Was this review helpful to you?
This dorama is both sad without being tear-jerking and fun at the same time. It manages to give a warm feeling in each episode. The characters are all very lovable and their interactions are really genuine. All of the actors did a fantastic job in my opinion.
It is a perfect family dorama to watch. There are no big twists or turns but somehow the story flows nicely within its own tempo.
Was this review helpful to you?
Watched because of F4 syndrome (f4 fan here)
I honestly watched and searched for this drama because of k-drama Descendants of the Sun and c-drama My Dear Guardian.....I like the themed of those drama, and searched for lakorn that are also the same themed. Hence as per suggestion by google and youtube I ended up to watched those 4. For me this is my top among the 4. Not just that I am fascinated by Weir and other cast. But also the way they act, the flow of the story, and the feeling/emotion show for me are so catchy........I feel pity for the second lead couples as they had to separate in that way. But in overall for me this is a recommended drama for all.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Everyone deserve a second chance?
This drama came from my same list that had Amanza, melancholia, move to heaven and Doctor John, all of them set in dramas that I am not used to seeing and all of them were my favorites.It is very slow, I even watched it at 1.5x speed because if I don't I would never end, but that was not a problem for me.
It has graphic scenes of violence and they are always talking about the heavier cases like prostitution and rape, which I found very interesting, since Korea itself has a lot of these cases but they are usually very "covered up".
Does everyone deserve a second chance? I think this is the main point of the dorama, here, we see two sides, the FM even mentions that they could minor offenders and gives maximum penalty whenever possible, after all, they committed a crime, being a minor or not. On the other side, we see ML who understands that they are young offenders but that some need to have the chance to possess a second chance. I thought it was very well written that in some moments, which one of the two is right weighed heavily on the episode, but in the end we came to the same conclusion:
It is not up to us who saw it to judge who deserves a second chance or not and yes, to the judges based on evidence.
Overall, it was a very different drama from what I watch and always in the second episode of all the stories I was extremely heartbroken because I realized that the story doesn't end after the trial, after all, the victims and the families will always suffer about what the minor offender did.
Was this review helpful to you?
There were some delays with the subbing so it kept me waiting and waiting for the next episode, but I don’t regret it at all. First you have a family with 8 children, that alone is auspicious of some great comedy developments. I really loved how each of them had their unique traces and space in the story. The other family members that were added also contributed to some of the most hilarious moments. The grandfather and specially the uncle (I love Hoshino Gen’s voice, really.) It also pinned some social problems that I don't want to spoil you, but I think the main focus was on how you can always take the best out of your life no matter how much money you have.
The main actors did a really great job and even Sam, which I had never seen before, did a really great job making me like him despite how terrifying he seemed at first. As for Kamiki, I was a bit reticent as if he would be able to portray a comic character as I had only seen him in SPEC and Bloody Monday, but he did an awesome job, with all the personality crises and social troubles his character had to face.
Of course I would watch this again. Actually, there were already some scenes that I kept rewatching over and over again. You can’t help that.
Was this review helpful to you?
This series is really good, it all blends in with where the last episode or special left off so you don't really feel like your missing anything; however, if you miss a special or an episode (or whole series) it's like coming in blindfolded! The casting of this series was different than the first, minus a few people here and there, so it was a little hard to get used to; but I liked how it focused on everyone individually and sincerely without focusing solely on one person as a main character, but it seemed to focus on the whole of the prosecution office. You'll know what I mean if you watch this series!
The script is well written, I do have to admit (again...) that I did like the absence of a romance in this sequel; I liked Kimura Takuya's (Kuryu Kohei) romance with Matsu Takako (Amamiya Maiko) in the original, don't get me wrong, but I like that this drama seemed to focus more so on the law/crime/justice genre than pure romance. It's hard to find good dramas that don't have overly cheesy, over-bearing, love triangles, or what have you. Also, don't get me wrong (again.. heehee..!) I do like romance dramas or movies, but that's not why I chose to watch this series. I chose to watch this series (from the original in 2001 up until the new movie in 2015) because of the cast, the stories, the script, the directing, the talent, the unique qualities of each actor/actress, and so on...
