I watched the Korean version first of the franchise, but this review is made after completing the Japanese Hana Dori Yango and the Chinese Meteor Garden 2 and partially watching the Taiwanese Meteor Garden. Therefore my reflection on this show is somewhat biased by other versions I watched.
I will not comment much with the storyline as this drama follows the Japanese manga that ran from 1992 to 2003. Since I am not familiar with Japanese student's life around those years, I cannot confirm if the school bullying and toxic youth relationship were quite common back then, that writer Yoko Kamio materialized the issues into her comic. Therefore, all resentment and objections on the story theme are somewhat unjust due to the live adaptation was made from a classic manga. We better watch this drama purely as entertainment only, therefore my review below is primarily over the roles and acting.
First of all, I don't understand why the Korean version has to make the main characters of Joon Pyo and Jan Di to the extreme. Joon Pyo is portrayed way older than Jan Di, the rest of F4, and other high schoolers. He looks like a sugar daddy to Jan Di than a senior student. Plus his curly hairstyle is exaggerated. Jan Di character started nicely by being a heroine to a suicidal boy but soon it goes downhill and her initial confrontations with Joon Pyo is childish with screaming. Plus I detest her kiddy street and party clothes they made her wear. Joon Pyo and Jan Di do not have strong chemistry. I ship her with Ji Hoo, I think their friendship and chemistry is sweet and natural until the end, him being her 'soulmate' as she acknowledged. Actor Kim Hyun Joong did a great job portraying Ji Hoo that viewers get a severe case of Secondary Lead Syndrome. His scene crying over unrequited love with Grand Pa is heartbreaking. Other roles and actors/actresses are pleasing to the eye, this choice of eye candies is possibly to catch the attention of first time viewers. But I won't rewatch it again.
Will not rewatch for the second time, since I like the Japanese version better.

Leia Mais

This is my very first Asian drama I watched and the review is for my second time watching it. This drama is just epic, deep and heavy, although the story line is somewhat unsatisfying to me, but this is personal taste. First, the drama gives a lot of time screen on political discussion which becomes boring after sometime. Moreover, the OTP do not come together until way later of the drama, thus I can agree with reviews stating there is no strong chemistry between OTP. Not that I complain too much, cos most part of the drama dominated by the superb acting of child actors Yeo Jin Goo and Kim Yoo Jung as the young OTP. In fact, the scene cut on how they first met is the main draw for me watching the show. Finally, I don't like deaths of good roles why have to make this drama so tragic. Despite my dislikes, excellent acting of main and supporting actors/actresses, beautiful cinematography and costume, and nice music built up the eminence of this drama.

Leia Mais

First of all if you decided to watch this movie based on seeing the poster or the trailer you need to be aware it is not as hilarious as you thought. Also, if you are feeling bored or down please watch other movies that has more actions and thrills, as this movie is mostly about the dialogues between Jae Hyun and Soo Jung, the main leads, no antagonist involved. That's the reason why some comments and reviews stated the movie is boring. But their conversation is actually pretty deep and meaningful while they share and exchange their values of love and sex in a mature way. Mature because there is no slapping, kabedon (wall slamming), force kissing, stalking, piggy back riding, or any other cliche you may find in typical rom-coms. Actually most funny scenes come from the poor friend who is kept left behind by the jerk, that I think are just fillers to make this movie looks funnier.
The aim of this movie is actually the thought process of digesting shocking ideas unfamiliar to the leads: for Soo Jung is finding her first love marries a girl only after 2 months of dating and a stranger asks her straightforwardly but earnestly for a one night stand; and for Jae Hyun is meeting a beautiful woman with a 10 year steady relationship and a basketball player who disregards promising future for a girl.
Some criticizing about the cheating idea is made permissible through this movie. But in my opinion not in this movie. Fate is definitely plays a part as Jae Hyun said in the beginning, although Soo Jung disagrees but you will agree with him after finishing this movie. Soo Jung 10 year relationship with her boyfriend is just exist, something to make a late 20's woman feel comfortable and secure without any excitement (she can't name any fun she did with her boyfriend when Jae Hyun asks).
This kind of movie needs two main leads that can deliver strong chemistry, and the couple nailed it. Yoo Yeon Seok was charmingly seductive yet earnest and Moon Chae Won was naturally uncomfortable yet determined made Jae Hyun and Soo Jung's one day life change event believable. They acted out deep conversation and facial expressions very well.
The OST songs "Photograph" and "Kiss Me" by Ed Sheeran are romantic and soothing.
Since this is a nice romantic movie not drama, definitely the rewatch value is high, though you may not want to rewatch it if you want scenes with lots of actions. But if you feel stuck, watch this film it will make you think of a new idea or rethink about an old idea to be changed.

