1A modern re-interpretaion of Snow White, this show could have been so amazing with some tight editing and a female lead chosen for her acting rather than her fan base. Yoona was terrible, the action was too emphasised, the real female lead was sidelined in lieu of an awful romance cliche and in the end it was a giant mess.
The biggest positive was the acting of some of the cast, especially Ji Chang Wook (the Huntsmen) and Song Yun Ah (the Evil Queen). Their performances were exceptional and their chemistry was off the charts. If the show had concentrated on that dynamic rather than shoehorning in the world's most boring romance with Snow White, this show would have been significantly better. The action scenes were brilliantly choreographed but in the end too pervasive.
Basically, when this show was channelling its fairy tale source material it was borderline genius. The rest of the time it was just terrible - nothing borderline about it.
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"You owe me emotionally"
It has been a rollercoaster ride to follow up these broken characters from young adults with painful scars of their past, to the adults that bear secrets to uphold the way they chose to live their own lives.The highlight of this drama it has to be the bond and bickering between Soo Hyun and Yeo Jun. How these two helped So Bin, making the three of them become an inspiration to many others who crossed their paths in character development.
"Can't you love me?"
Ji Hoon has really engaged into his character Yeo Jun to the point that we can really see the pain and neglect from his sorrowful stares and feel the agony he has tried to hide for most of his life behind fake smiles yearning to be loved to fill the void of loneliness. I don't know how to explain it but he seems so soft looking and yet can depict such a tragic character.
"I lived many years in darkness due to my father's physical abuse.
I'm all better now. I'm in the light."
Although mostly all the characters have their troubles and painful stories, the trio we have come to love and support through this Journey have more similarities than all the others. Yeo Jun, Soo Hyun and So Bin all share family problems. Although different and the same, they all have been through childhood suffering in their own way by those predicaments.
Yeo Jun being a victim of an abusive father, Soo Hyun having to step up as the older son and provider to help his mother and younger brother after his father passing, and So Bin with her parents divorce and knowing her mother left her behind cutting ties. It all leaves scars running deeper in their souls and slowly defined their personalities all through the course of their lives.
"If someone ever says awful things to you, it means that person is hurting inside."
It is not easy to rely on others and much less to share personal pain. Having a traumatic experience can also mess up our memories as a way to cope with the pain, we create walls as a mechanism of defense, only those who come close enough to knock them down and sustain the fall are reliable. I am glad that these three complete strangers from the first episode have come closer and learned in some hard but valuable way how to manage that, and be there for one another.
Developing a close friendship, a loving relationship and strong brotherhood.
Jun Wan always seemed more than met the eye, emotionally closed he had more secrets to hold than anyone. I only hope that he too breaks free from that habit, from their abusive father by saving the ones he loves and cares about, his mother and brother and finds valor in himself. For such a young kid to be willing to sacrifice his life and happiness so that his brother has it own was commendable, although it did not work as he thought it would. By pushing Jun away he only created a wall between them isolating the other, it has also caused him pain when Jun should have a strong pillar for support he found himself alone.
They all were lonely living in the shadow of their father.
Mi Joo and Young Ran are two characters that I really like in terms of development and that are fresh in dramas. Their bonding is pure and amicable and not as usually rivals tend to be that at some point in the story it turns sour and petty. Not, these two, they are both strong female characters that despite their differences and being total opposites still manage to become supportive friends and rivals when it comes to love. Kudos for that, it's a rare sight be it in real life and drama land.
Mi Joo seemed like a spoiled brat in the first episode but revealed to be a misunderstood and naïve character with a pure heart, still I must say, the courage she mustered for a confession, facing a rejection and accepting and still wrapping it all up by letting go it was honorable and this should be an example of a healthy way of moving on.
The character that I still have trouble warming up too has got be Chang Ki, now he is not bad and I for sure love his interactions with Jun when it comes to jealousy. But overall as a best friend, there was always something about him that lacked. I haven't read the webtoon yet, so I have no idea how it goes there. If he had any clue that So Bin had a crush on him like in here he seemed to have and yet he still engaged in pointless relationships or should we say nightstands that were hurting her.
Although claiming to be her best friend and always there, that is just an excuse. Because in the end their friendship shouldn't be measured by the years they've known each other, but by how they were there for each other. In the end So Bin knew more about him than he knew about her, that he even neglected that she appeased him in his own tastes because she liked him when he truly believed that she liked the same things as well.
Only when she become unavailable on his radar did he deemed her to be the missing piece in his life and that important? Only then did he brought the topic that her mother asked him when he was a child to look after her. Was he living with that in his conscience and not being able to confess any feelings he had, being afraid of losing their friendship in case things went sour?
If it's like that then he and Young Ran are on the same boat by having crushes on their friends.
Nevertheless, that's the reason these two bond as well in their rough times they learn to rely on each other and show an unlikely and inspirational bond to overcome their own troubles. I enjoyed their scenes and advices, it's relatable.
I really am fond of the main characters, and the moments that move me more definitely are the scenes with both Yeo Jun and Soo Hyun. I have been rooting for these two to get to know each other and pass the strangers mark to having a close bond and friendship and I am really content with the development so far. No one can measure who bears the most pain there, both are still suffering, but the best thing now is that they are no longer alone. They have each other. The fact that Jun calls him hyung is proof enough of how they matured and surpassed the barriers they had ever since the first meeting.
"I've become an adult who can share his true feelings, thanks to the people who love me for who I am."
The acting of the cast is good. I like most of the cast in their roles.
Bae In Hyuk and Park Ji Hoon are enjoyable to watch, the first being playing two polar opposites roles in two different dramas. Here being a poor and broke student, quiet and reserved, while on My Roommate is a Gumiho being the rich playboy who redeems his ways when falling in an unrequited love. Quite the promising young actor of this new generation.
