This review may contain spoilers
A gem worth discovering
I rarely watch contemporary dramas, but after Go East and Lost You Forever, I now like Tan Jian Ci enough to start his works blindly (plus, I've only ever heard rather good things about this show) and... it did not disappoint. Actually, it exceeded all of my expectations.Granted, it's not perfect and, albeit they are not exactly issues that will ruin and hinder ones vision of the drama, there ARE certain things I wished were done better or showed more.
But let's go step by step.
What stands out most in this show, and I think it's universally agreed upon, is the role of art and how much room they gave to it. Art IS the protagonist of Under The Skin, a character of its own, even. I loved how they represented it, how gorgeous those drawings and paintings are (some impressed me so much that I still remember them clearly) and the minute attention to each and every detail, stroke and colour they put into it.
Nothing was left to chance and if something did feel rather weird or absurd (ex. the name of the tower perfectly reflecting in the pupil of a woman taking a selfie), it was later on explained and touched upon and actually became evidence to solve a case.
I love when dramas actually have good and solid writing and don't ask the audience to turn off their intelligence to let things slide.
This show, while not being the most aesthetic and with the highest cinematography, still has some rather memorable scenes, especially when it comes to showing us viewers how Shen Yi sees the world through his artist eyes. Those shots were so well done and really stuck with me.
Always speaking of the role of art in this drama, I just loved loved loved how they drew a connection between certain cases and the paintings Shen Yi was discussing with his class. It just gave Under The Skin that touch of something and showed once more the work and attention to detail the writers put into it.
And when it comes to the characters, it's no less well written. Although I did find some lacking with the supporting roles and I wish they weren't just treated as workers in the police bureau (we still don't know much about them, besides their names and roles in the workplace), the two male leads are perfectly fleshed out (albeit little is still known of their private lives too) and so is each protagonist of the case of the day. Some more than others, they are all written as individuals with flaws and motivations, substance and humanity (and all that being human means).
I really appreciated the work they did on Shen Yi and Du Cheng and how they managed to keep a balance with their most "extreme and strong" traits. It would have been all too easy to write them as caricatures instead of individuals, but the writers really did a good job in walking that fine line, making them as real and human as two fictional characters can get.
So Du Cheng isn't just a big man with a strong will that could have so easily turned into an arrogant captain and a bully, but he is dutiful, with a strong sense of justice, he is sensible and kind and deeply cares for the people close to him. Losing his mentor that way killed a part of him and it took him a long time to heal and forgive.
The same way, Shen Yi isn't aloof and inhuman, indifferent and blunt à la Sherlock Holmes or Sheldon Cooper, although he is as sharp and clever as both of them and could have all too easily become another caricature of a person with extremely high IQ, artistic talent and a dark past. He can be weird and a little awkward at times, but he remains approachable and gentle, reasonable and friendly.
To wrap this up, and as already mentioned in the title, Under The Skin is an underrated drama and a gem worth discovering that touches upon humanity and our society and doesn't shy away from depicting and denouncing its ugliest sides.
Highly recommend watching it.
- Mei
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Thrills, Chills, and Forensic Genius: 'Under the Skin'
I really enjoyed this drama! And I think it's definetly a gem amound Chinese crime dramas and also the start of my mini obsession with Tan JianCi lol. The aspect that makes this stand out the most is the way they solve the cases, using forsenic science. The focus on forensic portrait drawing is so well done, and really exciting. In a way to see how ShenYi will solve the next case is always so fun and exhilarating. The drama consists of multiple cases with no filler episodes all leading to the overaching case which involes both leads ShenYi and DuCheng. The other side character are also pretty memorable within the drama. At times, ShenYi seems like an absolute god that can solve anything lol and the music fits really well with converying and influencing emotions. I also think that ShenYi is kinda hawt lol. This drama does contain various triggering topics so be warmed before watching this, I think it's funny how this kind of thing scared me but I still wait it. I rate this a solid 9/10.Was this review helpful to you?
