Be Reborn (2022)

Loved the amazing capable cops in Reset? Well then, you'd want to check this out.

In ep 1 my reaction was: Wow ok, that's some tightly written and paced plot and character design. And it never loses the intrigue and keep you on your toes ALL the time. That's rare gem right here, for now I'll give it 8/10.

In ep 2: It's really really good but it doesn’t pull me in/doesn’t hold me tethered to anything so I'd keep watching like Reset did, so I might drop it? Since it seems to be a case-by-case drama, I'll drop it after this first case is done.

In ep 4: I'm in love with this cop. He's so nice and amazing and look at all those fond small smiles like a proud dad awww. Forget all I said above, this is a 9.5/10 now and GIMME MORE!

By ep 10: Yes, the same quality is maintained. Show is witty, and manages to fit in tiny moments of mundane humor and heart into any given opportunity as well.

Plus, a good crime thriller would have reasonably matched Criminal/Police sides, and here sometimes the thieves are SO good I almost wanted them to win.? That was quite the polarising but entertaining viewing experience for me.

So everyone, give this a try. Especially if you appreciated the police aspect of Reset. (If you don't know what Reset is, well now you know to check it out. Two birds one stone.)

Read More

Intense crime case storytelling

I even became Youku membership in order to watch this ahead of time. You just cannot stop once you start.

The drama tells a story about a police officer (Luo Jian) and a Law student in his final year (Zhuang Wen Jie) in their effort in catch crime syndicate behind lots of ancient relic theft. Every episode is full of suspense since each case is linked with each other. Everything just come into a circle in the very end.

The character development, especially for Zhuang Wen Jie is very nicely done. He lost his parents early in his childhood and bullied in school because his father was a thief. How he survive until adulthood with a somewhat sane mental is already a very high achievement. Thus, I am very much understand why Wang Jun Kai portrayed this character as someone who seems indifferent and emotionless. With that kind of growing up environment, indifferent will be a kind of defense mechanism. Only, because of Wang Jun Kai inexperience, he failed to give more layers to Zhuang Wen Jie indifference. But, the acting can still be considered good enough.

The main character, Luo Jian, played by Zhang Yi is also very heartwarming. I like seeing how he is so protective toward Zhuang Wen Jie. With more episode going in, we will see his past deeper and deeper. Zhang Yi acting is great here. I will certainly take not of this actor in the future.

The ending is great! That smile in the end by Zhuang Wen Jie .... I don't think he ever smile in all previous episodes, making the last smile somewhat more meaningful. I hope we will get season 2 somehow since the ending just hinting more mystery.

Read More