You can just watch this one without watching the live action, the storylines are not related. It focused on Sougo and Hijikata with Gintoki on the background. Gintoki is still as awesome as ever even only as a sidekick, don't worry. But Shinpachi and Kagura didn't appear here. Just like the live action, this drama literally follow the manga and didn't change any of the plot so it is very enjoyable for the fans. It used the same style and music from the live action so it didn't feel like two different Gintama.
You can just watch it alone or complete it with the live action. Nicely done, recommended.
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This review may contain spoilers
You know it's all over when you literally cannot sit still for more than five seconds throughout an entire drama. This was what School 2017 was to me. A great story, a phenomenal cast, fantastic character development, and amazing relationship dynamics that left me screaming and on the edge of my seat every monday-tuesday. While not my personal #1 drama of 2017 because I have particular tastes, it's my #1 must watch for everyone else of 2017. I go into specifics but scroll down to the last paragraph for my verdict.In regards to the story, it begins a bit rocky and a bit lacking, but the narrative really grows into itself with a charming ensemble and careful articulation of relationships.
If I could give a standing ovation to these new young actors, I would. The biggest surprise I think no one saw coming was Kim Sejeong nabbing a a leading role as her first, and then owning it so well. The lack of experience was apparent, but not an issue considering her ability to charm and her great connection to her character. Kim Jung Hyung was absolutely a show-stealer. From sageuk to high school slice of life, I'm so glad he's gaining more roles and recognition because I sincerely love his expressions.
The music was probably the weakest point of the drama, but in a way I'm glad they didn't capitalize upon it too heavily because it could have distracted from the other good elements of the drama.
Overall, this drama didn't hit deep, but it hit where it counts: the issues we encounter daily, and the brighter side of every situation. The characters are absolutely lovely and swoon-worthy (in terms of personality, not just looks!) and the leads have crazy chemistry.
VERDICT: This is wonderfully fun (like Fight for My Way), coming of age (like the Reply Series), and has the cutest romance (rivaling Weightlifting Fairy and SWDBS) I've seen in a while. I also find it to be an incredibly refreshing entry in the school series and overall genre and it could have eaily fallen into tropes and traps but remained refreshing and exciting! 10/10 would watch again!
***this has no spoilers as its for MDL, but I will be posting spoiler reviews on my blog that I'll link in my profile!!
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i really dislike the disrespect from jun ji towards cha tae, the whole movie she was beating him
it provoked me so & ruin the mood of the film to me
in the contrary i like the american version much more
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i didn't find it interesting at all
very predictable & shallow
the character development was very weak
the characters itself were weak & the plot was trivial & repeated
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And I'm so glad I started this.
The story itself is nothing special or unique actually. You have your usual tropes, clichés and unbelievable problems, but the writers still managed to pull off a captivating and engaging script that doesn't let go - in addition a cast that did an amazing job with their assigned roles.
Each one of them gets slowly introduced to you, some earlier and others a bit later. I liked the pace they kept with those because it helped building up my sympathy for them and made me care for their backgrounds and problems - why they acted the way they did and whether I could relate to them or not.
I was quite happy to finally see Kim Jung Hyun in a leading role. After his impressive appearances in Jealousy Incarnate and Rebel Who Stole The People, he deserved a good script and the opportunity to shine more. And he did! He was cocky, wicked, short-tempered, smart, childish, funny, charming, lovely. The perfect hard shell with a soft core. He twisted me around his little finger way too fast - not that I mind.
Kim Se Jung. I think I was never more impressed with a young new actress who doesn't have much experience so far as this seems to be her very first decent role after acting school (there's only one guest role listed on her profile and I don't want to count that one in).
She blew me off, if I may say so. She pulled off the role of a feisty, strong-willed young female student who fights for her dreams and friends with such confidence, that you might think she did acting ever since she was born. Believe me, I'm not exaggerating. Kim Se Jung has great potential and I'm sure she will become one of the big ones one day.
Jang Dong Yoon was another new face for me and like the other ones, he convinced me with his acting from beginning to end. I'm already excited to see more of him in the near future. Same praise goes to the rest of the cast as well who harmonized quite well with each other. You start to like some of them more and other less, but that's the plan anyways, right?
Most of the teachers are already experienced Sunbaes, so it's not surprising that I can't point out someone who actually failed at his or her performance. Their characters' bad behavior spiced up the story, of course, although not all of them were bad people. But I'm a little sad that most of them stayed flat with their stereotype impression of your usual villains.
