A riveting romantic story between Hardy and Ramanujan
Initially I went into this drama for the stacked cast and out-of-the box premise. What I got in return was something so mind-blowingly beautiful that exceeded all my ever-imaginable expectations. From the 150+ dramas and 50+ movies I have watched thus far, many of them highly rated on MDL, “Melancholia” which currently sits at a mere 8.0 has just comfortably took the top spot as my all-time favorite, has become the only drama I’m leaving as a 10/10 and that position will most likely hardly change in the future. Here are the reasons why I consider “Melancholia” to be such a special drama:
Yoon Su’s nickname when posing a quiz in the train was Hardy. Hardy, just like Yoon Su, had mathematicians as parents. Just like Hardy who meets Ramanujan after coming from a taxi with the number 1729 which turned into Ramanujan’s biggest discovery, Yoon Su crashes into Seung Yoo who is wearing a cap with the number 1729 while they are inside of a train facing each other, with both becoming their biggest discovery and incident with whom they feel an instant connection. Having experienced both rejection and illness from a young age despite his talent, Ramanujan, just like Seung Yoo, lived under great hardships before meeting Hardy. Hardy takes Ramanujan under his wing to become his disciple and partner, just like Yoon Su does to Seung Yoo. Thanks to Hardy, Ramanujan becomes one of the best mathematicians. The same happens to Seung Yoo because of Yoon Su. Seung Yoo never forgets his roots and returns to the side of his mentor, who is everything to him. Yoon Su likes Seung Yoo’s perspective of Math and wishes to nurture and protect it while Seung Yoo enjoys Yoon Su’s passion and the smile she carries when she thinks and talks about Math and wishes to preserve it.
When Hardy was asked what his contribution to mathematics would be, without hesitating, he said it was Ramanujan. He called the partnership they had “the only romantic incident in his life”
Luxurious Main Cast of well-reputed actors – Lim Soo Jung (I’m Sorry, I love You, Chicago Typewriter, Search: WWW), Lee Do Hyun (18 Again, Sweet Home, Youth of May), Choi Dae Hoon (CLOY, Flower of Evil, Beyond Evil) and Jin Kyung (It’s Okay That’s Love, Pinnochio, Romantic Doctor Kim 1 & 2). All 4 of them gave outstanding performances.
Directing/Cinematography – “Melancholia” is very beautiful and a pleasant drama to look at. Director Kim Sang Hyub in the past was responsible for works such as “True Beauty” and “Extraordinary You”, that despite having somewhat poor writing (from what I heard), are very gorgeous in terms of cinematography.
Original Script with a unique premise and great worldbuilding. The screenwriter has an history of previously having portrayed a teacher-student relationship successfully with “Doctor John”. This time, however, it was not an easy premise to go over as it needed to be dealt with carefully, especially with now being under a more controversial academic setting, but I believe it was very well executed as the boundaries were not broken beyond what they should while they were in school. The way the show blended math into dialogues, visual representation and plot/character specifics is also something worth lauding.
Slow-burn pure love. While there is not much “romance” per say, their interactions are very romantic, there is a lot of tension and chemistry and their relationship or the way they think about it sees small but exciting positive developments with each episode that are worth looking forward to, and it feels hard earned. Rather than the typical romance this is an intellectual romance, it’s also about the blossoming of a bond and relationship between 2 individuals who share the same passion that gradually develops into unconditional love despite all odds. The two of them wind up changing each other lifes forever, healing each other in the process and instigating change in themselves for the better. The feelings they have for each other build up as the links that tie them together increase. Their relationship far transcends the usual lovers. You may end up questioning what can considered romance. To me this ended up being the most romantic drama I have ever seen. The age gap of 16 years between the lead actors is actually not that noticeable as they match each other perfectly and Lim Soo Jung looks so young to the point that sometimes she looks the same age or even younger than LDH.
Inspiring core message: to never give up, that there is always hope even in times of despair and how passion for something beats everything else
This drama is much more than a love story. It also has an engaging and well-paced storyline with high stakes that brings out a rollercoaster of emotions, tackling relevant topics such as education, corruption, mental health and depression, parenting, high class privilege and inequality, and love of many kinds. There are also many life lessons given from the perspective of a mathematician.
Very good OST’s that blend well with the drama and leave you emotional
Hidden/double-meaning dialogues, symbolisms and interactions open to interpretation
Satisfaction of seeing the antagonists slowly driving themselves to their doom. It is ironic that the ones that make the most damage to the antagonists are not the leads, but the antagonists themselves. Those who end up belittling the fruits of effort and passion, will end being consumed by their own greed in the end.
Character arcs and how they were neatly closed and treated as humans by the end, be it the good or bad ones
Geometrical plot structure (6+6+2+2):
1-6: Episodes 1 and 2 – Getting acquainted; Episodes 3 and 4 – Healing Seung Yoo and becoming closer; Episodes 5 – Seung Yoo’s Feelings; Episode 6 – Error in the premise
7-12: Episodes 7 and 8 – Getting acquainted; Episodes 9 and 10 – Healing Yoon Su and becoming closer; Episode 11 – Yoon Su’s Feelings; Episode 12 – Error in the premise
13-16: Episode 13 – Yoon Su’s resolve; Episode 14 – Seung Yoo’s resolve; Episode 15- The old sun descends; Episode 16 – The new sun rises
Last but not least, Choi Shi An aka SY and YS’s adopted daughter (the drama makes it so intentional to make them seem like a family of four lol).
“Melancholia” oozes a special vibe where it enraptures you in its own unique world and is just the type of drama I was looking for. Above all it has a lot of heart. I hope more dramas that give out this type of feeling are made in the future. They have that special element that makes them different from everything else you have watched before and that can make you attached to it, and that is why I watch dramas.
