Reviews

Plot:
Bosco is a Witness Protection Unit (WPU) officer assigned to protect Linda, the daughter of a rich businessman (Paul Chun). Linda has depression but she slowly opens up as she falls in love with Bosco. Paul Chun conducts business in questionable ways and has something to hide about his past. He will stop at nothing to protect this secret…

Review:
Hurrah, a new police show! Wrong. It is a family drama disguised as a police drama. I should have gotten the hint because the producer is Lau Ka Ho, aka Mr. Family Drama specialist. Now someone correct me if I’m wrong: Promotional clips showed two witnesses being killed shortly before a trial – one run over by a car and one thrown off a building. I never saw these scenes, or anything resembling it, in the entire series. False advertising? Yeah. Like I said, this is hardly a police drama. If you signed up for one, just watch the first and last five episodes and skip everything in between.

Well, at least those wishing to see romantic sparks between Bosco and Linda can rejoice? Err… First of all, they were never officially together. Second, I’m not sure if they were even that in love with each other. Linda has been isolated all her life until Bosco appears and he bears resemblance to her dead elder brother. She’s just channeling her emotions for her brother towards Bosco. As for Bosco, he didn’t have feelings for her at the beginning. I’m not sure how he realizes he loves her all of a sudden. If these two were truly in love with each other, Bosco’s struggle between love and righteousness (of bringing her father to justice) would have been much more intriguing. But here, there was never wasn’t difficulty in choosing.

So failed police show and failed romance story. What’s good? Ram Chiang was definitely a highlight. He was hilarious every time he appeared. The investigation into Paul Chun’s past was also very interesting. They should have made that part longer. Maybe more people involved, more action of him trying to kill Bosco, or even how he tries to fight off the charges instead of meekly giving in to his conscience (because the shady businessman is not supposed to be like that). Just please don’t give me more Linda crying/agonzing scenes.

Linda has been in 5 recent series, so some people complained about being tired of seeing her. Yes, especially when she is crying all the time. Seriously, she needs a different role, like evil or something, and not always playing the weak girl. Bosco makes me laugh whenever he stands politely holding his hands in front of him. It makes him look like a servant instead of a respectable police officer.

The ending… watch it yourself, I don’t want to spoil it. Don’t understand how they would let him walk away like that. And there was no reason for them to do that either.

Leia Mais

Plot Summary:
Inside the competitive corporate world, Ruco stays away from office politics and works at his own leisure. Tough-lucked Louis can’t seem to get anything going for him, not even sucking up to his bosses. Both are loathed by the manipulative Florence, who wants to consolidate her power in the company. Chaos ensues and the company is miraculously saved because everyone loved the kind-hearted boss (Stephan).


Review:
This is a comedic series that speaks about the hardships of ordinary workers in HK. It is somewhat comparable to L’Escargot, which explores similar themes, albeit in a more irritating/less interesting way. NGEW is only 20 episodes at a fairly good pace. It’s light-hearted and funny rather than yelling/crying. And we don’t have stupid characters do stupid things (ahem, Linda Chung). It’s also not exaggerated humor with rhyming lines, like Can’t Buy Me Love. Often, the audience gets a kick from the characters’ frustration or mishaps. Constructing one’s happiness on another’s misery, as the saying goes. Like when Stephen Au had to deal with his demanding father-in-law, who is constantly trying to show off his richness by insisting that everyone calls him “Boss”.

The supporting characters were what made this series so fun. Already mentioned is Stephen Au’s father-in-law. He speaks in another dialect and calls everyone “Idiot”. There’s also the assumed-to-be-gay fat tenant, who hung all his underwear in the washroom. The old woman being his wife - now that’s rofl material! Even Kakei Leung, annoying in every other series, was funny as the dorky nurse. I was laughing so hard at that scene when she tells how she busted Florence.

But of course, TVB being TVB, can’t possibly make a perfect series, can they? The flaw lies in the hasty character development. For example, Jason Chan was being portrayed as the good man – sweet, handsome, the like. Then we find out that he’s not as perfect as he seems. He’s rather childish and irresponsible. But then suddenly he’s this lowlife that plots to screw over Ruco. For what? Because Ruco “stole” credit for his product design idea? Man up, dude! Same lack of development for how Ruco changed from an easy-going guy to a harsh boss who tried to make life miserable for his subordinates.

The ending was a bit leaning towards unbelievable. It would be extremely difficult to mobilize an entire company of 500 workers to all agree to defer their salary in such a short amount of time. But given what this drama is, there needed to be a happy ending. At least there wasn’t a company-wide BBQ or dance. The final scene left Natalie and Jason’s relationship ambiguous. I hope they’re not thinking of a sequel with Jason and Natalie as the lead actors.

