This review may contain spoilers
This isn’t a movie for everyone. If you are into themes exploring the darker parts of society, then this might be for you. Days later, I’m still recovering from how much this movie emotionally wrecked me. I’ve watched some happy stuff since, but this one is still with me.The story follows two characters, Ter and Som. Their characters only ever briefly pass by each other on the streets, but their lives end up intertwining in a heartbreakingly tragic way. Within the first part of the movie, you already get the feeling of where all the characters will end up, but you can’t help but stay for them and hope things would turn out differently. The image of the fish tank and the last scene are gonna haunt me for some time.
Bank, Sydney and Jomjam did amazing in their roles. They made me feel so much for their characters. Bank lost weight for his role. I thought he just lost weight, but he actually did it for this role. This is my first time seeing Sydney and Jomjam, and it takes skills to portrays their characters. They both nailed it. I hope to see them all collab on a project again, hopefully a more happier one, so I can move on from this one lol.
I actually don’t have any criticisms for this movie. It was well executed given the characters, storyline and themes. The only thing I may want is for it to be a series instead, so we could have gotten more into the characters of Mild, Som’s mom and Peach. But again, stories like this won’t appeal to everyone, so maybe it was a safer bet to go the movie route.
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A puzzle that gives a different answer every time.
After finishing the drama, I realise why no one was willing to leave a bad review for it, because this drama is strange.Shot in slow motion, but by God, you can't watch it on FF because you just can't. Sigh.
The cinematography was good, the fight scenes were epic, even the melodramatic sister had her charm. Here's my take. There's no sequel coming because:
1. Shanguan Qian is not pregnant [watch the scene carefully again and see the clues for yourself]
2. The ending: I'm not exactly upset here because the premise of this drama was never the romance, so It's either the ML died waiting for Ah Yun to return to him, or she actually did return after. I'm leaning on more of her return because she's obviously upgraded in martial arts since her arrival at the Gong's annnd she's picked up skills, obviously. Me thinks if she became pissed, she could pull it off and manage a comeback to her man after all.
3. I'm not watching a sequel because I cannot can this drama anymore, but if one does come out, which I know will not, I'll conveniently forget I wrote these words and watch it anyway, LOL.
4. This drama is a dark horse, you cannot hate it, but you're not sure you love it, the rewatch value is high, but an immediate rewatch after is slow.
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This review may contain spoilers
Streetdancing is Fun to Watch If You Like Something Upbeat!
Finally, I got to see this movie after waiting almost a year for the English sub! It's rare to see Wang Yi Bo in non-patriotic dramas/movies nowadays, so One and Only is a nice breeze. I don't watch Street Dance of China he frequently hosted, so I didn't know how good he was in street dancing! This is definitely one entertaining movie to watch!The version I watched is dubbed in Thai. Although I don't mind hearing the Thai language since I also watch Thai dramas, but knowing they are Chinese people speaking Thai it's kinda odd. So, I ran both versions, the Chinese language version with sound on and the Thai dub version with sound off to read the subtitle, and it worked perfectly. Info for future watchers just in case you can not find the original version subbed in English.
Wang Yi Bo played Chen Shuo, a young man who is passionate about street dancing and wanted to make a name (and living) professionally, but to be able to fulfill his dream he works several jobs. So the story is not new, we see tons of motivational shows like this. What makes it unique is the street dancing theme. It's probably not interesting if you don't like street dancing (unless you are Wang Yi Bo's fan) because there are a lot of dancing performances and practices. But if you're into something upbeat and lively, this movie may be right up your alley.
The acting is great, especially since a lot of them are professional dancers. Wang Yi Bo shine as Chen Shuo, he did a lot of dances by himself (although I wondered if the exclamation point movement was supported by wires, lol). I was pleasantly surprised with the acting of veteran actor Huang Bo who played E-Mark's (their dance team) coach, lol. The supporting characters who played Chen Shuo's family members are nice too. Although I think romance is not necessary in this movie, the appearance of Song Zu Er as Li Ming Zhu, Chen Shuo's love interest, gave me melancholic hope if I will ever see her project in the future or not. FYI, the romance is very light, as the main focus is Chen Shuo's journey to achieve his dream.
If I have to make a critique, is the casting of non-Chinese or foreigners in a national dancing competition in this movie. I see this very often in Chinese dramas or movies, in which they cast foreigners during competitions that result in the Chinese team's winnings. It's ok if the competitions are international, but for a national competition is laughable. It's like China wants to show off its supremacy among other races/nations thru their shows.
