This review may contain spoilers
Starts boring, then interesting then boring again??
The first time I watched Episode One, I was bored. Not really bored but just bored, but since EP2 was coming out in two days I said "let's give this drama a chance." And it was amazing! For the first part...The story is suppose to be a life as a idol, or at least that's what I think. Does this drama portrayed that? I'm not an idol so how would I know? But I could say the drama handled it pretty okay? I was thinking the show would put limelight into the idol life and how hard and stressful it is. I mean it did that, but only for some scenes. Most of this turned into a rom-com.
But that's not my main problem. It's just some relationships I don't like and have a problem with.
MA-HA AND RYEOK (Main couple)
I could say they're pretty cute. The only problem I have with them (well really Ryeok) is how Ryeok breaks up with her (Ma-ha) EP9 because he's worried about Shax's. Then literally the NEXT. The NEXT episode, they get back together? I get they're 12 episodes but come on, what the hell was the point of the break up then? For tension? If so, their was barely any. I get the breakup's are suppose to be like a "Oh my gosh NOOO!" for the viewers moments but if they broke up, at least give them 2 episodes to get back together? The romance with them felt kind of force? I did admit they're pretty cute but the first few episodes I couldn't really say 'aww" to a lot of their moments up until EP4 or EP5.
RI AH AND LEE HYUN
I personally can't say much about them, they barely get any screen time soo... They would look cute together though. Don't really love them but don't hate them either.
HYUN JI AND YOO JUN
Oh my gosh does this couple suck. No offense to any of you guys who like this couple nor any disrespect to the actors but I see no chemistry at all. It's obvious Hyun Ji has feelings for Yoo Jun but him? No. It looks like he doesn't even like her romantically. They barely even had interactions together, unless it was just him asking about Ma-ha. I really didn't like these two, by EP9 I was hoping they would get more development as a couple but nope. nope nope nope, did they not.
LA LI MA
I love her so much! Her character AND her actor! At first, you probably think (if you didn't read the webtoon) that Li Ma will be the antagonist/jealous SFL (second female lead) of the show. But it's really not like that!
FLAWS
Only flaw I can find (other than some of the actors acting) is the relationship between Hyun Ji and Yoo Jun. And some more duration time into the episode would've been great for character/relationship development. I mean that's a lot of problems with 12 episode shows, character development.
SHAX'S FANS
Oh my gosh do I hate the main three fan girls. So annoying! But they also do show something, They show a lot of real fans out their of real idols. Some fans actually do stalk their favorite idol and get way to much into their personal lives. As much as I hated the Shax fans, I'm glad they got showed.
EUNJO AND ANNIE
Honestly, yes they have a sad story but their plot reminds me of At a distance, Spring is Green with Yeo Jun's family problems barely being apart of the plot even though there's a lot of flashbacks. The same thing with Eunjo and Annie, their plot is barely brought up and resolved easily by 2 episodes.
Honestly when it starts getting boring is around EP10. Even though their was some REALLY GOOD ost in that episode!
The acting was good! I willingly just watched this because it was an upcoming drama, knowing none of the actors! Some scenes had some average acting, some bad and some good.
The Music. OH. MY. IS IT GOOD! I love ALLL of the ST (sound tracks) played in this show! This is mostly why I'm giving it what I gave it. I’m mostly biased here since I'm a huge k-pop fan.
Am I rewatching? Yes but not all episodes. As I did state I didn't like a lot of the relationships here. I'll rewatch episodes like EP4, EP7 and more.
SUMMARY
In total, the show is about a rising girl group, a popular boy group, and an average boy group all trying to make it bigger and bigger into the industry while obviously having a bit of drama and relationships on the side. I recommend to stay for the music if you hate the relationships as some relationships suck/have no development or are just average and have cute moments.
Anyway. Consider yourself lucky if you didn't watch this while it was airing, the torture of waiting every Friday for 1 episode. ONE.
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This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed it but….
There were some things that really, really, really bothered me about the show one was that he knew she was possessed by spirit an evil spirit. This evil spirit wanted to kill people, she would have black outs and the spirit would take over and kill people, yet he still allowed her to wander around and not try to keep a better eye on her. The other thing is that he would tell her not to become involved or more involved and kept trying to like tell her to go away. If it were me, I’d have her sleeping at my house to keep an eye on her, and to try and keep the evil spirit from having its way, and going out in committing murder not telling her to go away and not become involved lol. Also he could see the impact he was having on the female his mental well-being, so you think that he would not want her to be alone either. So I just didn’t understand his thinking at all.Another thing that really bothered me, was about the ghost companion because he made a comment at some point about the male lead being the reason that he’s the way he was and I was like it’s not his fault that his grandma killed you and it’s not his fault that you were a greedy and coveted in what the ML had. So it was never explained really to me why that kid thought he was the reason that he wants the way he was.
