Story:
Set in Tianjin in the mid to late 1920s (Republican era), we are introduced to Huo Zhen Xiao, who is the estranged son of legendary mob boss turned business tycoon Huo Tian Hong (a character in the main drama) - and his mom, who left his dad years ago and raised Huo Zhen Xiao on her own, is also descended from a long line of gangster bosses. As a result, nineteen year old Huo Zhen Xiao is a young man who grew up in wealth and was raised to fear nothing and no one - and to make things even more interesting, he happens to be enrolled in military school in a time when much of China was in turmoil due to the May Thirtieth Movement (wiki it if you want to learn more - it's an interesting part of Chinese history that isn't covered all that much in dramas or film). Huo Zhen Xiao and his three military school buddies don't actively participate in the anti-foreign demonstrations, but they make their stamp in the movement by using their fists to fight back against the foreign police and protect their fellow citizens from the terror.
As punishment for fighting back against the foreign power, Huo Zhen Xiao and his buddies are sentenced to Tianjin's most notorious prison for four months. And that's where the bulk of the story lies - Huo Zhen Xiao's adventures in TIanjin's cruelest prison, and his encounter and budding friendship with fellow prisoner Chen Zheng, who is an orphan and grew up on the streets.
If there's one thing Chen Si Cheng is really good at with his scripts, it's pacing - and while you can never say his storylines are original, he's able to inject something fresh and innovative to it. In the case of Twin Dragons, he took advantage of the fact that this is web-exclusive and isn't necessarily held to the same restrictions that dramas shown on satellite TV are held to - so he pushed the boundaries a bit both in terms of the storyline and the characters, which I really enjoyed. Not to say there aren't bugs or holes in logic - but the fast pace of the story and the interesting characters (and phenomenal acting) makes it easy to overlook the issues. Plus - it's a short, side story of a drama - we really don't need to think too much about logic here.
Huo Zhen Xiao was a fascinating character - he was the protagonist and had a patriotic bent due to his military school education, but at the same time there was a cruel streak in him that was the result of his background as the son of mob bosses. While I loved the heroic side of him - he's an awesome fighter, intelligent, and so, so fangirl worthy - I also loved that he saw the world differently from most of the Republican-era heroes we are used to due to his unique background. He very much follows the philosophy of an eye for an eye, and had some moments that just made your jaw drop because of how...mobster-like it was.
The character of Chen Zheng was also really interesting. Much like Chen Si Cheng's Hong San Yuan in the main drama, Chen Zheng's character is an ode to Wei Xiao Bao of Jin Yong's The Deer and the Cauldron. He's a ruffian with street smarts in spades, and probably has committed many petty crimes in his past - but he still has somewhat of a moral code. While he's at odds with Huo Zhen Xiao initially (mostly because he can't beat him), their budding friendship and respect is awesome to watch, and I really, really hope that Chen Si Cheng saw the praise that Twin Dragons got online and will allow us to see these two characters and their adventures again one day.
Also - can I just say I love the cinematography of this? I looked it up and apparently that's the director's specialty. The whole thing just felt very film-like.
Acting/Cast:
A thousand cheers for Liu Hao Ran, who basically elevated this short drama to another level with his potrayal of Huo Zhen Xiao. The storyline is interesting, but its various flaws and bugs would have been a lot more noticeable if it wasn't for the sheer magnetism of Liu Hao Ran's acting as the young mob boss prince who doesn't back down from anyone. This drama was filmed shortly after NiF2 wrapped up, and the progress that Liu Hao Ran has made as an actor is extremely noticeable here - and he has a presence and charisma that makes you forget he was only nineteen when he shot this. This is the performance that made me want to see him as an antagonist one day - because there are several moments when Huo Zhen Xiao's mean streak peeps through that makes me think Liu Hao Ran would be able to handle a character on the dark side.
Chen Hao is awesome as well - it's pretty much his first introduction to the industry as his other acting projects haven't come out yet, and he was absolutely fabulous as the wise-cracking Chen Zheng who has big dreams but feels dragged down by his reality. While Liu Hao Ran's Huo Zhen Xiao got the cool parts, Chen Hao was responsible for carrying the comedic element of the show and he was able to do it well without overacting.
Both young actors also definitely benefited from the fact that the screenwriter is their boss, haha, as he wrote the characters with both of them (and their acting abilities) in mind.
The other cast members were great as well - particularly the antagonists, who were so, so creepy and twisted - but man they carried it well. Also Huo Zhen Xiao's mom is all kinds of fantastic.
