Reviews

Dear Keiko-chan,

Hope my letter finds you even better than I left you. The journey I spend with you here was most certainly a special one, the one I'll cherish for a long time. I couldn't say goodbye just yet so I decided to write this to you and talk a bit more.

Now where to begin. Surely, a father and his two children coming to a rural place to live in the middle of nowhere would definitely not sound so pleasing to everyone. On top of that when there is a 40 year (not everyone is a fan of age-gaps,okay) difference between us.
I myself wasn't really fond of everyone in the beginning. Just like Jun, even I had a hard time adjusting to the surroundings in the remote Rokugo. Everything felt so boring and mundane. There was nothing happening and all I could do was complain. But soon things changed and everything grew on me. I found a place for me there. The shack started feeling like a home. I wanted to study together with everyone in Ms. Ryoko's class. How I wished I could have fed the fox with Hotaru and have Yukiko beside me to comfort me whenever I was feeling down. And all the little adventures we had here. Like the construction of the pipes and wind-mill, and the time we saw a UFO in the mountains. And not to forget the boat race where everyone had so much fun and Sota was gloomy because he had no partner. Never knew that living in snowy places was such a struggle and is not the way it is generally romanticised.

Talking about all the people here, I think I found a family. They are not the most perfect people and come with a load of flaws and problems. Everyone complains so much and even create many problems at times. But I believe that's what made them special. Because they were like real people, they felt so close and their lives, struggles and happiness felt like my own. Also I think little Jun gets unnecessary hate. I mean he does behave like a brat at times but he was the most relatable person there. Not everyone likes the idea of leaving a life in Tokyo only to settle in a tattered shack with no electricity and water and only bears and foxes as neighbors. And the way he was done with everyone up there in Furano was a mood. But just like the seasons, he too changed and became a more responsible son and a dependable big brother. Though there were not many people up there, but everyone I met will live with me for a long time.

It's already been 3 days since I came back from my trip to Furano but I already feel like going back there and meeting everyone once again. The trip was a bit long but I took my sweet time with everything without rushing and the results left me more than satisfied. Somethings are better enjoyed slowly.
I think it's time for me to end this letter. I am sure I will revisit this place often whenever things become a bit rough and I need a reminder to take it easy. It's good to know that I have something to take me through a trip of heavy nostalgia, back to the simple times where the most mundane things are the ones which give me all the comfort I need.

Goodbye Keiko-chan and until next time.

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Prominent Woman follows the life of Woo-Hee, a magazine editor that struggles with her relationships. Throughout the five episodes, the difficulties between her personal and professional life become more noticeable as she attempts to salvage her own integrity to carry on with the career and life that she has built for over the nearly thirty years she has been alive.

While this synopsis may sound like it leads into a great series, Prominent Woman falls prey to empty narrative and aimless characters, making it almost a pointless drama to watch. From beginning to end, it sets up the illusion that something remarkable may happen with Woo-Hee and the characters around her, but it ultimately fails in providing any sort of substance.

The show has Woo-Hee go through a seemingly ordinary life, the entertainment of which hinges entirely on empty relationships and half-wrought interactions. While watching this series, I couldn't help but ask myself constantly, "What's the point?" - nearly pleading with Prominent Woman to give me any shred of a story or character arc.

Prominent Woman tries to stand out by making a statement that everyone has problems, but one must learn to love themselves and overcome. However, this point is so buried within the horrible story direction that I could hardly figure out what the point was until the very end.

Overall, I don't think this series has much to offer. It is short, so you don't lose much by checking it out, but I truly believe there is nothing in Prominent Woman that has any clout.

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ONE TIME WATCH---Only if you have nothing else to watch

The drama has good acting. But if you are watching it for a story that is good, you might regret it. its a feel good drama.

The ML’s character suffers from a speaking distress in the beginning, where he was the typical rude person. But the FL's hand made ice creams work for him and he finds ways to persuade her to make ice creams. the story is very unrealistic but thats a given since its a mushy mushy drama. He’s kind, and always grateful to people. On the other hand, the FL’s character is played by the one who is victoria songs sister in broker. she acts okay but her dialouge delivery kind of annoys me.

The casts lacked chemistry though. And once they get into relationship all they do is kiss! so if you like a lot of kisses you are in for a treat. Thats the only time you get an evidence that they love each other :P

The story and direction are just bearable. I watched it only for zhao.

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My P.O.V.