Also, when the male he was explaining to the female lead about how ghosts are attracted to people who struggle with the more negative emotions, like guilt, anger insecurity, depression, jealousy etc. this didn’t make sense to me because I was like everybody feels this way to some degree or another. When his ghost companion sacrifice himself on the bridge, when the male lead devastated, having learned his family’s involvement in creating this evil spirit. I’m like anyone feel devastated and guilt ridden in those circumstances. Although I did find it hilariously funny when his ghost companion was thrown over the side of the bridge, I would’ve like it to have had it explain where they took him.
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I discovered it by mere chance while I was searching through some Asian sites.
“A miserable girl because of her irresistible beauty... Is her beauty the Blessing? Or the Curse? »: this line reminded me of a similar case in my real life that’s why I decided to watch this.
2) Storyline/Plot:
*This is a different unique storyline that touches a sensitive subject especially to women species which is Beauty.
In this review, I won’t talk about main genres because it’s a dramatic film (only one genre).
Positive Points:
*This film had an uncommon concept which made it absorbing and beautiful in too many ways; the storyline felt atypical in an intriguing way.
*The film touched a common issue (beauty) and made it unusual; the storyline conveyed an interesting point of view about beauty whether it was obsession or dissatisfaction; everything about this matter seemed appealing.
*This film’s plot makes you want to know more, its events can release the curiosity within you that’s why you can never lose interest in the storyline’s development.
Negative Points:
For me there weren’t any negative points to talk about but I will mention some points that felt negative to the majority of the audience:
*This film contains some serious disturbing scenes which can make you feel disgusted that’s why I will point out that this film is directed for adult audience only.
Story: 10/10.
3) Acting/Cast:
*The acting department was extremely good, I am not familiar with any of them but the lead female delivered great feelings while portraying the role. Although, she doesn’t have the breathtaking beauty but she had the great skills to make the role feel believable.
Other actors were good too, their acting was convincing.
*Characters were attention-grabbing especially Eun Young who was a great main character; she managed to be interesting no matter what’s her state. Furthermore, the character development was fascinating in a way to make you sympathize with her at some points, hate her at other points but most of all you would feel her.
*Other characters were important for the storyline’s development; all the reactions that we get to see were simply mesmerizing in terms of beauty.
*Appreciated character: The policeman had a critical character here; if he didn’t exist then Eun Young would be on her own. He was struggling in his own way too, I liked that character.
*Relationships:
--->Eun Young and the policeman: It was charming while being dangerous; this relationship was appreciated because it was convincing on too many levels.
--->Eun Young Vs the world: This relationship was the core of this film; it conveyed too many strong messages to viewers.
Cast: 8/10.
Acting: 9/10.
4) The ending:
The film’s ending was logical; you wouldn’t expect a fluffy ending for this type of storyline. The ending scene was very creative and disturbing at the same time.
The ending: 8.5/10.
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
*Like I mentioned earlier, this film’s storyline’s is similar to a person who’s close to me that’s why I was very invested in its events. However, personal reasons were only a part of my liking because this film has a very interesting and unique storyline.
*Is this film memorable: Yes it is, it was a different story with an unusual topic that deserves to be remembered.
My impression: 8.5/10.
6) Overall:
*If you like different unique storylines then you may like this.
*If you’re easily disturbed then you may not like this.
*If you’re not a proper adult then I wouldn’t recommend this.
*Beautiful was a film that contained a different storyline with a brilliant lead female actress who knew how to make it appealing.
Overall: 8.5/10.
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The best version of BOF ever, F4THAILAND highly recomended
When you are remaking a classic, the drama that had been watched by the whole world, remains the “first drama” of thousand of drama lovers (mine too). So it had to put its best work to at least maintain its reputation as a classic remake.●PLOT VIEW
With all due respect, I had seen most Thai dramas with abusive, arrogant ML relationships go wrong with forced kisses and all, and BOF had this plot too, but F4 THAILAND did everything right with this classic. While the Chinese version put extra creativity to have more number of episodes, the S.K. version showed extra richness and some cringy moments.
The brand new Thai version compacted it to 16 episodes, making each episode into titular storytelling. It added all the highlights of the novel like kick, bullying, necklace, engagement, amnesia, etc and weaved a modern saga full of technology, love, and friendship. Every single moment is so practical and likable. Yeah, it gave a pure friendship between Gorya and Ren + a secret story of IRIS(MJ who is always left alone for no good reason).
