Reviews

Must Watch Jose Rizal Movie

Even though I already have a copy of the movie, I still decided to watch this on the cinema, taking advantage of MMFF50. The experience watching this on the cinema was well worth it.
While I don't think this movie is as creative as Bayaning Third World in demonstrating the life and legacy of Rizal, I still think it's creative in its own way. I love how the movie inserts Rizal's works Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo (especially their main character Crisostomo Ibarra/Simoun) to compare what's happening in those books to what's happening to Rizal and society. In it's own way, it also portrayed Rizal as someone who was daring two write two novels that portrays the ill of Filipino society at the time of the Spaniards but also as someone still resistant of a grand revolution rather than just reform.
I also appreciated how they portrayed Rizal as a normal kid, having his own struggles as a child before he was able to excel as a young student (I'm not about the complete truth, but my impression of Rizal based on most things I read about him was that he seems like someone who is brilliant at all things even as a kid). Plus I like the fact that not all Spaniards are portrayed as pure evil in this movie. I like Luis Taviel de Andrade, even as a Spaniard he has compassion towards Rizal and only wished him to be judged only via his actions (it's refreshing to see Jaime Fabregas in this role, I'm so used to seeing him as either evil Spanish priests or officers who only want harm to Filipinos).
The shots in the movie are made with effort, the sets and the costumes are beautiful. The acting is also magnificent. I really wish I could praise Cesar Montano (he's good here but him starring as a lead in a Marcos Apologist movie kind of taints his reputation for me). Joel Torre, having played Ibarra in a Noli Me Tangere series a few years prior to this one. is also really excellent. I love that they got some of the actors from the aforementioned TV series to be in this movie again (though some not playing the same characters they did in the TV series). I also enjoyed Gloria Diaz as Rizal's mother as well as Micky Ferriols, Chin Chin Gutierrez, and Monique Wilson (what a beautiful singing voice as Maria Clara) too. All of these elements (acting, shots, sets, costumes) really did help enhance the movie.
I only wish Philippines can make more historical dramas/movies in the future. And I'm praying Filipinos will pay attention to these more than Star Cinema movies, which are mostly made with little effort and are very low quality movies except for a very few (I watched a few of their romcoms only because I like the actors in them) in my opinion. I hope GMA's success with Maria Clara at Ibarra and Pulang Araw will translate to film.

Read More

Hopefully we get a part 2!!

I finished the show and I had to read reviews and shit because I was super confuse for a minute. Now, the cast was marvelous everybody understood their job and fulfilled it excellent. However, as always I needed more. The story had my questioning wether this was a romantic BL or if the protagonist are really in an sentimental relationship like whats up. Despite that I like the story. It was not rushed I think some scenarios were unnecessary but, I understand the portrayal. Like Sheng its only 17 so we definitely have a long way to go. On the other hand, what concerns me is the fact that we dont have a season 2 confirm lol. Definitely this series is a slow rollercoaster ride but I like it bc you grow with them to the point of even navigating and overcoming your own traumas. I really hope we get part 2 or more episode with them as adult and not just for the main couple if they make it to couple land. But also Pepper and Gao like I need to see that couple. In addition to Qi Jiahao issues there is still so much to see. So I will keep my hopes for the series.

Read More

Only for those looking for romance and nothing else.

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

If you are looking for a pure romantic comedy, then “Cinderella at 2 AM” is for you. The whole drama focuses on the relationship between Yun Seo (FL) and Ju Wong (ML). There’s a little bit about family relationships but for the most part, it’s romance all the way. Is that a good thing or not? Well, it depends what you are looking for. I am a romance lover, but I find the drama lacking in plot. I was more invested in the first half of the drama and loving the romance. But towards the second half, I was looking for more than what the drama could give me.

Having said that, Moon Sang Min is just too adorable. I am actually watching this for him (and because I am looking for a stress-free fluffy romance). Moon Sang Min pouts like an adorable (but very clingy) puppy. But when he stands tall with his 3-piece suit on, he’s a lovely sight. His visuals deserve a solid 8.0 rating. Can you tell I might have a tiny crush on him? LOL.

