Completed
Definitely Not Today
31 people found this review helpful
by Rruir
Sep 19, 2021
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

8 episodes of i want more

Surprise! It’s only 8 episode but I’m giving it 10/10 rating. It’s enjoyable, it’s fast but well paced. 1 episodes only 20mins why not give this little gem a try? 2 person met by fate and went through a process healing their broken soul. They learn and finally hope to live a better life. It’s a little bit of sweet little bit of hope little bit of everything u want more in the next episode.

You want to learn more about their backstory as you watch and wonder why they acted the way they act. The show had me guessing about how the FL turns out the way she is. She is betrayed and finally meet the ML and it’s like she see light at the end of the tunnel. The ML wanted to die but he stop that thinking because he encounter the FL and realize he is actually “lucky”.

It’s fun to watch and I doubt anyone will regret watching it. The music is nice and the leads did a great job. I think I have seen the ML before but couldn’t remember where and which drama. It’s the first time I have seen the FL. She is probably new but she acted well. She’s the kind where she looks prettier the more you look at her. I’m hoping to see her in more dramas in the future.

Conclusion: if you chance upon this drama please give it a try. Highly recommended.

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Completed
Miss S
31 people found this review helpful
Jul 2, 2021
34 of 34 episodes seen
Completed 18
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Miss Sassy

Miss S is headlined by the effervescent Ma Yi Li in what has been her passion project from the get go. She certainly said as much during her interview in Singapore late last year when promoting this drama, which draws many parallels to her real life persona. Being a Shanghai native, the setting of this production albeit in a much different era, she is able to draw upon her many years of experience portraying strong willed, independent and feminist roles in playing the highly vivacious titular character.

Billed as the remake of the Australian series, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries which in turn is based on author Kerry Greenwood's historical mystery novels. Miss S probably feels more like an inspired loose adaptation of the screenplay to cater for Chinese audiences rather than an outright faithful retelling of the original version, although the intricacies of the plotlines and cases do feel awfully similar. The flavour, atmospherics and light-hearted humour are very much “Shanghai-nese” in comparison to the gritty outback setting of the original series.

For the uninitiated, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is about the female lead character setting up shop as a private investigator with a penchant for, you’ve guessed it, solving murder mysteries. While she solves a number of seemingly unrelated cases, there is an underlying conspiracy surrounding the death of her younger sister. In Miss S, the main character is the flamboyant, stylish and wealthy socialite, Su Wen Li (hence Miss “S”). For the most part, the murder cases are quite straighforward and nothing too “heavy” or thought provoking. This is more Murder She Wrote than How to Get Away With Murder.

No effort was spared as far as the quality of the production is concerned. Filmed entirely at the magnificently constructed Dream Bund Film Park which is part of Hengdian World Studios, the art direction and costumes are the two major defining technical aspects very much worthy of high praise. The mansions, automobiles (including that outrageous red convertible), in addition to the countless props, are reflective of the opulence and grandeur of 1930s Shanghai. The translation of the Mandarin title 旗袍美探, Cheongsam Beauty Detective, is most appropriate as it features exquisite cheongsams (qipao) worn by Su Wen Li and the female characters that reflect the beauty of the iconic dress. Likewise the tailored suits and uniforms make the men appear extremely dapper indeed. Shanghai’s French Concession is always depicted as the epicentre for glamour and style back in the day, and it is no different in this drama.

The award-winning Ma Yi Li, playing the lead role of Su Wen Li, injects a lot of fun and sassiness in her somewhat OTT characterisation. She has invited a whole host of well-known and very capable supporting and guest cast to this project. Vengo Gao plays her “love interest” and investigation partner, Inspector Luo. Perhaps it’s the experience and maturity of these two actors plus the fact that they are friends off the set, because the chemistry between them really does sizzle. His character is one that exudes wit and charm in equal measure.

Michelle Dong is involved as Su Wen Li’s bff, Dr Liu. Being the complete opposite, her character is down-to-earth and much more subdued but no less intriguing. Her portrayal here is reminiscent of her role in another Republican drama, The Case Solver. Yao An Lian has a prominent role but with much less screen time as the antagonist, Ding Ru Shan. Having seen him in The Long Ballad and The Rebel recently, this actor showcases much versatility and range in his varied roles.

