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This is a bit of Sex and the city w/o mature- sex content a bit of Friends the two American dramas I most dislike. If you do not like those two you won't like this, but if you like them you'll possibly enjoy.
Female leads are so loud first.
An-Di is the ice cube of all the girls living in the apartment
Ju Er is after hunting a rich man
Ying Ying is the most innocent of all
for me this was too boring, could not pass ep 7
One of the most over rated Chinese Dramas ever.
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Jiang Xin's portrayal of her character did not fit Tang Ning's background at all. Throughout the entire show, she seems to be capable of only one single expression - a dazed, teary-eyed look (Those who have watched it would instantly know what I am referring to). Rather than being the strong, Harvard-educated lawyer that Tang Ning should be, Jiang Xin makes Tang Ning a meek and dumb woman who at times tries to be "cute" but ends up being seriously annoying. Previously, I never believed that a single actor/actress can so substantially lower the enjoyability of an entire show, but Jiang Xin proved me very wrong.
If you can look past Jiang Xin's miserable failure, you will find the show quite enjoyable. The majority of other actors do a very good job portraying their characters, such as the actor and actress who played Dai Po and Tang Jing respectively. The plot was quite engaging throughout the show, though the emphasis on hereditary cases seem a bit forced. Music was enjoyable but not outstanding.
Overall, I don't believe it is worth a watch. At around episode twenty I was quite ready give up. The prevailing opinion from the youtube comments at that point all were along the lines of "Jiang Xin makes the show unbearable to watch."
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There's magic in this story and I can attest to that when I watched the whole episodes with no skipping the third time. Even though it's a coming-of-age drama among university students, there's magical element that I couldn't figure out until I re-watched the whole episodes.
The vulnerability yet honest portrayal of the leading characters is what makes me hooked to the series. They're like velcro straps that you wish to get out from the system but would require certain level of force to detach from the characters and their budding love story.
Honestly, I didn't find this appealing during the first time that I watched this. I felt like it's another first-time romantic story among 2 male lead characters who wished not to label themselves as gay but just ended up falling in love. I skipped most parts and episodes until the episode where Arthit and Kong's kissing scene in the rooftop. There is where I felt that they have this palpable chemistry but kinda forgettable. But that proved to be wrong when I binge-watched it again from evening to early morning, sacrificing the plan to sleep in on a weekend. It's during this binge-watching that I felt certain giddiness, the similar reaction I have experienced watching Isak and Even in Skam and Max and Tul in Bad Romance.
I like the delivery of the lead actors especially Arthit's acting. Their moments were done in slow-paced dramatic motion that, at times, I felt the scenes were dragging. But the cutesy parts especially when Arthit smiles were magical that just watching those scenes can compensate the less pragmatic storyline of the series.
I can't really find lots of kissing scenes in this series, typical of Asian BL series but those only two kissing scenes are, I think, enough to feel the magic of the love story of male characters who want to express their love and just be "fuck it, I don't care! I have to do this 'coz it feels so right!"
Overall, SOTUS the series is a BL Drama that is full of moments of friendship and overcoming obstacles in the SOTUS system and a certain kind of romance that may not anymore be that special to some but still worthy to relive the first-love moments.
I am not Thai but I commend the Thai entertainment industry for bringing these characters to the Asian audiences.
Also, I am done with BL stories that are all about tragedy and mostly negative storyline. Although I like some arguments in plots from time to time, I want to see another dimension in the portrayal of gay love with positive notes.
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There was no excessive blood or gore. The acting was very good. There is a difference in the second half in terms of the direction it takes. I am very good at guessing the end, and while I had an idea of two ways that it might end, because of some of the events that occur in the final 10 minutes I thought I had it figured it out...but I didn't. And that I liked. I liked the end too. It was very satisfying.
I also liked the portrayal of the villain in addition to his interactions with the neighbors. I enjoyed the way the story slowly opened up, and I thought it was interesting how the film in many ways was about the male lead coming into his own again.
What I disliked:
I thought there were a few strange inconsistencies in the story. One of the points the drama makes is the fact that the detective is very smart and is very educated in police matters, including the FBI in the states and their profiling techniques. That said, I thought it was strange that the police department never made a note of him as a consultant, which you can do. He was working with another detective on the side, but because of safety, typically you want to document everything, including where you visit if you are on the job, or following a lead, for safety issues. Some people don't do this in the show, and that made no sense to me.