The same goes with Park Ji Hoon, from idol to actor, he has talent in both. What I love most about him is how he conveys the emotions in his characters, they couldn't have chosen a better for this role of Yeo Jun other than him, he has the cute and soft look, while conveying the hidden emotional scars in his lonely tears. I am looking forward for more roles with him, he seems to get better and better and he truly dedicated himself to embody Yeo Jun in many lenghts.
The OST is pleasant to hear. The main theme, Talk to Me by Ji Hoon is so catchy that I find myself going with the flow. Rothy and Han Seung Yun song Pum is also nice to hear. And of course it wouldn't be a youthful OST without having Punch here.
I recommend, either you have read the webtoon or came to see this blind as I did. Its okay.
There will always be main differences and preferences on both sides, but the journey is always the same.
And remember,
"You can write your own ending to your story."
Therefore don't despair in your own struggles, where there is darkness there is also light, create your path at your own pace :)
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Kim Hee Sun rocked as a high-schooler believe it or not, I was surprised how good she looked in a high-school uniform. She was great at portraying a mother determined to protect her daughter, although a little naïve in the beginning her character grew throughout the drama. Even though she was a mother she matched so well with one high-schooler I couldn't help but ship them whenever they were together. and watching her fight with people was a plus.
Kim Yoo Jung as Oh Ah Ran was great a playing a teenager scared of the people that threatened her and her moms safety. I loved her moments with Hong Sang Tae played by B1A4's Baro - she melted his heart of ice.
Ji Soo as Go Bok Dong - this guy literally stole the show, not to mention my heart too <3 Every scene he was in was beautiful, dark, emotional, heartbreaking and brilliant! His damaged heart at the start of the drama was beautifully mended throughout the drama, with the warm touch of people who cared for him and those he cared for - his tears were wiped away <3 He was my favorite out of all the characters on this drama and the main reason for my checking in diligently every week! You'll fall in love with him too as you watch this drama.
Ji Hyun Woo as Park No Ah (whenever I say/hear his name I can't help but laugh a little inside "No Ah = Noah - the ark) anyways lol - I honestly can't think of any other actor who would pull off a naïve, sincere, honest, and "greatest fool" (quoting the drama words) "in the world." than he himself. I honestly got annoyed by his naivety in the beginning of the drama but it eventually ended up being his charm "after his eyes were opened". His fight to protect "his kids" was precious. & I enjoyed watching it.
Baro played a character who was caught in the prison of his dad's rules - Kim Yoo Jung tries to pull him out.
All the villains, supporting cast, guest stars were great.
The OST might not be up everyone's alley but it sure was right up mine! Most of the songs have a jazzy feel to them and are in half English/Korean - I loved each and every song! "Angry Mom" by Lee Juhan, "Sunny Side Up" by Ashbun, "Happy Magic" by Lee Hyun Woo, "Crying, Crying, Crying/I Love You, I'm Sorry" by ALi, & "Teleport Me" by Aberdeen Orange.
I would definitely re-watch this sometime in the near future and I highly recommend it^^
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The acting was commendable and the chemistry between the leads was palpable. The second lead had just as good a chemistry with the female lead and the love between the men.....enviable. I also enjoyed the side stories of the asst. writer and director -cute and immature, but these types happen in real life. The sous chef and the other writer, to me, showed growth in their relationship. The parents are realistic in that there really are parents who act more childlike than their children, more dependent, more insecure, more afraid.
Yes there were parts that others will see as boring but it's how life is. There are times when you are searching for direction and nothing much seems to be happening. I guess i didn't get bored because I felt like I saw fragment of my reality in this drama. I will watch it again someday to savor the experience of the different temperatures of love.
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At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to watch it. Let's face it - half balded guys aren't exactly eye candy. But I was wrong! And I'm glad I found people who were raving about it because it made me want to watch it! I got over that issue by the 5th episode - and some of the Prince's are still cute! And whatever else lacks, the story is the most important part - and it was excellent! I had mixed feelings about the princes' throughout the drama.
The acting was amazing! I've heard that Chinese dramas tend to not be acted out that well - but this one is certainly an exception! Wonderfully done - whatever the characters were feeling were clearly portrayed. They cried - I cried.
The music is beautiful! I love the soundtrack! Listening to it now, it just makes me sad - but I can't stop listening! Beautiful!
I don't think I'll rewatch this drama soon - only because there's already so many I have lined up to watch.
Overall - this drama was really worth the time. 35 episodes may seem like a lot - but the story is really done well and it made every episode worth it!
On a side note - keep in mind to expect some not so good greenscreen use and such. Actually some of it was bad enough that it made some scenes [when they're riding on a horse] look like something straight out of a video game. On the plus side - I found it comical and it added humor to a scene haha. Another thing to note that slightly bothered me - she's stuck in the past for many years: but none of them seem to age. It's not until it's almost over that they look slightly different. Because of those things I can't give this drama a full !O. I almost gave it an 8 but it's such a great story, the ending.... get some tissues ready!
Another thing - you don't have to know anything about the Qing Dynasty to follow along with this story. In a way I think it might be better if you don't. I didn't and it left surprises for me when I found out what would happen to the characters.
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Should Have Ended at 20-24 Episodes
There might be spoilers, read at your own riskIt has been a while since I have written a review and this will be more like a short commentary than a review, but here it goes.
I love fantasy dramas and I really like these time-space travel types of shows. I love watching the character’s reactions and how they try to navigate a completely unknown location and time. However, I felt robbed of that in this drama, especially since the male lead learned to figure out technology faster than many people who have been living in contemporary times their whole lives.
The drama was mostly light, cute, and funny at first, although it was sprinkled with some seriousness here and there. I even thought misunderstandings would be solved fast as the situation with her coworker, I cannot remember his name and cannot be bothered to look it up, was resolved pretty quickly. I was so wrong. About halfway through the show, it became boring, nonsensical, and repetitive. It was so repetitive that I kept thinking, “Really?!?! How many times is this dude going to be on his deathbed and how many times is she going to break up with him?”.
