Reviews

Does ‘Police Academy’ Need To Be Interrogated In Room 101?…

‘ Police Academy’ is a fairly lighthearted approach to the “detective and crime” genre- sweet and surprisingly heartfelt in parts, comical in other scenes and undeniably with more irritating flaws also . So this leaves the ultimate question; is ‘ Police Academy’ worth watching?

The acting front is solid enough here. There are a few slip-ups when long dialogue pauses or line deliverances felt a little mismatched against foregrounded scenes, but Jung Jin Young certainly exceeded expectations as main lead Sun Ho. The idol actor added a level of angsty-sweetness to his onscreen persona .

Sun Ho was a subverted example of the “ main lead with a tragic past”. He didn’t follow the stereotypical routes taken in fiction of being jaded, arrogant or the “ apathetic prodigy” but a fairly normal and confused teen. There were some surprisingly touching scenes ( never to be explored or seen again ) with surrogate father figure Yoon Taek II ( Oh Man Seok) as well as his fraternal-style relationship with best friend Yoon Seung Bum( Choi Woo Sung) helped to foreground some functionality within Sun Ho’s everyday life. However for our main character to befriend fairly positive influences such as Seung Beum and deal with a pretty austere paternal figure such as Yoon Taek this ultimately begs the question; “Why and how did Sun Ho learn to hack and get involved with the authorities ? “ There’s the argument by some viewers that " it is a take your brain out comedy" and “ Sun Ho did so because he was bored”", however, the show never really tied this major point concisely. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad if the drama hadn’t carried this over more as an important role in later episodes with sporadic and partially-inaccurate terminology and tech setups , only adding to the confusion as to Sun Ho’s involvement in this world .

This then leads us to talking about his “reasons” for training to become a police officer . A character doesn’t always necessarily have to go down the “ vengeance backstory” route, but it was an odd move that the drama didn’t interlink or at least explore more about Sun Ho’s backstory, his parents as well as some sense of relief and poetic justice for Sun Ho’s goal to become an officer . Aside from the prosaic reasoning in the show that “ the girl I like is pretty and can fight , I want to have a goal and follow her too.”

On this subject there’s evidently also the problem revolving around Kang Hee. Idol actress Krystal isn’t too bad here. This is admittedly not one of her most captivating performances, but not unwatchable either. Our female lead Kang Hee is a bit of a mixed-bag. Despite being Sun Ho’s "dream girl", Kang Hee does have a more evident character drive than Sun Ho in parts. Her mother is far from being a good citizen and Kang Hee has often put academic pressure on herself to succeed in order stray away from being labelled as her “mother’s daughter”. ( A relationship which was given a patchwork happy redemption arc later on without a lot of explanation)However here’s where we hit a major rut with Kang Hee; she isn’t a likeable character.

Of course we are supposed to like her in theory . She’s intelligent, a talented fighter and witty. However the problem with the female lead is that whilst she does have a ‘’complicated ‘’ past which helps to explain some of her motives, she never seems to learn to grow, accept or develop. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad if the show pointed this out or made Kang Hee mature by accepting her own mistakes or begrudgingly understanding the errors of her ways, but sadly Kang Hee rarely escaped her one-dimensional character depth throughout the drama.

Then there’s the potential ‘’ onscreen relationship’’ between Kang Hee and Sun Ho. The setup itself is simple enough; Kang Hee is Sun Ho’s crush and his raison d’être. The female lead has rarely noticed Sun Ho up until the storyline of the series, but this soon changes when events begin to unfold. It’s a straightforward enough concept and whilst Krystal and Jin Young’s onscreen chemistry was decent enough, the relationship often hit a rut due to a lack of definitive development as well as hitting an anticlimactic conclusion.

