1A captivating trilogy on "living in interesting times" as a wronged woman and individual
Three stories, the 1st set in the late Republican period, the 2nd in an early Communist period and the 3rd in "roaring 90s", in the same city (Shanghai), all stories greatly "witnessed" by the same house, which was a family home (later a hospital/working place) of the first female protagonist, a working and living place of the second and the third FL: three women of different generations sharing a mutual family bond and leaving their "footprints", their life stories, romances, spirits and strenghts for each new generation to come, symbolically conveyed to the audience with passing the pocket watch (gifted to the first FL by her husband) on to the next generation .The setting of all three stories is historically and visually impeccable in every detail, object, costume and prop, helping a viewer to fully immerse in the time treated in each arc. Visual aesthetics of the first two stories are furtherly accentuated by framed chiaro-scuro shots under porches and arcades, looking like paintings or precious old photos. This clear and sophisticated retro vibe is replaced by "modern antiques" bursting colours in the third story. The artistic department covering three different period of times and the camerawork are perfect, 10/10. The choice of classical music and Chinese folk tunes serves well particularly in the 2nd story, where it is almost part of the script: FL and ML get closer thanks to their love for fine arts in general (FL is a designer and a painter), it helps them to understand each other.
But the overall tune of the three stories is different, each fitting the time and type of storytelling. The first story is a pure narrative, told by the 2nd FL (an elderly lady at the moment of storytelling) to the 3rd FL (her grandaughter) in the lowest moment in life of the latter (it isn't clear if she tempted a suicide or collapsed due to a shock of being unintentionally involved in a fraud and money embezzlement). That's the reason why the first story flows so well, scenes and episodes follow the memories and story telling of an old woman who is an artist herself, who deeply loved and respected her aunt (1st FL), a doctor who studied abroad, coped with difficult family issues, challenged societal norms and had a beautiful love story with her uncle. Excellent dialogues, acting and directing fully delivered that story.
Having a terrible father and a weak mother, this aunt was the only person YiYi (2nd FL) could count on. She was her polar star and a rolemodel to follow even when they've lost contact and she ought to face even greater challenges. Two actresses who impersonated the 2nd FL did an amazing job. Great story, great acting, aesthetics and subtle use of arts are the reasons why there was no drop in the overall quality as it happened in the War of Faith when the story turned from the (opulent) Republican to (poor) Communist era in Shanghai.
The plot and dialogues, although simplified and sometimes overdramatised to fit into the format of 10 eps per arc, are credible and sufficient both to characterise persons involved and realistically depict the time and the environment. Probably, the story in the 2nd arc is closest to real historical setting I've seen of this period in any Chinese drama (also because it avoided to deepen certain events and purges in the first 5 years of Communist takeover, while how the Cultural Revolution impacted the story was only hinted and not particularly deepened). An incredibly credible story, which feels both realistic and poetic.
After these two dramatic stories, full of turbulences, the third felt... anticlimatic. Again, the environment was faithfully represented, the actors did their job etc., but the story was not captivating enough. It has its good aspects (politics, business and relations are actually interesting as they were in previous arcs), but, imo, it fails to explain the characters as they were explained in the the 1st and the 2nd. The 3rd FL is emotionally volatile, maybe even unstable (that's why I've thought she tried a suicide), domineering towards her boyfriend for no reason. Having such a great grandma, she shouldn't be like that... The always upright 3rd ML doesn't shine either and the chemistry between the leading actors is not particularly credible. Maybe, we should take their story as a passage obligé to hand down the pocket watch to some future descendant who will live in more demanding times. Despite these flows regarding mainly the 3rd story, I strongly recommend you to watch this well-written, well-crafted and performed drama.
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Cute!
Watched on iqiyi under the title "How Dare You?!"This was a cute one! Even though it was a short drama, the characters were 3 dimensional, the plot was interesting, and it was a lot of fun to watch. The new drama has finished filming and looks even better. I can't wait!
