Ella Chen was hilarious and adorable! Her expressions always had me cracking :D And that reminds me - the adorable little boy from Autumn's concerto is in this drama too! Awww. If only cuteness could kill. And after watching this drama I'm really looking forward to Taiwan's version Of Hana Kimi (I don't think there could've been a better choice for the role of Ashiya than Ella Chen) and Hana Yori Dango (Jerry Yen as Goo Joon Pyo = I can't wait) ^^
Special credits to Jerry Yen as Yu Ping. Lol, sorry but his hotness deserves super special credits. Not just anyone can pull off a pink shirt looking as hot as him ^^ Super special credits to the kids. Aww, I wish they'd stuck around longer so that Guo could continue being their nanny for a few more episodes. I missed them so much! But the story turned another way (mostly involving fake relationships and annoying people). still liked it!
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Story-The story is a dark melodrama about when passion spins out of control. It discusses adultery, unrequited love, and (what I would call) abuse. You already know from the very beginning that things will go really wrong with the affair(s). The plot moves from the past to the present which what makes this show exciting.
Acting- I feel that Lee Dong Wook's best role is here. I know a lot of people who have enjoyed My Girl and say that was his best role, but I disagree. I believe his best role was in Bittersweet Life. In this role, he went from adorable and happy, to scary and creepy like that. That made the show even more enjoyable because you would not know how he would react next.
Park Si Yeon did a great job at being a mistress that you don't want to have around. In this drama, her character comes off as money obsessed and annoying. It isn't a great combo, but still I don't think it was her fault for coming off that way. I just think that was the writer trying to make her as dislikable as possible....which honestly isn't hard.
Jung Bo Suk (aka the husband)- succeeds in being a man you love to hate. His character is a control freak who doesn't really care about anybody. He did a great job at making people want to punch the screen.
Oh Yun Soo- Wow. Just wow. She was great! I don't know if it was the writers doing or her own doing, but I felt the character's resentment in a way I can't describe.
Music- The music was wonderful. It was exciting and thrilling and fit well with every scene.
Overall- I highly recommend! Definitely not a drama for kids though.
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Brace Your Flight to Avert Catastrophe
Personal Note before Review: I have reassembled my thoughts before pouring mine out due to being influenced to look at letterboxd's reviews (before the official release, because they watch pre-screen from Cannes Award last year), then my mind goes screwed all over then messed all up like *rant-rage mode activated* so I prefer to opinize mine rather than hearing their thoughts insteadTL;DR: What if you already plan to take a vacation abroad, but when it comes to an emergency situation; you've come unprepared beforehand? What if you have zero knowledge of what's going on up there, but decide to side with the fault before reading the room? That's basically what happened during this watch of its announcement theme. You'll never know what's up or below, sky or land, just to resolve a calamity
I have come up with its pros and cons, but most cons are from their perspectives and my assumptions (which doesn't mean that's their overall thoughts. It's just a theory)
PROS:
It's Not That You Instead of Delving into This Story But Must IMMERSE Their Experience
There is a reason why I should encourage you to use the upgrade cinema feature (4DX or Screen X if you afford it): this one. As you can see from all trailers, you need to experience how it feels to fly through the horizon, while encountering the crisis itself. It slowly starts from the usual atmosphere on land, then before departure, then all... all combined into one while knowing their solving to each problem
Every Main Lead Nailed Their Tasks. Period
Nothing goes unresolved in this film. They made a great job settling down every precise detail of its roots. From solving cases to ongoing aviation crisis, which is why I really love this development so much that I want to rewatch it all over again. I have no queasy feeling for this film for the first time I ever had, which is funny coming from myself, who dislike marathons such mediums
It Will Leave You Emotional Depending on The Circumstances
General to personal, for some main leads' stories. Leaves you wondering why, but you found the answer throughout the film. Can't say it's unpredictable, but all I can say is unexpected
A Reality-Check Eventhough It's Fiction
But I believe this director collect/researched all investigation cases, especially major ones into this remarkable movie. Sad to say that this is not from the true event, but he leaves wonderful, inspirational traces behind, even after his previous creations. Salute
Now, to its CONS:
Longer Movie Duration
I realized that some of the watchers I observed during that, are dozing off; and bigger 'alarms' (you'll see why) woke them up. I don't think this one is a part of the weakness for this film because I find it overall enthusiastic (yet also wondering how some can endure watching not instead of 2+ hours, even from web movies like 4+ or maximum 8 hours?)