Anyways, some law terms are hard to follow and some episodes do move fast, but that's why God invited pause and rewind and fast forward, right? I'm not saying to do that ALL the time you don't understand, but I am saying this is a very interesting drama to lose time and yourself in, should you give it the chance. I watched this on pure faith that I wouldn't be bored since I loved Kimura Takuya in "Mr. Brain", and I was glad to find that I was right! Please, don't let the negatives out-weigh the positives for this series... definitely give it a try!
Was this review helpful to you?
Fascinating Characters + Intricate Storytelling
The Untamed is a phenomenal Wuxia show with an excellent cast portraying dynamic characters in an intense action adventure setting. The heart of the drama centers on Wei Wuxian, and actor Xiao Zhan plays this role to perfection. He has a certain magnetism and presence on screen that makes it hard to look away from him. He could switch from utterly charming and mischievous to devastated and tortured flawlessly. Not to be outdone, Wang Yibo was the perfect casting choice for stoic and taciturn Lan Wangji. In some ways, I would argue he had the more difficult role. He had to be both standoffish and distant, yet relatable and accessible to the audience. These two lead actors truly had amazing chemistry together, and their performances are the reason this show is still so loved today. While this connection is not explicitly depicted as BL due to China’s censorship on homosexuality, I think it deftly overcomes those restrictions to create a remarkable and loving relationship between these two men.Found families are an important aspect of Wei Wuxian’s story, and he manages to build three distinct families over the course of the show. I loved the dynamic relationships he builds with all of them (Wen Ning! Jiang Yan Li! Wen Qing! Lan Sizhui!), but the relationship most intriguing to me was between him and his adoptive brother, Jiang Cheng. The bonds of brotherhood are explored in all of its complexity between many of the characters, and no more so than Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian. The angst, love, and competitiveness these two experienced was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I cared just as much about their relationship as I did about Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s connection by the end of the show.
While the characters are certainly the main attraction for me, the setting and cinematography were excellent too. The locations of Lotus Pier, Cloud Recess, and Nightless City are unforgettable. These aspects paired with a beautiful OST and intriguing plotline made for a memorable show. Probably the part I enjoyed the least was the structure of the opening act. The show begins with a three minute snippet of Wei Wuxian’s death before transitioning to the present day. The story only stays in the present day for two episodes before transition to an extended 30+ episode count of backstory. The backstory is certainly important to establishing the characters, story, and setting. However, I think starting the story with the backstory would have been less confusing than sandwiching it between the present day. I love when these sweeping sagas allow time for a well done epilogue, and The Untamed delivered big time. All of the plot points are tidily resolved and the characters (er, those still left alive) are given proper send-offs.
Was this review helpful to you?
Gone Girl.
This is an incredibly dark suspense thriller about a family with secrets. At surface they seem like an everyday family; one whose struggles make them more devoted. Their son Wenzhou is simple and does not know his own strength when excited. His new nanny Xiao Xiu runs off for greener pastures. Convinced something bad happened to her, Chen Youxi escapes from the orphanage to seek her out. She discovers that twelve years ago, there was another gone girl from the Li household; their daughter Wenwen. She infiltrates the Li household as a miraculously returned Wenwen and pulls at threads that conceal old secrets.This drama starts strongly and moves at a transfixing pace throughout. The drama's strongest feature is that it keeps you guessing until the penultimate episode even though there are only three knowable suspects. While the story is gripping, the plot could be tighter from the mid-way point where small holes emerge. It suffers most in the whydidit behind Xiao Xiu's disappearance. The motive is not firmly established enough to be convincing. I rewatched the reveal a few times and suspect that something was cut out. I also did not like how Youxi tries to stage a confession trap again after the first one went so terribly and consequentially wrong. It is just lazy plot design although not inconsistent with the character's desperation to get answers. There are other small holes that add up to render this short of the masterpiece it had the potential to be.
