Was this review helpful to you?
I wouldn't recommend it to people who are only into 1. straightforward romance, 2. lots of physical action. It has regular outbursts of action every few episodes alternated with strategizing and processing. It doesn't have many quests neither, only one overarching search of a McGuffin file. (Boy, was The Emperor and his jar a good preparation for this one.)
Just like Nirvana in Fire, Sparrow throws the viewer headfirst into already ripened events and flows like a chapterless novel. It has arcs when a new character is introduced or a focus shifts, and they have consequences afterwards.
The show belongs to Reveal rather than Develop school of character writing. The characterization is rough around the edges at first (it starts from a bulletpoint list of traits - for example, MC drinks Kvass, can't shoot due to a past trauma and puts an act of the playboy and gambler who'd rather be a barber than an agent), but turns into something alive and humane thanks to giving characters an opportunity to form alliances and bond. You can tag it with 'bromance' etc, but it's far beyond it. MC doesn't monopolize the screentime. There's a love triangle/square/meandering hexagon (with tentacles - you should see my chart) at the core, but it's not used as a plot propeller and a sole source of conflict. Close antagonists are humanized. It's chock-full of layered, multifaceted characters with their own mannerism. A line between faked and real relationship is blurred. I'm afraid to say anything more not to get into spoilers.
The first half (one third perhaps?) is mostly devoted to damage control and it lulls the viewer into thinking danger can always be redirected to scapegoats, and then things get real, breaking that expectation. The plot is stretched between an urge to maintain the status quo and a sense of urgency, making this desire impossible. Having spent so much time with all the characters and seeing their circumstances, it's hard to condemn those who on the scale of greyness fall into lukewarm/opportunistic territory or tilt toward derangment (especially since they're so charming or have grand entrances…). As if they weren't already, things get so tangled and tensed no single solution can fix them satisfyingly. The file is just an excuse to watch it all happening. Save yourself the frustration and don't expect more from it.
The show is beautiful to look at, crafted with an attention to detail and the use of music greatly improves the experience. More than once I was just spacing out looking at the colours changing or rewinding little pieces of fun editing of facial expressions/general movement like a cat pulling out tissues out of the box. It's definitely a rewatch material for me, both for just enjoying it visually and for re-immersing into that world. Highly recommended. Safety first!
Was this review helpful to you?
1The show is more action and the characters/relationships driven compared to my initial assumption of it focusing on the story itself. The plot is quite simple: people turn into monsters, humanity has to survive, but in the midst of it, Sweet Home asks one important question "What does it mean to be human?" and explores it throughout all the episodes. It shows the best and the worst side of humanity - the will to survive that can unite or turn people against each other; the will to be humane as a way of fighting against the circumstances, but also using the horrifying situation as an excuse to abandon empathy.
Despite the show claiming to be in line with thriller, horror and psychological genres, it falls closer to action as a leading one. The plot might seem simple, but it did an amazing job connecting the dots slowly presented. Quite a few times in the 2nd half I recognized the continuation of the plots and hints dropped in the beginning episodes. While the main question might not be answered and the ending could seem disappointing and unsatisfying for some, I found it to be the best possible approach. Any other take would fall short and seem forced. It definitely leaves a lot of room for possible season two, but lack of continuation of the story would not make me angry either.
We are introduced to a brilliant cast of characters, that all have different stories to tell, that will resonate with the audience. In a short period of 10 episodes, I've got to see well built character development not only for Cha Hyun Soo, but also for many side characters. While I strongly disagreed with many of the character's decisions and behaviors, at the same time I could understand their reasoning behind it. If I had to pick my favorite characters (beside the star of the show Hyun Soo) I would pick empathetic Yoon Ji Su, brave Jung Jae Heon, resourceful Han Du Sik and level-headed Lee Eun Hyuk. That said, the chemistry between the whole cast was out of this world and they played off of each other well.
The wise advice I could give to anyone before starting: don't expect dark psychological horror. Even though the show explores quite a few psychological themes, as I mentioned before, it leans more towards action in addition to some dark humor, especially in the beginning episodes. That said, the thing it has to be applauded for - the stakes were real. You know the shows, where you feel close to nothing when characters are in danger because you know they will survive anyway? Not here. Each problem presented to them, each encounter with monsters, each turn made me tense, scared, but also excited for what's to come.
