My favorite drama ever, a masterpiece
My favorite drama so far. Also I'm going to say that it is my favorite show (not just within Asian dramas, it is one of the best shows I've ever seen, and this comes from a person that gets bored very easily and I don't usually watch long series like these). I just couldn't stop watching.There is something special about this drama, I became so obsessed that I couldn't stop thinking about it, I even dreamed about the main characters, founf myself trying to imitate their mannerisms... I was absolutely hooked with the story, very interesting and intriguing. The dresses and ornaments are gorgeous too, the aesthetics were a pleasure to the senses, it has very attractive visuals. I find Chinese traditional costumes super beautiful.
I would watch it again and again, even if it is a little bit long. It is the type of drama that doesn't let you catch a break between different plots, so it never gets boring. Absolutely recommended!
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perfect for when you need something light and refreshing
The biggest strengths of Love Tractor are its comforting country setting and lack of plot. It's a short, easily digestable drama filled with simple fluff and cute character dynamics. I didn't think I would like this drama at first, but the simplicity was much needed and the lovable characters really carried. However, the romance, despite being the major genre, was actually one of the main things I wasn't completely sold on in this drama.The main reason I got through this drama was probably thanks to the characterization. Seon Yul, Suh Yechan, and even Village Head Ma and Yechan's mother, really defined the experience of this drama. Each character was distinct and unique, and the actors really brought out the charm in each of their characters. Like many other watchers, I absolutely fell in love with Seon Yul despite not thinking too highly of him in the first few episodes and am now prepared to sacrifice anything for him. The actor who portrays him, Do Won, managed to extract so much charm and naturalness out of Seon Yul's small reactions. His cold exterior but soft heart has been done so many times, and I rarely like these kinds of characters, but Seon Yul just works. Yechan has his own charm as the young, adorable, golden-retriever-like countryside local. His energy, dedication, and lovesickness were both very funny and heartwarming to watch–although at times, I do think he was just a bit too over-the-top.
(Extra shout out to Village Head Ma for somehow being so random and yet so perfectly in place)
Unfortunately, I was not really feeling the romance for one reason or another. I got very strong siblings energy from them, which may be in part because of how young Yechan was/acted, and also because while I could see that Yechan liked Yul, I didn't think the drama portrayed Yul's attraction to Yechan very clearly. It felt like Yul viewed Yechan very affectionately as a little brother for majority of the drama, and I definitely think the transition to romance could have been done more naturally and clearly.
I also felt that the actors' energies were a bit mismatched, since Yul seemed under-emoted (showed muted emotion most of the time) while Yechan seemed over-emoted (showed exaggerated emotion), so at times, it felt as though they didn't complement each other's styles well. Still a very cute calm/hyper dynamic, though!
It's no masterpiece by any means, but it's a fun, low effort watch. Would recommend to chill and unwind.
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Promising story. Poor execution
was drawn to the plot along with the captivating poster. I was expecting a heart felt story about loss and learning how to love again. Instead, I was treated to a story of nonsensical bull poop. ?The story follows a man and a woman with different circumstances, who keep on running into each other. One lost someone they loved, and has shut of themselves emotionally. While the other one was dumped by someone they loved and has turned to drinking to numb the pain. Will they be able to heal each others wounds and love again?
Sounds promising? Right? The story starts off great and REALLY builds up the characters. Their backstories are beautifully told through flashbacks and metaphors. However, the story loses its way around the half way point and goes in a direction that is not satisfying nor is it explained. ? There are a few very cute romantic scenes including a ferris wheel kiss, but thst isn't enough to make up for poor storytelling and script execution.
This one is short and sweet 10 episodes each one around 18 minutes long. ?
If you like the cliche romances with a happy ending. Then dive right in and binge away. If you are looking for something deeper, then skip this one ?
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1
1An empowering, edgy period drama.
‘Bangkok Blossom’ is a raucous period drama that reinforces the reality that throughout history, prostitutes have been at the mercy of power and wealth. While this drama emphasizes depravity and lewd practices, and it reminds me a lot of the UK BBC drama 'Harlots', the main focus is on women fighting for freedom. It also touches on loyalty, trust, and the importance of friends and family.This drama has a good story structure where tension never really lets up from start to finish. The plots really draw you in at once. There's always something to look forward to in each episode. There are also empowering moments, romance, and heartfelt actions. As the story revolves around a brothel and prostitution, there’s zero nudity. The depictions of sex are expected, but the scenes are done through good direction, great camera work, and acting. Please be aware of violence as well.