The part that actually made me deduct points in my rating was the final 'battle' and the fact that they sketched ALL the rich people as the power abusing, unreasonable jerks we already know from other dramas. I would have loved to see at least one or two exceptions.
So, overall a highly enjoyable drama that encourages you to root along with the good guys and maledict the bad ones, while a sweet and caring storyline completes this average yet exceptional drama. If you're looking for something lighthearted that manages to raise your blood pressure in a good way nonetheless, this is definitely the right choice.
Oh, and before I forget to mention this:
Skinship looks very natural as well. The leads had chemistry that got even me excited.
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This review is the ultimate shattering of pretty illusions caused by all the decietful 10 star rated reviews of this drama, provided by yours truly.
See I have no problem if you loved the show, if this kind of thing is your thing and you enjoyed watching it. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and boos should do their yous.
But, if you're tryna sell me the fact that 'this drama is a beautiful redemption story filled with well-developed characters and a thoughtout plot-line', I'm going to have to tell you to sit the fuck down.
Because, that's not it at all. Objectively speaking, Sawang Biang is quite a simplistic story targeted to appeal to mankind's perverse pleasure. It's really not that deep. I personally like complex, wounded characters who're almost unforgivable but at the very least, I want them to be well written in order to understand their reasons.
Kawee, to put it simply, is a pathetic little bitch.
A child of abuse and neglect (both of which aren't properly explored) who's fundamentally broken but has very little reason to be. A spoiled brat with daddy issues- basically every rich kid's life story nowadays. Even if I don't bring out the 'kids in Africa with worse lives' argument, it's still safe to say that Kawee had no right or reason to act out the way he did. He pretended to be tough but was weak to his core. Someone deprived of love, affection and angry at the world. All these things should've amounted to him being quite an interesting and complex character but instead, the show made him fall flat. Which is why, though I liked the potential he had, I hated what he ended up being.
A lot of people described the show with flowery words like 'a beautiful story of a man's broken road to redemption' except that road broke and came to a dead end far before it could ever reach its goal.
Kawee's actions are surely unforgivable and the only way he could've been saved was if he had the brutal wake up call of self actualization. If he truly realized how horrible he had been. If his sins woke him up at night and tormented him. If he developed a deep rooted guilt and then travelled a slow journey towards being a somewhat better person; someone not fully redeemed but not the devil he was before either. Here, however Kawee changes like the whether. He wakes up one day, realizes he's gonna be a father and is all like 'Oh shit, time to be a saint now' and the next day we see him be the best person alive.
Like for fuck sake, we're talking about an extremely damaged person with deep rooted insecurities here. How the hell can a few sentimental speeches expressing regret and a few months of asskissing possibly erase all the destruction he wreaked in an innocent woman's life?
Let's not forget the fact that he constantly boasts about all the 'good' things he does being all like ' Isn't this enough, Narin? I'm trying so hard for you, can't you see?' Really bitch? Fite me.
Now for all those who say that the chemistry between the leads was great...
Are you out of your Goddamn mind?
Maybe I'm blind but where you saw chemistry I saw massive cruelty. This wasn't a case of dubious consent where the girl is half-willing and half not. No. This was an act of pure and unadulterated malice. He rapes her, beats her, manipulates and blackmails her to do his bidding and treats her like a dog on a collar. There is nothing remotely romantic about it. It's infuriating is what it is.
Almost as worse as the Main lead, were the side characters. I have never encountered a more ridiculous drama mom in my entire life. She's so nice, so kind, so lovely that her piety takes over all her brain cells. Even though she is clearly aware of what a douche bag Kawee is, she forces her abused daughter to constantly apologize to him and be nice to him.
I mean, how clueless can you be? However, when she finally gets a clue and makes this 'I'll never let him hurt my daughter again' declaration; she acts on this statement by acting all chummy with her daughter's rapist the next day by teaching him how to cook.
Bravo Mama, Bravo.
The rest of the meddling no-lifers known as the supporting cast were no good either. They constantly guilt tripped the heroine, making her believe as if she's the one in the wrong for not easily forgiving the man who destroyed her life. They consistently forced her to be with him and it's an all out classic case of victim blaming.
Even her pregnancy docter tells her to obey the man. Like bro? Y'all are acting like he stole her pup and she's mad. No, that asshat stole her life, her happiness and her virginity. Unfuckingbelievable.
