In two timelines: how to find that something less common in life ?
Two timelines run at the same time. In the third episode, when the female lead gets on the bus, the second timeline begins. In the first line the story continues with her in the small town, continuing her interaction with her childhood sweetheart: Yu Jian. In the second timeline, it's Xia Guo who didn't give up on going to Shanghai and now she will have another story with another man in her life, her boss: Xue Yu Ming.The two male protagonists (Yu Jian and Xue Ming) have completely different profiles. But, the one who has the most screen time is Yu Jian (Liu Xue Yi) who crosses both timelines, and will have to make choices in both timelines.
What will be most extraordinary about Xia Guo's choice that we will know at the end of the drama? The choice she makes in each timeline is to get to know that something more extraordinary, less ordinary in life.
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Observation:
I think the third boyfriend in the story won't be as important in the plot. The two men in her life: Yu Jian and boss Xue Yu Ming. (but there are two stories happening at the same time).The First Xia Guo chooses to stay in the small city and continue her love story with Yu Jian. The other Xia Guo gets on the bus and chooses to go to the big city and gets a great job. And at a certain point she gives up on Yu Jian completely and starts a love story with boss Xue Yu Ming.
What I want to say is: some say that the male lead is Xue Yu Ming. But in reality it's as if there were two male leads (who win the heroine) each in a different timeline. These male leads (Yu Jian and Xue Yiu Ming) are completely different, they are like water and wine. So: whoever prefers the charming boss, says that the male lead is Xue Yu Ming. Those who prefer the naive, honest and loyal male lead, attached to their family and their dreams of starting a family and never giving up on taking care of their parents, those who prefer this profile more (will say: Yu Jian is the male lead).
However: what happens is that the one who has the most screen time is Yu Jian. He crosses both timelines, he will have in both timelines also make diametrically opposite choices.
But in practice: There are two dramas in one drama, with their respective heroes. But they are two distinct genres of drama (forming a single TV show).
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This review may contain spoilers
FRIENDSHIP? WHAT’S THAT?
I wrote a review for Friendzone and this just feels necessary to do. Season 1 dealt with the relationships of 4 couples - each with their own storyline, depth, length of relationship and set of problems.Season 2 deals with the aftermath of the decisions made in the Season 1 finale, and the story continues from there on. Saying that the relationships portrayed are extremely real would be a lie on my part, because honestly I’ve never seen relationships like these. Yes, they are quite realistic on the outlook that people today have on relationships and love, but I have never seen relationships so toxic in my life, including some friendships.
Unlike the first season, where the friendships between the characters was the key reason as to why all the relationships seemed to be so flawed, the second season does not imply this. The only couple where “friendship” seems to be taken into account is the Earth - Sam - Stud and several other men saga. In fact, even simply friendships seem to take a backseat to highlight relationships. Somehow though, the final episode brings us back to what was the basis of the show.
The thing about this season is that it completely changes your beliefs and views after the first season. Earth fan? After season 2, I’m not. Hated Stud? I don’t now. Thought Boom and Tor were toxic? Season 2 showed that there are way more toxic relationships than them. Of course these are my opinions, but I must warn you, opinions are subject to risk when you watch season 2.
Another thing I noticed about the series in this season is how aware people are of their actions. Every single character in this series is entirely aware that what they are doing is just toxic and hurtful, but they do it anyway. They know the consequences and yet soldier ahead. They sleep around, cheat and lie, and behave with no remorse. Every character is extremely manipulative, even if it wasn’t evident at the beginning. They know how to turn a situation around for themselves and they do it! The thing is, if you watched season 1, you know what they went through there, and even if you hated them there, there is serious character growth here. Props to the actors here, they managed to make me hate and love their characters all at the same time.
Ultimately, what this series seems to be is a somewhat realistic and relevant take on relationships today. If you liked season 1, you should absolutely watch this, because if I’m being honest, this was leagues better than season 1. The storylines are more indulgent, the new characters are complex and flawed, the older characters are changed and better. I’ve tried to keep this review as spoiler free as possible, but here come a few. So if you want a spoiler free review, I would stop reading right here.