Meanwhile away from the problematic romance factor of the drama there’s then the topic to discuss about Yoo Dong Man ( Cha Tae Hyun) also. Aside from serious questions being raised about how Dong Man wasn’t picked up by any of his colleagues for his initial attitude to Sun Ho, Dong Man is your typical seemingly “ gruff and arrogant cop with a heart of gold”. It was evident that the drama would go down the route of exploring Dong Man’s gradual buddy friendship with the male lead and it was undeniably sweet. On the other hand there was lot left in the air about exploring more complicated depth with Dong Man’s character; his past, rivalry, rookie days and his own complicated feelings when the antagonist is revealed in their midst was often left as unexplored territory.

The antagonist(s) and “climatic tension” of the drama were fairly predictable- not bad per say, but simply existing for the sake of “ plot drive” rather than being given depth or more prominence. As a consequence the ending was quite anticlimactic. Sweet and on a happier note than possibly viewers were anticipating but nonetheless cliche and slightly disappointing.

Whilst ‘ Police Academy’ did offer some enjoyment through its impressive cast lineup and style, the drama’s ability to tackle character writing, depth and plot tension and climatic build seemed sporadically thrown together and lacklustre often resulting in anti climatic solutions or endings . Overall ‘ Police Academy’ was mediocrity at its best- okay if you’re watching just out of boredom and not bothered about writing during a binge-watching session but those looking for a drama with an enjoyable police buddy element and depth may want to look elsewhere.

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i really like the drama

I relate myself to Lu Li because she doing her best to be perfect for the one she love. The quotes that is given every end of the episode is good. it makes me wanna wait for the next episode. the best thing in the drama is when you fall in love you can create the best version of yourself. Nowadays it seems that we forget our own self for the love of our life but Lu Li and Jiang Zitong find the best version of their self to be worthy to the one they love. i find it cute and mesmerizing. although sometimes it really makes me wondering if people really think that programmers should be male........
I admire programmers because its hard to make one program..... but it doesn't mean that programmer shoukd always be a male.

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Seriously considering dropping this

So I am 6 episodes into this series and already I feel like I want to pull my hair out and virtually knock some common sense into these characters.

What annoys me the most is the way the wrote these characters to be completely senseless, ignorant and just plain stupid. Like stuff like this doesn't happen IRL. Like how do you not notice someone messing about on your PC and then not connect the dots as tho the fabricated footage that is released. Or how can you not suspect the manager for being up to something since in each episode he has deliberately tried screwing you over especially with all the smirking he does in the meetings (and as a president of the company... doesn't he find it suspicious that that this version of the recording is released just after discussing and who should be TL for the team?? like really now).

Each character is annoying in terms of just being so self absorbed and non nonsensical. I had high hopes but if things do not get better by episode 10 im dropping this series since right now my blood is boiling.

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Trash!!!!

No need to review it because it is a trash...trash......trash.........trash.......trash......trash...... dustbin........ dustbin.......shit.......shit......trash..........trash................................trash.........yess it is a trash.................................I need to write 500 words but I don't know which word I should use to describe this drama other then trash,shit and dustbin,,.....................






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The end

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S2 Review

Just finished this season, Loved it until the last episode which is obviously a prequel to S3, It spoilt the entire S2 by just watching those last 5 minutes.... besides that I loved it, especially the episode when Piyoung & Yushin sit and talk it over and he comes up with every excuse under the sun as to why he had an affair. I didn't like the Ghost/Spirit storyline, that was ridiculous for a modern drama. I also didn't like the imagination scenes, didn't suit the drama at all. The acting by all actors was amazing.
The dress sense & style was also a 10/10, especially Piyoung's outfits. Makeup on the Males were all overdone, close ups was distracting.
I enjoyed this season more than Season 1, Its a Drama that is for mature viewers, you have to relate to the characters and their situations to fully enjoy it.

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KIM SEON HO COMEBACK STRONGER AFTER START-UP

2021 has been on Kim Seon Ho, not only his drama success also his activity in variety show!