Well i thought it was just some random bl since it was very short, but i swallowed that when i watched the first episode. At first you won't be able to have a grasp of the story since it's about their childhood, but that weird part was just a way in order to create a good flow for the plot. The acting was natural, the casting for the main were great, the colors, the music, the lines and the plot were all so related and was carefully directed. It totally blew off my expectations as i teared on the first episode and i felt genuine pain for the characters as the story goes by. This bl is an original and i have never watched a bl with a plot like this that was well-made... no... impressively-made and directed. They owned it. i will never regret watching this and i believe bl lovers wouldn't. i am looking forward for the season 2 and how they will continue the story.

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Who knew Yetis love sashimi?

If you ever thought, “What would a movie be like if you moved King Kong from a tropical island to a frozen mountain top?”, Snow Monster attempts to answer that question. The movie felt like an old Toho monster movie only with slightly better CGI and monster costumes.

In 2045 a van carrying scientists travels through the mountains on the North Pole. I really hope that was a translation error or else there had been some cataclysmic tectonic shifts. Lead scientist Xiao Qin’s instruments showed high magnetic readings and a geothermal hot spot under the van. The scientists believed that high magnetism could result in strange genetic mutations. As if to prove them right, a gigantic hand erupted from the snow causing the van to plummet over a cliff.

Professor Lin asks Xiao’s ex-boyfriend, Ren Yi Fei, to help them find her and he joins the team made up of mostly soldiers. Inside an ancient set of ruins in what looks like a jungle, the team discovers a tunnel filled with centuries old artifacts, skeletons…and deadly prehistoric birds. The men avoid becoming human bird food when they find the exit while being chased by the creepy birds and land outside, in the same location where the lost crew disappeared. The “rescue” crew is confronted with a snow shark (Jaws 5: Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Go Back Skiing), the Yeti, an avalanche, and a tribe of snow elves. Lucky for Ren, the snow elves are friends with the gentle, humorous Yeti. The real danger is a friend who isn’t what he seems to be and his betrayals lead to multiple deaths.

Snow Monster's script was all over the place and most of it did not make sense. I guess they figured if people would watch a movie about a skyscraper tall snow monster, it didn’t matter if the rest was nigh on incomprehensible. There seemed to be a message about leaving endangered people and animals alone, but it was pretty thin. The snow elves’ costumes revealed too much skin for people who lived in eternal winter. Maybe the magnetic field had mutated them in such a way that they were impervious to frostbite and hypothermia. The “science” in this movie was ludicrous and I have no idea what kind of geographical map the writers used, but it wasn’t for this planet. The acting and CGI were serviceable, nothing special. Norman Chui was the only actor I recognized and I’m always happy to see him even for the brief minutes he was on screen.

In order to enjoy this movie on any level you have to have developed a high tolerance for men in monster suits and be able to laugh at the absurdity of giant snow sharks. As is often the case, the humans were the biggest monsters in the movie. The Snow Monster was a sweet fluffy Bumble, as long as you didn’t interrupt him while he was eating his sashimi dinner.

10/7/23

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A New Favorite

it's currently 3 am and i just finished binge-watching all 14 episodes of this drama. it's definitely one of my favorite dramas now.

the cast is absolutely stupendous. i have learned so much while watching (all the unspoken tension built by characters, the drive, and want, etc.) it's led me to see the buildup of characters in a new light and just how crucial it is to the structure of a story. the truth each actor lives as their character is eye-opening and entrancing. i was hooked from beginning to end.

the themes and overall topics the drama touches on is done in a way that is addictive and disturbingly realistic. i couldn't stop watching until the end and i still want more. however, it already is a compelling standalone story.

for, at its very core, 'Player' digs deep into the human psyche to examine just how far people will go to get what they want. and does so in both a raw and absolutely incredible manner.

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A Necessary BL for anyone and everyone

I've got to say this is the BL we deserved 5 and 10 years ago. While we were crying over the Clown and I, Bangkok Love, and the more recent Method, we over-ate the copious amounts of BL into the modern era of Tharntype and Until We Meet Again full of nostalgia by how similar the formula still is from older Thai and Japanese BLs.

And no, I didn't forget about those new snack-like BLs coming out of Korea? *chef's kiss*

But this review is about a drama that amalgamates all the things we loved about them and buried deep the things we pretend didn't happen(I'm look at you censored Chinese BLs.).

I feel like if you're a long-running watcher of BL and asian LGBTQ+ shows and movies like I am then you'll appreciate every bit of this cute drama.

