This review may contain spoilers
Thrill ride
Truth be told, I don’t have extensive experience with this type of republican drama, which makes it difficult for me to draw comparisons with others in a similar genre. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to share more of my thoughts about this one.From start to finish, the story was solid. There weren’t any unnecessary scenes or dialogue, and the pacing was just right—not too slow and not too fast. I initially watched this because of Zheyuan, and I was a bit worried about the potential political elements since they usually bore me to tears. Thankfully, this one steered clear of that.
The development of the characters was meticulously crafted, a step-by-step progression that led them to their current states, rather than experiencing sudden, overnight changes of heart. It was genuinely heartwarming to see Lin Shaobai evolve from a passionate (albeit a bit arrogant) young police officer into the reliable and thoughtful man he becomes in the second half of the story. At first, his bond with Lu Zhengyang was a bit frustrating since Lu Zhengyang was too stubborn to see things from Shaobai's perspective, but thankfully they manage to work through their issues. Given their age and generational gap, it made their differences a bit easier to handle.
Now, diving into the other characters, Shrike definitely deserved a more painful ending. He spent years torturing and ruining the lives of others, and it seemed far too easy for him to meet such a quick death; it felt almost merciful. As for his wife, she also deserved a more excruciating fate. While for Xu Wei, it seems they aimed to portray his death as heroic, but that approach didn’t resonate with me. While it’s true that Shaobai and Jin Yan wouldn’t have made it out alive without his assistance, he had several opportunities to redeem himself but chose not to. From the very beginning, he knew that his wife and child would remain in danger, regardless of how hard he worked for Shrike. Yet he was blinded by his pursuit of power and wealth. So, any so-called redemption arc or whatever they tried to push was total bullcrap. Xu Wei got no less than what he deserved, much like Jin Maochang. I could say I feel a bit sorry for him because the despicable deeds he committed weren’t for fun or simply for money and power, but rather out of love for his daughter. I dare say he’s better than Xu Wei, as he repeatedly tried to eliminate Shrike, even if it was also motivated by a desire to save himself. So, yeah, he better be dead.
As for the acting, bold italic and underline: top notch. And I can’t help but indulge myself by praising Zheyuan this time. Most of the cast consists of veteran actors and actresses, yet Zheyuan managed to hold his ground; there wasn’t a single moment in the entire 38 episodes where he seemed out of place. The scene where Shaobai and Jin Yan were crying in the car was absolutely off the charts; they needed no lines to convey their emotions. Jin Yan's crying scene after her father's death was also nothing short of terrific. Speaking of Shaobai and Jin Yan, I really don’t mind how their story unfolded. They might not be together (yet) by the end of the story, but it feels very fitting. If they had tossed in any hints of romance at the end, it would have felt way too sudden.
But, I have to say, I have a little complaint: the ending would’ve felt more realistic if Jin Yan wasn’t lying in the hospital bed. She only got stabbed once in the back, while Shaobai was shot multiple times, so how did she end up in worse condition than him? He even managed to go out and get a haircut. I really hope the reasoning behind this isn’t just because Shaobai is a man and Jin Yan is a woman.
Well overall, this drama was terrific. Amid all the seriousness and importance of their job, the comedic relief felt perfectly timed. Some scenes had me cracking up, and I loved every second of it. This whole viewing experience could very well be the catalyst that encourages me to explore more dramas in a similar genre in the future.
(Ps. Sending love and hugs to Huzi. In every drama, it feels like there’s always a need for a close friend or family member to be sacrificed toward the end. This time, it was Huzi who had the unfortunate honor of fulfilling that sentimental role.)
Was this review helpful to you?
There are actually two story lines in Roosevelt Game: one concerning the ailing manufacturer Aoishima Seisakujo, the other its beloved but struggling promotional baseball team. Both are written solidly enough to stand alone, but complement each other so well why should one want them to? Together, these plots form an exciting masterpiece—though I avoid using that word if it can be helped. Often the events in one half relate to those in the other—but without the heavy-handedness this narrative device often carries. Some parallels are so subtle as to create a feeling of “Ah!” in the viewer when they are realized. And, as one might expect from the team behind Hanzawa Naoki, an overall atmosphere of intensity and forward motion permeates both elements—business and baseball alike. It has all the intrigue and heart-thumping one could wish; several times I found myself exclaiming aloud or nearly jumping upright, no exaggeration.