What is exceptional is the characterisations and the mind-blowing acting. The entire cast delivers in spades. Mei Ting deserves an award for her ruthless, manipulative and multi-faceted Liao Suifang. The subtext behind her cat and mouse interactions with Youxi where they both knew they were on to each other is breathtaking and worth re-watching. Her conflicted feelings for Li Chengtian and Wang Chongjiang and how Wenzhou's ultimate welfare plays into it resonates. Her Suifang made me feel suspicious, angry, repulsed and curiously sympathetic. Similarly Wang Yanhui's Li Chengtian is also masterful - at face an affable, quiet, beaten man; a love consolation prize and a desperately seeking father... with an aura of hidden menace. The ties that bind this painful triangle together are so messy and yet almost inevitable. They keep secrets; deep dark secrets from one another and themselves. Between the three older characters, we see how relationships fracture over time and even the most normal people have dark sides but with different bottom lines.
Against incredibly layered veteran actors, the young cast can hold their own. I am not a fan of Dai Xu's brand of comedy but I really enjoy him in a serious role as Cheng Xu. After The Heart of Genius I had strong reservations over Zhang Zifeng but she convinces as this lost orphan hell bent on finding her only anchor in this world. But it is Du Yusen's Wenzhou - at times harmless and affectionate, full of simple childlike truths and at times scary as hell that steals the show. Guo Cheng also emerges here as a young actor to watch - his Cheng Wei is very charismatic and the way he lapses seamlessly into Guangzhou dialect adds dimension to his characterisation. The dynamics and chemistry between Youxi, Cheng Wei and Wenzhou is as light as the ones between the three older characters is dark. All the lost children in this story end up found in some way to end this sinister tale on a less dark note.
I have not enjoyed a Chinese suspense thriller this much since The Bad Kids. It is overall not quite at the same level but I can easily rate this a 8.5/10 with the acting worth that rare 10/10.
Was this review helpful to you?
This movie is awesome and I love this much! This silent movie is so nerve wrecking (in good way) and geesh, it leaves a great impact to me! I thank MDL's Winnie19 for featuring this to her profile BG and recommending this, just wow!
All the setting, the body language, the story and those unnerving stealthily actions/scene of the male lead, it's so beyond!
I love it and highly reco guys!
Was this review helpful to you?
I Will Fly to the Sky on a Wheelchair!
11 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
The trio's friendship makes it really fun to watch, but I have my complaints!
The head chef in modern-day Seoul fell into a pool, hit his head and went into a comma. He wakes up in the body of a soon-to-be Joseon Queen right in the middle of the palace scheming dangerous plots and meets a king who hides dark secret.Mr. Queen is poking fun at sageuks with good intentions, it's clearly coming from the love for the genre. Production-wise, everything looks nice, the costumes look nice. Fans of palace politics will find this to be refreshing as they'll probably get a kick out of many moments, while viewers like me who shy away from the heavy-politics will find this to be fun. The palace intrigue is not innovative in general, it deals with two powerful clans fighting over throne, but the pacing is fast, so it sets up its stage very well.
Mr. Queen is portrayed by the magnificent Shin Hye Sun. She's an actress but she's man spreading really well so I'll use 'He'. Even if he looks like a playboy, he's so kind towards his female servants. Their friendships are wholesome and provide a lot of comedy. The trio plays off of one another so well that both the parodies and serious plot real good.
I think the first 6 episodes have nailed the sweet spot. The comedy is landing for me, it's rare for me to appreciate funnies from a k drama that is intending to be funny since I'm leaning much more toward the comedy from quiet and situational moments. Also, the infusion of modern music is adding to the comedy as it fits our male lead's background as a modern-day man, so there is one scene where he's dancing to a Black Pink song and I thought that was just hilarious.