Music:
I'm impressed because despite the fact that this isn't an official drama, the music was great and matched the scenes perfectly (props to the editing team).
Overall:
I absolutely loved this - not just because of Liu Hao Ran, but because I really do think that you can see the effort (and budget) put into this reflected in the quality of the production. Using only six twenty-minute episodes, we got a pretty complete short story with characters that felt alive - and I walked away from this wanting to see more of Huo Zhen Xiao and Chen Zheng, and how they take on Shanghai. If you like the premise and are in the mood for something fun and intense in the early Republican-era, I absolutely recommend checking this out.
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Amazing korean indie film vibes, but it tried a little too hard at the end
This movie definitely has a lot of shortcomings, but it does one thing really right. Which is to capture the feeling of nostalgia and innocence. And this was definitely what made me give this movie a rather high rating still. It did not fail to convey the genuine feelings of youth... and personally, that was enough to make me fall in love with this movie. The wonderful emotional impact was largely due to the actors’ chemistry, the awesome soundtrack, the 35mm-Film colours and the 90’s -00’s fashion/set design... but it definitely wasn’t the plot.The plot was a whole mess. It’s almost as if they spent the whole year paying attention to the details of the set design and the fashion and the cinematography and everything else *EXCEPT* for the plot. There was not enough depth in Mi-Soo’s character for us to sympathise with her...
And I totally get what they were trying to do with Hyun Woo’s character - mysterious, brooding, hesitant, and how like Mi-Soo wants to like him but she’s actually secretly scared of him and is sceptical about his criminal record... and how no one has ever trusted him bcs of his criminal record... I get that, but I could only get that in the second time watching and it wasn’t fleshed out very well either. It just felt kinda premature instead of real character growth. It’s a good point to explore though, just not executed well I guess- Since the audience did not have any trust issues with Hyun Woo and was expecting an “innocent cute love story” instead.
All in all, the feeling of nostalgia was so well developed that it will probably last you for the whole two hours. You won’t feel accomplished after watching it, nor would you feel like you’ve been enlightened about some higher level knowledge about life... instead it’s kinda like revisiting an old friend, or finding a dusty photo book with photos of your past... it’s that warm feeling that will be in a little corner of your heart for awhile 💛
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That doesn't mean the show isn't good, however. The acting in this is superb, and honestly something I did not expect from a Comedy-oriented drama. All of the characters are played extremely well and it's really hard not to like any of them. Since this isn't a super serious drama, you shouldn't expect tons of heavy stuff. It's very light-hearted and some bits are purposely over-exaggerated for the sake of the Comedy aspect, however it's all very well done so it's by no means annoying or anything like that.
All in all, if you like Crime-related Dramas and Comedy, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this. It's perfect for those looking for some good laughs or people who just want to break away from super-serious dramas for a little while.
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This review may contain spoilers
The way the story was told
It is very sad to known how much this kid has to deal with about his sexuality and then to get bullied by some bastards excuse my language but I hate that this is what happens in real life and it is really just sad and to not have support and have to face this yourself is so hard and the fact that it got to the point where he wanted to kill himself at least he didn't die because he life is worth it and he is worth it to or her what ever she/he prefers to be. the fact also that this is to show in memory of Yook Woo Dang and may he rest in peace he story was told in this film of how hard life hits you when you are seen as different and not normal sad to know this is the kind of world we live in. He deserved much better and hopefully he is glad to see some change in the world we live in today and that this is what he wanted.Was this review helpful to you?
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This is my first time writing a review (^-^)VI noticed that nobody left a review so I did..
I actually wasn't sure at first if I should watch this since there's no one recommending it and it's not my usual cup of drama but since I've seen it I'm telling you guys DON'T SLEEP ON BOT.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Story/Plot: 9.5/10
This is set in a world where humans and transformers coexist. Transformers are humanlike species that can change into animals. For the leads, we have Hao Yun, a "human" veterinarian and Aiai, an eel transformer officer. The two ended up as partners in BOT after an incident in Mingde revealed that Hao Yun is a special human whose memory can't be erased...(quick explanation: after an operation, BOT officers erase the memories of humans in order to conceal the existence of transformers). Along with their other team members, they solve conflicts in the human world that concerns the activity of their kind. Each episode tackles the BOT officers solving cases and the backstory of transformer criminals (I've she'd a lot of tears almost every episode because of them T-T). ***My favorite episodes are the ones that involved the worm (a bit scary, dark-toned, and serious than others) and the love of Duan Weiran.***
Acting/Cast: 10/10
I can't say anything about the casting actually... I think they were perfectly selected and assigned to the characters. They suited their roles and they were able to convey and bring out the emotions enough to move viewers like me. I just want to add that Tan Quan (actor for bat) is hot and a total eye candy with his white hair, eye contacts, his attitude etc. I just fell in love with him and his story as well.
