Parts of this movie remind me of when I lived in Japan with one unseen neighbour allegedly being from an old established Yakuza family. His place was like a miniature castle that took up a whole corner of the street!

Also, a colleague dated a Yakuza guy briefly, but didn't find it threatening in anyway nor did she ever feel she was in danger. And unlike some things we had heard he had no missing finger. In saying that, another person I knew had a girlfriend from Europe go missing not long before her visa was about to expire - never to be found. She was working near a place called Rappongi as an escort so likely for the Yakuza (unorganised). She was an escort that served drinks and chatted nothing more - not anything R rated.

That was a really sad situation because her boyfriend (my friend) wouldn't give up and was persistent with the police about it for years and years, but just had no luck with them or finding her.

There are a number of missing foreigners in Japan - even murdered ones, like Lucie Blackman, only not all are mass media news stories or reported in anyway.

Anyhow, back to that nearby neighbour of mine, for some time I thought it was just an unfounded rumour about him because I only ever saw delivery drop offs every now and then when I passed by that way to and from work - nothing else.

You know the scene where one of the Yakuza guys wears sunglasses in that little restaurant and it is night time - I think it is a Yakuza thing. I was coming back from work late one night when I spotted a group of men all dressed in immaculate suits standing outside that neighbour's gates with about 3 -4 limousines (shaded windows) or Cadillacs. Expensive cars. Most were smoking and all wore sunglasses. I was literally crapping myself because they could have easily taken me if they wanted and made sure I was never seen again. I knew at that exact moment they definitely were Yakuza without a doubt. I was so nervous as there was no way I passed as Japanese so all I could do really was keep my head down, not say anything and quickly walk through them to get home and hopefully not gain too much unwanted attention. Not that they could miss me! I do recall some looked really young which surprised me. I did get a few cold hard stares I reckon because one turned in my direction and I could feel the intensity of being somewhere I probably shouldn't have been at that moment, but noone approached or hassled me. It was obvious something must have happened for them to be there so late and dressed like that - we (Japanese friends and I) worked out that there may have been a death among them, but who knows?! As the family name was on the gate near the mail box one friend looked for death notices under that name, but came up with zilch.

That is another thing - security cameras weren't so common in our area, but that place had them, also, he had a huge swimming pool which was uncommon as well. I don't think security cameras were so widely used back then when I think about it, but I could be wrong.

Guns weren't really an issue in Japan when I was there nor things like petty theft or mugging, but I didn't really work or live in bad areas if they did exist. I do remember mushrooms and other hardcore drugs starting to circulate only drugs really weren't so big back then either- they were obtainable, but not a massive problem like how we see it in Western countries.

This film touches on the years I lived in Japan if it starts in the late 1990s and onwards.

When I was there anyone with tattoos was banned from using the gyms and swimming pools because tattoos were associated with the Yakuza, also, believe it or not permed hair for some reason. Gangster hairstyle maybe.

I was told old Yakuza families belonged to organised crime and newer individuals belonged to unorganised crime - each different from the other.

Just wanted to share my experience because of this movie triggering certain memories even though what I saw or experienced with the Yakuza was just in passing whereas living in Japan was not.

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Kill Or Be Killed...or not!

So far - so good!

Episode one paves the way whereas episode two gives us some background and a bit of context as to how Jian comes under her uncle's care before his apparent suicide when she is older.

There are some truly wicked scenes like when she (older) is finding "blind spots" when being targeted by a hit man in episode one, the scene where she (child) is hanging off a pipe or pole under the window of their upstairs apartment showing how quick she is to think and act in order to survive even at that young age (ep 2), also, when she crawls in to the morgue space to discover quite by accident her mother's dead body lying there yet stays quiet and calm knowing there are "bad men" trying to hurt her (ep 2).

Resilient in survival mode at its fullest.

There are other scenes too that are just as good - like when it goes back to the start in episode 2 with the hitman and dealing with the drones, also, the relationship development between Jian and her uncle which has some humourous and serious moments.

Not sure just how graphically violent or gruesome it will get as it goes on, but there is one scene (ep 2) where it seems like someone is hacking off the arm of her "uncle's friend" that had gone to her family home to either get her or protect her.

