This review may contain spoilers
This show had so much potential, but the organization was terrible. The general story is amazing! However, the explanation was poorly done and everything was mixed up. That being said, this show still passes as one of my favourites. Please read this all before deciding if you should watch it :)Plot:
Like I mentioned above, the story was amazing, unpredictable, and requires a lot of thinking. I loved the story and everything about it was so well thought out. For that reason, the writer did a great job. However, the directors mixed it up way too much and that made it very confusing and difficult to understand. There were many unnecessary details to the show that I feel would've been better off eliminated. They tried to squeeze so much into a short plot and didn't give the reader the chance to understand a topic before moving on to the next. This sounds really confusing, so I'll give you a real life example. Let's say a really old person is asking you how to call someone on their phone. You write a list for them with the steps 1. turn on the phone, 2. Click on the phone app, ect. After you hand them the notes, the first thing they ask you is, "how do I turn it on?". To you this is common sense, but they don't know since they weren't exposed to it beforehand. This is kinda how this plot was. We were given a sequence of events, but with many of them, they almost assumed that we already knew of figured out the basics of when we really didn't. That being said, the most important parts of the story were understood and explained by the end, so even with the confusing parts, you still are able to understand the plot and story on a more general level and love it.
Characters:
Honestly, in my opinion, this is the part that kept me watching. I fell in love with the characters and their personalities. They chose the perfect actors for each character and the acting was on point. Even the cast for the villains was absolutely amazing and did an outstanding job performing their roles. Each character had something special about them and ughhh I just love and miss them all.
Camera/editing/visuals:
This was also very well done. The camera angles, the colours, costumes, setting, props, aesthetics, and editing were stunning! Visuals in general were just wow. It's difficult to find a drama that has such amazing visuals and this gets a 10/10 for that. This was also a major reason for me to not drop this drama.
Music:
It was absolutely perfect for the plot and I fell in love with the music. Overall, the music was amazing and well chosen for each scene. Loved it!
Rewatch value:
This is probably the highest rewatch value I've ever given. I'm the type that doesn't like rewatching anything since it feels like a waste of time. However, the confusing parts and very cute scenes are the reason why I will be rewatching this drama. I want to focus on the details this time and really think about everything and understand. There were also way too many cute scenes that I want to watch again.
Overall:
This drama is one of those that you either love or hate (or both like me). It kinda reminds me of The Heirs and how some loved it and others hated it. You really have to try this for yourself to know and don't trust all the reviews. It's also a drama that is really really confusing and you have to watch a few episodes to start to understand. The first episode was the most confusing, but it does get better. The ending was also very cute and I couldn't think of a better one for this plot, however, I wish they explained a couple things with a bit more detail. I feel that apart from the confusion, this story was amazing and the characters, music, and visuals balanced it out. I'd totally recommend this drama. You might not like it, but it deserves a chance.
Thanks for reading :)
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Amazing story with lots of valuable insights into humanity
STORYThe story is excellent. It explores some complex questions that once faces in life. How do you identify good vs evil? How do you balance between different principles and values? etc. This movie is rich in meanings which are easy to identify but invites the viewer to think deeper.
In terms of scripting, the story develops relatively quickly. The plot elements fit together very well. The characters' actions are well explained by the storytelling. There is also a proper balance between action, computer graphics and storytelling.
ACTING
The main actress definitely did a great job in her role, showing the grace of a princess and emotions of true love. The main actor however, feel a bit uncomfortable at times. I say this because even the supporting characters fit well into their roles and feel very normal, leaving the main actor as the weakest link in the whole cast.
MUSIC
Music was reasonable. They seamlessly fit in the theme songs into the plot, which is very nice. The theme songs however, are not the most memorable.
REWATCH VALUE
Re-watch value is high because some of the details are easily missed. And more importantly, the underlying message of the movie might require a re-watch to truly appreciate its depth and meanings.
OVERALL
This is a great movie for viewers who enjoy a good story.
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What's so great about this movie is you feel like you are watching it through the eyes of Hyun Woo, the schizophrenic. Hyun Woo is searching for inner peace, but he has a beautiful heart. Because of this, your not sure if what you're seeing is really happening or not. There is definitely a message in this movie, but you may need to watch it a few times to fully understand what it's about. Also, there may be many different interpretations of the meaning, and I think they are all valid. I missed a lot the first time I watched this, and appreciated more when I re-watched it. The acting is outstanding. I applaud Jang Hyuk with a standing ovation.