The nuances in Thyme’s character just show that he has truly changed and is not like his past self. On top of that, instead of just forgetting about his past self, he faces it and clears the bad relationship with anyone he has treated harshly. ALL the characters are also so well shaped and portrayed. This is the ONLY version where the two main leads are perfect for each other. I can feel their strong bond and it’s not just because of their appearance but also their identical personalities (strong, unrelenting, and compassionate) I feel like that is just sooooo powerful.
Lastly, it's titled F4 for a reason, because they had shown THYME, REN, MJ, and KAVIN's friendship more prominent. They take each other back in good and bad. Bullying and asking forgiveness, teaching lessons and learning lessons. we can feel their extraordinary bond in each episode.
●ACTING
whoever did the casting deserves a raise, I had lots to say about every character because everyone deserves applause, starting with my favorite.
BRIGHT as Thyme, had a bulky build but a childish heart. Very perfect for the character, thank god he didn’t have any particular hairstyle but had the distinct trait of speaking incorrect words. His innocence is overflowed in each episode until we see how his mother had ruined him. BRIGHT had done a commendable job being arrogant, cute, shy, kind, snobby, and supercilious.
TU TANTAWAN as Gorya impacted everyone in a good way. She was like the unidentified leader of F4. TU is supernatural playing Gorya so effortlessly. She isn't shown as weak but as a strong yet compassionate person. She is gonna be my favorite FL of all the previous versions.
DEW as Ren, the person who can be the SML syndrome. But the pure friendship just saved it. He acted mostly with his eyes and smile. I paused at times to appreciate his smile.
WIN as Kavin, sincerely he didn’t seem like a playboy. But Kavin's character says he is, I think that needed some extra charm because he always kept a cold face.
NANI as MJ, this fourth member had no story but the Thai version secretly created a secret story for him. MJ's long hair, riding a bike wearing leather jackets show his badass mafia character.
PRIM as Kaning was so beautiful, I like her simple laced hairstyle throughout. She is a strong and helpful friend who knows what she wants.
Lita, Mira, Hana, Tia, and Roselyn showed a line of strong powerful women. And none of them could be hated for their characters but applauded for their realistic performance.
Also, Talay, phupha, and uncle Ga were amazing.
●MUSIC
The music is enchanting. I felt like I am at a musical concert. The opening track “Who am I” sung by F4 is worth millions of likes. Am truly happy that most of the songs have been sung by the actors themselves.
●REWATCH
Of course yes, I think this is gonna be a favorite of all. And if any new versions appear it will have a tough fight with F4.
●APPRECIATION
The use of technology and social media gives a modernized and realistic approach. Also, the Thai cultural aspect is improvised by showing the importance of flower garlands.
It omitted all the cringy content that many viewers didn’t like in the previous BOF version.
It pays tribute to previous versions in many scenes by mentioning the characters names in the background (like if you watch carefully in episode 15 the market name is Gu Jyun Pyon).
●QUOTES
Each episode title invisibly tells the episode story but they have a deeper meaning if given a thought.
●RECOMMENDATION
If you have BOF before, you should give F4 THAILAND a chance to show its charm.
If you haven't watched any BOF or any Thai drama before then, take F4 Thailand as a highly recommended one to open doors to the Thai drama world.
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A Lighthearted Yet Thought-Provoking Rom-Com
After the emotional rollercoaster of The White Olive Tree, I was desperate for something lighthearted to lift my spirits. Enter Filter, a delightful drama that had me laughing from the first episode to the last. While the story is undeniably hilarious and easy to watch, it also carries a profound and relatable message: don’t judge a book by its cover. This theme resonates deeply, making Filter more than just a comedy—it’s a heartfelt exploration of prejudice, self-worth, and the importance of seeing people for who they truly are.The Story: A Magical Twist on Love and Misunderstanding
The plot centers on Tang Qi, a nerdy, color-sensitive entrepreneur who co-runs a beauty company with his two friends. His life takes a turn when he encounters Su Cheng Cheng, a former high school junior, at a party. After a mishap leaves her makeup smeared, Tang Qi snaps a photo and callously remarks, “So ugly.” Unbeknownst to him, this moment sets off a chain of events that will challenge his biases and reshape his understanding of love.
Su Cheng Cheng, still harboring a crush on Tang Qi from their school days, is gifted a magical bracelet that allows her to transform into different characters. Using this power, she begins working at Tang Qi’s company, where her professionalism and contributions earn everyone’s admiration—except Tang Qi’s. His preconceived notions about her cloud his judgment, creating a rift between them.
