Reviews

When the Sky Falls: A Gripping Thai Drama That Hits the Right Notes

Plot:
"When the Sky Falls" delivers an electrifying plot, blending action, history, romance, and drama. Chompoo, daughter of a wealthy family, faces tragedy and deception when her father is killed. The story takes unexpected turns with mistaken identities, a symbolic mark, and a hidden past. Chompoo, now living incognito as Sarika, seeks revenge, setting the stage for a compelling love story with Thewarat, who unwittingly plays a central role in her quest.

Casting and Characters:
The drama introduces us to Chompoo/Sarika, portrayed by a remarkably improved female lead. Her strength and determination shine through, making her a standout character. Thewarat, initially a spoiled brat, undergoes significant development, transforming into a character worth investing in. The chemistry between the two leads anchors the narrative, elevating the emotional impact.

Acting:
The performances in "When the Sky Falls" are commendable. The female lead demonstrates growth and depth, surpassing previous works. The male lead, known from other dramas, delivers a strong performance, capturing the nuances of his character's evolution. Supporting cast members contribute effectively, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Music:
While not particularly memorable, the music in "When the Sky Falls" serves its purpose. It complements the scenes without overpowering the narrative, allowing the emotions to take center stage. The soundtrack may not linger, but it enhances the drama's atmosphere, creating a cohesive audio-visual experience.

Overall Impression:
"When the Sky Falls" is a thrilling Thai drama that successfully weaves together multiple genres. The intricate plot, well-executed casting, and solid performances make it a standout in the genre. Despite a slow start with certain characters, the development and payoff keep viewers hooked. The drama's music, though not a standout feature, contributes to the overall immersive experience. "When the Sky Falls" is a compelling watch, offering a satisfying blend of suspense, romance, and character dynamics.

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nice while doing chores

This is a typical rom-com where you don't need much brainpower. Nothing really happens, the big issues are only superficially addressed hence don't feel like a big deal at all. FL fell into the ML's arms around 2684 times, all of them in slowmotion from different angles.

All in all, not worth the watch tbh, but if you need to get a quick romcom fix or need some background noise while you're busy epilating your legs or something - go ahead.

I actually enjoyed the soundtrack, some of the songs were easy enough to hum along right away, which made me think they might be good to use for language learners.

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Quite Meaningful KDrama.

One of the best Kdrama I've watched over the years. I know my reviews would be buried into the sea of praises for this show, but i would still like to contribute and give my honest opinion. I've always flamed many kdrama for its poor acting or bad script, however Hotel del luna doesn't lack any of that. The lead role that IU had was executed to perfection, with her amazing acting. The fact that she's a pop star before an actress shows how much talent she has. The plot delves into many topics relating to death, such as vengeance and forgiveness. Each subplot has its uniqueness, while hotel del luna doesn't lose its core theme of relaying the tragic past of man-sole. The chemistry between the leads were fantastic, and even the other actors were great. overall a must see Kdrama for the ages. Praise the Hong sisters again in writing a script i love.

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The series has Thailand's best and first mindwork

First of all, I like the actors' faces, they're all really charming, I usually don't like either one of them but I'm impressed with the whole cast, my bias is Copper and I really love him, there are some people like JJay Mio who don't act well, that's the truth, I think you should learn more , in general the series is much better than the normal bl movie market, DFF is more advanced that anyone who is a fan of boy love movies should watch I really respect BOC for their willingness to spend on the movie, oh I really hope the DFF cast is famous I only like the actors in DFF, who can make me write 5000 words they are very talented

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The best summer drama!

This show is so fun to watch! The summer vibe of the story and place is so warm, you will love it. I love the tandem of Lee Yeoreum (Seolhyun) and An Daebom (Im Siwan) so much. They look super adorable, especially Daebom; he is the perfect definition of a golden retriever personality. Siwan played the role so perfectly in this drama. Deserving of 10/10! All the characters are interesting; it would be more fun if this show had more than 12 episodes. This drama definitely deserves a lot of attention.