There are many other things I have not mentioned in detail because I do not wish to spoil the story too much or may have glossed over and will only be able to notice with a rewatch (which I will certainly do, and more than once), but I think this alone should be enough, so I hope I was helpful in any way in convincing you to watch this magnificent work of art and thank you for dedicating your precious time in reading this review.
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A SIMPLE YET SWEET DRAMA
So first of all, many people are unhappy cause its really simple and very mediocre but personally I liked it a lot. I like the simplicity itself.There was no toxicity, no fake friends, no jealous and crazy ex/second lead. It was very sweet and light-hearted. It wasn't a complicated mess and they finished the drama in a clean manner. No unfinished ending. Really enjoyed it.
The chemistry between the main leads was lit. The actors were a nice choice. For me, who has experienced unrequited love, it was actually pretty accurate. Ngl it made me emotional in some places.
If you are looking for something simple, sweet and refreshing, this is for you. But if you are more into intense stuff, this is not your cup of tea.
I'm making this short since I wouldn't wanna take up much of your time. Y'all please give this drama a chance. From my opinion you shouldn't be eading these reviews rn and should check out the drama for yourself cause at the end, other people's opinions dont matter much. I have understood this really late and have missed many great dramas. Soooo yeah. Thats all. Bye fellas.
If y'all want, I can recommend y'all some nice bl dramas cause I think I have watch A LOT of bl dramas.
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Wuxia’s most pleasant leading maiden
Maiden Holmes is about romance (60%), solving cases (30%) and political intrigue (10%).It has elements of light humour (50%), moderate seriousness (40%), thriller (9%) and angst (1%).
The one key quality that it has in abundance, in my humble opinion, is Wuxia’s most pleasant FL (100%).
What’s great:
The FL - She’s calm, level-headed, intelligent and smart. She demonstrates a certain quiet resolve and mental resilience, yet also displays tender affection and emotional vulnerability. The character is sensibly written to be relatable to the viewers, rather than an unrealistic Mary Sue or the usual insufferable whiny, clingy and ridiculously idiotic damsels in distress.
Chen Yao – Her portrayal of the character Su Ci, an individual who possesses much inner strength and insecurities, struggling with a heavy burden of her past, is nothing short of amazing. Her down-to-earth demeanour coupled with such low-key and soothing voice, adds emotional nuance to her depiction. This is in stark contrast to the helium-inhaled high pitched hysteria of the spoilt princess stereotypes. Being her second gender bender role of the year (the other being My Unicorn Girl), her version of the crossdresser is one of the best for the historical genre this year – realistic without being unnaturally pretty (In A Class of Her Own) or unusually weird (The Heiress).
Romance and OTP – This is not intense sacrificial love the likes of which most have observed in Love and Redemption. The romance is endearingly adorable and charming that warmly culminates in a near-perfect chemistry that is further enhanced by countless steamy kisses between the OTP.
The OST – I truly enjoyed the entire soundtrack of this drama, from the opening to the closing credits, and especially throughout the numerous MV scenes in between where the songs and the BGM added such beautiful layers ever so subtly into the emotional scenes. The playlist comprises the following songs:
斯琴高丽 (Si Qin Gao Li) – 倾城小时光 – Qing Cheng Xiao Shi Guang
崔子格 (Cui Zi Ge) – 镜花水月 – Jing Hua Shui Yue
叶炫清 (Ye Xuan Qing), 李行亮 (Li Xing Liang) – 望归人 – Wang Gui Ren
崔子格 (Cui Zi Ge) – 是我非我 – Shi Wo Fei Wo
陈瑶 (Chen Yao) – 生根落地 – Sheng Gen Luo Di
The ML – Played by the up-and-coming young star in his very first drama role, Zhang Ling He. He is extremely raw and lacks obvious experience yet he manages to imbue the character of Prince Qi with a charming enthusiasm and youthful exuberance that enlivened the exciting chemistry he shared with Chen Yao’s Su Ci throughout the show. It certainly helps that he exudes charismatic appeal to his boyish good looks and witty personality that serves to endear him to the viewers.
The support cast – Comprising the second couple and a sidekick, these lovable characters join the OTP to complete the band of loyal friends in their pursuit of justice and happiness through their adventures together.
What’s not so great:
The action choreography – There are many action sequences and much martial arts proficiency depicted throughout. However, the choreography is sub-par, in comparison with many of its peers in the genre. It’s certainly not the worst but it is painfully obvious especially to avid followers of the martial arts choreography.
Cases and investigations – Romance takes central stage at the expense of more compelling cases and mysteries, which in turn, diminished the attention on investigative prowess and case solving. Viewers who initially tuned in for this sub-genre would no doubt be left dissatisfied with the lack of captivating and thrilling investigative plot.
Comparisons:
This show is not as heavy and intense as Under the Power in terms of case solving and the villainy of the antagonist but the romance here holds its own against Tan Song Yun and Ren Jia Lun. It fares much better against Miss Truth in terms of storytelling, pacing, acting and overall plot which is straightforward and uncomplicated without the angsty love triangle. It doesn’t quite reach the lofty standards set by full-fledged detective dramas such as Ancient Detective, Detective Dee and The Four, but then again the romance there doesn’t match up to this drama.
Overall:
Maiden Holmes is a light hearted romance with the titular protagonist who is more Nancy Drew than Sherlock. This show is not meant to be taken too seriously. Just sit back, relax and have fun with this heartwarming series. I certainly did.