As Su Cheng Cheng transforms into various personas, Tang Qi repeatedly falls for these characters, only to be heartbroken when they “die” or disappear in increasingly absurd ways (lightning strikes, anyone?). These over-the-top “deaths” are played for laughs, but they also highlight Tang Qi’s growing emotional turmoil. Eventually, he begins to suspect something is amiss, leading to the revelation of Su Cheng Cheng’s secret. The resolution is both satisfying and heartwarming, as Tang Qi realizes that the person he’s been searching for has been right in front of him all along.
The story’s moral—treasure the one around you—is simple yet powerful. It reminds viewers to look beyond appearances and examine their own biases, lest they miss out on something truly special.
The Characters and Acting: Perfectly Cast, Flawlessly Executed
֎ Tang Qi (played by Tan Jian Ci):
Some viewers criticized Tan Jian Ci for looking too mature for the role, but I found him to be the perfect embodiment of Tang Qi. With his nerdy, slightly awkward demeanor, Tan Jian Ci effortlessly captures Tang Qi’s blend of intelligence and social cluelessness. Tang Qi is a man of few words, often blunt to the point of being misunderstood, yet he possesses an inner strength and persistence that make him endearing. Tan Jian Ci’s portrayal is nuanced, bringing depth to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional. His chemistry with Li Landy is palpable, making their eventual reconciliation all the more satisfying.
I’d like to take a moment to clarify what Tang Qi actually meant when he blurted out the words, “So ugly.” At first glance, his comment seems harsh and superficial, but there’s much more to it than meets the eye. Tang Qi wasn’t criticizing Su Cheng Cheng’s appearance or calling her inherently ugly. Instead, his reaction stemmed from his extreme sensitivity to colors and aesthetics. As someone deeply attuned to visual harmony, he was appalled by the cheap, smeared makeup that clashed with Su Cheng Cheng’s natural features. In his mind, the makeup was “ugly” because it didn’t do her justice—it ruined her face.
However, Tang Qi’s social awkwardness and inability to articulate his thoughts led to a catastrophic misunderstanding. Su Cheng Cheng, already self-conscious about her appearance, took his words at face value, assuming he was mocking her. This moment created a long-lasting animosity between them, fueling her resentment and shaping their complicated dynamic. It isn’t until much later, when they finally reconcile, that Tang Qi clarifies his true meaning, revealing the depth of his character and the misunderstanding that had plagued their relationship.
At the same time, it’s important to note that Tang Qi’s initial coldness toward Su Cheng Cheng isn’t just about the makeup incident. His behavior is also rooted in his past experiences with her during their school days. Back then, Tang Qi misunderstood Su Cheng Cheng’s clumsy attempts to connect with him as acts of bullying. Her naivety and overenthusiasm came across as intimidating to him, and he formed a lasting impression of her as someone to be wary of. This misunderstanding further fueled his prejudice, making it difficult for him to see her for who she truly is—a kind, compassionate, and well-meaning person.
Unfortunately, some viewers drop the drama at this early moment (when he blurted out "So ugly"), misinterpreting Tang Qi as a shallow, face-obsessed jerk. This is a shame, as it overlooks the nuance of his character and the broader themes of the story. Tang Qi isn’t superficial—he’s socially inept and struggles to express himself, which makes his journey of growth and self-awareness all the more compelling. His initial comment is less about judgment and more about his unique perspective on beauty, which ultimately aligns with the drama’s central message: don’t judge a book by its cover.
So, to new viewers, I urge you not to let this moment deter you. Filter is a wonderful drama with layers of humor, heart, and meaning. Tang Qi’s seemingly callous remark is just the starting point of a story that challenges assumptions, explores prejudice, and celebrates the beauty of seeing people for who they truly are. Stick with it—you won’t regret it!
֎ Su Cheng Cheng (played by Li Landy):
Li Landy shines as Su Cheng Cheng, a strong, compassionate, and slightly naive woman who refuses to let societal standards define her worth. Despite being constantly compared to her taller, more conventionally beautiful sister, Su Cheng Cheng remains confident in her beliefs: true beauty lies in how a person treats others. Li Landy’s casting was criticized by some for not fitting the “model” archetype, but that’s precisely the point. Su Cheng Cheng is meant to be relatable—an ordinary girl with extraordinary heart. Li Landy’s performance is both charming and authentic, making Su Cheng Cheng a character viewers can’t help but root for.