I hesitate recommending this movie because it's so disturbing in parts, I really feel some people with very much dislike it. Because it's confusing and somewhat open ended, some people may not feel satisfied. It really depends on what kind of tolerance you have for oddities.
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this movie has strong depressing themes and a lot of brutality, rape, war, self-harm even human humiliation, so if you want to watch it, you need to know.
a movie about a girl who is 15 years old that gets taked by the japanese army in occupied korea in 1943.
along with many other girls who are her age and younger, they get raped, tortured and killed by the japanese troops, while most of her friends died, she survives and manages to escape, While in present day 2015, she is a halmoni now and she meets a young shaman 16 years old who suffered a similar fate of getting raped and later starts living with a shaman, the young girl helps the halmoni to go on a journey to send the lost souls of her old friends ( who got raped/killed in 1943) to a better place.
the movie did an excellent job in being both gloomy, dark and melancholic from minute 1 to the end of the 2 hours. I was in fear and agony all the movie. the writing, the cast and the entire production is damn marvelous. ill never rewatch this. but its a MUST watch even though its gruesome and just depressing.
Based on similar real case called the Nanking rape.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanking_Massacre
No shampoo will save you. you'll cry blood, I did.
movie quotes.
"the women are menstruating and the soldiers just kept on abusing then nonstop"
"If you keep your head and don't lose your wits... you'll survive through anything"
"you should have stayed strong"
"If we go separate ways, i think ill regret being mean to you"
"its like soldiers haunting butterflies"
Stream 720p HD
http://kissasian.com/Drama/Spirits-Homecoming/Movie?id=29308
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The story is simple, straightforward and pretty light-hearted. Which means the narrative barely touches the surface of the problems the protagonists are presented with. A few plot points even got abandoned with no explanation; a staple of lazy writing coupled with unmet ambition and an unclear story structure.
However, every now and then we need a drama that doesn't ask anything from us. A drama we can binge watch when we're tired and just want to have a good time. So if you're in the mood for a short and simple drama, this is a decent enough choice.
MAIN CHARACTERS: Fun but shallow
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The three leads are and remain two-dimensional. Though some characters (essentially Ma Sung Tae, the male lead) earn some growth, it's really not enough to add real complexity. However, the lack of character depth fits the lighthearted tone of the show. Keep in mind that, precisely because the characters are shallow, the acting (or lack thereof) won't really leave much of an impression.
Kang Cho Hong (female lead played by Yoon So Hee): She's cute, has power-infused charm, physical strength (provided by magic) and a generous heart. She's also naïve and immature, with the rules of her powers forcing her to be dependant on "finding love". Thankfully, her charms supersede her immaturity, leaning her towards a likable --albeit very flawed lead.
Ma Sung Tae (male lead played by Hyun Woo): Though he's an interesting character, it does take a while to get used to the actor. Take that with a grain of salt since whether you enjoy his acting depends on your personal taste. While some of us found his acting wooden and awkward, others loved him and swooned at his scenes. That said, Sung Tae is a chaebol whose secretly craving love. He's logical, gentle and, most importantly, willing to learn, adapt and change his views. He's also stubborn, arrogant and short-tempered.
Hwang Jae Wook (second male lead played by Hong Bin): He's a kind, selfless and handsome artist who's stuck in the underdog position when it comes to courting Cho Hong. Of course, he's also shown to be childish, irresponsible and immature. Out of the three leads, he's the most undeveloped and, perhaps because of that, he comes across as generic. He's a character that you can't really hate nor love and who's ultimately unmemorable.
SUPPORT CHARACTERS: Comic relief
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They were incredibly shallow but they did add some needed flavor to the overall story.
PORTRAYAL OF ROMANCE: Realistically immature
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Despite the urban fantasy setting, the romance was portrayed realistically. Which means the leads had to deal with misunderstandings, many of which were caused by poor communication. Thankfully, the misunderstandings got resolved fast in large part due to Ma Sung Tae's earnestness to make things work. He was habitually the one pushing Cho Hong to explain "what he did wrong" so he could "set things right".
