Too shallow
First of all a big applause to the director for even opening the themes about the problems of BL industry. That definitely needed courage. Sadly the documentary stays too shallow, not really addressing the problems, not really going into any depth at all. I have no idea why are here Bright and Win, their answers are definitely scripted, so their contribution is actually zero. But there are probably not many active BL actors willing to talk about their industry and its problems. I would pay a lot of money to hear the real answers of such legends as Max and Tul, or Mew (who can definitely tell a lot of nasty stories) or Saint etc.. But of course that is just wishful thinking. But the director could talk about other problems - fanservice, stereotypes in bl works etc etc, but he did not.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
More than a BL, it's truly a Legacy in the making...
As an avid fan of Gun and Off projects and unique bond, I was looking forward for Not Me release. And all I can say is that it was worth the wait. It's under a great screenwriter and director guidance like P' Nuchy that this project was able to succeed.Not Me has set the bar up high, direction and production wise. It definitely excels in those departments. The cinematography is really good here, and although some shots were definitely filmed up-close the subjects in certain scenes, even those were premeditated. Most likely to make the viewer become immersed within the characters feelings and actions.
Gun just prove everyone his talent with acting, by not only playing a double role in the set of twins. But also by making them so distinct that even I, and well, presumably everyone who watches this series will be able to tell who is who and see two completely different characters, to the point of taking sides or rooting for both in their own way. That is a hard task to achieve and yet he did it so well, almost looking so effortlessly when I bet it was the labor of his dedication to the project.
By giving them their own personalities Gun was able to set them apart, and sometimes even without saying a single word. Just one glance suffices, mainly when it comes to Black.
"Bravery and fear, I think these two things are the complete opposite. However, they can't remain apart.
We can't be brave without fear. But being brave with no fear is like an explosive with no target." - White
White is soft spoken and composed. Black is without a doubt a force to reckon with.
"In that moment, I realized if he's the bravery, I must be the fear." - White
Sean has got to be the most challenging character Off has ever made, and probably - just like the set of twins are to Gun, - this one will remain unforgettable. Since it's a broken and more serious role, unlike his early projects. At the same time it really made Off grow to improve his acting skills. It's not only the chemistry and him being at ease with Gun that allowed him to do that, but his own commitment to the role and to the tasks he was given when he enrolled in this series. By doing all that Off was able to incarnate the impulsive Sean with his anger and resentment, eager for revenge.
Until he gets swayed by the only one who can calm down the storm that he carries within his heart.
"This is the goal that keeps me alive, and you are too." - Sean
The characters complexity within this series is what makes it all more interesting. Therefore, I only have to point out a flaw here, because by having only 14 episodes, that were not enough screen time to exploit the mysteries of some characters more than others. At the same time that seemingly aura of mystery that enlaces those characters allures us more to them.
Be it the always resourceful and intriguing - Gumpa - owner of the garage where the gang meets.
"If you want to change anything, you must have enough power." - Todd
"Power is corrupting." - Black
Or even unveiling more of Todd and Black's friendship, one that has it's levels of toxicity, since they don't seem able to get on the same grounds but at the same time there's a bond between them that makes them connected to each other. I admit, that I like the tension their scenes behold, almost like there is something else lingering in those desperate and dark glances, and into the feeling of betrayal they both have by witnessing how their actions and choices made them grow apart over the years.
"What we should do is find common ground to live together in peace." - Todd
One thing for sure, is that Not Me is a continuity plot. Driven to expose the corrupts of the system and that no matter who opposes or who surpasses who, there will always be corruption when there is power involved. It's a never ending cycle.
So, this wasn't all about being able to destroy that conviction.
But to gain awarness of the reality of this situation that happens worldwide.
Another flaw I have to point out. Is the way they made Gram in here. Mond has bad luck with his characters.
The ridiculously sick puppy love without an ounce of chemistry between them, made me roll my eyes out in their scenes.