Her "uncle's friend" seemed quite young and good looking so it wasn't great knowing his likely fate. Never know!

Am ready and revving for the next episode...

It is really good right until the end!!!

If I was to complain about anything it would be about some of the flash backs used which are overused to clarify something, but it doesn't subtract too much from the experience.

Also, I kind of predicted something about one person from the very start so wasn't surprised when that person's true colours shone right through when they did - sad for me though as I kind of had a soft spot for them.

Highly recommended!!!

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Broke Me!

19/01/2023

Love Between Fairy and The Devil awakened me, Ashes of Love totally broke me and Love and Redemption brought me much needed relief and healing.

Taken from Netflix:. "Hidden away by her mother, the Floral Goddess, the naïve Jinmi is drawn to Xufeng, the Heavenly Emperor's son. Yet forces conspire against them."

So, the story more or less is about XuFeng and Jinmi and what others do to keep them apart to never be together no matter what it takes or what is at stake.

And this is all done in the Heaven, Demon and Mortal realms (that order) with so many episodes dedicated to each realm starting with the Heaven realm.

It took me awhile to get into this series and I had to re-watch the first 20 episodes to appreciate the lighter side of it before it got so so so heavy.

Once it hooked me in there was no point of return, however, so I enjoyed each and every moment of it, but especially the human realm and final arc.

The scenes I liked the most were the tomb, puppet show, the betrayal and killing of the "Phoenix", the death of the demon princess's true love, the demon realm wedding and the humour throughout the earlier episodes.

What I didn't really like was the person who betrayed the Phoenix the most so I still find it hard to forgive!

Also, before I forget, Jinmi's character mightn't be for all. I had no problems with her though.

However, moving forward, I don't think I'd opt for any drama series with females depicted as weak and helpless unless it is a baby or child

What else can I say?

Oh yes! I didn't know what my life was missing until I watched all three above, but especially Ashes of Love and Love and Redemption.

Also, since watching these and a handful of others, I have come to the realisation that I prefer dramas with less angst or drawn out build ups to relationships - so for me romance or love is not the main priority, but rather the story telling.

Give me a great story with lots of action, drama, adventure and fight scenes anyday with strong male and female characters!

If you are a person who has watched several dramas, unlike me, either you will be use to 60+ episodes and therefore forgiving of the imperfections and slow burns with some of them or maybe not willing whatsoever because you prefer substance in the first 5-10 episodes as anything beyond that is a waste of time.

Also, if it is a cliched story line it will not be tolerated either.

I reckon this drama series deserves to be given a chance because it does have a great story line and fantastic cast plus the main theme song throughout it takes it to a totally different level.

On hearing that song again when rewatching those first 20 episodes made me feel so sad with this feeling of foreboding. I actually had this knot inside my stomach because I knew what was to come...

I will say that a few series after this one I watched IMMORTAL SAMSARA which has the same female actor cast in the main role of that one only I stopped two episodes short of episode 38 as the story wasn't the greatest at all for me. Giving it a chance was wrong! The actor, Cheng Yi, was superb in it and well worth watching, however, the story for me was quite boring.

Ashes of Love comes highly recommended and is re-watchable, but may not be for everyone especially if some have 200+ dramas under their belts that are flawless and A+ dramas.

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Tidal Wave Of Blood & Gore!

19/01/2023

A group of prisoners being transported on a ship escorted by police officers, break free, only to unwillingly meet their maker due to everyone's worse nightmare lurking below deck who escapes as well...

There are some pleasant looking faces among some of the prisoners, ship crew, and police officers only...an hour in, most of them are goners including one or two of the main characters. However, it is great to see an elderly inmate make it as far as he did as in most movies he would have been the first to go or not too far behind.

Faces, in some cases, that were completely obliterated beyond recognition I might add.

I actually worked out something about 10 to 20 minutes into the film that was the case in the last 30 minutes or so.

Just so you know there is a lot of violence, blood and gore that never stops once it starts and that is from about 10-15 minutes in.

Expect rather brutal scenes that are quite graphic and disturbing.

If you after a movie that doesn't have an original story line, but is still full of action and gore then this is the right movie for you.

Seo In Guk did an awesome job as a twisted sadistic Psychopath - the tattoos on him were something else as was his violent outbursts and killing for the sake of killing.

