I needed this
I started this series because of two (alright, three) reason: I needed something simple and I wanna watch the Our Skyy 2, plus I'm in love with JoongDunk since THK. I'm not disappointed: this is what I expected from this. Sweet, not really complicated university drama: perfect after some serious BL. I haven't finished it yet, but I'm writing this review because I've seen a lot of hate in the comments and I wanna compliment them. I can see, that this is their first drama together, but this doesn't mean, that they aren't good together.Was this review helpful to you?
A hidden gem with zero angst
This is one of these hidden gems that I am sometimes lucky enough to stumble upon. The storyline isn’t exactly new or different from other shows with this theme, but it is one of the funniest and sweetest. It is very lighthearted and there is zero angst.Character wise:
ML is this super cute and funny somewhat goofy guy who isn’t the best at studying even if his father runs the school. FL is a headstrong woman who is actually a modern chemistry student who blows herself up in an experiment and wakes up in ancient times.
Actually all of the characters are likable except “the villain” - but even he is not scary at all, LOL.
Acting wise this is great. Given the short format I believe the actors did their best with their characters.
So, if you love a lighthearted, romantic comedy, with zero angst, this is a “Must Watch”.
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Truly a masterpiece
What a truly great drama! At first I thought - the men in this show sure are feminine looking. By the end of the show I couldn't believe how great this show is. The amazing story, acting and music . Man oh man, the music is in a league of its own!The plot has some amazing moments that just pull at your heartstrings. Interestingly, this show gets better every time you rewatch it! Don't be scared away by the Boy Love elements. It's really subtle if that's not your thing. I'm not into BL but by the end of this film I wanted the two male leads to live happily ever after!
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Wasn't great.. but a wholesome journey!
It's not like those crime thrillers which will keep you edge of the seat. But yeah it does have thrill and will make you wonder what's going to happen next. To be honest for me it was strong start I was hooked from first two episodes but for me it later lost track for a while but I enjoyed at very last .... so yeah it was good journey for me. But sure been great show coz it had a lots of potential.You need a lot of patience to watch this, it's slow paced thriller in which in many episodes you'll get literally nothing. But it's really good ride to found out the truth. Like you suspect everyone and in the last the you'll get shock. For me some characters were unnecessary and there's no need of them and the side stories of them it made this draggy.
Mystery was one and only fact that kept me watching this I was curious to know what's going happen next. Yeah some thinigs were big shock for me while other predictable. To be honest I'm not big fan of the shows where from the start we get to see leads having grey shade or dark past and make us assume that ahh they can be culprit and in the end it turns 180 degree yep that thing was really predictable here.
Well well well talking about the title of the show it never actually revolves around cheating but yeah cheating plays important role in some aspects. And don't start to hate any character from the start coz there're chances that eventually you'll end up liking them. If you're expecting a wholesome ending it's not right place to find it, it's open ending. Nah I'm not disappointed coz I expected from the beginning that I'm not getting happy ending and as I assumed it left hanging with many unanswered questions.
Overall it was okay not must watch.... but definitely where you wanna know what's gonna happen next.
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To what extent are you willing to do you to have your old self back? And when you're staring at your old self, you are conflicted if you are better off with your new self. A tough choice, right?
When you need to pick between power & prestige and love. Would you choose power & prestige that you are longing for so long. Or would you gamble with love that you never felt before?
STORY
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It started off as a typical rom-com, romatic comedy, story. But mid-way through the series, things are getting serious but there are still a lot of funny moments. The last third of the series is paced with seriousness laced with just a hint of comedic side.
I like how the production team paced the female protagonist everyday life, slow... As it amplifies the struggles she has to endure each and every minute, hour and day. But, the male protagonist is always there for her to make the day brighter.
During the course of the series, countless time would you ask yourself, if I was in Lin shoes, would I do the very same thing that she did especially when you are so close to bottom? When your back is against a wall, would you push back? When is enough is enough?
The series gently questions your morality about things and will make you wonder, will I do the same things what Lin did? I know I had moments just like that.
Lemme ask you... what will you choose? Power & prestige or love?
ACTING/CAST
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MIKALE LASALADON... errrr.... SOMCHAI (played by Jaylerr/JJ) - I've seen Jayler's Great Men Academy (GMA) and In Family We Trust (IFWT). In both series I was amazed how good he is an actor. Too bad though, neither of the two showed his singing and dacing skills. Unfortunately, this series is no exception. HOWEVER, his character in this is totally different from the 2 I mentioned earlier. His goofiness was intensified compared to GMA, and his seriousness too from IFWT. The features of his face really fits for an angel. When he acts as he experience new emotions/sensations were credible and believable too! As if he is a child that is experiecing the world for the first time.