Because they share an author in Jun Ikeido and even directors, it is impossible to talk about this drama without referencing Hanzawa Naoki. But please, do yourself justice before coming in: don’t expect another Hanzawa Naoki, even though certain components may resemble that excellent series. Roosevelt Game, I felt, was actually an improvement on the model in many essential respects. For one, the human element was decidedly more powerful here—there were even brilliant touches of the life drama Japan so excels in. Thematic components found themselves better applied across the board, creating one solid arc rather than two. But perhaps most telling, Roosevelt Game concludes its 9-episode run satisfyingly self-contained and complete…with one less episode, and no need for continuance. As wonderful as Hanzawa Naoki was and still is (I’ve both marked highly), there’s no reason to allow it to overshadow this rare discovery in its impressive enormity.
I mentioned cinematography earlier; let me conjure it up again briefly. There are indisputable similarities to Hanzawa Naoki (again, same team); you've got the intense close-ups, dynamic angles, and unique shots. However, Roosevelt Game again sets itself apart with brighter lightning and softer colors. I also don’t believe another drama exists with such brilliant baseball footage! Though it isn't my favorite sport, I would be a liar if I said these games were not as exciting or remarkable as any action sequence in Asian television. If they used body doubles for the players, I definitely couldn't tell.
Speaking of players, what a uniformly talented cast! Enough are worth mentioning that I could write another few paragraphs on performances alone—but I won’t do that to you. Karasawa Toshiaki portrays President Hosokawa, an unpopular choice for this important seat; I am unfamiliar with him in a leading role, but he caught my eye right away. There is something of the tiger about him, his method is quiet and understated—but when he strikes, you know. Next is Kudo Asuka, another relatively new face to me and in actuality, as ace pitcher Okihara. A simple and sweet character, Kudo draws the viewer in with a mixture of gentle heroism and unassuming relatability. Be warned you may leave this drama affectionately referring to him as Oki. His wonderfully eccentric coach Daido is a scene-stealing gift via Tezuka Toru, while an executive officer occupies a similar space in the form of Sasai (a delightfully complex and stormy Eguchi Yosuke). So many more I’d love to mention, but please meet them in the drama instead!
For the lack of a more elegant term, the soundtrack is killer. The compositions, exquisitely arranged by Hattori Takayuki (Hanzawa Naoki, Shinsengumi!, Nodame Cantabile) are to absolutely to die for. I am not joking when I say that I've scrambled to find the Roosevelt Game soundtrack for purchase. Though almost entirely instrumental (with a few dramatic exceptions), the songs cannot be stopped from creeping into the brain. They are of an almost universally cinematic quality, from the stirring introduction and intrigue themes to anthems of crushing defeat and spirited victory. If you love string instruments, you’ll be in heaven especially.
One final warning: Roosevelt Game is frighteningly addictive. I finished the entire thing in one sitting—on a work night no less, and I almost want to watch it again right away. Take care when you start!
Was this review helpful to you?
Who run the WORLD! GIRLS
This is a story of 3 women that refused to accept their tragic fate and pursue their dream to be successful businesswomen. Pan er who's witty and a very good manager, San Niang who's a good cook, and Yin Zhang a pipa master. Together they embark on the journey to the Capital to be one of the most respected business owners out there.Strength:
1. Character growth- All their struggles and hardships became the window of their character and attitude to face those people who belittle them.
2. Natural act of love- Definitely my standard drama on how to act like a normal couple. ZP and GQF show how to deal with the problems, how to support each other as well as the physical contact between them. Just a perfect way how a couple hugs and a kiss. YES, viewers! They kiss like they are deeply in love with each other.