This drama also has good character development and growth. Engfa, Goy, and Aom Piyada did an amazing job with their respective roles, but in my opinion, Charlette Wasita deserves the most praise for her portrayal of Tianyod, a 17-year-old teenager trapped in the life of prostitution, desperate for freedom, and driven to get an education above all else. Despite being the youngest among the actors, I personally think she shines the most.
Although it's a good drama in many aspects, there are some flaws that I don't think make it worthy of a perfect 10. There are some predictable plots, the details of the props are not so good, and the boyfriends are not so useful. They may be attractive, kind guys, and heroic in their attempts, but their impact isn't that great.
With all the intense conflicts, the musical portions really help balance the intensity, adding more entertaining value to this drama. It’s nice to watch a period piece that can pull off modern music. Overall, this is a good period drama with well-established themes of patriarchy, survival, social status, and class. Bangkok Blossom is a solid recommendation and will have you totally addicted.
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Wasted potential
I found this part of the trilogy frustrating. So much wasted time on text messages most of which just tear down Nuea. If this is what passes for friends remind me never to go to Thailand again. Everyone is horrible. Even if it’s joking it’s mean spirited and none of them support their friend. The texts and many conversations go round and round, repeating the same thoughts endlessly. We get it. You only have 3 eps to tell the story. Why are you wasting so much time on things that don’t matter.There is a creepy element throughout. Nuea keeps pursuing an underage boy, even though the boy tells him repeatedly to stop. Of course, this being BL the boy actually likes the attention but no means no. Writer: please pay attention to what you have your characters say and realize the implications.
Other aspects made no sense. Nuea offers to tutor the boys, then doesn’t. High school boys and college kids all study together.... at the same university. What?
Of the 3 installments this sits firmly in the middle for me. Nowhere near as bad as Tossara. I even got one moment of horrifying flashback when Gun reminds Bar that he has gotten into his heart and Bar looks at him like, “Bitch please. You ain’t got nothing”. Those two have zero chemistry.
I know this is a sample of what might come, but I have no interest inn12 eps of this.
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Amazing acting!
I'm trying to figure out how to write this review, because I've just finished it and have taken a few minutes to collect myself....Park Jihoon and Choi Hyunwook, and honestly all of the other actors, are incredible in this! Park Jihoon's acting is award-worthy in this, as is the entire drama.
The drama has 8 episodes, which were all released at the same time. I've seen comments saying that this is because it's meant to be binged, which is understandable, as you could lose the emotional buildup between episodes if you had to wait to watch each next episode. But also, they could have done this to get it aired by the end of 2022 so that it was available to be considered for the current year's awards. (Or possibly, they just didn't have a time slot, but I doubt that's the case.)
For some reason, a lot of people are unaware that Park Jihoon has been acting for about 15 years, so he's an actor-turned-idol, not the other way around. He's not one of these green "noobs" (I hate that word) with no experience under his belt. He's had stage and television experience, plus the experience with Wanna One and his solo singing career. So I would have expected for him to do well, but he went beyond my expectations and blew me away with this drama, as well as At A Distance, Spring Is Green (which I also recommend.)
Choi Hyunwook is younger and less experienced, but still not new to the acting world. He was my favorite character on Twenty-Five, Twenty-One because he has such charisma, and I had the same thoughts as I watched him in Weak Hero Class 1. He has that strong but confident personality that is cool and captivating.
Also I want to mention that Shin Seung Ho had me mesmerized with his calm and cool exterior....
So anyway, the drama...it was violent. I usually shy away from such things as violence and bullying, because if I hide my face, they don't exist, right? No. They do, but I know (hope to goodness) they don't exist at this level in S. Korean high schools. I was fully immersed, and had to pause occasionally to remind myself that it was a drama and no one really got hurt. It was good enough that I never thought of dropping it, and even interested in watching season 2.