Once the Zhou Wei (?) villain situation was “resolved”, I thought “finally!”. But no! The drama had more plans in store for us. *Obsessively in love with female lead brother enter stage left* This arc was hard to watch. It was frustrating, it was dragged, and felt like some form of ancient torture. When they finished the brother arc, it wasn’t enough. So for the last two episodes we are subjected to Zhou Wei again. Only he is in the contemporary world and does better at finding free clothes, learning tech, and entering places, which I would think would high security, than I ever could dream of. All of this, while hurt.
The drama is full of the usual cliches like long drawn misunderstandings, break-ups, third wheels obsessed with main leads, and… well, I won’t mention the end. If you have watched this type of drama before, it will not be surprising.
This drama would have stayed pleasant if it ended at 24 episodes (or even less). For me, it went from being a delightful watch to being tedious and almost feeling like it was a chore to watch the show.
I am never rewatching this and would not recommend it to anyone, but I also think that if watchers are hesitant, they should watch it for themselves and form their own opinion.
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A very Chinese-flavour drama with eastern phylosophical ideas
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS -This post is part of a trilogy where I analyse only the cultural and historical artistic aspects, as well as two Eastern philosophical perspectives with strong presence in the drama, without tackling other elements such as wuxia themes, Confucianism, sci-fi inspiration, and so on. The links to the complete three-acts review with images are in the comments.
By accident when adding this part, I erased the previous review :
NOTE: Although the story is remarkable, the execution and direction has flaws that impact the overall result, so the final score is a balance between the outstanding aspects of the drama rarely seen in any kind of drama or serie (that gives the extra points to reach the 8) with its flaws. Luo Yun Xi and Jeremy Tsu - outstanding.acting
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As we enter this THIRD and last ACT about Buddhism, the framework that gives structure to the whole story, it felt fitting to bring the classical theatre resource where a character steps in at the beginning to set the scene and offer context. Honouring that tradition, I’ll quote the answer that Mo’at gives to Jake Sully in the movie Avatar when he asks the Na’vi people to teach him their worldview and wisdom: “It is hard to fill a cup that is already full.”
This phrase didn’t just pop into my mind by chance. Buddhism is a philosophy and religion completely different from Western conceptions and beliefs, and since it sits at the heart of Shui Long Yin’s narrative, I tried my best to do justice to its principles. Although I kept things as concise as I could, this time you’ll need to be extra forgiving with me.
As actor Luo Yun Xi said himself (see ACT 2), Tang Li Ci seeks enlightenment. Let’s embark together on that search and see whether he attained what he was looking for, or if , at the very least, the journey was worthy.
Buddhism, the general framework
“All things are impermanent; they arise and they pass away.”
While Daoism is about finding harmony with the Dao, Buddhism is a path of understanding meant to transcend this world and the suffering inherent in it. It originated in India around the 5th century BC with Siddhartha Gautama who, after attaining enlightenment, became known as Buddha, or “the awakened one.”
The foundation rests on the Four Noble Truths:
1) Life contains suffering
2) Suffering has a cause (craving and attachment)
3) There is an end to suffering (nirvana and enlightment)
4) There is a path to end suffering
(NOTE 1 - Masters Puzhu and Fang Zhou // Although there is one “internal” path to end suffering, there are two “external” ways to walk that path. Puzhu represents the Buddhist archetype of the hermit who isolates himself from humanity and external distractions to walk the path. Fang Zhou represents the Buddhist archetype of the master who actively involves himself in worldly affairs with compassion.)
The ultimate goal is to wake up from the "dream" of cyclic existence, the Samsara, realising the true nature of reality. This is achieved by understanding and internalising several key principles:
Impermanence: All conditioned things are in a constant state of change.
Karma: The law of cause and effect, where intentional actions shape future experiences.
No-Self : The perception of a fixed, independent "I" is an illusion.
Nirvana: The unconditioned state, the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of rebirth, achieved by disolving all harmtful states of minds
So, let´s walk this path through Shui Long Yin together.
Impermanence: life as a dream or the stage of a play // “All phenomena are like dreams” - Heart Sutra
Some of the comments regarding the ending of Shui Long Yin revolve around the idea that everything Tang Li Ci did seems meaningless because no one remembers he existed. Even worse, not only are all the bad omens now living good lives, but TLC has never even existed. Was the whole drama, and all the time and emotions invested by viewers, pointless?
In the drama, Tang Li Ci voices a similar distressed question during his dream coma, and Fang Zhou’s answer guides not only him, but us, along the Buddhist path...and might add, the drama.
(NOTE 2 - Zhoudi Tower // In the dream, Tang Li Ci is disheartened and defeated because Yique YingYang is already back after ten years, and he feels that all the deaths and efforts back then were meaningless. Fang Zhou, a Buddhist teacher answers: “Even if YQYY is alive, are all the people who were able to live and enjoy life during those ten years not worthy of that?” … “In this world, not a second of effort is wasted.”)
By this point, we already know there are three stories: the original timeline, where Ye Mo kills Tang Li Ci only to realise that without emotions the Holy Son isn’t perfect and can’t achieve immortality; the second timeline, the one the drama actually follows; and the third one, the new life we glimpse at the end, where Tang Li Ci is no longer explicitly present nor ever existed.
So? Which one is real? The first one we never saw? The second one we grew attached to? The final one we only catch a glimpse of? Buddhism states that just as our dream experiences are mere appearances of the mind, so too are beings, their environments, their pleasures, and all other phenomena. The strong theatre-stage effect of the drama (ACT 1) seems to work like a visual metaphor of this.