Every featured case involves countless notable guest stars. Look out for appearances by Zhang Jing Tong, Zhang Yu Qi, Ren Luo Min, Xu Rong Zhen, Zhang Rui Jia, Zhang Xiao Qian, Xie Xin Tong, Chen Li Na, Huang Yi Lin, Huang Xiao Ge, Liu Yu Qi, and Cai Wen Jing, among many others.

The original score composed by renowned music director, Xie Nan for this production certainly captures the vibes of the era. Meanwhile, the emotional connection between Su Wen Li and Inspector Luo is fittingly expressed through the sentimental ballad by Saji, Peep. Track listing as follows:
Peep 窥望 by Saji 萨吉
Confusion 迷惑 by Ye Xuanqing 叶炫清
You Know 高嘉朗 by Gao Jia Lang 高嘉朗

Miss S is a light and easy watch that is infused with enough wit and humour to make it a worthwhile experience. It isn’t a groundbreaking, compelling procedural or overly complicated to make sense of, nor does it take itself too seriously. I had as much fun and enjoyment watching all 15 murder cases spread over 34 episodes as the entire cast did performing for this production.

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Completed
Jao Sao Jum Yorm
31 people found this review helpful
by ayume Flower Award1
Oct 3, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 14
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
Whoever made the Eng sub, I wanna say thank you so much guys!

This is not the near perfect drama, but it doesn't disappoint me. I love this .

You all probably had known about the pattern of Thai lakorn. The hate turn love relationship, the very evil villain, the anger of our lead, the revenge plot, the slap kiss or sometimes forced kiss like -rape scene-, etc.
But don't let the latent pattern keep you away from this lakorn.
Jao Sao Yorm is a quite modest lakorn.

It's no stranger that our leads in bad terms in the beginning but soon they will have a good relationship. So did Kade and May . But in the process of reconciliation , we won't find excessive hate and anger that usually come from the heroin. I mean, there was a bad blood between May and her father, but she doesn't really detest her father excessively. So far, May is the reasonable character. She gets angry and misunderstood sometimes but she is willing to hear explanation and be calm. In other lakorn, I hate to see the heroin who seems hardly to accept the fact and unwilling to hear argument and be a drama queen. May is not a drama queen, she's pretty normal heroin.
P'Kade is the sweetest guy ever. He's affectionate, smart and reasonable person. He has a sense of responsibility. Sometimes he could be funny too. You won't get bored to watch him joking around but you probably cannot stand to see their lovey dovey. I like P'Kade chemistry with his father in law XD.
And the main point is, he never ever forces his love to Maysarin. Instead, He is willing to wait for her to love him. How sweet!
You know, in lakorn land, many hero force their love to the heroin to the extent that it becomes assault and harassment . Thankfully we won't see any inappropriate manner here.

The overall plot is predictable like any other lakorn.
I love the chemistry between the leads. Their acting is the best. They are so good to be together. If there is a shipper club for this couple, then I'm willing to join the bandwagon.
The most annoying thing of the drama is, the female villain. She is like forced to hate the lead heroin to add some spiciness of the drama. Especially, Sarut's mother. OMG, she's like come from Angry Planet plan to destroy the happiness of Earthy People. lol

note: I always give lowest score for rewatch value because I usually won't rewatch any show after completed it. Come on, there are many dramas waiting to be watched. :D

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Completed
My Little Happiness
31 people found this review helpful
by JulesL
Jan 31, 2021
28 of 28 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

Love the romance, the flirting, the skinship, and the kissing!

Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, adding this series to your watch list might do the trick. It's cheesy, it's fun, it's tropey, and I enjoyed it! With a good-looking cast, fantastic OST, and a witty script, this show gives us more of the cute stuff that makes us laugh and feel good. Plus we get the most satisfying ending ever!

(Daddi) Tang Xiao Tian has certainly come a long way from his supporting role as Fu Pei in PYHOMS, and this time he gets the girl. With the charisma, looks, and physique fitting of a male lead, Daddi flirted and charmed his way into the female lead's (and my) heart. As Wen Shao Qing, he was truly the perfect guy - intelligent, good-looking, caring, and most importantly, unwaveringly committed to the only love in his life. Heck, being a successful neurosurgeon, he was even the perfect son-in-law for the stereotypical Asian family! His chemistry with Fair Xing, who played Cong Rong was off the charts, and their interactions were so fun, flirty, and charming. Cong Rong was the kind of FL that I like - strong, independent, plucky but not annoyingly domineering or over-confident. I appreciate the care and respect that Shao Qing and Cong Rong had for each other, especially regarding their relationship and careers. Even when Shao Qing did not want Cong Rong to sacrifice an incredible opportunity because of him, he still listened, understood, and could relate to her need to protect him.