I get the point of view of some of the reviewers; this would be a wholesome drama if they just removed the mystery and thrill genres. I love this show, but it would be better if it were just a romance or slice-of-life Korean drama. Nonetheless, I still give this a perfect 10 since I love everything about it. I hope to see all characters in more projects too!

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Wonderful love story, but the plot has lots of problems

What I discovered after watching The Sword and the Brocade
- Women are bloody scary when they're having tea with you
- Forehead kisses are better than bedroom scenes
- Ming dynasty mother-in-laws are scarier than the T-1000.

I had long avoided *The Sword of the Brocade* for the following reasons:
- I was super not impressed with Tan Song Yun's performance and was majorly annoyed with her aegyo character in *Under the Power*.
- In general, I dislike harem dramas intensely. I just don't like watching women bully each other.

But for some reason I am suddenly in a romantic mood for mature, adult, slow burn, arranged marriage romance and the *The Sword and the Brocade* delivers.

I really loved Shi Yi and Ling Yi's gradual attraction to each other and I love Wallace Chung and Tan Song Yun's performance. I believe that Tan dubbed herself, and it really brought a lot of nuance and colour to her character.

I didn't find Wallace Chung attractive at first, but he is so manly, honourable and considerate as Ling Yi that these qualities end up making him very attractive indeed.

And yes, yes, this is one of those dramas with misunderstandings between our couple, but it's not at epic proportions like Love and Redemption.

I don't seem to mind misunderstandings and lack of communication in romance dramas as I find them morbidly enjoyable. But if you hate this be warned as the Show has one major arc with that.

(Also, I'd like to report that Wallace Chung is such a good kisser. Like, no fish-eyed kisses, people! But one filled with intense passion and desperate hunger. *Fans self*.)

However, I confess that I skipped or fast forwarded a lot of scheming concubine parts because I can't stand a lot of that. At times I found the mother-in-laws (both Madam Xu and Luo) intolerable.

Yet, despite their horrid scheming, I have a lot of sympathy for the concubines. I felt their pain and sorrow when Ling Yi rebuff their efforts to gain his attention. As for Qiao Lian Fang, the primary evil concubine? Nah, she deserves everything she got lol.

But while it tries to convey the painful lives of concubines and women in ancient Ming dynasty times, but it was clumsily done.

And as with so many Chinese dramas, for some reason, the last 10 episodes was a rush of betrayals and schemes, a lot of them lacking logic.

If I were to rate the way they had written romance between our main couple, it would be an 8.5.

But for the plot involving the evil Ou family, concubines and more? Oof, it'll be a 6 or less.

So, I can only give it an slightly above average rating rather than excellent.

But I still highly recommend this drama if you like watching slow burn romance and arranged marriages. Our leads are really good and you will really enjoy their performances.

Rating: 7.5

I wrote a longer, more detailed review here: https://dramatea88.wordpress.com/2024/01/09/the-sword-and-the-brocade-review/

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A profound experience that words fail to describe.

Watching this masterpiece leaves me at a frustrating loss for words to describe how deeply it moved and affected me, it's frustrating because no words adequately or even approximately convey the complexity of the feelings that it evokes at times and how the flavour of the feelings change with time.

Others have written excellent reviews and I will keep this short and not rehash. I wanted to write a review because this is the first series that's remained in my memory and subconsciousness long after I've finished watching it. The flavours of feelings, thoughts and complex emotions that keep coming are a cathartic reminder of the difficulties that all of us face in life, and at the same time an invitation to live life more lightly, and let go more and more.

This masterpiece needs to be watched at a pace that it defines for itself. It needs time for the complex layers of feelings in the story to really be seen, felt, experienced and tasted for what they really are. Rushing through it or binge watching, just destroys all the subtleties that make it special like nothing else I've ever experienced.

