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Coming of Age
Itomichi is a fascinating and heartfelt coming-of-age story that revolves around highschool student Soma Ito. Awkward and shy due to the embarrassment of her unique Tsugaru dialect, she keeps to herself most of the time and doesn’t have any friends. She does happen to be an extremely talented Tsugaru-Shamisen musician, a skill inherited from her mother, but due to her introverted personality, she conceals her talent from outsiders. The film will showcase Soma Ito’s journey of growth to realising her potential both as a person and a budding traditional folk musician. The title Itomichi refers to the thread that is used on the finger when playing the shamisen.Yokohama Satoko directed and wrote the screenplay for this film, which is an adaptation of the eponymous novel written by Osamu Koshigaya who specialises in youth themes. Itomichi is her second book to be adapted into a film. Takuma Watanabe (Aristocrats) serves as the composer. The theme song Eden no Shoujo comes from Mishiranu Sekai, the 10th album of Ningen Isu, a Japanese 3-piece rock band. Katsumi Yanagishima (Zatoichi, Battle Royale) is the cinematographer for this project.
Principal photography took place from September to October 2020 entirely in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture and features scenes of Hirosaki City, Itayanagi Town, Kitatsugaru District, and Hirakawa City. Itomichi won the Best Picture Award and Audience Award at the 16th Osaka Asian Film Festival as well as numerous other awards at the 13th TAMA film Award, 34th Nikkan Sports Film Awards (New Face Award for Ren Komai) and 95th Kinema Junpo Best Ten Japanese Movies (9th placing).
What I Liked
First of all, the narrative and the storytelling approach. This is one of the most intriguing coming-of-age films I’ve seen. I have a preference for slow burn, emotive and inspiring stories when it comes to depictions of slice-of-life with realism and relatability. For me, Itomichi undoubtedly falls within this category, with a dose of Japanese sensibility. In fact, Japanese filmmakers are masters of this distinctive approach to the genre where all elements of the story blend beautifully with the cultural aspects and atmospherics of the setting. Case in point, the juxtaposition of traditional music and modern cosplay which represents the context of this film.
In addition to the direction, other production aspects are equally well executed, which further enhances the quality of the screenplay. The filming locale has a charming appeal that is exquisitely framed by the excellent cinematography. The stunning visuals not only showcase the beauty of the setting but also evoke a somewhat nostalgic mood to the storytelling. I certainly appreciated some of the quiet and delicate moments that conveyed the complexity and depth of emotions despite having minimal dialogue between the characters.
The music in this film constitutes the backdrop of the story and abundantly features the traditional folk themes of the Tsugaru-Shamisen that is native to the Tsugaru region. I’m a huge fan of traditional music and as far as Japanese folk music is concerned, the shamisen is an enchanting instrument that is a favourite of mine. It’s ever present in Japanese jidaigeki productions but rarely, if ever, in contemporary films so I’m utterly thrilled that the beautiful sounds of the shamisen is afforded the spotlight in this story.
Komai Ren impresses as the central character, Soma Ito. Her absorbing portrayal exudes an aura of mystique that gradually draws viewers in, as it did for me. I honestly do think she was the right choice for the female lead, having also been born in Aomori which is the setting of the narrative, and she speaks the Tsugaru dialect fluently. Fun fact: In preparation for her role, she had trained playing the Tsugaru-Shamisen for nine months.
Toyokawa Etsushi, the multiple Japan Academy Award winner and recipient of numerous acting honours, plays Soma Koichi. His experience truly shines even in a supporting role, through his subdued and nuanced interpretation of Soma Ito’s father. Kurokawa Mei portrays the charismatic Kasai Sachiko while Nakajima Ayumu cuts an enigmatic figure of Kudo Yuichiro, the manager of the maid coffee shop. Yokota Mayuu’s headstrong and manga-loving Fukushi Tomomi completes the team of maids.