3. Aesthetic view and costume- Every scene was perfect even and the costume really fits them well..
Weakness;
1. I think they can stretch it until 50 episodes just to tie up the relationship between GQF's father and Minister Qi, it looks like they rush it since it has a limited number of episodes.
But overall it was an enjoyment to watch... I purchased the express just to finish it and it's worth every penny. All the characters really did a great job!! :)
Was this review helpful to you?
Even If It’s Propaganda — It Doesn’t Change The Fact That It Happened
If you’re watching Dead to Rights (南京照相馆) expecting a safe, dramatized war story, you’re in for a brutal wake-up call.Based on real events during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, the film follows a postman, A Chang, who pretends to be a photo developer for the Japanese military to survive. Inside this false identity, he secretly turns the photo studio into a temporary refuge for Chinese civilians and soldiers. But in the face of unforgivable violence and horror, A Chang risks everything. Smuggling people to safety and preserving photographic evidence of the atrocities.
The story and visuals are brutally honest. This film does not shy away from the horror. It doesn’t soften the truth to make it easier to watch. Instead, it forces you to sit in the reality of one of the darkest chapters in modern history and to understand it for what it was: genocide, terror, survival, and silent resistance.
The performances in Dead to Rights are just as unforgettable. Every actor delivers with such rawness and restraint that it’s easy to forget you’re watching a movie. There’s no overacting here, just honest, human reactions to inhuman cruelty. I have never jump-scared in a movie before… but the tension in this film had me on edge the entire time. It’s not a horror movie, but the fear feels so real that your body reacts anyway. This isn’t just a film you watch but it’s one you feel in your bones.
But beyond the emotional weight, Dead to Rights is also visually stunning in the most haunting way. The cinematography is rich, atmospheric, and deeply intentional. Every frame felt like a carefully composed photograph, echoing the film’s themes of memory and documentation. The visuals don’t just show violence. They capture emotion, stillness, grief.
Some are calling this film CCP propaganda but honestly, that kind of reaction says more about the discomfort of facing truth than the film itself. You don’t have to take the movie’s word for it. A simple Google search will show you the reality. There are real photographs from the time: babies impaled on swords, civilians shot point-blank in the streets, bodies piled like garbage. These aren't exaggerated for film but they're documented, and they’re horrifying.
Because of Japan’s censorship and silence around this part of its history, many in Japan still grow up unaware of what truly happened in Nanjing. That silence is not just painful, it's dangerous. It allows wounds to stay open and accountability to fade. Dead to Rights may be confronting, but it’s confronting truth. And often, the real thing was worse. Far worse ... than anything a film could show.
There’s also been criticism about young children watching this film and coming away with anti-Japanese sentiment. And while it’s a complex issue, I think we need to ask: why are we blaming the Chinese government for children’s reactions… but not the parents who took them to see a film this raw, this heavy? This is not a movie for kids and that’s clear. But the responsibility lies with the adults who chose to bring them, not the filmmakers who told the truth.
And even if this was CCP propaganda... it wouldn’t change the fact that it happened. The events of the Nanjing Massacre are real, recorded, and undeniable. No amount of political framing erases the truth of what survivors endured. What matters now is that we remember, that we educate, and that we don’t look away.
In the end, Dead to Rights doesn’t just tell a story. It preserves memory. It confronts silence. It says, “Look. Don’t look away. Someone lived this. Someone died here. You can’t pretend it didn’t happen.”
And for that, I believe this film is not only necessary but it’s a masterpiece of remembrance.
Was this review helpful to you?
A personal favorite youth Chinese drama of 2021!
Went into this drama feeling hopeful after seeing a MV of the leads and I am so glad I gave this drama a try! There are so many youth Chinese dramas out there that I thought this would no different, however, I was wrong. There are familiar setups and tropes but it's refreshing because of the main cast and the charms they bring to their characters. Moreover, the writing brings the realism of being a teen and the conflicts that come up such as wanting to fit in (be someone you're not), finding your dream (being forced to fulfill another person's wishes), being true to yourself (loving yourself and who you are)... and so many more. Plus just the romance and innocence of being in your 17s.To add, how rare is it to find a Chinese youth drama that has a female lead that DOESN'T have a bob cut?? That was one of the unique factors hat drew me in. Plus, the male lead isn't your typical smart class leader or "bad boy" who has low scores. And the secondary couple!! Very comedic banter and sweet scenes between those two as well.