I am a sucker for tall men and significant height differences between couples, and this show used it very effectively. It is not enough that Daddi Tang has an impressive height; the show also gave us Leon Li (as Wen Rang, the second male lead) and Liu Cang (as Shang Guang Yi, Shao Qing's cause for jealousy). Wen Rang was an interesting character, in a way more interesting than Shao Qing. I enjoyed the poetic dialogue and the references to literature and culture. That's one reason why I enjoy historical Korean dramas so much, so to find it in a modern C-drama is a treat. I did not suffer SLS, but I did spend most of the show wishing the very best for Shang Guang Yi. That man looked really fine in his suits!

Overall the cast was excellent, and there was good chemistry among the actors. Watching the doctors' and the family members' funny interactions with each other was time well-spent. Admittedly, I was not wild about the second female lead, Cheng Cheng - the character was a bit too bimboish, and she could wear less of the short shorts. At least her chasing of Wen Rang was more dignified than most FMLs that we see in C-dramas (Love is Sweet, anyone?)

The OST is great, and I love all of it - the songs and instrumental pieces. It's a little campy when the music kind of crescendoed during the top of a poignant moment or when the couple's lips finally met, but hey, it did evoke the right mood, so I am not really complaining.

I don't usually re-watch an entire series, but I have re-watched the romantic (ahem - kissing) clips a few times. Still, it is short and light enough that I might replay this show when I am in a funk.

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Completed
Crows Zero
31 people found this review helpful
Jun 9, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
As I watched through the whole thing with some annoying distractions, I was able to finish it with a big fat smile and an urge to punch someone.

The film was really violent, but not in the violent notorious way. It was rather light for a violent film and with some comedic touches on the sidelines which wasn't really out of place. The graphics and effects were great. The setting, music, plot… especially the cast was perfect. I wouldn't want anyone else to be casted on this film.

Definitely Oguri Shun has rocked this film!

I am an Oguri Shun fan but I'm not rating this for being biased, the rating for me fits the whole movie because it was THAT COOL.

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Completed
Minning Town
31 people found this review helpful
Jun 23, 2021
23 of 23 episodes seen
Completed 22
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

If you build it they will come.

This is a story about the Chinese dream. It is vivid, it is visceral, it is unflinching, it is moving; it is about community, sacrifice and bold dreams. It is not a fairytale.

As part of the government's fupin 扶贫 or poverty alleviation program, an impoverished village in Xihaigu, one of the least inhabitable regions of the land-locked Ningxia province, is to be resettled in Minning Town, a brand new settlement several hundred kilometers away on the edge of the Gobi Desert. Young Ma Defu, a fresh graduate and junior cadre member is tasked to convince the stroppy, irascible and rightly skeptical inhabitants of his home town to abandon their ancestral homes for the freaking Gobi desert!!! The hostile, savage and utterly desolate beauty of the terrain is stunningly captured in an arid, sun soaked and brilliant palette that immediately conveys the daunting enormity of the task ahead. The drama chronicles the immeasurable trials and hard won triumphs of Ma Defu and his team of dedicated experts who together with the intrepid, early settlers, had conviction that if you build it, they will come.

For a flag waving fupinju, this drama does not shy away from criticism - the sheer boldness and absurdity of the effort to tame the Gobi and how poorly planned and under resourced the initial effort was, the bureaucratic impediments, numerous setbacks and mis-steps, misguided policies, self serving and corrupt politicians are all scathingly laid bare while remaining focused on the main characters. Because first and foremost this story is about real people, mostly peasants who even when they are stupid and myopic, they are compellingly relatable - everybody has an aunt or an uncle or a neighbor or knows someone who is just like that. They are true backbone of resilience and endurance upon which the Chinese dream is built upon. This is the kind of drama that usually has me rolling my eyes, but in this case, practically every episode managed to move me to tears.