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This review may contain spoilers
Wasted chemistry
The foundation for this show is very very weird. When the FL confesses she likes the ML, who was initially wooing her best friend, and gets rejected, the FL forcefully kisses the ML to prove a point?? The ML does the exact same thing later when he's wooing her to prove to her he's committed to wooing her???The ML's sister has an ANNOYING ass baby voice and is very childish; even though she's never acted before, she is employed to act in the FL's new movie, and because she's a rookie, we're forced to painfully watch her mess up lines 5 million times and her cry as a result of being reprimanded for that. To make things worse, they force a relationship between her & the director of said film in the last episodes and it is such a cringe fest.
The main leads have great chemistry and it's a shame it was wasted on this stupid ass plotline.
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A Disappointing Follow-Up
Waikiki Season 2 was a bit of a letdown for me, especially after the high expectations set by the hilarious first season. This time around, the storyline seemed to lack the smooth flow and cohesiveness that made the original so engaging. While the season attempted to bring back the humor and charm by introducing new characters and exploring further adventures within the Waikiki guesthouse, it somehow missed the mark.The balance between comedy and the emotional depth that was so well-executed previously felt off this season. The attempts at humor didn't land as effectively, and the addition of new faces, while refreshing, didn't fully compensate for the narrative's overall disjointedness. It felt as though the show was trying to recapture the magic of its first season without a clear direction, leading to episodes that felt more like a series of unconnected events rather than a cohesive story. Despite the cast's commendable efforts to bring their characters to life, it didn't live up to the expectations.
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Love Endures - a story about the power of friendship and love.
Love Endures. A drama that interests almost everyone at the moment. At first, I also thought that it was just another drama about youth, but later I found out that it is a touching and nostalgic story, which became slightly addictive over time. Why is that so? I think it is mainly because Love Endures is not just an ordinary story, it is a story suitable for all old categories, because everyone will find something in this drama that catches their attention. It is a drama about ordinary people and their friendship, family and love in two different time periods, which are intertwined with each other. Old and new, past and present meet here, heroic dreams and the tenderness of youth and the harsh reality of life when we grow up and mature. Words that were spoken and those that remained unsaid, deeds that happened and those that never made it to the light of the world and remained hidden in the clay of the heart. The drama also has an exciting plot, which is interspersed with strong emotions and unpredictable events. Each character shows us his own story, which is full of ups and downs, and we have the opportunity to observe how he deals with it. Through these stories, we have the opportunity to understand the beauty and bitterness adolescence and also the challenges and choices that accompany it. It is not just such an ordinary drama, but it is also a reminder from the times of our youth that can caress the heart and soul. The cast is partly to blame. I have to say it's just great. Everyone is fantastic. Yang Zi, who is excellent in the character of Huang Ying Zi and perfectly portrays this young woman, both when she was 18 years old and now, when she is an adult, will definitely attract attention. In essence, I can honestly say that Yang Zi performed this role brilliantly and with honor. As well as all the other actors. We can only hope that the other parts will be at least as great as the ones that have already been broadcast.Love Endures is a wonderful drama that can caress your heart. If you haven't seen it yet, take the time to watch it. I believe it will bring you beautiful feelings, just like it did me.Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best ones yet
This is truly a great series, from the plot to the characters, everything was executed beautifully.I love the main couple, although I was a bit confused when they started falling in love, but sometimes love is just a mystery, I thought it was beautiful and very cute. I like how ML wasn't actually hidden in the dark, that he has his own guesses about MC's character. Second cpl is so cute too, though a bit more angsty in my opinion.
The plot twist was interesting, although my gut instinct actually told me this would happen from miles away. I was a bit confused about the motive of this character, and I wish they would've expanded on it a bit more.
Overall, i think the setting of the plot is very interesting, i haven't come across any plotlines like this, especially in bls dramas. And i especially appreciate how they perfectly executed their relationship, without it being purely explicit, sometimes just a glance and a hug can show a lot more than being super intimate.
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This review may contain spoilers
i mean how how how
other people may rate this drama 8 out of 10 or maybe less but i don't care cus this drama is totally perfect like oh my godmy style
i love historical X new dramas i mean it's totally me
okay i know the relationship between the main leads was toxic, the relationship between the fl and the second ml was a little messy (silly too)
but it's before i was born drama how could i rate it
everything in here is just perfect i dk what to tell but everyone have to watch this
i ought evryone to watch this
every drama needs dramatic scenes that make us cry but at least we have the sweet relationships
not adding anything but i loved everything in here and i hated everything too
(ik the fl was a little too shildish at first but why would we blame here i mean why would we)
(ik the ml was a little too much annoying but it's sth new to him he did a mess but we'll forgive him because he's beautiful "jk kidding" i'll kick him out)
ik the second leads was annoying too they was like we have to win this love war but they was shilds right
and ending everything i'm going to kill that stupid wife (the first love of the king and the mother of the second second lead) idk i forgot her name but she's too toxic too shildish she caused everything literally
(feeling shoket saying 'i wrote all of that!!')