I am glad “Cinderella at 2 AM” doesn’t focus on the age gap, since I am not a big fan of noona romance. However, visually, you can see Moon Sang Min is younger than Shin Hyun Been. Their chemistry is good though. Their cute scenes make me giggle, and their struggles to stay away from each other hurt me as well. I love that ML is happy just from watching FL being happy, and that he’s willing to try things he doesn’t like because of her, and end up finding new hobbies and likes. The acting is decent and their story is fun….up until I found it a little repetitive with the back-and-forth. I understand it’s not easy to break up when you still love each other. The wishy-washy behavior is totally understandable, it just doesn’t give me a fun watching experience.

The secondary couple is odd yet interesting and lovable at the same time. It’s quite interesting seeing how Seo Si Won and Lee Min Jin fall in love. It provides some more comedic moments.

The two sets of siblings have very different dynamics, and I love them both. The work colleagues though, are borderline annoying and over-the-top.

“Cinderella at 2 AM” is a decent rom-com if you are in the mood for it. It doesn’t take itself seriously and oftentimes makes fun of drama cliches and tropes. But if you are looking for something with substance, then this is not it.



Completed: 9/27/2024 - Review #491

Read More

This is one of the best if not THE BEST BL of 2024

If you are looking for a drama that contains plot, talented actors, and top tier chemistry this drama is for you. If you watch it and end up dissatisfied with the lack of NC scenes or are mainly looking for those scenes.
1. They are in Highschool.
2. There are more important things to focus on than those types of scenes in this drama.
3. The story is very well fleshed out, with many lovable characters.
4. The actors are talented and you can tell how much hardwork every person that participated in this drama put in.
5. This drama actually makes you think, with some episodes giving out themes and/or foreshadowing that coincides with the rest of the episode.
Now, if you really want those spicier scenes show more support for Season 2. Rate 10 stars on this website and also IMDB, also please watch The On1y One through legal channels to show continued support. Show support on Instagram/X(Twitter). Either on the actors’ accounts or the main account of the show.
Instagram: theonlyone_tw_series
Actor for Sheng Wang: zayineric
Actor for Jiang Tian: benjamin_tsang

Read More

Story of morality and righteousness

Nirvana in fire 2 had me really hooked from the beginning to the end.Not an inch extra or an inch less, everything was perfect in this drama including the pace,story and screenplay.
As a sequel to Nirvana in fire,I personally felt that this drama dealt with family relations,emotions, responsibilities towards the country and the people and moral values.
Xiao Pingzhang,the elder brother is a very respectful,responsible,sincere,honest, righteous person who is the epitome of a good som, husband, brother, general and most importantly citizen.From letting his little brother to be carefree,to balancing the affairs in the court he shoulders it all without going against his values and principles.Huang Xiaoming was perfect in his role.
Xiao Pingjing,the younger one,is carefree,joyful and playful but never lacks from his responsibilities.I liked the way how his character transforms into a matured,calm, responsible person in the later half.Liu Haoran has nailed his role perfectly.
Tong Liya as the loving and caring Qian Xue,wife of Pingzhang,is very pleasant,gentle, supportive lady of the house.
Zhang Huiwen as Lin Xi is quite impressive.She is composed,calm,focused on her work and profession,rarely gets disturbed by emotions and is very matured.
I liked the romantic track between Pingjing and Lin Xi which was quite decent.
All the others, including antagonists were good in their roles.
While Nirvana in fire is a political based drama,this drama though has political issues, but largely based upon emotions as the main point.
All the scenes were written well,the story was gripping till the end.
The plot engages and involves you in the story of Xiao Tingsheng and his two sons and family and how they battle against all the struggles both on the battlefield and against the people who want to see their downfall.
Indeed,this is one of the best Chinese dramas I have watched.
There are a few scenes in this drama which are worth to rewatch so this is definitely on my rewatch list.
A beautiful story that leaves an impression on you.

Read More

Truth exists,only lies are invented!