Seriously, stop here if you don’t want spoilers.
Now, spoilers.
Here are all the ships in the final episode, in the order they concluded
1. Boom / Tor - They’re married y’all!
2. Stud / Ta - Yes, Stud and Ta ended up together, and even as a Stud Earth shipper, I couldn’t help but jump ships. Somehow the two of them together just makes sense and honestly they look soooo cute together!
3. Cris / Amm - They ended up together! First actual GL by GMMTV has a happy ending!
4. Earth / Sam - They broke up. It was a decision coming from the first season and it finally happened in the season 2 finale. Hopefully the break up helps them actually grow.
5. Music / Locker - Oh boy this was a great one! The way she rejected him was straight up savage and honestly the guy had it coming. Good for her! (Not actual Good)
6. Good / Boyo - They decided to stay friends and that’s a solid decision. Totally respect and agree with it.
All in all, a genuinely satisfying ending!
Honestly, this is a good show. It’s like an America drama and a telenovela had a baby and that baby carries mild traits of both parents, if you get what I mean. If you love relationship drama, and some instances of romance and friendship, but mostly drama, then this is the show for you. Plus, it’s got a ton of familiar faces if you love Thai dramas. This is one of those dramas you can watch to just turn off your brain after a long day and scream at your TV if you don’t like something. And that’s a good thing.
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made with taste and keeping it real up until the end, we get to see the evolution not of one or two but almost every character and it makes us see the good and bad side of everyone, focusing on the main points of this drama selfishness and image, everyone trying to hide things about themselves is such a real thing, it happens daily and although this type of drama tends to deviate in a pretty unrealistic way this drama excelled at being able to keep it real but still catch the attention of it's viewers.
The production was excellent and the ost was on point everytime, I really enjoyed specially the instrumental parts. Please give this drama an opportunity, it really does deserves it!
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I'll get some thing out of the way first: Wilber and Dean are terrible actors. Rainie's voice was cute but irritating. OH THE CLICHES!
BUT
the humor was there and was strong enough to bring me back another time. There was chemistry between the two leads. They were cheesy, albeit fun. I did say the guys were bad at acting, but all you have to do is suspend disbelief (that people could act so fake) and find the heart that's there.
I guess most people just don't see the cuteness and purity of this drama. If I were to rewatch any drama with horrible acting, cliches, and over the top fluffiness, I'd pick this one.
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The inseparable Hei-Bai Fengxi and The Quest for the World
Who rules the world (Wrtw) is a diverse narrative based on the novel "Qie Shi Tian Xia" (且试天下) written by Qing Ling Yue that stays true to it's title. A full politics driven drama that revolves around the power struggle between 6 States and the main Imperial State of Dadong. And I have so much to talk about so forgive me, this is gonna be long…I was super excited for this drama for many reasons… I had high expectations also considering the star studded cast, this plot, the posters and the trailer that was definitely so promising… so that was the only reason why I started watching this right from the first day it aired it's Episode 1.
The strengths/what I liked —
✧ The leads compliment each other so well. (Bai Fengxi and Hei Fengxi)
Bai Fengxi is a strong righteous woman who is hard not to be liked. she is a total foodie so I know where her energy comes from lol. As cute and cheerful she looks while talking, the more clever she is while fighting her enemies with her white cloth or her sword… she loves to live a carefree life, traveling… with Zhao Lusi acting in this role, this turned out to be my favorite character of Wrtw.
Hei Fengxi is a smart elegant man who has got both brains and beauty. He never gives a chance to others to outsmart him… he is kind at heart with an ambition of world peace… what I love about him ~ He trusts Bai Fengxi as wise and capable and as his equal. He helps her often but you will also hear him say "it feels nice to be protected."