If you're looking for a romance where both characters are active (and invested) in developing their relationship, then you'll enjoy this one. Even if it's not memorable, their relationship is fun and nurturing, with both characters putting their hearts on the line to make things work.
And if you're hesitating due to the love triangle, then be at ease. Kang Cho Hong is very assertive, so she doesn't flip-flop between the men.
OVERALL: Recommended as an absurdly light drama
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This isn't a unique or memorable drama. It's not even well structured. It has flaws in logic and, sadly, the main conflict gets resolved in a very absurd way (possibly due to the writers running out of time or ideas).
Nonetheless, for the most part, the drama is entertaining. A key to enjoying the show is to lower your expectations to avoid disappointments. So if you're tired and are looking for something very light to kill time, you might want to check this one out.
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A beautiful well written story with a twist.
Just when you think you know the whole story it morphs in front of your eyes. A twist you will never expect. This story shows us that every encounter we have in life can be a temptation that will change the course of our journey. Relationships can be fragile, only trust and a strong bond can hold them together. Add love to the mix and you have something special. When infidelity intervenes can the normal reaction be overwhelmed by a woman’s instinct to protect her unborn child when she is also abandoned? Watch this entertaining story and find out.I loved Chae Soo Bin’s portrayal of Jeong Da Eun. She never disappoints. She showed so many different emotions in this movie that were critical to the making of this unique story. The other two leads were also great. Jang Ki Yong nailed his performance of Yang Hyuk, a young man climbing the ladder of success and facing all the things that can happen along the way. Krystal was also amazing in her portrayal of Han Bo Yeong a quirky co-worker who is also the other woman. If you want a happy ending then be prepared to understand the nuances of this movie. If you give this movie the attention it deserves it will show you a perfect ending that will leave you with a satisfying feeling. Not many movies with this type of twist at the end can do that.
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Their mouths were filled with words, but their souls were clothed with the unsaid.
The very first week of February, I have realized that I have always desired to live between the borders of the city and the countryside. I both want the busyness of the city and the passive greenery of the countryside; just like how I always found Iceland fascinating with its crisp weather spring and cold, wrathful volcanoes and glaciers.As I watched Drive My Car, it seemed like I was able to dwell between such paradoxical parallels. I, myself, was in that red Saab 900 having a trip around all my own melancholia, detachment, joy, death, transformation, grace, and, perhaps, hoping that my final destination would be life, itself.
We, the audience, are actually the red Saab 900. As the car took its ride everywhere, it saw the sunny cities only to be blocked by hard, metal and concrete buildings. It hears of the city's sweet promises of opportunities, only to be disturbed by the rushing expressways. Then, it goes a little further from the city only to witness that the natured trees and floras were cold with thick snows. This was also how we perceive the characters in the film: there was beauty and brokenness within them.
Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya was featured in the film in which the main protagonist was working to direct an adaptation of the play using multiple languages: Filipino, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Malay, and even sign language. In spite of its multilingual feature, there is a certain silence or repression imprisoning the film. Their mouths were filled with words, but their souls are clothed with the unsaid.
The silence embracing the film, though, was greatly rich. There were some parts that I was close to shedding a tear even though there were no exaggeratedly loud neither emotively suggestive background music and acting performances. It was not emotionally manipulative and it truly was its genuine intentions and authenticity that moved me.
Drive My Car truly moved me that I didn't even realize that it could be slow. That slowness, though, was very purposive. For that's how it is to go through grief and to wait for life. It can be slow, as if you are being sucked out of life and light. How could you expect a film about grief and healing to move so fast and quick?
Towards the epilogue, Misaki was seen buying her groceries and driving the red Saab 900 with her new friend, a dog (which made me squirm a little for how adorable it was). At that moment, I understood that life is not the final destination. Life, itself, is the journey. For life does not stop, but it keeps going on. The dead has reached their destination already, but, we, the living, must keep going on with the journey. Keep driving your car, humans.
†† † † † ‡
"What can we do? We must live our lives. Yes, we shall live, Uncle Vanya.
We shall live through the long procession of days before us, and through the long evenings; we shall patiently bear the trials that fate imposes on us; we shall work for others without rest, both now and when we are old;
and when our last hour comes we shall meet it humbly, and there, beyond the grave, we shall say that we have suffered and wept, that our life was bitter, and God will have pity on us.
