Reviews

What else can I say about this drama? This drama was such a masterpiece. This was my first time watching a non-romance sports drama, which was probably my least-interested genre for a drama. I wasn’t that interested in watching this drama, but their achievement from winning the 56th Baeksang Awards as the ‘Best Drama’ made me more and more curious about what’s new and different from the rest of the nominated dramas. Most dramas I’ve finished watching has a rather boring first three until four episodes. But, Hot Stove League is different, the first three until four episodes were triggering, making us mlre and more interested in the upcoming episodes.

The casts were awesome, their acting were all excellent. This drama mainly focuses on friendships and the management strategy for a losing baseball team, and by watching this drama, we could always learn to always strive for something eventhough it may seem impossible.

Overall, a 10/10 wouldn’t be enough to rate this drama. I’ve been blown away by amazing scenes and amazing acting that was shown in this drama. We hope to see Yoo Min Ho and other baseball players (with those awesome visuals hehe) again if possible. THANK YOU WRITER-NIM AND ALSO ALL OF THE CASTS FOR DELIVERING SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DRAMA. ⭐️

Leia Mais

The only problem was that it was too short.

Now these characters are actual bad boys. No, not those preppy, arrogant guys in soapy romance dramas that corner the girl to the wall. These guys are druggies, drinkers, and get into numerous amounts of fights and cause chaos. It is kind of rare to see this portrayed because it is always showed wrong. Surely, probably one of the best dramas I have watched in a while. I was hooked at the first episode.

I believe these people are new actors because I honestly could not find information about any of the students. But I wouldn't even have known they were rookies. They did a very good job giving the characters life. The female characters were well built and...strong. That's really the only word I can think of. They were very strong. They weren't shy or naive or going after the guy they liked. It is shown that they go through their own problems and you can see through their actions that it shapes the way they are. As for the guys, it was nice to see friendships develop and crash and develop again. They showed emotion where they needed to and had flaws and weak points. And also very nice to look at ahaha.

As for the plot, it is a bit confusing to figure at first, but eventually gets cleared up. Theres a lot going on at the same time and a lot of flashbacks. But it slowly gets stitched together.

The music is also great. There were a mix of genres, and it wasn't like a set OST. But I guess it depends on a persons taste. I liked it though.

Overall...wow. I binged it lol. I recommend. :)

Leia Mais

What a long ride this has been

I first started looking forward to F4 Thailand when they first announced in 2019! That's how long it has been lol. Then in late 2020 was the cast announcement and first trailer. But then there was a whole another year of waiting because of covid delays T_T Just saying, I and a lot of other people have been very patient.

Anyway, after watching F4 Thailand, I can confidently say that this is my second favorite version behind the Japanese version ofc. I would also venture to say that it's the best written version out of all of them. It managed to avoid a lot of the pitfalls that the series has without making it completely toothless like Meteor Garden 2018. There's themes and symbolism and sooo many details that you'll catch during rewatches. The cast is absolutely perfect. There's great chemistry between the leads and the double K couple. I honestly cannot praise it enough.

My favorite episodes were "The Glass Mask" (ep 5) and "The Atonement" (ep 10). I love the way this version handled all of the side characters. Hana and Talay, in particular, are my favorites. I also adored Lita and Glakao. Jan's character in MJ's story managed to shine, despite her relatively short screentime. MJ's KFC ad (lol) was one of favorite parts. I looked forward to it so much each week.

Now some complaints: I love Tia, but I wish she was given more of a background. In other versions, we get to know her a bit more. Also, Kavin and Kaning, is a big one for me. I liked how their relationship was handled in some parts, but not others. Kavin's episode "The Rooftop of Tomorrow" (ep 13) was a highly anticipated one for me. But.... it kind of fell flat. I know where they were going with it, but I really thought we were going to get to know him better than that.

