Give it a try!!
Personally, like very personally, I liked the series!I think that the pace of the drama can't be categorized as slow or fast. The drama sort of follows its own pace. Sometimes it is reasonable, sometimes a bit fast but not rushed and sometimes not exactly slow but not fast either. It varies greatly and of course also depends on what is slow and fast for the viewer watching it.
Because it is not supposed to have spoilers, I will just say that all female characters grow and become better. Ren Ran's growth was moving for me as I loved how she learnt to let go, to accept (but maybe her new love life came a bit too early). Sun Yi He was such a bright character and despite the many drawbacks you will watch, you can still not stop liking her. Karen was also a nice character, strong and weak at the same time. Ding Ding was a very cute character with a mostly cute love life.
Coming to the male characters, I will only mention my favorite, Yu Tian! No matter what he does, as long as he is on the screen I smiled, even when he was heart broken. I loved his and Sun Yi He's friendship (sometimes more than the girl gang's friendship).
The ost was really nice, it actually went with the show . The acting was wonderful, maybe lacking sometimes, very rare times but still wonderful.
As compared to other dramas with female centered plot and female friendship (like Ode to Joy, Dear Missy etc) it may be a little dull... But overall it is a drama you can at least give a try, and if you are going to, please be patient for at least 5 episodes. Good friendship, good romance and good slice of life too.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Only Girl You Haven't Seen Season 2
12 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
Great season 2 but not for the faint of heart
This is a really good short show. Season 2 is more serious and in some parts dark. I’ve read a lot of comments saying this is a bad season and I considered not watching any of the seasons based on that. As you can see I ended up watching anyway - and I’m glad I did.Some of the controversy is about using rape as part of the story - not once but twice. I can understand why that is unacceptable for a lot of viewers. Since I’m european I have a different tolerance to things used in a show/movie and even if I don’t condone the use of rape, I will not let that keep me form watching an otherwise great show/movie.
The first rape was unnecessary in my opinion since the problem could have been solved otherwise. The second was more relevant since it served as a way to show how much the desire for power had corrupted him (trying not to spoil too much).
It’s kind of sad that what’s being discussed after season 2 is the rapes and not the story of these two in many ways great people who love and support each other so beautifully. They help each other get revenge and heal their wounds. In the process they mature and become the pillars the country needs to stand on. They are by far the best power-couple I’ve seen so far.
So, if you love a somewhat lighthearted romantic drama - and can see past the use of rape - this is a “Must Watch”.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
When I was writing this review, I considered my review of the original Nodame Cantabile and my knowledge of the manga. For the original Nodame, I gave the story and overall score as 9/10. It was entertaining and stuck to the overall feel of the manga as intended by its original author. For this Korean version, I scored it slightly lower 8.5/10 because I felt that the the expansion of the stories of side-characters have reduced the impact somewhat for the storyline of the main couple, their victories and failures. The story of Nodame is special because of this unique and comical interaction and relationship between a handsome, straight-laced, no-nonsense genius conductor with a quirky, messy and 'autistic' young lady who happens to be a genius at the piano. It is also a celebration of the grandeur and beauty of classical music. Somehow, the Korean version did not make my heart race when it comes to the classical music parts as the original Japanese version did. Perhaps, it all comes down to selection of pieces and the situations they were played - it is my opinion that they could have gone with better coordination of the music to produce a better wow! and inspirational effect. In fact, there are parts when the orchestra was playing and the music was cut short, diverted or tapered off (especially when it is near its crescendo)- a no-no for me for a classical music-themed drama.
Despite its weaknesses, this Korean version has its strengths as it has a more well rounded overall story. It's just a pity that the role of Nodame was muted to some point where the Korean Nodame could be deemed as quite a normal young lady with a good understanding of how to function in a normal society (eg: except for the first time, there were no indication that she continued to keep a messy room, she was able to keep a proper job, she behaved like a normal person in a relationship etc). I feel that Nodame (as the title suggests) should be the shining character and at par in relevance with the character of Chiaki. This however, was sacrificed for the more rounded overall story.
Acting/Cast: Joo Won did a great job as Yoo-Jin (Chiaki's character) but he was definitely less resistant towards Nae-Il (Nodame's character). In fact, half way through the drama, he knew he was in love with Nae-Il, simply hid the fact whereas with Chiaki, he did not realise it until towards the end when Nodame left him. Even then, Chiaki had trouble accepting that he actually likes Nodame.
As for Nae-Il's character, played by Eun-Kyung, is definitely hands down, a less impressive and less stand-out character compared with the Japanese Nodame played by Ueno Juri. So far, Ueno Juri tops the Nodame character hands down. Nae-Il is a much watered down Nodame character to the point that she is actually quite normal - which in turn, took away the uniqueness of Nodame's 'autistic genius' character.