The dynamic between Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng is a highlight of the drama. Tang Qi’s initial prejudice and Su Cheng Cheng’s motherly, slightly overbearing care for him create a push-and-pull tension that’s both funny and touching. Their relationship evolves naturally, culminating in a heartfelt realization that love isn’t about appearances—it’s about connection.
Su Cheng Cheng’s personas, brought to life through the magical filter bracelet, are as diverse as they are entertaining. These include:
֎ Su Miao (played by Luo Qiu Yun), a tall, stunning beauty who resembles a famous model;
֎ Fang Jin (played by Pu Tao), a brilliant scientist with a sharp mind and impressive academic background;
֎ Quan Sheng Tang (played by Wang Hong Yi), a strikingly handsome young man; and
֎ A camel sheep—yes, you read that right—a talking, human-like animal that stands on two legs (because why not?).
Of all these characters, only Fang Jin is based on a real person. The others are entirely imaginary, conjured up by Su Cheng Cheng’s creativity (and perhaps a touch of desperation).
Su Miao is the first persona Tang Qi falls for, and it’s easy to see why. With her model-like beauty and elegance, she captivates him at first sight. This only reinforces Su Cheng Cheng’s belief that Tang Qi is shallow and only cares about appearances. However, when Su Miao “dies” (in one of Su Cheng Cheng’s hilariously over-the-top schemes), Tang Qi is utterly heartbroken. His genuine grief shows that his feelings run deeper than just physical attraction.
In an attempt to comfort him, Su Cheng Cheng transforms into the camel sheep, a bizarre yet oddly endearing creature. This allows her to stay close to Tang Qi and care for him without revealing her true identity. Tang Qi, despite being initially freaked out by the animal’s human-like demeanor, grows emotionally attached to it. His confusion and near-hallucinations over the situation provide some of the drama’s funniest moments.
Next, Su Cheng Cheng becomes Fang Jin, a super-intelligent scientist with a stellar academic record, despite Fang Jin is not a beauty. Tang Qi falls for her too, but here’s the twist: he only loves the version of Fang Jin that Su Cheng Cheng portrays, not the real Fang Jin. This proves that Tang Qi isn’t just drawn to brilliance or beauty—he’s drawn to the essence of Su Cheng Cheng herself. However, in Su Cheng Cheng’s mind, she assumes Tang Qi only likes “smart girls,” leading to even more misunderstandings and comedic chaos as she switches between Fang Jin’s various personalities.
Finally, Su Cheng Cheng transforms into Quan Sheng Tang, a ridiculously handsome young man whose name literally means “win all against Tang.” This persona is another one of Su Cheng Cheng’s schemes to distract Tang Qi from pursuing Fang Jin. While I secretly hoped this would lead to a hilariously awkward gay romance, the drama doesn’t quite go there—though the absurdity of the situation still delivers plenty of laughs.
Through these personas, Filter explores themes of identity, perception, and love in a way that’s both humorous and heartfelt. Each transformation not only adds to the comedy but also deepens Tang Qi’s emotional journey, showing that his feelings transcend appearances and personas. It’s a wild, whimsical ride that keeps viewers guessing—and laughing—until the very end.
֎ Supporting Cast:
The supporting characters add depth and humor to the story. Su Cheng Cheng’s best friend, Lin Yuan (Huang Si Rui), provides comic relief and unwavering support, while Tang Qi’s business partners and Su Cheng Cheng’s family further enrich the narrative. There are no major antagonists, just minor obstacles that are quickly resolved, keeping the tone light and focused on the central romance.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Escape with a Meaningful Message
Filter is my go-to comfort drama, a perfect blend of humor, romance, and life lessons. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh out loud while also prompting introspection. The misunderstandings between Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng are both frustrating and endearing, reminding us how easily prejudice can cloud our judgment. Tang Qi’s journey from bias to acceptance is a poignant reminder to see the people around us and appreciate them for who they truly are.
The drama also tackles themes of self-worth and societal beauty standards with a light touch, never becoming preachy. Su Cheng Cheng’s unwavering confidence in her own values is inspiring, and her relationship with Tang Qi is a testament to the idea that love transcends appearances.
In the end, Filter is more than just a rom-com—it’s a celebration of individuality, a critique of superficial judgments, and a reminder to cherish the people who truly matter. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a cry, or a bit of both, Filter delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a feel-good story with substance.
Rating: 10/10
Filter is a gem of a drama that balances humor and heart with a meaningful message. It’s the perfect antidote to a bad day and a reminder to look beyond the surface.
