Reviews

A Mixed Bag of Everything

"Gone With the Rain" presents a diverse mix of elements right from the start. It combines comedy, wars, romance, sisterly love, murders, forced marriages, conspiracy, sacrifice, unfulfilled love, war games, strategies, suspense and thrillers. It's like experiencing a buffet of genres in one story. However, the romance aspect of the story leaves a somewhat unpleasant taste. Brazen atrocities are committed with impunity, and the suspense and mystery elements resemble an Agatha Christie whodunit set in a schoolhouse. At times, the logic of the plot feels a bit childish, as the storyline takes unexpected twists and turns to fit the writer's desired ending.

Based on the romance novel "Storm and Rouge" (Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan) by Ni Luo, the drama revolves around the lives of Tang Moxi (played by Zhang Nan) and her first cousin, Bai Fengyao (played by Wang Yuwen). Having grown up together in Bai Fengyao’s home after Moxi loses both her parents, they navigate through a turbulent era of wars, scarcity, losses, forced marriages, hardships, betrayals, and nearly every challenge imaginable. Their bond is defined by their unwavering love and devotion to each other, overshadowing the traditional romance aspect that serves more as a subplot.

Tang Moxi defies the conventions of a typical heroine. She doesn't fit the mold of a delicate flower waiting to be saved or a Cinderella longing for a prince. In fact, she lacks education, refinement, and even exhibits selfish and greedy traits in her pursuit of goals. Nevertheless, she demonstrates a care for love and morality, alongside her fearless and untamed nature. She fearlessly shelters a wounded young officer rumored to be a spy, intimidates creditors with a kitchen chopping knife to protect Bai Fengyao, and skillfully negotiates with unsavory characters. Moxi's strong-willed and passionate character is akin to a torrential rain that is difficult to ignore.

Moxi, portrayed by Zhang Nan, appears as a young girl, around 15 years old, reflected in her clothing style, with shorter skirts paired with long pants. Initially, this may seem odd if viewers are unaware of Moxi's young age, possibly due to the actor's tall stature. However, as the story progresses and Moxi reaches marriageable age at 17, she looks stunning in her adult costumes. Despite her constant sour expression, her smile radiates warmth, which Zhang Nan portrays wonderfully.

Bai Fengyao, played by Wang Yuwen, contrasts Moxi's character. She embodies gentleness and strength, occasionally displaying stubbornness and possessing extensive knowledge from wide reading. Wang Yuwen convincingly brings the character to life, with Bai Fengyao appearing younger than Moxi due to the actor's youthful-looking face. The heartfelt sisterly relationship between Moxi and Bai Fengyao is portrayed with heartbreaking sacrifices and unconditional love.

Moxi falls in love at first sight with Wan Jiagui (portrayed by Zhao Yingbo), a young and handsome officer who initially hesitates to commit due to his unwavering dedication to the country. However, he eventually falls for Moxi, captivated by her courage, intelligence, and selflessness as she saves him without expecting anything in return. A big applause to Zhao Yingbo's portrayal of the Wan Jiagui character.

Early in the story, Moxi encounters Chen Wende (Sun Yizhou aka Sean Sun), who is significantly older, around 13 to 14 years her senior. Contrary to others' fear of him due to his unflattering reputation, Moxi boldly insults and chides him, leading to continuous banter between the two characters throughout the drama. Moxi's forthrightness and unpretentiousness intrigue and amuse Chen Wende to the extent that he falls in love with her. Sean Sun's excellent portrayal of the character adds believability to their evolving relationship.

The entire cast delivers commendable performances, although some actors may have slightly overacted, making it difficult to discern if it was intentional for humor or a result of their acting abilities.

My Verdict

The series comprises two narrative layers. One layer delves into the emotional entanglement between Mo Xi and Chen Wende, Feng Yao and Wan Jiagui, while the other layer explores the story of four individuals protecting each other and serving their homeland. These two narrative layers intertwine, merging personal emotions with feelings of family and country.