WE HAVE TO KILL AND KICK THAT WAR OUT
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My Demon
*AMAZING OUTFITS ALSO*It's an amazing show in -MY OPINION- the acting was good I love the storyline and the plot it was a mystery, a mix of emotions, and a lot more.
this show will have you with mixed emotions and it is sad too. the last episode was amazing it wrapped it all up. but I wanted also to see what happened to Jin Ga Young and that little girl.
their may be some slow parts and like obvious parts but in the end it was good.
some people may not agree with my but like I said its my OPINION.
Oh and the intro song is amazing like I got that song down for each episode and its stuck in my head.
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BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen
3 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
What a Gem of a Show
With only 3 episodes, each about 45 minutes long, IBTLIABLD hits hard in all aspects, specifically making me laugh my ass off, but also hitting you in the heart where it hurts. Both funny and a little tragic, this series has hit the nail on what's to come this year from Japan, and I'm so freaking excited!Let's Dive In.
Right off the bat, I knew something was up with Yuichiro when we're first introduced to his character. Very charming yet something slightly off, avoiding even looking at Hajime, the adorable other lead cast in his childhood shadow as always been known as the Orange Juice Boy. we find out later on that Yuichiro was actually a giant stan of his, having memorabilia on top of memorabilia, and leading to some fantastically hilarious moments between the two of them. Overall, their story was beautiful. You can see so easily how fond Yuichiro is of Hajime, and exactly when that switches to liking him. It took a lot longer for Hajime to realize it, but once he does, it's just a guessing game on when they'll eventually announce (not in secrecy) to each other on their feelings. This dynamic is so heartwarming to me. The perfect height difference, the perfect balance of cheeky and cute, portraying moments that made me pause so I could laugh, or moments when I had to pause so that I could regain my composure and not cry. A truly lovely pairing, played by some really fantastic actors.
The side romance was a surprise to me, but not a bad one. Both managers of the boys end up together, trying to be secretive about it until it's noticeable, and then on top of that, trying to keep their talents at bay with their antics and worries. All other side characters did a job well done too, being the driving force of our leads to get together while not having much of a story of their own, but I'm really not too mad at it.
A couple of negatives I had about this series: I absolutely hate that they threw in a misunderstanding in the very last episode, considering that we only had 3. And then Yuichiro not explaining that it was a misunderstanding to Hajime was even more aggravating. It's cheap writing for a moment that was resolved in like the next 5 minutes. Another would be that we don't get to see them kiss outside of their "characters". A lot of people complained that the kiss was super bland, and while it was, if you're considering that they were practicing for their roles, I doubt they would've gone all in, especially if it was their first kiss. I would've rather seen them kiss again once they were together; in fact, on the bridge would've been a perfect moment for it to happen. And then we get a cut-off kiss in the very last scene which is urgh, but overall, even with my negatives, this series really did it for me, and I loved it.
Ratings:
Story: 9/10 - super funny, super relatable, super good. Flowed well for the 3 episodes it got, and honestly, I don't really think it needed more time. If you know how to structure a plot perfectly, then you have a good story to tell, regardless of the time.
Acting: 9.5/10 - Fantastic! these actors really know how to play their characters. Alan (Yuirchiro) played his character to a T, with some fantastic moments portraying the usual over-the-top Japanese intricacy that I've come to love. Also, is it just me or does he look a lot like Johnny from NCT?!
Music: 6/10 - I don't remember any of the music, but it wasn't distracting so there's that.
Recommendation Value: 10/10 - very rare I give 10s out, but this was seriously so good. It's pretty short so it doesn't take forever to watch, and it keeps you entertained through it all. The romance is great, the characters are adoring, and you should definitely give this gem of a series a watch!
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Ignore the hate
You will like this or you won’t and I’m a liker.Reddit yelled about Yim’s acting being awful and over the top and yea he was ott as Jade but it wasn’t bad acting, it was purposeful. Jade is a very insecure, quite innocent, anime obsessive and this story is told wholly through his eyes. So to me it makes perfect sense that the series felt anime coded. I enjoyed Jade and Mal’s journey to love very much. Uea and King becoming number 1 Jade protectors was also delightful to see.
Overall it’s a really enjoyable journey. Watch the uncut if you can because it also has some really nicely done spice scenes.
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This review may contain spoilers
Smile, laugh, cry, smile, laugh, cry...it's a bitter sweet romance and friendship!
I just finish the entire series through VIP and express watching. I'm entangled with the story and the strong chemistry between every characters and couple in this drama.Esther Yu and Xu Kai.. wow I can't describe how I amaze with their acting and strong chemistry as a lovely sibling and lover. I feel they bring me go inside the adventure and feel the same way as their feel.