(NOTE 3 - Tang Li Ci’s dream in Zhoudi Tower // From a Buddhist perspective, this dream and Tang Li Ci’s confusion about what was real bring up the topic of phenomena as mere appearances of the mind.
This doesn’t mean those phenomena don’t exist; it means they don’t exist on their own, only in relation to the mind. We believe the only “real” timeline in the drama is the one we just experienced because we formed a connection with it. The others feel unreal because we didn’t immerse ourselves in them, even though, at the back of our mind, we understand they existed too - but only from the moment we are introduced to them, not before.
We can see this idea represented in different moments and ways throughout the drama, through both cinematic and narrative resources: the contrast between chaos and fighting versus the calm, quiet tea scene in the Buddhist temple at the beginning; the reality in which Liu Yan lived all those years, where Tang Li Ci is a murderer and the most despicable being, versus Chi Yun believing the marks of Yique YingYang are beautiful and enhance Tang Li Ci’s attractiveness.
(NOTE 4 - All phenomena are like dreams // The quiet calm of a tea ritual and a baby sleeping at a lakeshore versus the chaos and action-packed fighting in the temple’s front yard.)
(NOTE 5 - Matrix (1999) – iconic sci-fi movie directed by the Wachowski sisters // The best way to explain it is this movie
2. Karma, suffering, and samsara: Even things aren´t “real”, we still suffer...Why? How? // “If you know your own mind and develop it, you will become a Buddha; do not seek Buddhahood outside yourself”
Every sentient being wants to be happy and avoid suffering. We tend to think that the causes of happiness or pain are external, but Buddhism states they actually lie within our own mind.
The mind isn’t a material object or a by-product of physical processes; it’s an immaterial and continuous entity, different from the body. Every action we take leaves an imprint or potential on our very subtle mind, and in time, its corresponding effect will arise. Virtuous actions bring happiness; harmful actions bring suffering. This is the law of karma, and it affects all lives, constantly.
At the beginning of Whispers of Fate, Tang Li Ci already has a partial understanding of these ideas taught by his master, Fang Zhou, and he reflects with the monk on intention and karma. When he decides to enter the jianghu, he is, without realising it, following Fang Zhou’s path to end suffering through the worldly-affairs way. At that point, his obsession and his merely intellectual grasp of these concepts and teachings prevent him from truly embracing them, as he still doesn’t fully understand what that way means or how it works.
(NOTE 6 - Tang Li Ci speaking with the Buddhist monk about intention, karma, and suffering. By entering the jianghu, he will come to learn and understand human emotions (hate, fear, love, obsession) and the deeper meaning of things, just as Fang Zhou told him many times.)
So, the world itself is the result of karma — the actions of the sentient beings who live in it. A pure world is the result of pure actions, and an impure world is the result of impure actions. Since all actions are created by the mind, all things, including the world, are created by the mind as well.
(NOTE 7 - Impermanence, karma, samsara // Every relationship and every character is shaped by karma and samsara. Hatred turns someone into an inherently bad person; attachment turns an object into something inherently pleasant and capable of making them truly happy. All mental afflictions work like this: they color reality with their own bias, and we end up responding not to what things truly are, but to the distorted version of them.)
While the body disappears at death, the mind - now called the very subtle mind, and without the memories of that life - continues to exist. Depending on the karma that grows, we reincarnate into a fortunate form (human or god) or an unfortunate one. We can’t choose; karma rules. This uninterrupted cycle of death and rebirth, without any freedom to choose, is called samsara.
3. The Path to Liberation from Suffering, and Enlightenment // “Samsara is like a wheel that turns through the force of contaminated actions performed by mental afflictions”
Mental afflictions such as attachment, hate, malice, jealousy, greed, and delusion are to the mind like clouds to the sky: bad habits that can be eradicated because they are not the sky itself. They are distorted perceptions that cling to things as if they had inherent or independent existence.
In the drama, this idea of clarity as the true nature of the mind is highlighted by Fang Zhou’s teaching: “Every person is born good” — which is also shared by Confucianism, by the way.
The strongest ignorance is the intuitive feeling that we possess a real and objective self that exists independently of other phenomena or things: the ignorance of self-grasping. Because we esteem ourselves so intensely, we feel attracted to objects and people that seem appealing, we desire to separate from those we dislike, and we feel indifference toward the rest. Therefore, attachment, hatred, and indifference arise. I’m sure you’ve already pictured countless examples from the drama while reading this.
Attention should focus on creating mental states that bring real happiness (love, patience, generosity) and also on letting go of mental afflictions completely by addressing their root: the mind’s tendency to cling to a fixed self. By tackling the causes of suffering within, external ones like illness or death lose their power to disturb us. This lasting freedom from mental afflictions and suffering is what Buddhism calls liberation, or nirvana. In other words, this is the path to truly freeing oneself from suffering.
There’s a sequence in Episode 2 that sums up everything above, so I’ll simply replay the dialogue, presented as a voice-over during the scene when Tang Li Ci is leaving the temple:
Tang Li Ci: “Masters and servants can turn on each other for money; brothers can betray and kill each other. In the end, the heart is the hardest to see through. Demons are everywhere.”
Monk: “Amitabha. Right and wrong, good and evil, they are just a thought apart. What you can’t let go is obsession. You’re very wise. You go through the sea of suffering by yourself. I believe you’ll eventually reach the other shore.”
** Some translation don't address the specific term "sea of suffering" but instead go for "salvation lies in your own hands". Although the essential meaning is the same, the second avoid the específico and direct reference to Buddhism - a bad take in my opinion as it's about Buddhist beliefs.
(NOTE 8) The path to liberation from suffering – The journey and the destination // From attachment to life, to the past, and to Fang Zhou, to loving new people and appreciating the human world and its beings, and ultimately managing to let go.