Despite trying to be symbolic and balance the series with several types of love and equality. Gram's odd pursue, almost seemed like an obsession rather than love. To crave someone's girlfriend, and your best friend no less was low enough but the course of actions in all the wrong timings made it all worse. It's a downgrade of a character that had potential, and significance too. Not sure what made the screenwriters made this choice, but it's obvious that it's forced attraction and love. It's like a filler in plot. It upsets me that it had more screen time than other potential interesting characters, like Yok and Dan or even Black and Todd.
"Don't follow me, if you want no regrets." - Dan
Dan and Yok. It's hard not to love these two artistic souls.
"You can't run away from me. You know that, don't you?" - Yok
First and Fluke gave us that typical troupe of criminal/delinquent and good cop.
More than that they presented us love at first sight, and communication within their honest artworks and heartfelt confessions. Just like White is the one who can warm Sean's cold heart, Yok is able to pull Dan from his own guilty torment and give him a shred of hope for a better future ahead of them. I have not enough words to express their relationship, - much less about this whole series :') - from Yok's sassy behavior to Dan's calm nature, and well just with their loving glances, soft touches, to the heartbreaking tears of betrayal and the tough decisions into self-sacrifices made.
A scene can't break your heart.
The scene:
"Finally, you get to arrest me for real." - Yok
"I'm sorry I failed you. The more you try to escape, the more dangerous it is for you." - Dan
"Do you remember what you told me?
You told me not to look for you if I wanted no regrets. I should have believed you then." - Yok
Not Me has such a deep symbolic value within the hints it gives throughout the plot scenes and lines of the characters. It hits differently than most dramas or BLs even. Because its based on a judicial and political activism plot, and set on sensible and important topics happening in Thailand, but at the same time relatable to the rest of the world. It walks the fine line of using a more realistic plot and bring upon important questions and themes that need utter attention and respect.
Even better than all of this is the exceptional OST with hit songs in which the lyrics match the scenes and story well. From original song by Off Gun, for example, to international hits that boosts the artists by having their works into this production.
Definitely a must watch. It gives an impression. There's always a moral lesson to behold upon.
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幻乐森林
have been following this drama since rumor daysfrom February 19th 2021 until October 1st 2024
from the original title Our Land, and then change to Meet Me In Your Sound around the time of filming, and then change to Echo of Her Voice in early 2023
the rumor it should've been air in Q1 of 2022, then postponed each quarter until July of 2024
finally, after 1320 days this drama is a wrapped
glad it's a total light romance, the angst wasn't overweight the story (though I can bear a slightly worse angst)
it could be better, but for a non S/A drama I'm really satisfied with this drama
Kiki was doing much better as Su Ruo Fei than a role she did in the same year, too bad it's air way too long after it's a wrapped
Miles, well, what can I say about him, he's good
Kiki and Miles chemistry as Su Ruo Fei and Yun Mu were great, their bickering and bantering, the misunderstanding, and then understanding each other's positions at the end, and the proposal was cute, I just love these two eye candies, too bad their kissing scenes were cut a fcking lot I can't believe it they failed to maximized Miles talent 🥲
Wu Xi Ze as Jin Shang Yu was so hot, still can't move on from Shang Yu's puppet show but really hate with how he hung Huang Ying until the very end
Zhang Yue as Su Ruo Shan was unreasonably delusional and she really did great to make me hate (and slightly pity) her, Zhang Yue's acting as "psychotic" was soooo good
Huang You Ming as Yun Shang was so good, his character was annoying and was too whipped for Su Ruo Shan, understandably so because Shan Shan is pretty but he's too blinded that makes his character dumb
Lu Zhao Hua can not make hate Huang Ying despite her antique at the beginning because she's soooooo cute
also love Xu Fang Zhou as Xiao Qi
Glad in the end Ruo Fei got to be music minister and touring, Yun Mu got to be royal advisor and "crown prince" despite many people know he's deaf, my power couple
Yun Shang and Ruo Shan got their karma even though in the end they're together, they deserve worse than the ending, my match made in dooms