I'm not exactly one to pay attention to music in movies or shows, unless it truly catches my attention. Here, all the songs were extremely fitting and perfectly supported scenes they were played in. At first some choices might feel out of place, but as the drama progresses it starts to feel like a deliberate choice that somehow works.
If I had to complain about anything, I'd say I was not the biggest fan of the CGI monsters at first. Since I was expecting a dark psychological horror like Strangers From Hell, the cartoon-ish like models with questionable motion put me off. The moment I accepted this is not what I signed up for and started to enjoy the action, I started to appreciate the design of the creatures. Some had comical features (we see an a*s once), but it balanced well the dreadful emotional moments happening among the characters.
What's more, in the beginning episode the plot was not presented in a linear way, so it might be confusing. Later on the time jumps are barely happening and it's easier to follow the story.
In conclusion: I cried a lot. I got attached to each and every character. I cared for what's going to happen to them. I was curious about their past stories and how they affect their current decisions and actions. The show simply made me engage in whatever was happening on the screen, to the point of me binge watching it for 10 hours and forgetting to eat.
Warning: there is a lot of blood, some gore, story about child abuse and one for severe bullying. It talks about suicide and self harm. These themes might be too much for some viewers, so feel warned before giving it a shot.
Was this review helpful to you?
A cute fantasy meets mystery meets drama wrapped in a BL with a sense of realism.
Ironic right? How a fantasy can have a degree of realism. I just have one thing to say, you need to watch for you to understand. * wink*
First of all, I would like to put it out here that this is a real lakorn. An hour and a half per episode. with 16 episodes! Slow-paced focusing in each character's emotion and facial expressoin. That's already a day if you have plans to binge watch this. But don't get turn off by that, for someone who has a short attention span like me, the very first episode doesn't feel that it is that long. But I have to admit, there is twice while I was watching it that I have to check how many minutes left in the episode. You know what? It is just too good to drop in the middle and pick it up on a different day. The very first episode is where you get the settings, the characters, and a feel where the story already with depth. This kind of approach is kinda rare for a Thai BL as it slowly builds up either the character or the story. This one, it is already served in one plate. Expect the succeeding episodes, the drama side weighs more than the sweeet, tender, cute moment as the myrtery, or mysteries, builds up more.
If you have the chance to watch the OG "Love of Siam", the same formula was used here. BL story endtangled with a family drama. This as a lakorn, a lot of family drama that is somehow seamlessly integrated with the BL side. And just you thought that everything starts and ends with the family drama, corporate greed is also on a head-on collision against the family and the BL story is smacked in the middle.
But WAIT! Just when you think that everything is going well, a splash of reality will be a rude awakening. This is very rare for BL-themed series as almost all are detached from reality. Don't get me wrong about that, it is good to have a feel good series to watch, but this series also shows how Thailand gone far when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community being shunned, to telorated, and now accepted.
In the preview, it was shown that the Teddy Bear becomes a human, no spoiler about that, or what is written inthe synopsis. Right of the bat your question will be "WHY?". Before getting the answer to that, you will be entangled with a mystery upon another mystery. The first one is Nut's past, and the next is his mother. Being a blood-related, it is not hard to assume that it is all one the same, but could it be that they are independent and shared a part not intertwined?
The next next of mystery is that of Tofu's face and what is the history of the owner with the main lead. How is this connected to the "WHY?" of the miracle? Also, why Tofu's personality resemble someone in Nut's past, the protective, caring one. Or is it something more than resemblance?
If you are keen enough, you will notice that when a person suffers from emotion-pyschological trauma, it induces: anger, mental breakdown that needs medical attention, and revenge by pulling others down. Those 3 results are manifested each of the characters here.
A BL like no other when it comes into complexities of a story, or should I say stories that seemingly independent at first but later you will realize that those are indeed inter-dependent. Started with one family, then branches out to the next, and the third. Three family unit, well you can make it four if you are going to bring in Nut's friend however it is just for a support to one of the families involved, the drama between the three will be heart of the story. Smack right in the middle is Peeranut or Nut.
And this is riddled with mental health issues.
FOR THE ACTING, Tofu the actor behind is In Pintar. His character is pretty simple and straightforward, like a child getting to know the bigger world. Naive, innocent and these two attributes was well delivered by In.