The final aspect that I have enjoyed immensely is the perfectly executed and extremely befitting ending. There’s nothing more gratifying than a production that sticks the landing flawlessly, complete with a powerful stage performance of the Tsugaru Aiyabushi.
Final Thoughts
Do not be fooled by the poster (at the time of writing, in case it gets changed by MDL). The fluffy vibes are somewhat misleading and completely misrepresent the actual tone of the film. If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming and poignant film with realistic portrayals and enthralling music, then Itomichi would most certainly be worth checking out.
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This review may contain spoilers
Understandable, but Not Excusable
I didn't intend on writing a review for this show seeing as there are plenty of reviews to read (this one will most likely be caught in the web of not being seen), but after leaving comments on a few reviews, I decided to go ahead and write one for my own benefit.before diving in, I do want to but a disclaimer that I put this show on my WNF list (Will Not Finish) and stopped watching after episode 6 because I was a little bored and also fed up with the bullsh*t that were the plot holes.
Now let's dive in.
Production: 5/10 - Nothing bad, but nothing spectacular either. Tharntype was the very first BL that I have ever seen, as well as the first tv series from Asia that I'd ever watched, so there are very noticeable differences in the use of sound, lighting, effects, and ads.
Story: 4/10 - The plot was generic and basic, nothing special once again. Your average university students plot, except this one hates the gays more than the average uni student.
Acting: 8/10 - As much as I didn't like most any of the plots, the acting was superb in this series. The chemistry between the leads were good, and all other characters played their roles exactly right that adding to the world-building.
Others - If Tharntype is the best BL that you have ever seen in the history of BLs then there is one thing that you haven't done:
1. Seen literally any other BL
If this was your first BL ever like it was mine, then fine, I get it. And I even get it if you had seen Hotel Stars or WaterBoyy next, but you HAVEN'T seen anything good if you still consider this the best BL ever. There are so many other series that literally take the cake and eat all of it and then go back and get more cake, like seriously. The ones on my top five are - 1000 Stars, Gameboys, HIStory 3: MODC, I Told Sunset About You and Mr. Heart. I promise Tharntype will become the least of your worries once you have seen these series, I swear to GOD. Okay, moving on,
I'm going to skip the part in which I talk about each individual couple since I only really saw Tharn and Type. Their chemistry didn't really reach a good point until after they had sex, anything before that felt angsty, gross, perverted, and boring. Gulf and Mew are amazing actors and I hope to see them in future projects that aren't as problematic as Tharntype was. I could give a lengthy review on why Tharntype is so toxic and not good, but there are plenty of reviews that do so, so I'll keep it brief. I think it's perfectly okay to like this series, as there are good parts, but some reviews try to excuse their behavior to fit their narrative and that is not okay. We all have our guilty pleasures, there are shows we probably shouldn't like, but we do. And that's completely fine, but don't ignore the bad just to only highlight the good.
Type:
Although Type was very ignorant and rude, his behavior is somewhat acceptable seeing as he has gone through past trauma, and the worst he did was just throw around Tharns things, and be annoying on purpose to have Tharn move out. I don't think it's an excuse for his anger issues, but rather an understanding.
Tharn:
Tharn sexually assaulted Type by groping and kissing him while Type was under the influence. Type literally wakes up the next morning covered in hickeys. That was one out of the many problems with Tharn. I personally liked Tharn more than Type, just because Type was pretty arrogant, and arrogant characters are not my forte. If we look past the disgust that was his behavior, he was sweet and did genuinely build up feelings for Type (that could've been executed more consensually, but oh well).
RECOMMEND? No, it would be the LAST series I recommend to someone new to BL. Maybe someone that has seen a umteenth number of BLs, but by then they probably have already seen TT.