Overall, I really enjoyed F4 Thailand. Like versions before it, there's the good and the bad. None of them are perfect and I could pick each one apart, even my favorite one! I recommend this version in particular because of the more modern route it took with the story. I will dearly miss watching it every Saturday T_T

Leia Mais

A must see. It is a 20 plus minutes of pure gold.

Two guys, friends, who have lost touch and have not seen each other for quite some time met again at an event, From the onset, we'll surmise that they used to be in a relationship, and must now face the truth about their past.

I must warn you that watching this mini movie will hurt, a lot, sepecially if you are a gay guy who has experienced loving the same sex and has been forced by society to stop.

Good cinematography, good script. It reminds me of a watered down version of a Hollywood movie Before Sunset. The sound however is a little too tiny i have to read the subtitles just too understand the conversation. This is how Pinoy BL dramas should be judged, not the titiliating indie movies a few years back.

I would have given the story a 10 if they didnt make the fiance a girl.

Leia Mais

Nobunaga’s Concerto isn’t your ordinary time travel drama where the main character is looking for a way to get back home but instead he decides to live accordingly to the time he was thrown into and do his best.

When I watched this drama, I had a mindset that this was going to be a series full of mishaps, comedy and light mood scenes because the main character had to pretend to be someone who was a powerful Samurai Warlord during the Warring States Period. It did somewhat meet my expectation but what surprised me was the way they incorporated the serious into the funny. The mood tones of this drama was very much well mixed. If you parallel it alongside the real Japanese History before and during the Tensho Era, it does makes sense and goes accordingly to history, only it was elaborated in a very fictional way thus the comedy blends in. I also learned that this drama was also a manga adaptation, I haven’t read the manga yet but I did enjoy this live action.

Oguri Shun as Saburo/Oda Nobunaga was funny, annoying and at the same time full of wisdom when he sets his mind into it. This was another drama than Shun nailed since he had to act 2 different characters at once. It would have been hard for an average actor to internalize that but watching him here, it was like a breeze turning from one klutzy idiot to being a ruthless samurai.

The other characters I liked are:

Shibasaki Kou as Kicho, she’s the wife of Nobunaga, a very fierce woman who tries to hide her affection from her husband. Her acting complements well with Shun and they definitely have this chemistry going on, regardless if Shun is acting as the fake Nobunaga or the real one.

Mukai Osamu as Tsuneoki Ikeda, Nobunaga’s right hand man. Aside from being good looking all throughout this series (yes, he is good looking so please do not contradict my feelings for the guy, he’s been a long time crush now since Nodame Cantabile *fan girl mode on!*) he had a good role portrayal. I still can’t believe he was duped by the Saburo and he was able to unknowingly assist the guy into being the legit Nobunaga he can be. I liked Tsuneoki’s personality where he follows head in line with his heart and does things smartly and not being rash about his decisions.

Fukiji Naohito as Hanbee Takenaka, this guy! I’m really amazed that the drama is supported by veteran actors like Fujiki. So him, being casted in the later episodes is a bonus for me. I like his role as a tactician and how he worked with Saburo along the way due to his dreams of peace and unity for the whole of Japan.

Issei Takahashi as Nagamasa Azai, his character is someone I could not hate despite the fact that he and Nobunaga are fighting each other's clans. His acting style and the way he shows his emotions in this drama was something that was really heartfelt. This gave way to a special spot for Takahashi in my own heart.

Yamada Takayuki as Denjiro/Kinoshito Tokichiro/Toyotomi Hideyoshi, maaaaan… this guy has so many names and aliases. I loved his vengeful character and still looking forward to the things he is about to do. I will not say more anything about his role because that in itself will become a spoiler. What I would leave here though is that he was awesome in this drama.

The drama is basically re-watchable, specially the slap stick comedy scenes. It made me laugh out loud to see some of the casts who looks intense at first but becomes idiots the next second. Then there’s also the music. I really love how the Japanese industry inserts there OST into the whole series. It makes everything more colorful and sets off all kinds of feeling or mood depending on the scene.