I just want to say Huang Ying deserves better (sided eyeing you Shang Yu)
also all the music scenes were great, I'm glad even thou everything it's still center around music
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Funny, Emotional, Wholesome, Hearty, Mature Romance
Life is like driving a car - sometimes you step on the gas pedal, sometimes you brake; you stop and go. Master of My Own is such a story that most viewers can relate to: a working life that is filled with challenges, a boss we hate and office politics with back stabbing, denial and betrayal. One can even lose everything and has to start over again. This is a story that resonates with dreamers and entrepreneurs alike. It also imbues the message that if one were to persevere with one’s goal, one would eventually see it turn into reality.Lu Jiming (Lin Gengxin) is a venture capitalist and a mean boss. He is corky, arrogant and has a foul temper. Most of all, he has a poisonous tongue that strews insults at, basically everyone he meets, including his staff, his enemies and his father. In turn, he gets insulted back repeatedly but he has a bulletproof skin that such insults don’t get to him; he is so confident in himself that he shrugs these insults off. Despite he yells and insults his staff, they fear and love him, for he is a decent and caring person deep down. I love how this character is being written. The writer shows Lu Jiming’s egregious behavior with him re-giving a gift that he received from the same friend 5 years ago; none of his closest friends want to take his calls because he’s too mean, to list a couple of examples. And yet, this character grows over time, becomes more empathetic and less self-centered, and kinder with his words.
Lin Gengxin has a face that fits that tongue. He doesn’t look young nor pretty but he exudes that mature manly charisma that convinces anyone that he’s a very capable and successful man. I find Lin Gengxin very convincing here, either as a successful investor or as a down and out loser.
Ning Meng, or Lemon, (Tan Songyun) is a college graduate majoring in finance/investment. But she is recruited by Lu Jiming’s company as a stand-in secretary as all his previous secretaries have quitted for not being able to stand his nasty temper. In the hope of being transferred to the investment department at a later date, Ning Meng takes the job. Little does she know that she’s been treated like a worthless maid, taking care not only her office work, but also Lu Jiming's personal life at wee hours. Ning Meng endures and puts up her best front when facing Lu Jiming, only finds herself being stepped on, trashed, again and again. Up to here, many viewers cannot stand Lu Jiming anymore; many even drop the drama. If you’re one of these viewers, I urge you to press on.
Though very intelligent especially in observing the flow of things and managing human relationship, Ning Meng is inexperienced. As a viewer, I could see what Lu Jiming is trying to do for her: to toughen her up. Indeed in many eastern cultures, unlike in western cultures, people do not expect praises for job well done, but constantly receive criticisms, with the notion that this would make the recipients more humble and stronger.
Though as nasty a mouth as Lu Jiming’s and his mistreatment of Ning Meng, viewers can see he has something for her: his reliance on her and he feels very comfortable with her like a pair of old shoes, that's why he takes her for granted, thinking she would be there for him all the time; he is too proud to admit it, and he doesn't even realize it himself. Having said that, Lu Jiming does always come to her protection in the crux of the moment. Based on that, as much as I want to kick his ass, I understand where he comes from and forgive him.
Tan Songyun is a veteran actor. She portrays her character growth, as an inexperienced fresh graduate to later becoming the investment director, very well, real and convincing, and in the process, the lessons she learns and her character develops accordingly.
The whole cast is pretty good, in particular my favorite side character Yang Xiaoyang (Wang Lina). I find her cute and real. I particularly love her dynamics with Lu Jimin. I love her expression of resignation when she is assigned to replace Ning Meng as his secretary. She is so adorable. I also like the side couple who are Lu Jimin childhood friends.
My Verdict
I like this gorgeous drama. The relationship is mature, not the love-at-first-sight type. There are no blurry eyes but rather realistic love relationship based on trust and shared values. Every character has its flaws. The characters develop and become better and stronger. The plot is realistic without any outrageous twists and turns.