The more complex character is Nut, played by JobThuchapon, he has layers upon layers that you need to peel as the series progress. Do not take his entire character if you just watch several of his scenes. He is more than those. And his temper plus other issue, try to walk in his shoes and if it hurts then you know what Peeranut is going through.
Na, mother of Nut, which role is given to Um Apasiri is the perfect mother image. If you will discount her role in "Bad Benius" becuase that is turn around to what you are used to watching her.
If you are watching BL for so long a common face is Song, played by Tee Thanapon that played Beam in the very first 2 Moon. And I must say, his acting had improve in so manly levels and areas.
To be honest, I know nothing about First Parada so I do not have is character Gen to compare with. However, the character is a great support for Gen that spank the lead into reality when needed.
Also as supports are the more adult actors like Jome that appeared in "Happy Birthday", "Lovely Writer" & recently "Something in My Room" & Kradum as Type's father in "TharnType", definitely proven in the industry you can be assured that they will play their respective roles wonderfully.
THE SONG, is perhaps like any other songs in a BL series. It is flexible enough for you to feel pain if the scene is heartbreaking, and giddy if the moment is sweet, cute and fluffy.
This series will surprise you on how good this is from production to acting to story. Unfortunately this is aired in Channel 3 which is a mainstream media of Thailand and on Netflix, if your account is geo-locked in Asia or South East Asia.
Was this review helpful to you?
You'll probably hate it, but then you'll love it!
The show itself is based on an existing Thai novel of the same name that has been, to an extent, successfully adapted for TV. Like the summary suggests, the story starts with love and affection, slowly turns into obsession. and hate BUT that is only the first 4-5 episodes. I know, a lot of the viewers would be straight up frustrated with Paeng (our FL) and would probably wish to drop it. But I implore you to atleast reach till episode 6 before you make a decision. It really does get better. There's a reason for everything and once everything is out in the open, everything will make so much more sense. That's way too many everything's in one line lolThe Story ¯\_(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)_/¯
It is not your typical hate turns to love story. It has two people with their own emotional baggage, trying to navigate this world, one day at a time. And it's equal parts beautiful and frustrating to watch as these two absolutely lovable but dense dodo's go about trying to figure out their feelings for each other. The FL has actual reasons behind her actions and is not just a spoiled brat. I'll not say much so as not to give away. But the summary is mostly for the first few episodes. There's so much more to it and it's all worth the watch.
The Characters ¯\_(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)_/¯
There so much to unwrap, especially with Paeng. A scared and lost teenager is dropped into a completely unfamiliar environment. She has a lot of emotional baggage of her own and the people around her don't help much to elevate it. She then goes through a beautiful journey in which we see her love to the point of obsession, fall from grace but then she picks up the pieces of her life and slowly rebuilds them back again and comes out stronger. The character development of Paeng is very much visible and you go from hating to loving the girl. And please, believe in our girl! She makes some very sketchy choices that might raise you heckles but power through! It really all works out in the end. Plus, Kao has done a beautiful job in bringing out the intricacies of Paeng too.
I absolutely love to hate Arthit (our ML). Watching his character's development is like watching Sisyphus, he would constantly climb uphill only to then roll back down and start all over again. But Mark Prin manages to make us fall in love with him anyways. His eyes speak. Like literally. He wouldn't need to say a word and you'll know exactly what he's trying to say. And for once, the ML has an actual, legit reason to hate the FL and not some arbitrary 'I don't like her so I'll bully her' kind of thing. And he does redeem himself and falls head over heels (who saw that coming lol). And then we all turn into mush hehe. If you're a fan then you're in for a treat!
We also have our secondary couple in Non and Ling. They're the epitome of cute and you can see their longing for each other, especially Non. They have their own cute story and it makes you wanna cheer them on when they do finally get together. Together with Kot, they form the formidable F3 who are probably the biggest shipper of Arthit and Paeng after us lot hehe.
Like every Thai lakorn, we have our own fair share of snakes and anaconda's (the big bad villain) and they'll probably make your blood boil everytime they appear on screen. But the actors have done a really good job, especially the actor playing Mark (Yes, the big villain is called Mark, not to be confused with Mark the Prin who plays Arthit). His slimey smile, obsessive gaze and grabby hands will make you want to physically shoo him away from Paeng. But have patience for he'll eventually meet his end. Snake mom (ML's mother) is also included in the ranks and all I can say is, will someone ship her to Amazon already?