LIN (JANE) - I've watched her in My Dear Loser: Edge of 17 and The Gifted. In both series, I have this vibe that she portrays a queen bee character quite well. Though, both series, her being a queen bee is contrasting. Yes My Dear Loser she still have a great admirers but she did use it to her advantage, unlike in The Gifted. That is why when I saw her in this series, I AM IMPRESSED! It was the complete opposite of a queen bee! And I can see in her eyes, the struggles she gone through. Can't wait to reprise her role in The Gifted: Graduation as Claire.
LUKE (MEK) - In Kiss Me Again and Dark Blue Kiss, he is the typical friend that goes along with the rest of the gang. And his character can be easily foreshadow by Nick's character, Jun. I've seen couple episodes of A Gift to the Person You Hate, I reached episode 5, but I wasn't able to notice him there. I guess I have to finish the series. Going to Angel Beside Me... OMG! The devilishly handsome looks fits him perfectly! And when he wears black, his face is more prominent even further and as if you are drawn to his stare. Hope he gets more kind of this role in the future since his acting is awesome as well!
MUSIC
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The song during the opening credits is so angelic, a perfect fit to the theme of the series. It is so light, bubbly and joyous. What help also is the sound effects, it were placed in the right moment giving those scenes an extra "kick" to the emotion.
REWATCH VALUE
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There is no real reason for me to watch this as if I want a romantic series, definitely there many more. I could rewatch this though for its comedic side.
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This review may contain spoilers
Gripping but with an unnecessarily convoluted plot
I have always been interested in dramas with cult and serial killer elements so I was immediately drawn to this title. The first few episodes did not disappoint but in the middle and towards the end, the show seemed to get too ahead of itself with the constant flashbacks/time skips and constant complications. I was concerned when only 2 episodes were left but closure was nowhere to be seen. The writer/director seemed to realise this as well and certain plot developments were hastily explained/not explained at all. Unfortunately the ending fell short of what I had hoped for and I still have many unanswered questions. Uhm Tae Goo's character had many long, circular monologues which I felt were unnecessary and did not do much to advance the plot other than to continuously highlight the fact that he was a total nutcase. The ending fell short of all the various events that they were trying to set it up for at the start. I wished they had decreased the number of monologues and provided some answers instead but this is just my preference for more "closed" endings. Also, there are a few "jumpscares" so take note if you have a weak heart. Other than that, the cinematography, acting and production value are excellent.The reason why I rated it so low in rewatch value is because this is a show that mainly hinges on the suspense and finding the reasons/motives behind the various happenings. In my opinion, these questions were not sufficiently answered hence I would not rewatch it (despite the high production value).
Conclusion: watch this show if you like cults, strange murders and The Ring.
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Thumb up!
This drama is only half way, it still has to finish, but it gave me lot of emotions. Let just say that it makes you laugh a lot, this is what it comes out the most, but it goes beyond that, especially in the latest episodes (5-6-7). I think that the genre is easily slice of life, so don't expect a huge plot, but this doesn't mean it's weak, just different. I don't wanna compare this to other dramas, just think about this as its own, it starts really comically, let me says that the cast is really something else, they're really good! Little by little they start showing you what's under the surface, it starts showing that they can go deep without problem. They show why the leads are doing what they're doing and what happened to them so we can understand them better, because the first approach to them could be underestimating. You can say that this goes for every character in every drama and I have to say it's truth, but I'm telling this because I thing these kind of dramas are a bit left out in my opinion because the huge ones, with huge plots are more popular or at least they hit better. So I'd like people to notice this one too, because up to now it showed us really strong themes, I don't want to spoil so I prefer to not go specific and let you be curious about it, but it makes you think about. Personally I ask myself if real life goes like that or not, in my opinion there are so many variants where there shouldn't be, because no one should be penalized to do the right thing or to be themselves, but anyway they show us that believing and following yourself and your thoughts even if it's gonna bring you "troubles", it's better that betray yourself.So, don't let this drama slips your watching list :)
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Kiekoi is forever! Ida and Aoki made me too happy!