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Pleasant and realistic, but a bit dull
The characters in this are well-drawn and not stock stereotypes. Han Ji Yu is a foodie/functional alcoholic who meets uptight chef Park Ki Hoon, who has an irrational hatred of alcohol. Their initial reaction to each other is quite finny and entertaining without being OTT. Han Ji Yu's passion for food and his unguarded pleasure it it charms Park Ki Hoon, who slowly opens up to him, and it's cute.The problem is that it doesn't really go anywhere and it's barely a romance. Until KBL can get over it's homophobia it's never going to hit the high notes in Thai or Taiwanese BL - the dead fish kisses and the way they manage to keep a meter of space between their bodies even during intimacy makes it, well, not intimate. I think it's implied they had sex in the finale, but it's really unclear - they might have just kissed, or maybe they were just tired and rested with their faces barely touching, although it looked like a diffficult yoga pose more than resting.
Anyway, you won't resent the series for the time you invested in it, but you probably won't remember anything but the first episode a month after watching it.
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Plot is good and I think it's similar to American series "Cold Case". I liked that series but I think this one is better because this doesn't have many and many more seasons like non-Asian dramas usually has...
Acting was great. Ueto Aya is my favorite actress (well one of them) so I might be biased a bit. Her character was different from her characters before. I also liked every other character too. I think the "lab nerds" were amazing, especially Kimura Ryo.
I liked the insert songs/music in this drama. Opening and ending suited for the drama but they weren't my taste though..but I still liked them...maybe it's a bit weird..
I re-watch only rare few dramas and I think I might just re-watch this one day. Though there's still SP and 2nd Season for me to watch.
Overall I gave this 8 even though most of the ratings are 6...
This is a good drama for Ueto Aya fans and people who likes mystery dramas like I do :D
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sure enough around September 2013... i wanted a distraction from work. so i chose to watch Secret Garden.
i wasn't expecting anything. however, when i got started, I was hooked.
Secret Garden is about a snobish rich guy who falls in love at first sight with a poor stunts woman.
he tries to stop his feelings but ends up stalking her. when he finds her house, he spends the whole night watching the apartment as if wondering how a person could fit in it. he walks out and tells her to forget about him when he sees her coming out of the house.
she was more than happy to disappear from his life. but some how they wind up in a secret garden where they get a magical potion. to their horror, they find their bodies got switched.
put a rich CEO in a poor stunts womans body and a poor woman in a rich man's body and imagine the chaos that will follow.
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i was laughing, sighing and crying throughout the whole series.
this series is so good that the lead actor and actress both won an award.
nough said. watch it for yourself and discover the magic of Secret Garden.
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For me the drama didn't instantly pull me in and I think that was more to do with the fact that I was keen to see the older cast. However the earlier episodes are really important in the development in the story and so even if it may not seem particularly interesting at first PLEASE bear with it because it only gets better from there.
As a drama in general, the character development for each individual cast in the drama was done really well. As a viewer I was completely immersed in the drama and as much as I tried to hate some characters I really couldn't. I could see each character's good points as well as their flaws. The really good thing about this is that no character in the drama was portrayed as being 'perfect' or 'evil' which made them seem simply human, because i was able to understand them to an extent I couldn't bring myself to hate them. Even those who angered me to bits I could tolerate more as the drama progressed. Even if they may seem completely villainous at first, the director set out this drama in a way that you could also see the reasons why they behaved that way. Throughout the drama we go through all the ups and downs with the female lead and I felt myself becoming emotionally invested as i continued to watch this drama.
I loved how strong the female lead was and there were many moments where I was crying with her, the amount of situations she has to deal with and the pain she goes through, makes her a character to be respected. There were also many humorous moments in the drama which added comical relief. I came to adore the supporting casts which added a lot more to the drama.
To cut a long story short, this historical drama contained a lot of elements there was a love story ( a couple actually), strong friendships made, a number of family problems. From watching the beginning of the drama I really wasn't sure how it would finish but as the end of it drew near all of the secrets came out and it was pieced together really well. I cried and laughed many times from watching this and I'm sure anyone else watching this drama would understand why.
The music is really fitting especially the instrumentals in the background. After watching half of the episodes, you'll find yourself singing along to the OST.
I probably would NOT rewatch the WHOLE of this drama but just go back to my favourite episodes once in a while.