The Chemistry ¯\_(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)_/¯
There's chemistry not just between the main characters but also with the MC's and the cast. Mark and Kao get together like a house on fire. There are scenes when they don't even have lines and we still understand and feel what they're feeling. Ling, Non and Kot's F3 gang gel so well with those two. It's like friends of years getting together, helping their buddy with getting the girl and on the way, making him aware and calling him out on his behavior too. I like that despite everything in the past, the gang seamlessly includes Paeng into their group and never make her feel unwelcome.
The Music ¯\_(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)_/¯
Yes to the yes! The OST is amazing and it really matches the characters and their development through out the story. Please, please do have a listen! I never skipped either of the credits because of it. Also, the BGM is love. Like seriously. I was always ready with Shazam hehe. Thai lakorn's usually have high quality music, but this is next level.
Rewatch Value ¯\_(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)_/¯
It'll probably take you a few viewings before you can get over it. Also, RIP rewind button. Just saying ^^
Final Thoughts ¯\_(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)_/¯
I, for one, watched it as it was being broadcasted. So I had some really lovely people here at MDL to keep me company. By the time the drama would've finished airing, we'd probably have 10k comments. (EDIT: We do lol) Most of them are just us lot fangirling. But you know what? This is the power of My Forever Sunshine. You'll curse these characters to high heaven but then the very next episode you'll be cheering them on. Some episodes might make you want to pull your hair out, but that's what the skip button is for. All I can say is, use it wisely. At times, you'll really need it. It's a well crafted story (mostly) that comes with some usual lakorn hijinks and should definitely not be missed.
PS: The comment section is riddled with spoilers. So read at you own risk ^^
PPS: Re-reading the review, I feel like the tagline of the lakorn should be "Persevere, because it gets better, eventually" lol.
Was this review helpful to you?
Relatively normal people learning and stumbling, winning and losing, understanding their own value and especially dreaming a lot, is the best experience this show leaves us.
Story:
It's unusual but energizing to find a drama that focuses on characters struggling for a dream ... or struggling to find it. The only possible result of such a plot is that the characters grow throughout the story. And this is what happens with our precious Fantastic 4. Although they don't advance in a straight line, but with stumbles, as in life itself.
It's incredible how much you identify with the daily adventures of the characters. Some will reach their goals, others will change course.
Acting / Cast:
Both couples had excellent chemistry. Perhaps in the case of Ae Ra and Dong Man the friendship relationship developed better than romance, but I couldn't say that they didn't work well as a duo, in fact it's the first drama where Park Seo Joon has captured my full attention. That aside, frankly the jewel of this drama is Song Ha Yoon as Sul Hee, did anyone else want to hug her with all their strength? Such an excellent performance!
Music:
Wow, how addicting was the OST, especially the songs for comedy moments. They reminded me and my siblings fighting like The three stooges XD
Overall:
Characters that don't give up, strong but not perfect women, burning dreams, genuine friendship. Do I have to say more? On top of all the flaws you think this story may have, it's a valuable drama to watch. Just give it a chance.
Un drama más al año no hace daño!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Most of it is due to the excellent cast. I knew Ueto Aya from Attention Please and loved her there: she was the reason why I watched that drama and the only reason why I completed it. There she was feisty and entertaining, here she plays the role of a disillusioned young woman, wary of men - who can blame her? - and in desperate need of warmth and a sense of belonging. Her acting is outstanding, one can't help falling in love with her fragility, her courage and beauty.
Takenouchi Yutaka is just as awesome. His character is that of an honest man who leads a simple life but is ready to go to any length in order to save his sister. He's so sedate throughout the whole drama, I expected him to burst out at some point. But he didn't, and I realize now this is what makes him into such an endearing character. He expresses a world of meaning via glances and silences: I loved it.
The encounter between Risa and Kengo is poignant and their interaction from that point on is always defined by a sedate fire. Nobody shouts, or desperately cries or have fits of anger, and yet the chemistry is powerful.
I don't think it's accidental that Matsuda Shota speaks in a very sedate and calm way too through the whole show. This is the imprint of Nagareboshi. Just like the beautiful jellyfishes that float around in the aquarium. I never thought I could come to consider jellyfishes such beautiful creatures.
The side cast is just as brilliant, mostly the women.
