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Pleasantly surprised
I wasn't too sure what to expect with this show - iQiyi originals can sometimes be a bit questionable and these were two actors I hadn't seen before. Their chemistry is so good, you can tell the actors are close friends in real life. The NC scenes were very well shot and there was no awkwardness whatsoever, UpPoom really set the bar high for more iQiyi originals!Honestly, the plot was very far fetched and rather confusing but that might just be me forgetting what happened episode to episode as I watched it as it was released weekly. I got used to all the flashbacks and things after a while - I've seen other shows before where there was body/soul swapping and reincarnation so it wasn't too bad but this is probably a bit too out there if this is the first show you are watching with this type of plot.
Some of the storyline was a bit concerning (the kidnapping, Joe 2.0 getting hired by Ming, etc) but I like shows that aren't all sunshine and rainbows. I actually like that Joe forgave Ming, they did truly love each other and despite Ming's actions, his remorse was very evident. Many relationships in real life can be rebuilt from bad things and this show is an example of that. Instead of showing Ming as a villain forever, he had true personal growth that he even chose the man he loved over his father's money.
I did initially find it hard to accept that Joe never returns to his old body, but that's another beautiful thing that he rebuilds his life, doing everything for the woman who isn't even his real mother and she has no idea. It really shows you can find your own family and he adapted to his new situations as best as he could.
Basically, this show kept me on the edge of my seat and the acting was incredible - Up's portrayal of grief was brilliant and Mek was great at making Tong a hateable character that had you questioning whether to pity and forgive him in the last few episodes. Others may have concerns over aspects of the storyline (eg. glamourising blackmail etc) but life isn't perfect and all shows need aspects of morally grey areas, it's more realistic. Might need to give this a rewatch - also I need a little spin off of Secretary Jim and Mike RN!
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Beautiful show with lots of relatable characters!
I really enjoyed this show. I'd heard that it was boring from a few people but I think they didn't fully appreciate it. It does lack the dramatic storyline in KinnPorsche or the maturity of Only Friends, but it is the most relatable and realistic BL I've seen in a long time. It doesn't glamourise anything - just shows the honesty and struggles of working class people while bringing a slow romance into it. There were many subplots and side characters - each of them with their own charm and differences.Wen and Jim's story was interesting, both of them had unresolved issues. Jim's hesitation to enter a relationship was very understandable, as was Wen's tricky situation with Alan. Like real life, all characters had aspects I didn't like. I felt for Alan, I know he was heartbroken but I also completely understand Wen, falling out of love like that would have been confusing and upsetting for both of them, so his frustration for Alan continuing like they are still together is totally justified, as well as the financial aspect of being unable to move out.
This made it even better when both of them found their people (FirstKhao!!!) at the end, this show is really all about personal growth. Gaipa's mother's death was so shocking and awful - of course it happened to the character that relied on his mother the most. Khaotung was amazing at the portrayal of grief mixed with his unrequited love for his friend. It was satisfying how all the characters came together like puzzle pieces and complimented each other perfectly. Alan and Gaipa could both provide a bit of comfort to one another in really tough times and that made their unexpected relationship grow.
Leng's story with his girlfriend was also one of the most relatable storylines in a while, so many young parents worry about finances and family so seeing them get support from all of their friends was lovely, Mark is such a versatile actor.
Li Ming and Heart's relationship is the healthiest I have seen in a long time. They had funny moments but it was also so beautiful seeing Heart find his voice due to a boy he used to dislike being the only one making an effort to communicate - this show sets an examples for parents with ill/disabled children everywhere! As well as that, Li Ming's anxiety and family situation spoke to me a lot, his mother's and uncle's concern over him was understandable but it was also lovely to see his confidence grow so he could show that he can handle things.
Basically, yes some of the show moved slow and was a little boring, BUT the cinematography and production of it was beautiful, the acting was great and every little storyline was brilliant and relatable to so many people. This is a perfect show for a quiet night in where you aren't too bothered about a dramatic show that will make your jaw drop.
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Amazing but SLOW ASF
This show is amazing, the storyline and emotions are so deep. EarthMix's acting is phenomenal, you can really see the conflicts on their faces and their chemistry is insane. Of course its GMMTV so it isn't without a few cheesy tropes like the close proximity stares etc but the drama and beautiful production makes you ignore it. At first I was a bit confused - this was my first show that involved soul swapping/reincarnation (I hadn't seen Vice Versa, Cupid's Last Wish etc yet) but this was simpler to ease me into that idea.I cried through half of the end episodes, I felt so bad for Tian but also completely understand Phupha and the rest of the villagers having loved Torfun so much. I loved all the side characters as well that this was an easy watch, the doctor and other soldiers are so funny and a good comedic relief from the grief.