If I was to pick out a negative in this drama it would be how prolonged some parts were, I just was going immense stress just waiting for the moment that someone would find out the truth. However this drama wouldn't be that long if it was going to be that simple. So a definite watch even if you don't normally watch long dramas MAKE THIS THE EXCEPTION!!
I had a great time watching this drama and I encourage everyone to try it out.
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This review may contain spoilers
Just finished it and having major withdrawals already just like when I watched Scarlet Heart. I started watching because of Zhao Lusi after seeing her from I Hear You and seeing positive reviews. The setting is roughly about our main female lead from the future who is willing to give up her immortality to transport her to a time period where she can find her ideal true love.
At first I wanted to drop it because it was too cutesy and was annoyed at how boy-crazy she was and trying every chance to generate a "loveable" moment with her destined one . As story progresses, I started to understand how unconditional one can be for their loved ones. She desired skinship from Xiao Bai but he was a gentleman and felt it is inappropriate. On other hand Qiu Yue has no problem with popping in her room to monitor what she is doing.
Watch it for the romantic love story. You won't regret it.
I cried a bucket up tears in the end because the love was so beautiful. You will fall for the lead who is deemed a devil that calculates through ever moves to benefit himself but ends up sacrificing everything for the female lead.
It's amazing how this started out as a fluffy drama that I could lightheartedly watch, ended up with me scrutinizing every single word the two leads spoke to each other. I did not want to miss any interaction between the two. Chemistry from both leads are awesome, the supporting cast all did an amazing job and I expect to see them more in the future.
A Cdrama done right. It may not have the hottest star, the best scenery, the best costume, the best storyline, but a good love story and actors that brings life into their character is all it takes.
Everyone on youtube is asking for a season 2. All I'm asking for is the two leads to work together again.
I do know that the two leads are in Prodigy Healer but ratings for it isn't that high, so I'll see if I'll end up watching it.
This is one of the few dramas that I would definitely rewatch and that's saying a lot because there are so many dramas choose from and I am willing to rewatch this one.
P.S. If you like kiss scenes, there's a ton off it.
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This show is just like a wish come true. After watching Shawn Dou in princess agents and Tiffany Tang in Weiyoung, I really wished to see them together in a show as the main couple with happy ending .Plot: In short the story is about SJ, a wife and a would be mother. After the accident SJ wakes up and realise that, she was transported 10 years back in the past. Now she tries her best to save her family and friends from the bad fate which awaits them, along with it she tries her best to win her husband “YJC” back with a hope that after uniting with YJC everything will go back to its original place. This drama is very simple not much complicated one and I really love the chemistry between Shawn and Tiffany all of their memories were so adorable but I also liked Tiffany’s chemistry with Yang Shou.
Characters:
SJ : I really love her character, she is cute, intelligent and a supportive person moreover her undying love for YJC. After her transportation into the past, she tries her best to find YJC but she also remember that currently he is in a relationship with SXJ. Without thinking much she found YJC and did her best to stay by his side for 2 reasons, first is her hope to get everything back to its original place and secondly she wanted to be a part of YJC’s struggling period bcoz in future SJ mets YJC when he was already well settled in his career. Therefore, what she was doing was not weird for her bcoz he is her husband, they have a lot of memories together including her pregnancy. She is not a stalker or an obsessed person, she just wants her love and husband back the way it was including her pregnancy.
Stalking means u keep all record of someone’s daily life and obsession is where if u don’t get the person u love, you would either try to destroy them or kill them, which SXJ did. After YJC broke up with SXJ bcoz of her controlling nature, she ruined YJC’ future and career to make YJC realise that without her family name his talent will not be acknowledged by anyone neither he will be able get any position on his own.