Cinematography and Production: 9.5/10
I am not a very good critique when it comes to cinematography so I'll just say it's good and bearable (but personally I think it was brilliant and exceptional). The costumes, lightings and props are definitely on point. They were put to good use... There weren't much of CGI used except for fire and transformers flying etc. I think it was not a low-budget drama.
Music: 9/10
The soundtrack really suit each scene but I can't remember a specific song that stood out.
Rewatch Value: 9.5/10
A big check✓ I'm rewatching it right now actually.
Note: This is more of a drama focused on action so don't expect for too much romantic scenes BUT of course there are scenes like that. The romance wasn't fast-paced but it's very cute and heart melting. It's very sweet of the ML to fight for their love amidst seemingly endless problems between him, the FL and the BOT (I won't completely spoil it but the major conflicts of the MC's love story are related to both their identities as transformers).
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A well-crafted, inspiring series
‘Mad Unicorn’ is a series that focuses on the remarkable journey of building a unicorn business from scratch. The show may not be on everyone's radar, but it is certainly one that packs a powerful punch in terms of storytelling and message. The straightforward nature of the storytelling is one of its greatest strengths. I love how this series does not rely on overly complex plot twists or melodramatic elements to keep viewers engaged. Instead, it focuses on the raw emotions and experiences of its characters, making it a refreshingly authentic and relatable watch.I personally think that the most intriguing aspect of this series is its exploration of the sacrifices and challenges that come with pursuing a dream. The show does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the business world. In addition to that, this series excels in its handling the subplots and conflicts. The show delves into a variety of topics that add depth and dimension to the story such as friendship, loyalty, colleagues relationship, rivalry, family issues etc.
The most outstanding element of this series is the stellar performances delivered by Ice Natara and Jane Yeh. They’re the stars of the show. Ice Natara's acting is nothing short of impressive. His ability to convey the grit, determination, and vulnerability of Santi truly shines through in every scene. I'm so used to seeing him playing a villain that I almost didn't recognize him. Similarly, Jane's nuanced portrayal of an experienced finance officer who has overcome her fair share of challenges is both captivating and inspiring. Together, they form a dynamic duo that keeps viewers hooked with their on-screen chemistry.
Aside from the stellar performances, one cannot overlook its exceptional production values. Every aspect of the series, from makeup to wardrobe to props, is meticulously crafted. Even the smallest details, like the HTML coding to the biggest props as a billboard, are given careful attention, adding to the overall authenticity of the show.
While this series may be categorized as a drama, it is anything but ordinary. From the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity to the value of teamwork and mentorship, this series delivers its messages in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of drama, entrepreneurship, or simply good storytelling, "Mad Unicorn" is sure to captivate and inspire you.
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The movie was a total copycat of the original version, from the set-up to the styling. Yamada Yuki was good in his portrayal as the guy who has a childish crush to his classmate. Though Ko Ching Teng still wins in a battle of who is better, still one can tell that Yamada was a good fit for the role. The problem lies with the female lead. She's just blank and bland. She doesn't know how to carry conversations naturally. Her voice and facial expressions are really awkward. You could tell that her visibly awkward acting makes her partner awkward too, it's contagious. Well, she's a rookie, still young, and I believe she will improve with more acting gigs. Also, the chemistry between the two leads isn't there and even the friendship among men wasn't as strong compared to the Taiwanese version. The movie lacked spice, emotions, they were short to every element the original had.
Anyways, despite everything, the movie still made me feel bitter about the ending. They still made me feel the same way as I did when I watch the original version years ago. The regret and heartache, the whys... it's still there. And I guess, that alone will make you check out this version.
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Being sad enough and giving heartache still, lefts a smile on your face and also teaches the value of our life. Loved her supportive friends. Kiritani absolutely my favorite character along with Rino. You can see the growth of both these two characters becoming more mature and responsible.
It was indeed an emotional roller coaster but definitely recommend watching unless you can't handle the sadness or heartbreak.
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A first love that transcends symbolic boundaries...
