This review may contain spoilers
One of the best Rom-Com KDrama
After having watched more than hundreds of Korean Dramas, I can say this one was the best among the rom-coms.From beginning to end, there were no nonsense. Even breakup scene felt justifiable for me. Unconditional love from male character was so heartwarming. In the end, In many dramas only one person realizes just how much another person cares about and the effort he/she made. But here, FL also realized what she needs to do instead of just accepting ML love and care.
There were moments where I could relate myself as well and last 3 months watching this series was really a worth.
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An light-hearted drama that will make you smile
I really enjoyed heroic husband as this is one type of non-conventional Chinese costume drama.One of the main reasons is because of Guo Qn Lin as Ning Yi. GQL does not have the handsome face of a typical male lead, nor does he have years of experience as an actor. He is a former comedian and regular in TV shows. It is these experience that gives him this aura as an actor that pushed him up to his popularity as Fan Si Zhe, the cute brother in Joy of Life. It is his cunningness to trick his opponent, his talent to win friends, his sweet relationship with Su Tan Er, his consciousness for what's right and what's wrong that makes him very attractive as a male lead. The way he talks in his own voice, especially when he delivers long lines, creates a positive mood and makes the audience want to listen to him. Just like when listening to the perfect way a comedian talks.
Another reason is the reverse role. Similar to Joy of Life, through a novel, the male lead suddenly transferred into the body of “赘婿”, the form husband who marries into the house of a higher-status wife instead of the way around. Society regards them as lower status. In an ancient setup, it's refreshing to see how wives dominate the household and order the husband around; while the husbands cook, massage, and fear the wives. A setup that you rarely see in modern dramas. Of course, Ning Yi’s intellect soon shows that he is not just a weak Zhui Xu. But he stays humble and unconditionally supports his wife STE and her business. It is the balance between the two of them that makes them a role model of couples, whether this is in ancient times or modern times.
The drama is split into two parts. The first part is about NY supporting STE to become a successful business owner and overcome all kinds of evil tricks by both outsiders as well as family members. A lot of the tactics are used in Sun Tzu's Art of warfare. More than Joy of Life, Ning Yi is using modern business tricks to win over his opponents. The results are very rewarding and explanations are very clear and logical. The whole process is filled with humor and colorful characters. The second part is much more serious which involves freeing the city from bandits. I agree that the second half has lost a bit of the first half's light-hearted flavor as well as the sweet romance between STE and NY. However, I also see that it would be boring to continue to the same plotline as most parts have been exhausted so I welcome the fresh perspectives. I just wished they would have continued some of the key elements which have made the first half successful. There are also moments in which it was highly unlikely for Ning Yi to escape a dangerous situation that felt slightly unrealistic but suddenly the ending was very serious and realistic. On the other hand, I really welcome how the writer finalized the story between Xi Gua (Watermelon) and NY as there was a big risk of out-of-character behaviors of NY. Not only did the show keep the NY's natural personality but kept the relationship between the two characters.
Overall, I would recommend this drama if you enjoy a light-hearted period drama that is mixed with the humor of a modern drama.
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Wow!!1 hour 55 min of bliss
New story? Nah,same old, friends to Lovers trope. Seasoned actors? Not even close.Did I enjoyed it? Hell yeah
What is so special that I took time to write a review and convince you to watch it?Execution, they made everything correctly. Charming cast, right amount of runtime, comedy and pain balancing each other. Coming to leads, Caramel played by Belle Mariano will sweep you off your feet into Cara's world which is full of butterflies and unicorns. She loves Ino passionately and has eyes only for him. What if Ino also has feelings for her? Is it enough for her happiness?
Domino played by Donny is convincing. He's a bit complicated with all happenings in his life but nothing cara can't figure out. Sky and Iris complimented well to the story, they are second leads but know their place, to what extent they can pursue their love, when to give up. They are genuine friends helping them get better in life. Infact their presence only push Cara and Ino towards each other.
1st half of film is fluffy light, a steady 8. Story of Cara, bright sunny girl and her crush who also likes her. What is stopping them from dating? 2nd half became bumpy making me anxious but taking risk for good things is worth it. They focussed on healing and self-love. Cara needs to love herself and learn to move on. Ino needs to let go of his past and heal his scars, only then will be our perfect happy ending.
The meanings they gave to colours and their significance is cherry on top. I hope you enjoy this film as much as I do, on that note state of mind also plays role on how much story effects us, so don't be too disappointed if it didn't meet your expectations.
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This review may contain spoilers
The standard has been SET.