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Years after the “Yes”-word, and yet a substantial love story, touching without being kitschy
"The Wind Blows" sounds quite inconspicuous, but it is not. It turns out to be a moving love story. Actually it is rom+/-com that starts exactly where other love stories end: with the ´yes´ word. The KDrama tells of what can happen when the butterflies (in the face of the new) are followed by ordinary years of shared, sometimes painful everyday life relationship... But that's not why love has to be gone missing. On the contrary... yet eventually, love might find it harder to take its space...The title "The Wind Blows" refers specifically to the moment when the two protagonists first met many years ago. At that time the wind was blowing. What started then is not over yet. Figuratively, the wind is still blowing. However, the everyday challenges of aging have now added to their married life. The two must meet those challenges. It is rather common that one may be tempted here and there to make solitary decisions instead of communicating. One may have doubts if there still can be a way together. Every now and then it seems that such a common path is not (or no longer) possible. And then, maybe, one or the other might open up again.
"The Wind Blows" tells a serious and profound story about a love relationship that has grown out of the first romantic phases. Generally, this is less wanted on screen, as it inevitabely comes with problems, arguments and breakups. (Somehow that's in the nature of relationship - the constant rubbing against each other in a wide variety of ways actually leads to feeling/sensing yourself and the other person in the first place... it doesn't work without it. Does it?) In this KDrama, problems, arguments and breakups are all in, too. But so is love. (...as so often, although we might fail to notice in the midst of turmoil.)
I don't want to hide the fact that Alzheimer's disease is involved here as a stab in the back and at the same time a second chance. Against this background, the story manages to tell sensitively, empathetically and at times ruthlessly about the bumpy stretches of a patient love that has been and remains there over time - even if it is experienced differently over the course of the years, perhaps sometimes cannot be shared and also has changed its forms of expression over time.
The sensitive processing and the emotionally intense acting (great: Kam Woo-sung and Kim Ha-neul) are KDrama quality at its finest, which has once again proven itself to be just perfect for dealing with such a complex subject, which is difficult in several respects. A substantial story, touching without being kitschy.
(Well, I didn´t need the slightly shallow subplot and few unnecessarily humorous sequences here and there. Yet they obviously tried to loosen things up... well...)
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1More like a glimmer rather than being starstruck
I've said it before and I'll say it again: This should have been a movie. Or, at least, been released all at once. The cut-off of many episodes felt unsatisfying and, overall, just got in the way of the flow of the story.Also, it seemed like scenes were missing, and I'm sure a longer runtime would have added more depth to it . . . However--strangely--I'm not mad about it.
Maybe it's the indie vibes and solid acting that won me over and made me see past its flaws.
Just about Zuho: I do have to bring up how great it was to have him, being the fairly famous K-Pop Idol he is, actually speak out against the hate he was getting for acting in a BL, and not just that, but openly voice his support, love, and respect for the LGBT+ community in his response.
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There and Back Again... A Lawyer's Hopeful Journey of Life, Family, Friendship and Love.
What would you do if you were given a chance to erase your regrets and cherish the ones whom you missed out on? Does life really give you second chances?Well, 28-year-old Qian Wei successfully managed to get this golden opportunity and from here starts our journey.
First and foremost, this is no regular rom-com if you are seeking pure fluff. It is a moving and heartfelt tale of life, family, justice, perseverance, love and about finding yourself.
It has elements of slice-of-life and sometimes deals with heavy emotional themes such as grief and loss. And I request you to forget about the hedgehog hair for a while, if you happened to stumble across it. In short, it is one of those rare gems that gets overlooked for various reasons.
As someone who stayed away from CDramas this year, thanks to the disappointing storylines and pacing, Legally Romance was the unexpected 'it' drama for me. This is a CDrama, so my hopes were low, but for a regular drama, this has exceeded itself in several departments and is definitely much better than the deluge of fluffy rom-coms that are released every day or so.
Despite having had her future planned ahead since college, 28-year-old Qian Wei never got to fulfill her wishes. Stuck as a paralegal assistant to her former classmate and valedictorian Lu Xun for the past ten years, she bears a grudge against her draconian boss for having stolen her 1st position during their youth. (And now stealing her leisure time by overworking her.) When her boyfriend is revealed to be working for the opposite party and she accidentally misplaced evidence, her life reaches a bleak point. However, an unexpected tumble down a manhole while has her waking up as her 18-year-old self. Taking a leaf out of Lu Xun's book (or a whole new book out of his dreams) Qian Wei decides to change her fate through the years of experience she had acquired for the better... or is it for the worse?
The drama isn't an original work and is based on a web novel with a tacky title "Don't Want To Fall in Love With The Boss". I've not read the novel, but from hearsay, the changes made to the script so far have been more advantageous to the story. After browsing through several chapters, I have to say, the scriptwriters managed to inject a lively and fresh ambience to the drama.
I was admittedly a bit sceptical while beginning this as the trope of redoing life has been repeated multiple times and has almost nothing new to be explored. The flowery poster did not help (the Youtube thumbnail is much more enticing), neither did any earlier information about the drama, which gave me the impression of a regular idol romance with a fantasy twist. Keeping aside the latter half, I'll get to what makes me feel that this drama is worth a chance.
☆ Legally Romance is not a complete romantic comedy. Yes, romance plays a major role. But, it focuses more on Qian Wei's growth. Or rather how much life has tested Qian Wei and explores her regrets and mistakes. When she is given an opportunity to experience her youth, even if it isn't real, she discovers herself once again through this. She rebuilds her vision from scratch (almost) an attempts to vanquish the possibility of any terrible event that she knew she would experience. Including major oned such as saving her father from death...
Qian Wei is no idiot -- she ranked 2nd for a reason. Trenchant about her dream to be a lawyer, we see how dedicated she is to her job further along her journey. I loved her resilience and passion.
What's more? She is definitely a flawed character. She helped her twin Qian Chuan steal Lu Xun's supposed girlfriend after she realized that they had trouble going on their side. She makes a plan to outsmart Lu Xun with her prior knowledge and foresight about what was going to happen. Frankly, I did not understand why she loathed Lu Xun in college when all he seemed to have done was study well. Yes, he was her study rival, but her past self was very deluded with the idea that his sole purpose was to defeat her that she failed to see that he was a good friend and boss, something that her own friend Shi Yun tells her in the second episode.