The standout character among the all-star cast of rivetingly portrayed characters is Rayzha Alimjan's haunting and inspiring depiction of Li Shui Hua, an ordinary peasant for whom the poverty alleviation program didn't come soon enough. Like many of the villagers, her name contains the character shuǐ 水 because water is such a scarce commodity that any name containing 水must bestow luck on the owner. But alas, her dreams are worth less than the price of a donkey and misfortunes befall the young Shui Hua. But this woman just rolls with the punches and nobly soldiers on, retaining a kind of inner joy, optimism and dignity that radiates from her dusty, sun burnt skin and labor torn body. When her dreams elude her, she moves on and sets and works toward new, more realistic goals. It is most fitting that the man with small vision tries to build her a well while the man with great vision builds her a dam. This is by far, the strongest, bravest, best written female character I have seen in c-drama. As for the actor, she was pretty great in Longest Day in Changan but this is her memorable, hopefully award winning performance.

As much as I enjoyed every moment of this drama, it took me an incredibly long time to watch it. This drama is not over dubbed and the characters speak a local Northwestern dialect that I initially struggled to understand and I really dislike reading subtitles. But I got used to the dialect after the first 8 or 9 episodes and after that I embraced the lively and colorful proliferation of local dialects. There were many hilarious lost in translation moments where the villagers struggled to communicate with experts from Fujian (a southern province) who were sent to help create a mushroom industry in their non-existent local economy.

If I must criticize, I think the drama is a bit too short and some of the time jumps at the end skip important moments in some of the characters' lives that I cared about, especially Defu. And I admit that the ins and outs of mushroom farming was too vivid and a bit too much information for me - I will never quite be able to enjoy mushrooms with the same relish again. That said, if the Ningxia vines are as resilient as the people, we may one day see some vintages of Ningxia wines that give their Bordeaux and Burgundy peers a run for their money.

Like most, this kind of genre is not my usual cup of tea. But this one is different - as a product of Daylight Entertainment, it is as close to a masterpiece as something of genre can be. It is marvelously well written and gorgeously shot, not at all dry or heavily bogged down by propaganda. At the same time, it really brings to life not just how China lifted 750mm people out of poverty (as defined by the World Bank) since 1990 (the beginning of this drama) but WHY they absolutely had to do it. It is an unprecedented achievement in the history of the world and this drama truly tells the story in a way that does it justice - from the perspective of ordinary people. Even though overall I rate this a 9.0, in many places and moments, it feels like a 10.0.

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Completed
Last Twilight
42 people found this review helpful
Jan 27, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

Perfect, except the ending

I was completely captivated by this drama from the very beginning — the plot of two people both in the darkest time of their lives finding each other and healing is always so beautiful, and I think Last Twilight sets it up perfectly. You can see very easily how Mokh and Day’s clashes actually bring out honesty and clarity for each other, and the theme of acceptance and treating people with disabilities as equals are both really powerful. I also just love the fact that there aren’t any villains; everyone, even the side characters, have their subplots, their motivations, and their development.

And there’s the beautiful episode 9 ending scene, which really stole my heart and made me shed tears. It was one of the most cathartic moments I’ve ever watched and the OST, particularly the main theme by William, perfectly ties everything together emotionally.

I continued enjoying the show until the penultimate episode and I was immeasurably disappointed to be hit with the last-minute break-up trope, and even more disappointed that the reasoning behind the break-up was something that had come up in the story before but had never been an issue. It felt way too fast and out of left field.

And then the final episode came and my jaw dropped when we were suddenly hit with a three year time jump. It’s another one of my least favorite tropes, and it just feels so many things had changed in the lives of our main characters and yet we were supposed to also believe that they didn’t change that much and were able to pick up exactly where they left off without extended conversations about what kind of people they had become. We got a little bit of them addressing their situations, but I felt like the “I’m sorry for feeling pity for you” resolution felt really shallow and didn’t at all capture how much depth was in their relationship before.

There were also additional plot developments that felt so random and rushed — such as Day getting his eyesight back at the last minute. There’s the argument that it’s okay because he’s already grown to accept himself either way, but it still felt really disingenuous to the disability theme to show that he needed his eyesight back for it to be considered a happy ending. Part of this is also just because it all happened so fast it felt thrown in.

I felt like I really emotionally checked out for that last episode — there was just such a huge gap between who I was seeing on screen and the characters I’d grown to love from the previous episodes. For me, that’s the consequence of time-skips, and I’m sad because this was on its way to becoming one of my favorites before it.