I have been watching BL’s for four years now, and A Tale of 1000 Stars is by far one of the most fulfilling shows that has been produced from this genre.The all-round quality of acting, directing, cinematography and screenwriting is impeccable and I have been having a hard time trying to bring myself to enjoy watching other current BL’s - the standard was that good. A Tale of 1000 stars had been sitting in my ‘To Watch’ for a long time, I couldn’t get myself around to as I was concerned the ‘Heart Transplant’ trope was going to result in Tian only being attracted to Phupha because he ‘became’ Torfun, but the progression of the show proved me wrong and I completed it in one whole night.
Acting / Cinematography / Sound Track
To begin with, this is by far one of the most unconventional BL’s out there - a masterpiece Backaof should be proud of. The depth of the narrative seems completely independent of the genre as a whole, and does not play into any of the common BL tropes, creating a series that is realistic, and a love story that viewers can truly immerse themselves in and connect to.
The aesthetic of the series is beautiful, I understand there was a lot of tropical weather to contend with, but the production remains top quality. The cinematic hues are washed with warm tones setting a warm, somewhat nostalgic mood.
The composition of the frame and cutting is extremely well planned, enhancing the natural chemistry between Mix and Earth. They portray the emotions of the characters they play realistically and these are perfectly captured on film. The tensions that are created through the aforementioned film techniques showcase their acting skills further, and viewers are able to clearly understand how the characters are feeling. Not to mention the carefully crafted soundtrack, there is no cheesiness, and the music matches the moods of the scenes perfectly.
Themes / Character Development
I find many BL’s focus on petty relationship drama, just trying to create a light-hearted and feel good story. The depth of ATOTS does not take away from the the ‘feel-goodness’ but successfully goes down a route that challenges themes of Identity and Class Divide.
The romance is intertwined with Tian’s story of finding himself immaculately. The role of both Phupha and Tian complement themselves in a way that their characters are both able to develop. By the end of the series, it is clear that they both have a clear individual of self, which makes for a mature relationship. Together they overcome guilt and regret, learn about forgiveness to themselves and each other and are comfortable with their relationship regardless of a class divide. They are both comfortable with their own purpose in love, contributing to their understanding of what it means for them to be together, and the strengths and weaknesses each of them has.
I absolutely loved the way Tian learnt about community. You could definitely see how the villagers felt about a ‘Rich City Kid’ coming to have a bit of ‘fun’ but the way Tian developed an identity within a community was a beautiful way to show his growth as a person, and illustrate his understanding of the value in life.
I loved the coming out scene of Tian to Tul. The reaction, acceptance and support seemed so natural and is how it should be! The role of the supporting characters is often undercapitalised by BL’s but the function of a family unit, the supportive best friends and the guidance from the older members of the community really contributed to the development of the main characters.
Summative Comments
This is truly one of the few BL’s that successfully communicates realistic issues, and challenges the viewer to consider the way that they perceive their own value and life.
Finally, of course the love story was extremely satisfying - I think I was crying from episode 6 onwards, but by the end it was pure tears of joy.
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That's how you do it
A place is something you can buy and own but a space is somewhere that you are comfortable living in...they are each others space...the chemistry between firstkhao and neolouise is undeniable....each actor brought life to their characters and did justice to them....the friendship between the gang is so realistic....this babies fought hard for what they believe in...the diffrent personality in relationship....lack of family support cause they don't agree with you....and LOVE..this series represented love in a way that happens in our day to day....love between lovers...love between friends...and love between family...this babies will forever be my SPACE...WHAT A WAY TO END THE ERA OF THE ECLIPSE.....am gonna miss them
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A sumptuous period fantasy that delivers!
I have not read the manga nor was I familiar with the story. I knew that it had Ren Meguro in it and I was swayed by the trailers -- especially the elements of fantasy -- to watch it. And I am so happy that I did! It premiered at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Toronto today; and I am so glad that I went. There is something to be said about the experience of watching a movie with an audience that is wanting to be charmed by what they watch unfold on screen.Without spoiling the movie, I will say that the production quality is incredible. I think they used heritage sites for most of the filming and it really shows in the movie. They add a depth of place and history that you wouldn't find otherwise. The costumes worked well too. I'll agree with the earlier review that they had a challenge in compressing a significant and complicated story into 1 hour and 57 minutes but they did a reasonable job. As a newbie, I didn't find it rushed or choppy, which is a testament to the script writing and editing, especially since so much of the film relies on cutaways.
