Reviews

In This Corner of MyDramaList

A few months ago, I watched the animated adaptation of the manga 'In This Corner of the World,' and I was certainly impressed. I didn't expect much more than another film about WWII in Japan, but it turned out to be quite different. I enjoyed it so much that I ended up buying a double volume of the original work by Fumiyo Kouno. I also checked out the voices behind each character. The protagonist, Suzu, was voiced by Rena Nōnen, who also voiced Haru in the stop-motion series 'Pokemon Concierge.' This girl, who also participates in dubbing sporadically, is an actress; in fact, she starred in one of the most successful asadoras of the past decade: ‘Amachan’ (2013). Amachan was a total discovery, and in less than a couple of weeks, I had already said goodbye to Aki Amano. Depressed by the existential void that drama caused in me, I was checking this website’s lists until I stumbled upon the live-action adaptation of In This Corner of the World. The circle had closed.

The story of In This Corner of the World, in its nine episodes, takes us to Hiroshima, yet not the Hiroshima from 1945, but to the prefecture nowadays. This is one of the main differences regarding the original work, as the footage has been extended and new scenes have been added that fit perfectly with what has already been told. Kayo, a young girl tired of her current life, decides to move to the coastal city of Kure, where previously she had met up with an elderly woman who had helped her dispel the doubts and fears that usually tormented her. This woman, Setsuko, stokes Kayo’s inner flame through stories from her mother, Suzu-san. In the house at the top of the slope, where Suzu did her daily chores, Kayo fantasizes about the life during that time. In this way, memories of that period are evoked—some heartwarming, while others are of deep pain.

The life of Suzu-san, throughout the episodes, is divided into a first stage which covers her childhood and first days of her arranged marriage with her husband, Shusaku, in Hojo’s residence, until the end of war roughest events, including, obviously, the devastation and consequences caused by atomic bombs. But the main difference, not only comparingly with Western war-themed cinema, but also in relation with other films that narrate the experience from the perspective of the weaker, which is the case in ‘Firefly Graveyard’ (1988), is the idea of family bond and emotional values joined in the most absolute daily life, something that is inherently Japanese. So, the calmly days and sugar caramels will give way to grayer days and meager meals. But, independently of the events, the series reinforce the day-to-day idea of Suzu, her friends and family, in the most humble and human possible way. They were, after all, ignorant of the dimensions of what was coming in their way. Suzu is the representative of that innocence, kindness and naivety, values that little by little will crumble in the face of the cruelty to which the innocent and unaware people are subjected.

The adaptation, regard the source material, is a 1:1 copy, but adds the real component that only real people can convey. Honoka Matsumoto as Suzu is in a similar level to Non’s animated Suzu. I consider this the definitive and most satisfying version of this story, as well as featuring the music of young and unknown composer… Yeah, Joe Hisaishi.

Artifice and spectacularity are not needed to touch the heart, and this story demonstrates with great subtlety, respect, and care how to reach that corner of the world we call home.

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Why?!

I really don't know what happend but this was extremely bad. Adding "cool" factor and infantile behavior of characters ruined whole atmosphere that part 1 builded.
As i don't want to spoil too much so let this make short.:
-whole prison arc was stupid and just killed lot of time as nobody would done this in such stupid way

-all things about radio was also so stupid and infantile as you don't really need to have military radio as civilian will do the work in emergency and just don't say you can't find single working radio in whole city

-everything from park scene was re**rded - i know they needed/wanted to end it in unexpected way but it was extremely infantile and somehow expected

I will not say to not watch it but be aware - its bad, really bad...