The rest of the cast did well. Special mention for Go Kyung-Pyu as Il-Rak. He has an energetic and endearing acting style in this drama. A total likeable character and definitely an experienced actor. I'll be keeping an eye out for him.
Music: I love all of the classical pieces in this drama as I did for Nodame Cantabile. My only complain was the poorer music coordination for the scenes and how certain pieces were cut short and fell flat before its climax.
Rewatch value: Personally, Nodame Cantabile was a much easier re-watch drama because it is more entertaining (as it follows the manga with its exaggerated facial expressions), has fantastic classical musics at the right time and mood and it is shorter in duration. It would be quite tiresome for me to re-watch this Korean version as I would have to know exactly which 'draggy' scenes (the ones involving the side stories of others and talking) to fast forward to get to the interesting parts. Therefore, I will not be in a hurry to be re-watching this anytime soon.
Overall: Considering its strengths and weaknesses, I gave it an overall 8.5/10. This version is certainly a different product that the Japanese Nodame Cantabile and should be watched as such. I made comparisons to the original above so that those of you who had not watched the Japanese version will know exactly where it differs. Rest assured I had evaluated this drama as a stand alone and an entirely different product. It is a good enough drama that it is not a waste of time to watch but it is not a wow! drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
2 DAYS, IT TOOK ME 2 DAYS to complete this series
As usual I sacrifice my sleep for dramas. And this series was great! I loved the storyline a lot! Its really different from you all fluff rom-com dramas for sure. I felt the feelings brought out by the characters, including sacrifices one would make for he/her loved ones. I really thought it'll have a sad ending, but NO! it definitely has a happy ending!The acting; c'mon i totally watched this because of Xing Fei and Ren Jia Lun is a bonus.
On a side note, this is the first c-drama i watched with the ML/FL not kissing (on the lips) in it!!! I totally baffles me to no end how complete this drama is even without kissing (I repeat, on the lips! However, we have steamy (imo) kiss scenes by the 2nd couple haha!
Was this review helpful to you?
Madness that does magic
This is that kind of movie where the characters make all the dumb decisions and started the worst situation you could ever imagine, ironically it is exactly the madness that does magic in a sense of who can be the smartest out of all in this mind bending strategy war. What happens afterwards in the movie is pure magnificence, the legal indictment of its murder investigation is extremely detailed and the plot twist within it will ultimately blow your mind away not only once but multiple times. The acting performance is so intense it will pull you into a great deal of attention to determine the truth behind it, the amount of emotion and thrill it carries is unprecedented.Was this review helpful to you?
If, however, like me, you are Takeru Satoh trash, and have an appreciation for films with a deeper meaning, enjoying unexpected (and extremely sudden) plot twists and a dark and slightly creepy psychological theme... then I suggest you give this movie a shot. ^v^)/
One of REAL's biggest highlights for me was that you really didn't know what to expect next. You just have no idea. One minute, I was focused in the neurological world, and the next I was hiding behind my pillow. And that is how you go through the film - not knowing what to expect next, yet anticipating the conclusion. I give the rewatch value a strong 9*, as it all makes so much more sense if you were to rewatch it, and you can appreciate the thought put into its creation, the jumpy camera angles and script.
The cast and acting were great, although again, initially you might find it a little strange in the beginning. It all makes sense nearer the end. ^^
One thing that did confuse me was the strange blend of both decent CGI, and college-green-screen-quality CGI. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not because of the story line...
Also, plesiosaurs. I love them.
----
*[EDIT: Rewatching is so worth it!]
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Firstly, I’ve got to say that the filming location for this movie (apparently Mie prefecture) is absolutely gorgeous. This movie made me want to drop everything and move there ASAP! If you like movies set in rural Japan like I do, you will by default LOVE this movie for the scenery alone. One word for the cinematography: WOW!
The story itself is honestly nothing that hasn’t been done before. Tokyo girl (Rio) goes to the countryside for her summer vacation and falls head over heels for the local heartthrob. Lots of cute moments and clichés follow. In fact, this movie takes every possible “summer” cliché and throws it in: sunflowers, blue sky, festivals, fireworks, barbecues, swimming etc. you name it, it’s there. One thing I liked about this movie in particular (compared to other shoujo manga adaptations) is that this movie doesn’t get overly bogged down with lots of forced melodrama or antagonists. Problems are resolved pretty quickly and the overall pace is good.
This movie has a lot of young actors. Wakana Aoi is really good here and I liked her character. Rio was gutsy and knew what she wanted. Respect! Sano Hayato is a little less polished than Wakana but he still impressed me. At first glance he’s not conventionally handsome, but his mannerisms were surprisingly cute and he won me over for sure. Their chemistry together was pretty good too.