I agree that at some point I felt that SJ should let the time arrange everything but every time she tries her best to stay way from YJC, fate brings them together which gives her the sign that they are fated and she can’t give up. SJ is such a generous person❤️????..... since SJ was fully aware of what’s gonna happen in the future, SJ tries her best to prevent such things from occurring even though she was criticised for it but she still helped them which resulted in change of their fate specially her mom and wenwen’s fate. I know u can’t tell someone to restrain them self becoz of the future they r not aware of but there is also a saying that “prevention is better than cure“, so she was not totally wrong to make sure that they don’t face the same painful fate. But the only thing annoyed me is when SJ was giving hopes to YJC on the basis of his future, that was totally wrong u can’t tell someone to believe that he/she will have a good career but do nothing for it just let the time do it.
After YJC dies, I really don’t mind her moving on with YP. YP is a good person and he loves SJ unconditionally, also he is the one YJC trust’s completely. Honestly in the end she did some crazy things just bcoz she believed that it will take her back to the future and YJC, which is very lame. SJ wanted her mom to have a new life but she didn’t want the same for herself why ? Sometimes when u didn’t get the happiness u wanted, try giving happiness to others and may be, u will be able to live happily again.
YJC: He is such a dedicated guy but it was a bad fate that he met SXJ first instead of SJ otherwise the struggle and embarrassment he faced even after being so talented won’t be there just bcoz he broke up with SXJ. Even after YJC career was destroyed, he did everything he could for SJ to support her mom’s surgeries. But instead of being cured it got spread, SJ wants best treatment for mom which can only be done in England but YJC doesn’t have the financial stability to support her but YP has, he was left with no choice but to gave up on her so she can take YP’s help in getting the best treatment for her mom. YJC also knows that YP’s love for SJ, he wanted SJ to get a good life unlike him. I really cried seeing YJC, he wants to be with her but the condition he is in, he can’t help her so the only thing he can do is to let her go to YP , who can give her the best.????????
YJC and YP doesn’t have any difference when it comes to loving SJ and talent but the only thing different is their status.
YP: I really love his character as YP and the way he loves SJ without expecting anything in return is just amazing. I really loved that scene when SJ came and told him that, taking his help makes her feel like she is using him and YP replied that he wants to be used by her. YP has the power and status, further he is very smart to not be fooled by anyone specially his uncle “YQ”. Honestly I knew it’s not possible between YP and SJ bcoz SJ was someone’s wife, from the beginning their was no chance for him except in the end when YJC dies. The only time I really felt very sad is when it was shown that he remembers everything that’s was cruel..???? but I don’t understand how did that happened? Bcoz I thought in the future YP won’t remember anything, for him it will be like nothing happened.
We know that in reality she is not TIME TRAVELLING ????, but I don’t mind bcoz if it’s about time travelling then it won’t be different. The only thing is, if they wanted her to wake up it would have been so much better to show that she was in flight with YP for some other reason then they met with the accident and she realise it’s similar to the one she had faced then she helps YP and wakes up, she realise that everything is back to it’s original place while YP doesn’t remember anything at all.
Really satisfied with the drama and it’s ending. All the cast did an amazing job in portraying their characters.
Acting Skill: Tiffany Tang , Shawn Dou and Yang Shou, no need to say they all are splendid actors.
Rewatch Value: definitely yes, in future
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I can't believe how long it took me to finally decide to watch it! I should have seen it sooner! That is my only regret.
At first I was kind of sceptical about this drama, not knowing what to think of a horror and supernatural korean drama, thinking it wouldn't be as great as it appeared to be... I was so wrong. I could not have enjoyed it any more. It had everything, from good comedy to almost horror (I really got the creeps in some scenes) with a really touching (though frustrating at times) romance.