Though fictional, the drama shows the pains of entrepreneurships, investment risks, office life, failed family/couple relationships, sickness and death, and most of all, a capitulation whereby our main character loses everything: his love, his business, all his savings, all his investments, his father, and being deep in debt. This is something many viewers can empathize with as in real life, it can happen to anyone.
Many viewers find the romance too slow burning. I find it subtle and wholesome. In fact I find humor in every conversation. Sometimes it's so funny, ironic and oxymoronic. It is very comforting to watch a relationship that reads each other's mind and sticks together high and low. Though the main leads are not a couple from the beginning until the very last second of the drama, I find their romance and chemistry beautiful and sweet. For me, that’s a perfect long lasting relationship.
Have you ever worked very hard and in the end you still lose everything and face defeat? You lose confidence and become deflated. After losing everything, Lu Jiming learns that in life, success and failure are not the most important things; success can be just superficial, but whether one is contented, that is more important and it comes from within. And we need to learn how to get back up after fallen, that’s the message of the story.
Enjoyable watch. Recommended!
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“Isn't the sunset here beautiful? this is my favorite time of the day”
What a ride. Even though there were times that I didn't actually like how the story goes but I did enjoy the whole show.The beginning episodes are absolutely amazing. I did shed some tears and got hooked. The ending was not that bad. The cast was amazing, I think they are really destined to portray each of them.
The osts... I like it.. I really love how they used it in a scene. A very good job there.
Anyways at the start I was here for kang min and woo hyun,(my lomls) but stayed for lee jong won. he is great actor and of course sung jae as expected of him.
This is not for everybody I think, but if you'll watch it. Its worth the time.
P.S . Looking forward for lee jong won's next drama. <3
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This drama was so fun to watch! Such a breath of fresh air in the current landscape of k-dramas.
Honestly, I loved everything about this drama. It was such a fun ride, and I anticipated the next episode every week. I was hooked! This was the perfect comedy drama to wrap up my week with! It had just the right amount of romance, friendships, enemies, and funny moments to balance out the story and make each episode enjoyable. I also loved how they did their own twists on typical romance (rom-com) tropes.My only gripe is that the last episode feels slightly rushed. I feel like we could've gotten a more cohesive ending with 16 episodes instead of 12. However, I still enjoyed every episode throughout the drama and could always count on it to give me a good laugh!
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1What is a boyfriend?
Palm became such a flirt! I think that is such a great character development, especially as he really struggled with where he fits in Nueng’s life for the bigger part of the main series. And Nueng being whiny and sassy? Yes, please! I think it shows that he feels better now, he is not so worried and high strung as he was in the main series. The amount of absolutely iconic and hilarious lines we got in this two episode special is crazy! My favorites are probably "What is a boyfriend?" and "In many dramas, the lord makes the servant his wife." Palm being someone who watches dramas is not something I expected.The historical part of the series is done well too. I like the fact that the two switched roles from how they were in the main series. Palm as a lord and Nueng as his servant is a combination I didn’t know I needed. I think Palm was enjoying that dynamic a bit too much. The death glares Nueng gave him were absolutely hilarious. I really enjoyed their bickering, even if it was mostly just the two of them being cute and taking petty jabs at each other.
I am really hoping this could be GMMTV opening the doors for a possible historical BL in the future. I am no expert, but I was still able to notice certain historical inaccuracies (mostly in what Nueng does that would absolutely not be permitted for a slave to do), so if they ever do decide to make a full historical series, I hope they at least try to not be so obvious with them.
Also, the side couple! I didn’t think we will get any new pairings, so getting a BL pairing in a historical setting was a nice surprise. And Palm and Nueng as the matchmakers were adorable! They showed so much joy and happiness for the other couple.
I really like the fact that the cinematography seems to match pretty well with the original series. I like how muted the colors are (or maybe it's more sepia toned) and that they kept the same overall vibe, especially during the present time. It really makes it seem like a continuation of the main series and not like a completely different, new series. I also like that they kept the bracelet as an important part of the storyline.