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I'll write about the good parts first ( so that no one would get too angry at me! ^^) The first half of the drama was pretty good; it was very youthful, and quite unique. It's not easy to create youth, it usually has too much elements or too little, but this drama nailed it. It made me remember my high school, skipping classes, hating some subject/teachers and loving the others, obsessing over things, not worrying about time/health/future, and thinking that everything is possible, that I can become anything if I set my mind into it. The times that I didn't have to think too srsly nor had to take that much responsibility, since my parents were there to take care of it all. However, I liked it even more, because it wasn't all fun and games; it had some darker, deeper elements into it. The writers managed to explore these deeper part of the plot through the older characters i.e. the parents. I loved them so much, they were a joy to watch.
But then half way through the drama, as if the magic was gone, the characters lost their charisma and started to become flat. There was no character development anymore, and the plot itself became one dimensional, boring and in times very very annoying. Remember the darker, deeper parts of the plot that I was writing about in the previous paragraph ... well the writers decided to forget about it, which created a huge problem.
It was as if the writers didn't understand human psychology. They didn't put any effort into changing the characters- which was necessary due to the darker,deeper parts of the plot -. Let me elaborate here: if someone has a problem within themselves that is stoping them from achieving something they want, they have to first recognize that there is a problem and then solve it in order to be able to achieve what they desire. However, in this drama, the writers decided to skip the step of one looking deeper within oneself, pondering, changing and maturing. They went straight to the achieving part !!!!!! Yes, that's all fun and nice ... BUT the thing is, in real life, this couldn't have happened, they had to mature. - side note: maturing is not a bad thing, it's a natural process for humans to survive, and it doesn't mean one cannot keep their inner child, nor that they will be a completely different person -
So yeah, I had a problem with this drama being so unrealistic... and trust me the writers had more than enough time to manage and show some character development, I mean from 1997 to 2012 is not a short period of time.
The acting was very good, I really liked the cast - even though I didn't like half of the characters, I still enjoyed watching it because of their awesome acting & chemistry. Well, if you want to watch something youthful, and give a break to the realistic part of your brain, start watching this right now! You'll have lots of laughter and maybe some tears! enjoy!
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180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us
29 people found this review helpful
Mommy and Daddy issues at its most disturbing....
This is not a romance but a drama in its true meaning, set in a beautiful setting, filled with dialog, gazes, and a whole lot of yelling.This drama is extremely messed up, and beautifully made, telling a story I am not sure I wanted to know about in a way that had me feeling conflicted feelings about how extremely messed up everything in this drama was. As every single one of the people in here was crying for help in one way or another, making me hope all three would go their separate ways, get help and move on with their lives... And while I truly appreciated the production of this the dialog itself seemed to never really end in one way it was sooo not my cup of coffee, it felt more or less unbearable, while at the same time I appreciated how uncomfortable it made me feel...
There are a lot of intense gazes and dare I say flirting between the male leads, however the creators make sure the audience does not forget for one moment how messed up those gases really are, Though both male leads are adults capable of making their own choices etc...
" Is there something wrong with falling for the man my father once loved" - Well I may be a bit conservative here but kind of yes... Sorry kiddo there are a lot of things that you can inherit from your dad, but the man he loved is just not one of them...
However that was not nearly as disturbing as the way the mother in this drama talked about both her dead ex husband and son...
Giving us honest and raw emotion, loss, regret, screaming silence and I guess a story rarely seen on screen...
So there was a lot of disturbing dialog, even more disturbing silence... Honestly I think the silence in this drama spoke the loudest and was actually the most brutal part of it all...
I do not really know where I am going with this since I do not want to spoil the plot but if you are looking for any type of romance then run for the hills and watch more or less anything else, But if you want to feel really uncomfortable, watch some dialog driven drama, emotional stuff and secrets being dragged out by force... in a mess of mommy and daddy issues at their worst. This is definitely a must watch!
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This review may contain spoilers
A fable about the pointlessness of conforming at all costs
WARNING: review is full of spoilers, and is basically an essay!TLDR: a fascinating exploration of 'fitting in' at the expense of one's authenticity.
Jung Hyun and Jun Seok like each other, but their romance is short-lived. Min Jae (Jung Hyun’s ‘friend’) senses there’s something going on between the pair, and so sets off rumours at their school, and then tells Jung Hyun about said rumours. In response, Jung Hyun distances himself from Jun Seok, and ultimately brings an end to their relationship.