Peach of Time is that drama that makes you question values and scenes, but at the same time pulls you in closer when it comes to the bond between the leads, to the acting skills of the cast, to the mix of Korean and Thai languages that in a collaboration creates such a cute masterpiece as this. I was really happy to know that Jimmy and Tommy would be in another drama together, and got even more thrilled when I learned that it was Korean production and that Jimmy would break the pattern by pairing with Jae Hyun. Quite refreshing to see both Thai actors entering in different roles in a BL rather then forming a couple.There's a lot of speculation and mainly harsh criticism around this drama, because of the lack of information it provides or well the knowledge into this world they provide us where ghosts exist, talk and eat, as if the living can't see that happening. Lots questioning why Peach can see only Mario (Tommy) and Yoon Oh (Jae Hyung), instead of seeing more ghosts. And how come no one finds it weird that he talks into thin air as if everything happening in this drama is completely normal and ruled out.
Thing is this is most likely a small production drama, so I am only guessing the budget isn't that high to begin with. Another thing to consider is that maybe the screenwriter and production wanted to maintain the opening for the viewers to engage and take on wild imagination and think outside of the box with this. No the ghosts are not eating, it's probably an illusion or ectoplasma that "allows" them to pick on objects. The said objects are not floating on air, otherwise people would react, it's probably a projected image of sorts, that to be done properly would require extra budget and special effects too. So, it's left to people to imagine or think about a little more into perception rather than having all the work done and shown.
As for the "why" Peach is able to see Yoon Oh and touch him even. Perhaps is the connection they share, or the fact that he believed his friend was there with him in the first place. Even so when he did discovered the truth he had already seen Mario too, in a way he believes in good and is naïve, it didn't took him long enough to embrace both and accept what they are. The fact that he does that, dealing with the stages of grief differently probably makes him able to "touch" Yoon Oh. Unlike Yoon Oh's mother who can neither see him or touch him, but then again she did the same when he was alive too, she would only nudge him for good grades to enter medical school, ignoring her son's ambitions and dreams. She has been in denial ever since her loss, therefore not accepting anything because of her deeds. Perhaps in the last episode she will be able to be granted to hear her son, as she has already seen him in what appeared to be a drama, where Yoon Oh manifested to her.
As for Peach being able to see Mario, he has been a resident at the resort for two decades, I can only assume his presence has influenced Yoon Oh too because they are both spirits with deep sorrow to resolve. He is bound there and therefore connected with Yoon Oh because the resort was from his family, and Mario was a worker there. They chose to focus on only this two plots, Yoon Oh and Mario instead of the drama being about Peach being able to see ghosts and help them out which would result in a bigger mess and would need more episodes.
I am not saying there isn't a couple of flaws here and there within this series, but I am not going to be unfair and call it a disaster and rubbish solely because of those. There are far worse series out there, than this one.
By focusing on certain aspects they did neglect a few, and although some are to make the viewer think outside of the box, others are just peculiar. Like the fact that in a resort about to close down, Peach of Time café can gather quite a few clients in a crazy short amount of time. I can discard the fact that Yoon Oh's mother let him stay right away at the resort, even when she was grieving because it a friend of her son which she had always neglected, and also because maybe she felt the need to not be alone in there after everything. So, considering all that and more it's not that strange to let him in and stay.
What is strange here is the whole concept of 49 days, Yoon Oh is passing through is, but Mario has been there for 20 years. It's said that if left with deep sorrow and unsolved problems, a spirit can turn evil. It amazes me how he has not turned into one in the first place, has his 49 days pass already? Then is Su Jin , his former lover the only thing that is keeping him behind? Again, small episodes, and trying to cover all this by pointing the obvious would leave no space for imagination and theories.
Peach is not a tourist there, he is a humanitarian who travels the world into help missions. His parents run a café in Phuket back in Thailand so he is not entirely strange when it comes to the business, although it may differ from this one in Korea. It wasn't hard for him to travel to Korea to meet his friend, only to discover the sad reality and make it his personal mission to help the other to find peace, even if it will cost him more than he would like to admit.
Their love story is both beautiful and heartbreaking here. It's a tragedy of what they might have had, of a young first love that did not have a chance to blossom in the right time. Of a friendship, and bond that transcends realms of the dead and living. The symbolic value of their moments is what moves the viewer to be engaged into the plot, and ignore the plot holes previously mentioned. It's not common of a theme within the whole BL world, although there are a few dramas that tackle around this, - Peach of Time - remains so far by my standards as rather unique, not only because of the cross languages used, but also because of their beautiful story and the symbolism it truly represents. The journey of the soul, the selfless love.