While the comedy really worked in the first 6 episodes when the stakes hadn't developed very much, as those stakes get higher and higher, the comedy starts to feel really misplaced. It feels like an intense story is being told and then it breaks into a funny scene suddenly, so it wasn't as natural for me who prefers fewer funnies that suit the situation. The way it's presented feels very rhythmic like they switch back to back between an intense scene and the next comedy. Well, this show is supposed to be a comedy so I can give it a pass, that's not that big of a deal.
(Spoiler part) The biggest issue that I had was the subliminal problematic messages in the drama.
I would have preferred Mr. Queen and the King to develop a friendship and mutual respect. As this is a story about a woman being possessed by a man's spirit, I didn't expect Mr. Queen to have romantic feelings towards the King because he isn't perceived as gay. My problem is that this show is showing that hormonal arousal determines your sexual orientation. It's jarring to see a man who never had any gay thoughts would be so influenced by female hormones to switch his sexual orientation.
I think the romance plot does not benefit the plot at all, it has very little consequence on the story, in a way if it is excluded, things would end up the same with our characters. When Mr. Queen goes back to his male body, he's happy that the King is fine and safe. But there's no indication that he's heartbroken or romantically lost something, pointing to the fact that the romance was really unnecessary. Although back in the past, the King mentions that he felt something is lost but he's still with his queen, he does not notice at all that the queen's personality has changed! It's like downplaying characters' personalities and identities over the body that they're born with being the most important thing in a romance and relationship. It kind of derailed the show for me and hence the ending left a sour aftertaste.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This series is very hard to watch at times, better be prepared, and like 13 Reasons Why, I know some people would think it is only to shock minds, to horrify, only for the show, but for me it's not, because life is way worse than the worst drama and we are always trying to forget that but we shouldn't. Everyday, people are hurting each over in social medias, in comments, in videos, only for some likes and sometimes, this is too much for someone and one life is brutally ended.
That's why series/movies/books, anything, really, like this one really matter to me. This one is particularly well executed. No black, and white, everything is in grey, it shows people like they truly are, neither good or bad, something in between. Rape is one of the major subjects here, once again perfectly addressed, slutshaming and homophoby too, but for me, it's not the most important here. It is all said in the title, really, the Judgement.
We all are using internet everyday, so I recommend everyone to watch this. Every stupid comment can kill someone, is it really worth it ?
That is for the story. The cast is perfect to me, all good actors and actresses, the music is good too. I love the thai touch, they really have a way to stay true to something, way more than Hollywood, and Korea that tends to sugarcoat. Anyway, for me, it's definitely one of the best shows I have watched.
Was this review helpful to you?
Maybe you would find disgusting, how can a guy fall in love with his older brother. Don't forget the boy is only 13 years old, who discoveres his first sexual attraction, even sexual orientation. I think, we can also call this attraction as a kind of adoration, or wonder, he looks up on his brother, that he does his best in sports. I think, it's worth to watch it, and to see how does a young guy discovers his sexuality. I found the ending pretty interesting.
Was this review helpful to you?
Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World
12 people found this review helpful
The story is completely beautiful. Yes, it's very sad, but it's a fantastic story. Many people say this film is too slow, but I didn´t think so. In my opinion, the pace was perfect for this story.
The acting was great. Mirai Moriyama and Masami Nagasawa were fantastic, especially Masami. Ko Shibasaki was very good too, but she has a rather small role in the film. Takao Osawa was the weakest one, but he was very good too.
The music was quite simple, but it fitted the story and the tone of the film perfectly. The song at the end credits was beautiful.
I also have to mention the cinematography. It was gorgeous.
To sum up, ''Crying Out Love, In The Center of the World'' is a beautiful but sad film about first loves and how those have in an influence in our lives, even when we grow up. I'll definitely watch it again soon.
P.S. The book the film is based on, which is titled ''Socrates in Love'', is even better. I really recommend it.
Was this review helpful to you?