I never write reviews but this time I had to because I've never felt as invested in a series as I did with Kieta Hatsukoi.What can I say...? I loved every single moment of this series, it was such a heartwarming experience I could rewatch over and over again. This story is so pure and innocent and I loved how both Micchi and Meme played their roles. Aoki and Ida are so different and yet so complementary. First you have Aoki, who's that kind of person who's ready to give his whole heart for the person he cherises the most and then you have Ida, who's more oblivious when it comes to feelings and falls for Aoki without being fully aware of his own feelings. Some may say this story is very simple but, to me, that's perfectly fine considering the message this drama tries to convey. It’s a very comforting and hopeful story about figuring out feelings and discovering love you've never experienced before. I think that's the core message you can take away from Kieta Hatsukoi. I laughed, loved and cried a lot all this way with Ida and Aoki and I wish we would get another season, a movie or even just a special episode. However, even if we don't get that, the final scene of the final episode was so cute that I would undertand if they decided to conclude the story there because, to be honest, that's the perfect ending for this perfect series.
Last, but not least, thanks to Kieta Hatsukoi I got to know Snowman and their amazing music. Of course I am a big fan of Meme now, but besides that I think Snowman is a very talented and amazing group! Same for Naniwa Danshi, although, at the time I'm writing this review, I haven't deepened very much into them yet. In any case, both are excellent groups and "Secret Touch" and "Ubu Love" will get stuck in your head as soon as you listen to them.
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The actors showed great emotion and I thought they found just the right people to play each part. The music did a very nice job of making the drama appropriately charged with just the right amount of emotion too, through all the characters' struggles and times of joy. I personally loved it.
I thought there were some slightly unresolved issues in the end, but nothing too big if you try to reason why they were left that way.
I loved the show's theme of the bonds that hold us all together reminding us that we aren't exactly alone even when we think we are (even if the theme is a little overused in general, especially I think, in Japanese stuff)
The main thing I was able to get from the two main characters' friendship was that it was a really strong one, a friendship that makes you seem more like siblings than friends (which is the best kind). The ending definetely gave me that impression.
Bottom line: if you want to watch something where it's very easy to sympathize with characters this would be something you might want to check out
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See Hear Love: Mienakute mo Kikoenakute mo Aishiteru
13 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Best Love Story
Manga artist Shinji Izumoto has secured a movie deal. He should be celebrating, but he's going blind, his manga series has been canceled, and he can no longer care for his grandmother. All alone, Shinji makes the devastating decision to jump off a balcony. When Hibiki Aida, a deaf fan of his, saves Shinji, they begin an unusual life together.The best love story that I think, due to the fact Tomohisa Yamashita and Yûko Araki have a strong chemistry in this story.
A manga artist, Tomohisa Yamashita lost his eye sight and a beautiful cute woman Yûko Araki. A simple story, but beneath it has a meaning of a strong bonded relationship. It is incredible that I cannot stop and take break; it makes you wanted to continue watching it until it ends.
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This review may contain spoilers
Rewatched it immediately [lots of spoilers]
I feel so stupid for not figuring out the twist until late into the movie. There was some stuff that seemed off fairly quickly but I didn't correctly guess until close to the end. The different streaming services, the article about the 5 students even though there was 6, and the outfit differences. I started rewatching it as soon as the movie ended. Literally the 3rd scene in the cosmetology lab has our main character leave the lab with her yellow shirt and older white iphone, and start walking outside wearing her blue shirt with her rose gold brand new iphone.I love that kind of ending that makes you want to rewatch it to see all the hints you didn't know about. The twist that we were seeing 2 different timelines was SO good, plus the cameraman at the very end? Perfect.
I love horror movies and found this VERY fun to watch. I wasn't scared at all but I had fun searching for the ghost and creepy stuff in the background. I loved the dorm room with the person shaped stain on the ceiling and the scene with the mannequins, especially when the large mannequin's head slowly turns to look at her, then quickly snaps back once she turns around.
It had parts based on different urban legends (the elevator, the repeating stairwell, the courage test) that I've seen in other asian horror series as well. I'm a huge fan of that kind of stuff, so it was kinda fun being able to recognize that stuff.
I wasn't scared at all but someone I watched it with was very creeped out. Just depends on your reaction anyways.
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Definitely worth watching
I initially hesitated to watch this since it was streaming online for a price (Php 250 or about US$ 5) and it had some limitations (e.g. must be played in 5 days and must be finished watching within 24 hours from your first play). However, curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to watch a BL series on Christmas Day (besides, the other entries in MMFF 2020 were not appealing to me). I am glad I made that decision.The story seems to be quite simple but I think what made this movie good is the acting, cinematography and music. The shots and angles were filmed nicely. (I love that miniature lamps in the field scene coz it appears very romantic and very "kdrama-ey"). The songs and background music were modern yet emotive . Although the film appears to have some budgetary limitations on the production values, the finished film was still good. Kudos to the producer, director, cinematographer and staff for this.