It’s worth noticing that, despite the different levels of wisdom each character had reached before the time reversal, almost all the villains’ endings carry a note of compassion. You might have thought “finally!”, but there certainly wasn’t a sense of “hate” or “I’ll wish you eons of suffering” left floating in the air.
Liberating only oneself from suffering isn’t the highest aim on the Buddhist path. Beyond wisdom, it’s kindness and love for others that form the true foundation for helping all beings reach the same state. Those who seek enlightenment do so guided by the mind of Bodhichitta: a mind that, moved by deep compassion, naturally wants to awaken in order to help all sentient beings directly.
The Buddhas are those beings that, having completely removed all traces of ignorance from their minds, have freed themselves from the dream of samsara and attained omniscient wisdom, along with the limitless ability to help others.
And with this understanding in mind, I hope you can find more meanings to the ones you´ve already found in Whispers of Fate. As for my part, the analysis of this trilogy has now come to an end.
** Epilogue (closing and ending notes) ** - I´ve link the three parts completed with images in the comments to a better review
Whispers of Fate is a drama about loss, grief, and attachments; but at its core, it’s a story that reflects on and questions what it means to be human from a very Chinese perspective, rooted in China’s history while staying in tune with its present. We see that search in every character, although I want to highlight three.
Nothing in this world is perfect, and neither is this drama. It’s a complex and ambitious project with a distinctive Chinese flavour that can look ordinary and simple on the surface, yet be slow and fast-paced, common and uncommon, all at once. And when we bring in our Western viewpoint, shaped by a Judeo-Christian background or even a modern secular mindset, we really do need to empty our cups first.
For me, the beauty of Whispers of Fate lies in its distinctive Chinese aesthetics, but also in the way it blends Eastern philosophies into its storytelling. In a way, the original title “Shui Long Yin” and its literal translation “Water Dragon Chant” is the most fitting, as the whole approach of the drama reminds me of those apparently simple tales and legends through which ancient cultures and societies explained the world, what it means to be human and why we are here.
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A Drama That is Worth a Thousand Smile
Before I start let me just clear out one thing, I have never been a fan of Reply Series and never thought that one day I would be. The first series (Reply 1997), I watched it while it was still airing back in 2012 and stopped right after ep.4. The reason I still remember the number of the episode perfectly is to keep reminding myself that I did start it like everyone else and before all the hype but still didn’t work for me. While Reply 1994 did intrigue my interest, it’s the rumors I’ve heard about Reply1988 being a family drama is what really pushed my button especially that I am sucker for family themed and nostalgia stimulating dramas.In life, I have had to say goodbye to many things--friends, family members, my teen life, and as I venture into my last year of my 20s, I say goodbye to my youth as well. Bidding farewell to Reply 1988 continues this list, as I venture onward in dramaland and away from Ssammungdong. I say goodbye to that warm, neighborly feeling, that old nostalgia, that stirup-pant wearing era, and to the best youth drama I have ever seen. This drama really penetrated my soul.
Story:
The story primarily takes place in a singular setting, and yet the narrative does not stagnate; it does not become boring or trite; it does not make you sleepy when watching daily interactions of the families. Instead, the story of R1988 pushes at the heart and makes you yearn for friends who love each other this closely, for parents who love each other this much, for a life as simple and yet as hard as these characters' lives were. It takes you out of 2015/2016/2017 and supplants you into 1988 where you take that same journey with the characters. The first 2 episodes were pretty much an introduction episodes where all the crucial characters are being shown. My position as a viewer was a thin line between proceeding or stopping I needed to feel attached to the character because that is what it takes to feel R1988 but to me they were random people who knew each other BUT I knew nothing about them. The length of each ep (hour and half) scared me, I wondered if I could handle a 20 more eps especially that I wasn’t expecting much from the drama. However once I got deeper and deeper into their lives and got to know each and every one of them, I just couldn’t stop anymore. I felt they are part of me and I’m part of them.
Possibly, the star of the narrative of R1988 is its ability to exert both laughter and tears at the passing of a few minutes, yet it never feels stilted. It brings to us the viewers richness and variety of character within just the five friends, let alone the parents and siblings surrounding them. With that, we see intricate details of each person's character--like Bora's unspoken love for her parents, or Dong Ryong's inner philosopher, or Jung Hwan's hidden sweetness, or Taek's competitive strength. There are so many elements of character that we see, often unspoken, rise to the surface with the passing of a quick moment or a prolonged incident.
I loved the fact that the story focused more on friendship and family relationships so romance (the husband game) took a severe backseat in this drama. Furthermore, the show gave many couples a chance at love, both new and renewed, lost and found. It was never unrealistic or unfair to anyone in the cast instead, it offered options and chose the best one.
Acting:
I would love to talk about each and everyone one of the cast because they were the heartthrob of the show altogether, but no words would be enough so I’ll keep it short and list my favorites:
Sung Duk Seon (Lee Hyeri): My biggest surprise of them all! The bubbly and outgoing, if not a little bit kooky Duk Seon. At first, I doubted that she will be good because I’ve seen her before in one drama and wasn’t impressed. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised! Hyeri portrayed Duk Seon so perfectly that I can believe she actually acts like that in real life. Not to mention I could totally relate to Duk Seon issues being the 2nd child in the family which makes her my favorite.
Yoo Dong Ryong (Lee Donghwi): Dong Ryong is somewhat the male version of Duk Seon. I don't understand how the casting crew can be so good. The Lee Dong Hwi who is in his 30s can act out a whiny 18-year-old very well. I have nothing but praises for him and the way he portrays his character in the drama. I really loved Dong Ryong moments in consoling his friends and how he understood each and everyone of them more than they understood each other.