The story beautifully captures the essence of self-preservation, mutual support, and understanding within the two main female characters. Although the sisterly relationship takes precedence, unfulfilled love becomes a central theme, amplifying the committed relationship between the two cousin sisters. The pain and torment experienced when the two lovers are forcibly separated by fate and events create a bittersweet romance. However, romance enthusiasts may be disappointed when the direction of the romance changes by the end of the story.

It may take some time to adapt to the storytelling format of the drama, as Moxi's wild imagination often takes the form of playful and silly scenarios on screen. This is understandable, considering Moxi's young age and her tendency to engage in immature thinking.

The entire story is built around a conspiracy to overthrow the throne, with wars, deaths, separated lovers, and a hero unjustly accused. However, all these events seem somewhat futile, as Moxi effortlessly exposes the conspiracy's flaws in the end. The climax of the story disappoints and is hardly worth mentioning. Plot holes and logic conflicts are prevalent, but viewers are advised not to take them too seriously.

Although left to be desired, the overall plot is quite intriguing, the acting is commendable, and the attention to costume and props is evident throughout.

A rather fun watch! Recommended!

Leia Mais

Wuxia show featuring friendships, youth and ethics

I loved this show so much, i was watching it on VIKI and then paid subscription to YOUKU so i could watch the latest episodes! The actors playing the characters did a great job, and I enjoyed all the fight scenes/CGIs. Every episode has been nail biting and i havent felt it has dragged on at all. I usually fast forward drama shows with annoying jealous 3rd parties thankfully theres none of that here. The show focuses on friendships, integrity and forgiveness towards self and others.

I feel the romance between Qianluo and Xiao Se is a bit extra, not feeling any chemistry between them. Ao Ruipeng is the perfect actor to play the gullible but loyal Lei Wujie. Li Hongyi captured Xiao Se's disdainful looks and elegance well. Lie Xueyi gave a moving portrayal of Wuxin, who is plagued with a troubled past. Some scenes really moved me, like when Wuxin saw his master before he departed for good. There seemed to be many lessons on life in this show. All the side characters and stories enriched the show without being too long/complicated either.

Overall a great show which i had stumbled upon and im so glad i started watching it!

Leia Mais

TL;DR? Definitely not a drama for everyone. If you are a patient drama watcher and don't mind repetitiveness, then by all means, give this one a shot!

I wanted so much to love this drama. I don't think I suffered from inflated expectations, even though Yoo In Na is one of my favorite actresses. This drama was just an absolute mess. The characters were mostly ridiculous. I think Yoo In Na cried in every single episode, sometimes several times an episode. Now, I don't mind a good damsel in distress every once in a while, I don't mind characters who have weaknesses. But that is all Yoo In Na's character was, weak. She was indecisive and allowed herself to be pulled in two different directions constantly. And I mean that quite literally. On more than one occasion, both boys each had a hand and was telling the other to let go. I was just hoping that she would tell them both to go take a flying leap since she wasn't a toy for them to argue over, but she never did.

That's not to say that I didn't pick sides. I was all for Goo Hae Young from the beginning. I know a lot of people love Nam Goong Min, but his character in this drama was absolutely insipid. He was a trope, and nothing more. Someone there to create friction and cause conflict, but not anyone who the writers care enough about to fully develop. Goo Hae Young, on the other hand, you understood what drove him. You understood his motives and the reasons why he wanted Sang Hyo so much. And more than anything, I think once you meet him, you just know they deserve to be together.

The other characters were all a joke. Used only for comic relief and as the impetus for Sang Hyo's interactions with either ends of the love triangle. It was a drama that was obsessed with love, but didn't really know how to piece it all together very well. They could have cut out 5 or 6 of the middle episodes and the drama would have been much better paced.

