A voice for the voiceless
An engrossing political thriller that manages a fine balance between human drama and suspense. Reflecting our world where it often seems as though corruption and misinformation are the order of the day, Shinbun Kisha lays out a David and Goliath tale of ordinary citizens standing against government corruption. While the inciting incident might seem small, that’s exactly what the drama tries to highlight; if society remains apathetic to the “small” corruptions, what will the powers that be try to get away with next? It also hits back against the pervasive thought that one person couldn’t possibly make a difference when it comes to political change. After all, we never know what our actions might inspire in others.Some may find early episodes slow, although I felt they did a good job establishing the broad strokes of the story and characters. In later episodes, however, there were some places where the story struggled to keep pace or stumbled over minutiae; the overall quality of the episodes was undiminished, but I sometimes wondered if a scene wouldn’t have been better placed elsewhere or even cut entirely. This was often the case with scenes that included Mayu, who could feel superfluous despite her early involvement in the development of another character.
That said, I found it difficult not to binge Shinbun Kisha. Since it often seems to mirror real life, the plot somehow appeals to the audience’s sense of justice. The characters are relatable for the same reason and win sympathy easily. Like any good story, Shinbun Kisha made me want to know more—but even beyond that, I needed to know if justice would actually be served. It was difficult not to get invested.
The camera is unobtrusive, yet still impactful. For example, during the press conferences where Yonekura Ryoko’s Matsuda is the only one brave enough to drill the administration for answers, she’s literally seated alone with a block of empty chairs surrounding her. Sickly greens and yellows are employed in sequences when corrupt dealings are underway, and chilly blues overlay rooms in which a character has been driven into a corner or frozen out.
Yonekura Ryoko and Go Ayano, perhaps unsurprisingly, are clear standouts in terms of performance. However, Yokohama Ryusei turns in a solid performance as an indifferent youth who slowly begins to understand the power that young people have in shaping the future of a country.
Recommended overall, especially if you like this genre. I'd love to see more like this from Netflix.
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Cute Rom Com With Great Chemistery!
If you are familiar with me, you may be aware that I frequently blog about the D/s element in various shows. However, I desired a break from that. I desired something that was cute, romantic, and amusing, which would serve as a distraction from the intense content that I am currently observing. This fit the bill perfectly, and I'm glad I gave it a shot despite the reviews. The fun parts made me giggle, and the romantic ones made me sigh. If you enjoy Rom Coms, then you will adore this hidden gem.Please refrain from paying attention to other reviews on here that are comparing this show to other shows that aren't Rom Coms and making disparaging remarks. You're comparing it to genres it's not in, it's like comparing a horror movie to a dance show. It's a Rom Com! Maybe don't watch Rom Coms if you don't like them!
I found the chemistry in both pairs to be excellent, the acting felt comfortable and there was never a point in which it felt fake or forced. I didn't have moments where I was thrown out of the series, but in fact was immersed in it. Not only that, but I stayed up far too late to finish it. As far as the story line? I, personally, enjoyed it, it was realistic in a way and there was smooth delivery. Plus, the character communication was chief's kiss. Seriously, ignore these other people and listen to me! It's cute! It might not be Semantic Error cute, but it fits with My Love Mix Up cute.
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This review may contain spoilers
Complacent writing ruins the ending to a show that had a great potential!
I was intrigued by the 2gether series because it had a great start and avoided the common trope of pairing a very "flower boy" uke and "macho and strong" seme. I also liked the pace that the drama was maintaining with the leads quickly recognizing their feelings for each other. There wasn't much of the usual struggle to come to terms with their sexuality that most BL's grind to the bone.But it all started going downhill quickly -halfway through, the pace just goes all wrong. The writers can't blame having only 13 episodes to show a meaningful progression in Tine and Sarawat's relationship. I've seen shorter BLs (Because of You) that were not constrained by the available screening time.
Sarawat and Tine moved in together almost immediately after starting their relationship, and that's so farfetched to me. Not only they didn't show a decent "dating" period but the leads started acting like an old couple that's been living together for 20 years or so. But they certainly don't have the maturity that comes with such a long-term relationship.
