Reviews

I'm pretty sure I watched this special just for the cast! A few of my favorites are: Narimiya Hiroki, Yamada Ryosuke, Arioka Daiki, Kawaguchi Haruna, Haru, and Nichkhun... just to name a few! Narimiya Hiroki is superb at playing the "bad guy", and Yamada Ryosuke is great at being the comedian/funny guy and the detective (although I'm biased since before this I watched Tantei Gakuen Q)

The story was a little creepy, so I'm glad I didn't watch this at night because I am a huge scaredy cat! But, the story was well written! I never once predicted the outcome, never once guessed the suspect, and the story moved at a great pace, I never felt lost through the special and understood pretty much everything. It was great to see how Yamada Ryosuke (aka Kindaichi Hajime) deduced the case and figured out the truth. Although, that could be biased too since I'm on a detective drama kick right now!

Leia Mais

Okay, to start off with: I noticed 3 things....

1.) I watched this special episode AFTER finishing the full 11 episode drama, and saw no issues.

2.) Granted, a little bit was backwards and upside down...

3.) May need to prepare tissues!


Starting off with number 3: It wasn't that serious, so no worries; but if you're an easy crier, or tear up when you see others cry... get tissues.

Now jumping to number 1: I didn't see any issues watching this special after the 11 episode drama; there was a cast change (not mentioning names), but otherwise it seemed just like a flash back to the past. It was the story of how the Qualified class was formed, but I don't think that matters in regards to watching order, unless you're a stickler for watching dramas and/or specials in order

Now to number 2: Yes, because of watching the prequel after the drama I had questions; yes, if I watched the prequel AND THEN the drama that probably wouldn't have brought up questions; and yes, it may have made a bigger impact on me or made more sense as a show in it's entirety. However, there was nothing revealed in this special that wasn't known in the drama already, so it wasnt like I missed out on some thing(s). And the drama has enough strength and stability as an 11 episode show to carry itself.

I'm not saying this special was unneeded, don't get me wrong! But, I am saying the order doesn't matter in which you watch them... at least I think so! This, I'm sure, if I watched before the drama, would have been a great prequel; but, because I watched it after the drama, it served as a nice follow-up or wrap-up to the series. I definitely recommend this special and the 11 episode drama!

Leia Mais

I can not hold on to this drama. It lacks something that makes me want to continue to watch it. I usually have trouble picking a drama, it's also why I expect they are finished watching them. But, I really worth. I'm on episode 11 and since I started, I watched 5 other dramas (seen trafficked few) and some films. I think I'll end up Give Up.

Je n'arrive pas à accrocher à ce drama. Il lui manque quelque chose qui me pousse à vouloir continuer de le regarder. Habituellement j'ai du mal à décrocher d'un drama, c'est d'ailleurs pour cela que j'attend qu'ils soient finis pour les regarder. Mais là, je peine vraiment. J'en suis à l'épisode 11 et depuis que je l'ai commencé, j'ai regardé 5 autres dramas (vu d'une traite ceux là) et quelques films. Je crois que je vais finir par l’abandonner.

Leia Mais

This is a drama that deeply explores themes of obsession. It is a 'forbidden love' story between Bones, a girl who was born with an unlucky fate, and her shifu (her blood also causes flowers to die, probably a metaphor). Incidentally, she is Bai Zhu Hua's fated calamity. A calamity is a trial that one can only survive by killing without hesitation (all this you learn in episode 1). Failure to do so inevitably results in tragedy. It seems they are fated to be foes. Because Bai Zhu Hua falls in love with Bones, he tries to find a way to save her (it is my opinion it is love at first site, because his episodes of jealousy occur very early on in the series) by teaching her to cultivate and be more like himself. Bai Zhu Hua is rather emotionless, so he is able to conceal these feelings very well, even he does not realize that his actions are motivated by love until much later. Alas, she is also falls in love with him and struggles with hiding these forbidden feelings. This wuxia tells their story and their struggles (she suffers the most, in my opinion). In addition to the love story, there are several important subplots all related to the overall theme of obsession, like revenge, and jealousy.

