This review may contain spoilers
A heart-wrenching film about the importance of friendships
When people think about the word soulmate, most of the time, the first thought that comes to their mind would be related to a significant other/a lover. But what if I tell you that your soulmate is the pure and deep friendships you've made throughout your life? A soulmate isn't just about finding "the one", a soulmate is someone who understands you significantly, someone who treasures you, and that person can be anyone in your life: a lover, a parent, a pet, or a friend. And this film: "Soulmate" excellently captures this concept. If you're coming into this film with the thought of wanting to know who the ML (Byun Wooseok) ends up with, then you're going to be disappointed because the ML isn't the film's focal point.Rather, it is the relationship between Miso (Kim Dami) and Haeun (Jeon Sonee). The film takes us from the beginning of their friendship until the end, the conflicts that they have in the middle, and a heart-wrenching conclusion/ending at the end. Miso and Haeun come from different worlds, with different personalities yet they stick together like magnets. With such differences, the film also touches upon the societal expectations for girls such as getting a decent job and marriage and these aspects can be clearly seen in Haeun - an ambitious young woman who wants to paint and draw but had to conform to her parent's expectations of becoming a teacher (something that she is not passionate about). Miso, on the other hand, is more adventurous and she does things her own way. However, she had to cope with harsh circumstances and had to learn the hard way to earn a living by going against social norms. In the end, the only time these 2 characters feel at peace and can be themselves is when they're with each other.
I have already watched the original before watching this and the Korean remake definitely has made some changes, but it did not steer completely away from the main storyline, instead, it adds more substance to it and I really appreciated that. The actors did an amazing job portraying the characters. This film will leave you sobbing after so have some tissues prepared. Definitely recommend this film.
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: Well maybe for many the story is very "Robin Hood" like but it isn't like that at all.I don't know how to describe it but I haven't watched such a good drama in ages.The story was so beautiful developed....each character had her/his own episodes where their pasts was revelied which was very good in my opinion.I really loved the bond between the 4 main characters, which gets stronger and stonger with every episode.
Acting/Cast: The acting was amazing.It succeded in bringing me laughter and tears every time.The chemistry (which is very important for me) was always there between Huo Wallace and Lu Cecilia.I really think that they did a great job portraiting their characters feelings and such.I really loved the fact that here the main girl wasn't some lady who needed to be taken care of and could figt and protect herself without any help.Anyway the actor who really got to me was Siu Edwin...even if he was the bad guy...he really got under your skin making you hate him but at the same time pity him.
Music: I can't say much about it because it wasn't the main point in the drama but the OST was very beautiful and refreshing.
Rewatch Value: Even if this drama has 30 episodes I would definetely watch it again!I really think that by rewatching it the viewer will be able to underestand the story and the actions of the characters better than the first time.
Overall: In my opinion this drama is somethig you shoudn't miss, especially if you are in a drama slump because it helps oneself to regain the taste and joy for dramas...reminding you why you started loving them.
Was this review helpful to you?
This couple grows into you that you can't stop watching till the end.
One of the best.
Highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Welcome to Thunderdome - Challenge Accepted!
Wuxia, wuxia, wuxia! Score! To be honest, I wasn't even going to pick it up originally because other then Xing Fei a bit, I didn't know anyone in the cast. But the fact that recommended sources told me that if I wanted a real wuxia that was written by someone well known for the genre, this was it. And I'm so glad I did. This was close to absolutely everything I had hoped this genre would be. Welcome to Thunderdome - challenge accepted!Pros: Though I usually start this section with outlining my favorite characters, I have to begin by praising my favorite portion of the series; the martial arts! Absolutely fantastic and in just about every single episode or every other one. Every character performed very well when it came to those scenes, it made you just want to cheer for our heroes when they bagged another slime ball. I can't say enough about how much I personally loved the physicality of each sequence, each fight, each battle. I'd give those scenes 10s easily.