Contrived arcs to "separate" and put obstacles in the lead's relationship, zero trust in each other and abysmal communication skills leads them to the mandatory trope of breaking up just before the finale. But not to worry, they still their HEA within half an episode with not much explanation as to how they resolved their problems. -_-
I'm seeing a trend where most BLs are just taking the viewers for granted - casting good-looking leads and writing arcs with so many plotholes and tropes that they just churn out one BL after another expecting that the "fujoshi" audience will consume whatever they throw out either ways.
Writers, please have a little more respect for your audience and don't just focus on the aesthetics.
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How to do everything wrong in BL
This was an example of just about everything I hate in BL. They did a few things right, but very little and definitely not enough to get me to watch 2 more seasons of this SH**.The writing is HORRIBLE. So many times I would anticipate the great come-back a character SHOULD have said but didn't. Instead of truly exploring the characters' inner feelings, we are left with long, slo-mo shots of them staring into the distance. That might have worked if the actors could actually act and their faces displayed real emotions. But this cast (at least the 2 leads) cannot pull that off. The characters just kept repeating themselves, sometimes 3 or 4 times in the same scene. If you're not going to progress the story or characters, then just cut to the next scene. Because of that, I think 4 of the 12 episodes could have been eliminated entirely. Maybe even more.
The direction is MISERABLE. The pacing is sooooooo sloooooooow. Those long, slo-mo reaction shots. Moments where characters ask a question and no one answers EVER, they just cut back and forth and back again and forth again and back again and forth again to blank stares from the actors. Entirely unnecessary scenes, shots, sequences. Do we really need to see the judges of the Moon/Stars contest get up on stage and watch them applaud for 30 seconds? When they have no interaction with the main cast, the answer is NO.
The acting is WOODEN (at least the 2 leads). Nothing but blank faces, even during the most important and emotional scenes. Poor Yo is forced to play petrified throughout the entire series. He never looks comfortable at all. Even when he's won the popularity vote, runner-up Moon and has a boyfriend he still looks miserable. I did enjoy most of the secondary actors. Kim as Ming was very natural. He had charm, comedy, camaraderie. I also enjoyed Copter as Kit. His friendship with Tee as Beam seemed genuine. Naturally, all the actors I liked have been replaced in the sequels.
More BOOs for the music. The overly sentimental piano music that played over those long slo-mo shots was cloying. They really tried to wring out your emotions - especially when they weren't warranted.
Failed on so many levels. Can't believe how popular this one is. It's gonna take years before I'll watch the 2 sequels.
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Messy, stupid story... as usual...
Thankfully some people are cutting together 55 episodes of 90 seconds clips making it a movie, so we can watch it in one go. While production quality is not bad, the story is. Also the vertical format does not help and the so called "action" scenes are a bad joke.The chemistry is just ok, but nothing amazing and the acting leaves a lot of room for improvement. This series is mildy entertaining but also boring most of the time even when it only runs for around 95 minutes.
I can't even say I was disappointed because I did not expect anything. When you are behind in your watching schedule, you should watch something else because it's not worth your time. I have no clue why the actors do such bad series, but I assume they have contractional obligations and they need food on the table.
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Based on real events that occurred in some villages during the Korean War, this movie touches aspects like political idealisms, morality, ethics and relationships without forgetting to add laugh-out-loud comedy and heart wrenching moments that keep reminding you this actually happened.
Regarding the cast, every character plays an important role in the movie, from the villagers with their simple ways of living to the North Korean troops who strongly believe in their mission to “liberate” the oppressed people.
At the end, the real message this movie leaves its viewers with is that life can take you anywhere, but you decide how to live it.
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The characters in this drama are very believable and well-done, they are realistic and have their good and bad sides.
I like how important friendship is for the story, much more important than the romance or violence.
The acting was really good, especially in the dramatic and fighting scenes. The actors looked like they were really in character and I never thought someone looked awkward, when they weren't supposed to.