To be real with you, I'm not a faint hearted or easily offended person. I've watched and read far brutal stories than this. A lot of people take up controversial topics and then proceed to effectively ruining it. Been there, seen that. The real reason why I'm so passionately angry about the show is how much it trivializes rape. It makes it appear as something that is normal. Nobody in the show properly adresses the issue or deals with the repercussions. Rape used to be a word bomb; an absolute taboo but here it's shown like an everyday thing. If you're not going to properly adress the subject and the aftermaths of it, why the hell are you putting it in your show in the first place? What's worse is that while I was watching this show even I, for a minute overlooked the whole rape thing with how normalized it was but later, when I thought about it and the scenes revolved around my head, I was deeply shook.
There is no way a victim and an assaulter can be together the way they are in Sawang Biang. Kawee has no reason to love Narin and it's obvious that what he feels, is this sick infatuation and ownership towards her because of how much he physically and mentally controls her. Narin, on the other hand has no other option but to accept him. She's forced into a situation where she has a kid to protect, humiliation to face and family and friends that think she's the villain. This is an unfortunate compromise of a union disguising itself as a love story and I call bullshit.
The only reason I even gave it a three stars was because of Ken and Anna. I liked both their acting. The way Ken twisted his pretty features into pure ugliness made Kawee an all the more deplorable character. Narin played by Anna was strong though out. She resisted the situation as best as she could and was someone whose will wasn't truly broken till the very end.
I don't recommend this drama to anybody so if you are someone who likes to venture in the realm of the dark, go read Six by K.I Lynn. It's far graphic than this show but has characters that stay true to themselves till the very end and find love in horrible circumstances.
Enjoy!
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You don't have to live in the expectation of others. You live to do the things that will make you happy.
Gold medal doesn't really matter. Those people who believe in you matters most.
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It's one of those dramas that is filled with emotion. Showing the real and quite awful education system in South Korea, the realness factor was why I became interested in watching. Of course, I have to mention the other "School" series but unfortunately, I can't compare any them to this drama, since this is my first "School" series that I've watched. Nevertheless, the actors really put on a great show! As far as I know, the majority of them are amateurs in acting, I just have to give them cool points. Furthermore, the characters were relatable, totally "best friend" and "best couple" goals! After each and every episode, I had to tell my friends what kind of a great drama this is. Not only does it make you feel kinda cool, brave and happy after watching it, but also concerned and shocked about some of the school related things. To add, the music made a hugely positive impact. The OST is very fitting and there are a couple songs that piqued my interest.
A wonderful drama for back to school or to reminisce the good old high school days. This drama will take you on a diverse emotion trip and leave you feeling chilled! Definitely re-watching it after I complete the other "School" series!
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This review may contain spoilers
What can I say, I absolutely loved this! I personally have never seen a gay/queer main storyline done before in Asian drama, only seen side characters that are hugely flamboyant or act as comic relief. Having lots of same-sex interactions in a way that felt less jokey and more "cheeky" or charming was really fun and sweet to see, and I loved the incredibly rich backstories to each of the four main characters, as well as some of the other supporting cast. There is a dark underbelly that the main character of the film deals with, but it's kept really entertaining by sharing screen time with the day-to-day goings on of the cute little bakery the story is based around. So although this film does have some pretty dark themes I honestly can't get across how fun and feel-good this movie ends up being.The only negative I can think of mentioning is that a couple of the characters pull quite heavily from drama tropes/stereotypes - but these tropes are then given fleshed out, natural-feeling backstories which illustrate why they act the way they do. So although their surface behaviour appears "typical", it never comes off too cheesy. For this I decided the acting deserved a resolute 10/10, as I can't imagine how difficult it must be to pull something like that off - playing a stereotypical personality whilst getting across the humanity of that character.
It's slightly difficult to talk about the story itself without revealing potential spoilers, as even the opening scene is linked quite heavily to the story's ending. But what I will say is that I went into this completely blind (as I didn't even realise it was a manga until coming here to write a review), and the emotional punches that this movie comes with are definitely best experienced with no prior knowledge of what you're getting into. So: if you like cakes, pretty gentlemen and a fantastic plotline, give Antique Bakery a go - I can't recommend it enough. :)
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I was in awe with the CGI, it was great along with the costumes, it made me continue watching this movie. Acting-wise, the movie leads fall short when it comes to delivering the emotions of the characters. I somehow felt lacking. Especially with the connections of the characters. Although I'll give plus points to the main leads looking good together onscreen.