The leads were terrific. Their chemistry was on point. And whoever thought of putting Ren Meguro in a grey wig with long hair and a navy military uniform is a genius. It worked perfectly. He looks in part formidable military commander, a leader with hidden warmth. and a man in search of the warmth of hearth and home --without even knowing it. He is the archetypal hero but with a strong streak of pragmatism, which makes the character even more attractive. Especially when the commander is replaced by a fumbling young man hesitantly exploring the dangerous territory of his emotions. Mia Imada is lovely as the wide-eyed damsel in distress, who possesses unexpected depths. So much of her resistance is hidden under a dramatically vulnerable exterior. The grief and pain of her history manifest in unexpected ways, reminiscent of a trauma survivor. Watching the two of them open up to each other is done well. It's very lightly handled with more left in side long looks, and aborted gestures than what is actually said out loud.
And now to the piece that I loved. I would watch it again just to relive the fantasy elements and special effects. The way Kiyoka Kudo handles a spark of fire is fantastic. It's poetic. Glittering embers of light streak across the screen like fireflies. Its power to destroy and to heal is a visual treat. The fight scenes are well choreographed with sabres flashing and cloaks swirling and magic manifesting. Little is said. In fact, little needs to be said because the physicality and layers of these scenes speak for themselves underscored as they are by a terrific OST. There is a delicious denouement with the villainous family that left me and the rest of the audience clapping in delight!!
All in all, tropes and cliches aside, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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High expectations, Under delivery
When I first saw the trailer, I had high hopes especially since both the leads did a fantastic job in tra barb see chompoo... However, all my expectations were wiped out by a weak storyline, annoying characterisations and absolute lack of chemistry.The male lead lan was a jerk throughout. I never understood how he shifted his feelings including intimacy from one woman to another in split seconds . The female lead mook seemed tough in most circumstances except when it came to lan where she was a literal doormat.. She was vexing and irksome. Even though lan made it very clear that he didn't love her and kept saying disgusting words to keep her away, she kept clinging on to him to the point of being obsessive. There was absolutely no chemistry between the leads . The only saving grace are rut and petch who showed palpable chemistry than the leads. I also have to admit the female lead is superb in her emotional scenes, and you almost tend to sympathize with her character. But, love without dignity never lasts and is not to be encouraged or pitied. I somehow finished watching this, but personally wouldn't recommend wasting your time!
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was it good?
sadly it was not good because it made no sense that the male lead fall in love with the female lead just because they need a cake and then meet at a bar it makes zero sense for him to have feelings for her. Not only that I did not see or like the chemistry going well between the male and female lead.I only stuck around to see the side character story cuz they were way more better than the main leads story.the side characters had good chemistry and a well-developed story that makes sense my favorite side character story was the secretary and the best friend relationship they are a cute couple.the show got more boring because they shifted it back to the MLS story that absolute made 0 sense . This isn't my type of drama i would go for maybe other may have like it but i didn't i only like the 1st and last episode of the entire drama.Was this review helpful to you?
Fluffy watch
I never read the manga so just hopped on in this b/c it sounded interesting and the ML is soft on the eyes.Let's be honest ... no one is watching this for an earth shattering, award winning performance of some mind bending show.
This is what it is intended to be - a piece of fluff.
It's one of those you go into for nothing more than gluttonous enjoyment.
The characters had great chemistry, the story was cute and cavity inducing (sweet sweet), and sailed on through from start to finish with no problem.
Over all I enjoyed it.
The story is not too far fetched, not all that 'taboo', and certainly not incest.
It's going on the list with my other "fill the weekend" movies / shows.
And shout out to ECOTV for being the first on subbing it - you're the real MVP.
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100% RECOMMENDED.
this is a high-quality series, it made me stan the entire nadao bangkok. the characters were well-representedby the casts, the emotions are always there, the concept was very detailed, the effort the crew poured in, the directing, the scenes, and the cinematography, it was all very meticulous. i have been rewatching this since i finished it and until now i still feel the emotions. empathy is the key to appreciate this drama better; you can watch and feel anger, confusion, love, and other things but if you try to understand the characters better, it becomes a new world for you. my favorite bl series so far.Was this review helpful to you?
Story: This story is targeted towards a very specific audience. Unless you've gone through what the characters on screen are experiencing, you're not going to find this drama interesting in the slightest. Speaking honestly, when I watched this drama it bored me to tears., but hindsight is 20/20 and when I went back over it I found it to be a lot more enjoyable. I didn't really like Sung Joon and Jung So Min's scenes simply because the couple they portrayed was annoying. They bickered over the littlest things and Jung So Min's character was so whiny I found myself wondering why anyone would put themselves through that willingly, but when I took a step back and examined the couples around me, they really weren't anything special and were just like any other couple out there. They might not be perfect up close but they'll stick by each other. When I first watched this drama, I liked Han Groo's and Kim Young Kwan's couple better.
I didn't like the controlling parent storyline, but it did serve a purpose throughout the drama, so I'll let it slide.