What’s fascinating is that it’s not the homophobic society, nor Min Jae (who is trying to help his friend in a weirdly homophobic way), preventing the pair from being together. Rather, it's Jung Hyun’s need to conform that brings an end to their relationship. His need to conform is at odds with Jun Seok’s indifference to how others perceive him, and is conveyed subtly on multiple occasions. Perhaps most pertinently, given the title of this short film, the contrast between them is hinted at when Jun Seok asks Jung Hyun why he smokes, and he simply says ’Because…’ He has no real response, because he smokes purely to fit in with his classmates. In contrast, when Min Jae asks Jun Seok if he smokes, Jun Seok says, ‘Why, do I have to?’ He knows smoking is ‘cool’, but couldn't care less.
This all comes to a head as rumours are swirling and Min Jae has proffered his words of warning to Jung Hyun. Jung Hyun can’t stand the whispered judgment of his peers and so brings things to an end with Jun Seok, symbolically smoking with classmates we've never even seen before as he does so.
The film ends with the camera lingering on Jung Hyun standing alone miserably, gazing at his classmates as they happily chat away, completely oblivious to him. Melancholy music kicks in, and one can’t help but sense that Jung Hyun is starting to grasp that he has lost everything and gained nothing. He has ended things with Jun Seok at the expense of his authenticity and happiness, because he couldn’t stand being gossip fodder for his classmates. And yet as he looks around, it’s clear his peers never really cared about his personal life to begin with; it’s old news to them. However, the pain of ending things with Jun Seok will remain. But hey, at least maybe he’ll stop smoking…
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This review may contain spoilers
kawaaiiiiiiii....
As expected from a JBL, it was a top notch production. The details they went into creating the costumes from the manga was astonishing. And of course the cuteness-factor was over 10. 🤣They showed us two persons with each two personalitites. Extrovert AE turns into introvert Enaga because he want's to learn at a fashion school. He is a top model but he has to hide his normal appearance otherwise it would create trouble for him and the school. Chiaki is an introvert and shy whenever he is is not at home, but he turns into an extroverted energetic designer after he opens up to Enaga who he has to be partnered with for a fashion competition.
Chiaki turned to fashion after he had seen AE on a runway and he also turned to fashion to give him courage to be the person he wants to be. Both character struggle in their own way. But Chiaki struggles more when he develops feelings for Enaga still not knowing that this is his idol/bias AE. But as it is also in real life, the truth will come out.
Both actors portrayed their characters to perfection imho. Everything was done just right. The only thing not as perfect was maybe the kiss - but I can forgive that, because at least it was not a deadfish kiss . 🤣 For me it's a show to recommand and for most it will be a light breeze in the autumn when there is some cold but also a lot of sun and it will make you smile most of the time.
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A UNIQUE CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED GEM
I started this out of spite but I was drawn to how it's theme seemed like something I haven't seen in C drama land in a while and I must say it continued surprising me throughout the episodes.Before I give my likes and dislikes about it I must say it's not your usual C drama troupe..it's not gonna have a fast pace type of love story and neither does it solely focus of romance...it's wierd yet quite addicting to watch.
What I liked about this drama was the plot execution...which was quite different...setting the leads out on this adventure as she tells him stories which were quite connected to her life was refreshing to see...the fables( stories) were amazing and each taught a lesson, the plot managed to balance the romance and the humour and the main plot.
The cast, it's my first time seeing FEI in a drama and yes I can say she really out did her self in this her character was challenged to portray firstly the role of the female lead and then POTRAY the fictional fable characters and each had a different temperament which she did flawlessly.
Male lead was someone I've seen before in CEO dramas and he's character here was a breath of fresh air I must say, he was sunny and different from all the roles he has been potraying which I liked quite alot.
The CINEMATOGRAPHY was an absolute pleasure...this part is usually not put into consideration in many dramas but this drama made sure to put it into place..the cinematography was amazing and the creativity put into the leads outfit which allowed them to reflect their roles and also the cinematography was an absolute pleasure indeed....I loved it
My only problem with the drama was being short...like how can you give me just 30 or 27 minutes per episode for this beautiful drama..I needed more.......
This is highly recommended for people who want something unique...and interesting but if you looking for alot of romance then this isn't for you....
It's added to my top five dramas this year.