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Nice cast, but messy series and so many plot holes

First, I really like the Pit Babe cast and I watched all the Boys’ Journey episodes. So it’s sad to see them being so underutilized in a terrible story. The show feels rushed, and it gets worse in the second half of the season. A lot of development happens off screen and there’s no intention of explaining things. I hope the cast will be utilized better in future projects, specially with some changes in “partners”. Nut and Sailub have so much chemistry, and Ping and Garfield was a great surprise in their scenes.
Now, let’s check on some loose threads:
North and Sonic: Are they a couple? Are they just friends? The series had no interest in trying to answer that because they needed another scene to try to create chemistry for Alan and Jeff. It’s wasted time because that chemistry never materialized.
Babe’s dad: Why? There’s no payoff with him being alive. How did he end up being part of the “cure” team? How did Jeff get to know him and the doctor that helped to fake Charlie’s death? I feel like that was a major plot hole. He just briefly mentions knowing them.
Pete/Kenta/Way: Does Pete like Kenta back? Did Pete like Way or just cared/was worried for him?
Guns that are not used: Why does Tony and his team not kill people?! Tony’s plans would’ve all worked out if he just shot people. Every single plan from Team Babe goes wrong and they end up with guns pointed at them, but the bad guys never shoot. That makes zero sense! We saw Tony killing a child with a sword in the last episode, he definitely would give the ok to just kill random people, like Alan, Kim, North and Sonic.
Also, why would Tony let Kim go?! Unless it was Kenta who helped him escape… but that’s doesn’t get mentioned.
All the kids from the Foundation: what happens to the kids? Did they get rescued? What about the kids that were already sold?

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um dos melhores cdramas modernos!!

Light chaser rescue foi uma série que eu comecei a assistir apenas por causa do ator principal (Luo Yunxi), eu me surpreendi que ela foi realmente viciante.
No começo da maioria dos dramas os personagens são ditos como perfeitos, mas nesse você é capaz até de criticar as atitudes dos personagens, ele mostra duas pessoas com traumas e a forma com que elas lidaram com eles, mostrando inclusive o protagonista, Luo Ben, sendo totalmente problemático com a sua irmã, mas durante a trama você descobre que ele é assim por se sentir culpado, ele parece arrogante, egoísta e controlador, mas durante a série seu personagem evoluí, assim como Zhan Yan, que no começo parece grossa e egoísta melhora durante o caminhar do enredo, e isso foi realmente algo bom de se acompanhar.
Light Chases Rescue teve uma cinematografia perfeita, os desastres naturais te deixavam preso na trama e eu não conseguia desviar os olhos até o problema ser resolvido (principalmente o terremoto dos primeiros episódios).
Num geral eu achei tudo ótimo e realmente acredito que merecia uma nota melhor.

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Wonderful premise, weak acting

I just love a good medical drama and at that also BL. So fun. Although this does not classify as medical drama, the lead is a doctor (Tawan). He develops relationship with a motorbike driver (Morm). Look at Mork more as a Grab driver, than Mario Casas in 3MSC.

The couple is cute even though their character traits are barely developed. I got to know a bit more about Mork than Tawan, but it seemed that focus on other characters sidetracked the main story. Why did Tawan choose IM as his specialty? Why does he have such attitudes towards saving a relationship? Why does Mork actually like Tawan? Why did Mork give up everything for Fern? How is it possible that two worlds collide?

Side characters are warm and fun, the uncles and the moto gang. Very cute and supportive but too bad they had more character than the leads. Chemistry between the leads was also weak for me.

Overall...Does not require much from you as viewer. Nice drama, feel good, empty brain.

Besides that, it is short and has no major issues really. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for reading!

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Imperfect, but full of heart

This was a long ride. Honestly, I don't know what I was expecting from Pit Babe, but a human trafficking/car racing/omegaverse storyline surely wasn't. It's not a perfect show. It has a lot of inconsistencies and silly things, but it's undeniably charming and interesting. I, a person who didn't even like omegaverse much, was intrigued by the world setting.

The characters are wonderful and compelling. I fell in love with all of them. For their stories, their experiences, their personalities, etc. Even the main antagonist enchanted me (although for other reasons/he is a very convincing villain).

Anyway, Is Pit Babe perfect? No, but it's very charming.

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?A BL with a red flag

With such high ratings for this BL (8.9 on MDL), the last thing I expected was its worldbuilding to fall apart in the very first episode. And not just worldbuilding, but the basic character development as well. Yeo Woon changing his attitude in a blink of an eye while Myeong Ha, who's mission in the game is to make Yeo Woon happy, keeps treating him condescendingly. I can also recall the choice for Myeong Ha in the game to save either Yeo Woon or the grandma from death, and it makes no sense. Why would the game which goal is to make Yeo Woon happy offer to kill him? Ridiculous.