Political Issues Included, Hence Biased Favor of Its Propaganda
Yes.... this one, is pretty much undeniable, and I see the pattern there. I mean, not willing to take any risks from certain countries, hence being one-sided and all. I don't want to be specific on which country, but you'll see, again, why
Regardless of any endings they made: happy, sad, or open-endings, I'd still rate this 10 anyways, because they have portrayed everything beautifully, and made it a Hollywood-esque level of VFX, cinematography... even its storyline, too. I've been more than glad despite its 2-year delay, it's the most worth watching; therefore the best Korean movie I ever watched so far
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama basically started off with both main lead how they meet and all those. Then the girl ( Han Fei ) had a accident and died which the boy ( Wu Jing Hao ) regretted not to save her as Han Fei met him before the accident. So 10 years later, Jing Hao is a doctor and he went back 10 years ago, about 3 to 4 months before the accident and he tried ways to stopped it, Along this journey, he started to know more about Han Fei. But on the day of the accident, Jing Hao saved Han Fei with his life. He left a letter for Han Fei about him coming back from the past and how he tried saving her So the drama skipped to 10 years later where Han Fei is a a doctor , went through what Jing Hao did, went back to 10 years and then she saved him and they both lived happily ever after.
( P.S. I am mentioning partly of the story )
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Tales of the Misfits
Characters are self obsessed, angsty, self-destructive and in some sense rejected by society. I was truly absorbed by these characters throughout the movie, and being a coming of age film lover, I really like the character study treatment they have given on each character especially the interview part. Film was deep, very philosophical, it tackles existentialism quite profoundly. I also heard it was based on a manga so if that's true that would make it the darkest and the most depressing manga based movie I've ever seen. I also love the setting, it is set in an industrial area in 1990's, and vibe is a blend between depressing and nostalgic.I love the cinematography, it's very atmospheric, and camera work is documentary like, love character close up shots and the background. Music is simplistic but effective, it builds the tension for each scenes and the transition to the next. I also love how the ending credits song is upbeat such contrast to the whole theme of the film, it gives smile to my face.
Great acting from all of these young cast lead by the Fumi Nikaido which in my opinion the best young actress in Japan, she's really good with these type of characters. Yoshizawa Ryo is a revelation in this movie, I didn't know he can act like this, such intensity, reminds me of a young Kengo Kora. The rest of the cast did great job as well because it's not an easy feat to play these types of characters.
Not for everyone obviously, lots of gore and sex scenes. Also the narrative doesn't have anything to do with romanticism but existentialism. Slow but thought provoking film, it probably requires a rewatch to fully understand the message of the film.
Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/
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A weirdly pure love in an affair. Raw.
I never thought I'd watch a drama about adultery, but here I am. This drama had some of the best acting I have seen in a kdrama (looking at you, Jung Sang Hoon). I definitely cried watching it. This drama will stick with me, that's for sure.It was poetic, a slow-burn, but hooked me; some might feel conflicted to rate this drama high due to the implications and subject matter, but just because you rate it high doesn't mean you approve of what the characters are doing. Just because I give this drama a 10 doesn't mean I approve of affairs or cheating. The reason why this drama is a 10 for me is because everything was perfect: the acting, storytelling, music, etc. You could FEEL the emotions and turmoil that the characters went through and see how their actions hurt them and the people around them. I thought it was perfect, and wish more dramas could be so beautiful to watch.
Also, side note, but DAMN episode 12. That episode...best of the show. Had my heart nearly bursting out of my chest from anxiety and pain. I would defnitely go back and rewatch that episode. Like I said, some of the best acting I've seen in a kdrama.
I have not seen the Japanese version of this, so I cannot compare the two, but I will just say that this drama is worth your time.
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A cdrama gem that is relatable and inspirational
For a third generation immigrant of chinese descent who grew up in South East Asia but practically lived most of her life in North America, I loved everything about this cdrama. Though kdramas are my mainstream entertainment there’s something about slice of life cdramas that resonate with me. Nothing but Thirty simply tops it all and rivals some of the best kdramas out there.The story of three women, neither of them perfect but over the course of the forty-three episodes we see each character blossomed in such a natural way that never once I questioned it as unrealistic or rushed. There is none of the make belief fairy-tale ending but each woman emerged a stronger, happier, and wiser version of herself.