The photography deserves a mention too. There are some truly outstanding sceneries of Japan shown in this drama. I was captivated by the colours and the general atmosphere. I love it that Japanese can produce wonderful dramas without the pomp and the shine we have been accustomed to with the usual super stars sporting gorgeous outfits or your average hero under the shower. This is a simple yet complicated love story between two very average people. It could be us.
The music is beautiful, although not my genre. I usually prefer instrumental pieces in dramas, so I don't really care much for songs. But it suits the pace and the feel of the drama perfectly.
If you like well acted, slow developing stories without love triangles or squares, played on style more than actual happenings, this drama is for you. I suppose it's for mature viewers - and I'm not referring to age.
Was this review helpful to you?
Should We Kiss First?
46 people found this review helpful
1This review may contain spoilers
A three-dimensional, grown-up love story, sensitively told and spiritedly acted
When people have lived for more than four decades, they are usually disillusioned in many ways. Hope for romance and love has given way to various, quite specific experiences... and these are inevitably paved with disappointment and suffering, too. However, it´s not necessarily too late for a new love. It might be different, though. More grounded. Honest. Upright. Less games. Sincere closeness and warmth become more important than romantic squabble. The time ahead is finite. And you no longer expect a fairy tale full of magic, but rather wish for true moments, a safe place to catch your breath and recharge your batteries. Reliability. Trust and emotional intimacy.The protagonists in "Should we Kiss First" have all been through life for some time. The two main characters have had children and lost them again, have been married and divorced, lived more or less honest but empty lives. SHE has been a stewardess for 20 years and suffers from insomnia. HE is a co-founder of an advertising agency and has cancer. Neither of them want to be alone. Neither of them want a relationship. Hm. Difficult. Their best friends each want to pair them off ... and at last are successful. However - being in makjang KDrama Land - the past of the protagonists gets involved in the present and triggers a lot of turbulence.
"Should we Kiss First" focuses on two adults who (re)experience love in a way they never expected. Love is not primarily supple, sexy and redeeming, but presents itself as irrational, brittle, stubborn and complex. As such, it demands one thing unconditionally: complete surrender to this feeling, which remains in spite of adversities, yet does not solve any problems. However gives the necessary strength to face them.
Does this power come from the love you experience from someone? Or from the love that you give yourself? The beauty of this KDrama is placing the emphasis on the fact that it is your own radiance which makes a difference. The love we open up to and give in to makes the difference how we experience life, or what options we recognize and choose... It's about giving in to your feelings, letting them be (even if you rather not put up with it) and trusting them.
The story is told in different nuances - sometimes humorous, sometimes profound, sometimes tender, sometimes playful, sometimes harsh, even fists are flying at times. Enjoying the moment to the fullest and the pure love of life have just as much space as the desolate moments of emptiness, embarrassment, destructive anger and listless lethargy. The dialogues are carefully chosen down to the last detail. And then there are the subplots, that round the story off.
A three-dimensional, grown-up love story. Yes, once again a story about love, but not cheesy. Instead, the story is sensitively told, spiritedly acted and filled with a love for detail. On top of that, a story full of sometimes subtle, sometimes explicit wisdom. A KDrama that doesn't sugarcoat anything, yet feeds you with a satisfying sigh.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
MALE CEO WHO HATE LIES MEETS MISS LIE
Updated!! watching it in 2023. Romance 10/10 , annoying characters 10/10, last few episode dropped the rating from 9.5 to 8.5. Those side characters are way too annoying, and the fact that the male lead got mad at her...I enjoyed this drama for the most part, up until the end, the end kinda ended abrupt ( will talk about it later)
Story: Male CEO absolutely hates people to lie, so he insist on tell the truth all the time which sometimes truth can hurt. Female lead is the opposite, she likes to tell more white lies. ( male lead had an traumatic encounter with a lie and vow to never lie again) The two meet after the male lead exposed her cheating bf and also made her lose her job. She ends up applying to the male lead company. They start off on the wrong foot, because he is finding that she always lies. The female lead helps the male lead talk and try to get clients for his architect company. Slowly the two fall in love, and his truthfulness starts to change her, and her white lies start to change him. She also helps heal the male lead and second male lead's broken friendship.
The female lead doesn't lie to hurt people , but she does white lies because she doesn't want to hurt her family, but also because she is scared to face the truth. With the help of the male lead, he encourages her to be herself and not to be scared or think she is a small potato. Through her struggles , the male lead sees that not all lies are bad.