Ah, then dear, dear Uncle, you and I shall see that bright and beautiful life; we shall rejoice and look back upon our sorrow here; a tender smile -- and -- we shall rest.
I have faith, Uncle, fervent, passionate faith."
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The actors played their roles well. Not to mention the small Tomoya, what a cute and smart kid. He was able to make us feel his emotions, and his love towards his mom. ´
Even though he was the 'killer', I couldn't help but fall for him, wish I could go there and hug him right now.
Please watch it. I have no regrets, and I'm sure you won't either :)
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The Best Asian Sci-fi Drama I've seen so far
I don't usually write reviews since I'm not a good writer but seeing as no one else has written one, I'll give it a try. I guess this drama made that much of an impression on me!Story - it begins with a former cop and his reporter friend getting on a train that has a potential suspect in the murder of the cop's wife, a researcher in AI, along with families and friends going on vacation. Suddenly, the train is diverted from its original destination and ends up in a mysterious, deserted city. There, as they face hunger, the undead, betrayal, and other dangers, the passengers struggle to survive and trust each other as they try to find the author of their misfortune...
Okay, it doesn't sound very original, does it? It sounds like a mish-mash of The Maze Runner, Lost, and The Walking Dead. I'd argue that's a good thing; while those are classics in their own right, the latter two ran of steam and turned into messes. In contrast, all 24 episodes of this drama were captivating and well-written. Usually, I don't like watching long dramas, which is why I don't watch a lot of Chinese dramas, but this one kept glued to my seat throughout. It's evident that a lot of thought and preparation went into the story. Themes of artificial intelligence, greed, redemption, loss, love were explored with a deft touch, with just the right amount of suspense and mystery to keep you guessing and pressing "the play next button."
Acting/Cast - honestly, the main leads (the cop and the AI scientist) didn't really stand out to me that much. They were the archetypical "good guys" who didn't have that many flaws and always did the right thing. Amelie Xue as the scientist with mommy issues was definitely good in this, as was the ML who played the guilt-ridden cop with lots of emotional baggage, and both of had serviceable chemistry with each other. However, it was characters like Chen Li, Mo Li, the mute guy, Dr. Qin, Nana who really stood out to me because they seemed the most like real people to me. The character development was off the charts! They make a lot of mistakes and a lot of ruthless decisions at the start and you initially hate these people for how selfish they are, how they're concerned only about their own survival or how much they value money over their fellow humans, etc. but as the drama goes along, their motivations are fully fleshed out and you really empathized with them. You see them grow as people and try their best to take care of each, fall in love or form stronger friendships. Amazing work from those actors, they really sold me on their roles.
Music - Nothing that stood out. The rock songs they played at the end of each episode were kinda generic and the sound effects were typical horror movie sounds.
Rewatch value - I'd say around 8.5 because on a watch you'll get a lot of the clues you missed the first time.
Overall/Conclusion:
Asian sci-fi movies and dramas like "Wandering Earth" are usually cringy and just bad or straight up amazing (Train, Train to Busan, Kingdom). This one falls closer to the latter end of the spectrum. The plot might not sound the most original but it's definitely well written and well-acted. I would definitely recommend if you are into mystery, suspense, survival, crime and light romance genres.
P.S. be sure to stay after the credits for stingers which help with your own theories about the drama's main mystery :)
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Ultimate level of 勾心鬥角
Love of Nirvana captivates with its realistic portrayal of modern geopolitics. A small nation, ethnically distinct, is caught between two superpowers, both exploiting its vulnerable people for their gain. This narrative resonates deeply with today’s global conflicts, fitting seamlessly into the dynamics of many contemporary war-torn regions. The way each party's narratives echo current geopolitical rhetoric is striking. As history often teaches us, it repeats itself.Storyline
The plot is compelling. Though viewers receive numerous hints about the villain’s identity, the uncertainty lingers—no one, including the main characters, can be sure. The villain masks his malice with an appearance of benevolence. Amid the political intrigues, a love triangle unfolds, but the female lead quickly discerns her true love. True to the nature of palace historical dramas, the story brims with scheming, deception, danger, and a love that transcends adversity.