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This movie, in some ways, was even more conflicting than Maundy Tuesday because it was hard to have any sense of understanding or empathy for the young man since he was such a sociopath. The inability to have any feelings of right or wrong or anything past their own idea of what they want is so un-understandable! Prison nor rehabilitation will not help because there is some (I believe) mental/physical defect in them that prevents normal feelings of empathy, love, compassion...the basic feelings a human should have. It is most certainly a disability as true as manic depression or schizophrenia, but nearly impossible to treat. How can you teach someone to have something they are genetically predisposed not to possess? This movie will raise emotions in you, I guarantee it. It is beautifully written and acted. I highly recommend it.
I would not watch it again myself because it is too painful. Don't remember the music at all.
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This review may contain spoilers
Sexy, sweet & visually stunning tale of baby drama
Gosh I am excited to have found this MDL page because I have been wanting to write a review of this vertical drama. I watched Have Babies for the first time on Christmas 2024 & have watched this drama repeatedly ever since.What I liked:
1. Visuals - Wow, what a visually stunning couple. Han Jia Hui is gorgeous (love her cheekbones) while Ke Chun is handsome (I get distracted by his big lips & raspy voice). Both actor & actress look extremely beautiful together. FL's outifts looked good on her & suit her character.
2. Romance - There are 2 intimate scenes and both times were hot. Even though there were not many kisses, the couple was affectionate with each other. I really enjoyed the playful banter between FL & ML.
3. Acting - I must say I was impressed by both Han Jia Hui & Ke Chun's acting. The scene in which ML told FL about his hidden identity was emotional & conveyed well. It's also great to see both of them in comedic & dramatic scenes. I became a fan of Han Jia Hui & Ke Chun and started watching their other dramas.
4. Supporting characters - I really like ML's sister. She bonded really well with FL & it was fun watching her scenes with FL & ML. I also like ML's mum especially the store scene. The child actors & actress were so adorable. I also like ML's assistant.
5. Pacing - Well paced & light drama. I watched this drama in one sitting.
What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - His proposal is just silly and darn too late.
Favourite scene:
When FL showed her wedding gown to her children & that playful banter afterwards.
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A really recommended drama that you should watch! trust me
Such an amazing and beautiful drama. This drama is very unforgettable for me because of the story and acting. First, we can see in the first episode telling that Gu Chuan the ML is got an accident because he was trying to help the strangers who is the young girl, Jiang Xiao Ning (FL) and her family. And when he got injured, he still trying to console the young girl even help her to sing a birthday song for her. It's really heartwarming and touching.Then after the accident, the ML can't get a normal life again because of he got a mechanical heart to save his life.
So, he always think about dying and even prepare her funeral. Honestly, it's really sad when I think about him. He's such a great and potential architect, that have a personal studio. He's always calm and never got a strong emotion to protect his heart. Case is different for the FL, although she got a traumatic experiences and losing her parents, she always try to optimist and cheerful.
They met after 10 years, and she become his assistant. Slow but sure, she changed the ML. She made him smile again and get another purpose of life. They both fall in love, but can't be together cause the mechanical heart. The doctor always warn him to not dating cause his heart can't experiencing strong emotions. So, what happened after that? You should watch it now cause you won't regret it.. trust me.
Overall, it is really a great storyline, there are ups and downs that you really wanna cry a lot because of them, but you also will get happy too cause their chemistry is superb. And do not worry cause We also got second couple that are so funny and exciting. In addition, we got two guest role who are the ML'ex and FL's best friend. They make it a complete and great scenes too. Oh yes, and the ost also amazing. Really like it too.
Personally, I really amaze for Ren Jia Lun acting. He really did an amazing job when potrayed Gu Chuan. this is my first time watching his drama, and can't wait to see his other drama too.