Favorite character was MRF; he was beautifully written and executed to perfection by his actor. This man was essentially living or existing in self-loathing and torture over the death of his sworn brother and wife. Running all over the world trying to find the truth of who the real killer was, was evident with every slump of his shoulders, every fruitless trip he made; seemed that with every betrayal, his eyes got gloomier and more despair filled. Only when he had his daughter did that ease a little bit but even until his dying breath he was protecting the ones he cared for and swore to protect and executing his revenge on the villain who sadly was right in front of him the entire time. A real man of honor. Didn't hurt that he looked like D'Artagnon from The 3 Musketeers with the long hair and goatee.
HF, our ML was also great especially as they showed him growing and maturing. Do wish he was less gullible sooner but those are small fries. As he traveled around and met more martial artists and just soaked up the knowledge and won each time he was put to the test, it was a cheerful moment, kind of like a goal at a soccer match. Probably the most touching moment for me in the entire series was when MRF knelt down and put his hand on HF's neck before he went to finish off TGN in episode 39. That real connection between sworn uncle and nephew, I wish it lasted forever. HF by that time knew MRF was innocent of his parents' deaths and MRF was finishing his vengeance and honoring the oath he made to HF's mother, to protect him. MRF's ultimate sacrifice to save HF and the others, I felt was a bit unnecessary as they could have escaped together as is. Though perhaps to him, death was actually more suitable to release him from all of the agony he'd lived with mentally and psychologically through the years knowing his daughter had her mother to take care of her. He could literally rest in eternal peace. So that one is a catch 22; what's better for the audience or the character.
Both of the female leads did very well. I really liked that though there were romantic feelings whirling around, romance wasn't forced into this series. It was a sad ending for all in that capacity but it did serve a purpose. I do wish things were written differently and that will be discussed below. If I had to choose, I do wish HF ended up with ZY as they had the most chemistry and there was no need to show sparks and whatnot; subtle love is fine too. Both women had their own strengths and helped HF grow while they were with him. Just like other people he met along the way, he became a hero in his own right because of the experiences ZY and CLS gave him.
Other favorite characters included official Zhou and his brothers; they were very smart when it came to their own self interests and when it was time to come and go; they were quite comical at times. The other sect leaders and brothers HF met along the way who taught him stuff and backed him up. I did like MCH but she really wasn't a smart person. In the absolute plethora of villains, the most convincing ones were vampire poison and TGN, though I do wish TGN had way less screen time.
Production was beautiful; from costumes, weapons, styling, sets and some of the OSTs. Very little to pick apart in this section.
Cons: This series nearly became the second costume drama to get a perfect score if it wasn't for the final episodes. This is where the really awesome pacing of the entire series became a runaway horse of we need to tie up every loose end somehow even if it looks completely bizarre. How did MCH know what was happening that she appeared on the gate tower to keep the gates open only to jump down and get shot with an arrow? They were so determined to kill her that this completely in-cohesive situation was created. Did she grow wings, learn telepathy, manifest a sword? It was so out of left field, one had no words. Also the swords vs rifles scenes just seemed very weird; bullets will kill a lot faster then a sword will unless you're a master martial artist or sacrificing yourself to protect others like MRF did.
Let's backtrack a bit to the idiot father-son duo whose arc took forever to end, the nun who essentially manipulated her disciple aka ZY into following her into becoming a nun too, instead of letting her follow her heart and be with HF. I hope the nun doesn't turn MCH's kids into monks but lets them choose their own paths as was decided by both their father and HF. There seemed too much heavy-handed approaches to situations that didn't need them. TGN and NL had way too much screen time and that was really the only time the drama got slightly boring; though she learned the truth in the end and chose the right path, she was too dumb for too long. Though TGN was one of the biggest villains, he was so annoying and childish, you wanted to shove him off a cliff the minute you met him. You knew immediately he was not a good person and that just snowballed from there.
