The story was different than what I usually watched, so it grabbed my attention right away. The whole girl disguises herself as a guy has been done quite a few times, but I don't recall any where there are a bunch of flower boys painting nails for a living. However, the whole gumiho concept just didn't do it for me. It was introduced and carried along through the first like 3 episodes. After that, it just became irrelevant. And then out of no where, it shows up again in the very last episode. Not acceptable. Sorry, but NO. Also, I found myself drawing further and further away from the main couple. I found the love story between Jin and Ji Soo much more interesting and cute. I was more worried about them than I was for Bunny, Kay, and Alex. They are now officially my favorite side couple! (\(^-^)/) They are the only reason my rating is a 6. without them, it would've been a 4.
As for the acting, it wasn't horrible, but... it wasn't all that great either. I feel like there were only a few of the actors that portrayed their roles well. That would have to be (in my opinion. no hating) Kay, Jin, and Ji Soo. They may have not been excellent, but it was much better than the others. The others' acting was good at times, and was just a ship wreck the rest of the time. But they tried; I'll give them credit for that.
The music was nice. There was a song or two that I didn't really like and some that I thought were over played, but overall, the music was good.
I highly doubt I would re-watch this. Maybe if I was pointed a gun at my head or if I literally have nothing else to watch besides this (pretty much impossible).
All in all, it wasn't anything special like I expected it to be. If you want to watch a cross-dressing, fantasy, confusing, rushed ending, short drama, then maybe you'll like this. If not, then turn away and look for another drama. Hope I didn't spoil anything. If I did, I'm really sorry. Bye!
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Sweet Mutual Crush to Mutual Love Story ?
OMG, okay, I just finished it and I am LITERALLY screaming! 😭💖 It is so cute, it gave me actual butterflies!Here is why you HAVE to watch it, from a totally obsessed perspective:
• The "Long-Time Crush" Vibes: Ruan Yu (FL) is writing a novel based on her high school crush, and then—PLOT TWIST—she hires that same dude, Xu Huaisong (ML), to be her lawyer! It's that "I knew you when we were kids" energy but they are adults now! 👩❤️👨
• Miles Wei is TOO MUCH: Okay, I know dude is famous for being a "cold CEO," but here? He is so gentle and smart. The way he looks at her? 🫠 He is like a protective puppy, not just a boss.
(BTW, love love love Miles Wei! I swear dude is THE best for romantic ML roles 😭😭
• Hilarious Besties: The two best friend dudes are actually comedic genius. Their fast-talking banter in the background is the best part of some episodes, LOL. 🤣
• Visuals & Vibe: It’s super "fluffy" and lighthearted. Perfect for when you want a break from super dramatic stuff. Plus, the scenes with the "video call imagination" are actually pretty clever! 📱🎆
Cons? Ugh, the mid episodes dragged a bit with the "I’m not telling you I remember you" thing! I was literally shouting "JUST TELL HER!" at my screen! 😤 But it's worth it for the fluff later 💋😘
Overall Rating: 9/10 Butterflies 🦋—definitely watching again just for the cute scenes. Go watch it!!
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How Many Times Can You Stab the Hero and Not Kill Him?
Light watching when you need something in-between serious titles. The ML's character got stabbed by the FL's character so many times it became tedious. Her quest for revenge became tedious. One minute she would realize the truth of the situation, and then in the next breath go right back to her revenge quest. Not too smart, that one. And then there was the 'twin' fake-face twist that was just unnecessary after a while.I like this ML and he was just playing the part he was given. I hope to see him in better and more worthy productions in the future.
It was very uncomfortable watching the torture scenes - stabbing and more stabbing. I think the writer and the director must have some kind of fetish.
Again, not to be taken too seriously - this one really is just for weekend watching of filling time.
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The entire acting was pretty good to me as it felt real and had managed to bring me into the drama since i was quite hesitant to watch it at first, but the entire cast had me hooked!
Music was fit nicely as it played appropriately and had no weird 'mis-match' of it in each scene.
Re-watching it won't be a problem but the large amount of episode can be quite hindering but if to really re-watch it, it would be an amazing dream again.
Overall, it was really good and it had many sweet and tearful moments.
I recommend everyone to watch it!