What I Liked:
1. As my first 'wuxia' this series opened up a whole new world for me. I loved the costumes, the fantasy, and I enjoyed learning about things like cultivation. It wasn't until later, watching other series, that I learned these are common themes and essentially define a wuxia. Prior to this, I almost exclusively watched Kdramas. Not so much anymore.

2.The subplots were all entertaining; I enjoyed that the Holy Ruler was not the actual villain of the show. I also enjoyed his shameless narcissism. In many ways he is a foil to Bai Zhu Hua. I liked the sets, the costumes.

3.This drama is able to achieve a nice balance between comedy and melodrama, I think because they left most of the comedy for early on in the show and then steadily built in plots that increasingly made the show more serious. Once things became serious we saw hardly any comedy.

What I Loved
4. The transformation of Bones from a sweet, adorable, at times extremely dense girl into an extremely resilient woman, overcoming some of the most awful trials, all because of her ill-fated love. I mean people really have it in for her. This transformation continues as she also turns into a very direct, at times ruthless woman, something that she didn't necessarily wish to be but was forced to become in order to survive. She finally reaches a point where she eschews the rules and values of everyone else in order to protect herself.

5.The steady deterioration of Bai Zhu Hua's image. He is the leader of a sect dedicated to protecting the world. Words like pure, perfect, god-like, and selfless are constantly used to describe his person. But as the series progresses we see that there is an extremely dark side to his personality (very subtly presented): his selfishness and greed can be compared to no one. He does everything in his power to keep Bones at his side, even if it means placing her in painful situations, insisting he is doing it for her, but truthfully he is doing it for himself. He can't let her go, he can't allow anyone else to have her, and so he traps her in this hell all the while presenting himself as her respected Shifu. Very devious. Even more so because he believes his own lies. I mean it isn't like he is two-faced, pretending to be nice and then behind the scenes the mask comes off. He really believes his own b.s.

6.The final confrontation produced feelings that I have not felt from any other dram. It was extremely satisfying because I think it showcased who Bones was, and where she was coming from, and it also completely showed Bai Zhu Hua's true colors.

What I hated
7.This series has the annoying trope of 'every man loves the female lead'. Those who don't fall in love with her (with the exception of maybe two people) are either in love with someone else or despise her for reasons that are never really explained.

8.The women in the show (with the exception of one or two) all detest the female lead. If they don't in the beginning they wind up hating her. And with the exception of 1, it is never really explained. It seems to be a case of stereotypical female jealousy. I would be exhausted hating someone for that long.

Final Notes
This may be the only drama that I have seen where I would have been okay with the leads never getting together because Bai Zu Hua was such a great villain. He was meticulously created and I think designed to make the viewer at first like him but by the end you hover between feelings of revulsion and outright hate. He is just unforgivable and the best part is he is so subtly evil! This isn't a guy who is violent or disrespectful to our leading lady. He has hardly any lines. But he is just...awful. If you watch 3 Lives 3 worlds 10 mile peach blossom you might see parallels between Fengjiu and Bones and Mo Yuan/Shifu (in terms of personality; these characters have no romantic links).
This show is based off of a popular novel. I am still looking for a full translation, but here is a link to what I have found so far: https://dorayakiz.wordpress.com/2014/10/24/the-journey-of-flower-author-fresh-guo-guo/

Leia Mais

Story: Romace-centric set in the palace but different from your usual C - drama. The romance is always the main plot. Not so much on politics or war strategy or palace politics or concubines fighting. Which is why it's my cup of tea and I love it when arranged marriage results in dislike turning to attraction turning to love

But I do find it to be not very refine (rough around the edges). The theme of male soul in female body while interesting might not be for everyone

Costumes.: Mostly a miss. Qi Sheng's mostly were ok until he don war armour paired with 3quarter pants and that translucent outfit.. What were the costume people thinking? Pengpeng clothes.. Maybe I'm prudish I prefer the ones that are more covered up. The green one bordered on vulgar.