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It reminds you of your youth
The story starts in 2002. In a neighborhood of Liuli Hutong there are 5 childhood friends who are enjoying their school life while trying to find their dreams and passions. As time passes, they face heartbreaking situations and reality which change the dynamics and make them grow. Separation can't be avoided as they step into real world. You will laugh and cry together with them. But in the end, they are still the people from Liuli Hutong neighborhood whose bond never cease.This drama is simple. It shows the realistic side of what people can experience in life and their journey to find happiness as they grow up. Each family has their own color. There's no annoying character, no violence involved, no bully, no overly dramatic situations. The kids face their own problems as they grow up into working adults. Each family has strong bond. The friendship is really strong and genuine, they're not friends with benefit. This drama will remind you of your youth when you were carefree, failed in your exams, argued with your parents, how you disliked going back to countryside, had to chose between dream or reality, experienced first love, separation, career, marriage.
Few people might not like Shao Xue at first, but you will see that she's more than just a tomboy and loud girl. Sunian is the popular boy but only Shao Xue can make him happy. Zhang Qi has a secret crush on Shao Xue, but chooses friendship instead. Shiyin might be annoying, but she dreams big and she's a loyal friend. Wu Huan is obedient and hard working. Don't forget the diversity of parents and the lovely elders who work at the restoration house. This drama is worth to watch especially if you like a daily life drama.
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Good show for trying times
First I'm an average american white male, mostly watch sports but have a wide taste for shows both american & other countries. I value a good story, acting to invest in a show.I have not watched many Kdramas but with Netflix putting many out they fill a gap when I'm in the mood for something new. Last year I enjoyed Mystic Pop Up Bar. So Hello Me! Had a interesting concept.
I know much of the world has been isolated & dealing with COVID so I tend to look for TV shows to detach from the pandemic.
Without discussing the plot as part of the joy of this show is seeing where it goes, the week between episodes is hard as you are left wanting to see what happens.
Likes:
- funny and many laugh out loud moments, even with major culture difference this show has humor which in a way helps offset the more serious moments
- at its heart outside of the two versions of the same person is a core of how people deal with family, friends, loss and finding happiness. Sometimes its just in a snack and others finding a friend lost.
- enjoy the multi-connected plot & characters, kind of shows the 6 degrees of seperation. Also the aspect of how people make impacts on other peoples lives, which often may seem minor
Dislikes:
- some of the events are the same old ones you see elsewhere, the romance side of this show is pretty weak with the two leads being there to prop up the two main leads (or one)
I look forward to how the show wraps up and update what I thought. I hope they have a season 2 if Kdramas even do that.
Give the show a chance, if anything it will make you smile.
Update 4/11
Well the series wrapped and came back to update. Overall my rating and like for the did not change. I do agree the aunt / anthony subplots did suck time away from the core story but it was nice to have most of the main storylines wrapped up.
I guess this final two episodes were more bittersweet than outright sad. Overall series kept its touching nature and it does make you pause to evaluate your life & relationships.
While I know K Dramas don't do seasons like the US, however there are story lines that could be explored in each time period.
Past - Ba Ha Ni dealing with her life knowing what she does. Maybe the college years.
Present - Obviously seeing current Ba Ha Ni and making the most of her new (restarted) life. I felt there was more meat between her & the HS BFF. The baby, adult friendship etc. I'd also like to see the Aunt return and be given a sub-company to run so she does not live her life with so much hate. She gave up her whole family, future grandchild due to her envy & greed.
If you are unsure, try the show. It was a pleasant watch.
~chill
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Wasn't a total waste, but didn't really grow on me
I started this drama without any expectations, but along the way I developed some. However, in the end, none of them were delivered in a way that left me satisfied.Firstly, the romance was mostly built on misunderstandings, stubbornness and bad communication, mixed with yearning, protectiveness and constant self-sacrifice. But it had its nice moments too, and those are the moments I cherish the most, because they were the ones that kept me watching.
Secondly, some of the characters deserved more screen time than they were given, and some were present way too often. The villains were quite predictable, yet somehow a little disappointing, and the supporting characters were always there to support, sometimes even stealing the spotlight. Some of the side plots were particularly interesting, and I would have loved it if they had developed them more than they did, but the screen time was given to the main plot, which felt quite repetitive at times, especially in the middle part.