I loved seeing the events through Qian Wei's eyes. But, this also piqued my curiosity about how things turned out the way it did for her. What we see is her manipulated version of the past. So, what exactly happened during the times that Lu Xun did not intervene in the past?
☆ Another aspect? ALL the characters are well written. I can't find a single annoying character. This includes the second male lead, Li Chong Wen, whose backstory is well fleshed out. I couldn't blame him for his actions; it was completely realistic.
Nobody is good or bad. No one is 100% the ace of the club. The little imperfections in this drama is what makes it perfect. And the life lessons that we are given on the journey along with Qian Wei were heartfelt. I could feel that the writers really sat down and spent their energy into making sure that no character is pushed aside in their pursuit of goals.
☆ Now, the romance... the highlight of the drama. The very wacky title that screamed at the audience to run the other way doesn't do justice. This is literally a story of how the invisible second lead finally managed to get the girl.
Lu Xun is definitely not hailed as the all perfect star hero student of the college. He is known for his talent. The ideal male lead would've been someone like Li Chong Wen —- everyone has their eyes on him at campus. I loved how they didn't overdo or glorify Lu Xun as unbeatable. The 18-year-old never held a grudge towards anyone, even Qian Wei for stealing his 1st position.
What's admirable about his character was how he gave Qian Wei space when she needed it. He was a villainous shadow in Qian Wei's past.
Seeing the tables get turned unintentionally by Qian Wei after she attempts to change her past and instead gets further entwined with Lu Xun was funny, yet heartwarming to watch.
Also, yes, he has a roastworthy hair that he himself is aware of. (I laughed both during EP3 and EP5 when he is described.) Do Not let that detter you from observing the story. Lu Xun is really innocent and worth your time!
Both Song Zuer and Z. Tao had a natural chemistry. The relationship between Lu Xun and Qian Wei was innocent and romantic without ever being cringey. Yes, there were cringey moments, but it was humorous at the same time. This was one romance that is worth your time and there is none who knows this better than Qian Wei.
☆ The show is effortlessly comic without even trying hard. All the characters have a sense of humour, including Qian Wei and even Li Chong Wen (her ex-boyfriend).
Qian Wei and Lu Xun's colleagues at work were particularly funny. I loved that despite the heavy issues that the drama deals with, the touch of humour is never lost even once.
☆ The side characters have distinct personalities. Mo Zi Xin, the quiet-almost-rival to Qian Wei was a highlight. Their best friend Liu Shi Yun; her bickering with Qian Chuan, their talks and care for each other were well portrayed. Everyone has unique or different dreams and passions they pursue. Including Qian Wei and Lu Xun.
Qian Chuan and Shi Yun, the second leads, grew on me episode by episode. I usually do not care about side characters, but this one is an exception. Even Li Chong Wen is a character completely worth your time.
The parental relationships are well portrayed. I adord every scene between Qian Wei and her dad. By the episodes after 20, it really hit the nail right on the head.
☆ I'm now convinced that being a lawyer is more dangerous and risky than people realize.
I'm not a fan of prosecution dramas. (The very reason I've not watched Miss Hammurabi. ) Legally Romance has "Law" as its very backbone, if you are curious. Despite all that, I'm happy as it gave me an insight of how lawyers and cases work though I do not know how close to the truth the drama is. (Watching thrillers helped me get accustomed to it too.)
There are plenty of legal jargons and rules thrown around casually as all the characters are Law School students who are actively involved in the field. It did pique my curiosity, though. The show begins to focus on certain legal cases and have them discussed in depth.
☆ The cast and the production team might be the reason why this drama stood out for me. Song Zu Er and Z.Tao nailed their roles to tee. ( I began this as I was already familiar with Tao's Brightest Star in the Sky.) Song Zuer is a seasoned and lauded actress from what I've heard. I can see why after watching a few clips of her other works. I can distinguish her mature 28-year-old self from her younger version during pivotal moments in the drama. (Particularly EP11 for me.)
Huang Zitao, despite being a certified idol, seems to choose characters whom he thinks he might be able to act comfortably as without forcing himself. A wise choice since I can feel that he put in effort to portray both the resilient workaholic and naughty side of Lu Xun.
I can not detect anything off about their performances, even the supporting cast. [I hope that the entire cast stays safe and alert during these times.]
☆ The pacing is for once, completely suitable for the drama and the themes portrayed. We do not spend a huge amount of time dwelling in Qian Wei's dream, neither do we spend time on useless romance. Both Qian Wei and Lu Xun were intelligent enough to know the value of time.
☆ The soundtrack is beautiful. I have had Destiny by HAPPY and You Are The Rest of My Life by Z. Tao on repeat since the first time I heard them. No particular BGMs have struck me as memorable yet, as many of them are meant to have a comic effect. But, there were various instrumental renditions of all the songs that were so memorable. Honestly, each track that played were so appropriate for the scene and invoked emotions.
☆ This also happens to be my first contemporary Chinese drama that I've followed while on air. Completely unnecessary, but it made me happy to see that there were no VIP schedules and that we international fans could enjoy it at the same time as Mainland fans. And that too for free! (Atleast on Youtube.)
☆ The ENDING ... was perfect in every sense and no loose ends were left untied. It was as if the writers racked their brains about how to give everyone what they deserved and simultaneously give us viewers who stayed with the characters a truly satisfying conclusion. (There is a post credits scene that completes the wheel of time.)
My only complaint was that I did not get to see a certain character onscreen.
I'll wrap this up with a 9 on 10. Yes, the basic storyline is overused and might be cliché, but it held on long enough with a solid storyline that is not injected with unnecessary emotional drama and has a talented cast with a unique charm. (I am also aware that it's getting roasted on Douban for the same reasons I praised it for, unfortunately.)