✧ the chemistry between the leads. Beyond romance, they have a level of friendship, trust and respect for each other. You can observe that they spend 10 years with each other in the martial arts world because this is the kind of understanding that only comes with time… because their minds are so much in sync and they can read each other through… yet they become childishly jealous and bicker which gets you all smiling and blushing…
✧ Of course, the good looks/visuals of Yang Yang, Zhao lusi and cast helps a lot. I have to admit I was fascinated by how gorgeous Lusi looked in those simple robes and damn! that hairstyle of Yang Yang. Just who came up with his whole Hei Fengxi look. Oh! He looks so good. And I officially declare, I want Yang Yang in more historical dramas.
✧ martial arts. Bai Fengxi does it in quick-witted way while Hei Fengxi prefers looking graceful even at that. I liked how those enemies got kicked down here and there just by blow of air or a slight push.
✧ it's fun to watch opponents respecting each other for being smart and accepting their mistakes with honour.
✧ one of the best supporting female leads till now — Feng Qiwu (acted by Xuan Lu). Two beautiful strong women (Bai Fengxi & Feng Qiwu) appreciating each other and it was one of my favorite scenes when even Hei Fengxi felt like a "third wheel" between them. I just love strong women forming a good bonding.
✧ Acting couldn't have been any better. From fighting, body postures to expressions everything was top-notch. Yang Yang, Zhao lusi, Xuan Lu, Leon Lai, Leo Rui Lin, Zhang Hao Wei, Carman Lee, Zhang Tian Yang and others all did a great job.
✧ Powerful and soulful OSTs. My favorite was the opening theme song ♪Unparalleled♪ (无双) by Liu Yuning and ♪A Dream Come True♪ (梦浮生) by Silence Wang was also great. These two are the kind of songs I will like listening to even after the drama ends.
The weaknesses/what I didn't like —
⚘ The main theme is family + palace politics with some super annoying characters. The plot holes lies somewhere in the politics part only like how everyone is so intelligent yet not even doubting the villain for once… and I like villains with reasons and well built-up around his actions… but they rushed over that… I wish it was explained in a better way.
⚘ the names - Even the two main leads have similar name and looking at the complex court/palace characters, new people keep entering with a new name and even different identities. Even the city names made me go off…
( but I appreciate all those MDL'ers who cleared other's doubts in comments section and even that one discussion page with whole family/relation details )
Nevertheless Wrtw was a great drama, worth my wait for so long as I got to be so excited after a long time, the leads kept me hooked up. No matter how some plot holes affected me, at the end of the day, I still love the leads and will come back to watch Bai-Hei Fengxi and some other characters I loved. I will skip all the palace scenes though…
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SUCH AN UNDERRATED DRAMA!!
Seriously, idk why this drama didn't get more rating, it was really better compared to all the overrated kdramas I have watched recently. And for your information, this will be a drama which I didn't skip a lot of scenes. I loved the connection both the leads shared and how they stood up for each other throughout the story. It was also kind of refreshing to see them being all cute without any push and pull in their relationship (fyi i hate when they do that push and pull kind of thing in a relationship.) Tbh I was hesitating a lot before starting this drama but i really enjoyed from the starting to the end. Moreover, i haven't written a review for a drama for a very long time but this drama is really being underrated and I want many people to watch this one! So if anyone is hesitating like me before starting, pls do watch it... it can be your cup of tea too hahahaWas this review helpful to you?
Story 9/10 - Because I think it's not a new story and I still did not see the ending I give it a 9. But certainly it is easy to watch for a full hour, well paced and with an awesome message behind it. The japanese like their stable jobs and a little while back it was normal that a company would employ people for their lifetime. But since recessions struck this country hard "restructuring" became a synonym for angst. Kimura playing a homeless guy with a bright personality might give people hope to not give up completely after falling into poverty (people over there tend to do stuff like suicide). It's a story that gives hope through trust and friendship - still an all-time favorite. Throughout the series there is always the same question coming up - do we value what we have? Didn't money, greed and comfort zones destroy our joy in the simple and priceless things of life? You can checkout yourself - how much are you able to handle? When do you surrender to selfishness?
Acting 10/10 - well what should I say? It's Kimutaku. That guy is a natural at comedy. The rest of the cast is just as awesome with Karina (Nikaido) and Nikai Kiichi (Moai) or Fujiki Naohito (president of miracle electronics). Can't find any miscast - all are really great at what they are doing.