?Another disturbing issue is Myeong Ha's behavior in confronting the homophobic bullies at school. Myeong Ha kisses the offender on the lips saying "Now you're gay too", therefore demonizing the sexual orientation, and by that moment we don't even know if he is gay too or not. This scene hit me in the head with such internalized homophobia and made me feel uncomfortable to watch the rest while that issue of Myeong Ha is never mentioned again. Aren't BLs supposed to be a safe space at least for gay people? Isn't it one of their purpose along with entertaining heterosexual girls?

By comments of confusion from other viewers, I'm not the only one. There is enough runtime for the show to unfold, 8 episodes for 30-40 minutes, but it doesn't use it right. I genuinely cannot understand why the drama has so many fans if the quality of writing is absolutely incomparable with such BLs that are immersive from the very first scene, e.g. The Eighth Sense, 2023, or the shorter one with the similar concept of videogame dating Our Dating Sim, also released in 2023.

?The BL K-drama attempts to tackle such topics as loneliness, ability to rely on another person and ask for help, life regret, and even suicide. However it doesn't go further simply stating them, as the writer doesn't have enough skill to unfold such complicated issues. Especially if you're about to watch this BL with the amazing Death's Game in mind, you will hardly be moved by the plot of Myeong Ha making value of his life in other people.

Overall, there are parts to love about this BL drama, like the adorable actors, but the atrocious and problematic writing doesn't contribute to the mood at all.

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A chronicle of an atypical killer.

The summary doesn't do this series justice. At first glance, you might think it's a series like "The Vigilante", with a dark protagonist who punishes criminals by playing a game of cat and mouse with the police. However, here I think that the way they went about it is really intriguing and original.

It's about Lee Tang, a young man who doesn't really have any prospects in life. He is in a sort of slump, work part-time situation, lives in a small unsanitary apartment and receives little attention or consideration. He is typically the archetype of a "loser", and the characters around him make no secret of telling him about it. He will unwillingly become a murderer, and from there it will turn into a descent in hell where crimes will accumulate, cases, witnesses and he will be chased by the police. Plus a bigger game is being played behind the scenes with someone pulling the strings.

Now, keep in mind that this is a series with supernatural elements, and in this, inexplicably, he always finds himself getting away with it, without even wanting to. For example, during his first murder, he forgets the weapon at the crime scene but a dog retrieves it and takes it away before the cops arrive or the time when the dog licks the blood, and at the same time the prints he left which makes his DNA untraceable or a fly lands on the video camera preventing the police from seeing that he is holding a hammer. The chances of that ? It's hilarious how they interweave such a dark themed drama, with a protagonist who can't bear the weight of his actions yet always gets away thanks to "coincidences", it's like the universe is working in his favor.

It's not even a comedy series, I mean there's really no writing of characters made for comic relief, it's just tension and ambient darkness. It's a dark thriller, but in addition to being entertaining, it's not too much (like "Big Mouth"), it's realistic while keeping that supernatural flair. Emotionally we are not connected to the protagonist because it is clearly not that kind of series, apart from the pity we feel for the victims, it remains a fast-paced thriller which is engaging.

I really admire the writers and directors, honestly. If you had told me that a dark thriller could mix these elements while remaining credible, I wouldn't have believed you because I'm stingy with thrillers, I haven't come across one before. Speaking of the production, I want to add that the storytelling said through editing, like the superposition of scenes which enhances the action of the protagonist or his imagination, it is really a feast for the eyes or even the music which adds to the intensity like in a horror film. It reminds me a bit of "King of Pigs" in the way that the flashbacks add pace and suspense to the story.

I absolutely recommend this series, if you like thrillers, this is for you.