Ultimately, Legally Romance is more of a didactic comfort show that not only gives us the butterflies, but instills a spark of hope. There are many of us out there who can relate to Qian Wei's regrets, but seeing her really start to live her life even if it was ten years late was heartwarming and hopeful. Following this journey along with Qian Wei was absolutely fantastic and an experience that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. And I wish her, Lu Xun and their loved ones the very best for the future.
Dated - March 22, 2022. (Updated - 5th, April.)
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They are so adorable.
Literally at first I thought when p'fah will know that poon likes him he won't be able to accept but lately I understood that somehow fah also likes him episode 5 was too good I really like the way he accepted phoon's love , and started loving phoon also I liked the way he teased phoon after knowing he was the person in letter . Fah was so understanding even after phoon lied to him , he knew everything but he waited for phoon to say it I loved the way phoon was so dedicated towards loving fah as a person in letters or he himself even if they stopped talking to each other fah remembered phoon was afraid of dark and thunder he came and hug him helped him overcome his fear .. I have to say fah did a lot for phoon ( finding his mom , getting rid of his father , giving him encouragement , getting rid of his trauma and more ) , phoon thought fah will be disappointed in him but instead fah was the most supportive part of this story ....Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Why is it worth a perfect score?
Story: I love this kind of stories. It's a story about people who have a very responsible and demanding job, who love that job and practically live for it. It's a really motivating drama, makes you wanna find your dream profession, pursue it and then do something meaningful in your life. The drama does not drag at any moment(well the beauty of jdramas- they have only 9-11 episodes and you're left wanting more). There is also a love story, though not a heart-wrecking romance as somebody observed, but as it normally happens - you meet someone you like, so you want to be with them and you wish all the best for them. There is also a great bromance,heart-warming family(Shinkai dad-GREAT!)and random hilarity (the girl next door-LOL) in it as well. Generally, all of the characters were very well crafted and you want to know more about them.
Cast: It's Kimutaku in his prime - with his boyish charm and in uniform ^_^. But all the cast members were great and their characters were complex and interesting.
Music: As it didn't attract my attention at all, I have nothing to say about it.
Rewatch: I already want to rewatch! Actually I even did a bit- the best scenes.. ;)
This drama is really outstanding in my opinion, so I highly recommend it.
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Epic&Bloody journey into bygone times - stately costumes, impressive landscape, elaborate details
"Kingdom" marks a new concept in the KDrama orbit. In 2019 the cine drama was born. This describes a kind of hybrid production with film studios being involved in drama series and movie directors hired for the production. Cinematic camera therefore has since then become characteristic. "Kingdom" was the first original Netflix KDrama production and is thus repeatedly mentioned as a pioneer in this cine drama genre."Kingdom" is an impressive, idiosyncratic mix of colourful historical drama and bloody zombie thriller.
In the broadest sense, the story relates to the so-called Imjin War, the Japanese invasion between 1592 and 1598.
--------------- SIDE NOTE: History meets fiction
The KDrama specifically (but losely) refers to the Battle of Sangju (1592) in the Upo Wetlands. At that time General Yi Il had the problem that he only had a cavalry of 60 soldiers while he was supposed to stop the Japanese on their advance from Busan to Hanseomg. However, his assigned company, which was supposedly equipped and trained first-class, did actually not exist or was not operational. Either the original soldiers were sick, dead, or gone. The local garrisons were also empty because the soldiers stationed there had been recalled to Daegu. What he got were untrained civilians. With the grain he found in a warehouse, he was at least able to recruit some of them. However, he no longer had time to prepare the ca. 900 commoners for the battle, because the Japanese were already there.
The KDrama picks up on this moment in Korean history and rewrites the story in a zombi spirit: In that desperate battle, the former governor of the southern Chungcheong province, Ahn Hyeon, ultimately took command and led around 500 Koreans against an overpowering army of around 30,000 Japanese. The Koreans were victorious thanks to an unknown "resurrection plant" that can be used to resurrect the deceased as bloodthirsty zombies and, with a little skill, can be used as weapons. So (at least in KDrama) the battle in the wetlands could still be won.
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Otherwise, the historical setting provides the hook for an epic journey into bygone times with stately costumes and impressive (authentic South Korean) landscape shots, elaborate details and bloodthirsty butchery. (As adult Netflix production this KDrama is exceptionally brutal). The zombies, with their horde-like appearance and yet very idiosyncratic "fighting style", provide a change from the classic battle formations and martial art sword fights, causing a real challenge for the experienced generals as the opponents are already dead... It requires intelligence, creativity and, above all, high speed. The story itself progresses at this high pace. Neverthelss the emotionally essential scenes have been captured in the proven KDrama style: slowly, intimately and with maximum intensity.
As so often it is just a few powerful, scheming people who make life difficult or even impossible for the many. Yet, not only these political intrigues are the driving force of this thriller. First and foremost it is the question about the epidemic origin and how it might be defeated.
Answers to this question require a second season, even a KMovie and most probably a third season, too. Additionally another film spin-off is being planned. Obviously the story about the "resurrection plant" is far from being told.
... and I am ready to set out again with the noble crown prince to find a solution to save his people and the future of his country in the face of this locust-like zombie plague. Thrilling.
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I'm so guttered that it got cut down, because it was a beautiful series and could've been developed a lot more.
Watching the movie, I initially thought it was going to be boring, with no kisses and stuff (I found it kind of odd) [and Ochiai Motoki is so cute]
but this was really a discovery: it's funny, not predictable in any way possible and it's so romantic and well done.
Story: I wish Chief's storyline was a little bit better (the ending is so much painful to watch), but I loved it! It makes sense, it's not boring and there are pretty much no fillers. I liked that Haruta-san didn't actually understand his feelings for men, thinking he was just a kind-hearted person.