Returning to the last episode, why couldn't CLS's death be written better? They literally waited until then to have her face off against vampire poison and his puny disciples; then when she starts to save HF who of course intervened to save her, she paralyzes him leaving him struggling, gaping like a fish out of water while she does her final monologue? It was all very inconsistent and haphazard. I think she deserved a better end since they decided on that. Killing vampire poison in a flashback HF has in the final maybe 5 minutes of the show was also very lackluster and unsatisfactory considering who he was and what he had done. Literally the last 1.5 episodes of this entire series botched what would have been a perfect score but otherwise the show was/is really great!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, 100%! The last 1.5 episodes notwithstanding and a few parts in the middle, this series hit every aspect of a terrific wuxia. As far as I'm concerned, the challenge was met, accepted, and won!
Was this review helpful to you?
Portrait of Thai urban-queer teen culture
'GelBoys', iQIYI Thailand's third original series, brings us a romantic coming-of-age story of youthful relationships in the modern era, set against the vibrant, pop-culture-filled backdrop of Siam Square, the beating heart of Bangkok.Due to its high cultural trust, 'GelBoys' is an example of how small studios save Thai BL production. Its vibrant cinematic language, engaging script, and on-camera realism are noteworthy. In the latter respect, the series makes exceptional use of mobile phone footage, natural lighting, and guerrilla-style street filming to create an almost documentary-like intimacy.
In this place full of contrasting vibes, the epicenter of everything cool that exists in the Thai capital, a place where fashion is sculpted and emerges, "Fou4Mod", a high school student who longs for a romantic relationship, finds himself flirted with by Chian, a boy who sports gel nails and who casually invites him to get his nails done together in Siam Square.
"Fou4Mod" falls in love with him, but soon realizes he's being "put on hold" when he discovers that Chian is also inviting Bua, a half-Thai, half-German TikToker, to gel nail sessions.
For this reason, "Fou4Mod" decides to get revenge by asking his close friend Baabin for help, and they do their nails together in an attempt to make Chian jealous and experience being in a state of "waiting" for themselves. We soon discover that Baabin has been secretly in love with "Fou4Mod" for years. What if Bua ends up liking Baabin? Wouldn't a romance between the two be the ideal solution to the conflict the four protagonists are experiencing? What could happen to this love triangle? However, this won't be a "perfect love triangle," as Bua likes to go on dates with Moo (Bonus Nutthawut Eamchuen), a schoolmate.
The interesting thing about the love triangle in 'Gelboys' is that the character with two suitors isn't the main protagonist. The Thai series essentially follows "Fou4Mod," not Chian. It's Chian's romantic choice, not "Fou4Mod's," that drives the story; And the romantic choice, which is at the heart of the story, isn't up to the boy who fell in love with the woman who introduced him to the world of gel nails. What if, among so many romantic options, "Fou4Mod" will eventually have to choose between Chian and Baabin?
Also interesting is the fact that, very often, the BL narrative takes us to a boy who has always believed he was heterosexual and today wavers when he discovers that he has fallen in love with another man. 'Gelboys' takes us through another path: here is a boy who is firmly convinced that he is gay, but hesitates as to which of the two boys he is attracted to is the right one to have a romance with.
With a style reminiscent of the intensity of 'Euphoria,' the American series created in 2019 by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin and starring Zendaya in the lead role, but with a clear Asian identity, 'Gelboys' has revolutionized the industry with a plot that embraces uncomfortable truths. Moving away from the idealized fantasies typical of Thai Boys Love, the series explores the contradictions, fears, and hopes of a generation navigating the gap between hyperconnectivity and loneliness. Beyond a romance, 'Gelboys' stands as a stark reflection of how technology, immediacy, and the constant search for validation confront the emotional vulnerability of young people.
Launched by iQIYI, the world's largest online video and movie platform, the series specifically seeks to expand Thai content in the global market with the announced goal of making the Southeast Asian nation a global entertainment center.
The first impression I get from the first frames is that I am in the presence of a great real-life portrait of teenagers who go to and from school from the BTS Skytrain, go through their daily lives while sharing with their friends, with their classmates, with their teachers, with their partners, while they flirt with the boy they like, spy on social networks, follow from a distance the person they have fallen in love with... while they are filmed with a mobile phone, so that it seems more natural... and they, oblivious to everything, they don't know it.