I'm sure there are triggers for some people, and it's probably not for everyone, but if you can watch it, it's definitely worth every 10 rating that it got.
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This review may contain spoilers
Worth 59 hours (and some) of your time.
My first Xianxia and I slept happy with my choice. I watched without any background on this genre, just read the synopsis and thought it was interesting enough and 59 hours later here i am languishing in whatever post production clips I could find on the net.While this is a love story in general, it isn’t just a love story of the main leads. It’s also a love story between families, friends and clans. It’s also about loyalty and the ever present fight between right and wrong/ good and evil. It highlights humanity’s obsession with the “me first” mentality so much so that reason and sense disappear in a snap, all done under the guise of righteousness. I have to admit that some tricks have been overused (I.e. blood spitting and multiple near death scenes) and got old towards the end but it didn’t affect the overarching theme of the story.
I love the main leads but the supporting characters brought soul to the story, yes even the master evil schemer who does not want to die and just won’t die Yuan Lang and the spiteful Wu Tong. LingLong and Minyan’s relationship is the most complex I think and the actors did such a beautiful job expressing their characters. I wasn’t a huge fan of the OST in the beginning but at the end they were perfect for every scene. The director’s hard work and love of his craft could be seen and felt in this masterpiece. I highly recommend this drama.
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Will This Movie Serve As Your ‘ Hero’?
Kim Hong Ik attempted to ride off the coattails of the crazed vampire genre phenomenon during the early 2010s with ‘ Hero’; an intriguing but sporadic and low-budget vampire flick which will likely intrigue and unintentionally amuse viewers of equal measure.
The plot revolved mainly around underdog high school student Shim-dan (Kim Hyung-Gyu). Together with his best friend Eun-seok (Han Jeong-woo) , the duo are often tormented by relentless bully Cheol-seung (Kwak Min-ho). Nevertheless Shim- Dan has found salvation from his daily torture by trying to avoid Cheol-Seong wherever possible. Instead the main lead spends time watching his secret crush Mi-ah (Lee Da-in) ; too scared to approach her directly and often watching her from afar out of intrigue .
However Shim-Dan’s ordinary school life soon takes a different turn. One evening he ends up attempting to rescue a drunk girl Yoo-ri (Han Ye-won) from being assaulted only to discover she is a vampire. Rather than killing him Yoo-Ri decided to spare his life by turning him into a vampire also. Desperately trying to hide his newfound physical changes and abilities from his classmates , Shim-Dan’s secret becomes harder to keep after the transfer of Yoo-ri as a teacher at the school.
The acting in the series could admittedly be a mixed-bag. The main cast undeniably had natural onscreen chemistry together. However line deliverances could admittedly differ between scenes also.
Kim Hong Ik’s ‘ Hero’ is a vampire movie evidently aimed at a younger audience. Graphic violence and blood is rarely exposed in the series and thematic themes surrounding everyday high school life certainly indicated towards the audience’s aimed age demographic. Nevertheless it is important to establish that ‘Hero’ was surprisingly not based upon lighthearted and soapy teen-angst either. The greatest drive of the movie was arguably served through the comedy; alternating at times between professional satire and amateurish jokes. However sadly the alternation between professionalism and amateurism could often be seen in the screenwriting also.
One of the greatest problems which arose in Kim Hong Ik’s movie could often be found through struggling to establish a concise plot goal from the outset. Perhaps if the movie had tempted to place an obtrusive focus on simply Shim- Dan’s new life as a vampire and his gradual romantic relationship with Mi-ah, ‘ Hero’ could’ve felt as though it had a direct and clear plot beginning, climactic build and resolution throughout the movie. However sadly this was not the case with the outcome for ‘ Hero’ ‘s depicted plot line.
Intriguing relationship builds initially introduced such as between Yoo-ri and Shim-Dan were often abandoned by the halfway point whilst potentially quintessential characters were often left hung up by abandoned subplots before the halfway point. As a consequence entire sequences and seemingly built up scenes were often awkwardly cut through or flitted to another scenario in an attempt to draw viewers’ attention to another storyline; often feeling like a diversion tactic to reduce focus upon loose plot ends.