What was odd:
I found it difficult to understand the detectives wife. I truly could not understand how her opinion of the neighbor seemed to change given how clearly bizarre and weird his behavior was. He did a lot of little things that makes you want to stay away from him, like invading your personal space and making weird requests.
Overall:
I would re-watch it and thought it was interesting, especially because of the acting ands script and the fact that there was hardly any blood or violence (although be warned, people die)(and there is no showing of torture or anything like that, which I like). it was a very psychological film.
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This review may contain spoilers
It may be the difference of culture, but I found this drama just a bizarre and strange show, which tries to justify the problems of a dysfunctional family.If it was just explaining why each was like that, that's fine. But the way the family treats Mita ... didn't give it to me. I was going to leave, but I jumped for the last episode just to know how it would end.
It was one of the worst dramas I've ever seen.
The performances were medium, but the plot, which could be well developed, was run in a freak way.
SPOILER
The scene in which the boy punches her several times, and then, after a round of each one bursts out her sorrows, and the night ending as a happy family ... Where NOBODY apologized to her, and continued to treat She as a servant while she still had her mouth bleeding from the teenager's punches ... was the worst part of the drama. That made me jump to the end.
END OF SPOILER.
Would re-watch: Oh Hell NOOO!
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Before I started, I thought it would be more of a medical cliché. To apprehend to have the elements to be, it was not. The plot surprised me a lot, positively. The sensitivity used to build the plot was one of the best I've ever seen. Because of that, so far, it deserves the high scores.
As a fan, I would love for them to do only one special chapter in the end, showing them in the future ... just to calm my heart. I would not like a second season because I think it would spoil. There is no need or space for more plots as material for a second season .. But a special episode would already be more than enough.
Acting/cast:
At first, the female lead was very annoying. I already had a bit of prejudice with her acting since Cinderella and the four knights ... I thought of her as a very weak actress, but in the course of developing this drama, her "fluffy" feature fit in nicely into what her role asked.
The male lead gave a show. His acting was simply marvelous.
Music:
A small note for the simple fact that it was not memorable.You do not have an OST that leaves memories. You'll remember the drama very well, but not the songs.
Rewatch Value: It is certainly a drama that is worth reassisting.
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What I love about this drama is that the characters all face realistic, emotionally complex problems, to which there are no easy solutions. They tackle those problems with bravery and persistence, but they also sometimes withdraw in fear and selfishness. That just makes you love them all the more. Each one is so relatable and ultimately, loveable - even those you feel indifferent towards at first. There are no quick fixes, no sweeping drama cliches. You feel like the world these characters live in is not so different from our own. Apart from the writing and acting, the drama is visually quite flat - there's nothing special about the direction or cinematography. The music is good but also not outstanding. But that just serves to underscore how careful and considered the writing and performance is. The fact that the drama is so gripping even when the visuals are so basic really says something and makes this a standout for me. And yes, Lee Jong Suk is adorable in it.
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This is the second dorama I watched years ago -mind you, the second first Episode. After my first experience with Japanese dramas, I was excited to watch more, and after a lot of research, I decided for HYD. I barely finished Ep. 1... I disliked Doumyouji tremendously, although I did like Makino. And I have to admit, I thought the guys were very plain (they were supposed to be the most handsome of the school). So I drop it.
Then, I became a fan of Arashi. This dorama was mentioned once in a while. I started to like MatsuJun. I liked Oguri Shun a little bit. I read the manga then, and WOW, it became the shoujo manga I hate the most. But anyway, i just had to watch this, so here I am.
*This was good:
- The actresses: from Makino to Tsubaki. Makino (Inoue Mao) is a tough girl, she barely cries and she can stand up for justice. She is cute without being too cute; she is strong, she can kick ass whenever it is needed. It is not wonder why Doumyouji loves her.
- The setting: no wonder it is one of the most expensive doramas in Japan. Doumyouji’s mansion O_O, the mother’s office, the school… everything is so vast, clean and bright! But not only the buildings and rooms are beautiful; the streets are as well. It was Christmas’ time I guess, because all the lights in the street are amazing, plus the trees and the sidewalks all covered with yellowish leaves… Japan is so beautiful.