If we add to the above the music, the absence of internal monologues, the capture of how uncomfortable and transcendental teenage love is, a boy wanting to be "cool" in front of the person he likes, the awkwardness, the nail art, the pop culture, the cartoons as part of the plot, the trope of love at first sight with a different approach than usual, and the atmosphere of Siam Square, with its combination of street food stalls and high-end restaurants, the various attractions that the Passerby finds in his path, such as the revered Erawan Shrine or the Jim Thompson Museum of Art, we find a series with the development and rhythm of its very realistic and relaxing story of LGBT+ life.
Sometimes I get the impression of being a team of reporters in the middle of a public street filming passers-by or acquaintances.
Siam Square in particular and Bangkok in general are the heart of the story, as the characters are essentially urban. In my opinion, there is an intention to show the city beyond its iconic tourist destinations.
The construction of the atmosphere of 'Gelboys' depends not only on the acting talent, but also on the aesthetic and narrative decisions of the production team. The happy and festive tones combine harmoniously with the oppressive and dark ones in the direction, to reinforce the feeling of emotional claustrophobia that the main characters experience, one in an attempt to conquer the boy he likes, and the other who oscillates between two loves.
In this sense, each shot is a reflection of their internal states, from moments of joy, of sharing experiences in communion, and others of doubt to episodes of despair.
Another relevant aspect is the use of real locations combined with sets designed specifically for the series. Additionally, music plays a key role in the narrative. "No-status Status", the main song performed by BUS, is not only a poetic anthem, but a constant description of the situation experienced by the protagonists. It's worth noting how the musical themes are played from the characters' phones, not from a sheet of music.
With a very attractive, dynamic, fresh and highly addictive format, behind the series, guaranteeing success, is the same technical team that produced 'I Told Sunset About You' and 'The Paradise of Thorns': Boss Naruebet Kuno as director; Kate Karakade Norasethaporn, Junior Naron Cherdsoongnern and Boss himself as scriptwriters, and Tang Tawanwad Wanavit as director of photography, this time with the first collaboration with LOOKE.
The viewer can notice from the first images, in this romantic, youthful, musical and episodic series, the influence of the French Nouvelle Vague, with its low budget, film cuts, with sounds, light and music emanating from the same story, with technical simplicity, with greater narrative freedom, with filming with a greater presence of natural settings, which has a lot to do with what filmmakers did in the 90s of the last century, in the music video, and codes of staging such as breaking with studios and sets, and going out into the street to film with a camera (or a mobile phone, as is the case) and a recorder, and thus creating a visual poetry that reflects the life of the inhabitants of the asphalt.
The homage to the French Nouvelle Vague is palpable in the film cuts, in the breaking of the fourth wall (the characters do not speak, but they do look at the camera as in 'À bout de souffle', the 1960 police drama written and directed by Jean-Luc Godard, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg.
Boss Naruebet Kuno is a master in experimenting with genres and structures, with characters and with the traditions of a cinematography perhaps not unaccustomed to these experiments.
Due to its realism, 'GelBoys' feels like a series redolent of dreams, aspirations and desires of today's teenagers, but that also has the power to evoke the memories and nostalgia of those who have already gone through this stage of life. It pleasantly reminds me of the GameBoys era.
Equally noteworthy is the idea it gives of being an independent film product due to its low budget, dealing with everyday topics and being closer to the public. I am glad that creative interests are not dominated by the desire to make a big income.
On the other hand, the use of the technique and creativity of the grader is notable when regulating lighting variables such as color dominants, luminosity, brightness, saturation, and contrast of the different shots through photochemical processes in the laboratory, thereby achieving the same shots shot with different mobile phone cameras and in changing light conditions.