By the ending of the movie it was evident that even the screenwriters were aware that the plot had been exhausted due to lacking foundations setup from the start towards plot drive. The “solution” was given by the screenwriter by the finale of the film: enter the generic vampire final boss. Whilst arguably this scenario was a desperate attempt to clutch at wrapping some loose plot ties up, the ending felt sporadic and rashly thrown together to raise tension. However rather than acting upon coherent logic, it was odd that somehow all of the quintessential characters of the film were put under one roof without h rhyme or reason towards truly coming together.
A consistent problem which became apparent in these final conflict scenes became apparent through poor fighting sequences; looking neither consistent or slick onscreen.
Of course it is wrong to entirely condemn ‘ Hero’ also. One of the greatest writing dynamics of the film came through the friendship between Shim-Dan and Eun-Seok. As the movie progressed and events shifted it became apparent towards the natural causes of division which would occur between the two friends.
In addition to this there’s also the relationship between Mi-ah and Shim-Dan. The chemistry between both of the main leads was dynamic and gradual. It could’ve admittedly have been built up more but it did add a touch of surprising authenticity towards a main lead who struggled with his bloodlust towards his crush. Even Mi-ah had her moments of added complexity at times in the movie with her home life revealing that she struggled with her own problems also.
Several plot holes aside there is the OST also. The chosen soundtrack isn’t inherently dire per say but considering the mood and tone set during scenes it could often feel mismatched against storyline and taking away the deliverance of emotion, when silence could’ve delivered a greater result at times also. In addition to this there’s the amalgamation of the quality of filming in the series; low-budget but sometimes cinematic and at other parts in the film, arbitrary and rushed scenes added before the final-cut gave an amateurish feel towards the delivered result.
Overall ‘ Hero’ proved to be an intriguing premise with a decent cast and ensemble of characters. Nevertheless whilst the film delivered a compact conclusion, the added touch of lacking to wrap up loose plot ends didn’t deliver a truly emotional finale to the film. Amateurish screenwriting combined with filmmaking created a haphazard film filled with unexplored potential; entertaining in a way but never truly possessing concise build or plot either.
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I don't like drama's where women are portrayed as dumb weak creatures with no will to develop into something more than that, or where they clingyness to a man becomes an obsession over how to own his heart without any real change to her character.
Although I don't find the male lead that attractive, I just couldn't stop falling for the Kansai ben lol, and how he was so childish with his emotions, I think what amused me the most in this drama was him.
Something really bothered me during watching the show, what happened with Misawa's idea at the first made me so angry but at the end I came in terms that how reality actually works, I liked that they didn't try to make her vengeful and so on.
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What was shoking for me - Koreans are getting more and more into skinship. Kisses and intimacy moments were rich in intensive moments, which I really do appreciate! I still remember some dramas where main charakters finished with quick "chuuuu~", but here actors put an effort into it.
Delightly recommend :)
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The acting was superb especially the main leads..
The story has lot's of twist made you curious from the start and until the end...
I recommend this movie if you are looking for some action pact which is not dark, bloody, and gruesome. Then this is it.. just fun and twist of events.
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It proved me totally wrong...
Its main plot is about a teen who is depressed, he also has a very pressuring dad who simply doesn't realise his son is suffering at all...at first everything seems to just get worse and worse, and yes... it does touch some very dark themes, as a result of all the things he goes to commit suicide until by accident he meets Simon and his gang.
I found it really inspiring... and I would definitely recommend it to anyone out there who's a bit depressed xD
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This review may contain spoilers
First, I watched this drama with a full preparation of big heart towards LiXian x Wang Zixuan and. I prepared my feeling towards them without hatred and biased.
I watched this series on Netflix and The drama started really well, I was expecting it would be the best LiXian drama and then it's getting weirder and weirder so I claim maybe he will get a better drama with "Republican Era" later.
It's very unique drama with a little touch of folklore, mystical and superstition which is I was completely hooked up by watching their first 10 episodes.