- Spoiler-
Love a lot of romantic scenes that were touching and memoeable
When he explain himself and clear up that it wasn't love with 2nd brother's wife. I had alot of respect for him here
When he admitted later that each time he wasn't testing her he was betting that she would choose him and he would be the one she can rely on. So man
When he said he don't wan an empress, he wants a wife to be by his side and he wanted her while heart, not half.
When she woke from her nightmare and realise she has fallen in love with her unborn baby
When she was in the mud pit searching for the antidote for him
When she final admitted she loves him

All these parts are worth rewatchin.

My advise is watch Ep 1 to 35, skip 36 and watch the 3rd ending

Leia Mais

No idea why I waited so long to watch this drama! This show was absolutely fantastic! From the casting, to the music, to the script, to the plot twists, etc.. etc...

Shida Mirai, Yamada Ryosuke, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Matsukawa Naruki, Kaname Jun, Yamamoto Taro, Jinnai Takanori, Suzuki Kazuma, Okunuki Kaoru were a wonderful cast of good vs. evil; the guest cast was an amazing gathering of people too! I definitely suggest this series if you like Yamada Ryosuke, Kamiki Ryunosuke, and Kaname Jun or if you like detective dramas; I never saw any of the plot twists and could never predict any of the suspects or reasons before hand! To be honest, though, I feel like it summed things up pretty well, but it did seem to speed through a few revolations. Even so, this show is wonderful to lose yourself in!

Leia Mais

Evil Minds is dark, psychological and complicated, it's a drama with an intelligent plot that unfolds step by step, using some well chosen flashforwards and flashbacks.

In 1998, Fang Mu is an arrogant but brilliant student who can profile a criminal in a few minutes without hesitation. But when we move to 2001, he is not the same self-confident guy anymore, he has built a barrier to defend himself from the past, from something that happened three years before. We don't know what made him change, we find our answers slowly, as we go on with the story.

Each murder case is brutal but well-designed. You find yourself absorbed in the story and when you finish the puzzle, you notice how the pieces fit together perfectly.
What grasps the attention is also the inner struggle that Fang Mu has to fight. "If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you".

As I said before, Evil Minds is a dark drama but it's also beautiful. With "beautiful" I mean the artistic quality of the filming, the quality of the scriptwriting and the choice of the soundtrack (especially the ending song, "Flying Horse" by Luo Er).

The acting is very good, especially because they aren't veteran actors. (And Chen Ruo Xuan is really cute ehm ehm XD).

I feel indebted to Evil Minds, so I recommend to give a chance to this great drama that has gone unnoticed.

Leia Mais

As always I was looking for a cute rom-com. While browsing through my plan to watch list I stumbled upon Just you I decided to check it out mainly because the drama looked like it would be a lot of fun and I was excited to watch a Taiwanese drama, because I don't do that often. My expectations weren't high. I was just looking for a story based on cute romance and it delivered....kind of.
The story is cliche, but that is exacly why I decided to watch it. I was a little thrown back by the episode count and lenght. The drama does drag on, but I have seen worse. And yes there is an evil ex arc, so if you're not into that then you can pass. If you're looking for a deep story this is definitely not it. Just you is super cheesy and repetative, most of the plot lines have been done a million times.
The characters...*sight*. Even though I came to love Liang Liang by the end of the show, I almost dropped Just you, because I thought she was very annoying, especially the fact that she has no pride wich kind of changes. Qi Yi is your cliche mean guy with a sad past wich is fine from time to time. Even though our main couple's relationship is super cute and heart warming the other couples were for the most part forced, because the dating ban. The worst thing is that everything was kind of forced. It seemed like the characters made their decisions because it was convenient for the plot wich is not ideal. Even if it's a story about an alien living on earth, I want to feel like he, his emotions are real. Kate was annoying, Dean and Jerry were usseles puppets. Ja Yu's reasonings were poorly written. And so much more cons...
The music was kind of amazing. Even though I would not lisen to it outside this drama it really fit the mood and the lyrics were touching. I liked it more with every episode.
But you know what? Because all i needed was a cute, light story and even though it was poorly done, I enjoyed it! Qi Yi and Liang Liang were suuuper cute and watching our main guy fall in love and change for the better was a delight. And the goldfish! ^^
If you ran out of ideas and you have time on your hand, check Just you out, but if you have better dramas on your plan to watch list this is totally skippable.