Seriously.. I never laugh and cry this much when watching a fantasy drama.
At first.. they will bring you to sweet and cute siblings feeling.. then it's started to be secret love... and changed to be mutual and destinied couple. I can't express how much I love the story and them.
Although it's hard to understand the plot because it's very fantasy.. and about time travel... but somehow you will surely understand that everything in the plot was happened for a reason.
Starting from several episodes before the ending... get ready to non stop crying... I can't handle how I'm sobbing so hard.. I can feel every sorrow that every characters bring... wheather it's death, separation, broken hearted, sacrificing or even forcing a smile... I actually crying and questioning why should be like this or that. It's tragic. It's bitter... and... it's very dramatic.
I kinda understand the ending since it's actually the same with the game version of this drama. However.. I'm a bit questioning what will be happen next.. with Qi and Jin Zhao. since it's an open ending.
It might not be a perfect ending.. but the plot and the end are totally great.
I'm glad that Qi and Ji Zhao are alive eventhough as a new soul and forget everything behind. But they are still connected through a strong familiar feeling towards each other.. and their couple jade. I really hope there will be extra ending like how we can seeing them hug or remember each other. If they make this kind of ending maybe I will give 100 score for the story hehe...
I'm impress with other supporting characters that portray their character and feeling so well.
Moreover.. I totally in love with the ost songs from this drama. The visual editing may not be perfect but the acting.. totally 100.. especially for Esther Yu as cute yet strong girl, and Xukai that brave, caring, yet so mellow guy... as he is playing 2 different characters. I think this drama deserve many awards.
I probably rewatch some cute scenes and their behind the scenes too. I'm looking forward for Esther and Xukai reunion in another drama!! Pleaseeeee God...
I hope everyone will enjoy this drama like me. ^^
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Dark and Disturbing... When Parasite met Poetry....
" As I watched the sunset in the dessert, I felt that I too would like to disappear as if I never exist"This movie on the other hand is one of those that will most certainly not disappear silently, and makes sure you know it existed. As it is a highly acclaimed movie and it did have me thinking what am I. missing here, what is actually happening and will I understand this better if I watch this a second time? As there are quite a few moments of confusion planted there to make you question pretty much everything in this movie, including the meaning behind it. making my mind make loopholes so much my head hurt.
There is quite a bit of absurd extremely dark humour here and there .Some pretty deep lines and extreme tension in silence.
I also feel like i must warn you that this movie gives new meaning to the word greenhouse and you may have trouble looking at the Nam-sham tower (or any tower) the same way again.
And while some parts are kind of extreme, there seems to be quite a bit of social criticism, if I was to compare this to Parasite I would say that they share some of the same issues but this one is more psychological, young and most certainly more raw than Parasite. Catering to the critics rather than to the popular audience, something that adds brilliance and depth but removes some of the main stream entertainment value that i must say a peasant like me can adore.
However compared to Lee Chang Dongs (the director of this movie previous movie Poetry, this one has more action and entertainment value making me understand that a lot can happen to a director in 8 years... So on a scale of Mainstream/entertainment to Artistic depth this move is right between Parasite and Poetry
Defiantly a movie worth a watch and worthy of all its praise
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When The Giant Meets The Fairy
The first thing you'll notice is the extreme height difference, but they are so cute, and the chemistry is great! Brand new actors but they do really well. (the acting isn't the best since they are fresh faces to dramas, but they did pretty good for newbies) The plotline was fun, and funny, but then the ending episodes are tearjerkers. Then a happy ending. I liked the ML more in the costume parts then the modern parts and I'm really hoping he does a full fledge serious costume drama. He has a good career ahead if he wants it. And by the way, he is drama's new heartthrob in my opinion. The FL is adorable and tiny and cute. Hope to see her more too. I loved the plot twist, and you really can't guess who is who or what is what and that my Dramalanders, is what keeps the attention. Great job Cast & Crew!!Was this review helpful to you?
Goblin feels ??
I am a super fan of Kim Yoo Jung I almost watched all of her dramas and movies because she is very good and effective in everything that she does. I am not a super fan of Song Kang after this drama I kinda like him ( I also like him in Sweet Home).I love how the story runs, loved the love-hate relationship at first that turns into you against the world relationship. The Gu Won really loves Do Hee that he will do anything to please her I also loved their backstop or their past life that they are really lovers.
I like that Gu Won really never gets old eventhough he is a beyond ages because he is the demon just like goblin.
They have the same pain that we feel when the guy disappears because of the sacrifice in order for the girl to live.
I super loved this drama, they never lose the touch of romantic comedy. You will loved it as much as I did. Both have a good chemistry together ❤️
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