An artist solves crimes by drawing plus good friendship between the Leads
This drama has unique way of solving crimes never seen before in any other detective drama ,, the male lead is a brilliant artist also a very smart person who uses his creativity in his drawings to expose criminals and solve difficult crimes but he has mysterious past that wasn't ever revealed in the drama also he's some what lonely , polite and very calm not arogenate geniusthat's what I love about the male lead ,,he's not just a genius artist no he also a genius detective ,, psychological profiler and very polite towards people around him , he wasn't ever arogenate nor condescending as the other male lead
There are a lot of un answered questions in this drama about the male lead
like
was he an orphan ?? what is his background ?? they didn't mention but the incident that turned him in a detective artist and his teacher's case that's it
also the friendship was lacking alot and the director wasted so many good scenes to show proper friendship or Bromance
they are two detectives who are in danger most of the time and they save each other rather quickly then move on with no much of friendship talk scenes or caring scenes as if they were wrong to happen between them
but there were good friendship scenes towards the end nothing big just some jokes and ordinary friendship
also
The cases were really smart for the first half of the drama and really intriguing very fast paced ,, they didn't drag any case but they used too much time to confuse us in every case
this drama is one of the best detective chinese dramas and it's light with absolutely no romance to ruin it
I hope there is a second season for it
this drama will get you hooked from the start to finish but it has so many holes and rushed scenes unfortunately
but I recommend it to anyone likes friendship and unique detective drama
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This review may contain spoilers
ORIGINAL SYNOPSIS
What I like about this? Original story, different synopsis from any C-drama, Tan Jian Ci and collaboration of the casts, ordinary people with real contribution in life. One of good drama in 2022....trust me on this.1. Original story, different synopsis from any C-drama
Shen Yi (Tan Jian Ci) was still an art student when a man came to ask a drawing what a child would look like as an adult. He did so well that later caused the death of an undercover agent Lei Yi Fei. A young policeman Du Cheng (Jin Shi Jia) was raging mad of Shen Yi, he accused him for the cause of the death of his long-time friend and mentor. Out of guilt, Shen Yi accepted the invitation of Director Zhang of the Public Security Bureau and became a portraitist of the Interpol Team in five years later. By that order Du Cheng had to accept reluctantly Shen Yi to became a colleague with annoyance and uncooperative assistance toward Shen Yi’s drawing to solve cases, and the two became the “ticking bomb” in the team. The strange thing is that, no matter how hard Shen Yi tried of recall for a few years, he couldn't draw the face of the man who asked him to paint the child's photo. Eventually, Shen Yi helped out to uncover many mystery of crimes with his drawing including the biggest case of his involvement 5 years earlier.
2. Tan Jian Ci and collaboration of the casts
As a talented criminal sketch artist (Forensic Artist) he's a character that could translate details from witnesses at the crime scene, to make sketches that police and the public may use to identify and capture criminal suspects. Teaming with Du Cheng (Jin Shi Jia) was kind of frienamy - they knew they're depending to each other and respect their own field but because of mistrust and grudge, Du Cheng found it hard to get along with him. Lots time working solo, Shen jin forced to endure 'cold reception' from the team until proven to be successful. All the casts did well, Tan Jian Ci acted he's the real artist.
3. Ordinary people with real contribution in life.
All actors didn't have visibly make up like they're just ordinary people that doing their job well in real life; sweating, panting, running, angry, protest all done convincingly just like the real investigators.
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Binge worthy crime drama
This is a new take to crime dramas centered around a portrait forensic artist, instead of just a policeman. It gives the crime solving plot a different feeling, which was very refreshing. I love art myself, so seeing art used as a way to solve crimes is so intriguing. I don't know how much of this is real though. Maybe it's too exaggerated in some cases? I think they could have toned done how "genius" Shen Yi is with his portrait accuracy.Talking about Shen Yi, the actor Tan Jianci, did a really good job portraying his character that was mentally, psychologically scarred by a crime that changed his entire life. He had this baggage that I felt in his eyes. He acts with his eyes, and subtle facial expressions. One scene when he cried, a tear ran down his face. I actually felt the sadness. I am impressed. I've never seen any of his other works, so I'll be interested to watch more of him. It could be that this character finally gave him that break through. I'll give him a 10/10 on acting.