Kim Jung Hwan (Ryu Junyeol): Simply said, Jung Hwan is a kind of tsundere. I already knew Ryu Junyeol's fame skyrocketed after he took up the role of Kim Jung Hwan. I must say it is easy to understand that. He IS a good actor. The feeling awkward expression, the secretly happy face and many other are properly conveyed by Ryu Junyeol.
I could talk all day about the parents' roles as well. Ra Mi Ran, Kim Seon Young, and Lee Il Hwa trumped most drama mothers for being the most awesome trio of moms in a drama. They were not only funny, but they all showed signs of vulnerability and strength, and true to form, they were an unstoppable force on screen and in front of their husbands. But Ra Mi Ran takes the cake. She pulls off the ajumma routine like a master, this role was made for her. She’s intense. And every scene she was in, I thoroughly enjoyed. She’s a tough mom but an always kind mom; she’s aloof but wants to be warm; she’s smart but uneducated–and she’s a joy to watch.
As for the husbands/dads, all the dads were awesome as well, but Kim Sung Kyun takes the trophy. His President Kim routine will forever been ingrained in my memory, but also his relationship with Ra Mi Ran showed a great example of how love grows with age.
Fun fact, all adults used their own names. How funny and creative is that?
Music:
The music of Reply 1988 also played a special role, not only in the background OST, but in the characters' lives. The power of music pervaded the narrative of Reply. It gives warmth.
Overall
R1988 carries that genuineness into the world it’s set in. This isn’t the 1980s through the lens of nostalgia and political correctness, but a balance between the popular culture and political correctness. It’s not an attempt to shy from history. I cannot recommend this drama enough. The first 2-3 episodes are required to really get you into the show, but once you watch those, you will be hooked. It’s not about glamour, R1988 is merely about people, family, life and YOUTH. The only reason it did not get a full 10 from me is because of the slightly unsatisfying ending. I am NOT talking about the husband's identity (I’ve figured it out during the earlier episodes and the writing was fair to both male leads imo) but how the ending was handled did leave me feeling really empty. I needed to see everyone in the cast; I needed to see their 2015/16 selves. A narration/update of their 2015/16 lives would've been good enough so I could say goodbye because that is the point of R1988, feeling like you’re a part of the whole thing but instead felt kind of left out by the end.
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Our Generation: A youth, Growth, Heartbreaking, Yet Healing Story✨♥️
The first half of this drama is absolutely full of teenage vibes. I really adore the friendship within the Qunshan gang. The atmosphere they created reminded me so much of what pure, youthful friendship feels like. The kind where you just want to protect and support your friends no matter what. It makes you believe that as long as there’s someone behind you who believes in you, who cares about you, you can get through anything. The Qunshan friendship truly makes you believe that “human love” can be that beautiful😌✨💗I really loved Yingtao’s character. The way Zhao Jinmai portrayed her captured that essence of a 16-year-old girl perfectly. Her little gestures, her reactions, the way she talk, the way she loves, it took me back to that feeling of having a crush as a teenager😳👉🏻👈🏻 You know... when just making eye contact is enough to make your heart race, and you can’t wait for tomorrow just to see that person again. That kind of innocent, overwhelming feeling.
For Qiaoxi, at first, I didn’t really like his character. Just like Qin Yeyun said, I thought he was a bit of a coward. But after watching eps 12, seeing Qiaoxi finally let out all his pain completely broke my heart💔 Once you understand how heavy his life has been—how he’s been controlled his entire life, forced to live in someone else’s shadow, living a life that is technically his but never truly felt like his own—you can’t help but feel sorry for him. Because, who wouldn’t become a coward in that situation? Who wouldn’t break under that kind of pressure? Who wouldn’t lose control of themselves?
Qiaoxi, I forgive your avoidant attitude because if it were me, I would do the same thing🫂
And Qiaoxi’s mother… I know she’s broken, trapped in her past, living with loss and pain. Her heart can no longer be whole as before. But Qiaoxi was never meant to replace someone else. I tried to empathize, but I really couldn’t accept her actions. Losing a child is heartbreaking, but it doesn’t make it right to becoming overly control freak to the point she destroying another child’s life. She’s simply too toxic🙅🏻♀️⛔
Next, I really appreciate how Yuqiao and Qin Yeyun were written. They’re not the typical characters who turn “evil” just because their love isn’t returned. Instead, they remain rational, kind, and human🌬️ Yuqiao loves Yingtao, but because he knows Yingtao loves Qiaoxi, he often helps her, even when it involves Qiaoxi. And Qin Yeyun, who loves Yuqiao, quietly accepts that her feelings aren’t returned and still maintains a good relationship with Yingtao, although she was a bit cold at first. So, it's like they push each other the person they like to chase the person themself like😌 That kind of emotional maturity is so refreshing to see✨ I love emotional intelligent person🧎🏻♀️
Actually, I love Yuqiao more than Qiaoxi lmao😌🤣🧎🏻♀️
Only Yingtao who can love Qiaoxi😌🥀
And...
The. Most. ✨PHENOMENAL PART✨ In. This. Drama.
THE HONGKONG ARC😭💔🥀🫂
Their raw acting, the feeling, the emotional breakdowns, tremble voices, ZLH with his worn-out look and broken aura, ZJM's desperate, they are peak! Zhao Jinmai’s tantrum is so intense. Every her word is something I want her to say. Every single line of dialogue in this arc hits hard.
Their acting gave me chills. This Hongkong arc made me raise up my rating from 8.5 to 9.0!💔👏🏻
Which is why THAT 7.9 RATING REALLY ANNOYS ME🧐😒 it deserves AT LEAST AN 8. In fact, both Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai delivered outstanding performances here👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 (note: before watching Our Generation, I had already watched the drama The Princess Royal and I was amazed because I didn't see Linghe and Jinmai as their old characters but in these new characters).
From acting, plot, character development, to cinematography—this drama really doesn’t lack anything.
Oh, there are only two lacks on this drama.