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I LOVED Orange Days!!!

What a sweet and touching drama this is. It's the type of drama that will have you feeling nostalgic, and it'll make u want to hop on the phone or send a quick message to friends you haven't talked to in awhile. I was going to call this a coming of age drama, but it's not really, since all the characters are adults in their senior year of college.

The story is so much more than some deaf girl and the challenges she faces while trying to fit normally into society. It's all about deep friendships, forming bonds, creating memories, finding your way. Most of all, taking value and worth in yourself.

I just have so many feels just thinking about Orange Days. After I finished this drama for the first time, I wanted me and my friends to get a notebook and write in it just like in the drama. Omg this drama will have you missing simpler times (if you've already graduated from high school or college), or make you really appreciate the times you have now (if you haven't).

Overall, I rate this drama a 9.5 because it's not something I could watch over and over again, back to back. And the music, although nice and fitting, doesn't make me want to run and download it. Everything else is pretty much perfect to me. I recommend this drama to everyone honestly. It's really that good. I thoroughly suggest u give it a chance.

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This movie is truly wasted on those who don't make the effort to at least understand it, which is probably the reason why the rating is so low.

In Between Seasons is about time; the passing of seasons. Time heals, time makes us accept. Time changes us, and brings out both our best and worst parts. That is what this movie is about.

Don't expect any fetishizing of homosexuals in here. The love between YJ and SH is just love, not some fangirl material. But don't misunderstand, their homosexuality is part of the plot, but it doesn't overshadow the theme.
The question is whether their love for each other made their lives more difficult because of the prejudice of society, or whether it made their lives easier because they have each other.

The character with the most depth and development, is SH's mom. Even though, at first sight, this movie seems to be about two boys in love, it is truly the mother who dominates the story. You get to see her deal with all the problems that has been thrown her way, and how her attitude towards those issues changes as time passes.

The movie uses a lot of silence to portray the love or pain of the characters, because it makes you focus on their actions (or none at all). Also, there are some "vague" or "sudden" parts, which causes the watcher to concentrate and think by themselves a little bit (no hard thinking, it isn't complex). For example, if you don't read any summaries, you will only realised that the boys are in a relationship like 20 min into the movie as they suddenly lie in bed together. As you can see, it's not difficult to then realise that they're gay.
<[spoiler]
Or when someone said "stop, I know everything" in a context about divorce, and then you'll realize that that guy was prob cheating. [/spoiler] >
Honestly guys, just deal with it. Use your IQ just a lil bit, not everything is going to be laid out in front of you.

The acting skills are amazing. Like honestly, wow. When the characters were sad or cried, it seemed 100% (no exaggeration) real. Also, the sexual interactions between the boys were, unlike most LGBT couples in shows, really realistic and not awkward or forced.

And lastly a huge shout out out to the colour palette and camera work. A movie should be realistic but also ideal, and In Between Seasons has accomplished that. It's colour pallettes are stunning, but don't go overboard. It's in between artificial and reality. You can see the effort, but somehow it doesn't seem too forced; the artist/director took every opportunity to make the colours stand out, but didn't create extra opportunities just for the sake of it.

The only reason why I didn't rate it a 10, is because the enjoyment of the storyline itself wasn't the best (but good enough, worth an 8). It was definitely to shed a (lot of) tear for though.

To conclude, In Between Seasons is not only just a movie, but also a piece of art: from its heartbreaking story to the deep theme and the production of the visuals. It's all on point.

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Uniquely compelling, modern adaptation; making it a worthy addition to the world of Hana Yori Dango

I'm astounded by how good this version is. It had been years since the arrival of the versions I loved that I thought this would simply be another uninspiring regurgitation of one of the most well-known stories in dramaland. But F4 Thailand provides a uniquely compelling, modern adaptation; making it a worthy addition to the world of Hana Yori Dango.

Before I go further, I wanted to mention that I adored Meteor Garden (2001) and Boys Over Flowers (2009) and it was to the point of obsession for both at the time I watched each. But looking back now objectively for the latter, I will admit it was a bad rendition. Having said that, I am certain that the praises for F4 Thailand currently are warranted that even when we look back 10 years from now, we'd feel the same way.