People have not know him before start-up. He is a wonderful actor. His acting method really good since he has a theater background, that explain how he manage to deliver such a big emotion to the viewers ! Hong Du Sik is actually really complicated character, we might think he is all rounded but.. having a dark side of him and how Du Sik hide it from people around him is tough. Seon Ho really have to study and understand this character before portray as Du sik. As for now we don't really know the true nature of Hong Du Sik ( I didn't watch movie ) until his dark past reveal.

Some people might not like actor who portray a character like a theater artist but for me.. by combining emotion and body language... a perfect character is created !

I hope that he can continue acting and I cant wait for his next project!

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Poor and Greed can distort a human.

When my significant other told me: Hey, Squid game top number one ranking in US on Netflix. I was like, okay let’s watch it.
Now, having heard mix reviews that It is plagiarized from Battle Royale or Alice in Borderland, but since I have not watched any of those mentioned, I tune in with the least expectation, though knowing dark theme is unavoidable.
After more than 9 hours of cursing, screaming, and hiding inside my blanket, here is my review:

The story begins with Gi Hoon, a man hit his low end due to some failed business decisions, in bad debt, leaching off his mother’s bank account , gambling days by days and cab barely afford finance for him and his daughter.

Then one day, he was chosen to play the game in which he could win millions of dollars.
There were 456 players selected to play 6 rounds of game which resembled childhood game; however, the difference is that if one makes mistake or luck is not with him, he/ she would end with brutal death.


Each main character had their backstories and reasons for entering the game. None was righteous nor skillful, in the end they need to take all desperate measurements in order survive.

This is Netflix original series and thus the quality production is top notched. The casting is phenomenal, and I’m very impressed and surprised with model turns actress Jung Ho Yeon. Her acting is raw and real and you wouldn’t know this is her first debut series. Wowww, such a talent..
There are also two big cameos Gong Yoo and Lee Byung Hun. Their appearances only few minutes on screen; however, their exceptional acting really elevate the series to another level.

What I do not like is the character of Gi Hoon, it’s unconvincing and unrealistic to me for him to make a turn at the end. Also the twist of the master behind the game and the reasons
is just plain boring and predictable.
Overall, Hwang Dong Hyuk has successfully conveyed his message to the audiences: this society is full of unfairness and divided, there are the poor struggling to live while the rich, after meeting their physical needs, what made them happy is nothing but toying with the lowest class.

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Such a waste of potentially good materials and actors

The series has promising premise, important message, some handsome actors, and a director whose past work I was quite impressed with…it is really hard to understand how it ended up to be one of the most unauthentic, overwrought mess of a melodrama that I’ve ever seen. The script was so poorly written and the dialogues do not allow most of the actors express emotions of any depth or even seem consistent with their characters for them to seem real or make much sense.
The relationship between James and Ait was unconvincing at best,. Ait’s character and reaction to others changes from scene to scene like a bipolar person, and James character as written make it really hard for me as an audience to see why Ait would be so infatuated with him, let alone fall in love. He’s insensitive to Marcos’s interest in him and doesn’t even have anything to actually say to Ait during their fight except repeating literally 5 times “please just let me talk to you” it seems obviously the script writer could not think of anything for his character to say. Bas is supposedly the most sympathetic character but was underwritten and overacted in such an overwrought way that really did not do justice to the pain and suffering he supposedly was going through. The only character that really make sense and seem real is Marco.
Overall it is frustrating to watch and a major disappointment, a real missed opportunity.

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Highly recommended action drama

Very enjoyable indeed with an absorbing storyline, great action, strong lead acting and readable subtitles. Wanchai (Sukollawat Kanarot) and Kat (Sushar Manaying) are likeable and sympathetic characters with rounded personalities. The themes are topical and boldly-dealt with. It is a piece of Thai TV which will endure. It is probably a bit easier to soak up if you are used to Thai film and TV, but this deserves to appeal to people new to Thai international cinema. Hard not to binge watch and definitely NOT a 'naam now' soap. We really liked it - well produced, well directed and a massive credit to cast, writers and crew.

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Smooth storyline without the extra romance in a criminal, investigation drama

The drama is an adaptation of Korean drama Hello Monster (2015), but it very much has improved the storyline in the original.