Overall, the story wasn't a total waste, but it didn't really grow on me. It was often messy and chaotic, detaching me from the characters and leaving me wondering why they did what they did, and why the writers had to include this or that, because sometimes the plot choices really didn't make sense.
If anyone wants to watch this, my conclusion is this: don't expect too much. Enjoy the visuals, the actors, and the mess the plot offers, and you'll be fine. As for me — once bitten, twice shy. I will remember this as the first drama of Song Weilong I ever watched, but otherwise, I am shelving this and probably not returning to it again.
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In the beginning I was like, "Hey, this movie's just like Memoirs of a Geisha" (which I immensely love). I was pretty sure the movie would have a cliche plot and ending. However, sometimes it is INCREDIBLE when the story manages to prove every guess of yours wrong. Although the plot seems somewhat heavy, it manages to stay light because of the memorable, foul-mouthed anti-heroine. Another nice thing about the movie is how it incorporates dark humor and art together. The title 'Sakuran' also has a lot of meaning to it.
Everything about this movie is wonderful- its costumes, sets, cast, story and soundtrack. I honestly couldn't think of anything major to criticize about in this film. The movie is serious combined with funny and yet giving off an artsy vibe. The writing, the performance of the cast and the direction were all pretty solid. The camerawork was quite good too. In spite of an unrealistic-looking surroundings at a couple of places, the movie is great to look at overall.
If you love the culture of Japan, you will love this movie. However, this movie is for mature audiences and so it includes a lot of sexual content. The movie was very, very colorful and pleasing to look at from the first scene to the end.
I actually didn't know anyone in the cast so I had no expectations from them. However, I have to say all of them delivered well. The parts that were played by the leading characters were great. Another awesome thing about the movie is its soundtrack. There was both traditional and modern music used in this film and it suited the mood well.
Lastly, I HAVE to talk about the ending. I just didn't think it would turn out to be the exact opposite of what I guessed. The ending makes the movie very different and not cliche at all. I am not going to spoil the ending for any one so just watch the whole thing for its ending. It will totally be worth the time!!! :D
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We don't have the same preferences, maybe what others say is not good will be a GOOD one for you.
This is the very first time that I will give a review, I often just leave my opinion after watching on the comment section but now I want to write a review for this , Considering this is my first review please bare with me, also I'm not very good at writing but I will do my best for my love for this drama.First let me talk about the good things about this drama, Not only the ML and FL have a good acting skills but also the supporting casts did really well, there are also some scenes that made me laugh. The ML and FL I felt that they are comfortable to each other right away after they meet on the first episode, not like other typical dramas that main couples are going to fight or they are bickering couples then starts to fall in love, I'm a bit bored with that already, But not in this they meet and then the FL propose for an engagement on the other side and then boom their relationship just starts to slowly develop in a natural way. Their kissing scenes are great I find the way they kiss is so cute and kissing scenes are a bit a lot . So considering that the FL is cool and a badass in contrast the ML is a bit weak but caring and I think its a good blend like they say in science Like charges repel Unlike charges attract.
And now of course not all dramas/always are perfect there are always flaws, So first one is that the story is a bit messy and that there are times that you will question if what happen to that or him, like that example is that they did not tell us if what happened to the FL's father, about the Future Group the ML did not fight for it and vanished and did not talk about it again, like that, The story should have been polished a bit. Another thing was that there were a lot of characters that I think are not necessary. Another things that I was asking all the time is that is this drama a low budget because I observe that the characters specially the leads have wore their clothes repeatedly I mean its alright to repeat clothes but on their case its a bit a lot and I think that will affect their character because they are considered to have a high status in the society since they are business people. But then DESPITE of all of this I don't know but I ended up LOVING this DRAMA so MUCH! That I'm downloading it for a REWATCH.