This is a shoujo manga story so it's not meant to be taken too seriously. It's unrealistic and dreamy but it has its charms for sure! Give it a try if you like summer romance!
Was this review helpful to you?
Urghhh…you don’t understand how much I love this
I’ve only watched up to episode four, but Me and Who has been such a fun ride so far. The production quality is great, the cast is amazing, and the acting is honestly my favorite part — the expressions, reactions, and timing are all so natural.It’s funny in the best way too. The humor doesn’t feel forced; it just happens — sometimes through a look, a line, or the way someone reacts. The story is interesting, the pacing is good, and overall, it’s just really enjoyable to watch.
I’m genuinely having a good time with this one. It’s light, fun, and easy to get into. Can’t wait to see how the rest of the episodes play out🙂↔️
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Gripping drama on falling in love while facing adversity
I am a massive fan of Guo Yu Xin but I never watched her dramas within 6 hours of release. Instead of adding this drama to my watchlist, I decided to watch it last evening and write this review now at 12.36 am. I finished this drama in one sitting.Having seen Guo Yu Xin in black sports attire, I would like to see her in action, suspense drama. There are a few espionage vertical dramas so hopefully we get to see Guo Yu Xin as a spy or undercover agent.
What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow spectacular acting by Guo Yu Xin. Her micro expressions were on point. That very first scene already made my heart heavy. I don't watch many Wang Kai Mu's dramas but I think he did well with his role. His acting was calmer and more subtle than Liang Si Wei whom acted with Guo Yu Xin in a melodrama also about terminal illness.
2. FL characterisation - What a beautifully written journey. It was understandable that she went through the different stages of grief upon receiving her diagnosis.
3. ML characterisation - At first I disliked ML for being indifferent in their marriage but my icy heart thawed when he protected his wife from his evil elders. He was calm & collected even in the face of adversity.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance with some passionate kisses. I enjoyed watching the progress of relationship from married strangers to allies and then lovers and family.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Dr Song, ML's brothers and in particular ML's assistant for being an astute "confidant" to ML.
6. Antagonists - I was relieved that the antagonist arcs were not draggy.
7. Styling - I love the styling for FL! Gorgeous, elegant outfits. The outfits for F4 male characters were stylish as well.
What I disliked:
1. FL's decision - I didn't agree with her decision to drop the bomb on a special day. She should have come clean with ML about her illness but not on that day.
Favourite scene
FL's operation
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I loved this short film. From the beautiful poetry. To the fact that Jongin considers both the male and female baristas as potentials for his secret admirer. To the process of elimination.
Everything was adorable. It was a light, fluffy, feel-good short. Worth the 15-17 minute watch! Most definitely.
The actors did a wonderful job. Yoo Kyun Seon was adorable as Jongin the looking customer with a secret admirer who is baffled as to who it could be and wants to find out. The three baristas were adorable. Angelica - the potential female love interest is gorgeous with a mysterious air about her. Shim Min Ki - The potential male love interest is adorable as the shy, introvert who loves always has this dreamy look. And Lee Seul Gi was the possibly the show stealer for me - the bubbly latecomer who is a little bit of a yoda. Love her.
What a great short.
Was this review helpful to you?
Murder and Misdaventures
This was the drama I didn't know I needed or was waiting for but I was hooked from the moment the FL jumped into the bath with the ML. None of us would ever be the same again. :DAt the heart of this crime solving drama is the love story between two larger than life personalities. It begins with an unexpected intrusion, then an almighty clash of wills. All that belied a meeting of minds and a passion for getting to the bottom of inexplicable occurrences that came their way. The two bicker their way to the autopsy table and there they become a formidable pair of ancient sleuths trying to uncover criminal activities and make sense of their growing feelings for each other while navigating a thorny love triangle that includes a former betrothed who has secrets of his own. The show also manages to thrust them into one of my favourite tropes -- the contract marriage -- in entertaining fashion. I admit to cringing at the start with their respective nicknames but came to love them once they evolved into terms of endearment.
The format of the drama sees the two stumbling or being led into cases which may or may not have immediate relevance to the overarching Bad Guy plot. The pair with their combined abilities resolve them quickly but their exploits and romance soon come to the attention of larger forces at work. What I found especially interesting is how these individual cases have direct lessons for the pair regarding their own journey to finding true love.