First, I absolutely loved the story : it had a mysterious overall plot that left you on your toes for most of the drama (more mysterious than I first thought), while also adding short plots that changed every episode, and they were interesting and greatly contributed to the progress between the two leads and were in no way unnecessary to the show. The romance in this show wasn't awkward at all, it was a proper fall in love over time and not at-first-sight kind of romance. It left much more room for the comedy and the mystery. I found myself really looking forward to the next episode, squirming with delight when something good happened, and it brought tears to my eyes when something sad happened. The good thing with this story is also that, you also create a connection with all the other characters, event the cameos (the short-plots), the show left plenty of room for the small roles to poke at our feelings and move us just as the leads do (or maybe I'm just an emotional wreck). Overall, this story had good progression, fulfilled it's duty to make us laugh, cry, dream, and also scare us (seriously, not kidding, they did a great job with those special effects, because I was affected ^^). Great plot!
When it comes to the acting, it was absolutely great! So Ji Sub and Gong Hyo Jin had am-a-sing chemistry, I really want to see them in another drama together. The acting was very good, and I think this drama is underrated acting-wise (story-wise too), I think it deserved many more awards than it actually got. I really want to applaud Gong Hyo Jin and So Ji Sub, just excellent! I would not change anything about the cast!
For the music, I fell in love with a few songs, not all of them, but it was a pretty good OST, that I probably will still be humming in a few months time.
For the re-watch value... definitely! There would be less suspense, but the cute relationship and great comedy and story are worth every minute! I would definitely re-watch!
Overall, I highly recommend this drama, to anyone (though I'm sure not everybody would agree with me) and I am still kicking myself about not starting it sooner. So watch it now!
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Loved it~
I was looking for a quick-watch drama when I stumbled across this title. It didn't take much convincing since I love Luo Zheng and I remembered the female lead from another drama. The show is definitely trope-filled, but I knew what I was getting into (plus I secretly love cliches). The main cp had beautiful chemistry and the second leads started out annoying but I loved them by the end. Though some parts were predictable, there were a few surprises in there that I wasn't expecting. I laughed a lot and cried more than I thought I would. It was short and sweet and gave me all the feels I was looking for. Also, Luo Zheng's face is just....I mean....need I say more?Was this review helpful to you?
This c drama has themes of youth, popular guy and not so popular girl, high school, college, friendship, fashion, architecture, and the cutest little jealousy scenes ever!
Out of the probably 80 c dramas I’ve watched (and counted), this drama goes into my top 5 for c drama youth. This type of drama is exactly what I’m looking for when I think of a youth drama. And yes, there IS a happy ending!
Just keep in mind that the cast is 18 years or younger, so there isn’t much to the drama than your middle school romance lololol. Still recommend!
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The story about Chang Ge and Ashile Sun lack “edge”, maybe because Dilraba isn’t a really good fit as a main lead. The male main lead doesn’t quite fit his role either.
The story about Leyan and Hao Du is less predictable and more interesting, although it’s not feasible that someone who is supposed to be good at embroidery would mess up weaving yarn the way Leyan does in the story.
Chinese historical dramas have a lot of “shang tian” and “lao tian” which westernized translators misleadingly translates as “g#d”. It doesn’t correspond the associated biblical “g#d”.
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This review may contain spoilers
? The Romance Was On But Went Off In The Middle ?
Question: are you here for pure romance and justice? Then you can watch from EP 1 to 28 and exit as soon as possible, but if you are not bent on the pure romance and justice then this review is not for you.. And you will have no problem watching to the end.The series is masterful from ep 1 to 28, the chemistry is second to none and the FL was on a different level that you can't help forgetting the existence of time when watching her on the screen. Those episodes are the ones I saved on my device which I can rewach many times without getting bored...
#Importance notice 🔔
I gave any reviews with no bias and under this review, you get the most honest answer to whatever your curiosity on the romance Arc. And how the writer wants to manipulate and fed the audience with Lies while showing the opposite. You can check my bio to get a clear picture on how I write critiques on fiction with my standards and respect in relationship...
NOTE: this review is solely on the Romance Arc and the injustice done to the ML which is helpful to those who came for pure romance and justice. Other than that and the dramatic illogical ending, every other Aspect of the show are super good which you can judge from my star rating 🌟
#Quick info:
。First half of the show ::: FL and ML got more screen time (With A decisive FL)
。Sec. half of the show ::: FL and SML got more screen time (With An Indecisive FL)
。Throughout the show ::: Obsessive, Manipulative, Simpin, Stalker and Annorying Evil SML (With a manipulated Love Triangle)
。Marriage ::: SML and FL got married in Ep 30 in a forced marriage by the Evil SML which the FL shows no resistance to it.
