A Simple Goddess and a Snake Demon Tale
While I wouldn’t call this a masterpiece or a must-see, I did enjoy watching it. Despite some execution issues and familiar themes that made the film feel somewhat low-impact, I was mainly drawn in by the characters—a reincarnated goddess and a snake demon. I’ve always been intrigued by these types of figures, and the story held my attention through its use of hidden identities, minor backstories, and light conspiracies. I’d say it’s a nice rainy-day watch if you’re into mythological and fantasy themes.Was this review helpful to you?
A Reincarnation Tale That Is Engaging and Flawed
I enjoyed this movie. While there were some execution issues that disrupted the flow at times, the overall narrative was engaging and held my attention all the way through. The ending was a bit confusing trying to cater to dual audiences, resulting in an elusive and abrupt conclusion with little closure. That said, I didn’t mind it; I didn’t feel like watching it was pointless. Reincarnation plots and animal demons are always engaging for me, and I thought this story was delivered with a solid pace, strong acting, and visually striking scenery. The conflicts didn’t drag and contributed meaningfully to both plot progression and character development. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this film.Was this review helpful to you?
Chen Kun and Zhou Xun Steal the Show in Fox Demon Tale
I really enjoyed this, though it might appeal to a more limited audience. The film is dated—and it feels that way. The execution is raw, with a pace and delivery reminiscent of earlier cinema. Compared to contemporary films, it’s unpolished, and at times the storyline can feel a bit disjointed.That said, the plot is engaging and follows a linear progression, with well-developed conflicts and a solid narrative arc. I’ve always loved stories involving fox demons, and seeing Chen Kun and Zhou Xun together on screen is a treat. Their dynamic and the chemistry they bring to their roles are a joy to watch.
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A Visually Stunning, Mythical Journey
This is one of my top-shelf picks when it comes to movies. I loved everything about it and still rewatch the trailers to this day. The sequences reflect what I enjoy most in film: dramatic, artistic, stylistically engaging, with a captivating color palette, mythical characters, and intriguing plot developments.I loved the storyline and its execution—the conflicts, the villains, the way the narrative translated to the screen and progressed, including the climactic resolutions. I appreciated the subtle backstories, the character dynamics, the settings and aesthetics, and the way different worlds were transformed from obscure to real and tangible. Watching this felt like going on a journey with the characters all the way to the end—and I wasn’t disappointed.
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Fantasy & Deep Reflection
This is an incredibly thoughtful movie. It explores difficult subject matter, addressing and spreading mental health awareness in a unique way by weaving a fantastical story that brings important issues into discussion in engaging ways. It also delves into philosophical questions about love and life, questioning the value of both.Was this review helpful to you?
Better Than the Sequel, But Not a Win
Between the two movies, I enjoyed this one more. I thought it was funnier, the character development was more engaging, the story took time evolving and it didn't feel like we were thrown into a never ending fight between two camps, which is how I felt about the sequel. However, overall, the narrative is still confusing and doesn't have a firm foundation. It seemed like the story started well before the movie did. I had to consult outside sources to understand the stage setup and the conflicts, as this is based on Guo Jingming's novel under the same name, Línjiè Juéjì (临界爵迹). Only then did I appreciate the events as they unfolded. So, I suspect to appreciate this movie would require reading it first.Was this review helpful to you?
High Hopes, But A Miss for Me
This animation wasn’t for me. The visuals are beautiful, but many elements didn’t align with my preferences. The plot felt underdeveloped and poorly explained, and the pacing was off, making it feel like I was watching a slow-moving story about very little. Overall, this was a major miss for me, and I’m still trying to understand the disconnect I felt with it. However, the ending piqued my interest.Was this review helpful to you?
A Simple Story with Deep Emotion
The storyline is simple, but it makes you feel. It teeters between inner turmoil through the pursuit of revenge and internal peace. The character growth and lead relationship are poignant and beautiful. I enjoyed watching this and I would recommend it to all Guo Jingming fans. It’s a fast watch, but by the end it felt like I had been on a full journey, with the characters experiencing and enduring a great deal along the way.Was this review helpful to you?
The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity
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A Darker, More Atmospheric Sequel
This has a different feel and storyline than the original movie. However, it still follows the main Yin-Yang Master, Qingming, an officer of the Yingyang Bureau, and Yuan Boya, his close friend. It's an interesting rendition in that it independently continues a storyline that seemingly ended irreversibly. So it's as if you are getting two alternate stories with the same characters. I enjoyed both versions immensely, and I love that the tones contrast. The settings and color palette of the sequel add a dark theme that expands on the script. And the cast transform their roles to fit the scenes and plots beautifully.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Just watch the anime instead
I am kind of scared to admit this, but Kiss Him Not Me was the first anime I ever watched. It was what got me into anime and I have seen that series more times than I even want to remember. Now, I have not read the manga so I can't say how things get handled in the actual source material for this film but I do not remember the anime adaptation ever being this misogynistic and fatphobic. This film is a completely different beast compared to the anime, which already was not great when it came to the topics concerning weight and weightloss. Every bit of the campy fun of the anime version (which again, has it's flaws) is gone from this movie adaptation.There was absolutely no reason to make this film as misogynistic as it is. Every male character in this film adaptation, except Mutsumi, is a raging misogynist. Especially Shinomiya. The things that literal spawn of satan spews out of his mouth are actually inexcusable. Basically, when the main character, Serinuma, gains back her weight after initially losing it, he takes it upon himself to berate her every chance he gets and his excuse for it is that "it's natural for women to want to be beautiful" so he is just "helping her become beautiful again". Also the whole added plot around the school play makes things even worse. The drama club wanted Serinuma to play the main role but they immidiately dropped her after she gained weight again because she "wasn't beautiful anymore" and "didn't fit the role". In the anime at least, after some of the guys are initially quite fatphobic and only liked Serinuma because of her looks, they later realize that they like her because of her personality and that she's beautiful regardless of her weight.
