I am not a big fan of time travel dramas but this one surprised me. Lin Bei Xing inexplicably travels back in time after breaking up with her fiancé. Thinking that this was her chance for a re-do, she jumps at the opportunity to alter her future fate so that she will end up with Zhan Yu. Coincidentally, Bei Xing was brought back into an alternate universe where a stranger dies by apparent suicide. Each instance of her time travel seems to end at this point and after subsequent visit back to the past or alternate universe, Bei Xing gets to know that stranger before his death.

Unbeknownst to Bei Xing, the stranger is a schoolmate of hers, Wan Sen, who has been in love with her for ages, but was too timid to approach her and can only look at her from afar. Bei Xing does not realize that Wan Sen has been by her side, protecting her while she was oblivious with her obsession with Zhan Yu. This drama is about letting go of the past, and you cannot change the future by spending your time wallowing in regrets. This show is bittersweet and give poignant reminders that we must live life to the fullest before it's too late.

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The four men that made up the four knights are easy on the eyes, but none of them except for the 2nd male lead had chemistry with the female lead. The beginning of the show was promising as it set up Hyun Min and Ha Won as the main couple, and their bantering was engaging. I shipped this couple until things suddenly turned 180 degrees and apparently Hyun Min has this repressed love for the 2nd female lead who takes the crown for the neediest person on the planet who doesn't have a clue when to get lost.

The middle episodes were slow and I wouldn't not have gone through the torture if it were not for my curiosity. The ending revelations came too fast and suddenly all loose ends tied up even forcing some relationships to rebound without rhyme or reason.

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It was kind of slow in the beginning, but it picked up quickly. The story about the publishing industry, the process of how a book gets made was really interesting, especially if you like writing and books, which I do. The May-December romance of a divorcee and her best friend did not blossom until towards the end, but I can't help but swoon over Lee Jong Suk's pining over his BFF. The struggles of the female lead Dan Yi of trying to get back into the workforce is heartbreaking but it is the realism of the drama that makes you want to root for her, even though she has to resort to a small white lie to get her foot in the door. Overall, this is one drama where I was invested in the fate of the main characters.

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The first half started out strong. I liked a lot of the characters (both main and supporting), then the FL Jin Mi started grating on my nerves. She blames all her actions on others despite apologizing for them and people keep making excuses for her. If she weren't the main FL, she would probably be the same as the villainous 2nd FL. It just depends on perspective. Surprisingly, I liked the good-turned-bad, illegitimate-prince-turned-heavenly-emperor the most. Run Yu is a very complex character and Luo Yun Xi delivers as the long-suffering, eldest brother who was always expected to do the right thing yet his step mother keeps assuming the worse of him. He's like Cinderella, if Cinderella were to exact revenge on those who hurt them. We can't all be perfect. I thought this drama would equal or even surpass TMOPB/EL but it suffered from being too ambitious on the back end of the story and it is no fault of the cast because most of them are amazing.

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The premise looked interesting as I liked the tropey, online/anonymous meet-cute between an idol and her fan. But the drama was bogged down by numerous factors. 1) The second story line between the supporting characters were cringey at best. I couldn't stand the woe-is-me outlook of Ma Shan Shan, and the annoying persistence of Su Bin Yu. 2) The love-triangle among the MCs and the SML is a no-contest, and unless you are okay with "Daddy" vibes, Ding Jia Yun just gave me the creeps. And the wardrobe they put on him didn't help matters, that he looked like a wash-down, trying-hard Elvis impersonator with sequined, sparkly, and leather clothes. 3) The rest of the supporting characters are one-dimensional and hardly worth noting. 4) The in-game sequences were cute at first but went overboard as the story goes along. Only positives I can see in this drama aside from the OST, is the cinematography. While there is chemistry between the leads, they were not enough to hold this drama up together.

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I truly enjoyed this forbidden love story. From the intricate plot, to the cinematography to the acting prowess. Deemed as the "rebellious" Zhou Sheng Chen, Ren Jia Lun was perfect as the emotionally-stunted Master/warrior. While Bai Lu played the mute heroine with controlled grace and avoided becoming the clingy damsel in distress. Both leads effortlessly portrayed the pining and longing between them with subtle yet impactful gestures as they maneuver the political climate that prevented them from acknowledging their feelings for each other. Other characters gave credence in their roles as support or as obstacle to the lead characters' journey. The twists and turns in this drama, that culminated in its ending, were so well-woven that the sequel to this was unnecessary.

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I have to admit that I had some reservations when I saw the trailer for this short film. Aesthetically speaking, I was unreasonably biased against the cast who did not fit the stereotypical male leads. However, since I am a fan of the production studio, Strongberry, and seeing Kain Guru's positive comment, I gave this film a shot.