There is still so much I want to say about this drama but I can’t really put it here due to spoilers, so if some is reading this and want to discuss or do not mind being spoiled, please do send me message. Over all, I am recommending this to those who are interested into Japanese entertainment and its history.

Leia Mais

we best love? we do love!

as a sucker for enemies to lovers trope, this was like an early valentine's day present from a lover that i don't even have. the tone of the drama is simply cute and the plot is pretty simple with some sub plots that will most likely be explored in season 2.

the chemistry between shou yi and shi de is unarguably present throughout the drama. i believe despite the simple and non-extraordinary plot, the viewers (me, myself included) were looking forward to every week's episodes of fluffy and squeal-inducing atmosphere that the main leads brought about.

probably the only thing that was a hit or miss for me was the acting of some side characters (i'm just nitpicking) or the way certain scenes transitioned. in terms of acting, i'd say the actors did a good job. shou yi's actor shook me to the core when i found out that this was his acting debut. the romance between the leads wasn't awkward or forced. i could see that they had a natural chemistry and it definitely makes me look forward to their future projects, whether individual or as a pair.

another hit or miss was the ending. i'd say the finale felt like the calm before the storm. the cute scenes between the two had my trust issues at its peak and i was thinking it was building up to something destructive. we were briefly introduced to shou yi's dad which didn't feel warm at all. the ending sort of felt empty and shi de leaving didn't really give me a feeling that it's an impactful scene. however, it's nice that there was no big fight scene and it didn't end on a sour note.

overall, a cute drama like this is always appreciated as i prefer seeing the main leads bicker (in a good way) and be whipped for each other. all i can say is i'm tired of misunderstandings so this is a good pick-me-up drama.

Leia Mais

Beautiful acting and no one can deny that.

There aren't any major spoliers !!

Starting with the story first, yes, it was not the best storyline for such a huge star cast. BUT I have to give it up to the acting of all the characters. Not one character an their acting felt wasted.

The story was like the cliche normal C-dramas. They fell in love, there was some misunderstanding, and they got back together with a happy ending. Thats it. That was the whole story.

But to me, what stands out is their acting. Its how the main characters really did their best. The emotion portrayed by the characters, especially Shu Yi and Shi Yan. I don't really cry too much in emotional scenes, but Bai Lu was so much in character that I couldn't help but cry during the emotional scene. The cold, ruthless CEO has a soft spot for his loved one, and on the other hand, she is usually a very smart top journalist but is helpless when things go wrong.

Everything other than the story is really good about this drama. This drama can really be seen as something to binge-watch when you have nothing to watch. Take it as a light watch, and don't expect major twists and turns. Well, not every C-drama should have major stories. Some should be lighthearted and okay too.

Anyway, it was a good watch for me. I really hope someday both of these actors are chosen once again to act in a new cdrama with a nicer storyline.

Leia Mais

For a drama called Romance Town, I went in to this drama expecting a great deal more romance than what we are presented with. In fact, the biggest story point of this show isn't even mentioned in the synopsis, which is the lottery ticket and money. I almost regret that I stuck through to the end with this drama, but there are a couple of things that almost make it worth the 20+ hours I invested in it.

First, could Jung Gyu Woon be any more adorable? I mean, seriously, that is one good looking guy. Even Kim Min Joon (whose MDL picture just does NOT do him justice!) is ridiculously cute in this show. I felt like they could have done more with both characters, especially Kim Min Joon's. His character was just kind of thrown in whenever it was convenient for the writers, and his storyline felt incomplete.

I also did like the lead actress quite a bit too, though the script did not really do her justice. All in all, it was an interesting look into humanity, and how money can change a person's morality and make them do things they never would have before coming into a large sum of money. But what that has to do with a town of romance, I can't tell you. I did like the relationship between the maids, and how they were all so willing to fight for each other. Well, at least til the money got involved, in which case they just wanted to fight with each other.

When everything is said and done, this drama is not wholly irredeemable, but it definitely could have been cut in half and been a much more watchable experience. 20 episodes just seemed to drag on and on and on and on and...well you get the point.