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This review may contain spoilers
This is one of my favorite dramas. This drama just my 2020-2021. I don't usually watch historical dramas and when I do it is usually something that has to do with present days like this drama. I really liked how the main character switched to the Josean which made it even more funnier. The characters where very funny and I loved all of them a lot. I didn't expect so much romance, but I love how the King started to like the Queen. My favorite parts were when the Queen just roasted everyone and proved to all of them that she is greater than them. I really liked the ending, which in some dramas I don't always like them. It would be pretty cool if they showed the baby at the end. I was happy that both Jang Bong Hwan and the queen had a good ending. It was so weird to see the present days because I was so used to seeing the palace. Was this review helpful to you?
This is more than boy-meets-girl kind of movie where the story usually just revolves around the lead actors being in love and how they conquer anything and everything that hinders their relationship. This movie, on the other hand, will give the viewer a glimpse of both lead actors' selfless character that one would agree that they really deserve each other and would hope that they end up together. It's unique in it's own way; smartly revealing each of the lead actor's amusingly cool character that any film viewer would be able to relate to and appreciate.
The concept of destiny that often seen in romantic films was given a different twist in this movie. A must-watch film that will leave a smile on your face and a smile in your heart and soul.
What are you waiting for?! Go check out this wonderful Thai movie!
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Messy but Charming
Honestly when I watched the first episode of this drama, it was so far removed than what I thought this drama was going to be, I was going to drop it and move on....I AM SO GLAD I DIDN'T! If you stick with it, don't take it to seriously, you will be won over and love this drama when you finish with it.STORY: As I stated above, do not take this drama and it's storyline too seriously. Just go with the flow and you will enjoy it more. I am not saying that the story was bad it just had its moments where it seemed very farfetched and messy, some parts even were a little predictable for it being a spy drama. If you don't look that much into it, you will find the story to be charming, exciting, funny and adorable all at the same time. It is a fun ride to be on.
CASTING: At first when I started this drama, I did not like some of the characters because they seemed to be a little tropey and annoying but as the drama went on, the characters got more depth and color which helped you as a viewer fall in love with them and their interactions. By the end of the drama, it was hard to say goodbye to them. MY favorite characters HANDS DOWN in this drama was the Ahjumma group and Jin Young Tae surprisingly (I found him to be annoying at first). I thought the actors did a great job and the drama was well casted.
MUSIC: I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE FIRST OST FOR THIS DRAMA!! I listen to it all the time. I also liked the music that played when the action was happening. It gave depth to the fight scenes and made them very exciting to watch.
REWATCH VALUE: I would rewatch this again if it was a rainy day and I had nothing else to watch. It is an easy drama to watch.
OVERALL: Even though this drama was messy and all over the place, you can't help but fall for its charms. It was a drama that didn't take itself to seriously and had action, comedy, and a little romance. If a second season happened, I would watch it. It would be interesting to revisit all the characters and see where they are. Just watch this drama for an easy drama to watch and go with the flow. Also So Ji Sub with kids is always a plus
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Disillusioned life scenario, yet spiked with moments as the ego steps aside + heartopening happens
A wonderful movie in many ways.This KMovie is aiming straight at the heart. This is already indicated in the international title "Keys to the Heart". Also, that the piano plays a key role - i. e. its 88 white and black keys.
The original title is more like "This only is my world" and refers in its own way to the piano, because this is the world of the autistic protagonist Jin-tae. However, this also refers to the (also limited) world of his brother Jo-ha, to which Jin-tae starts belonging. Additionally, revolving around Jin-tae (and Jo-ha) is their mother. "Keys to the Heart" is a story about that mother and her two very different sons. She left one of them decades ago as a little boy under dramatic circumstances and to date he hasn't forgotten, let alone forgiven. The other is autistic with savant syndrome.
It´s a given that the story intends to bring tears to your eyes. Yes. The story wants to get to the heart. But not generally in a tender, comforting and blissful manner. In fact, there is nothing but pain drifting around those hearts in this story. The framework of the plot draws a disillusioned, depressed scenario of the lives of ALL characters - regardless of whether they are rich or penniless, or otherwise have a more or less comfortable living. (The exception to the rule here is the autistic Jin-tae.) As if it were the most natural thing in South Korean everyday life for people to suffer. There is a good deal of social criticism in this KMovie. I think that's often overlooked in its critics or reviews.
There's the drinking, beating father; the abandoned son; the penniless son who can do nothing but box; the brutal world of dog fighting, where boxers beat each other bloody for money; the single mother with cancer; the mother with guilt; the autistic son; the depressed, suicidal, rich, once famous invalid; the Jaebeol CEO, whose money doesn't help her to be able to buy back her daughter's happiness. Eventually "Key to the Heart" is a dreary, sobering contemporary document. Not a picture of society of the crisis-ridden 1990s, no. It is a simple, unpretentious social inventory of the South Korean affluent society from the year 2018...