Romance: this was one pair that was oozing with chemistry. every kiss was very cute and passionate ;) The way the male lead expresses his love for her is a little too much for my heart to handle. ( heart flutters) Seriously loved all the scenes.
I kinda skipped over the second male/female pairing love story lol not at interesting to me .
Annoying character: there was one lol , the female partner who liked the male ceo. Doing too much tio try to ruin the leads relationship. Please dont be a b....
Ending: not going to spoil it, but i felt like it could of wrapped it up better. I felt there was some unnesscary/ didnt make sense plot development towards the end.
Overall: I really liked the meaning and messages behind the story. its not bad as other review said. Also cute female lead, hot male lead, nice chemistry too.
Was this review helpful to you?
STORY
Like I said before the plot is very typical for japanese dramas and the yankee or problematic kids it's a theme that's very present in japanese dramas or movies but this movie wasn't about a problematic child it was something more.
ACTING/CAST
Seriously the main actress Arimura Kasumi really impressed me because I watched strobe edege (movie that I hated...yeah I'm weird and don't kill me thanks) but this movie really proved me wrong and showed me that she's a great actress and that I should be checking more of her works.
Yoshida You was incredible as Sayaka's mom she made me cry at least 2 times, well actually I was a sea of tears maybe because I'm very sensitive lol she really stood out for me in this movie and I'll make sure to check out more of her movies or dramas.
Of course we can't forget Ito Atsushi as that positive teacher that more of one we would have liked to have when we were in high school, he did a great job being this optimistic, kind and inspirational teacher, great job.
MUSIC
Actually I like some of the music here and there was a song by Masquerade that I really liked (and I know that because I searched it with shazam lol) the music fits pretty well with the movie and you may discover some good music
REWATCH VALUE
10/10 nothing more to say about it for me at least.
OVERALL
A great movie that you need to watch, it was a story that can happen in real life and shows you the importance of a good role model or you don't even need that just with someone that believes in you like Sayaka's mom, it really touched me. If you're sensitive like me maybe you'll cry but I cried and laughed with this amazing movie so after this long review YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Upon further reflection...
When I finished this, I was satisfied. Just satisfied. It was alright. The body swap thing wasn't cloying and overbearing, the chemistry was there, even the side characters that had the potential to be annoying were okay. The humour from the villagers was fine, and the 2FL wasn't a challenge.But the more I think about it, and look back, this was actually deeply satisfying in the way the story was told and concluded. Usually, when it comes to the body swap thing, I have very little patience but somehow, the way this was done, I found myself just seamlessly falling into the story with the swaps. I was expecting her being the prince to have a greater impact on the palace because of her medical background, and when that didn't happen, I was a little disappointed, but by the end it made more sense.
When it is revealed in the end that the body swap was a mischievous god attempting to help Yeol fulfill his childhood wish of wanting to save the person who saved him, I felt a sense of completion. It wasn't the underlying theory or shadow hanging over the plot, it was just another quirky reveal. It explained why they swapped without invalidating any of the story that came before.
I was also initially angry that they didn't just execute the bad guy. But when you think about it, neither of the leads ever lept into taking lives. They always believed in the ability of people to change and in the idea that if you give someone a chance to reflect, they'll eventually see the error of their ways. It seems wildly naive, but in today's dire world, I think it's a sentiment that's desperately needed. I have come to appreciate the fact that they stayed true to themselves in the end.
Finally, the end. I was glad that she saved herself and Yeol in the final confrontation, and I was also so happy that they didn't get married while he was the king. His logic made sense and it restored stability to the kingdom while he did what needed to be done until he could hand over. Of course, that means they would've had to wait for years before they could finally be together, but we'll just overlook that part.
Ultimately, I'm not changing my initial rating (8/10), but I'm leaving this review because after sitting with it for a few more hours, I realise I really appreciate this drama for what it is, and I will definitely miss tuning in every week.
P/S: the supporting villagers and 2FL were all very charming and adorable to watch too. 2FL having a mini bi-crashout over the body swaps was so funny! 😂
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Jyoou no Kyoushitsu is a drama which is intense,significant,educative and addictive. The main attraction of this drama is that it is an exception to the typical school dramas. All Japanese classroom dramas so far have been about the teacher saving the students from their own folly.On the other hand, Akutsu Maya-sensei is the teacher no one ever wants to have.She's Brilliant, manipulative, obsessive, and dead set on making sure that the students fall in line with her rules.