He Fei and his wife are on a trip celebrating their wedding anniversary,and mysteriously hid wife goes missing.But then,a woman claiming to be his wife shows up,but he does not accept and insists that she is not his wife.
Then he meets Cheng Mai,the lawyer who takes up his case and the rest of the story deals with the dark secrets that unfolds before you in a most bizarre way.
Well,the investigation process was good but a bit confusing.It could have been much better for the intense and suspenseful plot that it has.
The twists and turns were good,though the final one is not expected.
Zhu Yilong,Ni Ni and the rest actors were good in their roles.
Well,the movie once again brings to light the concept that,a truth can never be hidden and lies need to be remembered as one just makes them up.
A truth is always a truth.
A good one time watch.
You will not be disappointed for sure.
I suggest to watch it.

Read More

The current rating isn't set and is subject to change so could go up or down.

So far it is good to see Japan and real Japanese actors plus the language not being sabotaged.

In saying that, this drama is all about a Japanese man and Korean woman and their relationship followed by a break up then meeting again in Korea 5 years later which is in the synopsis.

So...

What hasn't been good to see in just the first 10 minutes is all the luggage the main female character is carrying every step of the way from Narita airport when it could have easily been delivered directly from airport to door. Hassle free!!!!.

Unless of course that has changed...

Wonderful memories have been brought back with the bridge scene and what could have been a drone shot of Shibuya, Shinjuku or Akihabara.

Looked more like Shinjuku or Shibuya.

Winner so far just for giving me a walk down memory lane.

The story line isn't original when it comes to man meeting woman or woman meeting man, but what is refreshing is seeing more of a backbone when it comes to speaking ones mind or standing ones ground rather than apologising for everything whether the person is right or wrong.

Don't think there is any excessive bowing either...not yet anyhow.

Just so you know it does go back and forth between the past and present which for some will probably teeter on annoying whereas others won't mind. It has only been two episodes so this could change, of course.

I reckon the chemistry is a bit better between "Beni" and the Korean guy rather than her and the Japanese guy, "Yun Oh", although both act their parts well.

It is slow and not upbeat like some yet has it's light moments and own story to tell.

One thing I wish would change is all the drinking and getting drunk because in the first 30 minutes there is a number of scenes with drinking going on - maybe 2 or 3 so I hope this isn't going to be in every episode.

I think AA is needed in Korea and Japan like yesterday.

The piano music at the very start reminds me of that famous composer who composed Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, Ryuichi Sakamoto.

The piano has been pleasant to listen to throughout and I would buy it if it is ever made available to buy.

Am crossing my fingers that there will be one or two hit songs that will be good as Butterflies or Stay With Me. Even just one!

Early days yet so will be back to write more as only two episodes have been released so far.

Read More

We need Season 2

"The Only One" season 1 left us on a cliffhanger, a bittersweet symphony of emotions that resonated long after the credits rolled. While the finale was beautifully crafted, leaving us with a sense of closure and a glimmer of hope, it also left a gaping hole in our hearts. The unsaid words, the unspoken feelings, the lingering tension between the two protagonists – it all culminates in a heart-wrenching climax that begs for resolution. The chemistry between [Character 1] and [Character 2] was palpable throughout the season. Their interactions were filled with unspoken longing, a dance of attraction and avoidance that kept us on the edge of our seats. We witnessed their individual journeys, their struggles, their triumphs, and their vulnerabilities. We rooted for them, we ached for them, and we yearned for them to finally acknowledge the undeniable connection that bound them together. The ending, although poignant and well-executed, left us with a sense of incompleteness. The final scene, where [briefly describe the final scene], left us with more questions than answers. Did [Character 1] truly understand [Character 2]'s feelings? Did [Character 2] finally realize the depth of [Character 1]'s affection? The ambiguity of their final interaction left us craving more, yearning for a resolution to the unspoken emotions that simmered beneath the surface. We need season 2, not just to see how their story unfolds, but to experience the catharsis of seeing them finally confess their feelings, to witness the culmination of their journey. We need to see them navigate the complexities of their relationship, the challenges they face, and the triumphs they achieve together. We need to see them embrace the love that has been brewing for so long, a love that has been tested, tried, and ultimately, strengthened by the trials they have endured. The pain we feel after the season 1 finale is a testament to the power of "The Only One." It's a reminder that we are invested in these characters, in their journey, and in their happiness. We are not simply viewers; we are invested participants in their story. We need season 2 to provide the closure, the resolution, and the emotional satisfaction that we crave. It's not just about the story; it's about the characters, their journey, and the connection we have forged with them. Season 2 is not just a request, it's a necessity. It's a chance to give justice to the emotions we have experienced, to see the characters we have grown to love find their happily ever after. It's a chance to finally see the love story we have been waiting for unfold, a love story that has been brewing for a season and is now ready to blossom. We are ready for season 2, and we are waiting with bated breath for the moment it arrives.