Having lowered my expectations, I was pleasantly surprised at how this film elicited a range emotions from outright hilarity to tinge of sadness, as it was not a stereotypical happy ending.

Story: It is mainly about a guy's quest for a quick solution to his lack of sexual experience. His random, not-so-calculated search for the partner who would rid him of his dreaded virginity, lead him to his best friend who was nice enough to help out. Really funny scenes as the main lead struggles to find a guy who is ready and willing.

Acting: The chemistry between the main leads is palpable. Even though some of the cast looked off-putting, the realness of their portrayal propels the story of friendship and how far one goes to help out a friend in need. The banter among them and their individual characters became more endearing as the story progressed.

Music: Not much to talk about

Re-watch value: Short enough to replay again, especially for the hot scenes, but mostly because this film showcases
the strong bond among gay men with the same dilemma of finding the one who, not necessarily loves you, but at least a fantastic romp in the hay. This movie is also a story about missed opportunities, where there is a sudden realization, that the person who you have taken for granted, might actually be the one who can provide a source of happiness.

Overall, a fun and delightful short film.

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Yes, I know many people think this show is over-hyped with all the rom-com cliches that it could find. Sometimes, I listen to the keyboard critics (like when I passed on “The Heirs”), and sometimes I don’t (like I did in this instance). But I am glad I did not listen, not only did I find “King the Land” enjoyable, I found a newfound appreciation for Yoon Ah, whom I wasn’t really too keen on when I saw her last in “Love Rain.”

Are there other pairings with better chemistry than Jun Ho and Yoon Ah? Sure. But I will recognize Gu Won’s and Yoon Ah’s effort in portraying two people who couldn’t be more opposite of each other. One who constantly smiles as she sees the silver lining in every situation, and has the tenacity to tackle challenges despite setbacks. While the other has a persistent cloud over his mood, because of his mother’s mysterious disappearance that he sees as abandonment.

Despite his lack of emotional intelligence, Gu Won tries his best with what he can, and after meeting Sa Rang, he learns to become more attuned to the needs of others. I also loved how the rest of the cast contribute to Gu Won’s character development, from “The Six Siblings” to Sa Rang’s Grandmother, they all shape his world view that allowed him to develop programs that are considered progressive for his hotel business, treating his employees and regular customers as “kings” in their own right despite their status.

To say that this drama is without its flaws is a lie. Could the product placement be less ubiquitous? Yes. Could the drama use fewer tropes? Maybe. But in the end, when Sa Rang realizes that the genuine pleasure of serving people isn’t necessarily being in the most prestigious lounge serving top-tier customers but in the every-day common folk, do we see the fundamental principle of this drama.

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When I picked up this drama, I did not know the hype surrounding it. I just clicked because Cheng Yi is in it, though I was somewhat disappointed at first because it took me about 10 episodes to get used to Cheng Yi’s real voice. After overcoming that hump, it didn’t take long for me to be engaged in this intricate story about the once-glorified martial arts master becoming Sigu’s Sherlock Holmes. With unlikely side-kicks, Li Lian Hua traverses the pugilistic world, solving mysterious cases.

This is the third drama I’ve watched of Cheng Yi’s and he has proven again that he can definitely act. I loved how he portrayed Li Lian Hua’s brazenness with an ample amount of impertinence without coming across as arrogant. His comedic timing is impeccable without trying too hard. His facial micro-expressions were nuanced, but subtle. It was entertaining to watch him at work and the investigations were never dull.

For their part, both Joseph Zeng and Xiao Shun Yao delivered their roles respectively as Li Xiang Yi’s past rival and an ambitious wanna-be hero. It was funny to see how Di Fei Sheng stubbornly clings to their past conflict, to determine who is the best swordsman in the world, while begrudgingly admiring Lian Hua. Fang Duo Bing, on the other hand, is an over-eager neophyte trying to prove his mettle. Together, the three of them form an odd friendship that stands the test of time as they fight against the injustices of the world like the three musketeers.

The rest of the cast were not as memorable, but they were not one-dimensional and served their purpose. The major strength of this drama, aside from the trio, is the intricate plot. It’s thrilling but not too convoluted nor difficult to follow. Explanations brought forth by Lian Hua were plausible and not too farfetched. A drama that kept me on my toes and is not predictable is a plus in my books.

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How to rate a drama where the first part had me at the edge of my seat, while the second part almost lulled me to sleep? Hence my dilemma with Alchemy of Souls. I wasn’t sure where part two went wrong, or was it because part one was so amazing, it was hard to replicate the same excitement when I watched it?

The bad of Part 2:

- Though the leads are physically attractive, Jang Uk and Bu Yeon didn’t have the same spark as Jang Uk and Mu Deok.

- The pacing in this one dragged endlessly despite its short length. They spent more time wallowing than fighting.