Acting: Sung Joon is one of my favorite actors, and while Jung So Min isn't, I still liked her in this. Kim Young Kwang was great and had fantastic chemistry with Han Groo- so much that I even wanted them to be real-life couple. Lee Mo Sook was perfect and everyone else was good.
Music: It's been a while since I watched this drama, so I don't really remember how I felt about it.
Rewatch Value: Hmm... just for Han Groo's and Kim Young Kwang's scenes.
Overall: It's not candy-coated and there's no prince charming to sweep away the heroine. The characters are just normal people, trying to figure out what to do with their relationships and their lives.
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A lot of the characters lacked development and were just played it out in small stories here and there- not having a good dynamic as a whole cast together. Only Saeroyi’s character development was complete and consistent, Yi-Seo’s was almost there- though a tad bit forced. The main problem I have with the show is how archetypal all the characters were. Archetypal characters can be played out nicely when the layerings are done carefully- but because ALL of the characters were pretty archetypal and only Saeroyi’s story was the main focus, all other characters did not have a chance to shine and seemed rather flat and unnatural.
Another thing i would criticise is how the director lacked awareness of what each scene may bring to the table. The first few episodes established the love story between Saeroyi and Soo-ah SO WELL that it may mislead a lot of audiences to root for them. They had a much more natural chemistry as compared to the latter love story, albeit their efforts to make the audiences hate Soo-ah and favour Yi-Seo.
This was a good story and held its central values tight, it definitely had a core message that each audience can have takeaway points from- unlike most K-dramas. But it had too many elements they tried to implement and the romance was almost unnecessary, though it made the show a tad bit cuter. I would still recommend the show though my comment seems rather negative HAHA. But that’s because i really loved the show at the beginning, and the thrust of the story- i just felt like they didn’t play it out well in the middle and did not do the story justice. I would also like to compliment how unique the setting of the show was! It was such a treat for us oversea-audience!
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All in all, it was a very enjoyable show, it kept me entertained and I loved the final lineup! Now, brb, gonna binge-watch Wanna One's variety shows...
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Now, I'm a big fan of cooking shows, so naturally I had semi-high expectations for the food aspect of this. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. The kitchen and overall cooking scenes were very well done and they left me hungry every time. It's interesting to see them working together in a kitchen and getting to see just how every little thing is made. Especially when they work on improving or creating new dishes.
Acting wise, I'd say that it's very well done. Definitely above average. The music is also nice, featuring a lot of soft, but typically cheery classical music in the background.
All in all, I'd say it's a very nice, non-hectic drama that's enjoyable in all aspects. I certainly have no complaints to make.
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Chu Qiao is one of my favorite female protagonists I’ve seen in a cdrama. She’s smart, she’s loyal, she’s determined, and she’s a total badass. The growth she undergoes from being a slave just trying to stay alive to super skilled fighter able to take revenge on her enemies is great. She has her own goals and she will not be swayed from the path she has decided to take. I love that while the guys will sometimes come and rescue her from whatever predicament she’s in, she has pretty much handled it already (taken down 9 of 10 bad guys, cleverly talked her way out of a situation, etc) so they are just basically helping her wrap things up lol. Her character growth throughout the entire show is so interesting and fun to watch.
I seem to be in the minority in that I liked Yan Xun wayyyy more than Yuwen Yue. Yuwen Yue was fine, but kinda boring. I gave zero craps about his Heavenly Spies or wtf he was up to. He undergoes some character growth which is great but also... idk I just never really cared. Yan Xun on the other hand changes a lot and I found him and his story so compelling. I also found his and Chu Qiao’s relationship way more interesting. The things they experience together, how that brings them together, and how their relationship changes as they themselves change is great to watch.
I’m also possibly in the minority of liking the cliffhanger ending. I can see how it would be infuriating for someone who was watching the show while it was airing. But I will admit that the show suffers from some pacing issues and gets dragged down by subplots that don’t end up being important or even get resolved. That’s what frustrated me towards the end; not the actual ending, but how I felt like I was dragging myself through the last 10 episodes. I was truly invested in how it was going to end and what would happen to the characters. But because there are all these subplots and side characters, it was annoying to sit through the stuff I didn’t find interesting to get to the actual plot and conflicts that I cared about. They also low key seemed to forget about a few important plot points and just threw them in at the end.
The last episodes were also weird in that there was so much use of green screens. I generally try to not judge a show based on technical stuff but it was so distracting that it took away from the very serious and important stuff was occurring in those scenes. I’m sure there was some reason irl that they needed to reshoot those scenes or something.
Tl;dr this show has a very solid plot, an amazing female protagonist and other good characters, but does get bogged down towards the end.
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