Read More

Pretty nice to kill the time

I'll start first by saying that I watched this after Love in the air, which I hated, and that I'm pretty new to thai BLs.
I liked it overall and was surprised in a good way by many aspects, first because I've disliked almost all the thai BLs i've watched so far and second because it was written by Mame which, even if I'm still new, I have already identified as being a red flag itself. There is a looot to say so I guess I'm just going to list all the things I liked and disliked.

What I liked:
-Mahasamut. He was sweet, determined, a bit naive but not stupid, sensitive and overall his characterization made sense. I liked how he gave his all for Tongrak while staying human and getting actually hurt and angry with him. So many dramas (not just thai but japanese and Korean too) have completely unrealistic love interests who stay put whatever happens to them, but Mahasamut actually breaks down when he gets rejected and resents Tongrak. The scene where he cries in front of Meena and her mom is my favorite.
-The side characters. Almost none of them were ignored or felt out of place. Meena was very well written and the actress did an amazing job, Vie was a great best friend and her storyline was also interesting, Tongrak's father was a very good villain because he used manipulation rather than actual violence which is pretty realistic when it comes to family relationships, his mom, although never seen on screen, was always omnipresent which kept her mysterious while very important and I enjoyed this choice of the director. Also a big plus which you might undersand if you watch a lot of Thai BL: WOMEN. I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate how most of the Bls i've watched act as if women don't exist. I don't need them to be the center of attention, they're not the reason I watch BLs, but still I find it so ridiculous how writers go out of their way to have close to 0 female character appear on screen. Here, there's not only a lesbian couple, but all the women have a significant role.
-The scenario ovreall was pretty nice. It wasn't revolutionary, it lacked a few things that I'm gonna develop more below, but most of it had an easy and enjoyable flow that kept me hooked all the way to the end.
-I feel like the main couple had more chemistry than in LITA. The se*ual tension between the two was on point, and there were many moments where I found their proximity endearing, such as when Tongrak hugs Mut after he got beaten up, or the few times they cuddle in bed.
-No communication problem. Loved it. I hate when miscommunication is the center of the issue.

Now onto what I didn't like:
-Tongrak. Basically Sky 2.0, I know everyone is saying this but it's true. Except that Sky had that sassy attitude which I liked a lot. Rak is just a spoiled brat. Also, his characterization was all over the place. From the beginning, even on the Island, he keeps contradicting himself. He is introduced as this bratty rich guy who wants to hate Mut just because, but the second Mut gets close to him he flirts back, then he has this lovey dovey moment where he wants to stay with Mut but when they go to Bangkok he's back to pretending he doesn't care about him, etc.... He had a few badass moments (with Prin in the vip room for example) which were nice, but otherwise he's just a big baby and even if his trauma made sense, it felt too close to Sky's so nothing too exciting. Also a small detail that doesn't even matter but still: They keep saying how he has so much booze and keeps drinking. Never saw him drunk or even just drink once. Rookie writer mistake of telling but not showing.
-Mahasamut being pictured as the ultimate island lover, then going to Bangkok and never mention it again, not even showing once a bit of homesickness, then go back and all the sudden he cannot live without his island.
-Vie and Mook's relationship getting mostly skipped over. At some point Mook is desperate and completly avoiding Vie, then next thing you know they're dating. And that was in the special episode, in the official ending we never hear from their relationship again. I would have loved to see how they got close again, to see Mook finally accept that Vie is not just playing with her, to have Vie appologize and explain that she treated Mook badly just cuz she thought it was the only way to keep her close. And they were pictured as the second couple, not just some random side characters, so that was pretty disappointing.
-I swear to god all these guys had to do was call the police on the father, it was so frustrating to see everything go down without them even mentionning it once (actually they did mention it once, but it was after everything was over already)