It seems to me to be a very different series from the usual BL series, with an impeccable aesthetic, with a very Gen Z story, with strong Y2K vibes, but which does not lack a certain retro vibe. And it brings us familiar faces and new ones.
"Fou4Mod" is performed by New Chayapak Tunprayoon, known to audiences through projects such as 'Ready, Set, Love' and 'I Promised You The Moon', the sequel series to 'I Told Sunset About You', in which he played Au.
For his part, Chian comes to life through actor Pide Monthapoom Sumonvarangkul, who we have seen in the sports-themed BL series 'Our Days', by screenwriter and director Kyo Thanate Limchaloen, in which he played Q.
Baabin is played by PJ Mahidol Pibulsonggrama, who has gained more public attention after starring in Off director Monthon Arayangkoon's romantic medical drama 'Good Doctor' and the series 'Eightraordinary', and who is also the younger brother of JJ Krissanapoom Pibulsonggram, who recently played 'Thiu' Wasan, the police officer in 'Spare Me Your Mercy'.
GelBoys is the series debut of Thai-German model and actor Leon Zech or Leon Brocco as Bua.
"Fou4Mod" Chian, Baabin and Bua and their schoolmates seem to be not a group of actors playing a certain role they were chosen for, but real students in their school uniforms, with their textbooks in their backpacks, guitar on their backs, living everyday life, experiencing first love, being like real teenagers are: impulsive, hormonal, daring, adventurous, idealistic, optimistic, liberal, critical, eager to be an adult, constantly searching to spend more time with friends and less time with family, spending more time alone in their room, trying out different personal styles (clothes, hairstyle, makeup…), trying out different hobbies or having changing interests… And this gives it a high degree of realism, rarely seen before in a BL series.
The viewer may feel repulsed by the person who uses his peers for something as selfish as making others jealous, but that is so well portrayed in this program that one waits to see how the story continues.
In the midst of some of the most visited attractions, restaurants and shopping centers in the city of Bangkok, such as Siam Paragon, Siam Shopping One, MBK and Central World, and that kind of open-air shopping center with a creative atmosphere, with its endless alleys of improvised stalls and open markets to explore, each with its own range of extravagant products, these four young people live the experiences of first love, love at first sight, the first flirtations, and also the first nail job of their lives.
Due to its realism, 'GelBoys' feels like a series with the scent of the dreams, aspirations and desires of today's teenagers, but that also has the power to evoke the memories and nostalgia of those who have already gone through this stage of life.
'Gelboys' is not just a series: it is an invitation to reflect on adolescence as that stage of constant changes, where each person seeks autonomy and their own identity.
The masterful performances of New and Pide, together with a cast of talented actors, take the audience on a path full of emotions, conflicts and universal truths, where in that search for identity, having dreams and aspirations are of vital importance.
'Gelboys' transcends the traditional molds of the genre and demonstrates that series can be both a space for entertainment and a platform for art and introspection. What would you do, as a teenager, to achieve your dreams? Won't these help you form your character and define your personality in order to guide your actions and define what you want to be, how you want people to identify you and how you want to see yourself in the future? These are the questions that 'Gelboys' asks us episode after episode.
In short, 'Gelboys' has a huge heart, a lot of realism, great musical numbers and many sentimental moments... it will bring tears to your eyes, laughter... and you will jump with joy and happiness.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes, the movie definitely changed some things from the anime. But what movie doesn't? Especially for anime, some things would look a little weird without changing it while doing the live action. And this way, you're not watching the exact same thing. I found both the anime and the movie very entertaining, and i recommend both.
The acting in this was also really great! The actor who played Light was very impressive, I could see where he was coming from, and what type of personality he had easily. L was played really good too! I'm team L all the way, and never once was on Light's side!
So if your considering whether to watch it or not,here is what i suggest: if you are an avid anime fan keep an open mind that there are changes to the movie. If you've never seen the anime, i suggest watching that first. That way the movie won't spoil you with what will happen. Or vice versa. Whichever you prefer. Hoped this helped!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What an outstanding chamber play with two extremely gifted, stellar actors
Father's House" has two episodes only.What an outstanding chamber play, though!
