Reviews

Beautiful cinematography, lighting, costumes and overall quality.

I was surprised at how high the quality of this film was as the poster suggested it would one of many low budget low level demons and swords.
It is definitely not low budget, the camera angles, high definition, beautiful and perfect lighting as well as costumes, well choreographed fight scenes all point to a high quality production.
The colour choices were also lovely.

The acting looked good but the one thing I cannot discern is whether the story is good as I could not find subtitles for this so cannot comment on the story.

Visually though it is a treat.

Read More

Sunshine and Chargeable Love

"Sunshine by My Side" has officially premiered, featuring an all-star ensemble led by Xiao Zhan, Bai Baihe, Tian Yu and Zhu Zhu. The modern urban romantic drama tells the story of up-and-coming designer Sheng Yang (played by Xiao Zhan) and renowned advertising director Jian Bing (played by Bai Baihe). Their "chargeable love" blossoms as they inspire and heal each other. Sheng Yang grows professionally under Jian Bing's mentorship, while Jian Bing rediscovers her faith in love and life through Sheng Yang's care and companionship.

From the instant the character of Gu Wei makes his entrance on screen, he immediately captures our attention as a doctor who is not only successful in his field but also displays subtle obsessive-compulsive tendencies. He is demanding in his attention to detail, exudes a caring disposition, and demonstrates a sarcastic wit that gives him a unique and gently charming aura. In stark contrast, Sheng Yang is depicted as someone who is just dipping his toes into the professional world for the first time. He radiates youthful exuberance, is teeming with energy, and shows an unwavering dedication to his work. Beyond this, he embodies a sense of captivating innocence and is clearly propelled by the vigor that comes with youthful aspirations. What stands out as particularly noteworthy is the remarkable skill with which the actors have managed to render these contrasting levels of maturity in their characters, doing so in a manner that is both compelling and utterly believable.

The drama is highly relatable, touching on everyday issues faced by working professionals, such as workplace bullying, deceptive promises made by superiors, and gender discrimination. It captivates viewers from the very first episode, exploring conflicts and realities in both professional and romantic relationships, making it deeply resonant.

Xiao Zhan's performance is especially commendable. His portrayal of Sheng Yang is heartwarming, handsome, sunny, morally upright, talented, hardworking, yet realistically flawed. In different roles in different dramas, Xiao Zhan has proven his versatility. He has noticeably improved his line delivery and even mastered extensive dialogues in stage plays to great acclaim.

What makes "Sunshine by My Side" stand out is its grounded storytelling. The drama is neither melodramatic nor detached from reality. From the authentic portrayal of a rookie in the corporate world to the lifelike dialogue, it's easy to see why the audience feels so deeply connected. It is a production with a cinematic feel, thanks to its superb direction and impressive cinematography.

Moreover, The drama brilliantly breathes life into the unique and innovative concept of what can best be described as "chargeable love." In this narrative, Sheng Yang and Jian Bing serve as much more than just romantic interests for each other, they function as batteries that recharge and rejuvenate one another's spirits. In spite of the considerable age gap between them, and the inevitable societal judgments that come with it, the love they share derives a sense of genuineness that is not just plausible but also irresistibly inviting. Their relationship is a tapestry woven from youthful ideals and dreams, and it thrives on their mutual encouragement and inspiration to grow both personally and professionally. It's a story that serves as an emotional salve, striking a chord with audiences by providing an authentic, heartwarming, and profoundly healing experience.

"Sunshine by My Side" is more than just a drama, it's an epitome of the struggles, aspirations, and romance that we encounter in our daily lives. It has successfully found its way into my daily routine, perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. Whether you're new to the corporate world or a seasoned professional, this drama has something for everyone, making it a must-watch this season.

Read More

An Excellent drama with strong writing direction, and acting hopefully season 2 will follow. 9/10.

Where to start? Fine, let's begin from the beginning.

By seeing the cast, you might feel that the drama will be the usual idol period drama with tons of martial arts. But no, this is a unique, dark, and emotional story of two assassins from Wufeng who secretly go to another sect, Gong, to accomplish a secret mission. But not everything is Calm in Gong's residence. Brothers hate each other; the father does not even like his own son. Son wants to know the reason behind his mother's death, among many other things. But this is where you go wrong. Everything is done for a reason. By the end of this drama, you will understand why this happened in the first place. The characters are beautifully presented, and the relationships between them are shown so well that you can understand the characters very well.