Jang Dong Voon was exceptional as well in the role he played as was most of the cast!

If you want two hours of gruesome no need to be analysed entertainment this is highly recommended!

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Everyone Needs An Ashile Sun!

10/01/2023

I went into this after watching a number of other good CDramas with little expectations except that I didn't feel Lu Wei was right for the role and that perhaps someone else should have been chosen.

I thought he wasn't good looking enough, too scrawny and not old enough to pull off such a strong character like Ashile Sun and I knew nothing about Ashile Sun other than that he was like a nomad or warrior from the grasslands.

And I am not the only one that saw it this way from other reviews I have read on different platforms, but at least there aren't many.

Glad to say I was proven wrong!

Dilraba was okay, but unfortunately I didn't take to her at all.

The story, more or less, is about how a demoted Tang Princess set on vengeance ends up saving the Tang Dynasty from falling into enemy hands as overtime she comes to realise there is far more at stake than just her own personal vendetta.

The outro song eventually grew on me as did the music throughout each episode.

I enjoyed all of the males in it and the youngest princess, but I really liked the characters of Mu Jin, Yaro, Ashile Sun, Sher and Hao Du.

I have probably watched this 3 times back to back so it is most definitely likeable and re-watchable. There is not really one episode that is boring and the pace is just right!

From episode one it is exciting with the horse chase scene on to the bridge from the very start and that phenomenal Cuju game between the Tang and Ashile players.

In episode 5 we have a bit of a laugh when Ashile Sun discovers Channge isn't a male and is slapped hard even though he is blind folded.

And in episodes 15 and 16 it is a pivotal moment when Channge learns a certain home truth about Ashile Sun.

One of the best scenes I have ever watched in any movie or series comes at the end of episodes 24 and start of episode 25.

If you want to see real acting at its best I'd highly recommend watching the above.

In comparison to Lu Wei's character in Love Like The Galaxy (Ling Buyi), in the "uncle massacre scene", Ashile Sun wins hands down when it comes to "losing the plot." He is far superior!

Not sure why Lu Wei didn't do the same justice for LLTG although it wasn't a complete mess.

What else?

I appreciated that Ashile Sun was more honest and direct which is what I like in a person just in general so I found his character had more depth than Ling Buyi did in LLTG. Ashile Sun saw the bigger picture whereas Ling Buyi was all about vengeance no matter what the cost!

And whoever filmed some of the scenes in The Long Ballad should be given an award because some of the angles and shots were spectacular to a fault like the fight scenes and that Cuju game.

Some excellent filming - my kind of filming!

I know there are some that didn't take to TLB because it lacked romance, but to me that was an added bonus because the story was what I was in it for not a drawn out cliched triad situation or love between a couple that takes 59 episodes to manifest in full.

There is definitely love scenarios in this, but it isn't suffocating like it is in some CDramas. Yes!!!

That aside it is indeed a well told story that isn't too light or depressingly heavy and each episode has something going on.

I'd highly recommend this series for the story and a well told story at that where you will be drawn in by most, if not all, the characters and like each and every one of them!

This will probably remain in my top 5-10 for life!

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Touch Of Mad Max!

There is quite a bit of action, a number of fight scenes and even one car race challenge that ends lives if mistakes are made or the driver is in the firing line of hunters.

The idea of delivery men in a dystopian environment didn't really do anything for me, but as I had nothing else lined up I thought I'd give it a shot and am glad to say I have no regrets.

There always seems to be good and bad guys in this type of genre so it is a bit of a cliche - I was crossing my fingers for something new to be brought to the table or an original twist and this didn't do too badly.

One of the main actors in this 6 episode series is also in The Heirs and is a bit of a kick a$$ character in Black Knight as well.

If you want a fast paced action filled series with a decent enough story line then this might be for you.

All I will say is I really enjoyed this one as it had 1% romance!

Re-watchable for some like me!!!

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Frighteningly Disturbing In Parts!

18/01/2023

I am only five episodes in which makes it two left out of seven only the rest is yet to be released over the next 2 weeks.