Du Cheng's character is the typical rash policeman, so nothing special about this character. I didn't feel Jin Shi Jia's acting, which was usually sprinkled with loud and exaggerated actions. hence why I dropped acting down from a 10. The reason was in his "sad expressions", when someone dies or some sad scene, I can't feel his sadness. In some scenes, he looked like he was smiling not frowning. The tip of his lip was supposed to angle downwards, but it twisted upwards a bit. His facial expressions seem hard and stiff.
The story started with the main "crime" that interweaved throughout the story and of course ended the series. It was well paced and told well overall. No major plot holes which are common in Chinese dramas. The lighter crimes sprinkled throughout the series had their pros and cons. I liked the high school crime story most because it had a sad theme around the whole situation, that feels realistic (except how Shen Yi got to the victim's portrait!). The small crimes were mainly there to show different situations of portrait forensic artist's job. At the same time, it built up the trust between Shen Yi and Du Cheng. Their character relationship development was built up in a well paced manner. I felt their bond, especially in life and death situations. It was believable.
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Good script
I have now watched a few Cdramas andI havent been disappointed . I knew who Tan Jiance was as he is a great talent in Cpop world his vocals are beautiful..Hes a dancer..a rapper and even sang "You
raised me up" in perfect English and another arrow to his bow he can act. I
thoroughly enjoyed this series..the acting was great..the storyline was well thought out.Tan played the part of a forensic profiler adept at sketching people's faces from descriptions given by the victims. I enjoyed it more knowing TanJ was in it so Im biased to watch it but overall the actors..
Scriptwriter..Director and the storyline made it a great series.
TanJ is also great in Lost you Forever..fantasy drama wbere he plays a not so pleasant vampire...
.
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Art importantance in crime
The individual cases were layer up until the last one making the audience comfortably enjoy the complexity of human nature and the unfortunate circumstances the victim and perpetrator ended up with. It shows human behavior and how art is used to show that as it not only identified suspects but was a vital part of Shen Yi and who he isShen Yi is a very perspective individual who noticed the little things that made breakthroughs in cases making him highly popular among the police force which for me made but likable with his empathetic nature toward others
There is character development as at first he is a little unsure of himself and his position but slowly warms up, especially with Du Cheng whose past is linked to him with a tragic event.
Du Cheng, I believe he is a great officer but at times reckless with his decisions endangering other's lives
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对剧情有个疑问？Have a question about the plot?
GOOD DRAMA. ENJOY WATCHING VERY MUCH. Will recommend to others to watch this stand.Have a question about the plot?
Why take out a picture of a child and hope he can draw what the child in the picture will look like as an adult? Since Officer Lei was investigating the case and hindered the criminal, the criminal should know his appearance. This was not elaborated upon.
为何需要拿出一张孩童的照片，希望他能画出照片上的孩童成年后的样貌？ 既然雷警官是在查案中，阻碍到犯罪人，犯罪人就应该知道他的样貌吧。 这点没有详细说明。
Xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx
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This review may contain spoilers
Disgusting moment about punish cat mowing!
warning! i rewatched that moment few times !in the 7th episode from 9:11 minute where cat appear close to painter , the cat is meowing and you can see that they (ppl) are pulling his tail ( behind the scene) provoking meowing ... because the cat wants to go / goes forward but they pull him back (it’s not literally visible with their hands but directly visible on the video by cats moves , that he drives back and obviously against his will ) .. it blocked all my emotions about this series! why torture animals? where did the director look when he controlled the shooting process ?! disgusting!
i tho Chinese respect animals and care about on movies also but seems not ...so i guess also no one animal protecting organization ofcoz didn't checked that or noticed if they even verify some content in video or better say if they pay attention to it in China...
so i can say ..that one's who's agreed about escenario in that way is an idiot , who's for money violet animals to make his movie look realistic !.. are computer technologies so better ya use them to make the sound close to the natural than make pain to the animal !
can't wonder how many cats/ animals was jus a toy in producers hands ? i can't even imagine ??♂️
my anger ofcoz not to all Chinese coz are normal who's love animals and protecting them but my anger to these ones including director producer who's agreed to violent them in his series ! ???