All characters have specific roles, they're not just there for decoration or to fill some plot holes. The storylines are not extremely developed, but they're clear enough to let you understand every character's feeling.
Acting: Tanaka Kei is awesome, really, but Hayashi Kento (Maki) surprised me so much. He's really skillful and i think Maki couldn't exist without him.
The kisses are so goood! (I mean, there's no tongue, like in some thai BL or sex scenes, but they're realistic!)
The game with "Haruta" being mixed up as the lead's first name (his first name is Soichi) is HILARIOUS. I couldn't stop laughing. Even Chief, that loves him so much, still thinks Haruta is his first name xDDD
If you're looking for something romantic and funny, in a very sweet BL sauce, this is definetely for you!
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So why should you watch 9 End 2 Outs?
Firstly, because it shows a story about two lifelong friends falling in love in a very realistic way – they don’t fall for each other instantly, it’s a long process that makes you believe that this CAN happen in a real life. You won’t find here a vicious ex or a third party who does everything in his/her might to separate the main couple; the biggest obstacle that Nan Hee and Hyung Tae have to overcome is their fear that when they’ll change their relationship they’ll lose a precious friend.
Secondly, the acting. I have to say that both Soo Ae and Kee Jung Jin have done a marvelous job portraying characters who are ”maybe something more than friends”. When I watched them bickering I felt like they really knew each other very well, when they supported each other it looked real and when they started to question their relationship it made me understand their dilemmas. Even if their love story is not passionate or full of bold kisses it’s not boring, it draws you completely into their world.
Thirdly, the atmosphere of the drama as a whole. This one is really heartwarming, maybe because of the relationship between Nan Hee and Hyung Tae: their comfortable friendship, their maturity and their obvious caring for each other and as for the plot mostly the lack of bigger twists – the story is flowing steadily in its own pace.
I gave this drama an 8 because, let’s face it, it’s not something that makes you stunned by its greatness or creativity, but still is worth watching (and rewatching!). If you’re looking for a realistic story about mature people, this one is for you.
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You get a double story in the end with her and her mother's love story. This certainly is the perfect mix of gushy romance with coming of age.
Much MUCH better than Romeo and Juliet by far. It's more satisfying than sad at the end and worth the watch! Perfect for a girl's night. My friends dread subtitles but they had nothing to complain about when it was over.
Although, I give the music a nine because I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to hear it.
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Ancient Love Poetry: The Xianxia Drama of 2021
Countless days of waiting weren’t for nothing. My anticipation was sky high for this Xianxia, and my patience was also tested to the maximum. With a lengthy list of countless words to describe Ancient Love Poetry, I can say without any hesitation that ‘disappointment’ is an excluded word.I’m probably not lying if I call the Xianxia genre my soulmate. I am a sucker for this beautiful genre, and Ancient Love Poetry is a must-watch if you enjoyed/loved the previous famous Xianxias. The drama brings you into a world of magic and beauty that makes it terribly hard for you to take your eyes offscreen.
Story-
What may appear at first glance to be a Cdrama filled to the brim with Xianxia tropes, it is not false to say that Ancient Love Poetry has difficult tribulations, character reincarnations, and most of all, heartbreaking sacrifices. But with the addition of beauty and elegance, a Xianxia drama can take these tropes to a heavenly level. Adapted from the well-known Xianxia novel “Shang Gu”-Ancient God (上古) by Xing Ling, the drama followed the original piece evidently well, and maintained the tension, angst and beauty masterfully to the very end.
A Xianxia would not be very well-rounded off without world building and character introduction, which Ancient Love Poetry did magnificently with. As with the majority of costume Cdramas and even more with Xianxias, it can be difficult to attempt the memorization of characters and locations. With a helping hand that is the first few episodes of Ancient Love Poetry, the audience found less struggle with this concept. I could even call Ancient Love Poetry educational in terms of the Xianxia genre- From just 49 episodes alone, I, who has done extensive research on this fantasy genre, broadened my knowledge even more.
What comes with the introduction also comes with a slight impatience towards a rather slow-paced plot in the beginning. In easier words, Ancient Love Poetry did not entirely succeed to capture everyone’s attention at the beginning, resulting in the creation of let-down droppers. As many of us say, the story gets very interesting starting from eps 12-16. And as expected, the story only progressed towards more captivation. Longer dramas may provide more time for the background story, which may seem unnecessary and boring but are actually important for the story as a whole. The sheer level of love and angst in this drama is enough for one to cry out numerous waterfalls.
It was also a pleasure to discover that aside from the lead couple, romance spread across many lovable supporting characters, as well as familial love, long lasting friendship, and even hateful grievances. Although Ancient Love Poetry focuses heavily on romance, the story also kept the audience on the edge of their seats with a few major problems that spread throughout the four realms and that threatened the existence of the true gods.
Production-
Ancient Love Poetry’s production is such a gem that I decided to give it its very own section in this review. The production is simply gorgeous, and the drama’s high budget certainly paid off and was used to its full potential. The costumes look simple with its light pastel colors, but with its simplicity comes a wave of freshness and slight joy. The drama’s CGI is not a joke, either. Each strand of magic and spell is carefully produced to the most believable extent, providing a most magical experience for the audience. Each realm in the drama also gives off special vibes. The bright gold Heavenly Palace boasts its grandeur while the lighter-colored Qingchi Palace expresses its beauty in the form of nature and water. Inside the palace, rooms and props are delicately adorned with the uniqueness of its realm, from shimmering golds to billowing blacks. Editing was not a problem either, as traditions were neatly made without any distraction.