Leia Mais

I just want to add my two cents in here...this was certainly one of the best drama ever made and I watched this for a second time already.. I love the technicality of editing skills (especially on ending scenes), of the way the director emphasized the difference of life of royalties, gisaeng, as well as slaves.
The main point in this drama was revenge and it was brutally portrayed all throughout the series..from a simple petty misunderstandings to a bloody killing spree. All the artists in this drama were top class! they showed so much talents that I almost forgot this was only a pigment of fiction from a certain facts about King Suyang and General Kim Jongseo.


***FROM HERE ON: MILD SPOILERS CAN BE READ***
There's only one thing that's bugging on my mind though..the storyline was far-off from perfect for it had similarities between the two household rivals: Montague and Capulets. A tragic story in which two star-cross'd lovers were caught between crossfire of their own families. Likewise, the two protagonists of these series resembles them with only the throne as the sole motive of the riffraff of the two families: one ambitiously covet the throne, the other wants to uphold the throne to the rightful owner. From a marriage proposal to the death of the reigning King, all hell breaks loose. It was carefully written BUT the character of Shin Myun was the only thing I can't stand, not because he had no backbone to begin with but due to his lack of background.

Why did he hate Seung Yoo so much?
Did he really loved Se Ryung? OR he just loved her because she was her consort-to-be due to circumstances?
Was he really ambitious and selfish to begin with?

I emphatized with his loss, but his loyalty was so questionable that it became false to me. What really drove him mad? what'll be his gain after this war? Pardon me for ranting but I really want his character to be developed, for the viewers to see his side on why he allowed such heinous acts on his brethren.

All in all, this was a good drama to invests with. 24 episode was a good number to summarise and pack-up all the things that needed to be ended.

Leia Mais

I actually marathoned this series in what I think was about.. Less than 3 days? It's very gripping and you just find yourself keep watching to find out what's happening next.

Its plot is unpredictable. As viewers we've seen enough dramas to try and predict what would happen after a certain development of an event. But the drama plays to none of the usual plot trappings. In a way, its storyline takes on a concept that is extremely unique to its own.

Granted the fantastical element of the story leaves you pondering about the logical conundrums of such a scenario. But the drama makes no apologies for it, in fact the characters themselves recognise the absurdity of the situation. What the drama does well is not overexplaining how it came to be, but putting out the premise for the viewer to accept it as it is, and then utilising the walkie talkie seamlessly as a plot device.

The drama draws you in with the storylines and all its characters. Acting was absolutely fantastic. Even Jang Hyeon Seong, the great dad in TROS, plays such a convincingly despicable character he was thoroughly repugnant. All in all, I would say this is an extremely well executed drama, ties up everything it's supposed to tie up without it feeling rushed. (I for one feel the ending was appropriate for a 16 episode series, though I also do entertain the possibility that they could have extended it to 20 episodes and truly conclude the entire story once and for all, but of course we don't know what the writers' intentions are). You can't really stop watching once you start, so brace yourself. Will really like to commend the scriptwriters and actors for such a great job done. It was very a enjoyable ride indeed.

Leia Mais

Watched it so looong ago! I enjoyed it in a sort of a perverse way, that's why I'm being so generous with the rating. And come on, who doesn't like a devil turn into a sexy angel when you are 16 and stupid? I might have still enjoyed it in a way...