A police officer, Agawa Daigo, moves into a small village, Kuge, with his wife and daughter replacing the former police officer, Kana, who has disappeared. It seems a well known local family, the Gotos, are dangerous people to mess with not to mention something doesn't feel right with the place at all especially after the body of Goto Gin is discovered in the woods after a "bear attack" and accusations of cannibalism is thrown in for good measure...

The only member of the Goto family that isn't crazy it seems is Keisuke Goto.

There are some really cool scenes like the bear attacking Daigo on the mountain, Mashiro's encounter with "That Man", the finger in the box, all the freakish adrenaline rush moments Daigo has with the Goto family, the car in the tunnel incident, the man with the half eaten face, the bodies and skeletons when discovered...

There a few minor things that irked me a little bit like one police officer taking on 4 to 5 family members with weapons by himself, a little girl wondering off in the middle of the night in a strange place and the directness of the Gotos or how impolite they were even if in a rural environment. For anyone to be so outspoken or to talk about a woman like they did of Daigo's wife so openly in public was distasteful and not something that would commonly occur in Japan where everything is usually quite indirect.

Not the Japan I remember anyhow unless it has changed a lot!

I have to say the Kuge villagers themselves are really weird and episode four has this vibe like: "The Wicker Man" or "The Lottery" coming up soon on Festival Day.

And now that I have seen Episode 5 it seems there might be a slow build up to that festival in which a "human sacrifice" might be the flavour of the day as it has been a tradition for one or two centuries.

The story is gripping until around the end of episode 4, the music is eerie, the thematics are on point, the cast is believable and the cinematography is outstanding, however, more and more it has this Twin Peaks feel or something similar to The Wicker Man, The Lottery and The Ritual.

21/01/2023: Additional Comment-

I reckon this could be turned around a little bit if they added a twist like Agawa's wife being an original villager or something and I'm wondering if they will do something like that - as in add in an unexpected twist.

Back To Original Post: 18/01/2023-

Highly recommended for the gory graphics and adrenaline rush moments, but about half way through, the story itself, loses originality and becomes similar to a number of others.

It doesn't make it terrible or bad to watch - just not original.

04/02/2023-

I have now finished watching it and although there is no real "twist in the tale" the last two episodes aren't too bad.

We find out more about Keisuke Goto and his younger brother and how they tie into the man with the half eaten face, also, a little more about Gin Goto (grandmother) and what she has in common with "That Man".

Just so you know season one ends on a cliff hanger or open ended ending which can be interpreted in two ways:

1) S2 is needed to tie up the cliffhanger in S1.
2) It is up to the audience to decide which way the wind blows when it comes to Agawa Daigo and his family as well as the Gotos and the Kuge Villagers.

Agawa Daigo is left facing "That Man" and his wife and daughter are left in the hands of one of the Gotos that isn't as sane as Keisuke.

The only silver lining in it all is that Agawa Daigo isn't all alone with what he knows about the Gotos and Kuge, however, it doesn't mean what he knows can save him...or will it?!

Background: Agira Yura (Agawa Daigo)-

The first time I ever saw Agira Yuya was in the film Nobody Knows back in 2004 when he was a beautiful looking boy taking on the role of Akira Fukishima.

Now is my second time ever watching him in a movie or series only at first I didn't recognise him until I thought his face looked familiar at certain angles.

Unfortunately, for Agira Yuya, his whole life changed because of Nobody Knows and not in a good way. He ended up turning to drugs in order to cope and at one point even gained a lot of weight which made him quite unrecognisable. In addition, he married young and had a daughter only months after being wed that became his saving grace.

Since then he has sorted his life out and is still married to the same woman he fell in love with at first sight!

I'm glad he was able to turn his life around and didn't end up wasting away to nothing.

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01/03/2024 (March).

I really enjoyed this drama as it was fast paced and interesting, but it did have its minor flaws like seriously injured fighters being able to fight later the same day or the next with very little recovery time. Not plausible in that sense at all. I, at least, can live with that as I suppose only so much can be done in a one hour episode with 16 in total.

Have to say this series was really well done - I didn't find it confusing nor did I find the music a problem at all.

The bromance, friendship and bond between Hwi and Seon-Ho was truly awesome so it was a bit disheartening to watch such a deep friendship deteriorate somewhat. I actually believe their friendship suffered significantly when Yeon really truly died - not before.