Cast-
Please allow me to disagree to the fullest extent with the Chinese netizens claiming that Zhou Dongyu was not fit for the role of Shang Gu. She absolutely nailed this with astonishing talent. With the challenge of Ancient Love Poetry being her very first costume Cdrama, Zhou Dongyu portrayed Shang Gu perfectly, a playful girl who later grows up into the leader of the God Realm with a difficult destiny. Zhou Dongyu does exceptionally well with deep scenes, and Ancient Love Poetry gave her another chance to display this talent. Her acting was not forced at all, creating a lovable character with a heartbreaking history.
Believe it or not, Ancient Love Poetry is my first drama starring Xu Kai. As I watched this along with his first modern drama, Falling Into Your Smile, I got the perfect chance to compare his completely different roles and made the conclusion that he is an amazing actor who can portray almost any character. As a caring male lead holding unspeakable love, Bai Jue stole the hearts of everyone. He successfully made us cry rivers for him as we accompanied him on his grueling path of love and sacrifice. Xu Kai as Bai Jue and Xu Kai as Qing Mu couldn’t have been more different and heartbreaking. With contrasting personalities but the same passionate love, both characters gave way for the audience to experience their love and pain.
Shang Gu and Bai Jue are cute. Period. With cute chemistry and powerful love and care for each other, the director of ALP, Yin Tao (one of my favorite directors), did not make a mistake when he casted Zhou Dongyu and Xu Kai as the leads. I can’t think of anyone better.
Many of the supporting actors and actresses did phenomenally, to say the least. A drama is never complete with a complex range of supporting characters, all with different beliefs and lovable or hateable traits. Completely contrasting with Bai Lin in Love and Redemption, Liu Xueyi as Tian Qi was an absolute pleasure to watch. Liu Xueyi kept the balance between a playful and perky true god to a caring friend and master. Lai Yi as Gu Jun was one of my favorite characters. This righteous high god couldn't have cared less about power and the messiness of the Heavenly Realm, and lived life to the fullest. Even as a father, no one and nothing could stop him from protecting his daughter at all costs. Last but not least, I would also like to give a big round of applause to Zhang Jiani, actress of Wu Huan. This complex character is a major challenge for anyone, but Zhang Jiani did more than wonderfully, and was such a pleasure to watch on screen.
Even with characters of very minor importance, I was always invested in their own stories and their part in the drama. Character development was done so well in Ancient Love Poetry that some characters made quite a big personality change, while others never failed to keep our attention.
Soundtrack-
What more than breathtaking awe for the OST of Ancient Love Poetry? With songs sung by exceptionally talented singers, they truly brought out the magic and beauty of the drama. Along with traditional background music and propelling lyrics, what a gem of a soundtrack this is.
I will do another thing I have never done before in any review, which is listing the soundtrack, to show the very preciousness of the OST:
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“Penannular Love”《绝恋》by Zhou Shen (周深)
“Yearning”《年岁》by Mao Buyi (毛不易)
“Sense”《感应》by Liu Yuning (刘宇宁)
“Twilight”《朝暮》by Deng Shenme Jun (等什么君)
“A Thousand Years of Searching”《千寻》by A-Lin
“Mountain Sea”《山海》by Zhuo Yao (灼夭)
“The Thought of Life”《执生念》by Ye Xuanqing (叶炫清)
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Here is a verse from “The Thought of Life” that I deem most beautiful and heartbreaking:
“她, 化身飞烟, 生死离别, 他为她守护三界”
“She, turns into flying smoke, parting life and death, while he protects the Three Realms for her”
Overall-
It is still quite hard to believe that Ancient Love Poetry might have just become my favorite Cdrama of all time. The title of Xianxia of 2021 is most fitting for this drama, if not enough. With tens of thousands of years of love and grievances, I was sucked deep into this moving love story. What started off on quite a good note only got better and better with a diversity of characters and relationships and a journey across the magical Xianxia world.
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So what exactly is the show about? I mean you have read the synopsis, and maybe would like to have another push towards why you should watch this incredible show. And believe me, when I say incredible I mean that in every way.
The show is most definitely about the relationship between a mother and a child, and how the two main characters tackle the trials they are given during the course of the show. So what makes it so good?
Maybe you could have guessed it, the character interactions. Ashide Mana and Matsuyuki Yasuko deliver a great performance regarding the interactions between a mother and a daughter. Their trials will make you laugh, cry or just smile weirdly because it's so cute *ahum*.
I mainly stated the two main characters here, but the supporting cast is great as well.
The story progresses in a well-written manner while never forgetting the realism they need to maintain during the course of the show. The story doesn't let you play ball, they throw the ball at you from the get-go, and you will keep following the ball until it finally reaches your glove. The pacing in the show may be slow to some, however incredibly fitting due to the shows Slice-of-life nature.
Because of the well-written storyline and the great acting, you will start rooting for the main two characters hoping they will get that final happy ending, because as you could’ve guessed, the story isn’t a light one. It’s about acceptance, Overcoming trials without giving up, family and so much more.
So why do you need to watch this? The well written story combined with great actors deliver a touching emotional story. This show will stay with you for a long time. It is one of those shows that makes you ponder for a bit while remembering the show, coming to the conclusion that it was a great watch.
So I heartily recommend it to anyone who doesn’t dislike slice-of-life shows. Because if you do watch it, you are in for a treat.
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Enter Sandman
I’ve always loved mysteries and detective dramas, especially with a refreshingly unique concept and innovative approach to investigations of cases. Even better if it has elements of friendship and bromance or sismance, while romance is optional because there are already so many romance-fuelled dramas out there and we need more of the other stuff for a change. I’m positively thrilled to attest that this drama has all of the above qualities (minus sismance but plus romance).Psych-Hunter is a supernatural mystery and psychological thriller adapted from the novel Haunted Houses Handbook (凶宅笔记) by Er Shi San (贰十三) which was published in 2013. As I understand from readers of the novel, the adaptation is modified slightly pertaining to the main characters’ backstory and the inclusion of a romance arc, hence the FL is added in the screenplay. It is directed by Li Ze Lu (李泽露), who had directed the similarly-themed Tomb of the Sea (of the Lost Tomb franchise), and his experience in this genre really shines through.