。Star crossed and Fated Love Arc ::: The writer claimed this is a star crossed lovers and fated lovers Arc between the ML and FL. But is a lie, this is about the Evil SML and FL. They have been companions for generations of years in ambiguity.
。Injustice ::: The biggest injustice was done to the ML in this drama, all his heroic work and credit was given to the Evil-SML who was suddenly whitewashed from all his evil.. He was a last minute made up Artificial-Hero. An evil villain that is above consequences and retribution.... The writers force-feeded manipulated lies towards the audience...
。Ending EP 39 40 is not a Plot-Twist but Lies ::: A Dramatic ending with no existence of logics. What happened with the sudden Artificial-Hero (Evil SML) is not a plot Twist, is an utterly force-feeded manipulated lies against the audience, making us look stupid....... Waited for his deadly punishments for his evil, but the writer sudden made him a "misunderstood hero and misguided lover" in the last minutes.... Story for the kids 👎
⚠️____ EP 29 to 40 reviews specifically____⚠️
#Any Love Triangle?:
. FL's only realistic Feelings are only when she is with SML and her sympathy and care for him (she is comfortable with all intimate and ambiguous interactions with SML).... But Her interactions with ML seems fake and unrealistically forced,. No matter how they forced it on the screen, It looks absolutely Fake.
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. Even though the writer want to deceive us with no love triangle, but in reality this drama is a love triangle and the Relationship with FL and ML feels cheated due to FL's ambiguous interactions with SML... The atmospheric tension for romance became different whenever she's with SML
. This show is a good definition of (say the opposite and does the opposite)
On the way, Every thing the writer want to prove to the audience on the screen was totally lies... (force-feeding us with "white" when the real intension is "black") the illicit action and ambiguous interactions of the FL and SML says otherwise.
Especially in how the show portrayed the Evil-SML toxic behavior. Here's a clearer and more straightforward review:
#The Second Male Lead’s Dangerous Psycho Obsession:
. The SML wasn’t just a psycho jerk; his actions were dangerous and toxic. He committed terrible crimes including many evil deeds against the male lead (ML), who was a true Hero and supposed to be the true love interest of the female lead (FL).
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He does every stupid things out of jealousy and his obsessive love for FL, even though the serie wants to prove otherwise while whitewashing him, but his actions and emotions proved the opposite. And only kids will fall for those manipulated fed lies by the Writer.
. Instead of showing all his evil actions as unacceptable, the series tried to frame them as "Misunderstood Hero and misguided lover," in the guise of doing his Benevolent duty which was very misleading and contradicting from his evil actions.
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By doing this, the show made it seem like stalking, manipulation, lies, deception, framing and obsession could somehow be excused as Heroism and misguided love or Some made up last minute Artificial-Hero.
#The Female Lead’s Poor Boundaries:
. From Ep 1 to 28: The FL was able to set a clear boundaries with the obsessive psycho by not sending any wrong signals to him. Making the first half of the serie outstanding and super fantastic with the leads-focus and electrifying chemistry ⚡
. From EP 29 to EP-40: The FL fell from the ladder and character inconsistency. Her response to the SML’s actions made things worse. Instead of setting clear boundaries or condemning his actions, she often sympathized with him and even supported him.
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For example, in episode 36, she allowed the SML to romance her face while she seems to be enjoying his romance. She also transferred half of her powers to him only just to heal his injuries (she can't afford to see him hurt), even when he had killed and hurt the ML and caused his immense suffering multiple times throughout 10,000 years.