What also really pissed me off was that they basically cut the character of Nishina. Yes, she was in the film for like one scene but in the anime and in the manga she is a part of Serinuma's harem and is pursuing her. I know that some things had to be cut from the movie but I honestly wish they had cut one of the male love interests in her place. It feels really weird when an actual queer character gets cut off from the story but they have no problem playing into the male on male queerbait of it all by having two of the guys act as gay princes in the school play. I understand Serinuma is a fujoshi and that was what she wanted to see, but why couldn't the play feature a fat princess?
In conclucion, this film is terrible. If the premise sounded interesting to you, I would recommend the anime or the manga instead of this garbage. I can't believe this shit came out in 2020...
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Tonde Saitama: Biwako yori Ai wo Komete
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This review may contain spoilers
The first film is infinitely better
If you've seen the first Tonde Saitama film, you've basically already seen this one as well. The plot is pretty much the same as in the first installment except this time around, instead of having peanuts stuck in his holes, Gackt gets forcefed takoyaki and has his nipples rubbed and face licked. He also emotionally cheats on his lover, Momomi, with his... brother??? Yeah. They were edging us with that incestuous yaoi. Overall though, I think the fun costume and set designs carried over from the first film to this one and I do love the campness of it all. Other than that this movie was pretty boring, since they basically copy and pasted the story from the first film. Another big flaw in my eyes was the fact that Momomi had very little screentime and was basically replaced by Gackt's brother as a love interest, well, until he wasn't of course, because they are brothers. Yeah idk man, I think this would've been a lot better with a more original story and if Gackt had made out with more random dudes.Was this review helpful to you?
I am speechless - a true homage to Wu Zetian
I was already a huge fan of the first part and didn't see how this could ever live up to how good part one was, but I am so happy to have been proven wrong! This was an incredible homage to one of history's most interesting figures. It was full of betrayal, intrigue, and love and not a moment when by when I wasn't cheering, gasping or crying. I don't think I can really put into words how great this story is. All I can say is, if you like history, politics, and CDrama, PLAY THIS GAME YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.Of course a lot of the real history was altered to fit a drama narrative but I think they did a great job following Wu Zetian’s real life, I especially found the portrayal of Li Zhi’s dedication to her very well done and believable within the context of a drama. They also did a fantastic job keeping the main character (Empress Wu) likeable despite the bad things she does for power. I have found other dramatic portrayals of her simply make her a Mary Sue, but here she really feels like a real and kind but still ruthless and ambitious person.
This is a wonderful story of ambition, power, love and female empowerment. A true homage to Wu Zetian and her legacy as a China's only female emperor.
A little side note: I will say now that yes, the side story is much shorter and less in depth than the main game. A lot of people were disappointed by this however I would argue the purpose of the game is to tell the story of Wu Zetian (albeit a dramatised version of course), whereas the side story is fully a "what if" plot with no similarity to history whatsoever. While i love the characters involved in the side story adn I was very happy to see them played out, I understand why it's so much shorter. The main game is really where it's at.
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this game so good
I've already watched both parts of the drama, and both parts, the main story and Li Tai's route, are wonderful. I love Li Tai's route so much; even though it's shorter than the main one, it's beautiful and wonderful. It was gratifying to see them together on screen with a great story. There are battles, there are tense scenes, the looks, the OST of this couple, the kiss—I'm in love with them.Was this review helpful to you?
Definitely Worth the hype
I honestly don't know why people are rating this drama so low. Please don't let the ratings stop you from watching it. At the end of the day, people are always going to have different opinions, and no matter what a drama does, someone will still find something to complain about.This drama was absolutely worth watching, and I personally enjoyed it a lot. One of the things I loved most was the plot twists. They kept me interested and made the story feel fresh. As someone who watches a lot of zombie dramas, I can confidently say this one felt different from many of the others I've seen, and that's what made it stand out for me.
I'm not usually the type to write reviews. I normally watch a drama and move on to the next one, but this time I felt compelled to leave a comment because I genuinely don't regret spending my time on it.
I don't want to leave any spoilers, but the acting was top-notch. The cast did an amazing job bringing their characters to life, and the emotions felt believable throughout the drama. The pacing kept me engaged, and I found myself wanting to know what would happen next.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience from start to finish and would definitely recommend giving it a chance instead of relying solely on the ratings.
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One of the best films I've watched this year
Well deserves its multiple Golden Horse Awards. A slow, intense, emotionally raw, and well acted film set during the period of White Terror, when Taiwan was ruled under the Kuomintang’s era of martial law. The heartwarming unlikely friendship between the two leads keeps the story from becoming unrelentingly brutal as it mixes political violence with simple moments of human connection and survival. The post-credit scenes really do amount to a fitting conclusion.Was this review helpful to you?