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Completed
Y-Destiny
42 people found this review helpful
Jul 6, 2021
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 6.5

Please watch it for EP 9 &10

While this more an anthology than a full-length drama, Y Destiny is a wild bunch of everything.

From boring to Hell (Ep 5&6), to cute but not outstanding (Ep3&4) to an actually interesting story (ep11&12) all stories are more or less mediocre and nothing memorable at all.

But fortunately this one also contains one of the Highlights of the BLs this year so far.
Ep 9&10 are just outstanding.Because it is realistic( when you change the setting from a college to a gay bar), modern and the emotional scenes are just heartbreaking.
Even though it's a love triangle, all the characters are relatable and sympathetic.

Also how sexuality is handled here, I like it very much, because it seems very natural and not so strange and cringey as in the other BLs.
All in all, it is actually a further development in the BL genre, since here the typical clichés were dispensed with.

Conclusion: Y-Destiny is far from being an outstanding series but these two hours are among the best the BL genre has to offer in 2021.

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Nov 9, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

It's Not For Everyone But Who Cares?

This review is coming from someone who previously worked in the film industry. I have plenty of things to say but I’ll make it brief and neutral as possible, without throwing industry jargons so everyone will understand.

Cinematography, lights, editing, and music, are all remarkable. It is obvious that the drama has sumptuous amount of budget allotted in the production. The blurry technique they did in the shots is clever, it’s as if we are watching a historic event right in front of us. The consistency use of old Thai language in the show is makes me feel that we are indeed in that period.

Though it is already predictable that Jom will eventually leave that period and return to the present day, it didn’t stop me from watching. As someone who loves heavy drama, I like that they slowly burn and agonized the viewers of the impending doom of their relationship. Yes, their romance is fluffy, and alluring as if I’m watching a classic love story, but it is also depressing to think that at the end of everything, they will be separated. The discomfort of the impending doom is felt throughout the show and it makes the overall tone of the drama serious and melancholic.

When Jom was literally dispersing into the thin air, I have to commend the visual FX, the sorrowful emotions of the separation transcends through the screen. And Yai’s mourning aftermath really solidifies the heart wrenching drama that I’m looking for.
The series proves that magic happens when you cast actors who know how to act in the exemplary level. The eye-works of Nonkul and Bright showcases that they are indeed great actors and gave justice to their roles. I read online that few people cringe with their acting and I don’t understand why. But who cares? As someone who worked in film industry, I would say that they deserve an acting award in their performance.

My only concern was the ending as it left us with too many unanswered questions. It is confusing for people who didn’t read the novel. ((THIS PART IS SPOILER)) I have to check online the explanation for me to understand that it is the present day incarnation of Yai that Jom meets in the old house, he's not Jom's imagination and definitely not a ghost. The reunion is sweet, but I hope they spend at least a minute to explain what is happening. It appears that they are planning to adapt the second part of the novel for the second season, but the production company is uncertain about it due to budget constrains that’s why they fast-track the last scene similar to the end of the second novel.

Regardless, the show is excellent in all levels. As much as I’m looking forward in seeing a second season, I won’t expect that it will happen anytime soon. As I’ve said this was an expensive show to begin with. It also doesn't have those cringe product placement that we usually see in Thai series so I have no idea where they will get money in funding the sequel.

Do I recommend watching the drama? ABSOLUTELY YES! Rewatch Value I have to give 10/10 especially it is the type of heavy romantic drama that I prefer.

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Completed
Midnight
42 people found this review helpful
by Quitas
Sep 13, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers
The idea it's great, as well the atmosphere. The acting was also amazing. However there's so many little stupid mistakes.

1. Like when she was screaming to call him (to save the other girl), how did no one heard her? There were so many houses near by.
2. The last fight in the alley, how did no one saw it?? There were so many noise and so many people!!!
3. The police officer didn't deserve that happy ending, sorry, I get it that you are worried about your sister, but you didn't need him to find her, the deaf girl knew where she was, you could just search that area, since this is all in one night, the killer couldn't move. (and it was also inhuman). Also why didn't he ask for backup?
4. The mother could have done better in the police station, like push the suitcase to make noise and show the tools (but well she was too shocked to do something, what is understandable) , but how tf there's no cameras there?? And the police just saw a fight and let everyone go home??? bruh
5. And yeah lets let two people (covered in blood) running by the road.

