When it started, WhyRU had an air of meta brilliance. But whether due to bad writing, poor planning, or the Covid19 shutdown, it became instead an inconsistent tonal mess that isn't really about anything. I don't know what Why RU is or is trying to be. I don't think the writers and producers do either.
At the beginning, the story - about a University student, Zon, with a Fujoshi sister who believes himself cursed into a BL novel - danced on the edge of brilliance every episode but never quite made it. As a concept, the idea of him finding himself stuck living tropes and cliches from a BL novel had a lot of scope for humour. It meant the show could provide an old-school cliched BL love story while simultaneously parodying exactly that. And yet the show never quite nails it; being often slightly too serious about all its tropes for its own good. At its best, Why RU is like an over-the-top BL pastiche that will make you laugh out loud. At its worst, it degenerates into the genre it was supposed to be parodying.
And while the core relationships that underpin it are quite good - no harassment, stalking, assault or sexual violence and the two couples talk to each other and seem to genuinely like each other - the two clash tonally in a way that embodies the drama's tonal problem overall. Fight and Tutor's romance doesn't just seem to be happening in a different show - it's almost happening in a different Universe. One that really really wants us to visit Thailand's beaches.
Is Why RU a BL parody? An homage? Or just another standard show in a market that's close to saturation point?
It does help that the show is anchored by two strong young actors - Saint and Tommy - who can somewhat make up for the clunky and green performances of the other leads. Zon's increasingly funny freakouts as he tries to avoid being forced into BL scenarios with his designated love interest, Saifah, are by far the show's best aspect but these are jettisoned quickly in lieu of a standard Yaoi romance, albeit a super-cute one and a super-sexy one.
While a great deal of laughs can be had by e.g. a confused TharnType wandering through and monologuing randomly to the camera at one point or Zon exclaiming that Saint's character, Tutor, "isn't himself", the premise is never quite milked for the humour it could provide. The show never entirely commits to its premise and instead starts churning out a standard University BL instead.
Whether because of Covid or because the writers didn't really know what they wanted this show to be, the back half is a yawn fest with the thinnest of plots that culminates in a final episode that will leave you scratching your head as to what the show's plot even was. Other than an excuse to have cute boys make out in exotic locales.
It's a shame because this could have been very funny, very self-aware and delightfully meta BL.
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An intriguing mystery
The storyline is really articulated. From the beginning we understand this has no overly sweet and sappy moments, but it gets darker and darker with each episodes as Fame discovers more and more about the truth. The story is so intriguing that I got obsessed with this and finished it in like one day, plus the next morning. There are plot twists at every corner and those cliffhangers are just too hard to ignore. What starts out as a mystery to be solved ends up in complete tragedy when Fame understands that her sister's death was just the tip of the iceberg.Minor and Kla definitely got the best character development stories. Minor is probably the most despicable character in the bunch, yet she goes completely unnoticed until the last episodes. Kla at first looks like the most harmless character, until we discover that he too has a scandalous secret and in the last scene where the Newtype members officially resign, he really showed how unstable he can be.
I think the best actors in their roles were Ploypailin (Fame) and Cherren (Smile). The others did a splendid job, but these two stood out in particular to me. Smile is such an ambivalent characters, because she behaves one way towards Farn, another way towards Yui and Fame and in a still different way with the core members of the group. That adds a lot of depth to her. Also the relationship with her mother is ambivalent: she is extremely submissive, but as soon as her secret gets exposed, she changes completely and she doesn't even want to talk to her anymore.
Fame is just the perfect character to lead you onto this mystery. She collects each and every evidence she can, she tries to balance her professional and personal lives, but she ends up realising that revenge is not the answer and that Farn killed herself because she too was becoming a monster. She got out of that mess before she could become a monster too.
What I love the most is on how many levels the story can be interpreted. On a more superficial level, it's an intriguing mystery where the innocent characters aren't actually that innocent and the evilest characters don't even realise the amount of suffering they have caused (to Farn in particular, they don't even know she committed suicide).