The heroine in this version, Gorya, is my favorite. Her introduction as an ordinary student on scholarship at an elite school otherwise attended by wealthy students convinced me, especially because of how pragmatic she sounds in her assessment of her environment. With disillusionment about the school after having learned the true nature of the students, with being well aware of her standing within this crowd and her purpose in attending the school, she had resolved to put her head down and focus on graduating without incident. But, of course, fate had other plans for her and so she ends up standing up to the most powerful person in school, Thyme, despite knowing full well the hell she'd face getting on that collision course with him, all because she does not have the heart to disregard a friend in trouble. She is courageous not because she is fearless but because she faces Thyme in spite of her fears. That makes her a rock star in my book; an ordinary girl who is extraordinary. That iconic kick to the chest WAS SO SATISFYING.

That leads me to Thyme. I will always be Team Thyme. This boy is such a brat but he's our lovable idiot. I LOVED how Gorya just renders him speechless on multiple occasions. We come to learn that he is a product of the upbringing by a mother who is less of a mother and more of a ruthless businesswoman molding Thyme to be just like her in order to run the family empire one day. Needless to say he changes to become a better person after meeting Gorya. He often looks incongruous in Gorya's world and yet is the perfect match for her. I enjoyed their bickering but it was the subtle, sweet moments between them that were so moving and dear to my heart (midnight birthday and zoo dates come to mind).

I was truly charmed by this group of F4. I'm at that age where I don't easily go crazy over hot guys but there is merit in all the girls fawning over their hotness here. I found them cool and hot and stylish that it is totally believable that they are the most popular guys in school. Aside from keeping with that aspect of the original, I thought the F4 boys are portrayed as an ensemble cast here compared to other versions. I mean, Thyme and Ren's characters hold significant roles being the main and second leads respectively, so it's no surprise that they get a lot of screen time. My reference here is more toward Kavin and MJ. They didn't feel like the 3rd and 4th members. They are vital to the story and so supportive of our leads and just plain awesome and I was happy to see them featured just as much as others.

As one of many who is extremely familiar with the original story, some of the main dramatic plot points could have turned predictable, as if I would need to patiently wait to pass so I could watch the "good" parts; in particular, in connection to the villains in the story, like the kidnapper. Often these tropes feel as if they were there to serve the advancement of the main characters, and the "villains" would then be disregarded or forgotten at the end of their time. But instead, I was at the edge of my seat here due to the gripping suspense felt throughout, thanks to the wonderful directing and editing, music and acting. Whenever there is a focus on the side characters, it transported me to their world. I paid attention. I listened to what they had to say. I did not have the urge to skip to move forward to the main characters. Everyone had a role to play and with purpose and each of their message is clearly conveyed. I particularly enjoyed Kavin and Talay's arcs. As an aside, I do want to note that I wasn't a fan of Lita, as I've never been a fan of this character no matter how good she is as a person as I've always been a steadfast supporter of our One True Pairing.

In terms of production, this team deserves just as much praise as the cast. I would consider the production team highly intelligent. They knew exactly what they are offering to us. Every detail is carefully crafted and marvelously executed. If you witnessed something on screen, even subtleties, it is because they wanted us to notice. I felt they are effective in influencing you; clever in how they use social media to contribute to the story without taking away the original feels. They pay homage to the original premise while modernizing it, as well as incorporate Thai cultural aspects into the story and all of this is seamlessly executed for such great entertainment for the viewers.

I'll end with this: if you really think about it, you have to admit that as much as we all love it, the premise of Hana Yori Dango is pretty superficial, and at times ridiculous. But somehow, F4 Thailand manages to paint this world in realism, with a lot of heart, through a smart script, amazing directing, evocative music, thoughtful characterization, and a talented young cast. I don't think any other version will ever top this.

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Sometimes Loving Is Healing

'Unspeakable Love' portrays the sweet love story of Li Bin and Zhou Chun. Unfortunately Li Bin can't hear and Zhao Chun can't speak. They bond over a live session of Zhao Chun and start contacting each other. And one day they finally decide to meet.
In the short span of 9 minutes the actors successfully portrayed their emotional connection, their childhood sufferings and adversities, how they could find solace through the phone screens. They could confide in each other. As if they could heal or fill their emotional voids.
I'm still confused if this was a short film or brand advertisement for Oppo Reno 5. Whichever this is, it's a pretty decent watch. What are the odds of not liking a real life inspired love story!