In terms of acting, generally commendable. There was one shot where Ruco’s face looked really smug and despicable when he was being the harsh boss. Louis’ expressions were exaggerated sometimes, but since this is a comedy, it’s acceptable. (Sidenote: I read somewhere that Louis was actually making up funny lines on the spot while filming this.) One thing that did sort of annoy me was the way Natalie Tong’s eyes bugged out when arguing with her brother or boyfriend. And Jason Chan looked sulky the whole time. Matt Yeung performed better than him as the righteous guy.

Written by miriamfanz @Casual TVB

Leia Mais

If you've watched Hanzawa Naoki you can expect the same crisp narrative and well thought out plot. Heart palpitating moments highlighted by a fast tempo violin and survivor like goodness. Roosevelt is a story that features two perspectives. One being, the Aoshima company and another being the baseball club. They are related in that the company funds the baseball club and they are both struggling to survive, yet they also differ in the way the stories are told.

I want to get the unfortunates out of the way. As I pointed out with Hanzawa Naoki, theatrics are to be expected. Lofty declarations of friendship with some tear shedding moments and ferocious 1970s villain like roaring at the hero is to be expected 'I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!' *ROAR* . Does it make me cringe? Yes. Does it take away from the plot, not really... Can I do without it? Unfortunately, yes. I just can't get used to the whole eyeballs in your head roaring in an almost strange homoerotic fashion. A large portion of this is in the baseball story line so if manly tears and feel-good speeches aren’t your thing, this portion of the story may detract from the overall experience. It shouldn’t though as the baseball club provides some very heart palpitating and heart warming moments.

The story mainly follows Hosokawa, the not quite a hero in this story. He's the president of the Aoshima company who I must yet again steal the survivor logo, must outsmart, outplay and outlast. However, the baseball portion follows Okihara, a hard working pitcher with a killer arm. Unfortunately, I was more keen on the company storyline.

Ultimately, the script is freaking stellar and characters meld into their roles very well. You'll see a few familiar faces from Hanzawa Naoki, a big one being the son of a b**ch that is Kagawa Teruyuki. I say that affectionately as I really do like the guy and he really melds well into his villainous character well, eliciting plenty of curses from me. I can't help but despise yet be charmed by his character. However, he’s not the main antagonist in this bit. The antagonist in this case is the Utuwi company with their figurehead, Bando. He lusts after the highly skilled technology that Aoshima produces and will do anything in his power to ensure the Aoshima company is destroyed. Whether he succeeds or not is your key to embarking on this journey.

I proclaim that my review isn’t very strict because I had fun watching this drama. Often, well done dramas just let me relax and enjoy without strict criticism. I especially enjoyed the odd yet unnecessary little details like the president’s sweet tooth, the hardcore baseball fan who attends every game yet sits there jeering and the chairman’s relaxed attitude in all of this. I also constantly marveled at how the president doesn’t have ulcers from constantly being in a rock and a hard place. These little wonders brought me great joy as I good naturally cursed the characters “don’t trust that Son of a b**ch” “You brilliant son of a b**ch being a particular favorite.

The drama gets a favorable review for me for actually making me enjoy it.

Leia Mais

In the midst of hundreds of dramas, there's this one drama that is overlooked by so many people who assumed that it would be slow,boring or a drama that they would just dropped after episode 1. Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover. And definitely, don't judge a drama by its synopsis or reviews or recommendations. It happened to me.

I was just bored with the cliche, generic common dramas that was produced nowadays. I wanted something different, something that would make me really watch, not just because its popular or it has handsome or pretty actors. And I found this, I tried episode 1 and Boom, i didnt regret it to one bit.

Soredemo,ikite yuku was one of those dramas where it really grabs your attention with just one episode. With just one episode, it really intrigued me. The story was simple yet, as the episodes goes by it became a lot complicated. Without knowing, I was caught by the character's emotions, the plot and even the music moved me. I really like how the drama went to a lighter mode instead of making it a tragedy life drama leaving everyone depressed. No. This drama gave me a lot of thought, stirred my emotions and really touched my heart that not many dramas can.

Really love it ! If you're looking for a change , this drama certainly won't disappoint you. I dont usually watch these kind of drama, but soredemo,Ikite yuku is one of those dramas where you just need to try to watch once in a while !