An Excellent drama with strong writing, direction, and acting... Production-wise, all is well, and hopefully season 2 will follow. According to the last episode, it was clearly shown that the creators wanted to produce a sequel or franchise. 9/10... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read More

the title suggests blazing sunshine, it's actually refreshing.

This show is completely against clichés and predictable plots.
Let's talk about the supporting characters first:
The second female lead isn't crafty or a green tea type (Chinese slang for a girl pretending to be innocent).
The male lead's mother isn't bound by feudal thinking and is enlightened.
The main female character doesn't walk down a dark path even when facing adversity.
Even in a divorce, there's no infighting between the wife and the mistress, nor does the mistress arrogantly challenge the wife.

Now, about the main characters:
Shengyang, needless to say, is a very well-rounded character. He has strengths and flaws, very down-to-earth, and is universally likable.

It's hard to judge the character Jianbing. She's quite unique. The way she supports her sister in love left my jaw dropped.
Don't compare melodramatic shows with this one. Society needs positive energy. Major TV stations and online platforms have the responsibility and need to help the masses establish the correct views on love and values.

Read More

Light Up My Life

How do we measure success in life? Is it through one's social status, their accumulation of wealth, or the breadth of their social connections? These are questions that have perplexed individuals for generations, and they are at the heart of the thought-provoking TV drama "Sunshine by My Side." In this series, divorced protagonist Jian Bing and the bewildered Sheng Yang traverse the complex landscape of life, making both erroneous and profoundly rewarding decisions along the way. The show serves as a compelling exploration of the multifaceted nature of success, emphasizing a vital lesson: that embracing self-love paves the path towards love for others.

Set against the backdrop of contemporary urban life, "Sunshine by My Side" unravels a tapestry of personal and interpersonal struggles, presenting an intricate web of family, love, friendship, and individual connections. Through the experiences of Jian Bing and Sheng Yang, viewers are invited to scrutinize their own lives and reassess the determinants of success.

Jian Bing, the divorced protagonist portrayed with striking authenticity by a talented cast member, embodies the imperfect reality of modern life. His journey is marked by unexpected twists and turns, highlighting the notion that life seldom adheres to a predefined trajectory. His early choices may seem misguided, but they ultimately become stepping stones for growth and self-discovery. In Jian Bing, we witness the resilience of the human spirit, as he learns to love and value himself, enabling him to extend that love to others. This central message resonates powerfully with audiences, reminding us all that personal fulfillment is an essential foundation for happiness and meaningful relationships.

On the other hand, Sheng Yang, played with nuanced grace, represents the quintessential individual who grapples with self-doubt and confusion. Her character arc mirrors the lives of many viewers, encapsulating the universal search for purpose and identity. Sheng Yang's experiences illuminate the idea that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept but rather a deeply personal journey. Her evolution from uncertainty to self-assuredness serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring viewers to embark on their own path of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

The drama's portrayal of family dynamics is both poignant and relatable. It navigates the complexities of familial relationships with a delicate touch, demonstrating how the quest for success can strain these bonds. "Sunshine by My Side" encourages viewers to reflect on the significance of family in their own lives, underscoring the importance of maintaining genuine connections amidst life's challenges.

Love and friendship are also integral components of the narrative. The characters' friendships are portrayed as sources of strength and support, reminding us that success is not a solitary endeavor. The rich tapestry of these relationships emphasizes the interconnectedness of human lives and the role of genuine connections in achieving happiness.

Intricately woven into the fabric of "Sunshine by My Side" is the idea that loving oneself is a prerequisite for loving others. This profound message is beautifully illustrated through the characters' personal growth and transformation. As Jian Bing and Sheng Yang learn to embrace their own imperfections and value their self-worth, they discover a newfound capacity to love and support those around them. This theme serves as a powerful reminder to viewers that self-care and self-compassion are not acts of selfishness but essential steps towards building meaningful, fulfilling relationships.

The series' compelling narrative is complemented by stunning cinematography and a captivating soundtrack that enhance the emotional resonance of each scene. The authenticity of the characters' emotions is brought to life through exceptional performances, drawing viewers deeper into their journeys of self-discovery and growth.

In conclusion, "Sunshine by My Side" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant TV drama that delves into the multifaceted nature of success and self-discovery. Through the journeys of Jian Bing and Sheng Yang, it encourages viewers to reevaluate their own definitions of success and to recognize the paramount importance of self-love in the pursuit of happiness and genuine connections with others. With its compelling storytelling, exceptional performances, and universal themes, "Sunshine by My Side" is a must-watch series that leaves a lasting impression and invites introspection into the choices we make in our own lives.