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Anti hero action drama for an entertaining ride

Likes: The dark anti-hero theme, the growth of the female lead, the fun fight scenes, the distinct characters, the pace of the storytelling (for the most part)

Dislikes: The weird fade to black transitions in editing, the repeat of scenes we've already seen, MinHye's slowness with her action scenes

I think it's fitting that this aired on Disney+, as this reminds me of all the young adult fantasy books that I read where the female protagonist goes through a series of hardships when she was young that prepares her into becoming a kick ass force to be reckoned with as she approaches adulthood. I loved those kinds of stories and I really enjoyed this one too. While Jian is not Katniss or Rose Hathaway, I do see that similar thread of growth and sacrifice that is often reflected in young adult novels and it makes me really excited to see what will happen in the next season (which I assume there will be as the ending made it seem so). Hye Joon did an amazing job playing Jian.

The whole mercenary killer theme was cool and I liked all the high tech gadgets and gunfight scenes. Were some of the characters cliche? Yes, but it didn't really bother me that much because for some reason, the whole story, look, and theme felt refreshing to me. I think it's because these types of stories usually only get depicted with American actors so to see this kind of story with this kind of high quality and with Asian actors made this all the more enjoyable for me.

Lee Dong Wook was great as Jian's uncle and teacher. Jo Han Sun also did a good job playing the psychopath (His eyes creeped the F out of me and that usually never happens). I thought everyone played their role well. I was however a bit disappointed with the character of MinHye and this is no reflection on the actress. While I loved that they showcased a female character as an ultimate threat, I'm afraid the execution didn't follow through. The way the scenes were shot made her physical fight scenes look very slow and a bit weak which makes her character a bit unbelievable as a "high threat" as claimed. This is more a fault with the direction and camera work imo. But this is a minor complaint as I did enjoy most of the series and I think anyone who likes YA female lead stories and action might enjoy this drama as well.

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youth, love and pursuing your goals

As a first year student i must say it was very inspiring. The way sayako always tried her best and was always the nicest person..
The show gives a great view at how things really are. Of course its never as perfect as they showed but it was still quite realistic. It gave me strength to try even harder and hope that theres always a way out of a slump.
Even tho i am starting collage much sooner than sayako i could still relate to her. She was experiencing her "second youth" and it was showed perfectly - her happiness and strugles as an adult living among teens.
And the romance, I must say that i was very invested every episode more and more. They started dating sooner than i thought, but thanks to that the show was even better!! Two last episodes were a little bit disappointing as i dont like time skips. Even tho as for a time skip they did a really good job! It did not feel rushed or anything.
As for acting it was the best!! Whole cast did an amazing job! Its my second series with Michieda and wow! he is an amazing actor.
The music was suitable, but nothing special (personal opinion).
All in all i highly recommend watching this series. Its a drama about youth and love. It teaches us that finding courage to do what we really want can come to us at any age, thanks to people around us.

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Exciting and Steamy!

My Lord, this cast is gorgeous. They all nailed their roles. What a fantastic group of young actors.

Babe and Charlie made such an unlikely pair which made them all the more lovable. Charlie would literally do anything for Babe. Hard to find a love like that in the real world.

The story was a good one and something new and different. The only reason I took away half a point was **SPOILER ** I just don’t understand why Charlie had to fake his own death. It was too risky and didn’t really accomplish anything.

Also **SPOILER** I was more devastated about Way. I figured Charlie wasn’t really dead (really, how could he be?) But Way lived a heartbroken life only to be killed protecting the one he loved. Crushed.

100% recommend this series especially if you enjoy excitement, crime solving, and a gorgeous cast with loads of chemistry.

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A series that lacks finesse

It starts with stories about rally cars. There are big cars, espionage and mysteries. In short, it gets off to a pretty good start.

But all of a sudden, this omegaverse story takes over. First of all, not everyone is familiar with it. Some explanation would have been appreciated. The problem is that the story becomes chaotic: there's a permanent lack of coherence, the dialogue is poor and our car races come and go without us really understanding how. Theoretically, there are a lot of theatrical coups, but they're so predictable that they're not. The last episode is absolutely grotesque.

The acting gets worse and worse as the series scatters off in all directions.

The innumerable sex scenes and permanent good morals are not enough to save this series.

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