I really wonder had Yeon survived would both have made different choices.

As for Yeon, she was the light in both Hwi's and Seon-Ho's lives. When she was killed it caused Hwi and Seon-Ho to seperate for a number of years - during this time both followed different opposing paths in their pursuit for revenge on her behalf as well as fighting for a cause (opposite sides) that put their lives on the line as well as the possibility of fighting one another to achieve it.

Hwi at first wanted revenge more than anything only this changed later on when he saw several innocent people slain because of him and the Prince whereas with Seon-Ho revenge was a top priority, but also rising high in status and power so as to make a difference in the world.

It is understandable why they fell out, but such a shame as they were such good friends and for years.

Furthermore, Seon-Ho may have made some questionable decisions, but more or less it was because the choices he was given were either bad bad or the worse case scenario. e.g. Death.

What was never truly broken, however, was the strong bond between both friends.

SPOILER ALERT!

I appreciate the scene in which Hwi got to thank Seon-Ho for protecting him and also letting him know he was sorry for not seeing his friend's pain because of being so consumed in his own anger. Also, when Seon Ho told Hwi more or less that he looked too far ahead and too far up yet when he finally looked behind him he saw Yeon and Hwi there - just one step behind him was "his country", also, that he wished he had seen it sooner.

It took all their trials and tribulations for Seon-Ho to fully realise that what was most important in his life above wealth and status were his childhood friends who were more than that - they were his family, blood, lifeline and whole world.

Before I forget - I have to acknowledge the trio that supported Hwi and the one guy that stood by Seon-Ho right to the end, however, for the most part Seon-Ho was all alone in what became an insufferable existence for him. So, to see him and Hwi reconcile near the end of this drama after being apart for so long and to fight their last fight together against the real enemy was quite fitting for this soul connected duo - even if bittersweet.

On an end note - I would really have liked the last scene to have been something like Yeon meeting them in the afterlife as well as all three graves side by side phasing out to blackness.

ALL THE ACTORS WERE ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!

I liked both Yang Se-Jong and Wu Du Hwan and couldn't imagine anyone else doing their roles.

WOO DU HWAN:

I just want to say that Woo Du Hwan is one of the best male criers I have ever seen on screen among other emotions.

Have seen him in Bloodhounds and now this one - he does both characters justice.

His range is a wow factor whether happy, sad, angry, vengeful, surprised, caring and in emotional turmoil.

When Yeon died I found Seon-Ho's tears more impactful than Yang Se-Jong's (Hwi) for some reason, as well as his internal pain, conflict and suffering. One could have easily believed that he was her real brother because of how he reacted to her death and the silk phoenix embroidery design she left behind in her room. He was that convincing! Mind you, Woo's character, Seon-Ho, was a brother to her just like Hwi and he protected her just as much even at the risk of his own life. But when she died - it was his crying that caused me the most sadness because it felt so real plus I knew that his burden was the heaviest one to carry... and all alone.

This drama had realism to it that some historical dramas just don't have at all.

Totally recommended plus it is something that can be re-watched even though it does have a sad and tragic ending. AAA+++

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18/02/2024

As it is around 1 hour and 40 minutes or so it isn't like it has depth compared to a drama nor has full on character development, but it is still good nevertheless.

Arthur Chen looks a little different in this compared to Lighter and Princess and Ever Night - more so than Ever Night.

I liked him in L&P and grew to love his character in Ever Night and wish he had done Season 2 instead of Dylan Wang. But things were not meant to be...

Yesterday Once More has a Ground Hog day feel to it so expect it to be in line with dramas like: Reset. What I mean by that is - being caught in a time loop or point in time (past) with a chance to either change it or fix what wasn't right so that the future alternates for the better.

This movie is fine as movies go, but I prefer Athur Chen in dramas.

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06/02/2024 (Feb).

It is a very good series!

Have read a few reviews in different places and was under the impression Lee Ha Min committed suicide because he couldn't handle the jibes or little put downs said to him by others. Far from the truth!

It was a combination of factors including the snarky remarks, but it was mainly because of his mother and the continuous pressure she put him under to fulfil her dreams - far too controlling and over the top.