- The OST: I liked “Planetarium” by Ai Otsuka. It suited all the occasions so well. And although I am not really a fan of Arashi’s song, the opening “Wish” was fun and young-ish, and it went excellent with the presentation. It has an anime style that goes well with the dorama.
- Soujiro and Akira: I’ve read many times “Oh Doumyouji”… “Oh Hanazawa Rui”. Well, in my case was “Oh Soujiro and Akira”. Not because they are handsome (although Matsuda Shota is attractive in a very period Japanese style) but because they were so nice and easy going. In my mind, they were like Takenaga and Ranmaru (from YNSH), because the first one was more serious and the heir of a house of tea, and the second one because he liked to hang out with older, married women. They provided comic situations, they were just two sidekicks but very likable… from episode 3. Very good friends to Doumyouji (no idea why) and they helped him and Makino several times.
- Doumyouji’s love. I guess I am like all women, because I thought that Doumyouji was very romantic when he wanted to be. The times when he confessed his love to Makino, but more than anything, the times he proclaimed that of course Makino was the best of women because he chose her. And in front of many people, nonetheless! And because I am a big fan of bickers, I love every time he and Makino had their little discussions. Also, the hugs, because it is rare in a Jdorama to have REAL hugs.
- The symbol of the apple. I thought it was sweet, that it symbolized friendship. I love Japan, and find these little meaningful things is a delight.
*Kind of funny:
- The clothing. It was so bad (the shoes, the jackets... again the shoes). I guess that in Japan, while more rich, more tacky, and it is obvious here. It was so bad I liked it. I think it is part of Japan's charm...their over-the-top fashion sense. Although some guys -well, all except Doumyouji- needed a good haircut. I liked Doumyouji curly black hair; I think MatsuJun looks nice with this kind of style.
- Makino's English accent. In the last episode, Makino is a contestant of Teen Of Japan. There is a challenge where the girls have to give a speech in English. She was very cute; I could understand at least 30% of what she said :D
- When she gets trained by the F4 was also very fun. Specially because it reminded me again of YNSH.
*And the "Huh? People like this?"
- Errr.. Doumyouji. While it is true that from Episode 3 he gets more charming, I will never forget his behavior in the first episodes. I still think he is a punk who likes to punch people for no reason. But worst of all, he sent boys to gang-rape Makino. That is unforgivable! That is the lowest of the low. As my dear Mr Darcy would say: “My good opinion once lost is lost forever.” He is a sadist, not only likes to punch everyone, but he is also a bully to girls (he likes to shove them). Not the nice necklace, nor the sweet words, can make me forget and forgive that.
- Hanazawa Rui. This has to be the worst hairstyle of Oguri Shun. That color and cut were awful. He is a good looking guy, but he doesn't look like it in this dorama. I don't understand how girls can say he is a "knight" who saved Makino over and over again. While it is true that he saved her, he is far from being a knight. Or maybe I have Hanazawa Rui-manga impregnated in my mind. The first time he saved her, he told her "May be I shouldn’t have. What is the big deal? It’s only your virginity, right?". What a "knight", huh. They made him more appealing in the dorama, but I never warmed towards him. I never felt the "love triangle" from his side. He liked Makino, but that's it. He was not "in love" with her. (on the other side, it was a positive thing, cuz I hate love triangles)
- The bullying is terrible. The "Red Card" is the silliest of all, the students are all so fake, and the teachers... what teachers? Seems like this school was all students and no staff.
- Finally, to be honest, the plot is not one of its kind. Rich, spoiled boy falls in love with the poor, pariah girl. Love triangle. Bitch mother-in-law. First kiss after one bumps into the other. Both MC locked inside an elevator. Kidnapping. Dangerous situations for the girl. It was nothing new; it was almost like reading any YA book that are so popular nowadays.
To end my review, I would say that I do not regret watching this. It is, of course, A MUST. It has it funny and romantic situations, but also, a lot of silly ones. The good silly and the bad silly. I am not sure I will watch Season 2... I guess I will eventually, but after the last episode, I did not have the urge to continue.
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So once the shock of watching such a LQ dorama passed, I was hooked with the story. It has a Mexican soap opera feeling; the angles of the camera, the old soundtrack, the clothes... Even that apple in the middle of anything was so soap-opera-ish. I did not understand what it meant, although after half of the episodes, I kind of understood (the banner says "True love never runs smooth"; and it is obvious Teppei's and Riko's is True Love).