It's a messed up story, not the worse, but it can touch some sensitive fibers. But it's short, so that's a point in its favor and we all should enjoy a totally unrealistic melodrama once in a while (like every ten years or something). It was like watching a Mexican soap-opera without having to go through one billion episodes.

A piece of advice, just see it as entertainment, if you try to read too much into it, your brain will implode. It's a hit-or-miss Larkon, so get into it with low expectations. And see the bright side, this remake is better than the original. At least in this one the male lead has some redeemable qualities, can't say the same for the original version...

Leia Mais

I finished this drama last week and I really really enjoyed it especially:
-The friendship part which was so pure and beautiful between: Li Li, Shang Xuan, Li Jun and Daniel.
-Li Li's love for Migratory Birds (which actually was what I liked the most about the drama and also the reason why I got interested in watching it).
When I started 15YWFMB I didn't expect anything from it but I immediately found it pretty original especially Li Li's hobby, her love for the migratory birds and how it's linked with her love for Shang Xuan, so wonderful and subtle metaphors about love <3

First and foremost, I recommend this Chinese drama to everyone especially to those who want to watch a good Chinese modern drama with well written and developed characters, I've always wanted to find one which would impress me when it comes to character development and definitely it was a success for me. On the surface it's a pretty relaxing drama but as the story progresses I could see that it was more complicated than it first seemed, Ok I did guess at some extents how it would end but definitely I think it was well done. I'm just really disappointed by the ending or should I say the way they ended the drama.

Our leading lady really grew on me all throughout the drama, I could totally see myself in her and I had similar experience as her during my high school years (so it was easier for me to connect with her character), how she was bickering all the time with Shang Xuan, they did not start their relationship on the best terms but they ended up appreciating each other, and I'm sure many of us had a similar adventures during adolescence.
I love so much how their relationship is evolving in the drama, how since the beginning she loved him and kept her feelings for herself and how everything was developing slowly but surely in such a mature way , all of that was done so well. In a few words I would say LiLi is a really responsible, sensitive, smart, selfless and kindhearted girl (became a wonderful and elegant young woman for whom I only have admiration), she always stays true to herself and is always there for her dearest ones, definitely the best friend/family member we can ever have.

Shang Xuan is such a lovely and dependable man, he had his issues and sometimes he could be odious and all of that I understood it because he had his reasons to act the way he did but just like Li Li when it comes to friends and family he would do anything<3

I love other characters too particularly Qian Ren, sincerely this guy is such a sweetheart that sometimes I didn't know if I should ship Li Li with him or Shang Xuan, really too hard to choose only one. Two handsome, reliable, lovely men for one amazing and wonderful woman, I guess that for many other viewers it must have been hard to choose their side, at least for me it was hard <3

I truly loved both leading actors and oh why is Deng Lun (Qian Ren) younger than me just why ? Also I need to say that I'm not into Love triangle and I hate that so much but here so unexpectedly it was not exaggerated nor complicated maybe because all three characters (Li Li, Shang Xuan and Qian Ren are very understanding and mature persons).

Supporting characters were so adorable too and they had their own stories so that's a very big plus, it was good to see that the writer didn't focuse only on Li Li's relationship with Shang Xuan and Qian Ren and showed more of other characters like Li Jun and Daniel, both really caring, honest and loyal friends.

I read some comments about Han Yi Chen being a bit too mean or something like that but honestly I think she was a pretty fine rival to Li Li, I never hated her and thought she was too bad though of course as a rival she was very selfish and jealous of Lili. By the way it was kinda annoying seeing that they put so much make up on the actress's face to make her look older, actually it didn't work in my opinion as it seemed too forced.