As for acting, Choi Jae Hyun takes the prize here. The way he embodies the insecure Yoon Oh, and manifests the emotional struggle of being child of a single mother, of suffering bullying through his teen years, the pressure of his mother to make him study and pass a hard exam only to grad from a school he did not want to attend. Lost dreams, will to live, drowning in constant doubts, insults, pain and neglect. He was a lonely person, who preferred to ran away from his troubles, the reason he met Peach in the first place. Maybe the first time he noticed the café could be is safe haven, and took interest into being a barista. Jae Hyun has shown us the remarkable actor he is and how he can tackle down a main role as this one, no wonder he is gaining more popularity given this, and hopefully we will see him in another drama soon. His emotional scenes can move those who see him, become the broken Yoon Oh. I just want to give him a big hug because he did not deserve what happened to him.
The criticism towards Jimmy is something that I cannot fathom. I mean he is certainly younger than his co-stars, since Jae Hyun and Tommy are both 95' liners, but age does note matter when it comes to talent. And Jimmy is nurturing that within every role he has, and this role of Peach if no different. Jimmy is doing a surprisingly good job. Comparing him with more experience actors on set, that can foreshadow him and claiming he does bad acting is wrong, He still has room of improvement, but his role here is the typical clumsy, innocent and happy boy who i might add is in a foreign country so it's normal for him to not know the language or seem "stiff" when in contact with the locals, other than with Yoon Oh and his mom.
The real mystery here lies, why did Yoon Oh's mother taught him Thai language? I found it weird to have one talk in a language and the other understanding it and answering into a different one, not being a middle ground there, but oddly enough within the first episode that awkwardness dissolves and it's different and somewhat enjoyable. Could it be connected to Mario? He was after all a Thai staff that worked in the resort until the fire 20 years ago. He also said he knew Yoon Oh for long ago. I presume Yoon Oh is around the same age as Peach, 22 yo probably. That only means Mario was still alive, when he was born, and it's mentioned that Yoon Oh's grandma left him the resort in her will... Another odd fact, Peach can speak basic Korean, but he says to Yoon Oh's mother he does not know Korean, therefore he speaks Thai with her when she reassured him that she understands because she was the one who taught Yoon Oh, but how can Peach understand everything they say in Korean if he has trouble with the language?
Mario's plot is good too. His changing wardrobe seems questionable, but then again here it's all about perspective and well presuming what it might be. While in other dramas, we have seen that burning clothes can help the decease to change attires, or burning incense allows them to "eat" the food presented. Here we are not given any of that, so once again I like to consider it's a projection of an object and the plasma that fits their needs. Or focusing on the simpler version by discarding the logic and throw it out of the window and go with the flow and enjoy the drama without bickering about every single little aspect and flaw. Just appreciating how fine Tommy looks in a black suit, and how strangely sexy he can be with red contact lenses. His acting is flawless like always. Really amazing how he engages into his character, there's a certain charisma whenever he shows.
Ae Yun acting as Yoon Oh's mother is another good actress here. Although I highly resented her role, as a mother and a single mother no less, the way she showed "love" as she called it was wrong. It was never Yoon Oh's fault for the misdeeds and choices of his father, or for resembling him in the slightest. Also, to create high expectations of her child and forcing him to follow a path, was the breaking point. Often times, it leads to cases of severe anxiety and depression, and also suicidal youth problems. It is only when a tragedy happens, that they open their eyes to everything said and done, and realize how unfair they've been, her cruel text message to her son in a moment of rage was utterly despicable. Yoon Oh grown up with a busy and stressed mother who seemed to resent him for being born, and yet she has the audacity to claim he was her world. Well then, she should have treated her world better when she had the chance too.
The places are all the same, from the resort as a home to the café within it, to the short glimpses of the hospital and police station, and to the most romantic place in Seoul, the Locks of Love fence situated in Namsan Tower, production wise may be small but so far has done a good job with the resources they had in hands. I really like the color setting here, warm colors in most scenes, even at night. Be it by the warm colors of the actor's fabrics or even in the environment lights in the shots. I don't know how to explain it but it's a nice touch, instead of the whole gloomy vibe whenever there are spirits around. It creates a warm aura even in the dark scenes, a glow of well quite the "Peach" palette if I must say, from oranges to pink soft tones.
What can I say about the OST so far, it's catchy. I like it, not that memorable as some other dramas, but pleasant to hear though. I hope Jae Hyun's song is included, his voice is so soothing and beautiful that would be a crime not to have anything from him in the OST. I have not checked yet, because the OST has been taking long to be launched, but would like to see one or perhaps two theme in Thai. I know the drama is mostly Korean, but would be cute and meaningful.