Pond and Phuwin pulled off their historical roles well. Their chemistry is amazing, not that I expected anything less.
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The story is elegant and touching, and while some might say it is slow, I think it is well paced: it shows a window of time, a week or so, in the main characters' lives, and that is reflected in the progression of the movie.
Though by no means a sad movie, it has many poignant moments, and is, I feel, the better for them. Through the tragedies and heartache, you experience the depths of the characters' emotions, you glimpse the reasons behind their subtle reactions and realize what impels them.
The leads are natural and unaffected, their emotions and expression genuine. Hesitant smiles, miffed expressions, anguish, slow tears, pensive frowns, playful smirks, gentle laughter — they do not feel acted but instinctive and sincere.
The music is perfect for the movie in tone, pace, and content. Indeed, it is one of the first things I liked about the movie. It beautifully captures the emotions within the movie, translating them in the exquisite way that only classical instruments can. Stringed instruments, particularly the violin and the piano, both which convey an extraordinary range of emotion, are used to great effect.
The movie does not try to explain or justify itself, preferring to let the story work its own magic. Consequently, there are a few loose ends, but that only lends to its charm. Real life always has loose ends, it never ties up neatly, and there is never a dramatic 'The End' splashed across an end screen while happy music plays quietly in the background. Life flows on, a million stories running concurrently. This movie reflects that: its ending is more like the end of a first chapter, a beginning rather than a conclusion.
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A true masterpiece. I really don't know what I'm going to do with my life after this is over.
Not Me is one of the best BL's I've ever seen if not the best. It's definitely earned the number one for me. I loved it from beginning to the end. I'm not one for political action thrilers but Not Me's story captured me. I was drawn in by the fight for social justice done by college students. I could relate so much even if I don't have that fight. Their struggle made me think deeply every week and made me learn more about Thailand's society. It taught me more about what's going on in the world which is always important.The cast was amazing from Gun to Off(who improved so much and was excellent as Sean. And Gun cemented himself as Thailand's best with his brilliant portrayal as Black and White.) to unknowns to me like Gavin and First. They were all so good and made me love them as actors. I had always been and OffGun fan which was the biggest reason I watched but after Not Me I'm obsessed with them. Off and Gun's acting was in another lever and their chemistry??? wowza it's even better than before. I just love them that is all.
I think the character development was the best in the story all characters changed and grew thru the course of the series . I also loved how none of them were perfect they were all human & relatable characters No BL stereotypes here which is a big place. P'Nuchy + the cast and crew created a jewel with this series and I think it's gonna take forever to be topped. At least for me it is.
If you haven't watched this series please do, you won't regret it. 10 overall but if I could give it more I would. Now I know this show is gonna leave a huge hole in my life. Well time to rewatch from the beginning again.
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This review may contain spoilers
The concept of time travel has always been fascinating and that alone might be enough reason why you want to pick this, but that's not all there's more to it, and why this drama is worth watching. Unlike other dramas using time travel as a plot, this one totally makes sense at all, they have every bit of explanation to all our questions, and that is important because a plot that makes no sense is a big turn off. The characters here act like real high school students unlike characters in other high school dramas which have tendency to act too mature for their age. As a viewer doing that hurts the experience, removing too much reality in my opinion is unnecessary and annoying. It's not hard to spot this we've been in high school once in our life and in this drama that scene on the beach was the best example on how to portray real high school characters in drama. The emotion in that awkward situation looks authentic and flashback came to me as similar thing happen during high school.
The chemistry of our trio is by all means great, one of the best chemistry I've seen in my years of watching Japanese drama. They are fun characters but what's more fun is watching their interactions together which make me think that they are real friends in real life. As for the romance, I'm no authority on this due to the fact that maybe I'm not a romantic person or I just don't give a damn, but I think you will get what you want in this drama. Five episodes for this drama is just perfect which makes the pacing not draggy at all, though I wouldn't mind if they made additional episodes for other side characters just like in episode 2. That episode was well crafted which makes me teary-eyed a bit.