Music 9/10 - Who doesn't like the rolling stones? Come on^^ I jumped through my room when that came in the ending. again. and again. Well the rest is not that special (sounds like a pirate movie) but totally solid stuff.
I would watch it again. Really. And Overall - 9/10 - really a great drama.
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Smooth storyline without the extra romance in a criminal, investigation drama
The drama is an adaptation of Korean drama Hello Monster (2015), but it very much has improved the storyline in the original.Watching the original, I was very much disappointed by all the plot holes and excessive plot they have between the main storyline and the side stories of crimes and romance. It could have been better if there were some clarity as to why the characters suffers their fate or act a certain way. However, if you are into a bubbly crime solving drama then that one is for you. Not to say that the original was bad, it was very good in the chemistry between the characters and introducing an intriguing story in 2015.
When Mouse (Korean Drama) came out, I am blown away by how amazingly tight knit a crime drama can be while showing more realistic characters' reactions. Upon hearing the Thai remake of a high potential drama, I had a high expectation going into Remember You (2021).
The first quarter may not be as amazing introducing the characters and their chemistry as the original but making it pass halfway will be worth it. To be honest, I was unimpressed by the first few episodes as they are somewhat a bland replica of the original until I discovered the plot fix in the first crime case they solve together. It shows me the potential the rest of the drama is and I am glad I didn't give up on it. Plot holes in several occasions in the original were filled and improved, unnecessary plots/storylines were trimmed, characters finally have more realistic feelings, and the ending is a close ending (I won't spoil it).
The most important thing in conclusion is it gives the spotlight on the main relationship - the brothers amongst the less important one the original pushed it to. Also, the characters are reimagined very well and I love them passing the first quarter (sorry but the original characters were sometimes off from what they are suppose to be like female cop, little brother etc. who are supposed to know how to fight).
Now that I have watched the whole drama, I think it was great that the first quarter was slightly boring since the main character did not know or even have hope that his brother is still alive to be so motivated.
Ps: There is no OST or song in the remake (hence the 1 point in Music) but I'd rather have cinematic soundtracks than OST that is put in wrong moments.
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My "10" is solely based on the fact that I loved the lead romance, I loved the music, and overall was just
genuinely happy while watching it.
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This review may contain spoilers
I loved 'Cruel City'- every plot turn, sequence and pace of the story, the characters, the relationships and even the ending, though it could have been different. The story is told brilliantly. Great, beautifully written characters. The casting was perfect. Fresh admiration for Jung Kyung Ho. He hit the ball out of the park as the Doctor's Son. And of course, the drama hugely benefits from the rest of the cast, who were all unique and great.
Loved the OST, especially the one that plays at some defining moments/cliffhangers.
Romance isn't the focus of course, but it carries much charm and impact. There aren't that many scenes between Shi Hyun and Soo Min, but we can feel their connection through most of the drama.
I don't know if the plot is perfect. It probably isn't. There were times in the first half when the actions and reasons of many people seemed silly and um..(can't say more, might be a spoiler). But in the overall plot of things, it's negligible.
About the ending- as I said before, it could have been different but as it is- I could see it happening.
I definitely recommend this drama..to all who won't mind having a little-less-than-perfect ending to a great drama watching experience.
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Fresh story with great acting skill
This is my first chinese drama that I follow on going after I encountered Dongfang Qingcang (LBFAD is my first ever CDrama). While waiting for it to air, I watched Dylan's past dramas, and I can say his acting becomes so much richer and more versatile in every drama, start from Meteor Garden, Evernight 2 and so on. While DFQC is his most iconic role, Xiao Duo is his richest character with so many layers and I can say he gave XD justice. XD is much more than badass and cool domineering character, he is also the softest sweetheart, the most romantic lover, the best friend and the best leader for his men, cunning, smart yet silly sometimes, etc. so many layers of his characters yet Dylan played them all very well. I can't sense any DFQC left in him beside the badass and domineering side.I really enjoyed this drama, its story is fresh and unique, the acting skills of most main actors are superb and supporting roles are great too (except Tongyun). I love how it was directed, fighting scenes are awesome and the drama set is beautiful. Even the ship set when they went to west shu is beautiful too.