Leia Mais

Gangsta's Paradise

I bounced off walls with joy and excitement when I came across this movie. It has been too long since we have seen a hard core Hong Kong style triad martial arts movie like this. Not to mention the cast - Louis Koo, Sammo Hung, Raymond Lam; literally a Who's Who of veteran Hong Kong action super stars. Adapted from Andy Seto's manhua "City of Darkness," this movie is set in the 1980s in the Kowloon Walled City, or Hak Nam/黑暗 as it was known to locals. Dismantled in 1993, this was once the most crowded place on earth, packing 35,000 people within 6.4 acres. This infamous den of iniquity was a gangsta's paradise; a dystopian, lawless enclave of mostly refugees where crime proliferated and triads kept the peace with their own brand of street justice. The replica of the Walled City is viscerally authentic down to the chaotic claustrophobia of structure piled precariously upon structure and the stench of overflowing humanity permeating the dank, narrow corridors.

This fast-paced action-packed movie that pays tribute to the golden age of Hong Kong cinema exploits tried and true themes of loyalty, brotherhood and vigilante justice. Chan Lok-Kwun (Raymond Lam) is a mainland refugee that sneaks into HK in the 1980s. He runs afoul of triad boss Mr Big (Sammo Hung) and in a thrilling chase, jumps from the frying pan into the fire of the Walled City. Through blood, sweat and bone-crunching fights, he earns the grudging respect of Typhoon and his underlings, who keep the peace within the Walled City. The narrative rushes through not that well fleshed out subplots involving past grudges and shady business deals but who cares? They are simply excuses to stage one innovative, physics defying action scene after another featuring fighters dressed to kill at 1980s comic-con. While Typhoon and his rival Mr Big anchor the narrative, the younger crew really hold their own up against the intimidating cast. I laughed out loud at their moments of dark humor and brash camaraderie.

One of this movie's top highlights is the the gritty, awe-inspiring recreation of the dystopian underworld within the Walled City; a place that spawned countless video games and works of fiction. The action scenes pay tribute to the manhua with outlandish cartoon-like combatants and the death proof brawls featuring wildly exaggerated superpowers. The fight scenes got more fantastical as the movie progresses and climaxes in a crazy, all-out extended take down of an almost invincible villain. I was on the edge of my seat with excitement and anxiety the entire time; thinking more than once that the bad guy was gonna win. Nonetheless I felt the best fights were early on, where despite the astounding athleticism, they were still grounded in some semblance of reality. I had my heart in my mouth watching Chan Lok-Kwun's opening shattered glass skirmish, the way he fights his way out of tight spaces on the bus and his parkour like first foray into the Walled City. This is how real martial arts action scenes should be choreographed and filmed. Later on, while still inventive and gripping, the action strays a bit too far into the realm of the fantastical.

This movie is a must watch and not just for old times' sake; preferably in Cantonese and on the big screen. It shows that Hong Kong cinema is still alive and well and stands the test of time. I am only rating this an 8.0/10.0 because the plot could have been better but the overall entertainment value vastly exceeds this rating.

Leia Mais

The base story itself is nothing new but the concept and execution will keep you on you toes. There is a light back ground story here that hits you full on in episode 8 but otherwise this is a very episodic show with each case wrapping up at the end of every episode.
That does not detract from the story at all, in fact some how it enhances it. You get some truly awesome action scenes, including Yamada kicking backside in his wheelchair. You forget that this actor has not been in this wheelchair for years, he has made it a part of his person. That makes me appreciate the actor even more.
This show tackles heavy topics and makes you stop and think, even if you don't want to.
THIS SHOW IS AMAZING!

Leia Mais

Soul searching.