I have to say that these four actors are the ones carrying the drama, otherwise this youth drama would be no different than the many others that are released every year in China. Their acting is on point to their characters, bringing them to life even if there are some stiff/awkward moments but it's understandable since they are all new. I especially love Lin Nan Yi's smiles and Wang Yu Ming's personality. Bonus point is that their voices aren't dubbed! Another rare occurance in Chinese drama land.
Speaking of the plot though, I have to give a warning that towards the end, you can tell the writer is trying very hard to push the plot in a certain direction and use certain tropes that we are all familiar with in youth romance dramas. It's not subtle at all and feels quite forced, but it's not too bad. It only made me drop the Plot score by 0.5. I can overlook it because of the main cast's acting, chemistry, and romance. It only happens a handful of times through the storyline anyway. Also, on the bright side, there are NO stupid misunderstandings that drag out the plot. It's quite fast-paced.
A bonus would be the OST of this drama. I love several of them and they fit the scenes so, so well. I definitely have those songs saved for replays. The upbeat ones are my favorites but they also match the youthfulness of the cast so I
Happy that it finished off well. Will keep an eye out on the main cast for sure.
Was this review helpful to you?
I didn't expect it to be so good^^
In comparison, with the manga the story line was changed in some ways.....but I really liked those changes which is not usually the case but the way it was much better than the anime because the anime is like one third of the manga ;)
The cast was perfect and the acting was also good expect of few scenes of Futaba... I think her facial expression were a bit exaggerated.
The music was great and all in all it was the best manga-anime-adaption I´ve ever seen and I highly recommend it especially for the manga and anime fans of Ao Haru Ride :3
Was this review helpful to you?
You think you know where the story is going, but then they throw a few "huh!?" moments at you. It keeps you on your seat, eagerly waiting to find out what happens next.
It's a very dramatic yet touching story and something I would recommend to those who enjoy a good plot filled with the twists and turns we all know and love from dramas.
(Though a warning to those with triggers, as there are some light ones)
Was this review helpful to you?
If you give it a chance it might surprise you
Well, that was quite a get-on-nerves show, but still interesting to watch. I've checked most of the reviews and I'm quite surprised they are so negative.STORY
It could be written better.. I didn't have a chance to read the novel that series is based on, but I'm sure that even that half of angst wasn't portrayed in this show. So it might be for the best.. who knows what kind of cringe we would see.. So it's good as it is.
Dark romance? I don't see it clearly. It's too corny to be considered as dark.
(English is not my first language, so, please, bare with me 😢)
let's talk about characters
MING
Yes , he is definitely NOT SAINT, but also he CAN'T be defined as a total red flag. In comparison to Day from "Love syndrome" or Vegas "KP" Ming is just a naughty kid who begs for attention and yet might be possessive and arrogant from time to time. I really love Up's acting skills. It's incredible seeing his versatility (compared to a lovely writer). Also, I loved the character development. We were able to see what the loss of someone important in your life can do to you. Maybe it would be much better if there was another special episode about Ming's life after Joe's disappearance. Since a lot of people found concerning the swift change in Ming's personality.
The only thing that I can blame on him is that he couldn't talk about his feelings properly instead he was trying to manipulate Joe in order to get what he wanted.
Well, I can't see him as the most toxic red flag. HE IS JUST A MANIPULATIVE RICH KID WHO DESPERATELY WANTED TO BE LOVED.
***
I want to complain about the dressing style that they came up with for Ming.. like they are trying to portray him as a powerful and manipulative top, but dressing him like a BABY GIRL with rosey cheeks..