The story is a slice of life, a romantic one with several misunderstandings. Because the dorama has 11 episodes only, the misunderstandings don't last long (thankfully), but they happen one after the other.
All I can say is that the script was so well done I was immediately hooked, and it did not matter that I did not like most of the characters. Out of 5, I liked 2. I disliked the others intensely.
Who I liked?
- Riko, played by Matsu Takako. She can act, that is a big plus. Besides, I liked her personality. I like that she was so different from Sanae, that she was so easy-going and mostly annoying, but at least, very honest. Every time she cried, I was tearful. Poor girl, she suffered so much, but she never gave up! I admired her, because if I was her, I would have given up since episode 3.
- Eriko: Her best friend, interpreted by Fujiwara Noriko. She was a cheerful girl who was always there to support Riko-chan.
Before I start with the "who I did not like", I want to say that Kimura looked his best here. Not only he is younger (duh), but once he cuts his hair (or it is cut by someone else hehe) he looks really good. Nice haircut, simple but very sexy.
So...
Who I did not like?
- Teppei: while it may be true that KimuTaku looks his best here, it is also not his best role. Sure, Teppei is a "kakkoi" guy, he is a hard-worker, a nice friend and co-worker (what guy would be so nice to not have yelled at the girl who cut his glorious hair?). He also has his moments where the female audience would go "awwww" (such as when he hugs Riko from behind.. or when he runs to her hometown once he hears she is having an omiai). I had Shingo in mind during these scenes. There was a corner in SMAPxSMAP where the guys had to decide between A or B, which action is best liked by women? And according to Shingo, he had Kimura's characters in mind to decide, because Kimura's character are like, the epitome of Hero in a Romance. Well, not really. Teppei is not only a lecher, but an awful boyfriend. He makes Riko suffer constantly; he plays two sides. The only option Riko had was to trust him, and how could she? Even I had my doubts whether he really loved her or not. And once he hurt her, and she ran away, he went after her to do, what? To stay in front of her and be quiet? Say something, damn it!
Another thing I hated about him, but I guess it is all Kimura's, is that bad habit he has to smoke every damn time. In the office. Inside the taxi. At the bar. In his department. I hate smoking, and I hate that Kimura has, in that time already, smoker mouth (gray lips, stained teeth). Not appealing at all.
- Soichiro: what can I say, the Katagiri brothers are the worst. After he commits the worst crime a man can do to his fiancee, he has the nerve to ask for forgiveness. What an ass.
- Sanae: although she is nice and does not have ill intentions towards Riko, I could not stand her. The main reason is that I hate her type: perfect ex-girlfriend, perfect housewife, soft-spoken, always there with Teppei even when they have broken years ago. So fragile she needed Teppei (Te-chan **sneer**) always there for her (and the stupid guy who had to comfort her even when his Girlfriend was there suffering). Besides, first she "loves" Soichiro; then turns out, she has always loved Teppei, and at the end, she wants to try things over with Soichiro. Make up your mind, woman!
To me, the story was somewhat similar to Inuyasha (I love that manga/anime). Teppei is like Inuyasha (although Inuyasha was more sensible, and he truly appreciated Kagome), even their personalities were alike: serious, rescuing whoever needed him. Riko is like Kagome, suffering because her love one cannot forget his first love. And although she suffers and cries because of him, she cannot go away. Better to suffer than not being with him. I cannot say Sanae is like Kikyo because she is not... at all.
There is not a single boring moment on these 11 episodes; true, there were times where I was biting my nails because of certain misunderstandings (although I was always rooting for Riko, and if she misunderstood something, it was for a good reason). I would recommend it to people who likes or liked to watch Latin soap operas.
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It may be dull to watch a movie where the entire story happens inside a small, dark room, but Kisaragi proves the opposite. The script was very good, well paced, and I love the mystery. Not predictable at all. I was finding out the truth along the guys. The plot is the kind I love to read in books.
The actors were all good in their parts. Heck, another movie with Oguri Shun :S but his role was very different from the kind I saw so far: not cocky, not cool, just a fanboy happy to celebrate his favorite idol gravure's anniversary death.
It is funny because currently I am reading a book about idols, and almost everything they say in the movie about the girl's life is in the book...
Very recommended. Only 5 guys inside a room, trying to solve a mystery. But how the mystery is portrayed was spectacular XD
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