Watching the original, I was very much disappointed by all the plot holes and excessive plot they have between the main storyline and the side stories of crimes and romance. It could have been better if there were some clarity as to why the characters suffers their fate or act a certain way. However, if you are into a bubbly crime solving drama then that one is for you. Not to say that the original was bad, it was very good in the chemistry between the characters and introducing an intriguing story in 2015.

When Mouse (Korean Drama) came out, I am blown away by how amazingly tight knit a crime drama can be while showing more realistic characters' reactions. Upon hearing the Thai remake of a high potential drama, I had a high expectation going into Remember You (2021).

The first quarter may not be as amazing introducing the characters and their chemistry as the original but making it pass halfway will be worth it. To be honest, I was unimpressed by the first few episodes as they are somewhat a bland replica of the original until I discovered the plot fix in the first crime case they solve together. It shows me the potential the rest of the drama is and I am glad I didn't give up on it. Plot holes in several occasions in the original were filled and improved, unnecessary plots/storylines were trimmed, characters finally have more realistic feelings, and the ending is a close ending (I won't spoil it).

The most important thing in conclusion is it gives the spotlight on the main relationship - the brothers amongst the less important one the original pushed it to. Also, the characters are reimagined very well and I love them passing the first quarter (sorry but the original characters were sometimes off from what they are suppose to be like female cop, little brother etc. who are supposed to know how to fight).

Now that I have watched the whole drama, I think it was great that the first quarter was slightly boring since the main character did not know or even have hope that his brother is still alive to be so motivated.

Ps: There is no OST or song in the remake (hence the 1 point in Music) but I'd rather have cinematic soundtracks than OST that is put in wrong moments.

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Painfully finished it!

I wanted to like this show so bad but the script really sucked! It started ok then went terribly wrong to an ok ending. I cannot believe I finished it. One thing I hate the most in dramas is when they write the leads to do stupid stuff and show so much immaturity. And this show topped them all.

Storyline - written so poorly. I just don’t understand why you would write something where the leads cannot grow up. I mean come on!!! The FL was so immature and stupid. Even after the ML apologized and explained what happened that night, mind you he did this several times, she still walked away from him. Then she is at the hospital because she is pregnant and she allows the “guy friend” claim the child is his. And she decides to test the ML to see if he will come back to her one more time after she did that?? Makes zero sense to me. If she was that way I definitely would have walked away and left for good. People that play stupid games like that are not worth it. Anyway… needless to say it was written poorly. There are so many parts that really should not have been in this drama. They should have cut it back to 24 episodes and left a bunch of crap out. For instance… The “cross dressing” was really dumb too. You can clearly see she was a she. Only good thing I can say is the ending was the ONLY good thing in this drama. They did not get together and then it ended. They give you a good ending that is satisfactory.

Acting/Cast - honestly I think the only good thing about this drama was Xing Zhao Lin. I have seen him in a few other dramas and liked him but this drama was not a good one.

Rewatch - nope. I will not watch this drama again.

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Even through all of the "what the hell just happened?" moments, I think Fox In The Screen will always have a special place in my heart. The story itself was really great even with all the holes. I mean, closer to the end, a lot does get explained but there is just so much that you're left scratching your head about.
I think the one that gets me the most was the "3rd brother" talk.... If there was 3, where was the middle child (or youngest?)?
But then I wonder if they say that because of what you find out later in the show but it leaves me to question more because even they didn't know that. Soooo why? Ya know.

I want to know Xiao Hei's backstory SO FREAKING BAD!!! He was so sweet and adorable. HE WAS BABY!!! okay. so why was he in the screen? They said they were trapped there because of things they had done... We know Yu Yan and Bai Sheng's story but I really want to know what Xiao Hei did. Lol

I liked but hated Zheng Xue's character. I liked she was independent for the most part but completely hated how she just trusted everything Qiong Hua said. She trusted her when she really should have ripped every hair off her head. Bitch not only stole her man, pretended to be pregnant --- but also tried to kill Zheng Xue. But when she lost it all and was like "oops I'm sorry Zheng, we're sisters right?" Zheng Xue ate that shit with a spoon. I would have told her "don't let the door hit your ass on the way out." -_- She was way to forgiving.