Leia Mais

A light-hearted romcom drama you just enjoy it! No need to critically reviewing costume, makeup, CGI, etc., since it's a low-budget production. The drama is made mainly for publicity of the Chinese boy band X Nine where all members play as the constellation leaders. Adding the hilarious actress Zhao Lu Si into the cast, the story starts as a full comedy where she is the heroine Fei Fei with her modern skills and tricks tries to survive in a different time era, while pursuing her idol Jia Cheng whom become the Emperor Bei Tang Yi. Their romance blooms almost in a few last episode until he finds out that she is the master of Ophiuchius outcast clan, and stabbed her to death (or is she?). Meanwhile she makes friendships with the Emperor's fiance Yu Ran and Emperor's brother Tang Tang and also becomes the center of affection battle of the Emperor and his uncle Mo Ran. The emergence of another constellation Orion in the last few episodes as the culprit of chaos perfectly set the drama for the next season. Also noted here is the remarkable acting skills of Sean Xiao as the sly and brooding uncle, and actor Wu Jiang Cheng as the sweet brother. The side love story of the female General Fang and her fiance Wu Chen is cute as well.
The cast members sang beautiful OST, especially "It Seems to Fall Into The Sea of Love" cute duet of Jason Koo and Zhao Lu Si, "I Want to Give You" by XNine, "Stepping on Shadow" lovelorn song by Sean Xiao, and "Have Your World" cute duet by the second couple Chuyue Peng and Showna Xie. But I think they being from a music group, should put more songs in this drama.
A rewatchable drama since humor is main staple of the story (except the last part of the drama).

Leia Mais

The message is about fixing past relationship mistakes first before starting a new one. Unfortunately Guan Xiao Tong did not learn about this important principle before declaring herself as love guru. Neither was Ji Jia Wei whom both ex and mom left him without any clue. The main couple have to learn the hard way thru arguments and two break ups. Good acting (Danson Tang, Ivelyn Li, and Jolin Chien), although good chemistry is shown only in the last episode when they're cleared from past wounds. Dislike: Main lead repetitious glaring at female lead and female lead childish wardrobe at some scenes.

Leia Mais

"Close Enough to Take Baths Together" (Yoon Jae-won, English sub)

I never knew before, apparently there was a research like the one mentioned in the drama! It amazes me how the Korean entertainment industry cleverly picked up a theme based on a real study to put into this cute and light rom-com story. And it aired on Wednesdays at 3:30PM in the Korean TV channel too, how funny! So the plot is straight at first since both ML and FL understand each other situation: Eun-woo wants Seung-kyu back, and Jae-won wants to confess to Na-yeon. To win over the ex the OTP make the Wednesday 3:30PM project, in exchange of Eun-woo letting Jae-won stays temporarily at her home. The project is fun at first, but then things get complicated....

LIKE
- Really a cute story. Even the details of the project are romantic to implement into our own dating ideas
- Nicely done editing with intertwined flashbacks in high-school and the break up event, and side stories
- Good screenwriting. Witty conversation, especially when bickering
- Good cinematography, especially for the project scenes
- Good acting of the actress Jin Ki-joo, and her acting skill keeps improving. Since this short drama she has played in good-rating dramas like Misty, Come and Hug Me (Main lead), and The Secret Life of My Secretary (Main lead).
- Good acting of the actor Lee Hong-Bin, especially since he is actually a K-pop idol. Not sure why he did not contribute to the OST.
- Eun-woo is not far older than Jae-won, as both were at the same high-school during flashback scenes. So for viewers who don't like noona romance, the age gap is not cringey.
- Their chemistry is cute and their character developments from friends to lovers are natural, since they are childhood friends meet again and live in the same house.
- The making the ex jealous scene at the office is hilarious
- Eun-woo's office apparels are pretty
- Jae-woon teddy bear apron and the teddy bear slippers
- Second breakup scene is dramatic
- Cute OST songs, and the actress Jin Ki-joo sung "Spring"

DISLIKE
- The side couple (the cafe employees) story is not necessary
- Sometimes Jae-woon smiles are not natural, like he was trying too hard?