But I'm not going to say, that I hated it. I love this fast thrillers movies. So I enjoy it for it.

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Completed
Personal Taste
42 people found this review helpful
by firiel
Aug 12, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I started to watch this drama because of Lee Min Ho who's my favourite actor but I needed to watch only one episode to come to like Park Gae In a lot. Maybe the story wasn't a masterpiece but I think it wasn't bad- I had a lot of fun while I was watching this drama. The actors were good- especially Lee Min Ho. I must admit I do not pay attention to music in films and dramas- I can't recall even a fragment of any song from this drama so it makes me feel sure the music wasn't outstanding but on the other hand I remember it wasn't annoying. I like this drama quite a lot so maybe I'll watch it again although I'm not a person who re-watches films or dramas really often. In general 9- ?? ?? :D

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Completed
My Name Is Loh Kiwan
42 people found this review helpful
Mar 1, 2024
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Incredibly Fantastic ! EMOTIONAL, EVOCATIVE and POIGNANTE !!!

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST MOVIE OF 2024 !!!

My Name Is Loh Kiwan is an emotional rollercoaster romantic thriller that takes you on a thrill-filled journey in Belgium. The story runs smoothly from sadness to action-romance-beyond realism the harsh reality of refugees. The plot is well-paced, with the main characters developing progressively the dark tone of rom element keeps the audience entertained. Every one character's actions are legitimate and dependable on eachother, running with Loh Kiwan and Marie story, it represents story between Father-daughter, Mother-son. My Name is Loh Kiwan carries a wide range of all genres that can be really liked by anyone ( watchers). The cast of every character truly symbolizes their specific roles, delivering how the characters feel to life. Loh Kiwan triggers an indication on other cinematic brilliant works of the Korean film industry.

[ 10/10 !!!! ]

Outstanding Soundtrack, top quality Cinematography (Loh Kiwan Close-up shots are good) Visually amazing every scene by setting dark tone; the film displays beautiful atmospheres that reflect each character's existential experience.

[ SONG JOONG-KI ]

Song Joong-ki's physical appearance conversion, and emotionally charged makeover are certainly the film's standout paths. His physical appearance is the centerpiece that allows ourselves to emotionally. engage with the story in a deeper way. He again shown the versatility of his acting with this movie. Giving a chance to Debute director is really a good challenge. He took the challenge and deleveried his acting in new way proficiently. Song Joong-ki as Kiwan has won the hearts of the audience. His versatility is beyond words and after you’ve seen his other projects, it is proved how easily he molds himself as per the requirements of his role.

[ LEAD ACTORS ]

Loh Ki-wan's transformation from at risk to strength is prominent, while Marie's struggles with addictions and issues with her family throw depth to her character. Their on-screen chemistry surpasses geographical boundaries, and their love story narrates overwhelming feeling of mutual suffering and redemption that connects to watchers. As i expected the climax made me cry, especially Choi Sung Eun acting like suffering from outside circumstances and dealing with her own emotions Loh Kiwan feelings will make everyone emotional. And Song Joong-ki classic in climax leave good impression on his character development.

[ DIRECTION - WRITTING ]

Debute movie of Director Kim Hee-jin, she utilised her cast perfectly within the small looking big story, i really appreciate her work of Loh Kiwan, because it's her first movie and cast like Song Joong-ki Choi Sung Eun so I doubted there's a some pressure on her but after watching the movie I understand I was worng.
She carried masterfully every scene. Although it's an adaptation the movie writer brilliantly delivered the script with heart touching lines. Loh Kiwan standout with unique mix of traditional story telling with amazing scenes that make you enjoy and emotional feel in every moment.The performances of supporting actors such as Lee Sang-hee, Kim Sung-ryeong, and Cho Han-chul are also excellent.

[ Finally ]
South Korean Film makers never fail to deliver a movie from Intense battles to emotional tales, and western entertainment media appreciate Korean Film Makers as " South Korea is a goldmine of original ideas and storytelling talents ". And we can saw it from Loh Kiwan.