I think another issue I had was when they kept trying to bring in her ex at random times. It was like he was a filler subject because they couldn't figure out what to do next. Lol

I know I'm complaining a lot about this show, but I really did like it. I love her relations with the 3 foxs. I loved her relations with her (good) brother. I just kinda wish they had went into more detail about everything.

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Do not waste your time

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. IT ISNT WORTH IT

This is my one and only review, and I had to write one to warn you away from this disaster

ALL the characters except the ML, and FL are unbearable. It is not worth your time to see if it gets any better. Sure they do make changes but only after 20 episodes of straight nonsense and it doesnt even get much better. DO NOT let these people lie to you, this is not a realistic portrayal of toxic family life. Its over the top toxicity and gas-lighting to the point of disgust. ALL THE CHARCTERS except the aforementioned SUCKED. For LONG UNBEARABLE stretches you have nobody to root for. Its all bad. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. The parents suck, the in-laws suck, and the entire family sucked. The only person making reasonable and real choices was the brother in law and he had a terrible ending, dont do it to yourself. The ending isnt worth the nonsense you have to drudge through, its cliché and you're not missing out.

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LOL What Did I Just Watch??!!

Wow, okay. This was not your usual success romantic comedy. They LITERALLY failed here, but they were happy, I guess? This drama could've been my favorite if:-

1) It wasn't broadcasted by Mango TV, because their subs sucks ass, so I'm pretty sure I missed out on A LOT of the translations.
2) If the story had made some sort of sense. It didn't.
3) The editing was terrible. They ended an episode where the leads were doing one thing, then in the next episode, it began maybe a few weeks or months later, with them doing something else. This drama had no explanations to what happened from a previous episode. (i.e) It wasn't consistent. When it did do a recap, they replayed the entire ending of the previous episode and the recap went on for too long, before it got back to the story. So you're basically left confused about the timeline of the episodes.
4) The story dragged to the point it got boring and you just kind of start fast forwarding.
5) The villains were awful and they literally didn't call them out. One suffered consequences and the other one wasn't even found out and became their friend.
6) The ending was a thrown together mess.
7) They made the FL dumber as the series went along.

What I liked about this that made me give it a 7 even thought this deserved a 5:-

1) The ML. Lu Yong Zhuo is just simply adorable. I love his acting style, his pouty lips, his DIMPLES and that smirk he did. The way he kept looking at FL. In the real world, any female that got that look would simply DIE!!! I think this was his debut too and he did such a great job playing an awkward CEO.
2) The side characters that were in the friends group were awesome. I enjoyed all of them.
3) The comedy.....Their wedding scene was HILARIOUS.
4) It focused on the struggles of their work life and not on their relationship, so this was the smoothest and fluffiest love story ever. No misunderstandings, no breakups, no love triangles. The leads simply loved & supported each other in everything they did and they were so cute and lovely together.
5) Lots of eye candy. The guys were so handsome here.

Overall, I wouldn't give this a second look, unless they sub it properly. I mean, it's really cute and funny, but if you're looking for a proper story, skip this one.

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Just great! Awesome BL!

Just great! Awesome BL! There is so much to like about this series. Everyone is like able in there own special way. I love when BL guys are presented as guys who know how to fight and stand up for themselves. I especially like when they fight and win against the bad guys. Lee and Hsu are just so likeable and genuine in their roles. Chungs character is so sweet when he starts to have feelings for LinXun more and more in each scene. Just a wonderful story that he gives in the the love because he doesn't want toe make the same mistake as the parents As I said before the other brothers and their relationship all form in different ways. Bravo! This is the second time I've watched it and decided to up my score. A true BL that is not like a BL but enjoyable in everyway.

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