** I'll share an interesting thing I don't know if those that have watched this saw it.
in Ep. 7, The staff sitting behind the scene got caught even if its dark I saw it clearly, it made me laugh, Its impossible that during the editing and filming they did not see it on the screen and should have edited it I think they just leave it as it is for a purpose hahaha.
Even if others say that this drama is really good there will always be a one person that would not like it, because not all of us have the same preferences, so from that I suggest that you just jump into it and go see it for your self and come back later to give a comment you might turn out to love it in the end. Don't be affected by the negative comments and the ratings better find it out. I you ask if I recommend this drama my answer is a big YES totally despite of the flaws I can say I Still ENJOYED it so much.
I did not expect that my review would be this long but I hope you reach reading until here and I had helped you for the reason why you came here to read reviews.
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For about 9 episodes of this drama I was completely drawn into the puzzle of how Wakaba was going to change as well as being drawn to watching both her and Shota learn to find some middle ground and find some way to come together. The writing was good, the episodes plotted out fairly well until the last few.
They spent so much time driving home the point that Wakaba was damaged and tough and Shota was meek, complacent and overly kind, by the time we got to the end of its run they rushed the couple's big moment. It should have felt more natural. I have only watched 3 Jdramas and so I understood they were shorter than Kdramas. The shorter length didn't seem to hurt them so I knew it could be done. Not so with Zenkai Girl. I ended up enjoying it but the pacing was off and that mistake cost this drama the ranking of being something more than 'just okay' in my eyes. It simply could have used another episode or two.
But..I liked all the characters, even Wakaba and she was tough to take sometimes. Shota was a sweet loving character and the children were delightful. (if a little too adult in their wisdom and reasoning) This show is enjoyable and I liked the episodic conflicts that were solved pretty quickly and the lessons learned. Zenkai Girl is not hard to follow and can be a lot of fun. It is simply too short for the wrong reason. The viewer should feel a drama has ended too soon because they don't want to see it end. A drama shouldn't end with the viewer thinking "Wait...you haven't quite finished the story!"
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This drama is a fucking masterpiece
What an excellent drama!I was hooked to this drama. It was dark, gritty, and brutal.
The plot of this drama essentially focuses on the cat and mouse chase between a "criminal" and the cops.
Hwang Kyung-min is a taxi company CEO who is on a mission to extract revenge from those who bullied him in school. In the process he contacted Jung Jong-seok who was his friend in the school, and now a cop.
The rest of the drama focuses on uncovering the truth behind the death of their third friend, Cheolie, and how Kyung-min takes his revenge, closely followed by Jong-seok and Kang Jin-ah, another cop.
What I liked about this drama is the brilliant narration style by the director Kim Dae-jin. Every episode ended with a cliffhanger, which is not rare, but what made this part is the tone at which the episode ended. In particular, I liked the 10th episode. It revealed so much, and it was great how the event were built to come at that moment. Again, this is the brilliancy of the director.
The actors of this drama were amazing. Each and every one had done their job perfectly, in particular Kim Dong-wook. I don't have enough words to praise Kim Dong-wook's acting in this drama. He was expressionless while killing his bullies, but at the same time his eyes carried that lingering pain.
The child actors too were brilliant. To act so extraordinarily speaks a lot about their talent. I hope they will have a bright future ahead and hope to see them in other dramas soon.
OST of this drama, even though wasn't much diverse, it was spot on. I particularly liked the theme music that played in the background, the one that played during the start of last episode.
The cinematography was dark, which perfectly complemented the tone of this drama.
This drama was so much more than just another revenge drama. It explores how the certain events can forge the future of kids. Bullying is a widespread problem in South Korea and one of the main reason for that is because of the inefficiency of schools to come up with a system to eradicate such problem. It's the duty of teachers to ensure that no child is hurt in the school. And yet, some teachers ignore the bullying in their class, which in turn destroys the life of the kid who is being bullied.
This drama shows too polar opposite humans. One who was bullied as a child and that affected his adult life. And the others, the bullies, who continues to live as if nothing happened.