In the beginning we saw an ambitious supermom Gu Jia currying favours from the wealthy so her son can get into the prestigious kindergarten and to improve her family connections. But what made Gu Jia different from other idle trophy moms was her integrity. She stopped short of selling her soul. She maintained her dignity throughout the show whether it was to fight back against the moms who mistreated her son or against opportunistic women leeching off her husband.
Man Ni overcame hardships in her career and relationships and there were moments where I questioned her motives or actions but ultimately she showed me she had a backbone and she was not going to let men or traditions, well-intended or not, define her.
Xiao Qin’s character might have been the most simple-minded of the three but her story was also one of self-discovery, owning up to her flaws and taking responsibilities.
All the love interests in this show were well-matched, from Gu Jia’s shitty husband Xu Huan Shan, to Xiao Qin’s introvert hubby Chen Yu and man-child boyfriend Zhong Xiao Yang to Man Ni’s playboy boyfriend Liang Zheng Xian, kindhearted barista Jiang Chen and smug hometown hero Zhang Zhi. These men complemented the story perfectly. They made you hate them, love them, pity them but ultimately their characters propped up the three women and provided the backstory for Gu Jia, Man Ni and Xiao Qin to shine.
The other supporting characters were fabulous and did their parts to make this a successful drama. I hated Lin You You to the bones. She reminded me of Glenn Close’s character in Fatal Attraction. My favourites got to be Gu Jia’s dad and Uncle Yu. Both were wise and giving in their quiet ways. I especially loved the advice Gu Jia’s dad gave to his friend, ‘Children are debts we owe from our previous life…..’ So profound and insightful.
Kudos go to the writer, director and production team for putting together a masterpiece that is relatable but also inspirational. This is truly a show about the sum of the parts. It does not rely on the good looks of its leads, fairy-tale romances, over the top acting or heart-pumping thrillers. It simply works.
If you haven’t given cdramas a try, this is one that won’t disappoint. As for me, I will be waiting patiently for the next chapter of Gu Jia, Man Ni and Xiao Qin’s stories.
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Shin Mi Rae, played by Kim Sun Ah, is a lowly government official, financially driven to join a beauty pageant, crosses paths with Jo Gook, played by Cha Seung Won, an ambitious and highly driven politician with a hidden agenda of political advancement. Propelled into the political arena in her small town, Mi Rae finds herself running for mayor, backed by her very supporting and hilarious friends, with Jo Gook as her campaign manager, only to be embroiled in small town and national partisan politics. City Hall is a trial of two opposite people's determination to keep their individual conviction, beliefs, and political ambitions, while keeping their blossoming romance under wraps from the critical and career damaging eye of the media, political intrigues and ambitions of others.
Kim Suh Ah continues to impress with her amazing acting in her role as Shin Mi Rae, whose conscience and idealistic nature, clashes with those who are more driven with personal benefits than social and political obligations, and torn between protecting the town and its people, keeping her personal beliefs and convictions, entangled in political intrigues, and her unflinching love for the ambitious Jo Gook.
Cha Seung Won unarguably pulled the stops as he embodies the smart, cynical, confident, charismatic, and ambitious Jo Gook, yet still charmingly capture the quirky, romantic side of a man pulled apart by his desire to follow his heart, achieve his political dreams, familial loyalty and paternal approval, and protect the person he loves most from the damaging life of politics.
Amazing chemistry and solid acting by the two leads, as well as the supporting casts, makes this a must watch drama with its witty lines, political and partisan intrigues, and touchingly wishful and uplifting romance. A hands-down, fantastic plot!
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This review may contain spoilers
Did not get the attention as Double Helix and Sammy's Children Day
While we were in a slump with most thai BLs, China got us three good shows. Sadly for this show, it was overshadowed by Double Helix and Sammy's Children Day even when in parts it was much better than the other ones. First of course there is the historical settings, gorgeous costumes and a budget which got strained, so we only have two nice fighting scenes.While the script was not as polished as it could be, the actors compensated for most of it. Especially the scheming crown price was a delight to watch. Of course it was a bit too gay. 🤣 We not also got a BL we also get a GL but in subdued undertones but very obvious. Combine this with great cinematography and you get a good show.