- All this soul-shifting back and forth, like jumping from one body to the next, that defies the laws of fictional logic? How can the drama just explain away why in this instance, it’s okay to shift, but in that instance it’s not? I can’t keep up anymore with whose body belongs to which soul and whose soul is now inside which body.

- As for the secondary characters, it looked like everyone was just there for the sake of being there and going through the motions. You know which character that caught my interest? The god-damn turtle!

- And all the reminiscing. What’s the point? Am I supposed to believe that Jang Uk grew fond of Bu Yeon, because she’s Bu Yeon, or because she exhibits Naksu’s mannerisms and thoughts?

Part 2 Verdict: A shadow of Part 1. (8 out of 10)

Combined score: 9 out of 10.

Overall impression: Should have stopped at Part 1.

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This easily shot to the top of my favorite modern Chinese drama list, with my favorite actress in tow. Zhao Lu Si is nothing short of amazing in this romance where her character is crushing hard on her brother's best friend. If it were anybody else, the FL will probably come across as clingy and annoying, but she just does it with the right amount of sass.

First time encountering Chen Zhe Yuan in a drama but he's not too shabby himself as the doting big-bro type who is totally clueless in the love department despite his handsome looks since he's pretty focused on working to clear his father's debts. Of course, the difference in age while one is still a minor in itself is a tricky situation, when treated the wrong way. But we learn that Jia Xu does not even express any romantic interest in Sang Zhi until much later when the FL was in college.

I believe the drama made this distinction as clear as day to make all those accusations of pedophilia or grooming baseless. You can't accuse Jia Xu for encouraging Sang Zhi's affections when he is oblivious and does not even see her as more than a younger sister. The feelings of the FL has always been one-sided until they both got older and the show demonstrates this in several occasions.

In other aspects, the parents are not caricaturally cruel but had the appropriate amount of concern for their daughter's well-being as well as being supportive. There are no over-the-top characters and most are well-rounded. The pacing of the plot suited the narrative, and there was no blinding inconsistencies that I can think of. There was the right amount of fluff, angst, comedy and romance in this drama that I enjoyed watching it from beginning to end without touching the FFWD button.

Last but not the least is the swoon-worthy OST that I barely even notice in other dramas, but here, it serves as a delightful backdrop to Sang Zhi and Jai Ju's platonic-to-romantic journey.

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Story: Cat and Dog are actually people and not animals who chase each other around: one seeks pleasure outside of his supposedly-committed relationship, while the other seeks stability, but neither really getting what they wanted.

Acting/Cast: No acting prowess to speak of, but what can you expect from an adult entertainer.

Music: Nothing to write home about.

Rewatch Value: If only to figure out the logistics of how two men can fit in a small bath tub.

Overall: The film poses the question whether a “carnal connection can transcend into love?” And for me, the film does not answer this hypothetical query, and only serves to be gratuitous and self-indulgent.

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I wanted to only write one word about this movie: Terrible, but this site doesn't allow it, so I have to write about how terrible it is in more than 500 characters.

So what else should I say about it:

Story: Simple enough, two boys got the groove on.

Acting: Horrible. You can clearly tell they are just reciting the lines. Monotonous expressions.

Music: None to speak of

Re-watch value: Even 6 minutes was too long for this short film.


Watching a hamster go around in circles for 5 minutes would be more interesting than watching this POS.

And don't tell me that 6 min is not enough to do justice for a movie. Other equally short films have done better. "SummerDaze" is one example.

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I am not a feminist by any means but I do like dramas with strong female leads, and I usually stay away from ones where the FL’s sole purpose in life is to chase a guy around, which, thank God, this isn’t the case here. The premise where three down-on-their-luck women, who strive to succeed in a traditional, mostly patriarchal society, appealed to me, and this didn’t disappoint.

Only recalling her as “Mulan,” I was not exactly surprised by Liu Yi Fe’s acting skills. Crystal balances both elegance and determination as Zhao Pan Er, a business-savvy teahouse owner who has been jilted by her ex-fiance who ditched her for a more favorable marriage. Throughout the drama, Pan Er devices ways to bring this person to “justice,” although I wasn’t quite sure what the intention was behind this aside from getting her hands back on a highly sought-after painting that seemed to be left in his possession. Unless there was a legal contract binding Pan Er and Ouyang Xu together, I don’t see why he owed her anything else, except perhaps an explanation. Though he’s no saint in the beginning, I feel others didn’t need to show much malice towards him until later, perhaps when his true colors were revealed. (More on this later).

 

But no, she has to go to another city, dragging along with her three friends and hunt this guy down and demand some sort of reparation. Granted, the other two ended up in the same place may be coincidence: San Niang, floating in the water, after realizing she married a jerk, and Yin Zhang, shackled in her own house, because she married an even bigger a$$hole. So Pan Er’s duty, as the loyal and dedicated friend she is, to save both of them from their disastrous circumstances wearing a flowy cape.