As a last point, because we cannot escape it when talking about Mame's stories, let's talk about the toxicity.
Some people seem to think that it was super toxic. I don't share this opinion, and I'm not saying that just because there were no sexual assault like in other dramas, but because everyone stays in control all the time. Yes, paying for someone's company and treating them like a toy is pretty toxic. But Mahasamut is not in a weak position, he is never cornered, he knows exactly what he wants and has willingly signed the contract. Same for Tongrak, he can back up from the contract whenever he wants, and even if Mahasamut is very assertive most of the time, the few times where he actually is serious about needing space, Mut respects it.
What I find the most toxic in a lot of dramas is how one of the main (usually the Top/ more masculine figure) is always in control of everything. It'd be too long to explain but I'm sure some people know what I'm talking about. Here, it's not the case. Mahasamut is just some simple guy who goes along with the situation, and Tongrak tries to be in control but in the end they're always on the same level. So for me, it was not toxic, and that's very refreshing. Still, I found it weird how everyone (Rak, his mother, Connor, Prin) had a relationship with someone they initially paid for. Not sure that paying for love is such a common thing in Thailand, yet they treated it as if it was super normal.

I'll finish by saying that I was surprised that most people didn't like this drama, cuz out of all the thai dramas I've watched this is the only one I would recommend to someone even if it was not perfect. I'll keep watching new ones in hope to find gold.

Read More

Best bl ever.

I could write a novel about how good this show is.
This show broke my heart so bad that everytime not me is mentioned i need to look away or try not to cry and everytime i try not to cry i fail.
This show is just perfect. So well written.
I would literally sell my family for a season 2...
This is the best show every created.
Also the cast omg? first,mond,gun,off? i would do anything for another show with those 4, this is like one of the worst reviews ever but good lord i love the characters so much they all acted so well.
This show made me feel so safe and happy, i would do anything to watch this for the first time.

Read More

The best actor in this is Khun Shy...who's a turtle

I have literally no idea why people like this show as much as they do.

It's the story of a Diew, a deeply odd looking, and let's be honest, selfish introvert (who bafflingly has decided to do the one thing that can make a Thai guy stand out which is dye his hair a bizarre blondy orange colour) beginning a relationship with God, the attractive but ultimately dull guy who lives next door who clearly cannot drum even though they've cast him as a drummer.

That's it.

The theme song was good the first few times I heard it, but as the series has gone on and it is the only song that has ever featured, it's become increasingly boring.

Diew's mum is a dick, his grandad is well meaning but does little to help, and his ex-boyfriend is a prick vet with no lips who apologises for what he did years ago, but fails to mention that he tried to sabotage Diew's new relationship literally the day before. God's friends are mostly annoying and it would be hard to care less about Beer and Wan's relationship after what I can only describe as one of the more woeful, awkward, and frankly terrible kisses I've ever seen in a BL.

The acting is terrible across the board, the script is cringey, and the MC's have zero chemistry. The one star I gave this show is for God without a shirt on, which was admittedly a very enjoyable experience, but the two or three times it happens do not make this series worth watching.

I dragged myself through ten episodes only to come to the realisation that I don't care. I don't care if the MC's stay together, I don't care if God's friends start dating, and I don't care if his grandad dies. I just hope that the turtle gets a better tank as he's been desperately trying to escape from his prison for 10 episodes. Which is a fitting metaphor for this show. I'm now breaking free, and I pray that Khun Shy manages the same.

Read More