Characters
The three main characters deliver standout performances: Wei Zhao (Ren Jia Lun), Jiang Ci (Landy Li), and Pei Yan (Jeremy Tsui). Wei Zhao, who initially tries to kill Jiang Ci multiple times, gradually falls in love with her. Despite the harm he inflicts, Jiang Ci finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. Pei Yan, hopelessly in love with Jiang Ci, is willing to sacrifice everything for her—except his family honor, which continually holds him back. Their respective sidekicks add depth, highlighting the honor and loyalty the male leads inspire among their followers.
Performances
The main cast consists of seasoned actors. Wei Zhao is a deeply conflicted character, torn between consuming hatred and a hidden sense of compassion and duty. Ren Jia Lun portrays Wei Zhao’s cold and brutal exterior with a perpetually stern, frowning expression, making the character wholly believable. As in many of Ren Jia Lun’s dramas, there are no overtly intimate scenes. Still, the subtle storytelling conveys the deep intimacy between Wei Zhao and Jiang Ci.
Landy Li excels as Jiang Ci, effortlessly transitioning from innocence and playfulness to moments of courage and vulnerability. She nails every emotional scene. Jeremy Tsui’s sly smile and sharp features make it difficult to discern Pei Yan’s true motives, yet the actions of his sidekicks provide insight into his character’s internal struggles. Wen Zheng Rong delivers a powerful performance as Rong Yu Die (Pei Yan’s mother), transforming from a ruthless, ambitious figure to a resigned, defeated one. Ryan Zhu (An Cheng) and Zhao Hua Wei (Yi Fei) also shine as the loyal sidekicks of Pei Yan and Wei Zhao, respectively, evoking deep emotional investment from the audience.
Dialogue
The script is well-crafted, with cohesive and engaging dialogue. Given the heavy tone of the drama, comedic moments are sparse. However, the narrative effectively reiterates Wei Zhao’s quest to clear his father’s name, Pei Yan’s ambition for the prime ministership, Rong Yu Die’s obsession with placing her son on the throne, and Jiang Ci’s lighthearted pursuit of tasting the world’s best food and meeting up with her "shifu".
Music
The official soundtrack is phenomenal. Each piece evokes vivid memories of the drama’s key scenes—whether battles, romantic moments, or thinking of homeland. Even without watching the series, the music alone conveys the essence of the story.
Ending and Final Thoughts
The ending is predictable, with subtle clues dropped throughout, yet it still delivers an emotional punch. It’s heart-wrenching that the lovers are kept apart by circumstances, though they remain united in spirit. Personally, I would have preferred seeing them perform the marriage ritual together rather than separately. Perhaps the ending suggests that love transcends physical presence, uniting them spiritually instead.
If you can handle a fast-paced, emotionally intense drama with a bittersweet ending, Love of Nirvana is a must-watch.
TWO THUMBS UP!
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I have got nothing but "splendid" to say about "Ore no Ie no Hanashi".
Well, not really nothing (just quoting Juichi), I have got lots to say about this dorama and will try my best to not include spoilers.Kudo sensei said in an interview that he wanted to make a story about inheritance issues in Japanese traditional art families. The story synopsis may not sound that spectacular. In fact, you might even expect it to be kind of light-hearted, comedic dorama, considering that it's Kudo x Nagase dorama but "Ore Ie" is a lot more than that. Personally, I think the whole COVID-19 thing also somehow influenced Kudo-san's writing too (I'll just stop here to avoid spoilers but those who completed may probably sense the same).
As you ride alongside the Miyama family, you begin to notice that "Ore Ie" is quite different, unique among Kudo's works. I really learned to love and embrace all the good and bad things of the characters. From what I have observed, it is not exaggerated in profiling Ju Ju's character since several renowned traditional arts performer do have more or less similar lifestyle as Ju Ju. After all, even the "Living National Treasure" is still a human being who is as flawed as me or you (well, maybe more than most of us). The whole story subtly portrayed what and why family matters to each and everyone of us, by highlighting many things that we may not think of, forgot or taken for granted and failed to prepare ourselves for our own families when the thing(s) that matter comes (i.e., parents' health and well-being; finding and giving what is best for your children; inheritance, etc.).