The murder, which could have been a really interesting focal point, was reduced to minor story points, usually used to just further the relationships. Did anyone really care who murdered those people? I certainly didn't, and the drama did a horrible job of trying to make me care about it.

All in all, it's hard to find something redeemable about this drama. But that's not to say that it isn't worth watching. There were times when it as genuinely fun, and Goo Hae Young and Nam Sang Hyo had some seriously sweet moments. Jin Yi Han is an amazing actor, and I am seriously looking forward to a more serious future role for him. While the surrounding characters were mostly shallow portrayals, they were still a lot of fun to watch their antics as they guess at the murderers and scheme to make romance happen. The love that Si Chan felt for hi boss and how much he wanted to help him be happy was adorable. And the competition for Sung Gyeum, Eun Joo, was a feisty, confident character that I legitimately liked.

If you aren't a fan of weak characters and weaker storylines, then I'd say avoid this. But if you are looking for fluff and fun, and a lot of crying (by the actors, that is), then I would say give this one a shot! It will require a lot of suspension of disbelief, but there is at least a thread of a story here that might be worth your time!

Leia Mais

This Is Not Omniscient Reader. This Is an Insult

I don’t know who this adaptation was made for, but it certainly wasn’t for fans of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. This movie feels like someone skimmed the Wikipedia summary of the story and decided, “Yeah, I’ll make a movie out of that.” Zero depth, zero emotional payoff, zero respect for the source material.

Kim Dokja—one of the most complex, layered, emotionally rich protagonists ever written—is reduced to a bland, confused side character in his own story. The plot is butchered beyond recognition. Important arcs are skipped, relationships are flattened, and the entire thing feels like a rushed cash grab riding on the name.

And don’t even get me started on the pacing, the cringe dialogue, and how they tried to condense 500+ chapters of brilliance into a soulless 2-hour mess.

If you care at all about the manhwa or webnovel, skip this. And if you’ve already seen it and felt the same disappointment? Give it a 1-star rating. Loudly. This kind of lazy, shallow adaptation deserves to flop

Leia Mais

A Dark and Passionate Tale of Forbidden Love

*I have invested 5 years of my life to read this manhwa while it was airing, from start to finish. So my review will be comparative in nature without spoiling the important bits*

This was one of those manhwas that made me go from "what the hell did I get myself into?!" to "Well, that was HELL of an infuriating ride... but DAMN, that was a satisfying ending! I kinda like it :p". By the record, this was my first ever red flag manhwa that shaped me into this 'toxic love" addicted creature. It was an anxious read, problematic and dubious af, which was obviously not at all comforting to read but, oh, I live for those angsty crumbs. 

Now about the drama; honestly and first of all, I was quite doubtful about this adaptation because of its problematic nature, and how they're supposed to showcase such things in the media. But after watching I can say they toned it down A LOT! And I think it's for the better to make it watchable on screen. Omitting the gruesome portrayal of abuse and sufferings was needed because it's not for this type of format. Some things are better if they stay hidden in the closed folds of paper. The content is HUGE and so summing them up within 2 hrs is pretty much commendable. There are no boring moments. So you're are presented a angsty romance with lots of twists and turns!

My only problem is the vertical format. This format doesn't really allow the storylines to delve deeper. But I'm quite happy and satisfied with this adaptation and I must admit that. 
Character wise, in the manhwa and drama, Nakyum is still lovely, lively and full of warmth, but it's Seungho who had a great character change in terms of its source material. Here Seung Ho is more humane than he is shown in the manhwa. Those sharp brush strokes, cold, cynical blazing gaze says that his character is basically emotionless, crazy and tyrant. But in the live adaptation, just because it's a real person acting, his character felt way more humane, soft and loveable than he was there, which I quite liked. 