Plot-wise, I can completely understand that they have to compress 58-episodes worth of plot into two hours. Though, I like some of the changes they did with the story. There were some scenes that were absent which held significant meaning. I just can't help but lament over it.
Though, I do not know if I'll be watching this again. Still, waiting for this movie to be available for watching was still worth it.
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Story: 8.0
With the overall story, I thought it was very well perceived. A young woman freshly out of college gets a job at a very famous company. She finds out she got in because of her blood type this “panda” blood. The CEO, the brother of the women she helped save, falls for her innocence and naive personality, while later stays in love when he realizes how strong she is underneath it all. They break up, or “on a break” get back together, happy ending. It's a typical romantic comedy. With some exceptions, in the end you are happy for the female rival, and happy that they become good friends. The male lead goes after her instead of the other way around. And the family dynamic that is present in a lot of rich boy, poor girl, is missing.
Though I enjoyed the journey and loved watching it, I found myself slightly disappointed that it gave into some of the typical cliches that dramas tend to do, such as the misunderstood because he hides things from her. The women being nice to her face, but secretly going behind her back on everything. The long drawn out story arc’s that could have been solved in relatively two episodes instead of five.
I liked the last little bump they had to go through in order to get together. I think it should have been a bigger story plot than it was, because it made you happy to see Shan Shan achieve the success she did.
I think what would have improved this for me, is if the cousin’s Liu Liu’s love story started earlier, instead of in the last two episodes. Everyone else's was so drawn out, that hers just seemed to be rushed and unplanned.
Overall the story is interesting and isn’t boring what’s so ever, just a few things I personally didn’t quite care for, but that doesn’t mean it was portrayed badly in any given circumstances.
Acting/Casting: 9.5
I think the thing that makes this story so well done, is the acting. The casting was perfect, though I might have gone for someone different to play Wang Pin Ruo, just because she didn’t really seem fit for me. But it was such a minor character, she served her purpose well that I didn’t think much of it until after the show ended.
The two leads chemistry is what kept me coming back towards the middle where the story started to slow down in pace. The breaking out of the stern rich man character was very well portrayed, while Shan Shan’s innocence was portrayed in a way that gave people hope instead of hating the character. You saw her happiness diminish as she struggled to go through the ups and downs of being connected to such a big power. Overall the acting and casting was very done, which I believe makes this one of the main reasons people recommend this drama.
Music: 9.5
One thing I would change about the music is the use of English lyrics. It's only thing because I found myself slightly distracted by the english lyrics, I found that what they were saying fit with the tone that they were trying to do, but with them speaking over it, it was hard to concentrate. But everything was fantastic. They knew when to play music, when not. When to play dramatic instrumental, the happy moments, the cute moments. It was really a good example of what to do with background music, in my opinion.
Rewatch Value: 8.5
I found this drama not hard to watch and very easy to follow. This is one that you would rewatch while watching something that is overly sad. When you want to have a happy ending and watch someone’s personal growth through work, love, and self-esteem.
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Story wise, the plot is from one of the major arc in the manga which introduced the background of Gintoki, the main character. Shun Oguri is such a fine man acting as Gintoki, I'm so thankful that they casted him to play that role. It's not going to be so hard to follow the plot if you didn't read the manga, it is the typical someone did something bad so the heroes need to set things right but with Gintama styled twist. Masaki Suda portrayed Shinpachi effortlessly, he really acted weak but with funny facial expressions, I laughed so hard in the cinema. Kanna Hashimoto also acted well as Kagura. Her scenes with Nanao are so remarkably funny. Nanao is so hot in the movie too, easy eye catcher. Special acknowledgement to Jiro Sato, if you guys remember him in Mr Nietzsche, his role is exactly as comical as that, I really like how he acted his comedy.
In terms of music, the background musics are appropriate with the scenes. UVERworld performed one of the OST, if you know them, the song Decided which is for this movie is awesome. Shun Oguri did sing for comical purposes lol.
Simply put, it is literally a part of the manga that has been transformed into live action. All the Gintama's wicked dark humor, their famous tag lines and the famous Gintama-style references to other mangas or animes are there in the movie. These stuffs are essential to Gintama. Kudos to the movie makers for didn't leave these things in this movie. Recommended.
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PS. the girl is super cute and lots of chemistry
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