You get the scheming, the fighting, the fluffyness, tasteful nc-scenes and a bit of sillyness (6th princess). Of course, they could not go with a sad end, because it's a BL after all. You get everything you can wish for in a setting which is interesting with a story-arc which made sense and compared to most other chinese BLs a story without toxicit., Just a fairy tale where the good gals/guys win. For me it was very entertaining, everything is like a small river flowing evenly and then comes the thunderstorm and water is cascading down the hills and flooded everything in it's way. And after the flood comes the time to rebuilding, in this case the search for a cure for Yanzhi with an happy end. So, this is definitively worth a watch!
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When I finally get to know the reason of his captivity..........I was disappointed. Also,the ending makes you question the validity of the situation, which I really hate when movies do that. Despite that,there were many, many twists and turns. I enjoyed the time I watched this and would highly recommend this movie to others. I also suggest that sensitive people DO NOT watch this film. If you know that you can't handle violent or sexual content, don't even bother watching this movie and then give it a low rating. That would be illogical.
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(HOPEFULLY ALL!)
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After watching Right or Wrong, this series comes the way but i didn't expect something from this series. I just see random screenshots from viewers and since i'm busy preparing for graduation requirements, i have this ample time to watch BL series.
Qiu Zi Xuan is a sleek and small pointed eye guy who captures my feeling for this series. I don't knokw, but since highschool days, I adore those guys with small and pointed yes(sleek eyes haha). He is serious to his studies, loves volleyball and just a quiet guy. Then his world stumble upon when Hsia Yu Hao came. He is so sexy and hot in every single way. He make the life of Zi Xuan more colorful. He is that guy that is tough on the outside but very soft and jolly on the inside. I thought he would be like that guy from Addicted but hell no, they are different!
When Yu Hao started showing his true colors, letting us see his perspective in life and being undenial of his feeling towards Zi Xuan, that really captures my heart! He is just being tru to himself, doing the things that will make him happy and make his love being reflected on Zi Xuan. He is unafraid, ignoring the rules of the world. He just focused on his love, his passionate intimacy toward Zi Xuan! Sana All!
I also love the brotherly love between the two guys. They reminded me of Addicted Gu HAi and Bai Lou Yin. Is this called incess afterall? Anyway, i stilll adore their love for each other.
The song and music choice all thoughout the series is perfect especially that song played on the last episode, on their confession scene, the magical kiss! I just wonder how did they doi it very professionally? It's perfect and really hot! The thrusting of their mouths, hahaha, sorry, it's very passionate and full of love and affection. (and they are both straight, gosh!)
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HIStory 2: Crossing The Line
10/10
032918
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I liked the fantasy/romance storyline, in some scenes it felt kinda disjointed, like they skipped over something, but I didn't mind that much since I still got a sense of what was happening and this made the storyline move along quickly. Afterall, this is less than 25 minutes an episode, so it's more like a 10 episode drama, instead of a 20.
The cinematography was on point, I felt like I was watching a high budget movie and there is a ethereal aura to the filming (it had that Goblin feel to it), The OST was great and went with the drama perfectly. I also loved everyone's outfits, props to the stylist.
What I enjoyed most was the leading female's character. She comes off as this happy go lucky person, but you soon realize very quickly that she is actually very wise and strong from the knowledge/experiences that she accumulated over the course of her 1000 year life.
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This is still watchable, but when it comes to crimes, laws, the story has to be really tight. The twists in the story was pretty good, but I can only take so much "twisting" before I begin to just say, just get on with it... So, yes, I do have gripes about it but I have seen worst dramas.
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How can i even review this marvelous story!
I had watched this drama with the title "THE ROSE IS POISONOUS" and totally got blowed away by the fantastic story and the two mainleads that totally put it on fire with their EXPLOSIVE chemistry! Its about redemption, survival and recovery. A quite cruel and heartbreaking story actually, what the poor heroine had to do to survive the hell she had endured for 10 years. Even the badass Male hero cried his heart out for her misery. Both of them had some Anti and villain characteristics that could be conisdered redflags-but they matched even more for that! The beautiful Male hero never wavered in his commitment and love for his heroine, every step of the freaking way!Was this review helpful to you?