The actors did a wonderful job! Each and every character was promising, and they gave their best. The direction was also well done, as it literally made me see those still panels coming back to life as if I was reliving the manhwa in front of my eyes. It's one of those manhwas that I'd be uncomfortable/ embarassed to read in public and honestly, I didn't and don't expect to see those level of smutty illustrations in this short vertical format. Kisses were so-so, could have been better, intimate scenes were quite bland, but in this short time not everything could be done as per our taste. Also, there were quite a few changes in this, but not that evident enough to see if one doesn't know what's in the manhwa. 

Overall, I liked it inspite of my initial concerns as the adaptation followed the manhwa very, very well!

P.S: Here linking my feeds post in the comments for those who wants to see the pictorial similarities in the manhwa and the drama.

Leia Mais

This drama is short, only 12 eps with 30 to 40min each ep, but it was so FULL of content. it was heartbreaking, hilarious, full of life lessons, friendship, romance and even second hand embarrassment xD

honestly, after repetitive sadness, and draggy plot lines, I barely laugh or tear up with dramas, but this made me cry and laugh at the same time!
I envy their friendship so much and I really need to adapt their life lessons.
life doesn't always follow your plans; they all had a different "job" they dreamt about yet life had other plans and non of them stayed in the same field.
they thought life was fun and games yet they faced so many different struggles and hardships..

now, I do feel like the stories kinda felt like dejavu, but at the same time it felt refreshing, especially with Siwon as the ML xD

Leia Mais

Ts is garbage

It's not even the actors that are the problem here (idk any of them and its my first time here lol)

The changes are too much, and it sucks ass. Nothing is salvaging this flop adaptation. I've heard about all the changes they made to the movie, and it's enough for me to know that it's THAT bad.

First of all, they made KDJ too OOC, He's not some goody two shoes that wants to save the world. In the early chapters of ORV, it was established that KDJ wants to get an ending that he wants. He does not give a fuck about intentionally saving anyone that he doesn't know or care about or if they aren't useful to him, ppl just get saved in the process when he does smth. I was told that he just hates the novel TWSA, You mean the literal novel he's been reading for 13 years? The novel that literally save his life?? what the fuck. WHY IS HE A MURDERER AND A BULLY????

They also changed the TWSA novel's protag from YJH to JHW, I love my girl JHW, but she wasn't even in the novel, KDJ didn't even know who she was at the beginning, and also the movie removed her trauma as a SA victim?? Wow, like it wasn't a major part of her character. YSA was changed to be a healer when she literally does anything but healing?? Talk about misogyny, just because she's a woman, she's supposed to be the healer? We already have LSH for that.

Don't even get me started with LSK, she was changed and got turned into a sick mother who's getting taken care of by her son when she's supposed to be in prison for standing up for herself and killing her abusive husband. What the fuck happened to that?! We aren't even gonna get the mother and son beef that I love. Absolute Trash, Just read the Novel

Leia Mais

"Not all love stories have 'happily ever after', some just have 'Once upon a time;"

I am not here to critique the appropriateness of how things turn out, after all, this is a fiction. It may or may not happen in real life. If I am going to question if the outcome is fitting, I will be taking away the charm and magic of the story...

Now let me begin the review itself.

This is how a sequel should be. Sequels should note be done because it gain popularity or cash in a lot of money, but rather to continue and perhaps end a story that was left hanging. And that is exactly what this movie did. In fact, it intensified what Toey and Oat had.

It didn't add "filler" actors to make it more interesting. Kenta played a crucial role when he talked about that bad is relative, depends on the person who is saying and seeing, the realization after. And Jen as the devil's advocate for Toey. Both serve their purpose but equally necessary to make the story more cohesive and meaningful.

The setting helped too as it focus on the interaction between Toey and Oat as to compare to "Present Perfect" in which they roam Higashikawa. By containing the characters in a limited and confined space, the two characters becomes the highlight and not the surrounding.