First, I heard that it was originally supposed to be 40 episodes, but then it was cut down to 24😭 Why do good dramas always have a short duration, while dramas with ... always have a large number of episodes..
And the second, is the fact that I missed out on hyping this drama😖💔 when everyone else has finished hyping this drama, I just got in🥀
But it's okay. Because this drama didn’t just pass by—it stayed. It left a mark on my heart😌💯✨
This is a kind of drama that feels gentle on the surface, makes you nostalgic about how beautiful the pure feeling was🌬️🍃 but carries deep emotional weight underneath. If you love slice of life, youth, and growth stories, mixed with romance where there’s honestly more suffering than happiness😂💫 but still give you a "happy ending"—you’ll probably love this drama as much as I do.
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I haven't seen Yoo Joon Sang an anything else that I can think of, but he is pretty spectacular as Han Jeong Ho. His expressions are excellent. I also haven't seen Yoo Jo Jeong in anything. She was ok as Choi Yeon Hee, but I really didn't feel for her character and I thought that I would eventually feel sorry for her. Lee Joon gets better with each role. I like him as boy/man Han In Sang. He portrayed his struggle really well. Where did Go Ah Sung come from? She did Seo Bom proud with strength and dignity. I enjoyed the other actors as well.
The music is pretty good. It doesn't get on my nerves, but nothing stands out.
I won't rewatch this.
I recommend this drama, but it isn't action packed or overly exciting. If you like dramas that make you think then this is for you.
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Uma Coisinha Chamada Primeiro Amor
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This drama is somewhat relateable aside from the love lines.First off, its a typical youth C-drama, female lead loves the popular, smart and handsome male lead.
The character development in this drama is great especially with the female lead, Xia Miao Miao. She was initially a timid and shy girl but grew into a brave, confident, and independent girl because of her friends and because of her beloved Liang You Nian.
Liang You Nian is the male lead of the drama. He's your typical c-drama male lead. He's sweet and nice to everyone except those who ticks him off or trying to get with his girl. You can totally see his glare when someone gets too close to Miao Miao. IT WAS ADORABLE! Back to the story at hand, You Nian is someone who sticks to what he wants to do and this trait of his helped Miao Miao switch her major to something that SHE herself really wanted to do from the beginning. That sparked the change in Miao Miao and how hard working she is in achieving her dreams.
The relationship between the two leads started later because Miao Miao had a crush on You Nian since high school and (spoiler alert) Liang You Nian did as well, however he didn't exactly confirm this until later in university. It was cute when they got together, they held hands, hugged, not much kissing but other than that its adorable seeing them together and working together, etc.
The drama also focused on other couples Lin Kai Tuo, You Nian's younger step brother (its funny because the actor playing Kai Tuo is way older than Kuan Lin(actor playing Liang You Nian). XD Kai Tuo was coupled with He Xin (Liang You Nian's cousin.) I call them the temper couple cause they both have anger issues/temper. hhahaha Another character is Wang Yi Chao and same-grade female character I forgot the name of albeit sh initially liked You Nian.
Furthermore, the drama focused on family issues such as Liang You Nian's family. His father married Kai Tuo's mother. For a while this caused a disruption in the friend between Kai Tuo and You Nian. One misses their birth mother, and the other misses their birth father. As said before, this drama mentioned individual choices -such as majors in universities- if your family wants you to take this major, but your hearts wants something else then follow it cause thats what Miao Miao ended up doing.
Lets just say, You Nian influenced a lot of Miao Miao's choices which eventually lead to an argument I thought was pointless. Anyways, You Nian also said Miao Miao inspired him as well in ways that she never knew she could because she thought he's "too high" for her. It just tells us that You Nian doesn't care if you're not the best looking person, its all about the personality and your actions and what you do with it.
The acting in this drama is not amazing. I just want to say Kuan Lin is not an actor even though he technically acted. He just didn't seem natural whatsoever. His expressions are stone cold aside from his smile - which is adorable but other than that his expressions in acting is terrible. Even the crying part was awkward - it had no feeling to me. The female lead who played XIa Miao Miao did an okay, passable job.
Overall, if you like youth dramas dealing with fashion design, architect, drawing, college life, family drama, friendship then this is for you. :)
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I watched this drama because of my grandmother, I saw her watching the third episode and I became quickly invested in its events so I catched up and continued watching the drama with her.
I have to point that my grandmother has a great taste (^_^)
2) Storyline/Plot:
Generally speaking , this is a family drama wrapped up with romance and comedy which is an acceptable combination for most of viewers.
Positive points:
*This drama is one of those dramas that made me interested with only one episode, I felt good vibes ever since it started because the plot was set up in a good way.
*Main Genres:
--->Family: This drama is different from other family dramas because the plot was well written in order to make viewers deeply attracted, even the problems weren't the type that was written in order to fill the drama's time; it was well calculated to make everything about the family sound natural and important. The family element was appreciated so much within me and I am not even into family dramas.
--->Humor: It was intense at the beginning but later on it didn't remain the same, not that it completely faded away but laughter moments weren't that present, let's say it was "humble". Epidode three and four were the funniest episodes in here.
The comedy was accepted overall, It would've been more appreciated if it was much intense like it was at the beginning but anyway, it deserves a spot in the positive points column.
Negative points:
--->Romance: I had a lot of thoughts before mentioning it in the negative points column; it had its positives and its negatives yet I think that the negatives were "bigger".
The romance wasn't satisfying, it wasn't light and "badly expressed" which made it one of the few bad point in this drama since it didn't feel enough. However, it wasn't completely Off, at least, it wasn't disappointing.
Story: 8.5/10
3) Acting/Cast:
*Choi Jung Won:
I don't know this actress and even if i do, I don't believe that her previous roles were that remarkable since I dont remember any of them. Here, she portrayed her role in a good acceptable way.