It's bound to say that the ending might be realistic, despite painful, it's what the meaning of this drama is all about.
The 49 days. How to let go, and move on. A spiritual journey and experience of a lifetime.
If you engage into Yoon Oh and Peach, and the realization of their over growing feelings, their bond, their friendship, and their selfless young love. Or if you focus on Mario yearning to find his lost first love, and the reason to why he thought he had been abandoned, the deep sorrow he carries within his heart, until he faces the truth and discovers the scars of his past. If you realize how subtly the five stages of grief are incorporated into the plot through several characters and their own personal problems that seem connected with Yoon Oh. If you appreciate the settings and surroundings, the symbolic message the drama portrays and the value of the sentimental scenes. If you listen to the OST and the lyrics of the songs.
You might even grow fond of the main characters and cheer them on despite knowing that there is a rift between them.
The beauty here is in the maturity Peach has to deal with such a sensible matter, and how strong he is to carry that responsibility upon his shoulders. And that slight immaturity and jealousy Yoon Oh shows on certain times, because he fears the to be lonely, if Peach will end up leaving him behind. And yet they are both equally mature for their age, while dealing with everything with grace. To know that the current situation is not okay to be maintained despite their growing feelings, to know that there will come a time where one has to let go of the other, and see him depart with peace.
Many fail to remember how this drama started. It starts with a hint of the possible ending. Peach remembering Yoon Oh on his table, mentioning what he learned and what the other has taught him while he stayed in Korea for that short amount of time. The memories he gained and the lessons learned, that moment was him leaving the resort and café he temporarily opened. Now, not sure if they left that there because they were building up the thriller in the plot until the reveal of what happened. Still, it would be foolish to change that course of events, since it seems settled on happening. How are they going to develop that in the final episode, hopefully without leaving loose ends. It's a good meaningful drama, with a chance of re-watch value, at least for me, since I am a sucker for symbolic meanings.This was a first time for me to see the mix of Korean and Thai in a drama, it would be fun if this would open doors and allow different collaborations in other up coming dramas and projects too.
Don't watch this drama is you don't expect to suffer a bit through the episodes.
Don't fall into the romance, expecting a holy miracle or magical twist through the story.
Just give it a try and enjoy the ride. It happens fast, 10 episodes of more a less 30 minutes tops.
The storyline is meaningful and unique in a certain way, and the main actors synergy engages in quickly.
Yoon Oh's and Peach way of love is certainly bittersweet and lovely at once when you realize the predicaments.
Not all information is provided in plot, which allows you to think and create elaborate theories of your own.
You will be cheering them on, and you'll want to cry whenever Yoon Oh cries, because his acting is that good.
Memorable for everything I have seen so far. Really love these 3 main characters, Yoon Oh, Peach and Mario.
NOTE (SPOILERS rant): Just finished it. The last episode could have been A LOT better. I liked the series as whole despite its flaws, but this last episode lacked in more ways than the whole series.
Mario is seen having a blast with his first love but has he resolved his deep sorrow and moved on? It never really shows. The party was the most cringe little party I've ever seen. Not sure if the audio and synch were really off but it made things awkward with Yoon Oh having a poker face while "singing" what it could be an emotional song .
Once again, no one interrupted the lonely Peach in there or found it weird that the host of the party did not joined his guests... It does not tell if Yoon Oh's mom forgives the man responsible for her son's death, but from his confession it was indeed an unfortunate "accident" rather than a murder or suicide.
FINALLY Peach and Yoon Oh hit the beach in winter and we learn that the deep sorrow within Yoon Oh's heart is, not being able to confess his feelings for Peach while he was still alive. Such a pity that the final kiss scene is gone with the wind in there. The bracelets break and I guess their wishes come true. If Peach's wish was for Yoon Oh's to be at peace then what was Yoon Oh's wish?The boiler, the sudden smoke, he gets scared by that, so could it be that he has lost his "ability" to see the dead?
I doubt that was a mere coincidence when the café seemed closed for business. It also does not disclose if the resort is sold, the characters simply disappear after the Christmas party and that is it. I know it focuses on both, - Peach and Yoon Oh, - however there's a little thing called closure in a storyline that does not happen here.
Peach is back to being ordinary not being able to see Mario or Yoon Oh.
And could it be that Yoon Oh really did moved on?
Or is he still around like Mario, watching over his loved ones?
Endless possibilities and theories, but it's not entirely a satisfying enging... Even with the hint that there could be a continuation of the story. Overall this drama, has it's up and lows, that much is certain, but we cannot disclose that the message is here wavering between the awkward and meaningful scenes the show tries to portray.