Leia Mais

For those who have kept up with Surplus Princess's weekly releases, such as myself, the biggest question that dawned was how the writer's and PD's would handle the episode cut. The story with the decision to cut four episodes was surprisingly well done. With an episode cut, one must realize that there will be multiple loopholes in the plot, simply because reveals and plot progression need to occur quicker. Despite these inevitable gaps, the writers weaved around it well and focused on what was necessary. That alone saved the story and the only decision I don't agree with was the closing scene. It was unnecessary and it deterred the quality of an overall well done finale episode.

As for acting and cast, Surplus Princess is a perfect example of a drama that has great casting. Upon starting the drama, I knew none of the actors/actresses (except for the one playing Shi Kyung because I finished Two Weeks as Surplus Princess was airing). But regardless, they drew me in with their individual charms and how well they all portrayed various emotions. While I found the drama hilarious, when tense scenes came, each character's emotions were portrayed beyond my expectation and they were believable and natural. Not to mention, all the love floating around is just absolutely adorable.

Thinking back to the soundtrack and BGM used throughout the series, there wasn't much that stood out, but everything fit in. The music felt well-placed and repetition of tracks was kept to a minimal. A couple of songs grabbed my attention, and I give the PD's props for using music sparingly.

As for the re-watch value, there isn't much to be found in this drama, but it doesn't mean that the ride wasn't worth it. The re-watch value for Surplus Princess depends on how attached the viewer is to the cast and the chemistry between them.

Overall, Surplus Princess stood its ground exceptionally well. The writers understood how the episode cut changed pacing and most importantly, they loopholes were irrelevant and the primary plot was executed nicely. Furthermore, the cast is lovable. The relationships that blossom throughout the series are cute and gave me more than enough reason to finish the series (as if ten episodes were a lot, hah). I recommend this drama for anyone looking for something light-hearted and easy to watch.

Leia Mais

Oh, this drama. It started out so promising! I remember thinking a couple of episodes in that I actually liked all four leads, and realized how rare that is. Weird girl who doesn't believe in love, charming doctor, competent and independent (yet totally likable) career-woman, and roguish bad boy? What's not to like? So quiet, quirky Hana goes on a quest to Korea to solve a mystery, and as in so many dramas, ends up with a choice to make in the love department.

However, as episodes go by, the writing starts to fall apart. I slowly grew to dislike all four leads. The story dragged, characters started keeping stupid secrets and doing stupid and occasionally outright repulsive things. Luckily, the last episode rebounds a bit and at least ties things up nicely. But really, such a disappointment after a really good start.

Leia Mais

Tobosha (“Runaway”) might appear somewhat dated in various ways, having been made around ten years ago. It may even strike the film-savvy as a transparent remake of Hollywood’s “The Fugitive,” twice that number past. There is no reason to set aside such perceptions; both are valid enough points to be sure. Yet despite these (initially) eyebrow raising truths, Tobosha still offers tons of enjoyment and interest to the Japanese drama fan of any mileage. After all, this series could be considered one of the major progenitors of the big-budget action thriller on Japanese television. And if it can be considered anything, Tobosha is certainly exciting.

We join Nagai Tetsuo, a juvenile-parole officer, in a mad flight from the police he once closely worked with. Nagai returned home to find the aftermath of a brutal attack on his wife and son which only the child survived; despite being jumped by the culprit after, circumstances lead the detectives to lay the blame on him! When threatened with a swift death sentence and no justice in sight, our hero takes to foot—not only to clear his own name, but to find the real murderer before they make their next move. Our journey takes us through thrilling (if sometimes lucky) twists and turns, almost to the last moment. One thing this drama does excellently is throwing down evidence: something from the first episode might suddenly become shockingly relevant in the tenth. There are many instances where the viewer thinks they know something, but the detail actually refers to something else. My only problem is that certain reversals are more satisfying than others, though they all make good sense.

For those most concerned with "meh" endings when it comes to their Asian thrillers, don’t worry. I found this one well done and clear enough, though the first half could be considered rushed by some. For others more concerned with feelings as an aside to the action, the emotional aspect is given due diligence though nothing more.

Eguchi Yosuke headlines as our fugitive Nagai, physically in his prime yet slightly shackled by the mundane—if relatable—character. He looks great running, climbing, fighting, and investigating, yet I never got the feeling anything about Nagai “grew” or changed. That small complaint aside, nobody cries like Eguchi-san; he also displays a perfected, believable thousand yard stare which sent a shiver up my spine. Abe Hiroshi steals the spotlight as an Inspector Javert-esque detective, whose shocking disregard for protocol sets him aside from that great literary character in all ways but dogged pursuit. His Mineshima provides an excellent counterpoint for Nagai, almost as well as his chemistry links him with Eguchi-san. Their scenes together are some of the best. Mizuno Miki forms the third leg of the triangle, though her character felt more like a superfluous third wheel from time to time. The character is nothing special, but the actress has these expressive eyes and a knack for scenes which require physical activity. Of the remaining performers, they’re as you might expect: good, bad, and in-between.