Another good point is unpredictability. The Queen's Classroom breaks from traditional drama with an apparently evil teacher who is out to prove that the world is a harsh place, and so is her classroom.She's a cunning and calculative teacher and systematically removes the parental and academic protection the children had enjoyed, and forces them to deal with their problems themselves.
The Queen's Classroom" is an astonishingly well elaborated and smart drama series, which points at the bad condition at Japanese schools or certain deficiencies in Japanese society in general, and does so in a very entertaining way. The show isn't just thought-provoking;it is also very touching, appealing and persuasive concerning its message.
Last but not least is the outstanding cast. Amami Yuki, the actress who plays Akutsu Maya, did exceptionally well in portraying such a devilish teacher. I think it's because She did so well that for the end credits of each episode, they decided to show her after a take and smiling, a facial expression only used when she does something particularly "evil "!!
Shida Mirai did an excellent job as the innocent-minded child. she's incredibly adorable and became my favorite teenage Japanese actress after this drama.
The two specials were indeed very special and did an awesome job in explaining the reasons why the characters acted the way they did.They reveal all they mysteries,answer all the questions and justify all the actions.
I can write so many things in praise of this drama!! But it’s very hard to continue without giving spoilers.
This is a drama which everybody should watch.If you believe that this is a show solely for teenagers or even children, only because almost all of the main actors aren't older than twelve and drop it half way then you are mistaken. It’s only if u watch it till the end then you would realize how ‘not-childish’ this drama is! This series suffers from minor defects in the story line but nothing is perfect and please don't give unnecessary importance to these occasional faults and belittle this great drama.
Although the atmosphere throughout the series is quite dark, Queen's Classroom is actually one hell of an entertaining show!Hope you'll enjoy this wonderful 'monogatari' as much as I did.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The reality of broken families and the impact on mental health.
An incredible representation of how a family environment can impact a child’s mental health. Perhaps it was because I could relate so well to this drama that made me love it so much. My first review ever because of this 11/10 show. Warning: long & a lot of spoilers.Main Characters:
It’s without a doubt that each family will go through their own troubles. Let’s talk about Ling Xiao first. The entire time I was just hoping that he truly receives proper therapy and releases his repressed feelings that he’s been harbouring since childhood. Firstly, he had to live through the trauma of seeing his younger sister die. Then he was blamed for it by his mother. (God, seeing how much blame he put on himself for his sister’s death…heartbreaking. You see it in his eyes. And she also throws out all of their photos together… I wonder if he still remembers how his little sister looks like.. ) Then he had to witness his parents go through a terrible relationship following it…. and then HE GETS ABANDONED BY HIS MOTHER.
You would think that’s all he would go through. His heart and emotional stability gets stomped on again when the mother comes back, then is injured and he is expected to take care of her… and then suddenly he is needed again. And then she hates the people who truly gave him the love that he so desperately needed to fill the gap of being abandoned.
Although calling Xian Xian his “heart medicine” demonstrates some unhealthy reliance for someone to “fix him”, putting a lot of pressure on her, anyone can understand that. She was the positive light in his life ever since he met her. Her and Li father gave him so much warmth from the get-go, knowing that his family was broken. She accepted him at all costs, irregardless of his stoic and reserved attitude.
Jian jian and her father’s healthy relationship is truly the backbone of this entire drama. Time after time, you see the dependence on Jian jian from her friends and from her brothers for that love, positivity, and support. Same goes for the father - people go back to that restaurant and that home again and again to feel that love, to feel that care that he so generously gives. These two were the epitome of genuine, healthy, healing from their trauma.
Moving forward to Zi Qiu.. my baby. Oh, my sweet baby. The number of times I cried because of him. You can see that he takes a different approach to his anger - he regularly releases it, does things impulsively, and voices when he’s in pain. Tbh, I appreciated this a bit more.. I just wanted to hold him tight and close whenever I witnessed his breakdown. I knew from the beginning that his mother would never just leave without a proper reason.. and when the truth was revealed. Wow. Damn. I just wish she knew that her son would have forgiven her. How could he blame her? What could she have done? She did the right thing back then, but I wish Zi Qiu had known the truth. I believe that Zi Qiu would have a healthy recovery and that he would truly live life to the fullest again.