With two extremely gifted, stellar actors. Choi Min-soo, already living acting legend at that time, and Kim So-hyun, then just in the starting blocks for fame. Choi Min-soo and Kim So-hyun deliver an unforgettably intense, mature performance and thus the authentically touching portrait of a dear, profound, yet often clumsy father-son relationship over a period of more than 2 centuries.
Male feelings are the focus. The heroes in "Father's House" are men of simple, humble origin - with either a gruff, rough and rumbling or withdrawn demeanor of hidden feelings that are rather reluctant and probably seldom felt, let alone shown. However, having feelings and showing emotions is allowed in this KDrama. It's difficult to deal with, yes, but it's possible. Necessary even.
Emotional sincerity has a liberating effect. The three male protagonists - son, father (and his adopted father) - actually become role models. "Father's House" came as a distinct year-end television show at the turn of the year 2009 - with reruns after that...
Was this review helpful to you?
I am hoping and waiting for another season.
I finished this for just 1 day and that means it is that good.
Was this review helpful to you?
The plot is well written, problems and angst are not overdrawn and resolved at a satisfying rate. The leads have great chemistry and their love story doesn’t take a long time to develop (surprise in ep3) but is still believable. The writter and director was also very generous on the kiss scenes (>.<). The romantic scenes may not be as steamy as in Eternal Love but it’s still as sweet as it can get.
For everybody looking for fantasy wuxia series, watch this as this has probably THE BEST HAPPY ENDING you can hope for.
Was this review helpful to you?
Finding Yourself
Aristocrats tells the story of two women from different social classes, family backgrounds, and outlook on life who embark on a journey of self-discovery and finding their place in the world, amidst the constraints of familial expectations, gender discrimination, class system and traditional values that are deeply ingrained in Japanese society, particularly amongst the upper class or, in the context of the film, the aristocrats.Based on the novel Ano Ko wa Kizoku by award-winning author and essayist Mariko Yamauchi, which was serialised in the monthly magazine Syosetsu Subaru in 2015 and published as a book in 2016. Yukiko Sode, who is a notable indie-film director, wrote the screenplay adaptation and directed the film. Yasuyuki Sasaki serves as cinematographer while Takuma Watanabe composed the original score. Aristocrats had its world premiere at the 33rd Tokyo International Film Festival in 2021.
What I Appreciated
The character-driven and female-centric narrative is told from the perspectives of the two women, Haibara Hanako and Tokioka Miki, structured in a converging parallel plot format. Certain flashback sequences are involved but, for the most part, a linear storytelling approach is adopted which preserves the overall cohesion and coherence of the multiple POVs. A number of themes concerning conservative social constructs, narrow mindsets and stereotypes are manifested while the concepts of marriage, friendship and love are also explored to a certain extent.
Running at just over 2 hours, this film covers quite an extensive scope but gives the impression of taking its time to allow the various elements to breathe and gradually sink in. Nothing ever feels rushed or abrupt as the tempo of the storytelling remains delicately poised all throughout. This aspect is complemented by the equally subtle cinematography technique that renders a series of exquisitely framed moments. A more subdued colour grading is employed with a slight textured effect that filters the warmer colour palettes. The gently imbued orchestral accompaniment that induces an introspective mood provides the finishing touches to the end product - a motion picture that showcases visual aesthetics and technical artistry.
Where the production truly shines lies in the exceptional cast performances, particularly that of the main leads. Kadowaki Mugi and Mizuhara Kiko are hugely impressive in their respective portrayals of Haibara Hanako and Tokioka Miki. Understatedly emotive and compellingly nuanced, these two fine actresses certainly possess the gravitas to utterly enliven the entire film with their commanding screen presence. My only qualm is that I wished both had more scenes together.