Not sure why some feel some of the actors were unnecessary or stiff, but I was actually fine with each and every one of them although the main female lead looked a bit older than the others and was perhaps a bit too short and on the plain side. Also, that "fake smile" - a bit too much.

I understand why her character felt guilty and carried such a burden for years, but she should never have said what she said in the first place if she was going to regret it! She knew she was what kept him afloat yet called him:

" A coward.".

Wrong decision and a mistake on her part.

Unfortunately, it was the last straw I reckon next to what his little brother blurted out - it wasn't her fault or anyone's really, but it was his undoing.

Early on I wondered if she was meant to be back there for a reason - like for the younger brother and as it turned out it seems I was right. She may not have been able to save Ha Min, but at least she could do that with Jae Min.

This series has two stories going on at the same time - one in the past and one in the present. The one in the present involves Lee Ha Min's younger brother attending the same high school, his demons and his "love interest", also, Han So Mang as a trainee teacher back at the same school unable to move on from the past.

Mostly everyone is still dealing with the aftermath of Ha Min's suicide even though it is years later.

I think sometimes it is a very selfish act because the ones left behind have to live with the loss, regret, guilt, anger, grief and most times - unanswered questions.

Well worth watching! AAA+++

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04/02/2024 (Feb)

It is a good story overall, but quite sad.

Somewhere in China a violent older husband, his young mute wife and two daughters suddenly turn up at an isolated village on a mountain to live - only 6 months later he accidentally dies in a dynamite explosion set to kill badgers.

As the story unfolds we get to understand how he actually ended up being married to her and what happens after his death as the real truth unravels bit by bit.

Some really don't have a chance or fair shot at life - it is made worse when that choice is taken away from them because of being so vulnerable, too young or taken advantage of by people that have no conscience.

Would highly recommend!

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Based on a true story...

If you have ever watched HOPE this is along the same lines as that story only it is an ex convict's abuse towards an entire family of three. The "sexual abuse" occurs more or less after he grooms the 7 year old, I suppose, and has her parents hanging by a thread with all his threats and taking over their household.

Remember this is a movie not a drama series so don't expect it to be so in-depth.

We don't see a lot, but enough to know exactly what is going on. No problems for me there!

Good luck to finding this in English!

The main male lead that played the part of the ex con in this one is in a number of other movies and series including "What Happens To My Family" - he looks so different in this one in comparison to the cold faced son (doctor) he played in the other one. Not as handsome for some reason.

But it does show what a great actor he can be - and he is!

I was so hoping it wouldn't be him as the "baddie" doing the damage, but rather the "baddie" coming to the family's rescue like the pawn shop owner in "Man From Nowhere"

Nope!

Great watch, but not as gut wrenching as HOPE.

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Kindred To A Time Called Us!

January 2024
07th/8th

I liked ALMOST everything about this drama except:

a: The casting of one of the main female leads despite the fact she has always been amazing in other drama series. Had always hoped to see her in a main role - just not as a high school student.

b: The music on the most part is okay - maybe just a few songs were better than okay. Really loved the bass and guitar battle! I was really hoping for music that stays with you for a long time after - nope!

c: Didn't appreciate Eric Clapton's "Tears In Heaven" song referred to as a "chick magnet" - like it is a "romantic love song" or something.

It could be that the translation was incorrect and hoping that is the case.

It isn't a love song in the sense that someone's heart is broken by someone else (romance) - it is a song about the loss of someone deeply loved (Clapton's son) and them being in heaven.

d: The son in 1995 (from 2023) should have spent more time with his mother rather than the girl from 2023 - there were times she really could have done with his intervention and he just wasn't there.

Even his "dad" more so than the 2023 teen female, but I do get that they were both there for a reason.

What I did LIKE:

a: Seeing what would happen and develop between the "mother and father " in 1995 more so than the 2023 teens.

b: The bromance and friendships.

c: The story with it being similar to "A Time Called Us" with the time travel and trying to change the past to save someone in the future or future for the better only "Twinkling Watermelon" wasn't as dark.

Highly recommended! A+

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Am not going to go over what this film is about as that has been covered in full quite adequately.

What I do want to say is this - in some entitled first world countries there are certain privileges and freedoms some of us take for granted, a number of us want want want or need need need and unfortunately we get so caught up in our own selves most of the time, that we don't always pay attention to what is happening in less fortunate countries or countries that are totally divided - like South Korea and North Korea.