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Un petit bijoux à ne pas louper
Il y a comme chaque année des dramas qui passent allègrement sous le radar, parfois sous nos yeux pourtant aguerris. La multitude des sorties mensuelles n'aide pas beaucoup. Et il faut avouer que le succès des K-dramas dessert un peu ceux qui viennent de la Chine continentale, du Japon ou de Taiwan. C'est encore un bel exemple d'excellence qui sera peu vu. Peu apprécié. Peu partagé. D'où ma plume ici."Under The Skin" a comme originalité de nous parler d'un artiste talentueux devenu portraitiste pour la police. Je n'ai pas souvenir d'avoir vu ce thème traité jusqu'à présent. Et c'est aussi ce qui m'a attiré vers ce drama. Et c'est aussi un des points forts de cette série. Car ici, point de gribouillage brumeux tracé de loin par un acteur tenant maladroitement un fusain, essayant vainement de nous convaincre de sa soi-disante maitrise. Les portraits, les dessins, les peintures sont magnifiques et dégagent un réel talent, une densité qui plus d'une fois m'a ébahi. Les coups de crayon ont été filmé sous divers angles nous donnant le sentiment que Tan Jian Ci tient réellement le crayon (comprenez par là, dessinant lui même les sketchs). Les esquisses prennent alors vie sous nos yeux émerveillés.
Toute la subtilité de l'art est ici mise en valeur, comme un personnage principal qu'on aura mûrement donné forme. Presque amoureusement. D'une simple esquisse en passant par la sculpture, la peinture, le scénariste porte cet art au firmament, sublimant un simple visage en noir et blanc. Du grand art! Sans parler des explications de Shen Yi, ses analyses et observations fines mêlant techniques artistiques et psychologie humaine, je ne dirai qu'un mot. Merci. Merci de nous avoir offert ces dessins, peintures sublimes. Merci de ne pas avoir pris le spectateur pour un idiot.
Chéri qui n'a pas du tout la fibre artistique m'a suggéré à ma grande surprise "et si nous allions voir une galerie d'art?", c'est pour dire....
Mais il faut avouer que sans un excellent scénario, sans personnages charismatiques, le drama n'aura été une fois de plus qu'une simple série policière. Cela tombe bien, ce drama possède tout cela : scénario solide et duo addictif!
Je ne suis pas une grande fan de ces séries policières où les cas s'enchainent à chaque épisode (comme chez les états-uniens), voire tous les 2 épisodes, et résolus, brillamment ou pas, faisant avancer plus ou moins l'intrigue principale. Rappelez-vous de "The mentalist" ou "X-Files" (ah ma jeunesse....), séries US, qui bien qu'intéressantes avaient le défaut récurrent de nous faire miroiter une trame principale intense... au début et à la fin de chaque (nombreuse) saison. Seulement.
Vous n'aurez pas du tout ce problème ici, ou dans les dramas asiatiques en général. Bien que le vilain de l'histoire n'apparaisse pas de suite, ou que l'affaire ne fasse son apparition qu'ici et là, les cas que traitent nos deux protagonistes ont déjà l'honorable but de tisser un lien entre nos deux personnages, de créer l'inviolable confiance qui conclura la trame principale, mais aussi nous déverser cet art si méconnu sous toutes les coutures. Ou presque, car la saison 2 devrait nous en dévoiler encore plus. Ah saison 2...mais n'anticipons pas.