Final Thoughts
Aristocrats, at its core, represents an in-depth character study of the internal struggles of two young women against the backdrop of a deeply traditional society amidst the hustle-and-bustle of cosmopolitan Tokyo. It is bittersweet yet inspiring and the story eventually ends on a high note which provides a fitting closure where both leads finally discover their true worth and find their place in the world. This has been a truly evocative viewing experience.
Was this review helpful to you?
That having said, the movie touches some taboo issues, but take them in the most natural way possible. it shows a dysfunctional man whose life goes even further away from from what can be called normal as he starts to live with a girl who has lost everything due to natural catastrophe. There are very few supporting characters and the background story remains vague which adds to the mysterious character of the movie.
It is slow paced, so you've got to be prepared for this. The viewer is supposed to feel the climate rather than be shocked and rushed through series of events. So take a good time for this two hours of tragic drama. And try to get swallowed by the emptiness of the coldest parts of Hokkaido.
The acting is superb. We've got two very different actors, acting-style wise, age wise, who managed to create an amazing emotional blend that creates a kind of awkward harmony. Needless to say, Asano Tadanobu greatness is very much visible here and he suits Jungo's character very well. On the other hand, very young Nikaido Fumi proves once again how versatile actress she is.
The few supporting ones are good as well and create rather coherent background.
Music is again a background issue that basically helps to set the mood and proves it really well.
As a summary, one more time: do not expect fireworks, if you look for entertainment it hardly there. But if you don't mind that you might get tangled up in something disturbingly beautiful.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This is the new STANDARD
I wasn't 100% sure what my overall rating would be but as I was ticking off all the marks, I realised that everything was near perfection and deserves a 8.5.The music in this show was incredibly diverse and although I appreciate Thai artists being used in Thai shows, the fact that they used English music kind of made it a deeper experience for me. I guess you don't realise how much the lyrics of a song makes a difference when it plays in the background. You unintentionally relate those lyrics to what is happening in the moment. For this reason, the music was a 9.5/10.
The acting and plot was phenomenal and original. There wasn't a boring moment in this show and it really hit all the right markers.
The scene where Yok is doing a nude portrait of Dan is one of my favourite scenes in the show. It was so vulnerable and really set this precedent for BLs to follow. Instead of it focusing on steamy scenes and desires, this show actually showed a deeper meaning which was perfectly worded when Dan said 'I feel like I'm confessing my sins'. 10/10.
Also, the relationship between White and Sean was so naturally introduced. No confusion in what they were feeling, no regret or worry. They just accepted it as naturally as one should accept feelings for another. They didn't hide it from anyone and were so open to what they were feeling. Also, I love that both of them made sure eachother wanted the same thing. Basically, I love the CONSENT.
Great representation of the qommunity (get it.. haha queer community... qommun... anyways you get it). We had some beautiful raindbow flags in some scenes which I love <3
However, it wouldn't be a fair review if I didn't touch on the negatives...
I was a little disappointed with how they reintroduced Black into the story once he woke up. He kind of left the gang after he woke up which just doesn't make sense since he's the one that started it. If anything, I would have liked him to see that what White had done was working better than his plan but it was a little disappointing how he then continued on his own.
The ending was a little disappointing as well. They spent the entire show trying to take down Tawi but in the end, all of their efforts seemed to just be a symbol for society to stand up. We didn't have an epic scene where Tawi got taken in by police which I was looking forward to.
Also, I didn't fully understand why Dan all of a sudden changed his mind and went to arrest them. Like I get that someone powerful told him that he needs to step in line but AS IF that would be enough to scrap all your efforts and the effort of someone you supposedly love.
Was this review helpful to you?
Surprisingly I loved it!!!
This is a bizarre series, slow-paced and sweet in its own -um unique- way!I will try to explain why I like this series so much, even though admittedly it had its shortcomings. Personally, I like the main couple and their dynamics. It is one of those rare times that we get the chance to see a couple of two similar personalities that suit and complement each other. Both MLs are introverted, quiet and a little bit depressed. I enjoyed how they seemed to attempt to achieve a more happy outlook and get some goals in their lives -especially Mon- through each other's influence. The dedication they both showcase to each other and the support and friendship that progressively turns into something else were the wining points for me. If you're looking for an intense romance, full of declarations of undying love or jealousy outbursts, this would not be your cup of tea. But if you like to see how a very closed off, nearly antisocial guy re-opens up his heart through the care and support of the one person that strives to help them resume following their dreams, then maybe you'd love this as much as I did.