JOE
This is my first time seeing Poom in acting. He's incredibly good (sometimes he reminds me of Jeff Satur). He's eyes like a mirror that depicts true emotions.
Well, poor Joe. He literally has been through hell.. He was so naive to let everyone manipulate him, especially Ming. It was clear that he had affection towards Ming, but still self-respect must be in priority. It's understandable, he fell in love and was blinded by it.
Everybody's blaming him for how he could get money on these conditions..Just imagine.. you're in a strangers body but in the same surroundings, have no money, no career, acquired a new mother with poor health and lots of debt .You need to scratch from the top but you have no time. What would you do to survive?
It was so frustrating to see him living in a shadow of other people even in his past self's. As he made a choice to live his life like this he has to cope with it.
TONG
Still mad about him getting a happy ending after all of the awful things he has done. Unpleasant character. Definitely deserves a good punch. He's one of those people who are trying to look better by taking credits for someone else's achievements.
But at least he showed that he will take responsibility for his child.
P'Wut
His acting sometimes made me feel uncomfortable. They were trying to create a father figure for Joe, but failed. He only kept saying that he's gonna help him, but in the end of it all Joe had to deal with everything by himself. Unreliable.
I still have a lot of questions about the story but I can't remember even a half of it..
1. What happened to the soul of Joe2?
2. Wasn't it strange for Joe's mother to see that her son's completely changed?
3. Who was that mysterious master and why does everybody believe him?
4. How did Ming's parents forgive Tong that easily..?
I really love the color correction and camera work. The shots were amazing. But the musical accompaniment.. 3 damn songs repeating again and again ..
Overall, I can understand what this show was trying to tell us. "Love wins all no matter what" and " family bound is one of the strongest".
I don't think that I'm gonna rewatch it someday.
Soild 8.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Gentle Masterpiece That Redefines GL
“Us The Series” is, without a doubt, my favorite show of all time. I’ve rewatched it almost every day since it first aired, and each time it still feels like a warm hug.The story is captivating, but not in the usual “constant drama” way. For some, it might seem slow or uneventful, but only if you don’t truly understand what the show is about. It isn’t filled with endless breakups, forced misunderstandings, or toxic love tropes. There aren’t many explicit scenes, and there’s no over-the-top fighting or constant tension. Instead, “Us” dares to do something rare for a GL: it focuses on genuine love, growth, and healing.
The heart of the story lies in its two leads.
Dokrak (Bonnie) is a simple, genuine soul. She grew up in a hostile environment but refused to let it change her. She fought to keep love and sincerity alive in her life, always seeing the best in people.
Pam (Emi) is her opposite, a woman carrying deep trauma, mistrust, and the belief that letting anyone close would only lead to pain. It’s only when she meets Dokrak that she learns a beautiful lesson: being loved can be simple, natural, and life-changing.
Unlike most GLs that focus on the couple’s internal drama, “Us The Series” lets external events shape their journey. Together, they navigate the world, heal old wounds, and teach each other (and the viewers) that:
It’s okay to let yourself be loved.
It’s okay to let go of the past that hurt you.
It’s okay to accept a future that heals you.
The plot is thoughtful, the characters are perfectly written, and the development of their relationship feels real and deeply earned. This show redefined what a GL can be, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you want a story that will stay in your heart long after it ends, “Us The Series” is the one.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is how it starts. This drama has won me right after the first episode. It has been on my list since a long time ago but finally I decided to watch a few days ago. And then everything changed. I have never watched anything similar to this, maybe there are a little few Asian dramas in the whole world like this one but it's honestly really rare. Different from everything else, in so much more deeper and darker psychological level that every second I was truly in a state like the main characters, I felt every single emotion they felt, I smiled, cried, yelled, was so angry and crazy at times they I could kill like Chen Ling thought he could, I was in love, I felt so much passion, desire and true meaning of a strong real love, exactly like that I have never felt while watching any drama in my entire life.