Now, some heart-warming light is shining into this fundamentally gloomy everyday world. (And in those of the audience as well.) In rather small spots though. These are brief details, inconspicuous moments (apart from the big spotlight of the finale, which is a bit more spectacular). However, those little spots make all the difference. Not a flash of inspiration, rather a flash of the heart, in which the injured ego steps aside for a moment: for a moment of clarity for the essential: actually, what´s NOW. For a moment, people can just let go of all grief and become open to what life has to offer just NOW: beauty, warmth, joy, hope. This NOW can transform, heal, completely change the view of the world. The world on this earth itself is the same, yes, the planet does not change its orbit because of it. It's not suddenly 'everything will be fine again'. And yet it is something like 'everything-IS-good'. ... That brings us to the KMovie's favorite quote: "Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion." (Muhammad Ali)
Admittedly, a button is pressed when it comes to the piano music. The classics take their space. But here, too, the story does not fail to take the opportunity to point out the ego-driven business with it - the talent and passion of the musicians may be on the one hand, but the very personal interests of teachers and directors are on the other...
Of course, with Jin-tae as a young man with an autism spectrum disorder with savant syndrome, the KMovie is deliberately pressing another selected button, with the intention of moving hearts. Nevertheless, even this developmental disorder is not romanticized, yet shown as demanding and exhausting to deal with.
Particularly pithy and powerful: The contrast between the world of the buttoned-up, reserved, respectable, reasonable and properly dressed classical music scene and the childlike, impulsive and playful but brilliant Jin-tae, whose piano playing tears down walls for a moment.
At last, we are back at the beginning: a story about that mother and her two very different sons... There is hurt, sorrow, the pain of loss and guilt - all is there, what life has to offer to become estranged from each another, or to feel lonely and abandoned. And that's where love - no matter how screwed up - finds its screwed-up moments. I don't think predictability is a problem with this movie, because it doesn't want to be 'enthralling'. Yet, it wants to touch the heart, and it does. Eventually, that's good for everyone. With this movie, it is the HOW that is decisive: by sober narration of a basically rather depressing story that thrives on short, unspectacular moments (and the actors) in which 'new' NOW-decisions are made and heart opening becomes possible.
Great!
--------------------------- SIDE NOTES --- Savant syndrome ---
Savant syndrome has often been a topic in the cinema, for example in the US production "Rain Man". There are only around 100 "Savants" known worldwide (from the French 'savoir' = knowing, how to do it). Accordingly, the phenomenon has only been scientifically examined to a limited extent. In the musical field, there are various examples of Savants (like the fictitious Jin-tae here in the movie) who, without any music lessons, are able to play the most difficult pieces of music with accentuated detail after just hearing it once - solely thanks to their perfect hearing.
However, Savant syndrome usually goes hand in hand with autism spectrum disorders. This in turn refers to developmental disorders of varying severity. The people affected typically have little interest and competence when it comes to social interaction. They prefer to live in their own world. Generally, their perception is strongly focused on details and does not weight them like the otherwise socialized majority around them. Details that others usually overlook become subjectively crucial, while information considered essential to their environment may not play any particular role at all. Information is initially unfiltered, being of equal value in its perception. Thus, without the social-cognitive filters that non-autistic people learn to develop, the moment of sensory overload followed by stress is quickly reached.
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First off, would I recommend the drama? Yes. Rewatch? Potentially, after some time has passed, though personally I'm not one to rewatch many dramas, no matter how great of an impression it left. Did I like it? Of course, and I was hooked like nothing else mattered, which led me to binge all 61 episodes in less than 4 days.