As for my rating I decided to go with a 7.5 and it might sounds weird I'm not giving a higher rating when I enjoyed the drama this much however though it's a really great drama and I don't have complaints about it (well only on certain aspects such as the ending, some turn of events which did bother me a little bit but nothing too disturbing, the OST= almost non-existent and not my taste at all) so I just can't give more. Of course I definitely recommend it especially for the reasons mentioned above plus the actors did a very decent job though some of them lack experiences. I found two actors I would definitely stalk : Sun Yi and Deng Lun as I loved their portrayals of Li Li and Qian Ren, both being my two fave characters of the drama as well <3
The drama itself didn't give me goosebumps nor made my heart palpitated hence this rating.

Leia Mais

Score: 10/10 for EP1 to 20; 6/10 for EP 21 to 27. 4/10 for EP28
To be honest to enjoy it I skip some of the storyline, I find I don't really care much what's going on on the side of the bad guy. I'm in this drama for the romcom and I don't mind a lil heartache if that's what's necessary. That's why the first 2/3 of the drama is a must watch for the fun the romance and her falling in love with him. Fast forward necessary for the last third of the drama if you are like me.

Acting: 10/10 for Janice Wu Qian;6/10 for Kim Tae Hwan;8/10 for supporting casts
Janice quite like her character in My Sunshine was so lively and unapologetic, interesting juxtaposition against tae hwan as the cold blood xue monster

Romance: fluffy ttypes with squabbles, comedic moments, sweet moments and nice skinship lol quite a bit of good kiss scenes. I find it amazing that they can generate the chemistry despite not speaking each other's language as tae hwan is being dubbed (side note I saw interviews where janice speaks to him in English and he could comprehend it enough)

I wont spoil it but i have to say i wish it was wrapped up better in ep 28... could have been best comedic romantic drama until they spoil it with that ending

I've recently click and watch scenes that I love. So needless to say Rewatch value is high for selected scenes for me

Now there's buzz there would be a second season.. We shall see. Personally I thk Amazing boyfriend is a must watch C drama for 2016

Leia Mais

This short, 3 episode drama has material to fill out a much longer one. Chances were, if it did though, my rating would plummet ;) "Page Turner" is an allegory. The term is used as a symbolism for a character facilitating your dreams and ambitions, or hindering them. Granted, one could normally argue a "page turner's" role is hardly worth mentioning - they just turn sheets of music - but they hold a lot of power in their hands than you might think. The best bit about the "page turner" allegory was that Yoo Seul's mother (a typical pushy stage mom) who made her daughter try and sabotage a rival's chances (Jin Mok) at a competition, helps him at the end by being his page turner. Beautiful.

The parents clearly had their own drama going in the background, which could've been expanded, particularly about Cha Shik's father's existence, but since this focused more on the children (Yoo Seul, Jin Mok and Cha Shik) I wasn't complaining. Like I said - extend the drama, and you risk losing me. As it was, I felt wishy-washy about the drama (particularly the first 2 episodes, and halfway through the third), but felt kind enough to give it an 8. I already know about Kim So Hyun, but it's Ji Soo that came as a surprise to me (I know you're throwing vegetables, right?)

Ji Soo? What were you so surprised about, you ask? Don't you know he's a mega superstar TO BE?
See the only drama I saw him in before this one is "Sassy Go Go" and he plays quite a moody, virulent character in that one, that I didn't expect him to play a big-hearted, slightly comical Cha Shik, who wears his heart on his sleeve here. His actions reduced me to laughter a lot of the time, particularly when he's speaking with a helium voice and I know this is terrible...but how he got injured at the pole-vault competition...

So it was the final half hour that bumped up my score - it was unpredictable.
Typically, the underdog always prevails, but sometimes the underdog helps out the totally fed-up, broken-hearted top dog^^

Also extra note! You know that homeless guy that kept popping up, not saying anything? I thought he was Cha Shik's dad! LOL. Funny times. Also, I'm not going to sit here and pretend piano recitals excite me and the music played excited me - but it was good. Glad I watched it :)

Leia Mais