Like I said this show is so good and definitely underrated - however it is SLOW BURN. If you liked Only Friends bc they sh*gged in the first few eps this show isn't for you, they don't kiss until like the last 10 minutes or something, even my mum who had watched half of it over my shoulder was sat there going 'JUST KISS HIM ALREADY' - girl was getting impatient with Phupa.
Anyway, WATCH THIS SHOW RIGHT NOW.
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It was okay I guess?
Honestly, this was a long watch, I kept getting bored.It was very sweet and JaFirst have amazing chemistry, as do the two who played the side couple.
But it was just very second hand embarrassment worthy - Pun was scarily obsessive over the actor and also very childish, the last few episodes were tough as it was just him sulking while Ashi was trying his hardest to apologise (I counted at least 3 or 4 attempts).
It was hard watching Ja in this role, in DSN he was brilliant and playing a caring mature character really suits him, so him playing a younger, socially awkward character was a bit hard to watch and he couldn't show much of his skill set. It was also a bit strange that he acted like that the whole time EXCEPT in the NC scenes - his awkwardness suddenly left and he acted like he did in DSN. First was brilliant in his role of Ashi though. He was so good at showing his confusion, sadness, love etc. You can really see the chemistry that he has with Ja and made me really like Ashi as a character.
The rest of the time the villains were annoying and unrealistic- the entire show was really about the feud between the two agents, and Title was just creepy - the whole thing with Ban was never really addressed either it had a big build up then 'oh yeah he's been arrested' and never mentioned again.
Despite the shifty start (Muang was slightly obsessive after the one night stand) and dubious consent for drunken night no.2, Muang and Ning honestly kept me watching, they were cute, the mature scenes were very well acted and it was quite a realistic relationship.
All in all, it wasn't awful? But the story was pretty boring and lots of characters were annoying. I just watched it for the side couple and JaFirst tbh.
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Amazing but a bit confusing for me
BeOnCloud have done it again. The budget budgeted, the acting was incredible and there were the perfect amount of NC scenes. As someone that came form Kinnporsche, it was so great to see more of Barcode as well as Us and 2J. The production and direction was perfect.The only thing is that I need to rewatch it because watching each ep weekly meant I ended up SO confused as I'd forgotten what happened the week before. I didn't understand the ending at all, and in my opinion the storyline got complicated (doesn't mean it was! I mean that it was complex and makes you think but it was very interesting, I just had a weak brain and memory between eps), I didn't know what was a flashback, what was a hallucination etc. If I rewatch it all in one go I'm sure it will make more sense, but honestly the story seemed a bit convoluted at times.
It was so powerful though, it really had me questioning the morals of all characters - I was feeling sympathy for characters that had done awful things, and White's death had me sobbing SO HARD (he was the only one that didn't deserve anything to happen to him).
Basically, I got confused and still am a bit, but the actual show was phenomenal. Acting, production, special effects, maturity: all perfection. I can't wait for more series from BOC.
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Not what I thought it was going to be...
I can't lie I was initially disappointed with this show but ended up enjoying it.From the poster/trailer etc it seemed like it would be a mafia show like KinnPorsche - clearly that show's success influenced the advertising of this one. But to be honest, it's just another university romance drama with a bit more sex and toxicity.
The way their relationship started was iffy - both intoxicated to differing levels, it was filmed and then used to blackmail? Bit concerning (but I guess things like this do happen in real life - it is good to see some different stories instead of all sunshine and rainbows). I love an enemies to lovers but this happened at a confusing pace. One minute they despise each other but are clearly physically attracted, then bam they love each other?
However, Mos and Bank are both incredible actors and despite the iffy storyline, they both did do a fab job so I have to give them credit for that. The production was also very good, a lot of the scenes are lovely to look at. No matter how much I can criticise the show, I was more or less hooked to the end. Plus the two bodyguards/hinted side couple were awesome and a good dose of humour, I'm obsessed with them.
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Cute, easy to watch show
I watched this for ForceBook after I saw them in Enchante and Only Friends. It is cheesy in places but loads of GMMTV shows are, the sound effects, over the top acting (no hate to the actors - they are directed that way) - I expect that all when watching GMMTV.But ForceBook still let their chemistry come through, the way they look at each other, take care of each other, and the amount of affection is perfect and it made the show very easy to watch. There isn't too much drama that I was on the edge of my seat, but definitely enough to keep me watching!
The storyline is slightly strange eg. the age gap - I can't remember if they said their ages but I'm assuming Cher is 21 ish and Gun 25-30 (they're both adults I guess?). Also OhmFluke was a couple I hadn't seen before and loved them, they were adorable!
Overall a fun show with plenty of likeable characters and humour - good for a rewatch on a bad day to cheer yourself up.
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