Even in a single episode, I found myself rewinding to certain points in time to re-experience the events and finding newer layers of meaning, feeling and context each time I re-watch. Each episode is a complex and subtly woven tapestry that evoke mixed and often conflicting responses, there's no simplistic black and white good vs evil, we experience flavours of human nature that are absolutely real, often painful and deeply flawed. What's truly amazing is how this is all presented - in a way that we can relate to very deeply and yet retaining the character of a well narrated story that evokes our imagination and touches our creative side, leaving us longing for more. I just don't have the words to explain this in any way that will make sense to a reader unless (s)he actually goes through the experience of the journey through this piece of art.

The characters of Park Dong Hoon and Lee Ji An could not have been played by anyone more perfect for these roles. They are brilliant, and I have nothing but the highest respect for these amazing actors who played their roles so perfectly, that there is no acting any more, they are truly living their roles and their characters. This is what makes the loss of Lee Sun Kyun so painful, having to leave this world at such a young age of 48. We will cherish your work and celebrate your life sir, you were a true master of your art.

There are some moments in some episodes, you will know and feel them when they happen, that your mind goes blank, you have no words, there are just tears that you can't stop, and you know it has touched you in ways that you could not have imagined, you don't care who says what, you don't care who's looking at you, and you have no regrets. Again, these words hardly do any justice to the experience. At times, I just had to pause and sit there in quiet contemplation because I could not go ahead without experiencing the moment to the fullest. I could not do otherwise. And yet, all was well, it was all right, I was content, at peace.

I've truly never experienced a work of art like this. Not in my several decades in this short cycle of birth and death. This is art.

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The premise was good, the story not so much.

The arc where Fu Ze Yi falls in love with Jing Zhi Xia was so sudden that it was unbelievable. The rich guy making the FL do chores trope is kinda icky and doesnt make for good romance.

The story could have been so much better with a little bit more flow to it. While the ML was fine at times, it was hard to envision the female actress as the character she was trying to portray. She was very out of place in the whole setting.

Korean actress Lee Da-hae did a much better job portraying her character Ah Mo-ne in Hotel King, in a role very similar to what Joey Chua had to play.

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WE NEED s2 NOW!!!

?A bloody poem of unspoken problems, unborn friendships, and untold concerns. Weak Hero is not any kind of a manifest against violence, unlike Boyhood. It's a clear statement of what everyone could have had and what has lost to domestic and school violence. Friendship, trust, love, happiness, - all of them were wiped out with blood and boiling rage. It's been 1.5 years since the release of this drama, and I attest that the story gets better on the rewatch when you can closely examine the exquisite psychology behind it.

?The show proves that warlike personal relationships never bring any profit to anybody. Oh Beom Seok, aka the most hated villain, was adopted for his congressman dad's political influence. In psychology, bad relationship with parents can predict lower friendship quality, and it's exactly what happens in the drama with Beom Seok. His dad doesn't recognize him as an individual and physically abuses him on a daily basis, which results in Beom Seok struggling with social life. He is anxious even around his new friends and expects betrayal from them.

Beom Seok is so traumatized and broken that he can't navigate a regular relationship anymore. His new friends technically do nothing wrong, but they are no psychiatrists and they don't know how to treat Beom Seok in his condition. While therapy isn't going his way, and he reserves to violence as the only way to relieve his mental pressure. Hong Gyeong's performance as Beom Seok gave me chills. It is absolutely stellar.

?"Keep on pushin" says the slogan on Ahn Soo Ho's jacket, but, honestly, does he have a choice not to? He is all alone, without parents, working part time and sleeping at school. This life made him independent, taught not to expect anything in return and not to risk recklessly. But despite that, Soo Ho is loyal in good relationships. He trusts his friends enough to keep his phone unlocked. He is a little bit insensitive, but able to admit his fault and give someone a second chance. Exactly this attitude makes Ahn Soo Ho the best character in the show - and the one who's hurt the most.