Overall, it's a light-hearted rom-com you can binge-watch in about 4 hours! (15 episodes in 15 minutes each)

Leia Mais

Although I don't agree with pregnant Chinese women illegally entering US to give birth, the movie idea itself is refreshing. Rebecca Tang played as lively Jia Jia who undergoes tsundere process from snotty and pretentious rich woman to humble and friendly tenant. The chemistry between her and the veteran actor Wu Xiu Bo as the male lead is natural although there is no kissing scene. The side stories of Jia Jia's tenants are also interesting to watch. But the show stealer is young actress Liu Meng Ke who played convincingly as the daughter who suffers from her parents divorce.

Leia Mais

It's Like Vacationing in a Beautiful Paradise Island and Hearing a Folk Tale ala Chinese

Bell Ringing is a beautiful love story of 500 years, so it's like a folk tale of Bell Island, a fictitious place where the story originates. The island is a beautiful paradise with mild subtropical weather, with lush green nature full of flowers. I added "a la Chinese" in my review title for a reason I will spoil you at the end of the review. It's supposed to be adapted from the web novel, but if you check the source out, the story seems to have nothing to do with the drama, they just borrowed the character names, lol

The acting is great as we see they really love each other when they get together. Their chemistry is really sweet. Both are not newcomers to Chinese dramaland, they just never had the chance to play the main roles.

Now, I think the rating of this drama is low because watchers disliked the ending. I personally am okay with the ending and I will tell you the reason below (after you scroll down to avoid accidentally read it).






























Ending:
It's a bittersweet ending imo. Bitter, cos they only have 7 days to live, and then they die (even though not shown in the drama). Sweet, because at least they grow old together. They got married in its simplest way (the couple's rings, the red costume). Before, he was immortal, waiting to see her to be reincarnated 500 years later. In the end, he becomes mortal as her, so they die together. Nobody lost or mourned the other person. As a bonus, SML and SFL end up together and SML becomes the head of the island.

Why is it "a la Chinese" in the title:
To pass the NRTA review, they made this modern fantasy drama a folktale. If this drama is from other countries, it will be told like really happens and probably will have a happy ending. But in this case, Chi Ye is immortal (he has lived 500 more years) while Shen Qi is reincarnated. Because their love story spans 500 years to a modern time, probably NRTA would regard it as a superstition. Like the listeners in the end of the drama, they don't believe that the story told is true.

Leia Mais

Streetdancing is Fun to Watch If You Like Something Upbeat!

Finally, I got to see this movie after waiting almost a year for the English sub! It's rare to see Wang Yi Bo in non-patriotic dramas/movies nowadays, so One and Only is a nice breeze. I don't watch Street Dance of China he frequently hosted, so I didn't know how good he was in street dancing! This is definitely one entertaining movie to watch!

The version I watched is dubbed in Thai. Although I don't mind hearing the Thai language since I also watch Thai dramas, but knowing they are Chinese people speaking Thai it's kinda odd. So, I ran both versions, the Chinese language version with sound on and the Thai dub version with sound off to read the subtitle, and it worked perfectly. Info for future watchers just in case you can not find the original version subbed in English.

Wang Yi Bo played Chen Shuo, a young man who is passionate about street dancing and wanted to make a name (and living) professionally, but to be able to fulfill his dream he works several jobs. So the story is not new, we see tons of motivational shows like this. What makes it unique is the street dancing theme. It's probably not interesting if you don't like street dancing (unless you are Wang Yi Bo's fan) because there are a lot of dancing performances and practices. But if you're into something upbeat and lively, this movie may be right up your alley.

The acting is great, especially since a lot of them are professional dancers. Wang Yi Bo shine as Chen Shuo, he did a lot of dances by himself (although I wondered if the exclamation point movement was supported by wires, lol). I was pleasantly surprised with the acting of veteran actor Huang Bo who played E-Mark's (their dance team) coach, lol. The supporting characters who played Chen Shuo's family members are nice too. Although I think romance is not necessary in this movie, the appearance of Song Zu Er as Li Ming Zhu, Chen Shuo's love interest, gave me melancholic hope if I will ever see her project in the future or not. FYI, the romance is very light, as the main focus is Chen Shuo's journey to achieve his dream.

If I have to make a critique, is the casting of non-Chinese or foreigners in a national dancing competition in this movie. I see this very often in Chinese dramas or movies, in which they cast foreigners during competitions that result in the Chinese team's winnings. It's ok if the competitions are international, but for a national competition is laughable. It's like China wants to show off its supremacy among other races/nations thru their shows.