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Be ready to stuck by lightening
Where to start… its amazing story. From start to end a journey full of emotions, love and compatibility. The chemistry was on fire n I am not exaggerating if i say that they didn’t even need to kiss to create fire 🔥. Don’t worry you will get plenty of 😘. My favourite character was Li Xi although he seemed to be a stubborn guy (exactly opposite to a gentleman, sometimes acted like a jerk yes an extremely proud guy .. or Atleast he pretended to be) but deep down he was a softy. He took his time to understand his surroundings and value friendships but he tried after many events (considering his background we can digest it). All in all I congratulate Arther Chen for being my new offical crush (damn cute). The FL was good. The thing i like most about her that she was not hesitant to express herself. She didn’t care about the so called ‘I am girl’ image n confessed her feelings from time to time . She trusted him in every stage. She was not blinded by jealousy even he purposely tried to mislead her yet she knew him so well and trusted him till the very end!Other characters played their parts well. Guo showed most versatility in his character. He made me like him, hate him and felt sorry for him. I wished he could stop himself but … it was too late when he realised! The friendship was stained…!! ( Still happy that he ended up with Xu Luna at the end (an ending different from novel)). Ran Di was cool… Fung Xiamo was also unique in her own way( I wished she could ended up with that guy from uni days (who had a crush on her) but the director didn’t put attention on her storyline as she was already additionally acted from novel). I like the changes they made in drama version but i also liked the novel (except the last part where the writer dragged it). All in all it was one of the best dramas with a good rewatch value.
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Everything in this drama was realy great and shown realy well. The actors fit the characters very well. This was was my first j-drama after a three month break and I'm realy happy I watched it... ^^
About the cast : They all were amazing together. Keiko was Riko, Tomohisa was Naoki and for me they will always be these. Because they were amazing and it's like these roles were made for them to play. When you see them fighting you can feel your heart aching and when they make up you can finaly feel at ease
There is one main song (like in, probably, every j-drama) but it's enough to say that the music is perfect because the song is amazing fot the show.
So, I can surely say that for me this drama was outstanding. At first you can think that a violinist and a basketball player would never be good for each other, but later on you see that you were wrong. ;)How they meet, how they talk, how they help and advice each other was beautiful. How they see each other by coincidence and how they feel embarased. You can feel their emotions yourself and you feel like it's effecting you, too. And that's why you fall in love with this drama even more. And that's amazing.
I'd definitely say that it's a must-watch drama!
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This review may contain spoilers
Perfect side story
This side story if not really a side story for me. It's more a glimpse of what changed between Oh-aew and The since the end of part 1. It helps us to understand better how their relationship evolved and thus we'll not be lost at the beginning of part 2. It's real transition, The says it himself. Now that there is no sun to watch, they have to watch the moon. And I think it's very beautiful. PP and Billkin are so comfortable with each other, I love the sweet gestures between them and Teh doesn't seem afraid of showing publicly his affection, I know we'll have angst but I have hope for so many good moments in part 2.I thought it would be a fan service video with only cute moments between those two . But I was wrong because in this 10 minutes video, Nadao still deal with coming of age theme. When you have to study elsewhere, far for home, when you life is gonna change for real and it's scary but also exciting. For instance, I like the fact that, during the scene on the beach, Oh-aew is not crying because he'll miss Teh. He's crying because he is saying goodbye to his younger self and his past life.
Last but not least, I'm always so much impressed by the cinematography. It's so beautiful, and it's only 10 minutes! The shots, the light... it's real art.
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This review may contain spoilers
Intriguing enough to keep going...
Story is interesting but you can't ignore dumb decisions made by leads. First 10 ep were good, a solid 8/9 then one particular moment changes the perspective of how you see things and start questioning things. Then not so perfect story falls apart and you can't enjoy it quite well. Major spoilers ahead!!!Now talking about the moment. Gu sanyeong was inside line of prohibition on a rainy day. Then evil spirit threatens her to kill her mom, then she freaks out and goes out to save her.
Another dumbest of them all moment goes to FL's mother when she listens to evil spirit and goes to kill yeom haesang. Then comes back and leaks info about thumb search and asks to spare her daughter. Lets assume that her brain got fried after all the shock. That way its better. Other minute things, maybe they used to give certain thrill to audience. Yeom haesang, the one who has most knowledge about ghosts among those alive uses subway, where he has no control over doors. When older detective got killed, he says dont open door until I get there.
Plotholes: 1) the very purpose of a horror story is how to contain/get rid of evil spirit. They should be clear and fault proof. In this there are 2 methods. One method, which includes 5 objects and name is stupid no matter how I see it. Evil spirit needs 5 objects to take over human body, and leads need them to seal evil spirit. This way spirit wins everytime, the moment they found objects it takes over their soul, and if they get objects/name wrong they die.
2) they found the skeltal remains/5th object, spirit didn't touch this object yet, but still took over Gu sanyeong. Existence and someone finding out the objects is enough?
Despite all the complaints I enjoyed most part of the drama. Acting is great and background score is refreshing. Na byeong hui (evil grandmother) is the only consistent thing lol. She's trash alive or dead. One thing for sure is evil spirit is genius and other characters are dumb.
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