Their acting greatly improved as well. Comparing it again to "Present Perfect", it is understandable that they are holding back that time as they are still discovering each other 's personality and feelings in the said prequel, that goes for the actors and their respective characters. It feels that in the prequel that they are taking cue not from each other but from the director. This time around and pointing the exchange of lines between Toey and Oat is more fluid and natural. They are taking the cue from each other and not from another person. It is like continuation of their love story. How each character matured and developed and how they are when they are together. But Tonawanik is definitely better in acting than Kritsana. Imagine delivering a barrage of lines with all sorts of emotions, Tonawanik clearly pull it off.

I wish they include a more heart felt music or sound as it will enhance the feeling of the audience. BUT, the lack of iconic musics can definitely be overlooked as it doesn't ruin the experience.

Rewatch value, not really for me to watch it again as I was in Toey's situation sometime in my past and it does not feel really good. I felt my gut being twist and pull apart the time when they are "arguing". I really feel what Toey was feeling as I shared the same. This story hits pretty to close to home.

Leia Mais

In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to choose your line.

So much was happening, but also nothing was happening, and how is that even possible?

If we talk about the actual events, this is a 40 minute movie at best. Exorcism, chat, death, chat, exorcism, chat, exorcism - more or less the plot. But if we take into consideration the topics introduced in said chats - that's a one semester lecture for you. Lack of faith in the men of faith. The misogyny in church and the lack of equality between men and women. Nuns doing tarot readings? Sure. Also a power team of nuns and schaman doing exorcisms. I guess. Then we have illness, I guess shame, but that was not explained at all. One could say this was a women empowerment movie, but was it really? And then the whole final sequence, as beautiful as it was, was also painfully dumb.

Even Song Hye Kyo was a hit or miss depending on the scene. Her nonchalant and confident scenes were great, but every time she tried to be more angry domineering and scream it just felt painfully flat. I feel like at least for some lines, if they switched her raised voice to a really chilling whisper with the music going quiet, it would have far more impact.

Moon Woo Jin did an amazing job holding back laughter, because that performance was just ridiculous. In a good way. It was exactly what the director and writer wanted, that's clear.

Lee Jin Wook was there, acted like an asshole. Was gone. He is not the main role, that I can tell you, and Jeon Yeo Been, while definitely more prominent, had to somehow deliver a character that brought nothing on the screen.

What's good? The movie was beautiful. Quite a few breathtaking scenes and good use of special effects.

Overall, pass - in both senses of the world. I'm not mad I watched it, it passed. But also, don't waste your time, pass.

Leia Mais

This drama let me tell you. Amazing. It was a serious roller coaster ride, Joo Da Hae, could seriously be the most hated women in kdrama history after seeing this drama. Her acting and character was just that great and effective. The whole concept of this drama was on point. It never dragged imo, and the characters were very convincing, and yes even yunho! I think he showed improvement here the most(acting wise) from the beginning it's a little shaky but i think as more episodes came out he improved. And we can't forget Ha Ryu, Kwon Sang Woo broke my heart his acting was so amazing, and the whole revenge concept broke my heart. He did such an amazing job with his character, and his emotions were always on point and always there. Soo Ae, whom played Joo Da Hae, did such an outstanding job, from the beginning to the end, probably the most convincing character amongst all, she could make you hate her, yet feel bad for her at the same time, which tbqh, is not an easy thing to do. Ultimately, what i'm trying to say is that this is one of the first revenge dramas i've ever watched and i was blown away, from the beginning to the end. My heart was seriously on the edge with every episode, there were so many tears, i was even shocked. And the OST's were amazing especially Ailee's Ice Flower, omg that song give me so many feels. (And i gave this an 8 on rewatch b/c i never EVER rewatch lol, too many dramas for all dat!)

Leia Mais

This deserves so much attention. Is so freaking good!!!!