Leia Mais

I picked this drama after got tired watching tons of drama with super nice male leads to the extreme of noble idiots. In the contrary, Panthakan or Pan, the male lead in this drama, is initially portrayed as mean and despicable, that may lead viewers to drop this drama because of this jerk. He hates his dad, stepmom, stepbrother, and stepmom's niece Pai whom all live and work under the same roofs with him. All because of what he saw in this childhood how his dad mistreated his mom while having an affair with his secretary who is now his stepmom.

The romance is hate to love relationship. During the hating phase, I advise you to watch it like watching the classical cartoon Tom and Jerry, or slapstick comedy. Pan and Pai not only bicker with each other, they also fight to the extent of harmful. In this phase I warn you that you will see a sexual assault scene that I saw it as a rape attempt, although FL sends ML to the hospital. Luckily we get to observe Pan's character growth as a tsundere. During the loving phase they are so cute together and have great chemistry. I would love to see the couple pair again in the future drama.

When I read the synopsis I snickered in disbelief on the 'tragically handsome' phrase in which I thought as an advertising gimmick. But when I finished I realized some tragic stuff happen because of ML's handsomeness, that is the melodrama part of this show.

Besides the romance, the drama can be draggy with unnecessary conversations. I skipped mostly the business talk. Some parts of the story are unrealistic. The plot is built towards climax in the last episodes. There are surprises and plot twist.

The acting of the main leads nailed their roles. Artit/Bank who played the ML was able to pull hate and emotional expressions although he is quite new. Mookda who played the FL is an experienced actress, and I would love to see her in the future raising one eyebrow again. Other notable acting of the support characters are Nattasha who played as Chon with all her psycho moments, and Montree who played as Pan's dad especially good when he is in the emotional distress. The rest cast acting are mediocre, and there are some characters who are just fillers of to make up the slapstick comedy scenes.

Lastly, I appreciated nekomeowmeow for subbing this cute romcom, as she picks and chooses which lakorns she wants to sub
https://www.nekomeowmeow.com/panrak/

Leia Mais

This is a wonderful drama that is close to real life's problems, every scenes seem natural. We have overbearing parents, doormat spouses, sheltered kids, dirt poor lovers around us. The only one that does not seem real is Kahoko's extended family. Grandparents, uncles/aunts, and her cousin seem perfect, until one by one's issues are revealed throughout the drama. Kahoko and Hajime's chemistry is natural and sweet. Her transformation from dependent to dependable is painful to watch, thankfully Hajime and her big family are very supportive. The actor and actress who played as her parents really aced as dysfunctional father/mother.

Leia Mais

Season 2 gives a better execution than in Season 1, notably in acting, cinematography, and costume. Other characters besides Fei Fei gets more screen times, especially the establishment of the romantic couples and bromance/sismance friendships. This is good especially in Season 2 Fei Fei is more serious and mature (which is not too hilarious anymore) especially after she is an established master of Ophichus and the Emperor's bride-to-be). The introduction or building up of new antagonist characters from Orion Land are refreshing for the climax of the new plot of this season. The flight thru desert scenes of and the final bloody battle are outstanding. The costumes are more diverse and glamorous, possibly due to bigger budget after the succession of the Season 1, especially Fei Fei's elegant master and Xiao Bing's desert princess costumes. Actor/actress Zhao Lu Si (Fei Fei), Sean Xiao (Mo Ran), and Song Nan Xi (Yan Ran) did great jobs in longing and broken-heart scenes, especially Lu Si in the last episode. Notably also the romantic and melodrama scenes between characters Tang Tang - Xiao Bing and Wu Chen - Da Li. My only critic is I still did not see ML Jason Koo acted better in the Season 2 and was still overshadowed by Sean Xiao's emotional character. No wonder little Chong Chong called him the Mean Looking Brother versus the Good Looking Brother Mo Ran.
Last scenes are the best ones in the whole Season 1 and Season 2 together, so be patient to watch until the end Oh, My Emperor! story.
Although fans are rooting for Season 3 and it did look like the end was set up for continuation, but I don't think it is necessary we need Season 3, let the other characters' time traveling remain mystery and fantastical.
High rewatch value for both Season 1 and Season 2, due to actress Lu Si's comical and Sean Xiao's emotional acting, the abundant hilarious scenes, and the X Nine eye candies.