This film may be fictional and not so new anymore, but it is likely based on elements of truth when it comes to what might happen when someone betrays their country.

As far as I'm concerned everyone should have the freedom of choice and not be made to pay the consequences for wanting something different especially if it is the opposite of oppression or not conforming to one way of thinking that is narrow.

Life is meant to be lived and it should be lived to the fullest yet some are denied this basic human right just for being born on the wrong side of the border and in a totally restrictive country.

"Secretly, Greatly" will likely be in my top 10 Korean movies for life!. AAA+++

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28/01/2023

Had no plans to watch this at all, but ended up binge watching it over the last few days.

All 40 episodes!!!

I give this a thumbs up of approval!

More or less this series is about three kids, two boys and a girl, brought together in their childhood as a "blended family" due to different losses and what happens to them from childhood through to graduation, then the next 10 years or so with all the sagas, joy, heartbreak, absence and experiences between themselves, friends and family.

It explores the strong bonds of *family ties" as well as what loving or toxic relationships can be like, also, what happens when secrets are kept or the truth isn't told like it should be early on rather than decades later. Unfortunately, sometimes children are overlooked when it comes to grief, neglect, domestic dysfunction and their emotional well being.

Also, this is about what can happen when relationships change to something more than just friendship...

The child actors were fantastic in this series as were the three acting as "siblings" when older - they were so believable in their roles as high school students then as adults in their careers as a dentist, cake chef and sculptor.

The brother and sister relationship was done to a tee!

I have to say the whole cast did an amazing job of bringing this to life with their characters and stories so not one episode was boring for me.

Only a little bit annoyed me like the *sister" making a stand about being her own person and not needing anyone, but a few episodes (few times) after that she throws tantrums, cries and sulks around her "brothers" like an annoying 5 year old.

So much for being strong and capable, but other than that it was still excellent on the whole as that side of her occured in small tolerable doses.

The main theme song became one I liked more and more each time it played only I could have done with more episodes not just 40.

There are a few funny moments I really enjoyed like:

a: Li JianJian's first day of high school.
b: Li JianJian's heartless acts towards Zi Qui when he first came into her life - like being mean to him and packing his suitcase and throwing it down concrete stairs because she didn't want him living with her and her dad at the grand old age of 7 or 8.
c: Ling Xiao always keeping the other two in line with no problem disciplining either.
d: The mischief relationship between Li JianJian and Zi Qui which often lead to trouble.
e: The time Zi Qui had to sleep with Ling Xiao so that his aunt could have his room only Ling Xiao told Zi Qui that he should sleep on the floor in which Li JianJian pipes up saying that she would quite happily sleep in the bed and he can sleep on the floor as she was already on the floor next to them on a mattress. He responds to her : "Why are you here anyway?!" She didn't want to be left out it seems and didn't trust her "brothers" not to talk behind her back.
f: Ling Xiao telling Li JianJian in 12th grade he would marry her if she was brain damaged from all his head whacking.
e: The elevator and kitchen scenes between Li Xiao and Li JianJian as adults.

As the series progresses there aren't many funny moments like that as it does become more of a drama and especially once the boys return from abroad.

One moment in episode two made me open my eyes a bit. It was when Ling Xiao's father talked about what happened to him and his wife when they decided to keep their "second child" - like her losing her job and him being demoted in his job. Also, in a later episode there was a "moment" when Li JianJian's dad saved Zi Qui from a life of being worked on a farm (child labour) because of coming from a poor family.

Child labour should not be happening in any country!

Seeing how "broken" the boys were in their adult years despite having a wonderful man in their lives (Li JianJian's dad) was also heartbreaking to observe, however, it was truly understandable. In part, their overseas experiences contributed to that "damage" as well not just their childhoods.

Actually, maybe that isn't quite true - their time abroad added more and more to the internal conflicts and past insecurities simmering inside of them only with one of the "brothers" it was perhaps more Psychological and detrimental Mentally.

Secrets shouldn't be kept, the truth should not be hidden from those closest to you and real open communication is important even if it hurts.

This series is highly recommended and is one I will revisit with no issues whatsoever!

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