On acting, I could not ask for more from the whole cast for the effort they put in. Of all the cast, only Nishida Toshiyuki had a formal training of Noh in the early years of his career (that's why the way he sings is so composed) by an acclaimed Noh actor, Kanze Hisao, who was an influential figure in renaissance of Noh in post-war Japan. He was dubbed as "Zeami of Showa", so in a way, many elements of this dorama also serve as a tribute to him.
Of course, Nagase Tomoya is the one who deserves the most of the credit, applauds for his preparation and performance for mastering all these things about pro-wrestling and Noh. Personally, I recognized Nagase san as a good actor (esp. in comedic roles) though not really was a big fan of him, but his portrayal of Juichi did elevate my opinion of him. Nishida Toshiyuki, Kiritani Kenta, Eguchi Noriko, Nagayama Kento, and the queen, Toda Erika, all delivered what is expected of, with a great chemistry between them. The child actor who played as Hideo also deserves a special mention like all other big names in this dorama.
Here is a brief take on music and re-watch value. Since, the story is about the family and the way it is made, you can always enjoy the story while learning a thing or two from re-watch. OST is not quite standout though I really love the tunes used for some heavy moments (Track no. 3 and 18 from OST). Oh, and Takessy's songs from episode 6 are also entertaining.
"Guilt; Gratitude; Grandeur" is the three words that best describe the theme of this dorama. Being Kudo san's latest work with his usual staff and cast alone is a huge attraction to their longtime fans. Another plus thing is that this dorama, in a way is a tribute to Nagase Tomoya on his journey with TOKIO and Johnny's (a must watch for his fans, as my friend "Coriander" commented). I would not say "Ore Ie" as a go-to dorama for someone new to Japanese culture, but it is definitely a must watch if you are a massive fan of Kudo x Nagase or love a good story about a family.
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they really did the best with the added side characters tbh, usually they focus so much on the main that it feels flat, but here they gave them each enough background to feel real and I was as invested with them as the mains.
even that random guy everyone sat on was beneficial (I laughed until I cried at that) xD
the movie had enough suspense that it never got boring, and even though it's only 1 hour 40min it still delivered a solid story that puts 2hour movies to shame.
my favorite part was of course the female lead, I love "strong" fls and that means a well written fl, she was smart, funny and amazing.
the ml was the cute kind, he was sloppy but still competent and the little girl was a chip of the old block xD
I never rewatch stuff but I'd love to rewatch this with family or friends, so overall this will join my favorite movies list ❤
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Akiko Ohku special gift
I feel like I'm constantly telling people how Akiko Ohku has a special gift and eye for capturing anxiety, loneliness, and more. But the women she creates are so damn complex, wonderful, vulnerable, anxious but LOUD! They talk, they are active; they have flaws. Their insecurities, fears, and vulnerability never make them passive characters that just exist on the screen. Women in films and on TV are still to a degree depicted as likable and polite. Even the supposedly powerful women characters are powerful but not too powerful to make others uncomfortable. But Akiko Ohku always pushes those boundaries with the women she creates. She also casts another wonderful actress, Non. Just like Mayu, she is so damn good at her job.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Major Spoiler Alert!! This is not the typical high school drama. The story line is definitely tricky because it has to do with an "overweight" girl and what you consider to be attractive ("fat" vs. "skinny"). It's no doubt a sensitive topic for many viewers. But I'm not sure what the skinnier version of the FL really had to do with the drama. She appears here and there as an inner voice for the FL and we see her at the end, but to be honest, I didn't really know why she was there. The "overweight" FL was cute, put together, had friends, and she came across as being a "normal" student that faced being bullied for her weight in a brave manner. She liked the ML and wasn't afraid to talk to him or hang out with him (although I really couldn't find the chemistry between them). BUT 10 years later, the skinnier version of her wasn't any braver, seemed nothing like what she was like in high school, and looked SO sad. What happened to the adult FL in the 10 years since high school to make her lose that much weight. I never got the sense that she was obsessed with her weight to begin with. There was such a disconnect between the younger FL and older FL.
The drama spent so much time in high school (barely any time as an adult) that I didn't understand their adult versions. I just knew the FL went on a ton of blind dates (no idea why since she was so pretty). There seemed to be no personal growth for either the FL and ML beyond high school and no happy ending for ANY of them (the leads or any of the side characters). It's like the writer's decided that once high school ended, all connections would end too.