On a more philosophical level, we can analyse how celebrities are objectified by their fans to the point of being punished for tiny mistakes, like when Minnie got beaten up and raped by Kla. We see how the obsession over those we idolise can compromise our judgement and lead us to unspeakable deeds, but we also see how Minor exploited her fame and manipulated Tun to get what she wanted. I also appreciate how they touched upon the concept of revenge: is it really worth it? Fame realises Farn didn't need revenge, because the monsters she got bullied by also became the victims of Farn's actions, but at the same time revenge was Minor's biggest motivator, it was her only source of satisfaction. We could also analyse how the rules the idols have to follow are actually the source of all the suffering: the idols didn't break the rules for fun, they did it because they wanted to be free to be themselves. This is exemplified by Smile when she says that the ropes she gets tied with in her fetish shows are her source of freedom (or something of that sort). Those rules are so strict, that they prompt the idols to break them.
I think there are some points that could have been explained further. For instance, they didn't dig too much into Kirin's past before the plastic surgery. Also I got the impression Smile's mother used to be an actress, but she couldn't continue her career for whatever reason. I would have loved to know more about these two aspects, but to be honest it didn't ruin the experience for me.
I recommend this to everyone. This is a must-watch. Also the OST is a guilty pleasure.
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The music fits in the scenes and the whole atmosphere of drama is lovable.
?? and the end was epic ?? this drama is on of the best I have seen. worth to watch it !!! recommended 10/10 ^^ ??
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Don't look down on househusbands!
What can I say, this show was pure comedy with Tamaki Hiroshi totally hamming it up on-screen as a yakuza househusband dead-set on establishing a well-run home for his little family. His approach to everything is totally gangster and it's hilarious to see how everyone reacts to his antics as he goes about his business. His facial expressions are just gold!Side characters here are totally comic caricatures with their own quirky theme songs and cartoon personalities, and if you're expecting anything meaningful from either a plot or story or even character development perspective, forget it! Each episode is gag-driven with over-the-top hijinks and in-jokes and parodies meant to bring on the laughs.
This whole drama is like an amusement park - each episode is an individual attraction on its own - so you can either savour the whole show as a day-tripper bingeing on all the rides, or you can take your time and enjoy an episode or two here and there as a mood-lifter or distraction.
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While school dramas happen to be among my favourites because they are so enjoyable, this is the first time I was fully invested in one from the first episode to the last. I finished it in just a day and a half and had a blast while doing it. It had such spectacular scenes that they will definitely go down as classic Jdrama moments for me. Often quirky at times, it could get hilarious to the point you would just keep laughing. Other times it was either very touching or relatable because of some realistic issues in it.
In its heart it is a tale about friendship, human relations and above all- growing up and trying to be better people. I have to say this is the most consistent drama I have seen till date. Not a single episode, not a single moment ever fell weak or draggy for me. Plus its three-dimensional characters are what make this drama into a masterpiece. None of them ever turn out the way they seem. It reminds us of how we are all humans, in spite of the good and the bad in us. Also that embracing these traits is a must in order to respect yourself. I found this drama having some great quotable dialogues.
Anyway, at first look Hana is just a dork and Daichi is a no-good person. From then on how these characters grow is almost unbelievable. I found the aspect of Hana seeming smart but being a dunce, and Daichi seeming dumb but being bright very funny. I was very impressed by the performances of Naka Riisa and Narimiya Hiroki. They are both fantastic actors and can convey every emotional successfully. The supporting cast was also great.
I like to mention the relationship between Hana and her grandfather and also Daichi and his father were one of the best things about the drama.
Like lots of Jdramas, this one has some great moments of friendship also. If you watch this drama then try to get past the over-enthusiasm of Hana because she is such a likable character. This drama easily avoided lots of cliches but incorporates the most common one in mangas- a cold, rude, arrogant guy and a seemingly clingy and stupid girl. I liked their bickering relationship and the ending was hilarious if not fully satisfying.
I wish there was a season 2 since 10 episodes seems way too short for me. I am giving this drama a high rewatch value because I want to watch it again in its entirety.
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This is a political movie, yes. If you don't like politics and expect an intense fight with Gojira the whole time like those western movie, this movie might not be for you. There are so many political issues they need to handle with. How the government should react when something not written inside the manual happened to the country, what the Prime Minister should do in time of crisis; stay with the people or run away, surrender to pressure or think of other way out. How the ministers should react fast to support the country; find a way out or give up. And probably the most critical point, what Japanese should do for Japan; ask for help from outside to take over or ask for help but still take control of the overall decision. This movie also tackled on sensitive issue for Japanese; the nuclear and radioactive stuffs and the army first big crisis after the post war. Awesome, I tell you.