Read More

A Missed Opportunity in Character Development

I approached this series with a lowered expectation, only to find that it did little to change my initial outlook. At its core, this BL series revolves around a character so unlikable that you'll find yourself hoping the other main character seeks love elsewhere.

The storyline introduces us to Lee Jun, a failed idol who lands an internship in a company where the general manager, Choi Jun, turns out to be his childhood friend. Their reunion sparks feelings from their shared past. However, for a series to succeed, it needs likable characters that viewers can root for. Unfortunately, Lee Jun falls short of fulfilling this role. His character lacks depth and charisma, yet three men are inexplicably smitten with him.

First, we have Choi Jun, Lee Jun's childhood friend who secretly harbors feelings for him since their youth. Their past connection isn't sufficiently explored, leaving viewers questioning the basis of Choi Jun's enduring affection. Moreover, Choi Jun's two-year silence after returning to South Korea post his studies in US hardly aligns with someone deeply in love. He does not even attempt to contact Lee Jun until coincidentally he is hired as an intern in his office.
Second, there's Song Hyun Jae, Lee Jun's former idol manager who recommends him for an internship at Choi Jun's company. While Song Hyun Jae genuinely cares for Lee Jun, the latter’s character mainly involves whining and emotional turmoil.
Lastly, Simeon, a famous model who also admires Lee Jun, adds another layer to the complex web of feelings. His flirtations with Lee Jun go unnoticed, and intriguingly, a more palpable chemistry emerges between Simeon and Song Hyun Jae.

The series missed an opportunity to create a more engaging character in Lee Jun. Instead of a self-deprecating and whiny persona, Lee Jun could have been portrayed as a newcomer navigating office life, garnering attention and affection from past and present colleagues. His timidness could have been balanced with decisiveness, enriching his character beyond mere vulnerability.

In conclusion, the series falls short of its potential due to the underdeveloped character of Lee Jun. While the concept of office-based romance holds promise, there are better BL series in this genre worth exploring. This one, unfortunately, can be safely skipped in favor of more engaging alternatives.

Read More

Really GAY

Yes this is technically a bromance but there is nothing bromance about this show. This show just screams GAY in all the BEST ways. I haven’t read the novel that it was adapted from but I’m loving the show!
The acting is amazing and keeps you engaged. The show script itself is funny, sad, infuriating and all in between! I really feel the need to reiterate how GAY this show is*insert crying emotions*. I wished China didn’t have such strong censorship laws but if they didn’t then this show would’ve ended me.
I think it’s amazing though how great the chemistry main leads have. They can just look at each other and I feel like that did more than a passionate kiss.
Props to the writers and directors of the show with the sublet hints to all the gayness that couldn’t be openly displayed. There were so many times where I was pausing the show because I was squealing at how GAY the show was*insert laughing emoji*. Overall the show has a darker tone then most BLs but it’s also warm and fuzzy. The whole cast did a great job. Overall the show has many heartfelt, sad, hilarious, and tearjerker moments. One of the best dramas this year.

Read More

The best drama in this whole world

Out of all the 150 ish kdramas I have watched , this drama is still my favourite one. It is just so beautiful. It shows how much effect few kind words , a small action has on a person's life. It shows how much people go through in real life and the sun will come out after a stormy day. You can't hate anyone in this drama, you will FEEL for the main characters as well as the side ones. Stories of real people with real problems. No drama apart from youth of may has made me cry this much,If I could I would give all the stars in the world to this drama and it's characters.

Read More

BWH&H 7: Shifting Away

Finally, we shift away from Hiroshima and the clans we have been familiar with. In fact, there are no crossover characters at all in this one, and Hiroshima and one of it's factions are only mentioned very briefly (blink and you'll miss it). The results, unfortunately, aren't great though.

The film felt like it was initially building to something more, but by the time we get to the main drama, it just devolves into the main character's many attempts at assassinating someone he holds a grudge against. There's an unimpressive car chase late in the game, and that's the only thing that really stands out. I think the motivations are kinda dumb for pretty much everyone involved, and just like with the previous film, I was bored by the end.

As an aside, this one does take place after the 5 main films in the original series, so it's technically an unrelated sequel rather than a sidequel (like New Battles 1 was).

Read More

BWH&H 6: Bit of a weird one...

The first of the spin off sequels, although it's really more of a sidequel. I believe it takes place around the same time as the 2nd film, and though it features a lot of the same cast members, most of them play new roles. All except Yamamori... which is an odd choice. Even his right hand man is played by the same guy as in the previous films, but goes by a different name. It's weird.