In the introduction, I mentioned elements of the drama which come across as dated. Most noticeable among the offenders must be special effects. It seems clear a pretty penny got dropped for cinematography in general; Tobosha maintains an unfaltering silver-screen presence throughout its 11-episode run. Certain shots approach sincere beauty, such as when we witness our hero start running for the first time—his silhouette desperate against a backdrop of roaring flames. We even get an unprecedented number of extras for police chases, including actual squad cars (and also a helicopter). The problem rests almost chiefly with guns and explosions: guns spark like fireworks, while (with an exception or two) the explosions present as blatantly fake.

You know how when you buy a beloved album there’s always that song you skip? Tobosha has a soundtrack that can only be described with that type of situation. Two repeated instances struck me as cheesy, particularly this terrible almost “wild western” styled song. Almost everything else is suitable; my favorites include the piece used for “running” scenes, as well as the dramatic arrangements for big reveals. A great theme song can make or break an OST, so how lucky Toki no Fune (“Ship of Time,” as sung by a sweet-voiced Matsu Takako) was chosen for this one. It often begins to play a minute or two before the end of each episode, lending a nice amount of emotion to the final scenes. Plus, the credits themselves are worth staying to watch.

Leia Mais

First of all, i think they script writer did a brilliant job in this drama. I love every episode of this show just only one that i didn't like but it can be forgiving compare to other detective drama i watches before.
The plot is stand out itself from the start to the end, even people who don't like this typof genre still fine it enjoyable to watch because a good story teller they put in every episode.

The cast also did a grest job here. The story was great the casts was great and enjoyable and keep you excited in every episode.

Recommended whoever put this on the plan to watch list please find sometime to watch this drama, i don't think you will regret after watching this drama.

Only weak part would be rewatch valus since its a detective and mystery drama genre once you finish all episodes you already know the conclusion and the truth behind it, however, maybe for couple year if you cannot find any good drama with this genre you can always come back and watch it.

The best part would be the story of this drama, i think its a mangs but i never read it before so i have know idea about it before, i think the mangs artist also did a brilliant job here, as expected from 20th Century boy author who wrote Kurokouchi as well. Big thmub up for the author and the script writter for the drama.

Leia Mais

Loved it.
An amazing story about life and love.
Kimura Takuya was great as Shuji, and all the characters were adorable.
First couple of episodes were a bit ridiculous and I was constantly annoyed by Kyoko pushing Shuji away and ignoring him. However, the last 5 or so episodes were lovely. I loved the relationship between Kyoko and Shuji and how he cared for her so much.
The scene in which Shuji does her makeup in the last episode was a bit over the top, I must say, but him finally breaking down and crying was definitely needed.
I loved the ending, it was absolutely perfect!

Leia Mais

At first, when I've read the synopsis, I was like . . . "Oh! It's boring.." So, even if I really like Jang Geun Seuk, I didn't watch this drama. Well I was wrong. This drama is worth watching for (for me). It started with a thrill and ended beautifully. It's full of heart-melting romantic scenes. Geun-Geun couple's so cute. They really did well. Especially Jang Geun Seuk. I began to love him even more. I get to see more of him singing. Gosh! I really love his voice.
All in all, I recommend this for those 'romantic-drama lovers' like me. I bet you'll love this drama too.

Leia Mais

I wasn't exactly sure what Playful Kiss Youtube Edition was when I started watching it. I really thought that it was going to be a really abbreviated version of Playful Kiss but I wanted to check it out anyway. It turned out to be mini episodes that take place after the end of the main series.

I really liked this. Ha Ni is just as cute as she was in the main series but without the stalker element. Seung Jo really improved as a character for me. I didn't love him before because he never really seemed to love Ha Ni even after he did. In this, you could see it.

We also got to see the mother, brother and friends, which I liked. I was fine with the lack of Joon Gu because I didn't like him at all in the main series.

These mini episodes actually made me like the main series a little more. I don't think they needed to be longer than the 10-12 minutes that they were. They just needed to have more of them. While I couldn't really see watching the main series again, I can see myself watching these again sometime.

Leia Mais