I sincerely dont understand the lack of attention to this drama. It has everything, from a good plot, to intense scenes, to love filled glances. I sware, everytime i see the main couple joking together i just want to jump into the screen and tell them to make out faster. There that cute.
I also love the mystery that this show has. Like, it can be very predictable, but at the same time it makes you question if you really know what ur talking about. If what you are thinking is truly going to happen.
The one thing I'll complain about though is the songs. They can be very tacky, and the lyrics some times dont make to much sense. But the cinematography and the actors pay up for that little inconvenience.
There is kind of a thing for people who don't like slow plots. Its not that the drama drags, bit there some moments that you wish it would go faster.
All in all though, it a wonderful drama that truly captures you in to the world of justice, betrayal, and love.

Leia Mais

Way too long

What is it with Chinese dramas? They tend to be, for the most part, twice as long as they need to be. I will be upfront and say that my rating is based upon my enjoyment of the whole thing. I found myself getting bored (a lot) and I left it for two weeks and finally went back to finish it up, because I can't leave a show unfinished.

The main couple? I loved both of them. I really enjoyed her in Love Me If You Dare and I was so glad that their own voices were used. Dubbing makes the whole thing even worse. They were very cute together, the kind of cute that you just have to smile when watching them. I felt that toward the beginning she had some entitlement going on, which irritated me. She kept breaking rules and then didn't understand why he wanted her to leave the program she was in. She felt it was better to apologize than to ask for permission, apparently.

Second couple - if a woman continues to chase a man and he keeps shutting her down, my opinion of her lowers. It's like she has no self-esteem. His reason for shutting her down, when he obviously liked her, was missing so he irritated me as well.

The older couple - had an interesting back story, but I didn't feel overly invested in them, either.

A lot of the medical stuff was incorrect, as it tends to be in these dramas. Do you not have a medical consultant? That takes away from the story as well.

There is quite a bit of action, some bromance, and it's low on angst, so if you are patient and your expectations aren't too high, you might enjoy this show.

Leia Mais

Exactly the kind of drama I love! It was funny from the very first moment, till the very end. Ji Sung has officially become my favorite character of all time. In the beginning (say 15 minutes. 20 tops) I found him really weird. I mean, what's with the retro haircut and the bag-pack? But after that, ahahahahahaha. It was awesome. Eun Seol was kickass. JaeJoong was the ultimate eye candy. I loved Ms Wrestler and Ice-cream! And, OH MY GOSH, the elevator scenes. EPIIC. xD

And thanks to this show stopped hating In Hee (from Personal Taste). If you have the same problem, this show is HIGHLY recommended! :D

Special Credits to the Odd Jobs President Cha did during his community service. Lol. Everytime, he said he was busy, and I thought he was talking about some hi-fi President Wallstreet-ish work and all he ended up doing was making children cross roads or scrape out chewing gums or gossiping with ajummas x). And the 'Whoo Whoo' song!

Leia Mais

Romance done right

Finally a romance that had most of the cliches done right by giving you tons of butterflies. So, so many of my previous issues on how I envision an adult romantic relationship be, were resolved. Even though the number of episodes appear to be long but the relationship and story moved at a very enjoyable pace.
Both the ML and FL where gorgeous, nice and caring, intelligent and could really emote well making this drama to go to top of my rewatch list. The chemistry was through the roof and the skin ship ticked all the boxes for me, was super exciting and organically done. The humor was so adorable.
I guess one of my favorite cliche is a strong, intelligent, working woman who is fully supported in her dreams and is super nice and reasonable in spite of being successful. Not only that she appreciates the individuality of others and support them as well and tries to understand by being flexible enough to try out their choices. The ML is not stoic at all and while being quite knowledgeable in the dating game is still innocent in his own way.
Although I am not a fan of a noona romance with a big age gap, but it can be overlooked easily. Many of other positive points of the drama included closure and support of the secondary male and female leads who loved the primary leads but were able to move on by supporting each other. The dressing of both male and female leads, their makeup, their personalities even most romantic background musical score were on point.
This drama has made me so happy that I'm going around with a stupid smile on my face. Strongly recommended for destressing, relaxing, and being satisfied at the end of it all.

Leia Mais