The character was interesting ever since the drama started, it's not an unusual or a special character though but the character's developement was captivating although it may get a little annoying at some points. Pal Gang was really clumsy and indifferent at the beginning then she changed in a good way.
*Kim Ji Hoon:
I'm not very familiar with him as an actor, all the memories that I have about him aren't that bad nor that great. Here, he wasn't any different, I felt that Choi Jung Won lead the drama yet I can't ignore his presence wich was somehow "nice" to watch.
The character in one word "stiff", all what I can think about that it was really exagerated sometimes but that's how the storyline wanted it to be. There were mements were lawyer Won seemed "appealing" and "enjoyable" especially when he is with Pa Rang , I won't judge the character harshly because like I said earlier, it's drawned by the storyline.
*The five Children:
I have no idea about them as actors so I am not going to talk about that side, let's just mention that their acting convinced me and their roles were the best.
Their characters were awesome, each and everyone of them was enjoyable; all the pranks, the attitudes and their thoughts were simply wonderful to see.
The main reason that kept me interested until the last minute was the children's presence, if it wasn't for them, i think it would be another usual boring korean drama. The children were my favorite characters in this drama.
*I really loved the second lead male at the beginning then his character development didn't seem right.
*Appreciated character: Tae Kyun Was the funniest character in the drama, he wasn't that funny but his presence has always lightened the drama and made it enjoyable, I appreciated his presence a lot.
*The second lead female had the usual boring personality that most of Korean second lead females has; that was always boring for me.
*Other cast: No hard feelings for the remaining of the cast, I can't say that I liked them or disliked them , they weren't "that bad".
*Relationships:
--->Romance: It's really hard to talk about chemistry in this drama since the romance wasn't that "intense", even when the romance became serious, I don't think that the chemistry was that present or that deep.
--->Family: The children's relationship with their big sister was really cool, even though some troubles may occure, I don't believe that it got any worse. The family relationships were warm and good to watch.
--->The triangle: The usual triangle that you see in most of Korean dramas. Well, Tae Kyun added a good taste but beside that it was annoying.
Cast: 7.5/10
Acting: 8.5/10
4) The ending:
The ending was predictable but it was fun to watch. I liked the final scene ; It was a good closure.
The ending: 7.5/10
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
*I enjoyed this drama so much although I am not into this type of dramas, I don't believe I was bored because I never lost interest.
*The main reason that made me attracted to this drama from the beginning till the end was the children's presence, I don't think I would've liked it if they were absent.
*Is this drama memorable: Yes it is, most of the memories that would remain in my mind are the children's memories because beside that it was a normal usual Korean drama.
My impression: 8.5/10
6) Overall:
*If you like romatic comedies with family theme in it then you would like this.
*If you like great children that would bring you entertainment then watch this.
*If you're looking for a "romantic" drama, I wouldn't recommend this.
Overall: 8.5/10.
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Lol, I think I'm more in love with Luo Yunxi because of this drama
Tissue Rate (aka how much I cried); 0.5 out of 5 (this drama really just me smile and laugh a lot)Omg I don't even know where to begin with this drama! Like the cast is absolutely AMAZING! The two main leads (Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu) chemistry is so so cute (I love how comfortable they are with each other in the behind the scene clips)! I really hope there is going to be another drama together with them in it! I also really love how each character developed nicely and there weren't many backstabs throughout rivals (compared to other dramas) and I love how the main two leads always stayed true to each other and I love how they are always there for each other even if they one were to be upset with one another or something bad happened in the relationship. I also enjoy how sweet the romance is and how funny the scenes are whenever the kiss (lol like when the younger cousin saw making out or when Jiang Jun’s mom caught them on the couch). This drama has each a good lighthearted and feel good vibe that you get when watching this drama!
Also this drama has really made me fall in love with Luo Yunxi's acting (like really in love lol)! I've seen him in Ashes of Love and I loved his acting there but his acting in this drama just hits differently.
But overall, i definitely would recommend this drama to others (Already got one of my friend's hooked to this lol)!! The office romances in this drama was super lowkey and not cringey so don't be scared to go for it when starting this drama!!
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The movie covers their cute moments of how they met in university and how they fell in love like it was fate. The movie is shot in Italy and in China with one of the most beautiful cinematography ever.
There is MINIMAL DUBBING, lee joon gi was speaking Korean most of the time, or all the time, so it was sooooo good to hear.
Even though the movie is set In a melodramatic tone, it still had a lot of heartwarming fun moments.
One of the cutest chemi I've seen on screen.
Shampoo gives 8.7/10
Movie quotes:
" you wanna go to Italy to learn opera when you can't even sing the birthday song in tune"
"We must move on , we must"
"A world without you, I can't imagine it, it terrifies me, it's terrifying"
http://hdfree.se/watch-online/never-said-goodbye
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Burn the wicked rich with 95% vodka, literally
This film takes we, the audience on a journey to witness something grotesquely beautiful.It goes from one train wreck to another train wreck and a couple more incoming.
This film spares no one, not even the kids.
Kiritani was a man who abided the law and bounded by societal expectations.
A man who had a stable job, a normal marriage, a lost ambition and few other secrets kept from his spouse.
He became a man who was once fear of his vulnerability - then shines the most when he weaponised his fear and vulnerability.
Through the eyes of Kiritani who was a victim, survivor, then offender - was his act of revenge justifiable?
This is up to the audience to think.
A dead man can no longer think; well at least someone had a good time in the woods. Heh.
The story plot, cinematography, actors’ performances made this film feel both disgustingly raw and beautifully organic.
Rap scenes and film soundtracks are mesmerising and worth to rewatch.
As an audience, I felt as involved as a bystander.
A bystander who is waiting for everything to collapse, observing a person self-destruct and a madness ensures.
That is how this psychologically complex film felt.
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