Music, I love those 2 songs in this drama particularly the ending song. I've read the lyrics and it really suits the story and captures the atmosphere of this drama, they also insert the song at the most appropriate time. Those scenes as it plays were perfectly done, those transitions the effects added much to the emotions I've had.
No words can describe how glad I am to see Kuroshima Yuina back again. I always knew this girl is capable of great feats just that her performance in some drama or movies recently was average. When I said characters here acts like real high school students I was mostly referring to her. Every gestures of her character are just like you would expect if an innocent mindless high school student gets this ability. She uses time travel as if nothing and she's fun to watch every time she doing it. I even put myself on Shohei's shoes and thinking she pain in the ass for not thinking of the consequences. She has grown into a great actress far from that girl who continuously taps honoo-kun to get his attention.
I am particularly honest towards boy band members which IMO most of them suck, but I always give credit where credit is due. Kikuchi Fuma who played Fukamachi Shohei did well of portraying a guy from year 2122 who experience love for the first time. He makes the development of the character looks believable. Takeuchi Ryoma on the other hand had less screen time but that does not mean he's the weakest as he nailed those dramatic scenes convincingly and you could really feel the frustration from him. This guy has the dramatic chops to play more serious roles. Lastly Yoshimoto Miyu, you are so damn cute, I just wished that they make you appear more in this drama but anyway hope for more drama from you in the future.
So the ultimate question, Is the ending sad? Well it depends on your own perspective, all I can say is that there's a cute plot twist in the end that makes Mihane remain positive and that was brilliant.
Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/
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STORY (No spoilers)
It was only after I had completed watching this show that I later discovered that this was a re-make of an older and, at that time popular, Taiwanese show titled "Prince Turns Into A Frog". Having never seen that older show but afterwards read about its content, it would appear that the overall storyline for both shows essentially remains the same. So, for those of you who have seen "Prince Turns Into A Frog" and loved it, you might want to consider giving this re-make a try.
I think it is also worth mentioning that the overall vibe of this show is that of a cheesy, light-hearted, funny and rather silly show. This show does not take itself seriously at all and has a lot of cartoonish, slapstick funny moments liberally sprinkled with your over-the-top dramatic scenes which, in another show, would probably make you roll your eyes. Since this show doesn't take itself seriously, viewers intending to watch this should also leave your brain at the door and just sit back and enjoy this crazy ride.
If you enjoy a bit of fun and silliness, as well as willing to suspend belief and swallow the cheese as well as the salt as this show turns on the drama, this show is a great one to watch.
ACTING/ CHARACTERS
LIU XIAO BEI - Tiffany Tang plays the loud, cheeky and bubbly Liu Xiao Bei really well here. While the vibe of the show promotes cartoonish actions and caricature personalities, Tiffany gives Liu Xiao Bei enough of a personality to make her a bit more than just a one-dimensional character. I found her character to be actually cute and likeable in this show, despite its inherent silliness, and that speaks of Tiffany's ability to breathe more life into her. She also enjoys good chemistry with her co-actors, especially with the main male lead (no surprise as they were actually dating in real life at time of filming).
XIANG TIAN QI - Roy Qiu plays this cold, rich, genius CEO as well as can be, given the craziness of the show and what the character himself has to go through. The first round of memory loss brought an almost complete change of character personality to Xiang Tian Qi, and Roy did a good job in making that difference palpable, believable and utterly charming to boot. I thought he portrayed the various personalities and emotions of his character pretty well, especially considering the playful nature of this show.
The second leads, as well as the supporting characters in this show, were played by actors who didn't mind looking a little silly or participating in scenes that were extremely cheesy and almost cringe-worthy. Not all characters were one-dimensional or one-note all the time in this show. There were moments of poignancy and feeling which added depth to certain key scenes and moments in the show, but on the flip side, there were also moments where suspension of belief was required and you'd need to roll with the punches.