I also had a huge liking for the side characters, especially Jian jian’s besties. Ming Yue’s mother is that “tiger mom” that all us asians know of. The need to control her daughter’s life, “for her benefit” - man, we’d be dead drunk if we took a shot every time we heard “wei ta hao!”. Although they ended up with a warmer relationship at the end, I still don’t know if Ming Yue’s mother learned from the divorce and saw how much she put Ming Yue through. I think the releasing of the fishies in the trapped little tank had something to do with Ming Yue’s freedom though.
Tang Can’s mother was a bit like that too, but not so bad I would say. I liked that the primary focus for this character was her genuine, hardworking, and relentless desire to pursue her dream. She knew exactly what she wanted for herself, and struggled for so long to convince her mother (and all her friends) that this was what she was always meant to do. What she needed was that push. That trust and belief in her dream - and I am so glad that Zhuang Bei discovered how her eyes simply lit up as she talked about acting, and took that extra step to help her fulfill her dream. Incredible. I was rooting for her like crazy and was SO sad when she took up that museum job :(.
Another one I truly felt for was Little Orange. Xiao cheng zi, gah. She’s definitely lived through some brutal trauma... having her father die and then witnessing her mother’s crippling mental health, constant suicide attempts, and seeing how badly she treated her older brother. I genuinely hope she finds her way back to this loving bunch, and lives off their love. I could tell that she really enjoyed her time with them, and that she found a sense of security. I can also tell that she built a genuine relationship with Ling Xiao, despite all of the hurt that he was going through. During their time in Singapore and the reality of their mother’s situation… they needed one another.
I am so thankful for Li Ba. Tbh, Ling Ba was aight - I felt that there could have been more appearances of him in this drama or that he showed a bit more warmth. He always seem to appear ‘from work’. Towards the end he definitely showed more care towards Ling Xiao, but I think he just didn’t believe in himself as a father. Cue the self-deprecating comparisons to Li Ba and how he just isn’t the best father to talk to. Well… if you say it so candidly like that, then you simply won’t be the best father to talk to. I wish the conversation that they had in the last episode was like that for all of their previous conversations. But, I guess it shows how much character development Ling Ba went through and his epiphanies of how much damage the relationship he had with Ling Xiao’s mother caused Ling Xiao.
OK real talk though wow Chen Ting was so messed. She needed serious help. Her manipulation tactics were seriously on point. Threatening suicide and constantly flipping into victim mentality to get her son to stay. Yes, it is evident that she was suicidal and had little hope for life. But it’s one thing to get help and ask for support.. but it’s a whole different story if you are using it to blackmail someone to stay. Her loss of her child and her husband - she really did blame herself. But she took it out on others. I wish that she could have forgiven herself. I’m so glad that her final attempt didn’t go through. I know that she will eventually be okay.
Oh my. The amount of tears I shed in this drama. The chemistry between the characters, the love in these families, wow. I kinda was hoping for a wedding, but I guess the little family portrait was good too. Perfectly wrapped up.
Was this review helpful to you?
I enjoyed it for the fact that the two lead males on screen chemistry with each other as father and son was comfortable and effortless. They just seem to ALWAYS be in sync with each other regardless if it was for comedic timing or emotional timing. Takeru Sato and Atsuro Watabe were great. Their acting never seemed over the top and you felt like this was just normal everyday interaction between them in every episode.
The supporting cast's acting was well done but at some times it was a bit over the top but with the atmosphere of the drama. I didn't mind because it added to the fun and craziness of the episodes. Not too many dramas can be emotional and silly at the same time so I commend the cast for an enjoyable show.
The episodes are a give and take when it comes to story lines. Some episodes that featured the story line for certain supporting characters were well written and the others were worth a side glance of " Really???" but again , I have to say the acting of all those involved made you forgive those episodes and look past the faults.
The main theme song is very catchy. Now that can be a good or bad thing. I do believe if this drama was any longer, it would become like that song from Boys Over Flowers, Almost Paradise. ANNOYING. That's how catchy it is..lol You will like it until you hate it. So far I still like it:)
It's a good possibility that I will rewatch this at some time considering that I rarely rewatch shows. Also I am under the impression that this drama may have a part 2 because at the end of the finale episode in small red writing, it said "to be continued".. Hmmmmm I hope it does.
Was this review helpful to you?