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A Sweet Series that Highlighted Women's Stories in Old Time

Focusing on women's position in old-time Japan, where they consider a person who stays on the back and is not able to become a leader. Ichika, who was a widow, doesn't have a choice but to marry someone who is 15 years younger to save her family's restaurant. Not only that, she also faced a crisis about the fact that she needed to take over the business by becoming the head chef, although so many people doubted her just because she is a woman. Through this series, we could see how women had so many disadvantages in Japan at that time. How they look down on women. How women didn't get their proper place in society. The romance part is quite sweet. Just typical that Josei manga's story where the heroine find her true love and get loved by the male lead. Since it's all about cullinary, I love how they show us Japanese fussion cullinary, which perfectly describes the female lead character. For those who love food theme drama and sweet romance, this is truly recommended!

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Such a HUGE disappointment (do not waist time with this one)

It has been a long time since I posted a review. I've watched quite a few different dramas that I felt I had to go and write a review about it as soon as I finished watching, but I never did. This time I was so disappointed and frustrated with the ending to be more exact that I couldn't hold myself and I had to write about what I feel. I can even accept the fact that the writing was not that good when being a screenplay writer is part of the story line. I can even accept that there were so many things that felt short, unfinished, not even necessary, but to not even satisfy with a good ending or at least a more normal ending, that I have a hard time to accept. I considered Raphael first male lead and Kang Jae the second male lead based on the synopsis.
First, I have to say that the connection between the couples was not quite there, or for me was not equally the same. Oh Woo Ri and Lee Kang Jae even thought they were dating for so long I really didn't feel them as a couple. Maybe because I didn't like the male, I didn't warmed up to him. Oh Woo Ri and Raphael I felt them a little bit more and maybe just because the way the part was written for them but I know they were not quite perfect either. They were talking about a first kiss, he was talking about believing that faith has somebody better for him and because the way they filmed the moments between the two, with all the memories and the dreams they both had and the fact that she even reached to kiss him first which she did not do with Kang Jae, made me believe that she liked him more or at least she was feeling more attracted to him. The connection between her and Kang Jae felt awkward and cringe worthy at times, like the time they hold hands in the car and then they said they have to go pray because they held hands for too long. I mean what the heck.......... what is that? With the relation between her and Raphael I thought since the writers were pointing out that he didn't grow up with the type of family he always wanted, they will give him the family he was dreaming of by keeping him together with her. But to my disappointment it didn't happened.
Second thing that bothered me was the way I felt the two male leads were portrayed at times, and to me it looked like they were both stupid.
Third and not last thing that bothered me, but this really frustrated me was close to the end when they were both trying to win her back it was not fair that Raphael did not get one chance not even one chance to talk to her alone, but Kang Jae did have that chance at the memorial of his parents. After that the next day at her mother proposal party she had her mind made up. That was not correct if you want to give them both a fair chance. And the whole complications that are going to arise from having the baby with one guy and being married to another guy. Why do you have to complicate that baby's existence? I don't understand why? If you emphasize the fact that the female lead and Raphael had a first kiss and then a baby together, than why don't you keep that baby's parents together? Why put it in the movie, if you are going to throw the connection between them out the window? Even more, they also emphasized the connection that was building between FL and Raphael with all the times he was there to save her, and they still didn't end up together. I really do not see the point of having those scenes. I've seen dramas before where I wanted the FL to end up with the second male lead, but this was not one of them because of that baby which she should have had her both parents. If you have the pen in your hand and you write the ending, then why not keep families together? For the FL lead since she was a virgin, she would have been better paired with a man that had more experience and proof is the honeymoon moment when you have two virgins trying to do the grown ups thing and just ended up being another cringe worthy - I want to throw up moment. And don't even get me started on the stupid friendship between Kang Jae and Raphael. That was another moment that I felt I was going to throw up. Really? Really? Really writer or writers? I mean you have them fighting over FL like two roosters just to make them best friends? Really? Really? I am shocked that this script was even approved to make it to the screen. I can just keep going on, and on, and on but I'm too frustrated and the drama doesn't deserve my energy to continue writing.

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Diner is a delicious movie worth savoring

If seeing Tina Tamashiro in her kawaii waitress outfit isn't enough to get you interested in watching, then let me tell you this movie is good on so many levels. And when you realize that Tatsuya Fujiwara (Bombero) and Masataka Kubota (Skin) both played Light Yagami in different live action Death Notes, you will understand the level of acting the goes into this film, with supporting roles by rock goddess Anna Tsuchiya (her songs from Nana still grace my playlists) and Shun Oguri playing gangsters. Diner is a fun movie with a lot of action, cool fight scenes, delicious looking food and has a good ending. For me this movie is a 10 (mostly because the cast is epic) worth watching more than once! Itadakimasu! d(^_^)b

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