This is an absorbing sci-fi suspense thriller built around themes relating to the immortality of the soul and its ability to reincarnate after death. The city's top prosecutor Liang Wen Chao (Chang Chen) takes on a high profile, inexplicable and grisly murder of a terminally ill tycoon. As Wen Chao examines the key suspects - the son, the young wife, the deceased ex-wife and the business partner, cutting edge technology and superstitious rituals intersect to further muddy waters already tainted by greed, love, hate, misplaced loyalty, revenge and man's futile quest for immortality.

Without spoiling it, I think the whodunit aspect of it is quite well done from the way the suspicion shifts from one suspect to another until the impossible is eliminated down to what remains as the improbable truth. I did not completely buy into some of the motives of the key suspects and I was irritated by the over-acted supernatural twist that failed to deliver the chiller thriller effect it was striving for. As for the howdunit aspect I will just say it was much more fiction than science but this is the case with most sci-fi thrillers. Since it does deliver an interesting twist, it is very forgivable so just go along with it and suspend disbelief.

This movie's strongest selling point is Chang Chen and Janine Chang's performance as the core investigative team and lead couple. The kind of stoic, desperate soldiering on Chang Chen does as a terminally ill man desperate to do his best for A Bao and their unborn child with what little time he has left is heartbreaking and moving. This is really Chang Chen's best role in terms of how he conveys such deep emotions and soul searching with so few words and how his journey gives him unique insight into the victim. Beyond his incredible weight loss, I was also riveted by how effectively Chang Chen conveyed the impression of a man calling upon the last legs of his energy, whose mind is very much alive as his body fails. This is not a love story but because of amazing acting by the lead couple, I can see the depth and complexity of their unspoken emotions, how well they just fit together, understand and sacrifice for each other. This is the part of the movie that will stay with me.

Leia Mais

Pretty heartwarming & cute drama~

Saw the posters and heard about the plot of this drama before it released and brushed it off thinking it'd another one of those time traveling youth dramas BUT then I heard about its high ratings on Douban (8.6 the last time I checked which is very good compared to other dramas' scores) and decided to give this drama a go. And I am so so glad I did!

Plot:
You may think it is pretty cliche after reading the synopsis on here but it was very unique in its own way. First time seeing a drama where the daughter goes back to when her mom is in high school and then befriending her mom from then until college graduation. Li Jin Bu was pretty immature, doing whatever she wished, before "time traveling" but after spending time with her 17-year-old mom and mom's family and friends and seeing how her mom grew up, as a viewer, I could see her change. The writer wrote this drama well to show the youthfulness of the gang of friends and the adding in comedy, romance, and family. It wasn't draggy at all and went by at a good pace. There were some scenes that had me burst out into laughter and some touching scenes that made me tear up.

Acting/Cast:
Never seen any of the cast before except the actress who played Li Jing Bu but I am glad to say they all did very very well. Everyone embodied their characters perfectly, drawing me into their roles respectively. I especially love how well they cast young and the older Li Qing Tong because the actresses conveyed their emotions beautifully as if they actually are one person who grew up. The way they carried out their lines and showed their character's feeling in their eyes deserves to be applauded. The male leads (or whatever you shall call them) were not only very handsome/cute but they acted beyond my expectations too- will definitely follow these blossoming actors.

Music:
Loved almost all the tracks but my all time favorite has to be the ending song-六七月 by 赵贝尔. The opening song was good too and I love how the leads sang it together in the drama too. So talented! The actors who played Duan Xiao and Chen Jun He respectively also sang a solo song each which both sound good too. Do check the OST out~

Rewatch Value:
I don't usually rewatch dramas since I remember what happened halfway into the drama but this one is pretty worth if it ever comes down to a rewatch session of something sweet, funny, and youthful. 24 episodes isn't too much to rewatch too so that's why I gave the score I did.

All in all, quite worth the watch over this summer. Some people didn't like how they ended it but I think it was a nice way to tie everything off since how else can you explain the "time traveling?" I do wish they'd add maybe an epilogue so we can see Li Jin Bu meeting Chen Jun He in present time? Wishful thinking but yeah, please don't hesitate to try if you like youth dramas with comedy, romance, and family!

Leia Mais