Chaque cas, bien que peu original, ce qui serait dur à moins de tomber sur des criminels imaginatifs et innovants dans la matière, est pourtant intense et émotionnellement chargé. L'intérêt de ces cas réside dans le fait que rien n'est tout noir ou tout blanc. Ce n'est bien sur pas la première fois que nous voyons des crimes qui renferment une bien triste histoire, une vitrine mensongère. Je pense par exemple au délirant mais non moins excellent "Sometimes when we touch" qui avait le même principe, nous conter une histoire d'apparence classique mais avec une arrière scène bien souvent différente et (bien sûr) d'une tristesse indescriptible. Des émotions comme la compassion, la tristesse mais aussi la colère et la volonté de voir à tout prix (mais en vain) ces crimes impunis nous envahissent face à ces êtres humains qui n'avaient que pour seule échappatoire : le crime, bien souvent le meurtre. Ou devrais-je dire de se défendre? Ce n'est certes pas excusable. Du moins pas au yeux de la justice. Mais aux nôtres? En ce qui me concerne, j'assume. Je trouve que ces coupables, au final un bien grand mot, ne sont que des humains luttant pour leur survie, sans être rarement entendu. Un geste de trop. Un geste qui les aura d'une certaine manière sauvé d'eux même.
Ce qui est intéressant est la place donnée à la morale derrière chaque histoire, un peu comme une fable, mais aussi cette interpellation qui nous interroge : Pouvons-nous juger la douleur des victimes? Pouvons nous criminaliser un acte de survie? Pouvons-nous punir des êtres au bord du précipice? Pas une seule fois, nos protagonistes ne se poseront en juge, ne faisant qu'après tout leur devoir d'avoir à trouver le coupable, mais à travers justement leur réserve à ce sujet et surtout leur écoute sincère, dévoilant au fur et à mesure des confessions, une nature humaine primitive et peut-être selon moi, nos instincts les plus naturels, bien avant d'être policé à l'extrême, une nature devenant ainsi dompté : un être civilisé.
Si je dois donc résumer ma réflexion : La société a été incapable de les protéger, ils se sont donc protégés. Peut-on toujours les considérer comme des criminels?
Un scénario intelligent, un thème intéressant et superbement réalisé. Que reste-t-il pour en faire un très très bon drama? Un duo de choc!
Loin, très loin du duo que nous conte régulièrement depuis des décennies les séries/films policiers, que cela soit au US ou ailleurs, "Under the skin" nous délivre un duo unique, rafraichissant et addictif. Si une certaine animosité se fait sentir dès le début, Du Cheng ayant pris en grippe 7 ans auparavant Shen Yi, leur relation va se développer, inévitablement, vers un respect réciproque et une amitié solide. Alors écrit comme cela, on va me dire "heu, oui mais encore?". La force de leur relation n'est pas le classique "je ne t'aime pas mais au final si", mais la façon dont les liens se tissent, et surtout l'attitude de Du Cheng et de Shen Yi. Ce dernier ne cherche pas la reconnaissance de Du Chen, mais à utiliser son art afin de faire avancer les choses. Ses regrets et sa mauvaise conscience suite à son "erreur" de jeunesse le poursuivent depuis 7 ans mais n'en font pas pour autant un personnage blasé et mal dans sa peau psychologiquement. Bien au contraire, nous sentons bien de sa part parfois sa détresse mais aussi son désir de résoudre cet énigme, Shen Yi continuera de briller par ses sourires, sa pensée positive.
Le protagoniste ne se dédouane pas et fera toujours face à sa responsabilité en essayant notamment de s'en souvenir par tous les moyens, même les plus extrêmes. Son attitude calme, pondéré (à la limite de paisible), respectueux à tous les égards gagnera rapidement la confiance de Du Cheng. Shen Yi, bien que talentueux, et ayant confiance en ses compétences ne cherchera nullement la gloire, se contentant de donner le meilleur de lui-même.
En face, Du Cheng ! Un officier de police comme on les adore, tel l'officier Zhang Cheng de "Reset" ou plus récemment l'excellent capitaine Luo de "Be Reborn", un officier de police loin de la brute colérique habituelle, du rebelle qui sort des clous procéduriers classiques ou du pitre de service cachant bien son jeu. L'intelligence et la sensibilité de Du Cheng nous le font aimer presque de suite. Réticent dans les premières minutes du drama, et après quelques (petites) tentatives d'isoler Shen Yi, Du Cheng n'hésite pourtant pas à l'inclure très rapidement dans ses enquêtes. Jamais haut et fort proclamé, son attitude respire la confiance et le respect vis à vis de son partenaire. Les petites piques d'humour et de complicité de Shen Yi sont à eux seuls révélateurs de leur amitié hors norme. Ni trop, ni pas assez, juste ce qu'il faut pour être accro à ce duo unique. Il faut souligner aussi que l'intelligence dont font preuve les deux protagonistes rendent ces enquêtes non seulement intéressantes, mais nous évitent les écueils habituels et frustrants des enquêtes ridicules, trop simples ou illogiques.