The music wasn't outstanding, but it was there. I didn't pay much attention to it and felt like it wasn't really important.
The story itself was great, interesting and full of emotions. I never thought an episode was dragging, though there were some that confused me in the beginning.
You do notice that the drama is a few years old, though, but I don't think it's a bad thing.
I recommend everyone to watch this and give it a try because I thought it was great.
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Arrogant
The audacity of the director to ask why the writer is pwaised but not him. You ruined this perfect making it a shitshow. This story jas no depth in it. Everyone is the story is selfish and ruthless killer. It was not properly stated how this story started and how will the protagonist save the world. What a pathetic protagonist!! The actors acting was trash. Even a kid can act better. This movie was meant to sponsor the actors through the name of the most popular novel. They thought novel fans will support them no matter how the adaption turns out. How arrogant!!!Was this review helpful to you?
Except this wasn't your average k-drama. It's called a sitcom, but that isn't giving it nearly enough credit. It's also called a romantic comedy, and while it has romance and comedy, that's not a nuanced enough classification. And, while almost 100% of Korean dramas follow the 16-20 episode format with such uniformity that predicting which episode the big confession will happen in is almost an exact science, this one turns linear storytelling into a loose guideline rather than the strict rule. Also, the fact that it was entirely preshot without the stresses of the live-shoot system really shines through; it is confident and the different plots dovetail and interweave with efficiency and steadiness.
The writers were particularly successful in creating deceptively sharp characters. On the surface, they appear to be stock and silly. Most of them WERE stock and silly. But, taken as different, embodied responses to the "do soulmates exist?" question, they become luminous in their own right. And, of course, I would be remiss to forget to mention the wonderful cast especially Shin Dong-wook (effortlessly charming and insouciant) and Lee Soo-kyung (hilarious in her permanent exasperation).
The one thing I really liked about this drama, the aspect that vaulted it directly into my list of permanent favorites, was its way of handling life's little intersections, the minor butterfly effects. How we're a lot closer to others (and by extension, different types of happiness) than we think. The format is a direct manifestation of this and also gives a physical motion to the very cerebral process of emotional maturity. To say more would be to ruin the pleasure for first time viewers, but there IS this one scene that involves rain and Lasse Lindh's gorgeous song "C'mon Through".....
Most importantly, the writers found that perfect sweet spot between the opposing poles of the big question. The tone was neither idealistic nor cynical; skeptical, perhaps, is the right word although it implies more negativity than actually existed. Maybe it is most accurate to say that there was a thoughtful melancholy to it, one that removed it from the realm of throwaway slapstick and placed it firmly on a higher plane. This is Soulmate's strength: It has the singular ability to turn what might have been utter, lowbrow farce into something intelligent and bittersweet.
Tl;dr? This has my definite endorsement. Watch it for something different with a lot of laughs and a lot of heart.
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Star and Sky in my Mind
Honestly, I was excited to watch this to support JoongDunk .. Mainly Jooong as I have followed him since 2m2 and I was NOT disappointed. I loved this series and I think I am in the minority but I don't care. Joong played his character with so much feeling and expertise I adored the character - Joong and Dunk have undeniable chemistry and I would love to see them in another series. I like how reserved Khabkluen was and the one-sided love of Daonuea was genuinely heartbreaking to watch - Once all barriers were down and Khabkluen allowed his feelings to come forth I literally screamed .. I am so proud of Joong as he has been through hell and back and I for one support him and cannot wait to see all he will accomplish n the future !! JoongDunk I got you !!!Was this review helpful to you?
The story is laid out very good and to the full. No illogical or irrational twists that bother me so much in many k-dramas. And some phrases said by the main characters make you really think deeply about importance of simple trust and small everyday things, that are often tend to be overlooked, forgotten.
Music is a perfect background for every scene, and silence as well. It becomes overwhelming in private scenes, making you concentrate on your own feelings, making you tremble with emotions, because you live them out together with the characters. The last song was an absolutely perfect choice for the last scene. And the tears do tend to stream down your face as the culmination of all calamities you've been through with the heroes.