The biggest drawback of this movie is that it often feels like a rehash of the first film of the original series. We follow the same main cast member playing a new character, but who is very similar to his other role. It almost begs the question as to why they even bothered to go this route when they could have set it in the future with all the characters we already know.

I was a little bored by the time I got to the final Act of this entry. Definitely nothing new or exciting going on, and it's pretty forgettable overall.

Read More

Not as I bad as I was expecting

The main couple was sweet. Older childhood crush with trauma backstory - the older guy was framed by his "brother" (unrelated) who used his name for prostitution, then had sex with his professor and then faked a suicide and disappeared for 3 years, till he conveniently showed up as at the exact same moment the ML, Kim An, was getting his life back on track. MC, Lee Hyun, is my fav seme in Kbl, so far. He not only trusted the ML (this is a rare seme protag bl) to tell him, even when the creepy brother was being a creep and trying to break up by bringing up "rumours" about him being host/murderer, he was like "meh, rumours are rumours". He never gets angry/jealous and never questions his partner's secrets.

There were some comments about dead-fish kissing but honestly, I didn't feel that way. The only times we see them kiss are when ML is almost assaulted by his brother who realises ML would rather die than be with him, so he just.... leaves (after failing to create any drama, because MC is Bae...173 (sorry, couldn't resist). MC takes him home and they kiss so it makes sense that it isnt a full-on makeout kiss. The other times are in a public garden and then there's another which is more of a good morning peck than a kiss. Also ML is supposed to be shy/stoic (like MC literally comments that ML doesn't react much to kissing and he is like 'am I supposed to?') So, the heavy lip-touching wasn't as weird or out of character as I expected. They, instead, had plenty of intimate contact and were generally cute.

2nd, we have the best couple of the show. Minwoo and Maru. Hell, Maru was the best thing about the show, period. It's your typical friends to lovers trope - Maru is an extrovert playboy and Minwoo is an introvert with a crush on his best friend. I am not going to wax poetics about uri Maru because we will be here all day, but just trust me when I say I really hope someone makes a special Maru cut of the drama. He is also the reason for the rewatch rating.

My biggest problem with the show was the 3rd couple (ONS to lovers in summary). One guy works in the administration office and other is a returnee student (came back to college after Military Service) in a completely different dept (Art major). Their story starts when office guy, who is a complete pushover, is mistaken as a nude model while delivering something to the Art's Dept Professor. The ML manages to find the right guy in nick of time, but not before catching an eyeful of the office guy in his ugly underwear and of course falling for him. What follows is him stalking and harassing the guy by sending him underwear presents IN OFFICE and repeatedly harassing him for a date, completely disregarding his discomfort because, god forbid, anyone make an ensemble bl without at least one stalker-to-lover plot. It culminates into a one night stand and eventually a relationship (which I was shamelessly skipping, so I dont really have an opinion about them).

Lastly, the last episode. There are plenty of complaints about it both in other reviews or comments. But as seasoned BL watcher, it was just a KBL equivalent of Phuket or Chiang Mai tourism episodes in Thai Bls, which was essentially promoting some game and a glamping campsite. And, honestly, if this sponsorship gave us last 15 mins of ep.9, I ain't complaining.

Read More

BWH&H 5: The Real Ending

The director of the BWH&H was convinced to do one final, closing chapter with this fifth film, and we should all be very pleased about that. While not the best entry in the saga, this one really does conclude in a satisfying, yet realistic way. It focuses on the changing of the guard within the Yakuza factions of Hiroshima, and how the next generation is unlikely to avoid the pitfalls of their predecessors.

I think the best part of how they tie this up is that it does so without being too predictable. It would have been so easy (and lazy) to just kill everyone off in one last conflict, but they chose to actually study the effects on the characters we've been following instead. I think it's a great ending!

Read More

BWH&H 4: The Initial Ending

This story closes out and attempts to tie all the loose ends from the third film. While they would go on to make another, final chapter, this one does a pretty admirable job of tying things up from the previous one.

The funny thing about this entry is that it kind of spins out of control here and there, going places you wouldn't have expected it to (especially given its premise). I think the ending sums up everything this series is trying to say, even if it doesn't give us the definitely conclusion we are keen to see. No one is happy by the end, and those are haven't yet paid know that their time is coming soon. This is the realistic view of the Yakuza, rather than the sensationalized one, that the creators are wanting us to see.

The 3rd and 4th films really go hand in hand, so it's hard not to view this as its own separate tale sometimes. It doesn't take away from my enjoyment of it, however, as it is one of the more intense entries.

Read More