Now, onto the details:
I watched this series on TV at first, then on Youtube, both of which had no English subtitles. It took me a while to decide to continue watching because the first three episodes start very slow, and they're mostly there to set up the main characters' positions. From what I saw in the comments on every episode, every watcher seemed to greatly dislike the female MC, Xu Bi Cheng, to the point where they blamed her (as a character) for every mishap in the story, or claimed she ruined the drama. I have to admit, I didn't particularly like her either at the beginning, nor in the first twenty or so episodes that followed, because she was pretty clumsy (especially considering her job as an agent) and tended to cause trouble for the other MCs, which wouldn't be so bad if she would actually learn from enduring all the dire consequences that others have to suffer from as a result of her own recklessness and selfishness. Throughout the drama, she continues to have other clean up her messes and never loses that vexing everyone-will-take-care-of-me perception - until one certain event becomes her turning point. Thus, this is a bit of a let-down as she IS the female MC so we automatically set up high expectations for her performance and role from the beginning; however, it could also be down to the actress selection, since Zhou Dong Yu, though feminine and petite and perhaps fitting a Shanghainese beauty ideal in that period, has an expression that makes her look 10 years younger and perpetually petrified like a deer caught in headlights (i.e anything but mature, sophisticated, and steady in mind). But worry not, because in the last arc of the drama where things get to their climax, we do see her finally think more rationally about her actions before carrying them out, and manages to play a part in saving others, including the MC: Chen Shen.
Chen Shen and Xu Bi Cheng's relationship? I liked it. I think it was simple, straightforward, and pure. Considering all the manipulating, strategizing, and assassinating that occurred constantly around them, I think their love was refreshing and heart-warming from when it started to the end, regardless of how XBC herself was as a character for the most part. With such complicated plots like the one in this drama, the relationship drama should be toned down to keep it balanced, which imo this drama did perfectly well.
Plot twists: this drama was full of them, and while some were fairy predictable from the beginning (like who "Sparrow' really was), many did catch me by surprise, and I thoroughly enjoyed the guessing/watching process. The drama was also never short of touching moments, where some did trigger some tears, especially towards the end, which you'd expect from the overall vibe of the drama and its intro song.
Music was used beautifully at just the right moments, and the quality of filming is definitely not to be worried about.
The antagonists were truly masterpieces of the drama, for it was a struggle between hating/wanting them dead and loving/wanting them to survive with the MCs the whole way. The relationship between the MC Chen Shen and his closest friend Bi Zhong Liang was unique among all the MC-Antagonist relations I've come across in the dramas I've watched. Just this focal relationship alone should make many people want to watch this drama.
Finally, the ending. The ending is always a huge deciding factor as to whether or not a drama will become a favourite, or an absolutely terrible experience you wish you hadn't set foot upon: because what happens in the end can either ruin everything that has happened till then, or make it all worthwhile. For dramas like these, set in the revolutionary period of Shanghai, I always feel dread towards the end because tragedies have become so common, even as a plot twist in happy-go-lucky dramas, never mind in such a suspenseful, intense drama like this one. I can say that the ending was fitting and well-rounded, and I am satisfied, though I won't say it wasn't bittersweet or that it didn't leave a slight pang in my heart, which was to be expected from the beginning.
A masterful piece that is worth your time; even if suspense/mystery isn't your usual genre, please give it a try.
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If you are looking for a simple love story or a plain science fiction, this one is not for you. This is like a brain game. Every single detail shouldn't be missed, well, of course, there are some scenes and dialogues that are so cheezy and quite long, but that's the downside of the story.
The writer was not able to justify bringing the two lovers in one world, but that's the exact reality of what might happen if there is really a parallel world. I love the story.
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I really enjoyed this, I hope you do to.
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A GMMTV Gem
I can’t believe GMMTV can make BLs like this.Oh my goodness, this series is absolutely phenomenal! The way it fearlessly critiques the Thai government, especially with recent events in the Thai elections, is just awe-inspiring and deeply poignant!
The story of Black and White, these twins with such a powerful connection, is so captivating. Their separation after their parents' divorce, with White moving to Russia and Black staying in Thailand, adds such a heart-wrenching element. And when White returns after fifteen years and discovers Black's condition, I couldn't help but be on the edge of my seat!
The suspense of White disguising himself as Black to uncover the traitor among his friends Sean, Gram, or Yok is so intense! The dynamics between them are just so enthralling, especially when Sean starts to suspect that something isn't right.
Oh, and let's not forget Black's journey as a protester and his struggles with Todd. That breathtaking fighting scene at the pool, the same one as in KinnPorche, brings an extra touch of excitement! This hotel location has been used in many BLs since. I can't help but fantasize about a Black and Todd spin-off, but alas, it might remain a mere dream due to the OffGun shippers and GMMTV.
And Gawin's portrayal of Dan, the disillusioned cop turned graffiti artist, is nothing short of extraordinary! His slow-burn relationship with Yok, a passionate protester and devoted fan of Dan's art, is a symphony of emotions. Gawin's performance had me completely hooked and left me yearning for more of him. First come on my radar only to disappear with his pairing with Khaotung.