Cast is absolutely gorgeous to my taste. I fell in love with Kim Go Eun since whatching the "Cheese in the trap". She perfectly portrays her character and you can't doubt here sincerety even once. Hae In always acts very emotionally and sincere. So together they form a perfect romantic and emotional alliance. The director did a great job, because everything looks so atmospheric, so warm, and scneces are though out to the tiniest details, shade of light, glance or move. Definitely worth your time!
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So hi...
Moving was a drama with amazing cast, acting and storyline. I watched it all, but for me it didn't deserve that 10. Don't hate me for that - taste shouldn't be discussed!!! I only stayed for the kids storyline, the parents' one didn't captivate me. Call me boring, sorry. So my opinions are mostly based on the kids storyline.Acting was amazing. They were extremely cute and Heesoo and Bongseok were such a pleasure to watch. Show stealer KangHoon ( Kim DoHoon) showed me once again why he is one of my favs.
I am honestly sorry I couldn't like this show as much as the people on tiktok and so. The hype was mindblowing tbh. Everyone was and still is so obsessed with it - it wasn't like that for me ... sadly.
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want the actors in something else (skip ep 5)
Overall: there was potential with an angstier story but the writing got progressively worse as the series continued. Skip episode 5 and start episode 6 at 43 minutes. 6 episodes about 30 minutes each. Aired on Youku's YouTube channel, first episode link https://youtu.be/B36ryCeKxUw Rookie Thailand has also produced: 21 Days Theory, Future and The Best StoryContent Warnings: past death, grief, homophobia, bullying, punches, parental verbal abuse
What I Liked
- some sweet moments
- they explained what happened 5 years ago so the time gap made some sense (but 5 years was too long)
- funny with the friends hiding behind plants
- glad she finally stood up for herself though she should have told Night he needed to figure his stuff out asap before someone else started dating Dream
- Dream seeking communication at the beginning of episode 5
- Namwan in the second half of the series (though I didn't hate her in the first half)
- production value was good for what I assume is a low budget series (except for the too loud background music at times)
Room For Improvement
- time skip needed to be 2 years instead of 5 to feel more realistic
- cliched writing, unnecessary love triangles, drunk kissing, etc
- not clear when flashbacks started/ended/were flashbacks
- the multitude of flashbacks made the episodes feel choppy, would rather they had shown everything in the past and done 1 time skip to the present (similar to ITSAY), there were even flashbacks to scenes we had just watched like with the professor (also what on earth is you fail a university class if you can't write an amazing novel? does that really happen???)
- nonsense stuff (who doesn't know their best friend has a sibling, they've never met in person or seen a picture? they could have made this a step sibling during the time gap to make sense)
- failed redemption arcs for the dad and brother
- unclear of how much time passed in the last episode
- hardcoded English subtitles were a little difficult to read (didn't take off points for this)
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Short filler drama if idol/ceo/kid dramas are your thing
I honestly have no idea why I enjoyed this so much, but I did. It’s absolutely ridiculous to be honest. Each episode is 10 minutes (30 episodes total) which doesn’t even seem like enough time to get acquainted with the characters yet at the same time I was invested in the story. Speaking of the story, the plot is all over the place. From the time traveling kid to the domineering CEO/idol thing the main couple has going on, to the grandfather showing up randomly half way in, I don’t really know why I kept watching it besides the fact that it was entertaining. It also might have helped that I had read the webtoon beforehand so I knew the storyline to some extent ahead of time. The acting really depends on the “episode” you are watching, some of it is good, some of it is okay, some of it is meh. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see some of the leads in bigger dramas in the future.Overall, it’s nothing revolutionary. The plot is not something you will end up having a length conversation about with fellow drama watchers or even remember a few dramas later, but I will say it’s cute in a completely ridiculous way and it’s a fairly easy watch since it’s so short. Great filler drama if idol/CEO/kid dramas are your thing.
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