It is difficult to therefore rate the quality of acting in this show, simply because of its rather quirky and erratic nature.
MUSIC
In line with its let's-not-take-ourselves-seriously vibe, the music in this show varies from hip-hop and rap, to pop and rock, to love ballads. A truly eclectic mix of genres rolled into a show, but you know what, it works. I actually enjoyed the music a lot (if you are a fan of JJ Lin, a lot of his tracks are played on this show), and thought it added life and beat to the series.
RE-WATCH VALUE
I guess this is a love-it or hate-it kind of show so if you liked it, you probably would not mind re-watching some of the scenes over and over again, even if it was just for kicks, giggles and laughs.
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Many viewers would want to avoid it as it is a formulaic melodramas. But believe me, even it has ingredients of every melodrama, it's never overwhelmingly sad or too dramatic. The feel and the story may look like That Winter The Wind Blows meets Nice Guy. But I like Full Sun better. It just has the feels that won't you get in those two previous show. Yoon Kye Sang as Jung Se Ro is a delight to watch and even it's my first time watching him and Han Ji Hye, both sold me with their romance and love story. Sure, it can get better if the villain is not boring and so predictable like in every drama ever. But it can be ignored if you watch this show for something else, for instance tragic bromance or romantic love story.
Overall, Full Sun is a very good drama. The acting, story, music and rewatch value for me are very good. It's criminally underrated maybe because people are not aware of this precious gem.
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And it started so good too! Lets get to the pros and cons-
It was an awesome idea to start with a cold blooded woman being melted by a cheery, wanna-be chef. I loved the way that the drama started the story line was moving and developing, different situations occurring, it was exciting! But the story got boring, very predictable, slow and the idea went to crap. Although the concept was Yoo Hee's transformation into a kinder more presentable lady, it happened within the first 6 episodes. This drama focused more on Yoo Hee's love triangles and her naivety in love than her being a tsundere character.I am so frustrated because I didn't like the ending, and I feel like it was a waste of time.
The music is really catchy throughout the drama and for the most part its really well placed. I didn't like Ga In, maybe her acting skills were developing because I loved her in Bad Man. I did like Jae Hee, but his characters seem to be the same in EVERY drama. (although I absolutely hated what happened with his girlfriend in this drama) Dennis Oh and Kim Jeong Hoong were awful, as far as acting goes. The cast didn't seem to have much chemistry, none of the characters really seemed in love with the exception of Jun Hye Bin. Hye Bin was believable!
All in all, you really have to fight through to the end because its boring. However you want to see the characters develop because it begins really charming, funny and cute. My advice start and watch till the 11th episode at that point you can skip to the end. Trust me you wont miss much.
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Right off the bat, I can already tell that this drama won't exactly deliver any groundbreaking twists or Oscar-worthy performances, but regardless, I still started this expecting that they'll give a refreshing version of twins switching places and fascinating execution of clichés—and fair enough, I could say I'M NOT DISAPPOINTED.
STORY:
This is a 40 episodes drama, but don't let this intimidate you because every episode is actually shorter (only 35 minutes each so almost similar to your 20 episodes drama) and unlike most dramas, I didn't find this dragging or boring at all and in fact surprisingly hilarious and fun (I even find myself looking forward for the next episodes, so it's a plus!). I do agree that its plot development may be unrealistic at times (especially its ending), but IT IS a drama and personally, I think it's what makes this very enjoyable. It's definitely obvious who the "good" and "bad" guys are, but I really commend how the writers managed to give a balanced screentime for both the main and supporting characters. As a viewer, this made me perceive their actions/motivations more believable and somehow empathized more with them, However, what significantly made me rate this higher was attributed to the seemingly natural and satisfying timing and unpredictability of their twists and the ability of the writers to craft a makjang packed with charm and good in its own right without the usual painful angst.