Non Japanese might find all these stuffs are hard to relate thus tend to focus on the weird side effects, weird Gojira movement. Not to mention the music is so Japanese in so many ways. Try to see this movie in Japanese POV and you will find this movie is an extremely good one. Recommended.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of my favorite dramas of all time
I don't have a lot of talent in writing reviews, and English is not my mother language, so ill try not to be confusing.I was hesitant to start watching this drama, but I'm so glad I gave it a go!
I'm not one to cry when watching dramas, or anything really, but I cried like a baby in this one. The actors are great, and you really get tangled up in the feelings the story is portraying. It's a heartbreaking, beautiful story and I felt every second of it.
The only downside for me was the way they wrapped up the last minutes of the drama. I hoped we would see at least some development, and that the friendship between the goblin and the grim reaper would get through the forgetting past aspect, just like the bride. Another aspect was how they ended the nephew role, it just kind of ended, and we never got any update on him, as he doesn't remember anything from the past. Little bummers, but not major.
It is still a great drama and I definitely recommend it! Every second is worth it.
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Thrilling experience!!
First let me tell you this drama is not for everyone, I mean if you like rom com, sweet, typical dramas you won't like it so those with soft hearted shouldn't watch it.But it was great for me it was a thrilling journey and many unexpected twist and turns. I like that they didn't drag love story in it and only focused on genre action and mystery. Love the plot and acting was good indeed. Some scenes gave me goosebumps.
It's indeed worth watching if you are into thriller suspence dramas. I gave rewatch value less rating because from my opinion mystery dramas are not worth watching because you all know the mystery in it.
Overall it was a good drama!
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A warm blanket
This dramatisation is like a warm blanket in a cold winternight.It might not be so warm initially but it wraps you and before you know it, you are prisoner by the comfort.
I cant go as far and say it is as aluring to the game, as the anime and manga is, but the end result about the emotional journey is similar. For a Chinese production I was impressed that the sound, fx or the storyline was actually good, compared to many other Chinese productions that gives (me at least) proper headache.
I still fell in love with the changes made, especially between Hikaru (Shi Guang) and Sai (Shu Jing), it really fits. Wont say more than that, apart that I recommend to read/watch the other versions, then you'll understand.
The blast from the past with cellular brands like Nokia and other quirks, really made this so charming.
I imagine it was very tricky to make it all from Chinese Pov but it was done smoothly and I didnt felt disturbed by it, even when I was re-watching HnG(anime version) parallel to this.
Also, I really liked the Fang Xu-character, which felt in all honesty more humble. Actually, come to think of it, almost all characters were a lot more humble here than any other versions.
The only "negative" is that this drama did not have an emotional impact as the other versions. It is not until ep30 and forth one begins to feel the need of tissues and after that, you may need an entire box or two.
Lastly;
I really love the tribute to HnG on the last episode, it made my heart bleed even more. Again, if you read/watch the other versions you'll understand.
And I absolutly salute they kept the lyrics to the OST utterly intact and so the melody.
Its a beautiful song and beautiful text.
I might come back and put in my feed the Japanese and the Chinese lyrics/versions at some point.
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Usually when a movie includes extremely pale children and tall women in desperate need of a haircut, it's the type of movie that will leave you hiding behind your pillow, but not this one! Or well, not this one for about 90% of the time. That 90% delivers your favorite K-drama theme; not so socially acceptable woman meets incredibly handsome man, and soon comedy and cute scenes are to follow.
The comedy relief is, well, an actual relief. Lee Min Ki and Son Ye-jin did an amazing job on portraying the main characters and some of the scenes were very funny. This is a movie for everyone, even for those who aren't quite found of scary movies (but do cover your eyes when there is obvious creepy music or dark scenes around the corner! You have been warned.)
I can't pinpoint what it is, but I feel as if something was missing in the storyline. But as a Lee Min Ki fan, I'm overall satisfied with this movie!
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More than that, though, Bambino! is about Ban’s journey towards a greater understanding of the work he’s dreaming about and we get to follow him as he learns to understand what it takes to work at an upscale place like Baccanale. It’s frustrating for Ban to realise that as a 21-year-old without any formal instruction, he doesn’t already know everything there is to know about cooking… Ban is very emotional and he sulks and complains a lot, but he’s very determined and enthusiastic, and although people call him spoiled and immature, they learn to like him, and he them.