Also, it is notable that the second lead here not only isn't annoying and exhausting as usual, but he's lovely and his intense feelings for the ML do not go unnoticed by the viewer. He is so lovable and honest that you find yourself supporting him and wishing to see him happy and loved as well.
The music was maybe the most bizarre part of the whole series. At times I tried to decide if it even fit the scenes or made them more awkward but after a point I got used to it. Also, having Soh being a music major and having his own band, I think maybe they could have developed their music choices more. This, however, in addition to the long pauses in several scenes. gave you the time to get into the characters' mentality and inner thoughts.
In general, this series is a breath of fresh air that will give you some time to think, relax and appreciate what most of us take for granted everyday. The cinematography is very well done, and the characters are complex and flawed. I got really invested while this series was airing and the excitement for what would come next never left me. They did follow some cliché patterns that could have been avoided, but as it was very mild in terms of the shock element, those moments gave us the chance to get to know the characters and their feelings better. The ending for me was the perfect way to end this series and suited both characters but also the reality of such a relationship! I hope more people give this series a chance and can enjoy it as much as I did!
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: Divorce lawyers of opposing sides find the love spot as they both work though the bad luggage they acquired from previous relationships. Not a new storyline, just a well acted and directed story.
Actors: Main leads chemistry was simply delicious and heartfelt. The side actors (and their stories) were well matched and performed.
Music: well matched and placed
This drama might resonate with any viewer who has been through any major life events and survived to be better on the other side. The leads have magnetic chemistry which make this so delightful to watch.
Rewatch: 46eps is long to rewatch but I might hop around to view episodes to keep these characters and their journey as a reminder on some key life points on love, marriage, divorce and smiles. Well done drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
TSY shines in her role as Ning Meng, our feisty, stubborn and kind to fault dreamer that starts out as a secretary to a successful businessman but ends up becoming a boss woman in her own right. We are given a front row seat to her growth from the very start to the end and you'll find yourself cheering her on through all the trials and struggles she endures. I've always been a fan of TSY (and it was because of this that I even started this drama in the first place) and this has turned into one of her best roles to date. She is perfectly casted as Ning Meng and undoubtedly, it's her charm and likability that makes this drama so good.
I'm not the biggest fan of LGX and will issue a warning that he is completely unlikable as Lu JiMing for the first ten or so episodes. You'll find yourself wanting to hit him, trip him down a flight of stairs and throw a drink (or five) at his smug face. In that sense, LGX has done a great job in his role. However, as much as this is a drama about Ning Meng's growth in her career, it's also a drama about Lu JiMing's individual growth from becoming an arrogant CEO who takes his temper out on everyone around him to becoming a truer version of himself that learns how to communicate and be more honest. As awful as his mouth is, he's someone with integrity, grit, and a good investor (but a terrible boss).
Many will say that the romance is lacking in this and they would be right. This isn't your standard lovey-dovey romance with lots of cooing and kissing, but a drama with one of the most realistic takes on love and relationships. The secondary female lead isn't an awful scheming woman but a mature one that knows herself and knows when to retreat. The secondary male lead is a bit more challenging but an important reminder that love isn't the be all end all and not an ultimate savior.
Perhaps it's the advantage of having both a female director behind the lens and a female scriptwriter but for once, I truly felt that this was a drama that was focused on the female lead and not just the female lead in relation to the male lead. A truly solid 8.5 drama but a 9 for the fact that it doesn't fall back on the typical romantic stereotypes and manages to inspire and end with one of the most satisfying endings for a drama I've seen.
Was this review helpful to you?