Definitely one of the most memorable films I've seen. This movie may inspire, sometimes horrify, or send you into an existential crisis, but it will make you think about something new by the time you finish it. Despite its dark underlying themes, the film ultimately delivers an appealing message of hope and endurance, leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction and emotional ride..



brought by -- Shinnosuke_Lee

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Completed
Great Men Academy
42 people found this review helpful
by MsMia
Mar 27, 2019
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
OMG OMG OMG. Most Happy and Best Fantasy drama ever that I have watched in recent times.
I was not so sure whether to watch it or not when it started. It started a little bit weird and ended up satisfying almost all of the fans I guess.
This show is just around 6 guys of the great men academy and a girl who accidentally join them by body transformation.
I was not very much interested on the female actress who played 'Love'. But the show slowly started to pickup and made me wait for every wednesday till today and finally I am so sad that this show ended too soon. Please Nadao Bangkok, consider international fans and provide subs for further shows. Anyhow I would like to thank the subbers who had helped fans like us to watch such a great show.
Coming to the characters.
Love - James just nailed and stole the show from the start. How much craze she had on the ML and decided to move in to a college of guys just for him. James was full of love and emotions through out. And he was so clear what he wants and made a right decision at last.
Vier - He was good in his role and all the time the ML need not be the hero, sometimes he can even be an anti-hero. This drama was an exception. We all know that he doesnt deserve someone like love and I felt so happy that he didnt get Love's love. I am not still used Ice's acting even after watching In Family we Trust.
Tangmo - Probably, Jayler's fan base is gonna get increased after this show I guess. Many times we might the second ML was great than the first ML. But this show did a justice for Tangmo's greatness and fans love towards him. He was a perfect boyfriend material and was just totally in love with love and he was the perfect gentleman out of all.
Nuclear - Nothing much to say, but was he was alright.
Good - Such a gooooood brother he was.
Menn - How cute he was.
Sean/Rose - I felt I was not so okay with this character. Bur for captain, ofcourse he was as usual stealing hearts.

And the teacher was so lovely.

Many shows, we see even though the ML dont deserve, they end up so happily after all evil schemes. But thank god and bless the director for giving the most wanted ending and deserving ending rather than usual cliches.

I strongly recommend to watch it and definitely it will put a smile.





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Completed
D.P. Season 2
42 people found this review helpful
by Ce Re
Jul 28, 2023
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Discipline, Punishment, Morality and Art

What do I even say cause I am left speechless by the brilliance behind season 2. While season 1's entire premise is moral chastatization of the individual and their place within a systemic cycle of abuse and revenge, season 2 does the brilliant thing of not brow beating it's audience into submission and cutting all that sanctimonious nonsense. It **BRILLIANTLY** highlights that the issue ***IS SYSTEMIC*** and not individual. Such an sentiment I'd like to say in retrospect was undergirding the brilliance of season 1 with season 2 bringing it forth and flourishing it into existence.
DP's artistic direction is another thing worth noting. Too often I feel like K-dramas are retreading old ground and it's easy to feel like you've seen every plot line and every trope and every character archetype but goddamn do I have an immense respect for the directors and writers direction with this. An actual critique of the pejorative system facilitating the our society and the military industrial complex. From the Anton Chekhov story line to the gothic horror of EP 4 every single thing is a breath of fresh air. Artistically wonderful with a narrative that is spiritually animating.
This isn't a shallow over exaggerated look at things. From the opening soundtrack and film that shows the gradual fall into disillusionment and nihilism of the world as Jun Ho looks at you dead inside to Nina's determination, hopes, and dreams being crushed by the system just like how a seagull is shot down in Anton Chekhov's play, it's all wonderful. An interplay of art, politics, love, morality, and responsibility.

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Completed
Love Letter
42 people found this review helpful
Oct 26, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
‘Love Letter’ is in my top romantic movies list. This is a movie that makes you think about it long after it's over. The best thing about this movie is you’d like fall in love after finishing it.

Love Letter is an unconventional love story. Many people say it has slow pace but in my opinion it is perfectly paced. It seems boring first (I didn't find any part of it boring) but when story starts to unfolds it won’t seem boring. Unfolding of story is great. The storyline can be a bit confusing at first but stick with it and you will be amazed by it. It is touching and sometimes it is very funny also. You can feel the true love from this film.

Nakayama Miho is wonderful in double role. Sometimes I got confused between her double roles.
Its soundtrack is melodic and perfect.

Highly recommended!! Love Letter is an earnest, pure, sentimental, and undeniably moving film. In addition you can see really beautiful sceneries of Japan.

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