ACTING/CAST:
Most of the leads here are very experienced (some of them may even be familiar), so it's no surprise that they kind of know how to bring out certain emotions from their audience. Nonetheless, what stood out for me was Lee Da Hee. I haven't heard of her before this, but I came to like her because of this drama. Her portrayal of the twins with opposite personalities was so spot on that I could immediately tell which is which even before they speak. The other one was Ryu Soo Young, which oddly may it sounds, took me by surprise. Her portrayal of Song Woo Jin absolutely made the drama extra appealing and interesting. I don't know how, but he sure does look good here (compare to his other roles—looking at you, My Father Is Strange—and despite looking a bit mature now). Also, don't even get me started with the chemistry between them! They look so adorable together that I instantly want her to divorce his husband right after the first few episodes (oops!). Another worth mentioning here was Yoon Se Ah as Oh Tae Ri. It's true that the overall acting in this drama is a bit over the top and not really the type to be taken seriously but as for her, it's slightly different. You'll know from watching that she got skills and is an amazing actress despite following a different approach.
*Nevertheless, my favorite characters here are Oh Tae Yang and Bong Ch-rong. They are the cutest!!!
MUSIC:
Music-wise, this doesn't have any ten-years-from-now-I'll-still-remember-them kind of songs, but I consider them quite good! There aren't a lot of them compare to other dramas, but they did a good job especially in terms of highlighting the atmosphere and mood for a particular scene and evoking emotional response from their viewers.
REWATCH VALUE:
I don't really rewatch any drama fully, no matter how good they are, but for some reason, I could actually see myself rewatching this again. It might be because I find this more on the light-hearted makjang spectrum or that it didn't really felt tedious or long for me. It could get a bit dramatic and ridiculous, but it has enough sugar and spice to keep you from watching. Moreover, it has a bit of everything, clichés speaking of not. Plus, it has one of my favorite drama tropes, which is identity swap or having the main lead pretend to be someone else!
OVERALL:
I normally avoid makjangs and/or family dramas since more often than not I just end up dropping them halfway [out of boredom or for other reasons], but for this one, I unexpectedly didn't, so if you find this interesting, at least try to give this a chance and see what you think. I honestly began watching this because I'm interested with—besides twins and secret identities—anything related to flight attendants or pilots and I'm glad I did because not only did I learned something about them, I also got more of what I've asked for.
Like I said, Nice Witch is far from those dramas who aim to be a breakthrough or anything. In fact, if I could describe its vibe, it's more of a reminiscent of older dramas (think like the 2010s ones or earlier), but given all of these, I still came to like this drama SOOOOOO who knows, you might end up, if not liking, even loving it!!!
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-This is my first thai drama ever.
-And I'm a sucker for this kind of storyline. Seriously, I love those stories where the MCs hate each other at first and then fall in love together.
As apparent from the synopsis above, Duang jai Akkanee is a modern day version of Romeo & Juliet.
The basic storyline of the show is that Fai (male MC) and Jeed (female MC) come from families that hate each other. And at first, they share that sentiment too. But overtime, they fall in love.
It might not be the first show to implement the 'enemies-to-lovers' storyline, but believe me, it plays it really well. The actors are really natural.
At first this seemed like a typical rom-com, and it is, no doubt about it. However it also shows serious obstacles that our MCs have to face. It features the terrible problems of gambling, fraud and it shows how much pride can affect our lives for the negative.This show features people with real problems and not just ones that never actually happen in real life. PLUS, the main couple are just sooo cute, both Jeed and Fai.
As to why I loved the show (aside from all the aforementioned reason) : I loved the fact that, even through all all of their bickering, the OTP still had so many cute moments and the fact that they were together for the majority of the drama. It was always them fighting against the world. And it's not the misunderstandings never occurred, but when they did, they were resolved very quickly. The other party was always open to reasoning and logics, and just listening to the person they loved
Only fact I was bothered by was the fact that everyone took the act of rape very lightly, joking abut it and all. Personally, I pretended it didn't happen (to that extent). It was for, like, a single episode anyway.
Just a note, THERE IS NO RAPE in this drama!
Happy watching! :)
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