I am not familiar with their other works, but the actors playing the main characters were good especially Adrian Lindayag who plays Dominic. I could feel the emotions especially the "kilig" (romantic excitement) as well as the pain and sadness that comes with that kind of love especially since such relationship is forbidden by the Church (and Philippine society to a large part). The juxtaposition of having a religious background while at the same time patronizing mystic arts like tarot card reading (not to mention it is being done quite near the church) is an honest take on the ironic but real-life situation in the Philippines.
Personally, it's very relatable to me. I too studied in a sectarian catholic high school in the Philippines more than a decade ago. We were also attending masses, spiritual retreats and other religious activities coupled with strict teachers, bullying and even student fights. I especially had a laugh at the "Spanish fan" in the mass scene because that also happened to me although mine wasn't sequestered. Hello! It's a necessity considering the hot weather in school especially in the chapel. :-) In any case, it is a reality in an all-male school that some tend to be derided for being effeminate. One really has to have a strong backbone to stand-up to these dorks and survive the jungle that is high school. It was nice to reminisce high school life with its raging hormones and first love. Awww.
I guess my only small gripe was the final scene between the two leads. It somehow felt hurried to me. Although it was a satisfying happy ending, it kinda felt "kulang" (something was missing) as it abruptly ended after they makeup. Most of all, I especially loved the idea being espoused in this film - that fate is something we create for ourselves and we don't just have to rely on our supposed destiny being told by fortunetellers.
To those who are BL fans (regardless of nationality), I suggest that you watch this. I do hope that this be widely available with English subtitles very soon (and hopefully for free also) so that many more audience worldwide could appreciate it. While this year has seen plenty of Pinoy BL series (most of which are honestly sub-par), the film "The Boy Foretold by the Stars" is done quite well and a welcome "shot in the arm" so to speak to the usual lackadaisical MMFF with its inane, formulaic and predictable movies that we have been used to in the past. Hope this means we will get to see more substantial quality in Filipino movies (not just BL) in the near future.
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Though the leads, male female both are quite young but they bring justice to the role that they portrayed in the drama. It's a short drama of only 8 episode but it will make you witness the roller coaster journey of love, infatuation, betrayal and true friendship. It will make you smile and cry at same time. It was worth watching and I hope the writers keeps making such amazing dramas. Even though it was a short of only 8 episodes, it doesn't wrap everything in a haste rather it focuses on life of every character involved in the drama and end them beautifully. Everything from the plot to the acting and the soundtrack was beautifully done and will give you the feels of 70s. Worth watching!
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*Article: https://mydramalist.com/article/the-39th-hong-kong-film-award-nominees-have-been-announced-011014483
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Opposites Attract
This web series can be seen on YouTube; it's like you watch your favorite childhood book online.Story
A Chinese Ronja Robbersdaughter is captured by a general who offers her an escape route if she serves as a substitute for the missing bride of his son. The original bride was carefully chosen to avoid palace intrigue; that's why the bandit girl must keep up appearances for a longer period of time, in case some murder attempts will follow. Afterwards she may proceed her life elsewhere. She agrees under condition her bandit brothers will be released; one giant brother stays to accompany her as her handmaiden. The illustrious duo enters the general's house hold, stirring up trouble for his two sons, their friends, acquaintances, and servants.
Acting/Cast
Though this series isn't meant to win prizes, the casting is actually good; I loved the pairing of Yakisa who plays the lean and mean tomboy Bai Yun Feng and Gao Zi Tian as the scholarly second son, who loves to recite poems but falls for his practical bride as soon as he laid eyes on her. Even the giant bandit brother did a good job; I almost forgot he wasn't meant to play a travesty role like John Travolta in Hairspray.
The Good
Besides the odd leading couple who give us some cute and hot moments during the series, there are other interesting characters. For instance the eldest son and his wife, the female childhood friend of the male lead who wants him for herself, and her wise father who sees his daughter for who she is, trying to guide her within ethical boundaries we seldom see in Chinese period pieces.
The Bad
The downside of smooth story telling is that the end comes too soon. It's okay to leave out some dirty plotting, and the usual do-you-love-me-or-not-scenes, but one more episode could have been better, just to explain how the generals family and formerly bandits will cooperate in future times.
Overall
Still, Hold On, My Lady is a fast pacing piece with good vibrations within 4 episodes. It shows that opposites attract and holding on is all you have to do.
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