She does all this while carrying on a mild flirtation with some guy named Gu Qian Fan, because you never know, she may need him in the future, even though she absolutely abhorred where he works/where he came from because of past events, that he had no knowledge of. Well, this worked in Pan Er’s favor because Qian Fan saved her ass countless of times. But she insists on repaying his kindness by rubbing her ex’s name in his face. Yes, yes, Qian Fan gets it: “We are just friends, and you’re just bitter, but I’m so okay with this because I’ve never seen another woman in my life who I don’t consider my mother or sister or the kitchen help. I just like coming here for the tea you brew.”

Now, speaking of brewing, this woman can sure brew. Pan Er can brew up several storms at the same time and still keep her skirt tidy. Competitors try to outwit, outsmart, outbid, outflank her, but Pan Er sticks to her guns, the ones that she keeps close to her breasts, I mean, chest. But she eventually loosens up around Qian Fan, because of course, he might prove useful on another occasion.

In the meantime, shady dealings are going everywhere else. It seems that somebody is out to get somebody by using somebody else who is, in turn, using someone else to their nefarious deeds. So everyone’s looking over their shoulder, especially Gu Qian Fan, who has to keep deflecting daggers out of his back. Meanwhile, Pan Er is also busy swatting flies, but does so with a curved pinky, so it’s not surprising that one vermin or two invades her life.

Qian Fan magically disappears from a few episodes, and Pan Er has a second string waiting in the wings. Her falling out with Yin Zhang also stressed her out, because she realizes her friend could do other things aside from playing the Pipa. It’s not entirely for show. (Although it looked liked, it really is). Pan Er realizes that she’s not the only one that Yin Zhang can rely on. She also has her scripted partner, because God damn it, everyone needs to be coupled up, whether or not they like it. It’s part of the story.

The only miserable people really are those who ended up single, like Ouyang Xu, who I still think was driven to madness by his own ambition, with a generous prodding from Pan ER. In the end, it was his desperation to survive in a world that heavily favors people who have a good social standing, that failed him. Ouyang Xu lost sight of his initial dream, which is to pass the imperial exam, so he can marry well. Perhaps, we would see a different story if Pan ER let him be. He could have probably led a decent family life with Gao Hui who genuinely liked him. His moral compass was broken anyway when he started doing questionable things. Like a cornered mouse, he didn’t see a way out except to resort to violence.

As the drama goes, this was way more interesting than I expected. The characters are not perfect but are multidimensional. The three women, in particular, have a natural character development that wasn’t contrived. There was an engaging plot and side arcs that didn’t feel too out of place, except perhaps for the gaping hole that Gu Qian Fan left with his absence towards the end. Acting from both leads were A+, and the rest of the cast were very good in their own right. The few times where I felt frustrated are when Pan Er displays some sort of self-righteousness. I’m not saying that women SHOULDN’T rely on men to be independent. Anyone could use some help, and still be successful in their own right, but just don’t dismiss it as if it’s ALL your effort. Give credit where credit is due. And it’s true what Qian Fan said or implied at one point, that being in a relationship means that you CAN depend on each other, that one didn’t need to take all the problems upon oneself. This does not make you weak. But other than that, this is a decent drama about female empowerment in a Class-based society, and can teach a thing or two on how NOT to be hoodwinked into a disastrous marriage.

 

 

 

 

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I was not so keen on watching multiple versions of the same story like I used to when I had more time, but this show came highly recommended. You may ask: aren’t most dramas these days rehashed works of the same story, using the same tropes and plot devices, but just used a different name or a varied setting, and you have the same old, recycled drama, only all jazzed up. But I digress.

This Japanese adaptation did not hold my interest at first. The characters seemed disconnected from each other. Especially off-putting was Risa’s character. I already knew going in that she would impersonate her best friend for her own selfish desires. One may also argue that she had Sato Ai’s permission to do so in the first place, and therefore, it was acceptable. But she continued the pretense without Ai’s knowledge, and she did not seem remorseful about it; that midway through the show, I put this on hold for quite some time.

Picking up a second time where I left off, the show fared better, but not by much. My impression of Sato AI has improved, especially with how she dealt with the obstacles and challenges thrown her way. Sosuke, on the other hand, remained just a pretty face. He had very little chemistry with Sato Ai and had more engagement with Takuya. Speaking of Takuya, I did not feel a strong Second-lead syndrome like I did with the original Korean drama, though no fault of the actor.

The revelation at the end was no surprise to me. Perhaps if I watched this first, I might have a different opinion about this drama. There’s very little difference between the two titles, except this is less angsty and shorter, of course. What this Japanese version did better for me was the portrayal of female friendships. Perhaps due to its length, this show wasn’t able to explore much else. Nevertheless, it’s a decent copy of the original. 

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