What is it that makes this drama so different from others and that makes me to write and feel like this? Well, when you start to watch you see that there are some guy who is a popular playboy and very handsome, and you see some girl who is very shy, artistic and doesn't talk to anyone. So at first you think this is going to be some cliche romance drama with the plot you have seen so many times. But you're wrong. Sooo wrong. Because already in the second part of the first episode you see that it's different, that you've got some strange feeling inside your body which tells you this is going to be something amazing. There is no some twisted mystery plot, no birth secrets, no rich handsome boss and poor cute girl, no love triangles, no annoying people and yelling all the time. The attraction between the characters begins right away, and they are what make this drama.
And the story begins.
Of course I'm not going to tell the story 'cause you have that already in the description of the drama, but what I'm going to tell is that this is the most beautiful and the strongest love story ever. Literally. I mean two young people trying to face and struggle with their pasts, their fears, their tragic and sad experiences and finding solace in one another. And they succeed in that. Because they simply fell in love. Honestly. Truly. They helped one another to face with all difficulties and overcome everything with the strength and power of real love. Vic and Barbie have done amazing job,they had amazing intense chemistry all the time, I really admire them, they are really very talented and fantastic actors. I think it is very hard to play a role where your character is psychological damaged and where the character is in some hand a little bit crazy with many problems and issues in the head and in the heart. I don't need to say that Vic became my favourite actor, actually in my top 5. ;-) And his character is the best ever, I fell in love with his hair, his style, his bike, his attitude, I like it very much that he is not perfect, he has so many flaws and that's why he became my favourite character in the whole dramaland.
Also, the character of Tong Dao is such an amazing addition to the already dark, depressed and psycho feeling. Oh my God, do you know how I love his character? Not in some positive way, it's just I think that he perfectly fits in here with his twisted and creepy behavior and you'll see why. An Jun Can was a genius in this drama, I was so scared of him in some scenes, great really.
Music- no words, just listen. I still shiver and tremble and still in my mind are the songs from MARS. Especially the opening song, MASTERPIECE.
So, in the end only to say that YOU HAVE TO WATCH MARS, IT'S A MUST WATCH DRAMA and you'll definitely won't be the same after watching. At least you gonna fall in love with Vic (or Barbie) and you gonna enjoy in beautiful music if you don't like the drama. But honestly there's no way you not gonna like it.
All I know that I became a little obsessed with characters from MARS and literally played some scenes more times than once because the conversations between them are so precious and intelligent, I enjoyed in every detail. DRAMA MASTERPIECE. Oh yeah did I say that kiss scenes are so hot, sexy and so natural and real? I felt like I was with them in drama in their intimate moments and kissing them all the way. ;-)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Definite improvement over SIMM, easy fun watch
If you are expecting HIGH drama and complicated layered plot, this is not the show for you. What it has going for it is the undeniable appeal and chemistry of Joong and Dunk. Joong is his typical endearing, thoughtful, besotted self. He has more nuance and more moods to convey here than he did in SIMM, where mostly I think his character was a confusing asshole. Not sure why everyone is picking on Dunk, as he was notably improved here. His character starts out clueless and hostile and gradually falls for Joke in a way that feels natural and understandable, especially when a little of his relationship backstory comes in to play. Dunk does his best work reacting opposite Joong and this as true for their conflict scenes as it is for their love scenes.The side couple feel like an afterthought, and the plot and the twists lose steam after episode 9, not gonna lie, but Joong and Dunk are what sold the show and it was still very enjoyable to watch their scenes and their little shout out to SIMM.
It was fun for what it was, it would have been better if it was a shorter series or had a tighter ending but it didn't ruin anything for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
This should be short, so here's my review on Love Sick: The Series
--
Story: Honestly, I'm not quite sure what the story was suppose to be but my guess is the journey of teenagers in school and all their romances and conflicts that come with it. The story is something that has been done before but with two males facing romance together. I felt that the story did center around mostly school and romance and there wasn't any problem with that. However, I did find myself skipping around the story mostly for Noh and Phun, everyone else's issues I wasn't too interested in.