While I condone the violence and murders, but I can't help but root for Kyung-min. This is the brilliancy of this drama.
Amazing drama. I will highly recommend it.
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So much potential
DAMN!! This had so much potential but alas it did not live up to it.The premise is excellent, the cast is great and the setting perfect, so why was this movie so meh??
The first 40 minutes of the movie were hands down some of the best tension setting I have ever watched but it all went downhill after that. The movie is meh b/c of the stupid actions by the police, the victim, the brother of one of the victims and random people on the street.
The best thing about this movie was the actors. Wi Ha Joon is excellent as the serial killer. I had only seen him in Squid Game and I liked him there but he played the psychotic murderer very well. I only wish we knew what his motivations were. I guess we get a glimpse of it when the old drunk at the police station questions his upbringing but I needed a little more information. The lead actress, Jin Ki Joo and the actress playing her mother were really good too. I haven't seen the FL in anything else either but I look forward too seeing something else.
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Bring tissues... LOTS OF IT!
let just say it is reversed version of 50 First Date... how our hero with amnesia struggle to make himself fall in love to the same woman every single damn day of his life forever! you'll cry your eyes out at the end coz you'll never expect their happiness actually comes to an end... both jasper and gulnazar is so freaking cute together their chemistry is amazing in this movie... it is a great story for valentine's day to watch with your love one... they will appreciate you more.... you'll thank me later ❤️Was this review helpful to you?
An epic, iconic and life changing drama
I first watched this show as a young child and it helped me become who I am now. I didn't realise it then but it soon became a worldwide hit not just around Asia in the 1980s but it subsequently travelled to non-traditional viewing audiences such the Middle East and South Americas in the 1990s. Thus I'm surprised that no one has reviewed such an iconic and character-forming drama yet.First of all, the show was shot in the mid 1980s. As such, the scenes set in 'modern' Japan still look very dated. However if you ignore that, the rest of the show is set from the early 1900s all the way to the 1980s. Re-watching it now however, some bits that may have been acceptable in the 1980s probably wouldn't be accepted now. For instance, a teenage boy helps child Oshin out and a grown man lies naked with her to warm her up. It sounds icky but she was hypothermic. Also, there's a lot of domestic abuse and not to mention the obvious child labour. Although such scenes might accurately reflect the turn of the 20th century, I'm sure if Oshin were filmed today, I'm sure such scenes would be removed as they portray criminal acts. In this sense, the show feels dated because of when it was filmed yet ironically true to the period it's portraying.
Second, what I disliked about the show. It's in 15 minute episodes spread over nearly 300 episodes, which makes it hard to watch today in a time poor world. I know that it was broadcast in a different era and it certainly kept my dinner times busy for nearly a year back then. However, the show never feels draggy. Each episode ends exactly at a cliffhanger, that's brilliant editing! I don't expect the show to be cut but I really hope NHK or a subscription service such as Netflix would connect them into 1 or 1 ¼ hour episodes typical of these days.
Third, what I liked about the show: the story of course! It's very tightly written with no lapses in logic or loose ends. I do not like how many of the male characters treated the women but it was typical of the time it portrays. Yet in spite of the strongly paternalistic culture, the highlight of the show is the strong women characters. They not only stayed resilient despite their circumstances and what life threw at them, but were in fact stronger than their men. They were the silent and long suffering foundations holding up their men who had fragile egos. They are inspirational! Oshin in particular unlike her long suffering mother showed that she's no pushover. She knew how to tread the thin line between yielding to someone of power yet persevering and in the process, winning over her worst critics. She got through with sheer grit and hard work.
I also like the growth we see across the three Oshins. While the child Oshin was abused, naive and unconfident, the young-middle aged Oshin grew in confidence and learned to stand on her own two feet and fiercely protect those she loved. Yet it was a life lived not without regrets, and in the older Oshin we see a deeply reflective person who gives a flick to her needy and disappointing next generation. I like all three actors who played Oshin.
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