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Her every decisions to help and care for the Evil SML, despite his terrible actions, felt unrealistic for some one who keep advocating how much she love the ML in her speech but does the opposite in her emotions and actions. Which begs the authencitic of her commitment in a relationship with ML
. Her grief and deep emotional cry-out in EP 40, when the Evil-SML dies in his Hypocritical Noble-Sacrifice, she showed a deep emotional connection to him, even though he had caused so much harm to ML who she claimed she love. This portrayal made her look indecisive and even confused about what she truly wanted, she didn't grieve this way when SML killed ML, in fact, she didn't grieve at all but still help SML and even married him.
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I don't want to talk about EP 29 30 where she shows no resistance against the forced marriage with SML after the ML died, they even had the audacity to call it "Marriage Funeral"... Oh yes! They are Officially married couple for completing the last bow in the Chinese marriage culture.
# Redemption Without Accountability and Injustice towards the ML
. One of the biggest flaws on the drama was how it handled the SML’s redemption. Throughout the serie, he was clearly the most veil evil villain, but at the last minutes, the story suddenly later tried to whitewash and present him as a "Noble misunderstood hero and misguided lover".
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He then Suddenly became An undercover hero sacrificing everyone including ML to save the world Oh! that's normal isn't? Yet another manipulated fed lies by the Writer while portraying the opposite.
. Instead of giving real consequences or regret for his evil actions, the SML’s redemption came from one dramatic, sacrificial Hypocritical Noble-Act that was supposed to make up for every evil things he had done.
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Such a Hypocritical Noble-Act of dying to save the FL and the world despite all his evil actions is an utterly nonsense and garbage move by the Writer. Logics was no where to be found...
. This ignored all the pain he have caused to the world, especially to the ML, who had suffered for 10,000 years because of him . The show failed to hold him accountable for his actions, making it seem like forgiveness didn’t require any real change or apology, just so he is a last minutes made up "Artificial Hero" and so be it. Every reason is justified.
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The injustice done to ML who is the real example of "Hero" was defeating and there was no retribution towards the master evil who have killed him multiple times through different reincarnational circles, only for the purpose of jealousy and his obsession towards the FL which the writer wants to blush to fool everyone by proving the otherwise.
#Confusing Love and Relationship Loyalty
The FL’s feelings were inconsistent and confusing throughout the 2nd half of series and At the same time, her affection for the ML only seemed clear when he was still "Xie Xue Chen(XXC)", making her love feel conditional and selective, debunking any true-meaning of reincarnated and fated love Arc. This left me unsure of who she truly loved, creating frustration instead of emotional depth.
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Ironically but the FL couldn't accept all the versions of the ML but she can accept SML in every form. Which is enough to prove she didn't truely love ML deeply the way she advocate it, is just the writer forcing things the opposite way.
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The biggest plot mess at the End and the dramatic illogical Ending will be highly remembered, the writer is the most laziest of all time.
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Overall FL's only realistic feelings on the screen are her sympathy with SML and the ambiguous Intimate interactions between them which she enjoys.. At this point who cares if she ended up together with ML, which is almost none because there was only 5 minutes happy ending after all this nonsense..
# Problematic Messaging and Conclusion
To sum up things, The 2nd half of the serie couldn't tell a satisfying or meaningful love storytelling. It did not provide justice for the characters, especially the ML, and sent troubling messages about love and forgiveness.
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By excusing harmful behavior and justifying all the evil actions of the SML and his unhealthy manipulated-relationships while at the same time misleading and denying the true-meaning of what is showing to the audience, the show missed the chance to tell a powerful and positive love storytelling.
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In the end, the series did not only just failed in romance Arc but also damaging in its portrayal of relationships and personal accountability. Which left me frustrating with psychological disorder. Justice for the ML!!! ⚖️ ⚖️
Tips ::: you might want to read the extended spoilers...
Direct-Links to important extended (spoilers) under this review comment area 🤗🤗
1) https://mydramalist.com/profile/Jenny.park/review/422832#comment-20419488
2) https://mydramalist.com/profile/Jenny.park/review/422832#comment-20412406
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