Acting/Cast: To be honest I don't know how people rated the acting as spectacular. I felt that sometime's the feelings between Noh and Phun, no matter how cute, weren't always easily portrayed ( I got confused during some instances) . It was sometimes difficult to understand the problems between these two characters but you pretty much get the gist of it. I don't feel like the cast as whole had great acting, but I did like the story nonetheless and the chemistry between Noh and Phun kept me wanting to watch more.
Music: I did like the music it was different from the dramas I've been watching, this was actually my first thailand drama.
Rewatch value: I normally don't rewatch shows that often, BUT i would rewatch this one only for Noh and Phun. I found myself smiling and going back to see the moments between these two, it was just so adorable.
Overall: Do I recommend? YES, I do. Like everyone else has said, if you can get through the first episode(which was poorly done) you can watch the rest of the series. The only reason I can't give this drama a higher score is because of the acting. I do love the characters but I felt that if this story wasn't focused on something that was different to me (BL) then I would have dropped it. That being said, the two main characters were so cute and I enjoyed watching the drama and am looking forward to the second season.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
If you want to change, now is the time!
Pros-At its bare minimum, 3-nen is a timely critique of cyber bullying, herd mentality and the damaging nature of false accusations, applicable to not only Japan but to those who inhabit online spaces or social institutions- so, everyone in other words. It demonstrates how on the internet, malicious, often fabricated rumours can spread like wildfire to life-destroying effect, and how the collective can mercilessly oppress the individual until they simply break. It is an important reminder that human-induced tragedies like suicide aren't the responsibility of one person but many; and that remaining complacent towards bullying is tantamount to condoning it. So really, the series itself can be described as a long and important lesson that directly implicates the viewer in its didactic purpose.
-Unlike its awful, conspiracy-based successor 'Nippon Noir', 3-nen succeeds, for the most part, in its twists and turns, creating an urgent, exciting plot that keeps you guessing. From the beginning, the stakes are set high and the moment that Hiraagi announces the doors are locked, you know that this series really isn't fooling around.
-Credit where its due, I like Shogo Muto's decision to make Hiraagi a former Tokusatsu suit actor/ stuntman. Not only did the screenwriter pay homage to prior series Kamen Rider Build (albeit in a rather self-important way), it gave reasonable explanations as to why Hiraagi is a skilled fighter, can handle explosives and is inspired to impart values of justice, empathy and personal change onto his students.
-Casting was a mixed bag, but there were standouts. Suda Masaki delivers, as usual, a compelling performance as the enigmatic Hiraagi. Suda bounces from from playful enthusiasm to merciless rage, and then to heartfelt sincerity with the flexibility of a rubber ball, though bordering on overacting as per usual. Nagano Mei's characterization of the class captain was realistic, especially in her emotions of fear and regret. Tomita Miu was a welcome presence in retrospect, but I do find problems with her inclusion (see cons). And who can hate Mori Nana?
-Liked the opening. The morning dance routine was pretty sweet too.
Cons
Having only watched 3-Nen, NN and KR Build I'm no connoisseur of Shogo Muto's work. But having watched these three and read about his other series, I must say that his writing isn't terribly cerebral, is it?
- For one, hackneyed cliches and plot devices rear their ugly heads. Terminal illness, well-timed fainting, bad boys with soft sides, bedridden mothers, unsympathetic and incompetent cops, misunderstood yet well-intentioned protagonists, unrequited crushes, fat people as comic relief, clinging to the hand of someone falling off a tall building... I could probably think of more on a rewatch. One or two aren't bad per say, the problem is when they start to accumulate.
-And while I mentioned that the series has timely social commentary, I hate how preachy and self-important it is. Hiraagi's long rants, brimming with metaphors about daggers in hearts and intercut with scenes of the students silently crying are insufferably sanctimonious. This forced, contrived melodrama defeats the moments of off-kilter humor and dark comedy that added some levity to the series. And subtlety? Hiraagi must have bagged it at the start or blown it up in the first explosion. Crying, screaming, desk-slamming and oh, I almost forgot that uh- cyberbullying is bad, empathy is good and that we are all pieces of trash. Perhaps Hiiragi didn't say it enough times. To my belief, effective social commentary is woven into a work, not necessarily with complete subtlety but with at least some degree of complexity. 3-nen throws it like an angry, self-righteous punch to the face.
