just set your expectations right. Happy Watching :D

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I have just finished watching this movie and I really like it. I think that the actors portrayed their roles very well, especially Tabe Mikako [Sawako] who not only looks scary but also very cute and sweet. Sometimes it was really funny watching her because she does not know much about love but it was even nicer to see how much she cares for her friends. Miura Haruma [Kazehaya] was also very sweet sometimes and I really wish there were more guys like him.
One thing that disappointed me a bit was the ending. Even though it would not fit Sawako's character very well if something big had happened, I wanted it to be more special.
Furthermore I wanted to know what happened between Ryuu and Chizuru afterwards. It would have been so nice to know ...
All in all I enjoyed this movie a lot maybe because I have not watched the anime yet and cannot compare. Anyway, I think the movie is worth watching and maybe I will rewatch it in a few weeks (:

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Don't let the title of the drama fool you - I thought it was going to be just another tawdry Grey's Anatomy-esque romantic-melodrama-with-hospital-backdrop and the first two episodes kind of leave you with that impression. In the beginning, it feels like they're trying a little bit too hard to be sexy and scandalous, but that soon takes a backseat as the real plots begin to unravel.

I ended up falling love with every main and supporting character, and becoming invested in every subplot running throughout the show. Every storyline is strong without convoluting the overarching story or making it clunky. The interwoven relationships in this story take precedence but the eventual main conflict is career-based with a dash of social commentary; the fact that their work also takes part of the centre focus is exactly what made it more than just a romantic melodrama.

Most of all, the conclusions that are drawn in the end are both realistic and satisfying, which is normally such a hard balance to strike. Every character, even the main antagonist, is done justly without oversimplifying the end of their respective arcs.

Ishitachi no Renai Jijou is by no means a flawless drama - it has its own tendencies to fall into the regular Japanese drama tropes at times - but overall it's clever, modern, presents us with complex characters and a refreshing outlook on love and work without being too preachy.

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