Leia Mais

I dropped this drama twice, both could not pass the first episode finding many cliches being introduced quite early in this modern Cinderella story: meeting thru an accident, arrogant ML Yun Jie, rude FL Yong Yong, orphan childhood, poor FL rich ML, step family, family jealousy. The third time picking up the drama I decided to continue to episode 2, it becomes more interesting with the introduction of Xun Jie's son and his previous marriage. We then find out another side of Yun Jie besides his arrogant perfectionist CEO role: a soft and caring side longing for his son Xiao Nan. Meanwhile the boy also longs for his supposedly dead father (as told my his mom). And the drama threw Yong Yong between the father-son custody thru fake marriage in order to save her orphanage.
The second couple's story is as equal as engaging. Yun Jie's brother Yun Chao tries hard to prove himself worthy in family business with any means, including dating the rich business partner Xin Jie leading to half-hearted engagement since he does not love her. Yun Chao character is ambiguous, we don't know he is an enemy or an ally, he shows kindness during the orphanage deal but also ruthless in other business deals including with Xin Jie, and Yun Hao also can sabotage Yun Jie-Yong Yong relationship.
This drama is amazingly calm and controlled with every scene flows smoothly, without exploding plots to draw angst, without fillers as the focuses mainly on Yun Jie-Yong Yong relationship development. Even as later there is some interesting development of Yun Hao's feeling for Yong-Yong, we never see the love triangle confrontation when FL connects with a male lead while the other shows jealousy. Yong Yong's feeling never confuses her feelings, and Bean Sprout and Fei Lei secret is never revealed until the last episode.

ActressJanine Chang amazingly brought up the genuinely caring character of Yong Yong who is ready to help everyone to the point of self-sacrificing. Her facial expressions strongly support her character development. Actor Mike He successfully brought up an emotional character of Yun Jie the father of a long lost son who does anything to regain the time loss with Xiao Nan. Together Janine and Mike creates a solid chemistry thru various relationship types: from with social class enemies, marriage business alliances, marriage acting partners, true friends, parents to Xiao Nan, to real lovers. Lastly, actor Li Yi Feng as brother Yun Hao managed to deliver a reserved and cynical yet charming character to intrigue us until the end

Music is nicely done, but not outstanding. Noted OSTs are "That Song" and "Must Forget" sung by Li Yi Feng himself who played as Yun HaoYun

I think his drama has a high re-watch value due to its sweetness of relationships almost between everyone involved. No overemphasized plot with ridiculous character developments, everyone seems mature enough. This light hearted romantic comedy gives a deep value on family relationship in a caring loving way.

Leia Mais

I had put off watching Goblin for a long time as I knew it's epic so I needed a devoted time to watch it till the end.
Goblins becomes the highest standard of my reviews on dramas I completed (mostly for Kdramas).
What I learned from this drama: forgiveness (past events of Goblin/Grim Reaper/Sunny) and that there is timing for everything you encounter in life (Goblin waits for 900+ years for a 19 year old bride to show up in her first life)

Tons of previous reviews posted already, so I will just point out what I like about this drama:
Story: No boring scene, no skipping for me who likes skipping scenes. Side stories of dead people and ghosts are also meaningful and touching.
Directing: Just perfect, won't say much, check out other Director Lee Eung Bok's cinematic work
Editing: Details are woven perfectly, and all related. Pieces of flashback are not boring.
Screenwriting: witty, deep, poetic. Follow Writer Kim Eun Sook for other high quality dramas.
CGI: Battle, fight, and snow scenes of Goblin are epic
Location: Quebec Canada, can't have other perfect location than fall season with French touch
Make up: Can transform one actor/actress to different roles. For examplem Kim Byung Chul as Emperor advisor, modern secretary, ghost, and cameo CEO.
Costume: Classy and stylish. For example: 19 year old Eun Tak does not look poor and childish. Personality symbols thru costumes, for example Shamsin Lady's red dress, Sunny's bright colored clothing, and Eun Tak's red scarf
Cast: Perfect selection for every main roles and supporting casts are not bad either. Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook supernatural roles don't need to talk much but their facial expression shows deep communications. Kim Go Eun's natural beauty fits for 19 year old girl, Yoo In Na's cheerfulness matches Sunny lively personality.
Acting: Lots of scenes with no dialogues just facial expression and physical movements speak louder than many dialogues
Music: songs are created and picked perfectly support the popularity of the drama and songs themselves
Rewatch: perfect, but I will wait for a while until I can spend a large portion of my time to watch it

Leia Mais