The drama is set in the republican era which with aesthetic props and setting even the costumes. They introduced the drama with some kind of "shaman" annual ritual in Tientsin and lead the audience to get know Guo Deyou and Ding Mao. Guo Deyou (LiXian) who salvaged corpses from the river and known as "Little River God", the ability with kind of smoke spiritual method meanwhile Ding Mao (Zhang Mingen) is a son of the chamber of commerce and forensic scientist enthusiasm lead them together to try solving mystery about the murder in Tientsin, up to this point the drama was excellent. Gu Ying (Wang Zi Xuan) character is very refreshing at the same time dumb and I love Xiao Lan character the most which is thanks to Charlene Chen for played it really well. The combination between mysticism and modernity (at that time) blended together to add the uniqueness of the story. The relationship between four characters were pretty decent and the bickering was pretty delightful. The humor is sometime on point and mostly are dull.
Like I said before, The drama started very well and it's getting weirder and
I couldn't cope what the hell happened between leads, antagonists and the main issue. When it started into Evil Gang Cult and holy child went to zombie apocalypse to psychotic magicians and they didn't even explain the relationship between the main issue and them which is I found it was really confusing, ridiculous and outrageous to digest.I just can't stand with their beating around the bush conversations and didn't come straight to the point what they wanted to tell the audience about. The writing was very dull, I am pretty sure the one and only who understood the story only the writer himself and he even couldn't let the director understand it so the directing skill is quite off.
The drama didn't realise that they need a plot so they could engage the audience into their story very well. They have to enhance the character development to get the drama more well executed. Even me as the audience cant feel any "villain" characters at all. The drama didn't grasp each characters really well even the four main lead which is disappointed.
Sometimes they started off over acting a lot especially Gu Ying ( Wang ZiXuan, well if she doesn't do over acting, I found her quite decent in acting) and Ding Ming (Zhang Mingen) and make have no choice to move forward it. I don't mind with the dubbing except Gu Ying , it wasnt match with her body and age at all. Though maybe at that time either LiXian or Charlene Chen were inexperience, so their acting are not at their best. For Wang Zixuan and Zhang Mingen, they have to improve and learn more about acting, I watched their acting are really stiff.
For the cinematography, it's very beautiful with a little touch of "mysticism" and "republican era" and I love it. The costumes are made very on point and perfectly suit of each characters. The setting and props are so stunning and color palette of cinematic are stunningly great but I hate myself when it comes to small details like how they used camera, film camera, writing with pen, using medical mask and microscopes biology all of them are WRONG USED and it's such a shame they didn't use it very good props properly. They shot it fantastically so we could watch it the sense of frightening and creepy montage and creativity to put the deleted scene.
ENDING EPISODE
I didn't know how to explain how disappointed I am, watching last episodes that left us so many unanswered questions that still mystery. The ending was really ridiculous and abrupt. I couldn't say any words except "WTF is this"
1. They didnt tell us why the master is gone and suddenly he is back and told Gu Ying that he searched for Dark Waters. Where is the explanation about the water and the missing master himself?
2. Unnecessary kissing scene
3. The holy child is Gu Ying yet I have no idea wtf happened in the end, what kind of spiritual she has that she can jump to the water while she lost her sight.
4. Where is the explanation between Zombie, Evil Gang Cult and magician psychotic? and they just killed Huang Yu like that?
OVERALL
Overall, Despite the ending was abrupt and disappointed. We could tell that is the conclusion what the drama has actually happened, "weirdo". It had enough fantasy and mystery to satisfy me. I was hoping for more of an explanation as to how the Little River God could stay submerged for such a long time and his mystical other worldly wandering. He seem more magical than the Holy Child. it’s a cliffhanger for a season two, I hope it will answer all our questions. TBH, I would never to recommend this drama to my friends who has prejudice towards LiXian.
LiXian has that talent to improve and promising, I do hope he could break away his image with a well written, well directed and well casted drama.
I will give another chance to Tienstsin Mystic Season 2. I hope they will give us a better well packaged drama than this one.
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Nie Huisang: The Badass!!!
This film features NHS in a way no one’s seen him before; a badass. While I would have loved to have it explained where WWX’s body went for 16 years and how exactly did NHS know how to do a lot of what he did in “The Untamed”, it no longer surprises me that he had the brain power to do it. His bond with his brother was seen and this very powerful film was both a tear jerker at times and a mouth-opener at others. I hope that there will be more spin-off’s from “The Untamed” because they’re awesome to watch.Was this review helpful to you?
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