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There were goods and there were bads...
After watching all the 8 episodes, I can see that there's a lot of good things about it, and also some bad things about it at the same time.Let's start off by talking about the director himself, New Siwaj Sawatmaneekul. He is one of the most popular Thai bl series directors. I've watched many of his bl series including Make It Right, Love by Chance, Love by Chance 2: A Chance To Love, and War Of High School. For this series, I feel like it was pretty okay, but compared to other bl series like Bad Buddy, it is nowhere near it. The plot was a little too simple for me, but on the good side, it was very easy to understand, and it was quite fun to watch. And because of that, I had decided to give the story a 7/10.
Now let's move onto the Acting/Cast. I really like the casts of this series a lot. The one thing that I want to change would be to give Pawin Kulkaranyawich (Maithee), and Satang Kittipop Sereevichayasawat (Sean) a bigger role, it would be amazing if they can be a side couple. Why? They have a good chemistry, and everything. Satang and Pawin's cuteness and personalities was just amazing! I also like the main characters of the series as well, Joong and Dunk did an amazing job, and I can see that they had worked really hard to portray their characters. Another thing that made me really happy is that 2 members of the Studio Wabi Sabi was able to make an appearance on this series as mentors. Both of them were on my favorite list since the time I saw them on Love By Chance. And all of that lead me into giving the acting/cast a 9.5/10.
The music of the series was amazing! I really like both of the OST! Joong Archen, and Louis Thanawin got amazing voices. The background music was also perfect, so it's definitely a 10/10. And for the rewatch value, I'd give it a 9/10. Overall, almost everything was perfect. Good job to the director New Siwaj, and all the casts in this series including Dunk, Joong, Pepper, JJ, Winny, Thor, Pawin, Satang, Ciize, Earn, View, Mek, Mark, Samantha, Yacht, and all the other casts and crews that made this series amazing!
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This review may contain spoilers
A very sweet rendition of Three Meals a Day
I really love the concept of Three Meals a Day and this one is not only a great successor to the concept, but is an especially sweet one, if you followed Hospital Playlist (which I did and really loved). If you watched the series, please give this programme a chance as well. Not only because of an awesome IRL friendship of the group, but they actually watch two episodes of the drama during it's premiere (in episode 4 of this show they watch episode 11 of the drama and in episode 8 they watch the finale - if you don't have much time, please watch at least these two).But let's make this review in an orderly fashion, shall we?
The location of this season is on point. The mountains and small village suit the group very well and the house where they reside is located on a pretty much perfect spot. There is a lot of room, they were never cramped inside and had plenty of good equipment outside as well. The addition of a woodworking open shed was also very welcome and interesting.
As for adaptation of the concept itself, the crew continues to be very strict with the cast and this show is a very classic representation of Three Meals a Day. They go around working to earn money for extra ingredients (only the basic ones are provided) and the tasks are quite difficult. I really loved that the guests helped as well.
The food looked absolutely delicious and it was great that they introduced the element of a surgeon for each meal that was the responsible one. I was afraid that because of such a large number of cast members, there would be chaos, but this made everything go so smooth. I really enjoyed the addition of the U bench that Yeon Seok created to go around the fire. It looked like in a restaurant and it seemed to me like it made it easier for the crew to shoot as well.
The cast it great, but we all know that. What made it so special was that we were able to take a look into their friendship and see their regular selves. Kim Dae Myung was absolutely hilarious and he made laugh so hard in almost every episode. Jung Kyung Ho is also very funny and with a special brand of chaos that follows him everywhere. Jo Jung Suk is... I don't even know how to describe this. Made by an artificial intelligence? Everything he touches turns to gold, he knows always what to do, how to lighten the mood, how to assist his friends. He's just great.
Jeon Mi Do has a calming presence among them, always ready to provide and opinion, advice and diligent work. I loved how they showed that after they all went to sleep, she just pulled out her new script and continued to work. She has some real role model qualities and I wish to be more like her. I really appreciated how Yoo Yeon Seok made time for this project and tried to contribute his absolute best. He was very sad that he could be with them only for a short while, but he made an impact and was his usual sweet self.
The guest were so well chosen and I was blown away by the variety of them. Seven guests for eight episodes and with each of them they shared valuable moments. They were also motivated to entertain them which resulted in some pretty hilarious moments (if you know what I mean and I mean outdoor yard musicals). I was looking forward to Jung Moon Sung the most because he was my favourite in the drama and he did not disappoint. I enjoyed everyone, but Kim Hae Sook was a nice surprise for me and when they all started to call her omma, damn, my heart melted.