But this drama has its flaws too. The flow of the story is sometimes choppy due to censorship, FL charachter is sometimes unconsistent, a few scene doesnt make sense, but it's drama anyway... the murder of XD brother plot is overused, they should make Prince Nanyuan the real culprit and Bu Yu Lu still be the traitor IMO.
The ending felt unreal since it was just it, they just showed the CP escaped together. They didnt give us any extended scene to show that they really live happily ever after! BUT, I think the drama did not really have to tell us about that moment, it already showed how it ends, not properly, but they showed us. The main protagonists got what they want freedom, free to be with whoever they want to be. The villains got what they deserved. Murong Gaogong was showed falling down to the ground, its his falling. They stopped it there. It wouldve been better if there was a naration of what happened to him, but no. But they showed us how he got his karma. He got badly injured thus he can have any child! He became eunuch himself literally. And he was slowly being crazy and lost his mind, mentally sick. And the kingdom would never accept that kind of King. They didnt show us, but it was implied. So, tho I want more for the ending, but the drama said just it. They already gave us the closure, dont asked more since it will need more effort, more episodes lol.
As for romance, tho it was cut every here and there, but I assure you, just by looking at XD lustfull gaze, you'll get to know that they're quite wild couple, lol. And IMO, even with all of those cut, their chemistry is still on fire!
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1This review may contain spoilers
It is a con within a con made by a con who knew a con and got conned by another con.Confused by that? Well this movie is such a mess that after watching it, that sentence will make complete sense to you. This whole movie starts with a team of people who we don't know yet that have already established themselves as a team and goes to meet another team in China to get a heist job done. The whole time everything is happening in a slow paced with no real understanding of who the characters are. The only thing you understand is that betrayal is on the rise. You legit can't trust anyone because nothing makes sense.
You're only bonus is Ji Hyun, Hye Soo and Soo Hyun who look lovely. You get a flash of abs, very brief. Some lovely shots of Ji Hyun and Hye Soo being serious babes. The only thing this has going for it is that the actors in the film despite a terrible script and stupidity everywhere, act well in it.
The worst thing about this movie is that this shit is TOO LONG. I felt drained watching after getting halfway through it.
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So this movie is adapted from the manga of the same name and i absolutely love that manga
it is like a breath of fresh air from the most of the serious drama's out there
So,the movie starts with Sugihara Kohei, a college student who has distanced himself from others unconsciously because he is hard of hearing
The one thing that the film touches upon and I find quite good is that Disabled people also deserve to be treated normally like others and do not want any kind of special treatment
The actors did a good job especially Tawada Hideya-the person who played the role of Sugihara Kohei
also they did not distort the manga at all so that is quite a positive point
also altho i liked it but i don't think that it is a movie you can't watch more than once
so it does deserves to be watched at least once if you are into BL's and stuff
I'll leave the links of the manga and the movie below so do make sure to give it a try!
thank you
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Steve Jobs on Crack
Where would you even begin with this crazy hot mess? The first 3-4 episodes were acceptable despite moving too fast and creating many gaps. However, as the drama unfolded, it became clear that it was biting off more than it could chew. Right off from episode 5, the drama became an irrecoverable mess. The pacing was erratic, jumping between weak fabricated plot twists, jarring narrative and bloated segments with no sense of cohesion. The drama was throwing everything at the viewers to see what sticks. Action, thriller, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, melodrama, the drama couldn't decide what it wanted to be nor it managed to mix any of them well. The characters felt like caricatures rather than fully developed individuals, and their motivations often seemed arbitrary, inconsistent and generally weak. If the drama wanted to go for stupid ridiculousness then why not raise the stakes to match? Not even the ending could measure up to its intent despite its "supposed" twist.Was this review helpful to you?