All the characters in this series have their own compelling reasons for becoming protesters against the government and influential figures. It's incredibly moving to see their determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
The message about gay marriage and LGBTQIA+ rights is so relevant and crucial, even if there might have been some censorship due to the Thai government. This series courageously speaks up and advocates for important issues!
Overall, I am utterly in awe of this series and all the depth and brilliance it showcases. It's a must-watch for anyone who craves powerful storytelling and meaningful themes. Bravo to the entire team behind this outstanding production!
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Boy was I wrong.
The teasers all showed sport and excitement. Could the final product live up to that hype?
The good:
The actors are amazing! The sportsmanship, the comradery, the brothership all felt through their performances!
The stunts were totally believable! Sports can be dangerous, but these actors were actually in the action!
The action! Wow! From the opening scene there never was a slow moment!
The epic:
That soundtrack! Those emotional songs! Perfection!
The characters! Well rounded as 8 episodes can make them! They did not feel flat! Just the amount of background to set up their issues! Even the background characters become part of the team, they don't feel like fillers.
The story! Wow! Clearly set-up, well executed. Never left the audience wanting!
The creative use of the camera to create tension, slow motion, zooms! Superb! The director (can't remember his name) has produced amazing work in the past and it shows here!
All in all an amazing story, if short. Takes Thai Drama to another level and in another direction! Great start to the rest of Project S!
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Don't expect fan service or fast pacing
So right off the bat you need to know that this is a slow moving, sentimental film that builds emotional attachment to the characters through repeated use of flashback scenes.What you won't find: passionate kissing scenes, sex scenes, bare abs, etc.
What you will find: lots of staring into each other's eyes, good acting, scenes that make you cry,
The actors are both new and do a phenomenal job in this film, which is a story about how memories helped two people reconnect and get through a crisis together. The story is set in the early 2000s and they manage to set that time period really well, with the main characters in high school at the beginning and then again 4 years later.
The ending seemed a little truncated and I wonder if there was meant to be more, but Thailand was thrown into lockdown earlier this year and a lot of dramas had to adapt. But the story of Nut and Phob is complete, and if you like very sentimental stories I recommend you give it a try.
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Once the adults age and the children grow, however, the pacing adopts an uneven groove which alternates between satisfying speed and sleepy doddering. Some plot points evolve merely as long chains of people finding out secrets (or not). Several subplots, related to the main story in passing, are explored over time; these often fizzle quickly without much impact, but the characters introduced in them tend to stick around after the fact. Because of the intense focus on the kidnapping and its fallout, these become frustrating due to lack of development. The "romance" between the main couple suffers from this issue as well; their interactions are numerous, but feel hollow and unnecessary. Each secondary couple, some of which are surprising and strangely built, have twice the chemistry and a fourth of the airtime.
However, punch remains to be found. When something big happens, despite being padded down by the aforementioned fodder, it's like an explosion. Crisp cinematography works together beautifully with the wild turnarounds and shifts in dynamic. This drama knows how to swing emotional weight in spades. There are just too many episodes, with too little oomph to distribute over its course.
Of the numerous actors and actresses featured in Scandal, Jo Jae Hyeon offers the most laudable performance. Whatever the role of Ha Myeon Geun called for, he delivered without question. What struck me most was the veracity of emotion and striking normalcy this character exuded. Because of this powerful performance, my sympathies wrapped around this character in spite of his crime. Ki Tae Young also has a fantastic go as second lead, the "other" Eun Joong. His feelings were openly displayed in his eyes and face without exaggeration, a true mark of talent. As for the "primary" Eun Joong, my first experience with Kim Jae Won was a good one. Despite landing a slightly boring character, he elevates the part with good choices and natural charisma.
Park Sang Min confused me, as I have often heard him described as a talent. As Jang Tae Ha, despite an instance or two of strength, he overacted noticeably. Add to this misfortune the desperate attempts to make him look old enough for the role (stuffing him into "grandpa" clothes, dying his hair a new shade every episode). There are also several wasted characters, such as the one performed by Jo Yoon He. Her Wu Ami starts somewhat irritating, steadily improves, then drops in importance as a character separate from the loveline.
Scandal may count its atmospheric and masterfully utilized soundtrack among its strengths. Silences are strewn throughout scenes, allowing for the instrumentals (sometimes moving, others haunting), to shine when played. All of the vocals are memorable as well, with the best offered by Masyta Band ("I Am"), Kim Jin Seon ("Stay") and The Position ("Last Love of My Life").
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