-Some of the acting was awful, particularly from the students. One who comes to mind is the idol fellow who was playing the belligerent dancer who picks a fight with Hiraagi, but this may be because he had an annoyingly large amount of screentime.
-Belief has been suspended. Too many times. Normally this wouldn't be an issue but since this work is intentionally set in the present day and in the real world, its unfeasibility becomes somewhat of a problem. The series falls to bits under the slightest bit of scrutiny, and I don't feel the need to explain its questionable aspects because there are too many.
-I believe this is the third time that I've written this but I really do want to point out this show's hypocrisy. It rambles on about bullying but perpetuates it by making a mockery out of the token 'fat' character. Not cool.
I hate using the word 'overrated' but I hate hiding my convictions even more. 3-nen a gumi, while relevant and entertaining, is overrated. 6.5/10
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
So much potential, probably wasted??
So okay, I mostly liked this drama. I went into this looking for a comfort drama, nothing too challenging but emotional and warm, and mostly it fulfilled this role, but I could have been done so much better. I mean the actors we are really good, obviously Kim Da-Mi and Choi Woo- Shik were the most well known faces and I expected very good acting from them, but the rest of the cast was also pretty good. The premise was right up my alley, I love stories of lovers who lose eachother and then find their way back after they've grown and matured, LOVE IT. And the atmosphere was also very on point.But often times I felt like there were gaps left without a reason, rushed storylines that never get proper closure, the last few episodes are sometimes boring even, and the finale felt so rushed! I hate that after decades of friendship Kim Ji-ung and Choi Ung never really air out all the stuff. Also Yeon-soo never really explaind the original break up to Choi Ung, I felt that was an important step. Idk, I just feel like something was missing, so much more could have been done with the characters, because I really liked most of them. I liked this, but the finale was really anti climactic and I don't really feel like rewatching this. Maybe ever.
Was this review helpful to you?
Let me start with the plot. It isn't the most original of all, but I don't consider this a flaw, per se. Few things are more satisfying for a romantic than a woman compelled by circumstances to live under the same roof with 3 good-looking men. Season this with music, humour and a lot of misunderstandings, and you have the perfect material for a great drama.
My problem lies with dialogues and execution. The first are childish and repetitive, the second is average. I can see for myself that the actors are good looking, but that's the extent of their charm.
Park Shin Hye is insufferable. She displays two emotions only here: surprise - round eyes and O-shaped lips - and desperation - a river of tears. Her character has no real development: a nun who changes her love for god with love for a star, without learning anything whatsoever from the experience, neither wisdom, nor self-assurance or pride. One more apology from her mouth and I'd have strangled her. And don't let me started on the way she walks, as if she were trying to apologize for her existence too.
Out of the three guys, the only acting chop I'm ready to salvage is Lee Hong Ki's. He looks like a puppy, but is endearing and changes throughout the show. Jang Geun Suk uses too many exaggerated facial expressions and Kang Shin Woo too few. The result is forced. One is reminded every minute of the show that these people are staging a drama.
The character of Uee is your usual spiteful duck, whose purpose is none other than add the nth foot walking all over humble Go Mi Nam.
And Grey Eminence the lost twin brother must be the most useless character ever created, who comes back, takes all the glory he did nothing to obtain without as much as a thank you, and even has the guts to start an affair with a woman who has made his sister's life a living hell.
I have admitted before at not being a K-pop fan, therefore I didn't really like the music. But this is my problem, and it would be unfair to judge an original OST only based upon my taste. I thought some songs were used too often and they annoyed me in the long run.
Re-watch value is obviously in line with the general liking of a drama. If one has fallen in love with it, one will probably want to revive the experience. If this is not the case, why re-watch something average when tons of other dramas are still to be seen?
Was this review helpful to you?