I usually rewatch Three Meals a Day at random when I have trouble falling asleep. It's a healing show, and this one is just so sweet, I can see myself rewatching it often. This is absolutely worth your time.
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FL delivers great kisses and good chemistry in a binge-able transmigration story... with caveats.
I am a fan of hers, but I genuinely feel like Chen Fangtong chooses fun projects and this one is no exception. I enjoyed my time with it and it was an easy binge watch. Lots to like in this one, so let's start with the positives.The Good:
- Chen Fangtong is not shy in her dramas and those kisses definitely looked open-mouthed. She is funny and creates great chemistry with her costars. Always a pleasure to see on the screen.
- This is the second drama I've seen featuring the Male Lead, Zhao Wenhao, and I think he did an admirable job. I quite liked him in Blood of Youth (as the disciple to the gambling fairy) and thought he was part of some of the funnier scenes in BoY. He had moments of stiffness, but his loving glances were oftentimes on point and I thought he carried himself well.
- The show made me laugh. Oftentimes, I find costume comedies (especially transmigration ones) on the cringier side with their forced jokes. The comedy here was usually on point, witty, and genuinely amusing.
- It was often self-aware, calling out known tired tropes directly.
- Role reversal! I love a story with a girl who can pick up her man.
- The secondary couple was very sweet and a great no-drama side-couple that was very easy to cheer for.
- The story felt good, and the ending is not one that left me bitter or disappointed.
- The parents were sweet and loveable.
- It's only 24 episodes, 30 minutes each! That's definitely on the short side for a cdrama, and I appreciate that it was a satisfying watch without dragging
The Mid:
- It looked decent. Cinematography and costumes weren't first in class, but this was obviously a lower budget drama and I think they did a good job with what they had.
- Music was fairly forgettable but not poorly done or a negative.
- Some interesting choices with time skips. Entire segments of story were told with little comic segments, which I thought was a very clever way to not bog down the drama but also created weird disconnects in the plot.
- Chinese censorship of this genre (isekai/transmigration) strikes again! The ending probably created a lot of confusion for people who aren't used to watching this genre. But as this kind of story goes under censorship laws, it was wrapped up on the better side than most. The weird disconnects and confusions are expected to conform to "we cannot imply that transmigration is real" standards.
The Frustrating:
- Despite calling out tropes openly, it then face smacks into them (but will also admit that it did). If you know, why do you do it?
- Attack of the incredibly annoying second male and female leads! Oh boy, you will love to hate them. In defense of the 2ML, I think some of the experiences he went through in the later parts completely broke him. But the 2FL is literally just the kind that exists to be annoying.
- Suspension of disbelief is required! Well, more than is necessary, even for transmigration tropes. In no point is it explained how the FL's skills in the real world somehow translates into her martial competence in the story world. And things always go right in a very neat way for the leads. The villains are as flimsy as a cardboard cutout. The emperor is so agreeable that one wonders why anyone ever struggled to implement any changes before the arrival of the FL.
Overall, it was a very fun watch despite any negatives. I admit I am especially biased towards the FL, but if you're looking for a light watch and enjoy the isekai genre, this is not a bad watch. I would not recommend it if you're looking for anything deeper or more thought-involved. This is purely a feel good watch for when you want to turn your brain off.
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4 different stories with different vibes
Overall: the production value is good for what I assume is a very indie series (it got a .5 indie bump). Aired on GND Studio's YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-UjFgW8TJEf0j62oTEJudvgjvIT1uTqc&si=VJ9NKGmGyWH6mMs2 GND also made My Damn Business and Fake Buddies.Content Warning: see my spoiler comment for a large one for episode 6
1st Story (Riding a Bicycle eps 1/2) - friends faced shifting feelings. Enjoyed the sweet/caring moments. The bike/trip may have been symbolism for things going differently from how you initially envisioned. Very much a slice of life story with an open ending.
2nd Story (Friendship Bracelet eps 3/4) - quirky vibe with a supernatural element. Wish they had let it play out sooner/had fewer times.
3rd Story (The Last Diary eps 5/6) - back to a somber/slice of life vibe with two strangers that start off on the wrong foot. Suggest stopping at episode 6, 7m25s
4th Story (Sunset Boulevard eps 7/8) - two guys reconnect at work after they knew each other in university. Wasn't a fan of the non con kiss in the past or non con touch at work, but I was happy with how it ended.
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