?"You did nothing wrong", says Yeon Shi Eun's dad after his son causes major injuries to the three bullies who hurt his friend. Shi Eun is reluctant to form any relationship since his parents take little interest in his life, but he is considerate and caring in a friendship that accidentally came his way. He found his escape in keeping his brain busy by solving math problems, but math books will protect his friends only if used as weapons. As his rage grows he seeks justice in violence, too.

?Be careful when watching Weak Hero. You may find yourself falling for that violence when you start wishing some of the characters to be hit - this is exactly what the drama warns you about. After all the terrible things Beom Seok has done, you may start feeling satisfaction from seeing him being physically abused by his father, forgetting that abuse shaped him that way in the first place. There are many viewers who are angry for justifying Beom Seok's behavior, but there is no justification there, just as there is no justification for Shi Eun's aggression. It's just the way the society works. We cannot stop bullying and abuse if it's a regular part of our life.

That said, can you name Shi Eun the hero of this story? Or antihero? Or maybe this title belongs to Ahn Soo Ho? Or is it all a big irony? The drama wants you to decide yourself, and it doesn't offer a solution to the world peace. This brutality and honesty, in my opinion, along with the brilliant production is the root of its success worldwide.

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Highly Recommend To All

The really good parts of this series, I loved wholeheartedly. I found it funny and devastating and supernatural and uplifting. Even though most of the supporting characters show up for a short time, their performances are no less compelling and touching as the main characters’ performances. I really liked that the anthology style of each ‘case’ works on their own individually but also ties in together with the main story.

The reason why it’s an 8.5 and not a 9 for me is because from one minute to the next I was either extremely riveted or slightly bored (there was no in between). The riveting bits were really riveting and engaging. If I could suggest one thing to make it better, it would be for them to tighten up the narrative a bit.

There were also plot points that kinda went nowhere but these were small plot points. I don’t know if this was a translation issue or an issue with the series itself. For example, they drew attention to something the boss’ male employee said that was ‘off’ in that school girl with the clips case but they never expounded on that or did anything with it. So, that part felt unfinished and like they dropped that part of the story.

I can’t stress enough though, that this is a really good watch and I’d highly recommend it. It gets you in the feels in all the best and most devastating ways. Like everyone else, I’m praying for a series 2.

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Even though Moonlight (2023) is a very good miniseries, the subtitles and OST copyrights take away from the flow of a nice story. The leading man, Fei Ming Xuan (played by Chen Xin Hai) is about to marry Fang Min (played by Kay Song) believing that she was the girl that saved his life and kept him company through his darkest time, a case of mistaken identity which he realizes when he meets Su Xiao Xiao (played by Ke Ying). The two friends, actress Fang Min and her stuntwoman Su Xiao Xiao join hands to bring down Fei Ming Xuan to stop his arranged marriage to Fang Min who is in love with someone else. As Su Xiao Xiao gets involved with Min Xuan, she starts to realize who he really is and, after her boyfriend Tang Song, who was using her to also bring Min Xuan down, betrays her, she starts to get closer to Min Xuan and, eventually, they fall in love. This drama was good but, with a bit more time, it would have been better. The cast did a nice job bringing their characters to life and the leading couple has very good chemistry that got better once they got together. This drama is nice and entertaining.

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Cute, too short and had some unnecessary characters.

Overall the story was cute. I thought the two male leads were good enough for these small roles.

The resort staff gal was annoying. I'm tired of lame fujoshi female characters in BL's.

Both the one guy's boss and the other guy's... whatever she was... were completely unnecessary characters. There was no reason for the phone calls with either of those gals.

If the resort staff gal was more normal and less of a goofy, obnoxious fujoshi and you cut out the phone calls with the other two females and gave the two male leads more time together then I could have scored this significantly higher. Maybe even do one more episode, because the sweet story between the leads was decent.

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