Si les personnages secondaires ne sont pas à la hauteur de ce duo, ils sont pourtant attachants permettant ainsi une dynamique dans l'histoire malgré leur courte apparition pour certains. Ils apportent cette petite touche simple d'humour, de tendresse ou de loyauté qui en font un drama plus léger malgré le drame de certaines histoires.
C'est donc un drama de grande qualité dont il serait dommage de passer à côté. L'intelligence et la forte alchimie de nos protagonistes combinées à une très belle réalisation sur un thème méconnu en font une série dont on ne s'ennuie pas une seule seconde. On sourit, on applaudit, on retient parfois sa larme, souvent son cri scandalisé.
Une saison réussie et maitrisée, le drama nous laisse entrevoir une saison 2, et c'est tant mieux!
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Coup de cœur !
Je ne souhaite pas m'étaler des heures parce que les critiques précédentes sont toutes si bonnes que la mienne ne ferait que pâle figure en comparaison. Cependant, je ne pouvais pas ignorer la page de Under the Skin, car il est mon premier coup de cœur de l'année.Je vais essayer de ne pas trop en dire. En réalité, j'ai déjà passé pas mal de temps sur la critique publiée sur mon site pour ne pas trop en dire. Et comme je n'aime pas faire de stupide copié/collé. Bref ! Sachez juste que cette review n'est pas à la hauteur de Under the Skin qui mérite mieux.
Le scénario était stupéfiant. On part d'un fil rouge qui va s'étirer tout du long, mais on va lui apporter de nombreux connecteurs afin de ne pas tomber dans une ambiance terne et monotone. Certains pourront avoir le sentiment qu'il manque quelque chose. Mais cela dépendra de ce que vous attendez réellement de ce drame. Une histoire pleine de suspense avec de multiples sous-intrigue et un aspect tranche de vie ou une façon différente d'aborder les crimes en se concentrant sur les enquêtes. Les cas sont traités d'une façon unique et fascinante - je suis fascinée en tout cas. De simples cas, on construit toute une intrigue autour et chacun étant en lien avec le travail de Shen Yi, le dessin. C'était incroyable d'ailleurs de voir les portraits s'esquisser pour prendre vie par la suite. Et les personnages ne sont pas en reste.
Le casting était parfait ! Tan Jian Ci était spectaculaire dans le rôle de Shen Yi. Il est l'image même de Under the Skin avec sa palette d'expressions maîtrisée et la façon dont il a abordé son personnage au fil des épisodes.
Jin Shi Jia incarne bien le flic un peu brut en surface, mais au cœur tendre et au bon fond. Le reste du casting était bon, chacun amenant du dynamisme quand il le fallait et où il le fallait.
L'image était bonne avec des couleurs prenantes. La palette de couleurs nous plonge dans une ambiance. La musique était très bien. Mention spéciale au générique d'ouverture.
Under the Skin était pour moi une fascination qui aura alimenté mes soirées avec passion - la rime c'est cadeau. J'aime les séries policières, mais rares sont celles qui vont me marquer de la sorte. Et c'est totalement ce que fait Under the Skin. Difficile de l'ignorer une fois commencé, difficile de l'oublier une fois terminé.
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棒极了！真了不起！
猎罪图鉴 para o meu gosto foi incrível do começo ao fim, realmente amei cada momento nesse drama. Foi ótimo acompanhar esses personagens e ver eles conseguindo descobrir quem estava por trás dos crimes anos atrás e ver eles dando um fim nisso.A frase do Shen Yi para o desgraçado lá foi impactante até demais, palavras certas ditas em momentos certos é uma arma poderosa. Du Cheng finalmente se libertando do passado e podendo agora descansar... Finalizaram de forma geral a história e ainda deixaram algo para uma provável segunda temporada.
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