The star of the show in my book is Xiao Song, a veritable Sherlock Holmes styled character whose knack for deductions earns him the appellation of being the country's premiere investigator ("The Sorrow of Chang'an's Ghosts"), a highly valued official of the Tang emperor's court. He falls for the sassy and skilled Ran Yan who is inevitably Dr Watson to his Holmes. Xiao Song is not one to do things by half. He lives large and loves large but desperate times bringeth forth the man, showing his true mettle. He is played by the wonderful and delightful Toby Lee whose versatility gives flesh to the character beyond the super sleuth template. At times he is the lofty official that throws his weight around barking commands, the next he is a mischievous suitor to his reluctant coroner pushing her buttons to get her to bend to his will. There is however, also a tender almost boyish side to him, glimpsed when showing genuine concern for the people he really cares about. Overall he is really the best written character whose passion for the truth and for the woman he loves makes him someone you can't help rooting for.
Newcomer Pinky Zhou plays the lovely, smart and strong-willed titular character who accompanies Xiao Song on his fishing expeditions ;) albeit reluctantly at first. It doesn't take long before she gets bitten by the bug and becomes an adept detective in her own right. Zhou is generally adequate to the task although I suspect a more seasoned hand would have produced a more nuanced and satisfying performance.
Our main duo are ably supported their motley crew made up of the doggedly loyal Bai Yi, Wan Lu, the cowardly but multi-talented scholar extraordinaire Sang Chen and Uncle Wu, Ran Yan's teacher and mentor. Occasionally the former fiance, SF finds himself on the same side as his bitterest rival.
As a long-time fan of crime fiction, I really enjoyed riding on the whodunnit and whydunnit bandwagon following the mystery of the week while the couple bickered and completed each other's thoughts. But the single most important highlight was discovering Toby Lee who was born to take on this role.
Was this review helpful to you?
How did this drama get pass Chinese censors? ;)
If this Show was made in the West, it would be considered old school, maybe a low budget indie drama. The fact that it was made in China and quite recently is a surprise in itself.The Show is a black comedy at its core. It is in your face, no holds barred, and then gives you the metaphysical middle finger because it can. I'm not saying that every c-drama is pure as driven snow but when you consider the show's FL is an alcoholic middle-aged rocker, the 2FL is a rebellious high school dropout, then add a whole cadre of deeply flawed characters to fill out the rest of the cast. It is definitely not your typical c-drama casting call. On top of that, the show is overflowing with themes like child abandonment, failed marriage, mental health, bad parenting, drunkenness and other questionable behaviours. It is a wonder how it got past the censors.
It is a shortish rollercoaster ride at 12, 40ish mins episodes, but it is “action” packed. There are many twists and turns. All the emotions are raw, and not much is sugar coated. The spitefulness of the characters is on full display. Most characters have been hurt before and are still smarting after all these years and nobody is getting off easy. All the dirty laundry will take a battery of industrial grade washing machines to get through.
In terms of acting, the veteran actors all turned in solid performances, but the show belongs to the FL. It is her tour de force. She acts, sings, and so much more. I am impressed by her comedic timing as well. It is definitely not a glamourous role, but she is all in. The younger actors pale by comparison but it is not their fault. They did well, but they need more time in the vat to be well seasoned.
In terms of writing, it was hardly original. There are all kinds of tropey plots and plot holes. The Show counterbalances this with its fast pace and boundary pushing edginess. There are surprise twists and some of the black humour is laugh out loud funny. It is rude and crude, but that is part of its (largely) unfiltered charm.
I do find the ending to be a bit of a cop out though. The Show ultimately becomes a healing drama with a long redemption arc that felt too safe. It was a little disappointing when you consider how much energy it expended in dismantling the status quo only to come in for a soft landing. Yes, it was nice to see some resolutions, but I would prefer an all guns blazing finale.
It was a challenge to watch more than one or two episodes at a time. However, once I stopped, I kept thinking about it. I ended up binging the last few episodes. I believe the OST was sung by the FL(!) and the rocking soundtrack is about as fitting as it can get.
Rock it, Mom is a polarising show. Some will hate it, and some will love it. There is not a lot of room on top of that fence. If you can push through the first few episodes, you will find a diamond in the rough. I thoroughly enjoyed the crazy, off-colour ride. I must confess that I did cringe a few times but that's Rock & Roll, baby!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Disappointing drama
Disappointing drama.Everything is present to make a beautiful love story. We are quickly attached to the story and the characters. But we can guess a little too easily what will happen next, despite a few twists that reinforce the plot. The sentimental hesitations are not convincing. One gets the impression that the writers have done little research on the love triangle when two brothers are in love with the same woman. In this story, the choice for Ye Ji seems obvious after a few episodes, but the writers have reduced the poor heroine to a pretty doll who spends her time hesitating, crying and running from the obvious.
The weight of Korean taboos and social codes weigh on the lives of the characters and the life choices they might make. Everyone seems to carry too much guilt to be believable. The screenwriters lacked a little freshness and audacity to make this unnecessarily maudlin story more original and modern.
Was this review helpful to you?