What makes this show truly fascinating is not only the fusion of investigation procedural with traditional Chinese beliefs, mythology and the art of geomancy (Feng Shui), but also the practice of “exploring the psyche” aka Zhuyoushu (where one completely immerses within the psyche of the subject in a subconscious state, as opposed to mind reading). Having this concept set in the Republican period in China is appropriate as this particular era is steeped in moral ambiguity and intense fear of superstitions, folklore and mysticism, all of which enhances the paranormal vibes of the mysteries being investigated.
The drama showcases high production values through outstanding art direction, lavish Republican era settings and beautiful costumes – in particular the smart police uniforms, extravagant evening gowns and the bespoke 3-piece suits - along with generally fantastic cinematography and steady camerawork during action scenes. The framing of the intriguing abstract setting of the psyche world is visually stunning, and the steampunk outfit worn by the 2 leads during the hypnosis sequences is a nice touch.
The story centres on the friendship between the 3 leads and their investigations in Changshanzhou. Jiang Shou is adept at exploring the human psyche. Qin Yi Heng is the scion of the prominent Qin family and a skilled medical doctor. Yuan Mu Qing is a (self proclaimed) policewoman and daughter of the local warlord. The overarching plot is about Jiang Shuo’s unexplained memory loss, the disappearance of family, friends and others linked to the main villain known as Liu Zhi aka Six Fingers. In connection with the main mystery, our band of protagonists encounter no less than 15 mysterious cases in their pursuit of the villain, namely:
1.Feng Shui murders
2.The abduction
3.The horologist
4.The bizarre black cat
5.Mu Qing’s past
6.Game of death
7.Jiang Shuo’s psyche
8.The playboy
9.Movie studio murders
10. The mysterious village
11. Dead spirits’ post office
12. The riddle of the cheongsam
13. The haunted mansion
14. The tattoo conspiracy
15. The Rubik’s cube
Each case is infused with elements of horror, some more so than others, which puts a bit of scare in viewers. The story starts off briskly then settles at a steady pace, before reaching a frantic and thrilling climax. There are certain unexplained plot holes and loose threads that are left hanging along the way, but we still get the answers to the major question marks by the end. Somewhere past the halfway mark around episodes 22 to 27, the romance gets in the way somewhat unnecessarily with draggy fillers and certain characters - Jiang Shuo and Yuan Mu Qing being the chief culprits – momentarily losing their composure (and common sense). Fortunately, by episode 28, normal service resumes and the 3 friends re-focus on solving mysteries. The haunted mansion, the tattoo conspiracy and finally the Rubik’s cube mystery which brings closure to the overarching plot, are the most convoluted and action packed among all the cases and require much thinking to unravel the puzzle. The big reveal takes place right in the penultimate episode where at long last we learn the truth of who Liu Zhi really is. NOT TOTALLY UNEXPECTED YET SHOCKINGLY UNEXPECTED AT THE SAME TIME. Absolutely and utterly FREAKING MINDBLOWING. I will stop right here and not spoil it.
The main cast generally performed well, in particular Liu Dong Qin’s understated and naturally portrayed Qin Yi Heng. The actor subtly invokes the right dose of intelligence, stoicism, and vulnerability that elevated the portrayal of this very well written character to greater heights. The nuanced micro-expressions and overall exemplary acting really sets Liu Dong Qin apart from the rest of the cast and points to an extremely talented actor indeed. I’m tempted to follow his portfolio of work after this, notably his main role in Medical Examiner Dr Qin 2, and other future projects.
Hou Ming Hao is a popular actor who’s well known for many major roles, including the iconic character of Wu Xie in The Lost Tomb 2 so he is no stranger to this genre. His acting here is on point and fits well the role of Jiang Shuo – lively, witty, street-smart with a hint of mischief in his eyes, plus he cross-dresses very nicely indeed. Perhaps the only issue I have is the lack of consistency with the way the character is written, which is attributed primarily to the romance element written in involving him and Yuan Mu Qing. He somehow loses his edge and suffers from serious lapses of judgment for about 6 to 7 episodes. For the most part, including the amusing bromance between him and Qin Yi Heng, I’ve enjoyed Jiang Shou’s scenes which provides much entertainment value to the show.
Yuan Mu Qing is played by Zhu Xu Dan (Bambi), whom I last saw in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre (incidentally, the final episode here reminded me of her transformation in HSADSS). She’s an experienced actress who has been cast in a long list of dramas and I thought she did okay here as part of the investigative trio and is convincing as the pampered daughter of a warlord. However, her character suffers from the same inconsistent writing at various points in the show. At times she can be lethal with her martial arts, strong and smart, as befits a policewoman (even an auxiliary one) only to turn into a damsel in distress, and her extreme neediness to cling onto Jiang Shou did grate on the nerves a little. I’m generally indifferent to the romance arc, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the storytelling but unfortunately it did for a few episodes. Mercifully, her character grows out of it towards the end.
The OST features 4 tracks, including the energetic intro rock piece Hunter Heart, and the subdued and emotional Let Her Go as the closing theme, which is very beautifully sung. Track listing as follows:
1. Shin - Hunter Heart
2. Sean He, King - Let Her Go
3. Meng Zi Kun - Game of Happiness and Sadness
4. King - Empty Fortress
On the whole, Psych-Hunter is one of the better produced and extremely entertaining detective investigation dramas of the year that successfully integrates supernatural themes, traditional Chinese beliefs and cleverly conceived mysteries into a smartly condensed package, along with poignant moments of pure bromance. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and now that we have come to the end, I will truly miss this show. I’m not sure if there will be a season 2 but if not, hopefully another similar one comes along in the not too distant future.
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