The cast/acting is really the best part of this. I like Ban and the way he grows as a person, and Matsumoto Jun’s performance is very believable. Watching this makes me realize that I actually do like him as an actor.
The supporting actors really are a great support: Most of them are very well-developed, with their unique personalities and quirks, even some of the very minor roles. Kitamura Kazuki as the dining hall manager Yonamine is worth a special mention. It’s not like we’re told the back story of each and every one of the characters (it’s not at all a “one character per episode” kind of drama), but even so they’re people that you learn to like and care about. I like their interaction with each other and with Ban, and that’s what makes the drama very enjoyable even if there are no exciting plot twists, sudden developments, huge conflicts backstabbing crazy people, etc. They’re all very professional while they’re working, but they’re working as a team where everyone is supporting of each other, and it’s nice watching Ban gradually become a part of that.
As for the music, there’s not a lot to say about it. The opening theme, by Arashi, is a nice and catchy song that captures the mood of the drama. The other music is also nice, but it’s not there to be noticed (this is not a bad thing), just to add atmosphere.
Visually, too, this drama is a pleasure. You know, all the food we get to see! And it’s bright and colourful, with a few comedic moments, but I think the overall impression is that it leaves you smiling, with warm and fuzzy feelings.
Bambino! may not be the most amazing drama of all times or anything like that, but it’s very enjoyable – it even had me write my first MDL review! – and I can definitely see myself rewatching this sometime. I haven't re-watched any j-dramas at the time of writing this review, because there are just so many out there that I haven’t seen yet... Out of everything that I've watched so far, I can easily put Bambino! on my list of favorites.
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Great acting + Story
I don't tend to leave reviews for movies but this one hit me hard. It's a unique story about a woman struggling hard to prepare for civil services exam out of pressure. One day she comes across a beautiful, fit lady running. She becomes friends with her and gets really close. She grows to love running as well and tries to destress her daily problems with running. From the surface the plot is as explained but its much more that. It's a story about self love, self growth and how she uses running as a tool to find herselfWas this review helpful to you?
"The rose walker"
This is surely one of my favorites to rewatch aftet some time. Actually it had been a very long time since i had found something this satisfying. The plot ,storyline nd the acting is amazing. Even the time period is kept in early 20s (2009) to male it seem more realistic. Actually i like mixed genres show. So this has action ,crime,thriller with a combo of romance so , it makes it more fun to watch. Tbe little girl in the drama is really adorable. Zhang ye chen is reallly very handsome. Tge romance between the leads is soo good. Their chemistry is top notch. And there are times when i cried, as i put my self in the characters place, which makea it more indulging and interesting to see.Was this review helpful to you?
Unique cinematography and setting for a cdrama
**this is my first time writing a review so sorry if it is really badly explained**Cinematography/Directing
The way this drama was shot and directed was such a breath of fresh air to cdramas! It's hard for me to explain but the way the drama was filmed gives off a bit of an indie vibe/more mysterious than your regular romcom cdrama with a bit of mystery. The combination of the architecture and interior design of Monster Vintage plus the costume styling of the characters really helped set the tone for this drama as well. The trailer shown for this drama on MDL focuses more on the drama's romantic aspect, making it seem lighter than it really is. One of the best parts of this drama would be the Monster Notebook segments at the end of each episode. These clips are shot like old films and give more insight into the characters in a fun way. Even if you dislike the romance in this drama, I think the cinematography itself is worth staying for!
Music
Other than the cinematography, the music is the best part of this drama. Every single OST is amazing! I would rewatch this just for the music.
Romance and Mystery
The ratio between romance and mystery in this drama is 50/50 in my opinion. Some episodes are romance heavy while others are focused on solving the cases the two MLs receive or uncovering secrets hidden by each main character. Some of the cases are really dark but a few are a bit more light. The romance aspect is nothing special but the mystery behind each character is what makes this drama stand out more.
Acting
*I have a bit of a Robin fan filter but I'm trying to write this as unbiased as possible*
The main cast are all relatively new so the acting is not bad but not good. Characterwise they all play their roles quite well. Overall the acting is good enough to get through the drama (no extremely awkward acting) but would not rewatch for acting. Also, Robin's character is hilarious. ( I feel like he's most people's favorite character)
Pacing
It's 36 episodes so it can seem a bit slow but it isn't that bad.
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