The last scene in the car, literally looked like something that would happen in the middle of a 24 episode drama, instead of the end of a 12 episode series. I was left wondering if there was a season 2 and if not, how depressing. I don't know... I'm at a loss.
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started strong, but way too many characters
Overall: I was pleasantly surprised with the first few episodes and the tension/yearning; however, the relationship progression stalled and the 24 support characters including several love triangles had me confused/not interested in the side relationships. I have watched the original series adaption; I have not read the book. I tried to write this review based on the current series' merits. Aired uncut (~1 hour) on iQIYI https://www.iq.com/play/love-sick-2024-episode-1-1mki2ks9q5g?lang=en_us and cut (~45 min) on Tia51's YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR99-9wCOObG0rFQTm5mqfiLeR0eyARyx&si=dU0m-CXh1LffpvC8 Later aired uncut on Tia51's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Rt0y1j7QIContent Warnings: bullying, joking about attempting suicide, homophobia, fight, non con picture/video taking/sharing, cyber bullying, child abuse?, slaps
Watch Suggestions (to center on the 2 leads/get rid of love rivals/music competition, these are the uncut timings)
- watch all of episode 1
- episode 2 watch the beginning to 53:35
- episode 3 watch the beginning to 11:15, 28-50 and 54-end
- episode 4 watch 8-9 cameo, 25:30-27:30 and 38-45:45
- episode 5 watch 11:45-13:50, 26:15-28:35, 53-54 and 58:15-end
- episode 6 watch 17-19 and 37:50-42:30
- episode 7 watch 14:40-15:40, 39-40:30 and 56:30-58:10
- episode 8 watch 18:30-21:30, 28:30-30, 35:45 to 49:30
- episode 9 watch 41-43, 1hr5 to end
- episode 10 watch 5-20 and 45-end
- episode 11 skip 35:30-51
- episode 12 watch 6-8, 16-17, 29:30-35:45 and 44:30-46
- episode 13 watch 4-6, 24:45-36, 40:15-42, 46:25-47:25
- episode 14 24-17:15 and 56:15-end
- episode 15 watch 30-31:45, 36:30-37:45, 40:30-43:20 and 1hr6:40-end
What I Liked
- how the first episodes are focused on the 2 leads
- sweet/caring moments
- staring/tension/chemistry
- that Noh didn't do something in episode 3
- cameo in episode 4
- a trans character wasn't a comedic character
- character growth
- production value
Room For Improvement
- the intro was beautiful but it made me confused about the context for it (they do explain it in later episodes, not a favorite way to start a series), then the 2 year time jump
- a ton of characters (says 24 support roles in addition to the 2 main characters) were introduced and I was fairly lost with everyone except the leads, just when I'd get into a side couple romance it would jump to other characters
- new characters and love rivals introduced in the last two episodes instead of resolving other plotlines
- tension was great at the beginning but seemed to stall, there wasn't a good enough reason for me as to why the characters couldn't get together for so long
- a few fast cuts/scene jumps even in the uncut version
- the scene with diarrhea
- in episode 14 a character lectured about not trusting him and then soon after didn't trust the person he had lectured
- so pg that it felt unnatural, the refusal to shower together even when an established couple, doing a nose kiss instead of an actual lip kiss, multiple near kisses with a lame non-kiss at the end
- (neutral) comedy sound effects
Cut Version Differences (it seemed that the cut version removes some of the scenes with the female characters which I liked but it unfortunately removed some of the scenes between the male leads which I didn't like, I watched the uncut only after episode 2)
- in episode 1 it doesn't have that first scene from 2 years ago which I liked because I found they looked older 2 years ago, in part 2 they cut out Noh trying to get thru the gate, in part 3 they cut out the sister entering the room and them jumping on the bed/fighting over the sheets, cut out a group scene with the girlfriends, end of part 3 they cut out a scene with Noh's family, towards end of part 4 they cut short phone call with friends and with some other guys moving chairs
- in episode 2 they cut a scene that interrupted their cuddle, but then they cut the head on the shoulder in the taxi, in part 2 they cut out a girlfriend scene and some of the evil mom stuff
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